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Al Bawadi Grill
Categories: Restaurants Mediterranean Restaurants Middle Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern [Edit]
7216 W 87th St(between Harlem Ave & Oketo Ave)
Bridgeview, IL 60455
(708) 599-1999
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
62 reviews for Al Bawadi Grill
Review Highlights
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"...building looks like an old Taco Bell with an addition to..." In 3 reviews -
"I got the kufta kabob and it was delicious with huge..." In 6 reviews -
"This was absolutely THE best falafel I've ever had." In 7 reviews
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Kurt F.
Tinley Park, IL
5/25/2012
This is the best Middle Eastern place in the south burbs. The staff is friendly and always willing to make suggestions for first timers to the cuisine.
Here is our usual meal breakdown and in my opinion all must have type of dishes. The Falafel is perfect never oily or left in the fryer to long, we also get the hummus and is some of the best I have had it is creamy and does not have that paste consistency you find at other places. ( I feel mass produces grocery store Hummus is an abomination to Hummus everywhere) For a meal we usually split the Vegetarian Plate which is generous portions of Baba Ghannouj, and Hummus ( we usually sub for the garlic potato), Dolma and some cheeses. We also get an order of Chicken Kabob. The Chicken Kabob is tender and is spiced extremely well, not spicy hot but spiced so that your taste buds are screaming for another bite. This easily feeds three to four or with two people with left overs for both the next day.
If you are ever in the area and want to try something new or are a seasoned veteran of Middle Eastern food, like so many on the South Side are give this place a try, don't let the old Taco Bell facade fool you inside you will be transported to an oasis of great food and friendly service. -
Review from Denny G.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2012
That garlic potato dip is awesome !!!
Fish is supposed to be great but I haven't tried it yet.
Anything grilled is good in my book -
Review from Mahmoud E.
Castro Valley, CA
4/15/2012
This by far is the best place dine in and have middle eastern food in Chicago, it is really really good. And honestly you can't expect anything less from a place where a lot of Arabs reside. I do have to disclose that I am somewhat biased regarding this review, since I'm Arab and absolutely love Arab food.
The last time I was here about 6 months ago, unfortunately I moved to California, and I will continue to miss this place dearly . I usually start off with hummus, which is always great, freshly made, order it with some falafel. I also usually get the mixed grill plate, very good , you can't go wring with it if you love meat. I just wish they had more organized and seasoned waiting staff, they didn't check with us until it was bill time. -
Review from Vivian C.
Park Forest, IL
5/16/2012
So nice to have great food so close by, this restaurant by far has wonderful Middle Eastern food, the atmosphere and the service was outstanding. The first visit there were 13 of us celebrating a birthday, everyone said they would be back. A few weeks latter I went back with my two daughters, and again great food and service.
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Review from Saad K.
Matteson, IL
5/10/2012
One of the most unique and one of the best restaurants. About $15 per head but worth every penny
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Review from Rob R.
Oak Forest, IL
3/26/2012
Top Notch..... Best Middle eastern restaurant in Chicago.
I always recommend friends and family to o there.
Best Service, Delicious food, Lovely atmosphere... cant ask for better! -
Review from Monica B.
Plainfield, IL
4/12/2012
Went here twice and while I liked it first time, I can say the second time gave me more insight. This was my first experience with middle eastern food and I realize that I like the food not this place. I ordered the lamb kabob and it was overcooked and very tough. I have since had other middle eastern food, namely the place across the street called the Nile which has very tender lamb kabob and better prices. I would not recommend this place and think there is probably better middle eastern food out there at a better prices. The only thing this place has going for it is a nicer decor than some other middle eastern places, but I go to eat and that doesn't matter to me that much. The seafood on the menu might be the way to go if you try this place because the grilled meats and kabobs just aren't done right.
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Review from Pascal M.
