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Aladdin Pita
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
3750 W 80th LnMerrillville, IN 46410
(219) 736-5204
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- 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
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Aladdin Pita
Review Highlights
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"Their lamb is so tender it falls off the bone." In 8 reviews -
"The son had the business special beef kabab, wife had pita..." In 2 reviews -
"The pita bread (hot and fresh) and hummus were great." In 11 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Karen B.
Chicago, IL
5/24/2012
We stopped on our way east for dinner. This is a Middle Eastern grocery, butcher shop on one side, and restaurant on the other side. They serve fresh, hot pitas with hummus, baba ghanoush, and tomato cucumber salads to start. The food was very good, fresh and extremely reasonably priced. I had a falafel sandwich and my husband a mixed meat sandwich ( shish kebab , lamb kabob and beef shwarma). Also had good Turkish coffee.
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Review from Alex B.
Crown Point, IN
11/26/2011
This place has been a favorite between me and my bro for years. the food is good! Really good! and being a college guy on a budget what's to hate about a delicious chicken sandwich with soup and fresh pita bread that has a plethora of dippin sawwauzez to go with it for around 6 bucks?
NOTHING,
that's what. Reasonably priced for a hookah break and one of the best lemon rice soups I've ever tasted. (only on Sunday) what keeps this from the 5 star is the unfortunate luck of us sometimes having a crappy waiter. How he is still employed there is beyond me, but besides this minor annoyance Aladdin's pita is a prime choice.
Update 11/27/11
Ordered the Lamb shank, wasn't a huge fan, voiced my concern to our waitress who was apologetic and quick about getting that resolved. I then ordered the Lamb chops and holy hell, my taste buds went on an adventure and I didn't wanna come back. At around 16 bucks the dish is a little bit on the pricey side especially with only 4 chops and somewhat sad in sizes.However with chops this bombastic in flavor I wish I had ordered two. Paired with some seriously tasty rice and char grilled veggies, I know exactly what i will be ordering the next time I visit Aladdin's Pita. -
Review from Lindsay M.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2012
We love this place! It's the best middle eastern food in the Region.
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Review from Carlton G.
Chesterton, IN
5/23/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I love Aladdin Pita! I eat there all the time. Most of the time the service is great, occasionally they have a bad server (or two).
The food is great and the price is even greater. I get the fallafel sandwich with soup and the free appetizers and it costs me like 8 bucks with tip!
Can't beat it! -
Review from Rebecca F.
Oakland, CA
11/26/2007
My fiance and I spent Thanksgiving in Valpo with his parents and had planned our Aladdin Pita buffet night for weeks. When Sunday finally came, we piled in the car all ready for some Mediterranean buffet goodness.
Pro: The selection and quality of food was incredible. I was truly impressed with the spread of sauces and appetizers: tahini, tabouleh, gourmet olives, and an amazing bread dish that was melt in your mouth yummy.
Pro: The variety of meats was impressive as well: several chicken selections, lamb, beef and sausages.
Pro: To top it all off, there were three dessert offerings: a creamy cheesecake, fresh fruit and a honeyed cake with slivered almonds. All of it delicious.
Con: First off, my fiance and I live in San Francisco. I've been to my fair share of hookah bars in California, but I will never be able to fully enjoy a meal in a smoke-filled room, especially when five feet away, a hookah is being smoked by a woman holding a newborn baby....and a cigarette. Cigarette smoke indoors truly disgusts me, and it really compromises the atmosphere of the restaurant. Aladdin Pita, if you go cigarette-free, I'll come to your buffet night twice during my next visit. Thanks for an incredible meal anyhow! It totally lived up to the hype. -
Review from Jackie H.
2/3/2010
Had a pleasant Sunday dinner here with my husband a couple of weeks back. Armed with a http://Restaurant.com certificate that got us $25 off a purchase of $35, we were ready to sample a lot of Mediterranean food!
First off, we were cheerily greeted when we walked in by the man at the connected food-shop counter. We were seated promptly in a smallish dining room (went for the non-smoking section) that seemed porbably even smaller since it was buffet night and that was set up in our area. The place had a lot of people dining, so I'm guessing it's pretty popular. The room itself wasn't all that exiting to look at...pretty plain.
The server we got was pretty low-key and softspoken in contrast from the peppy gentleman at the door. He was pleasant enough, but points deducted for never bringing us silverware--even after bringing our complimentary pitas and hummus. No worries in the end, we just stole some from the buffet line.
We opted to order from the menu instead of the buffet, since we had that certificate to blow, and all. We started with the Bahba Ghanog and some Falafel. Both were very flavorful. The Falafel was piping hot too-burned my mouth! But good amount of spice. The Bahba Ghanog was a wonderful accompanyment to the warm, fresh pitas that were brought earlier. Addictive.
Since we both ordered entrees, we got soup as well. They had a lentil soup that night...It was okay, but not overly impressive. For entress, I went with the kabab sampler (one chicken and two different kinds of beef) and the hubby tried the Shrimp Kallaya (a shrimp/tomato/veggie stew). Both of our entrees came with rice as well. My kababs were very enjoyable, with my favorite being the Shish kababs (pretty much seasoned stew beef). Everything was well-seasoned and flavorful. The Shimp Kallaya my husband had was just okay...It didn't seem all that special to me, but I guess that's why I didn't order it in the first place. He seemed to like it, though.
