Pijja Palace Review: The Pijja Party Rages on in Silver Lake | Eater LA

"Located on the ground floor of a Comfort Inn in Silver Lake, this Indian sports bar flips the concept of a typical sports bar on its head with Indian flavor–infused American bar food, mid-century modern vibes instead of sticky floors, and televisions playing everything from football to skateboarding competitions. The raucous energy, cold beer, and lively crowds make it a dependable neighborhood standby and a fun spot for going to dinner during an important baseball game, lingering over piri piri fries, cocktails, and salad, or impressing out-of-town guests. The menu is a charming collision of Indian flavors and bar standards, with tikka masala–topped pijjas, achaari Buffalo wings, hot wings, and thin-crusted bar pies, including one slathered in aromatic green chutney. Nearly every table orders the malai rigatoni, a bowlful of ridged or tubular noodles in a creamy tomato masala sauce tinged with coriander that eats like an Indian take on spicy vodka rigatoni, with bright acidity from the tomato and coriander in place of basil. Other standouts include the Caesar salad with baby lettuces, piquant pickled mango, chaat-spiced breadcrumbs, and a mountain of grated Parmesan; dosa onion rings where shatteringly crisp lentil batter surrounds thick-cut onion slices to be dunked in sweet-tangy mango chutney; the Pepperoni Playboy pijja topped with spicy pepperoni, honey, and sliced chiles tucked between bubbles of mozzarella on a blistered thin crust; and the off-menu Andy pie topped with northern Makhini sauce, spicy pepperoni, fresh dill, onions, and honey. A luscious cookies and cream–inspired cookies and cardamom soft serve provides a sweet, spiced finish, and those in the know can often snag a spur-of-the-moment visit via walk-in seating at the bar." - Rebecca Roland