2/6/2012
My taxi driver and I were talking about a trip to Egypt I had in the works. He expressed I should try Al Bawadi, the cuisine would be fairly similar (for the most part, it was).
As soon as you pull up to Al Bawadi, the smell of charring meat permeates the air. When you walk in, the environment is a lot like what I've experienced and what many would want to be enthralled in as they eat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern.
Me and two friends visited Al Bawadi not too long ago, we ordered their LARGE MIXED MEAT PLATTER. Can't go wrong with this. The hummus is phenomenal, they use a nice amount of oil and some other additions to make it really memorable. The lamb was surprisingly great, juicy with a nice amount of fat still on it to keep it full of flavor. The chicken and kefta are great too, especially while your munching on the rice.
The meat platter will leave you with plenty of leftovers, which get better and better. My friend ordered a coffee, I really enjoyed it. It's a unique blend, with some sediment at the bottom. Their using cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and probably a bunch of other spices to really make this coffee stand out. The desserts were nothing to rave about in my opinion. That's ok for me though, I'm not huge into dessert and I didn't particularly come here for dessert anyway.
Al Bawadi is a great spot delivering some excellent Mediterranean food. Come here with a friend, a group, or maybe even make a little drive and get some food to bring home for dinner. You'll be talking about the food for about as long as the leftovers will last you. -
Review from Mike C.
Updated - 12/17/2011
I think I upset the owners and Bob D. with my review. I didn't intend to imply that they were trying to fleece me. By shear bad luck I was served some gamy lamb. I vowed to give the spot another try and I am glad I did.
I shepherded some friends for the mixed grill for 5 that can feed a herd. It is a set dinner dinner that includes appetizers and a mixed green salad. The the appetizers were very good and the salad really stood out as fresh. What followed was a glorious feast of grilled lamb chops, quail, shish kebab, chicken kebab and shawerma. These were served on an extremely large crepe like bread, a bed of rice then tucked in with a top sheet of the crepe like bread.
The whole mob grazed until their stomachs were full. I will be bleating about this place for some time to come.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2011
Very good middle eastern food as many others have written. They lost a star from me as I ordered… Read more »
Comment from Nadeem B. of Al Bawadi Grill 10/24/2011
We try to make the menu as clear as possible....we looked… More » -
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Review from Cesar M.
12/3/2011
This place is good.
I was there with a couple of friends. We ordered hummus, baba ganouj, labanah and falafel for appetizers. And mixed grill for all. Every thing was really good. The hummus was really flavorful, the falafel were crispy on the outside and moist inside along with the dipping sauce they were very good.
The mixed grill was excellent, it comes with shish, kefka, and chicken kebab, and shawerma. The meats were cooked to perfection and each had a distinctive flavor. It was surprising the lamb did not have a gamey flavor at all. All accompanied with grilled tomatoes and onion and 2 different kinds of rice. Every thing was delicious.
I don't drink coffee , but my friends ordered coffee. I had a taste and it was interesting (yes, by interesting I mean I did not like it.) it was like an Arabian espresso, but again I know nothing about coffee so don't decide for or against coffee based on my comments. LOL
The service was excellent. The waitress couldn't be any nicer and helpful. We were seated in a booth resembling a tent. Which brings me to write about the restaurant itself and the decor. It is like being transported to a different city. As said before, the booths are covered like a tent with some beautiful fabric.
Prices are right and portions are big.
Al Bawadi. a great experience all around. -
Review from Nadia K.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011
I love the food here !! I'm Arab so I know what i'm talking about ppl
I would say this is some of the best Arabic food in or around the city. -
Review from Shak K.
Schaumburg, IL
12/12/2011
I love this place. I wish they had a satellite location in the burbs.
We went for dinner and ordered their grilled meat platter , which is supposed to serve five. We figured we will have some left overs since we had four people in our group and our lill infant that only drinks from bottle.
