London Sizzler is the most authentic rendition of a British-style Indian restaurant around. We love the vibe here even more than at Himalaya—ranked our favorite on food alone—which is caddy-corner from it in the same hidden strip mall. It’s dark and gregarious, with a friendly staff, a full bar (the well-stocked British beer selection is recommended over the cocktails), and flatscreen TVs playing whatever footie game’s on. Modern Indian club music makes a cool backdrop, and long tables beckon large groups.

The kitchen’s focus is classic Brit-Indian dishes like deep, creamy chicken masala, and, of course, grand, sizzling platters of meat. Surprisingly for a grilled-meat restaurant, vegetarians love it just as much as carnivores do. Although some descriptions seem senseless (“California blend vegetables,” and “Manchurian sauce”), these can’t be denied in the mouth—dumplings, which may seem out of place here, are actually toothsome, savory delights. Also non-Indian but still great are East African-inspired dishes like well-cooked, pretty tender lamb in pili pili, a sauce that’s spicier than almost anything else here.

Go to Himalaya for the biryani and tikka masala, but here, you should confidently order buttery vindaloos and vegetable curries, like they would on Brick Lane. Happy hour from 5–7pm Tue–Thurs, and nearly all day on Friday, is a great time to come—or any time United is playing Liverpool.