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Al Basha
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
7216 W College DrPalos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 671-1440
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Al Basha
19 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan P.
Midlothian, IL
12/17/2011 1 photo
located in a strip mall next to a dumpy bar, walking into this place for the first time could be a bit offsetting. we were there with only one other table of customers, normally no big deal except that its pretty huge inside, with most of the tables seating six or eight.
if you start with some great hummus, or the baba ganoush (among other things) which they bring out to you before you order your meal, its easy to fill up on. its so good and so filling that it could be your entire meal!
we odered a sort of grilled "sampler" dish to share between the two of us. it can easiely be for four adults, and amazingly delicious!
i will without a doubt be back again!
the staff wasnt the most friendly to us, but not rude. no matter, i wasnt there to make friends and the food was great. -
Review from Dana B.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012
Decided to check this place out after seeing the $15 for $30 grouponNOW. I'm a huge fan of Mediterranean food and usually go into the city to eat it but seeing as this place was just around the corner we went.
I usually order the same thing every time which is hummus, falafel and a lamb pita sandwhich which I did at Al Basha. I had my sister with me who had no idea what anything was on the menus so she just got the shish-kabob. Also picked up the combination plate for my parents.
Was very disappointed with the hummus, the falafel and the pita sandwhich. The falafel wasn't fresh at all. The hummus was very bland and the lamb tasted like they had just reheated up the meat. Also, everything was almost cold when we got home and its only a 10 min drive back.
On a good note the shish-kabob was pretty tasty.
...I will probably stick to my place Dawali's in Chicago. -
Review from Maria R.
Elmwood Park, IL
5/23/2012
The food was ok, and the staff not friendly at all. It seemed like they did not want our business. Weird... will not go back even if you pay me.
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Review from Patricia L.
Palos Heights, IL
5/19/2012
I would not trust the food here. Management refused my Groupon even though it stated "dine - in or carry-out". They did not want carry out orders. Very rude people.
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Review from Stephanie M.
Midlothian, IL
1/30/2012
Can not put into words how delicious the lamb is! Really it is seasoned and cooked just right. The hummus is good, the rice is delicous. And I am a huge fan of the tea with sage...
Although, it is a little uncomfortable being in there when there is always only men eating. My friend brought me here and we wanted to take full advantage of the groupon she bought, but once the waitress heard we had a groupon she added a 20% gratuity fee for a party of 2. Is this normal???? Seemed like a waste of a Groupon! -
Review from a r.
Oak Lawn, IL
4/7/2012
The falafel is delicious. The atmosphere is 80's Greek diner. The mood is uncomfortable. It's a mixed bag for sure. Like other reviewers have noted, there is a table of men staring at you while you eat/order. Wierd!!!
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Review from Jeannie A.
Burbank, IL
2/10/2011
Ended up here by accident on a Saturday with two friends. We started at the jazz bar/restaurant next door, but their menu didn't have any vegan options, so we walked here.
The atmosphere is very strange - it is a giant banquet hall, with banquet tables. The lighting is extermely bright.
We were the only customers in the entire place, with the exception of a table of about 10 men that were just talking.
The food was good, not great. We did get complimentary vegetables and falafel. The veggies were hot pink in color, and we couldn't figure out why, nor understood the explaination from the server.
I would probably not go back, more due to the atmosphere - it was just very strange. -
Review from Julie M.
Elmhurst, IL
2/9/2011
For a Westerner, this atmosphere can be intimidating. Hardly anyone whose first language was English diners there. Be prepared to be curiously looked at. It can feel like you're crashing somebody's family birthday party because lots of interconnected families will be there all gabbing.
But, the food is amazing and dirt cheap.
Everything is fresh and homemade. The hommus is stellar and the falafel is seriously real. No packaged or premade crap. My boyfriend got the beef shawarma, and he inhaled as much as he could. We both ended up taking almost 6lbs of food home. The pita is fresh, warm, and fluffy. They give you plenty and are more than happy to give you more. The staff is a bit reserved, but not mean or condescending in anyway. We came during Ramadan, so we were the only ones in the place. They had special pastries filled with nuts and cheese sitting out, and when we went to pay we asked what they were. The owner happily served us one of each, which I thought was very, very nice. Btw, they were delicious!
I seriously recommend this place. Don't be afraid to step in, cause if you are you'll be missing out! -
Review from Lisa Marie C.
Blue Island, IL
2/21/2012
my boyfriend and i went here cause we had a groupon the atmosphere was strange. really strange the guy did not seem like he was interested in us and slightly annoyed, and there was a whole table of men sitting and talking, and other men came out of the kitchen with a feast and walked OUTSIDE with it. we were given complimentary olives and weird hot pink veggies and bottled water. we got the hummus which was DELICIOUS. the best hummus ever. then we both got the lamb kefka with tahini. it was sooo good and the portions were huge. we had enough for dinner to take home. so the bottom line atmosphere= strange. food= good.
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Review from Matthew H.
Worth, IL
8/19/2010
Friendly waitstaff? I think not.