When we first got seated they brough out some appetizer(pickled vegetables) and pita bread which was followed by salad and three different kind of hummus (yumm)
The meat platter arrived covered with a big round edible thin roti/tortilla of sorts (not sure what it is called). The platter had kabobs, lamb chops, quail, chicken, and beef cubes grilled to pefection served over what looked like basmati rice, which was loaded with flavor. The portion size was good and we had left overs as expected.
I have been to this place a couple of times before and the experience was equally good. -
Review from Luv To Travel X.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2011
A Hidden Gem...By Far!!
I have had my share of local Middle Eastern Restaurants not to mention that I resided in Jordan for 6 years and I've got to tell you these guys have got this stuff down pact. Fresh, Flavorful and Uniquely Amazing; the Food, the Service and the Ambience have always been top notch! Please do not change a thing! -
Review from Laura M.
9/13/2011
As mentioned by other reviewers, the food is absolutely delicious! Great for kids too. My son loved the meat shawerma so much, he took the leftovers for lunch to school the next day! Yes, it's THAT good.
As you know, there is no BYOB here and the service was a bit off (we had to ask for utencils, napkins, straws) however the waitstaff is very friendly.
We are definitely coming back again & again!! -
Review from Linda H.
8/15/2011
I've been wanting to go to this place since seeing it on "Check Please"....without that I never would have found myself in a converted Taco Bell in Bridgeview eating Middle Eastern food.
I should preface by saying that I am no expert on Middle Eastern food, but it always looks good to me, and what I saw on TV looked particularly good at this place.
We walked in to the aroma of delicious grilled meat (exactly what I was wanting) and were seated in a canopied booth that was draped and decorated with colorful blankets. It was very cute and the place looked exceptionally clean. They immediately brought a pitcher of ice water (love that I don't have to ask for water here) and a very nice complimentary plate of apps (relish-type stuff). I didn't see any alcohol on the menu, but there were some fruit drinks that sounded good, but we didn't order any. Not sure if they are BYOB, but that would be nice.
We ordered the appetizer sampler platter and also the mixed grill entree to split.
The sampler platter was a beautiful thing to behold! The presentation was an absolute work of art, and I could not wait to dig in. I might not know this type of food very well, but I have eaten my share of hummus, and this was THE best hummus I've ever had! If I had to pick ONE food to live on the rest of my life, it could very well be this hummus. The baba ganoush was also delish, as was the falafel. I didn't care for the stuffed grape leaves...they had a "perfumey" taste to them...BF agreed. I imagine this is how they are supposed to be, I just didn't care for that particular taste.
The entree came with a salad that looked very nice...really fresh and nice mixed greens, tossed with house dressing. I'm sure as far as Middle Eastern dressing goes, it was spot-on, but again, I didn't care for it (nor did BF)...it just had too many spices on it.
Next came the mixed grill, another fabulous presentation! I stabbed a piece of chicken first and it was moist and deliciously seasoned. It came with a saffron (not sure if it was saffron, but it was yellow) rice with slivered almonds...a nice accompaniment to the meats. Next I tried the lamb, again yum. There was a ground lamb and beef kabob that I didn't care for, but I don't care for ground-up meat in general. We polished off the platter, and passed on dessert since we were stuffed.
The service was excellent! Everyone there was super nice and accomodating. You can just tell they take great pride in what they do there.
Thank you for your delicious food, and a very nice experience, Al Bawadi! -
Review from Sam H.
East Dundee, IL
3/30/2012
I was very very disappointed with the food... Went for lunch ordered a combo plate. Service was fair at best, 6 tables 3 wait staff and it took 10 minutes of me staring at every waitress that walked by me to get them to realize I needed something. The combo plate came out with 3 slices of grilled onions 1/4 grilled tomatoe one skewer of kabob that resembled under cooked chicken gizzards!! Pieces of meat,grizzle and fat!! The kifta kabob was flavored with fat!! No seasoning just fat!! I would guess a 70% lean ground beef. The shrinkage would explain why they were no thicker than the grape!! The chicken was good both in texture, size and flavor. The rice was siting in a pool of oil in the plate.... I must say overall and after hearing all the hype about this place an it's food. It's certainly not worth it. I would recommend Reza, Pita Inn or Noon O Kabab if your looking for good quality food, flavor, service and consistency.
