Shah Jees

Throughly enjoyed stopping by this Milwaukee staple, the laid back lunchroom vibes were a perfect pick me up on a rainy afternoon. Lunch service had slowed down before I arrived so I got in and out in a flash.Food was very very solid, my only complaint was it could've had a bit more flavor, but I'm chalking most of that up to me being a bit later in their lunch service.Overall, I'd highly recommend stopping by, definitely worth taking a long lunch for.

This place is a hidden gem and I will fight anyone who says otherwise!I have never tried Indian or Pakistani Food prior to this and was super nervous that it would be too spicy for my typical taste buds. However my co worker convinced me to try this and I got the Tikka Masala and Chicken Masala, which comes with really well flavored jasmine rice.I'm now obessed with this. It has a touch of heat for me, but the flavors are so rich and unlike anything else I've made, that I find myself scooping up every last bite of sauce and rice.I'm sad that they don't deliver and they aren't open for lunch in addition to be located in a strange basement area, which is why I took it down a little in stars. However, it is amazing and I will go here for lunch on any work day possible.

Went here for lunch on a thursday afternoon. It was packed with hungry customers waiting in a long line. People behind the counter were doing their best to keep the line moving and replenishing the food as needed. It was my first time here. It was suggested by my colleagues as a popular place to get a quick fix for Indian food. The menu is simple. You get to choose any two curries along with basmati rice and a drink for $8. Vegetarian curries are great! But the chicken curry is a joke. Other than that, nothing much to complain. Food is served piping hot and the basmati rice is well cooked. Quantities are satisfying! You could get their fresh warm roti for an additional buck each. It is worth trying! I recommend spending the extra dollar. Roti is made with no oil and it still was surprisingly soft and flaky.

You know how they (whoever "they" are) say that hole-in-the-wall restaurants are usually the best? Well, Shah Jee's is a hole-in-the-GROUND restaurant. Yes, it's literally the basement level of a parking garage/office building. There is no signage, there is no warning. You literally have to know someone in order to find your way to this establishment. And hey, you know me!Very simple. Belly up to the bar, tell the guy that you have no idea what you're doing and you want today's special. Pay (CASH ONLY). Eat. And while you're eating, wonder how you never knew about this little diamond in the rough.Today was a chicken dish and something with chick peas (lentils were also available) and a huge pile of rice. Don't ask what it is. You don't need to know. Just eat the stuff and be very very happy.Some tips and suggestions:It is spicy. A little hot (maybe 6-7 on a scale of 1 to 10) and very flavorful. Expect it.It can be messy. Big pieces of meat in sauces are never a good thing for clumsy klutzes like me, so be prepared and wear something that will hide stains.It is ONLY open for lunch and they do sell out. So arrive early and be hungry.It is cash only. At the moment, $8 gets you lunch and a can/bottle.I would recommend getting it "to go" even if you're having it to stay. Larger portion!

Great food for the cost. I have been here a few times and that's only because I didn't feel it was tasty enough to bring me back. I have to say though, they are very efficient and provide decently tasting food but I believe Pakistani food could be tastier. A lot of the times when I have eaten here, I have only went to fulfill my lunch hunger but not quite enjoyed their food as much. They are always busy which shows that they are popular and especially because there are so many offices in the area. They are open only during the lunch hour. They are sort of located underground so you have to walk down the stairs near plum lounge inside the building. They have paneer, chole/Chana (garbanzo beans), rice, chicken curry to name a few options. Definitely worth trying for a decently priced meal during lunch hour.

This place is a Milwaukee institution for a reason. Even though we no longer work in this neighborhood, we try to get here once a month or so for the "Thursday". Perfectly spiced chicken, creamy dal and flavorful rice. Add a freshly cooked roti and it's still only ten bucks for tons of delicious Indian food.

Shah Jees is a fabulous place for the absolute best food. I love the flavors, the variety, and ability to create the perfect combos, and how can anyone argue about the price. I know it doesn't reflect on the food but I would be grossly remiss if I didn't mention that the whole family is just the nicest bunch of people too. A while back, Shah Jees opened a place on the southwest side that was open in the evening and my wife and I LOVED going there, eating dinner, and simply hanging out and chatting with the owner and his daughters. Sadly, that location closed and the hours of the remaining locations make it an extreme challenge for us to dine there now. Rest assured, when we can find a way to get there during the hours they are open, we will be back there in an instant to dine of the great food they serve and converse once again with out friends!!In the meantime Shah, we wish you the greatest of luck and our endless hopes for your continued success and greatness!!

Based on my last review, some new menu items may be in order, but everything I have here is always solid! Today's chicken masala and saag paneer was just as good as the last time I had them.

Friends, let me tell you my Shah story.My first visit was years and years ago - my then-boss was a rather curmudgeonly older man who was fanatical about cleanliness and very likely mowed his lawn in a custom made Italian suit. This man did not play. So, one day he said "I'm taking you somewhere special for lunch". I was pretty excited - the Pfister? Zarletti? Hotel Metro? Oh no - it was a hole in the wall in a sketchy office building basement where the food was served from a cafeteria steam table. I was like "really, dude?" but after one taste I was hooked. HOOKED. We had lunch here at least once a week for 5+ years.Fast forward to present day - its been a few years since I worked downtown and I was missing the Shah something terrible. The Mister agreed to go with and was a bit taken aback at how happy an $8 lunch could make a person. First, the Shah remembered me, even though it's been a few years - he thought I'd moved to France for work (from your lips to Gods Ears, my man). I ordered my old standby The Thursday and almost wept with joy. It was perfect - spicy, aromatic Pakistani deliciousness. Here's what you need to know:*There are "daily specials" (I.e. the "Tuesday") but they're all available every day*The line will be long. Totally worth it.*Open from 11:30-2 during the week only. Cash only. Everything is $8.*There is a special green sauce in a bottle. You want to use this - generously.*There are rotis on the menu. Sometimes, they're actually available but mostly not. Get one if they are.The Shah is the only thing I miss about not working downtown. It's the real deal.

Can't believe people who have rated 5 stars haven't had ever tried good Pakistani food elsewhere, yet! The proximity to offices is what best suits this place but the service, flavor, quality and quantity is lower than most other spots in town. The quantity of food served for the price is way too less and most of the times the curries are watery. Indeed some restaurants can serve buffet for this price when they offer two sub par curries and a spoon of rice. I wouldn't mind paying this if they can do an average job with their dishes. Recommend to try Anmol in the suburbs for Pakistani food or most other Indian restaurants for Indian flavor - these should fix the palates. Tip: A good food cart can beat this place hands down any day !