Quality food? Hardly.
I'd go back for the hummus, and that's it. -
Review from Jef B.
Sacramento, CA
11/12/2007
I cannot believe this restaurant has not been reviewed yet. By far this is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the south suburbs.
In a corner of a strip mall, it is easy not to see. You walk in and there are only people of Middle Eastern lineage there. You can tell, too, that everyone knows you are there . . . looking at us occasionally but more curious than anything. Maybe if more Euro types ate there they would chill out and get used to being popular. But you know the food is authentic, right? At several tables groups of men sit together; no women or children; talking animatedly about something, and not in English. It is an interesting place.
We were quickly seated and every thing we ordered came quickly and in quantity. It was amazing how much food we got for under $25. We ordered stuffed falafel, kousieh, chicken shawarma and chicken/beef shawarma. We had to take half of it home, there was so much. And it was GOOD food, better than in Chicago Middle Eastern where I've eaten. Everything also came with plentiful pita bread, a Jerusalem salad and a green salad.
We have finally found our Middle Eastern in the southlands. I'm eager to hear what other Yelpers think about it.Listed in: The Southlands
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Review from Adrian W.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2008
Hummus and chicken shawarma.
The easiest way to win a 4star review from me.Listed in: South by Southwest
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Review from Nicole S.
11/7/2011
Al Basha offers delicious authentic Middle Eastern cuisine! The restaurant itself looks like a big banquet room nothing too fancy, but upon entering you can't help take in the mouth watering aromas. It didn't help that my group was starving upon entering. For appetizers our table ordered Falafel, Baba Gannoooj, Hummus (which was extra creamy) and Kebeh which I was just introduced to and absolutely love it!!! The Pita bread brought out to us was also very fresh. They also brought us out jerusalem and cucumber salad along with bottled water so we munched away as we waited for our entrees. Then the entrees came... the portions are huge! I had the shish kabab plate with tender marinated filet mignon, rice pilaf and grilled vegetables I barely got half of my meal down I was so full! Everyone in the group I dined with raved about thier meals, although this place is a ways from me being on the south side it's definately worth the trip!
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Review from Carrie H.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2008
l return to Al Bas'ha again and again with friends who also happily accompany me again and again. The food is phenomenal. My favorites are traditional, simple Middle Eastern delights: hummus, tabouleh, and falafel washed down with sage tea. The hummus is their own recipe blended with the perfect ratio of tahini and chick peas and lovingly garnished with olive oil, chili powder, and a rainbow of crudites. Tabouleh is a green power packed parsley salad with cracked wheat, diced tomato, onion, and lemon juice. The falafel is a tad dry but stuff the pita with tabouleh and hummus and you have a satisfying sandwich. Their sage tea is soothing and hits the spot. It's vitamin packed food heavy on fiber and protein and prepared very well. I also return here time and time again, because always I feel good afterwards.
The value is unbeatable. An abundant dinner for two averages $16. Speaking of great prices, next door is a Middle Eastern grocer with unbeatable prices and a range of good food and staples to stock your pantry.
The best way to know a culture is through your stomach. A culture's food represents its geographical area and life style. When you break bread with a culture other than your own, you bond with the world a little bit more, one meal at a time.
*Thanks to Khaled for notifying me about non-smoking measures. I have removed that portion of my review.Comment from KHALED A. of Al Basha 12/20/2010
Also, the rest. is completley remodeled and there is… More » -
Review from DONE U.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2011
Went there around 9:30pm on a Monday night, fairly nice size place, we were the only ones there at that time other than a table full of what looked to me like friends of the owner. Had hummus as an appetizer, wow! it was pretty darn good, fresh warm pita....We both ordered the combo plates, which made up of chicken, steak and beef with some rice...the beef wasn't the best, it needed a lil more flavor for my taste, but the chicken and steak were excellent. The rice wasn't the greatest but it did the job. I would go back for sure! I used a coupon from my entertainment book and that saved us $16...gotta love coupons!
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Review from Ken B.
Crestwood, IL
3/16/2010
Best shawarma I've ever had. I've been looking for a new Middle Eastern restaurant for awhile and I've found it. The beef shawarma (which I always get shrack style) and hummus are amazing! It doesnt seem like the friendliest atmosphere but the first time I picked up food I was offered a free drink. Extra pitas on request is never a problem.
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Review from Catherine W.
Oak Lawn, IL
4/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
The food was authentic and plentiful. I am going to be a regular.
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Review from Vital Earth Solution V.
Homewood, IL
9/22/2009
We go there once a week , the wonderful lady from Jordian servers kindness and helpful with the best dishes
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Review from david s.
Oak Lawn, IL
1/3/2010
We have only sampled a few dishes an everyone was great. Hummos,Baba Ghannooj,Chicken Shawerma,Jerusalem salad. I have searched Yelp for Hunmmos near Al Basha to compare. We have never dine in just carry out. This is a strip mall location which I think can throw people off. The staff is reserved and professional. Definetly try the hunmmos.