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Review from Val B.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
I went here for a post-Ramadan feast. Not like I'm fasting for Ramadan. I'm just a fat kid at heart.
The whole experience was really great. Note that during Ramadan, you need to make reservations, even for two.
We showed up around 7:30 and were seated immediately on the back patio, where we could smell everything on the grill. Dinner was ready around 7:45, so we got in line for soup + salad. The salad was amazing - light and refreshing, a perfect way to start this meat-centric meal.
Dinner was great too - they have literally 25+ dishes in the Ramadan buffet. They're all the classics, but all really well done too. Chicken shwarma, meatballs, roasted whole lamb - really, everything you'd see on a typical Middle Eastern menu was available.
We got a couple rounds of dinner plates, then waited patiently for dessert. Throughout the meal, service was really great - while we didn't have a specific waitress, there were several assisting the back patio. We got a couple rounds of mint tea and Turkish coffee, and were served a dessert plate full of things I have never seen, but all were delicious.
Overall, it's not something I'd do every day (though my inner fatkid would like to), but it was really fun and delicious. Worth the drive, especially during this Ramadan feast.Listed in: This Looks "Ethnic",…
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Review from Meena A.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
Great restaurant out in the burbs. Best for groups (or carry out). Get the group-shared meal for the opportunity to try their best entrees and apps.
Great portions and price. Consistent good quality with most dishes. Definitely loud but one of the best in the area. -
Review from Dusty K.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2011
I'll fully admit that I came here after seeing the restaurant featured on Check Please. There's no shame in admitting a source. But I wanted to give my family an introduction to Middle Eastern food through a setting they would like. Al Bawadi did just that and everyone left loving the restaurant. The next day certain dishes were still being talked about.
Al Bawadi shines with their appetizers. For starters, flat bread and a platter of pickles with chili sauces were provided free to our table. It was nice to nibble on something spicy while we waited for everyone to arrive. It definitely got my taste buds going. My brother wanted the mozzarella cheese sticks but we quickly nixed the idea. Cheese sticks in a Middle Eastern place? Rubbish. Instead, we ordered hummus, labanah, and the motawma; a garlic potato dip that everyone fought over until the plate was clean. Everything was delicious and covered in olive oil. My family seemed to enjoy passing the flat bread around and spooning some of each dip onto their plate. It was a great way to start our dinner.
The entrees weren't as big of a hit but everyone found things they enjoyed. Most of my family went with the mixed grill but I chose the lamb chops which were very good. Served with grilled onions and 2 types of rice (one cumin flavored with the other being similar to a saffron), I really tasted the grill flavor across the plate. I closed with the baklava which was outstanding. It reminded me of a coffee cake my mom made growing up and I had no issues devouring this in record time.
Al Bawadi was a hit with my family. And if your family is anything like mine, it's a great place to give people unwilling to try new things a little taste of Middle Eastern food done right. I will definitely return for some of the more memorable dishes that we had. -
Review from Dwaine H.
Berwyn, IL
4/5/2012
Delicious! I love this place. You can tell they use top quality ingredients is all their food.
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Review from Bob D.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2011
If anyone is doing a better, classier Middle eastern experience please let me know.
I ate here when they first opened a few years ago, problem was it was across the street from my standby and old habits are hard to break.
Imitation palm trees and water falls, normally I am bothered by the plastic attempts at creating ambiance, but it works. The sound of trickling water and Middle Eastern music can be quite soothing and I found myself in quite the meditative state while dining with my kids. We are all big fans of eating with our hands so this place is comforting.
They bring out a complimentary cold plate that featured some amazing pickles doused in red chilies, olives, eggplant and tomato salad with some toasted pita and fresh. This is certainly a cut above your typical ME restaurant.
My son had the Shish Kabob sandwich, tender charred beef wrapped tightly in a flatbread, it was light and unctuous. Dressed in a tahinni sauce with grilled onions, this is as good a wrap as you will find.
My daughter and I shared a sampler platter featuring what I will boldly say is the best Falafel in the Chicago Metro area. (yes that is a challenge and before you tell me to go to that crappy place on Broadway or Devon, YOU come here first) The hummos is as good as I have had, the Baba is just as good, the grape leaves were quite good and while the leaves were fantastik, the filling was a touch mushy. There were also charred tomatoes and roasted onions. This is an outstanding sampler and quite filling.
We also tried a kids areyes, kind of a panini like creature, pita filled with a mixture of ground lamb and beef then toasted and pressed, the meat had great flavor from spices that had more soul than usual, they tasted really fresh. We ordered this sandwich from the $4.99 kids menu and it came with fries, they were cooked to order and while I would have preferred something else I found myself eating plenty of them.
Service was excellent, that is all that needs to be said.
Folks are saying this place is expensive? Well it is more than the Nile across the street, there I can feed the three of us for $13, here I paid $20 plus tip and had leftovers. I think people should compare this restaurant to more upscale casual restaurants than strip-mall diner type eateries.
Come here with as many people as possible, this way you can share and try more things, you will spend $12 to $15 a person but you will also have an amazing Middle Eastern food experience. Al Biwadi is the best. -
Review from Laura M.
Oak Lawn, IL
2/14/2012 2 photos
Really delicious and excellent service.
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Review from Daniel S.
Oak Lawn, IL
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is very good full of flavor the cuts of meat are extremely tender, and the service is outstanding I will definatly be coming back. The portions were very large and well presented. As everyone writes when you pull up you smell the wood burning bbqs and begin salivating over whats coming next.
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Review from KD D.
Orland Park, IL
1/24/2012 2 photos
Me and my sweetie went here for our first time. The food is great! I had the Lambchops, they were really good. I will try the kabobs next time.
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Review from Teddy B.
Washington, DC
5/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The cold meze here rock. The kufta kababs here rock. The atmosphere is nicer than most Middle Eastern restaurants I've been to in the U.S. And the staff are very accommodating -- ensuring you see a lot of what they have to offer, each taking turns as a team as opposed to a lone dedicated waitperson. I've been here more than several times and always had great service.
The food is decidedly Palestinian with a Lebanese edge. The grilled meats are excellent and seem to be their specialty. Though oddly if you ask for a "halvah" bar (the sweetened sesame paste kind, and not the generic Arabic for "sweet"), they won't know what you're talking about.
But for food and atmosphere (even in a South Side strip mall parking lot), I'd have to say this is one of my favorite Middle Eastern joints anywhere in the U.S. Sometimes I come here, taste the sublime falafel and kufta kabobs, and feel as if I've touched the face of Allah. That stuff is so good here, it makes me want to be subjected to Sharia law.
The only reason I don't give it five stars is, because unlike most of Yelp's culinary Philistines, I know the difference between a place like this and a place like Alinea. -
Review from Fred A.
Bridgeview, IL
3/19/2012
I've been to plenty of middle eastern restaurants. Most of them are, shit. Plain and simple. This place isn't one if them. I love the middle eastern desert dwellers decor and mostly middle eastern staff. The food is good and better than most but not great. If you want good food and a great atmosphere then this is your place. If you want great food and no atmosphere, then the Nile restaurant across the street is the way to go.
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Review from Florence M.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2011
Recently, my ex-brother-in-law-in-law (my husband's sister's ex-husband) invited us to eat at Al Bawadi. As someone who feels pretty indifferent about middle-eastern fare, I was not particularly interested in this dinner out, but went with it. Then, when we learned it was in Bridgeport, I was a little bit disappointed about the drive to the South Side. Then, when we realized (en route) it was in BridgeVIEW, I became afraid.
Places with strip mall stores named "Doll Wigs" and "Gallery of Brides" (my husband threatened to stop in to choose a new wife from the gallery) make my soul cry, and definitely do not lead me to believe that high quality dining lurks around the bend. I heard someone in the suburbs once refer to P.F. Chang's as "high end Chinese food." I have since lost all faith in the suburbanite's ability to judge good food from Panera Bread.
I was a little bit worried that Al Bawadi was Bridgeview-ese for Applebees with Falafel. Then, we pulled up in the parking lot and I noticed that Al Bawadi inhabited an old Taco Bell. This was not looking good.
We walked in to Al Bawadi and were greeted by a very friendly, though frightened-looking hostess. It didn't take long for us to figure out why she looked frightened: Al Bawadi was recently featured on "Check Please" and was subsequently getting its ass whooped by an unprecedented crowd. The place was packed! This was the first good sign!
When dining middle-eastern, I am a mega-wuss and tend to default to falafel. I ordered the falafel (which---oddly---came with fries).
This was absolutely THE best falafel I've ever had. It was incredible. Everything about it was so divinely unique and delicious that I'd be willing to travel to Bridgeview to eat it again! Thumbs up! -
Review from Mike N.
Lombard, IL
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
A pretty good representation of Middle Eastern food out in the suburbs. I went recently with my ginger and I was not disappointed. The service was okay, not friendly exactly, but efficient enough to not really be bothered by it. The food was great, reminded me a lot of being at my grandparents as a kid. We tried the hummus, which was solid, the toshka (kind of like a arab quesadilla,) which was very good, and the kebab plate that came with chicken, lamb, and kufta kebabs, all of which were cooked perfectly. Definitely worth the drive from the western suburbs.
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Review from Ak T.
Katy, TX
12/5/2011
Amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere.
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Review from zoran o.
Lemont, IL
10/25/2010 1 photo
Ok... little premature but this place rocks and I promise to give a full review after I go there (again) this week with a Palestinian foodie friend to conquer with his menu knowledge.
Stay Tuned... -
Review from chris c.
Chicago, IL
10/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have been here twice and their Kufta Kabab and Chicken Schwarma were absolutely delightful. The place has an interesting interior with decent if somewhat slow service. Did not know this was on Check please, besides they rarely know what they are talking about on htere, but this place is a definite winner.
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Review from Jay N.
Lombard, IL
11/29/2010
The building looks like an old Taco Bell with an addition to the east. The inside is a little dark but the staff is very welcoming and accommodating. I did a carryout order once and the staff adjusted the carryout order of the person ahead of me who wanted less quail but more chicken.
I had the kufta kabob and it was a good blend of beef and lamb. The markouk bread was nicely grilled and was slightly chewy but kept all of the ingredients warm. The chicken shawerma was charred the way I like it and the veggies were still crisp but not raw. The flavor was solid. I thought the fries were a little pricey to add on to the sandwiches. The prices for everything was fair and a place I'd definitely go back to for some of their other items! -
Review from Laura L.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2010
I've been looking for delicious and reasonably priced Arabic food in the city of Chicago for years now, to no avail. I now know that the reason for this is because Al Bawadi is outside of the neighborhoods that I usually frequent. Fortunately, my boyfriend made the drive and introduced me to this restaurant that has some of the most flavorful, authentic Arabic food I've eaten in years.
Their waitstaff is so nice, and willing to answer any questions you may have in regards to their menu. I told the owner that I live good distance away inside the city and that I have no way to get to their restaurant without a car, he responded, "You call me and let me know if you take the bus out here, and I'll pick you up from there to take to you the restaurant!" So sweet and funny!
They have this amazing spread of quail, beef ka-bobs, chicken ka-bobs, and the minced lamb-beef ka-bobs that's wrapped inside of their house-made thin and delicious pita. Their dips of babghanouj and hummus are to-die for as are their other house specialties. I could go on and on, but find a way to hit this place up! You won't regret it. Hopefully, they'll open a second location in the city!! -
Review from Anthony A.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2012
10 out of 10
i been to many middle eastern restaurants and this one is in its own category. im not sure if its the wood fire grill or the seasoning but the third experience i began to wonder if the cooks put crack in the meat because its beyond addictive!!! *itching for some lambchops*
Seafood- PERFECTLY cooked and FULL of FLAVOR
Bawadi Mix- Chicken was juicy, Meat was flavorfull, Ground Beef made me feel like i was eating home made BBQ
Lambchops- AMAZING. i challenge any1 to find a better place in Illinois to match the taste
Portions- i always end up taking food home with me which NEVER happens because im a fat ass
Service- Very attentive
Cleanliness- Extremely
Price- Just Right compared to all the restaurants trying to be like them
if i was the owner id make the slogan
Al Bawadi
"tastes so good makes you wanna smack yo mama"
Tony A.
Chicago IL -
Review from Asra H.
Naperville, IL
2/2/2012
Mouth watering food ! everything is great !
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Review from Vanitha S.
Atlanta, GA
4/1/2011
What a nice surprise in the suburbs! On the outside, this place looked like the same typical suburban chain. But on the inside, it's a whole different world. This family run business has put some serious thought and time into everything in this place...ambient lighting, traditional outfits for the waiters and waitresses, wall hangings, fabric draped across the ceilings, and cute little "tent" booths that seemed very cozy and romantic/fun. It was all very tasteful and packed with local Middle Eastern folks which was a great sign that the food rocked. And it did! I got the kufta kabob and it was delicious with huge portions...I happily took home more than half of it and I normally eat most of my meals. The veggie appetizer platter was tasty as well with fresh hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and falafel. As another yelper said, I'd go back to Bridgeview for this!!
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Review from Zishan B.
Chicago, IL
7/16/2010
Everthing on on the menu is decent but my personal favorite is the
Kafta Casserole in tomato sauce with a side of biryani rice!
I definitely recommend it!
Don't miss out on the fresh fruit juice -
Review from Matthew H.
Worth, IL
8/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Nice looking restaurant, with polite and friendly staff.
The humus was a little bland, and I had to try really hard to get someones attention to get some extra pita, but past that, a nice experience.
I'll definitely return. -
Review from Silvia R.
Oak Park, IL
2/6/2011
I have heard of this place before I saw review on Check Please and was excited to try it. I set up reservation for two knowing it had been on Check Please. We went on a Saturday and yes it was crowded. Our reservation didn't help, we still had to wait like 15 minutes to get a table. My date had the meat and chicken shawerma, I had the Kufta in tomato. Both were delicious. The staff was extremely warm, and accommodating, no surprise it being a owned by middle eastern people. To be honest the wait wasn't bad, it gave us time to people watch. I will definitely be back for the dessert as well.
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Review from Gina L.
Lombard, IL
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Since this is my first middle eastern experience, I am giving it 3 stars, not because the food thrilled me or this place was great but because I have no real baseline to compare. First, I am of Mediterranean background and have had my fair share of homestyle cooking which includes lots of mint, kabobs, etc. Nothing that we ate really thrilled me and I did not really enjoy what we ordered. Not to put them down but the baba ghanouj was not tasty nor the foul moudammas. The motawma was more like yogurt with a hint of garlic and was a little disappointed, maybe because I expected it to be more like skordalia. My bad, I dont want to detail every item I disliked but will say that the chicken and meat shawerma were not bad. The service was great until time for the check. Its usually the opposite but we had to wait a while to get it. I have not given up on middle eastern just yet. Look for another review somewhere else in the future.....