We went home pleasantly full with even more leftovers to take home. This place really does give a lot of food for the money. Next time, I'll likely try one of their sandwiches as those are a lot cheaper than the entrees. Definitely will dine here again! -
Review from Donna G.
Schererville, IN
11/18/2007
I just came back from the buffet, and it's time to change into my comfy pants so this will be quick...
Service was friendly, helpful, and quick. The variety is a sight for sore eyes and everything I tried on the buffet tasted like middle eastern homemade comfort food (perfect on this rainy cold night). On top of it all, they had the sweetest fruit for dessert.
The only reason it's not 5 star is for the crazy atmosphere of the buffet crowd - it was very hard to have a dinner conversation with my husband and that kinda sucked on a Sunday night. So, I'll be back again on a normal night! -
Review from Marc R.
10/18/2009
This is the best middle-eastern food in Chicago-land. I have been eating food like this for decades and this place wins out on quality, service, and the fact that there is a middle-eastern grocery and Hookah shop right next door.
They bring out complementary appetisers and pita with each meal - even a $4.00 sandwich -- which includes all the standards plus 1-2 random items. This is a super treat! The iced tea and Turkish coffee are perfectly prepared.
I usually order the felafel and eggplant sandwich and perhaps a sweet with my coffee after the meal.
I think they have an all you can eat buffet on Sunday night. Now, I know it is a haul from Chicago, but if you are visiting friends or coming and going to Michigan it is worth the detour.
There is a smoking and nonsmoking section (Indiana law is different) and the middle-eastern men tend to sit in the smoking section and chat over tea most of the afternoon if you come before 5. They also have Hookah if you are in the mood.
Unlike others, I have never felt the smoking was a problem and it never bothered me. Most times I have been here there has been one booth in the back where people smoked. Never more.
I have spent time in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, Italy, (and, Chicago) before and after the smoking ban and people smoke in the villages and non-tourist areas even today. A very good restaurant on the north side of Chicago was run by a Lebanese guy named Nimrod (some of you might know the place) and there is a great black and white photograph of him downstairs with smoke rings wafting up through the air. As he put it after one meal, a good meal followed by a good smoke is a "Lebanese tradition." I am not Lebanese but I took his word for it.
I truly appreciate a smoke-free place, but I think that tobacco and middle-eastern culture often go hand in hand. -
Review from Stephen F.
Madison, WI
8/2/2011
Unbelievably good food, I haven't had hummus, pita, filafel, and lamb like that since visiting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. You won't be disappointed.
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Review from Jill W.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2009
First time here -- out of this world. Second time here -- just ok. Hopefully it was just an off night. You get plenty of great food and if I'm not mistaken, it's the only (or one of few) middle eastern restaurants in the area. When the majority of places to eat are crappy fast food places or horrible chain restaurants, we need to support these places.
There's also a middle eastern grocery attached, so check that out as well.
Funny side note -- I saw a hippie girl walk out with a hookah, and she stopped and looked at it like she was holding the holy grail. That was worth the price of admission. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Merrillville, IN
Updated - 5/4/2011
Came in for take out this time. Had beef shawerma sandwich, which came with small salad and hummus. It was very good, the tahini sauce was excellent. I got to shop around the store while waiting for my shawerma. They had pita pies, candy, cookies, lots of treams from Hassoon Bakery, sodas, etc. I had a great fruity Middle Eastern soda of some sort. The prices are great - $4.99 for sandwich plate.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2011
Came in on a Saturday night around 7. The place was half full, between the hookah lounge and the… Read more »
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Review from Chris Z.
Michigan City, IN
11/27/2009
This place would be excellent if they knew whether or not their pitas are vegan (they are NOT) and if they didn't think it was ok for there to be a "little bit" of chicken in vegetarian lentil soup.
NO THANKS! -
Review from Barb R.
Crown Point, IN
10/22/2011
It's clean and the pita bread is phenomenal, especially if you get it while it's still warm from the oven. Read my review -- http://www.examiner.co...
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Review from Katie W.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
This place has awesome food for a great value. I have had the chicken kabab sandwich and the lamb kabab plate and both were delicous. Also, while you wait for your meal you get tons of pita and several delicious sides such as hummus, baba ghannoug, and tabouleh.
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Review from Kim K.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2010
We have enjoyed Aladdin Pita on nights when they have their buffet and we have enjoyed it simply ordering off the menu. Their lamb is so tender it falls off the bone. The pitas, soft and fluffy, the perfect spoon for silky hummus. If only the servers could be just a tiny bit quicker on beverages (both delivery and refill) but that's a minor quibble for a restaurant that continues to put out food cooked with such love.
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Review from Al T.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2007
This is honestly one of the better places to eat in the Region, as well as being the only middle eastern eatery around. Service is always friendly, as they tend to hire either my dopplegangers or my friends' younger siblings. =P
Serving portions are usually generous and it's hard to find anything on the menu that isn't tasty. Their Stuffed Grape Leaves are heavy on the mustard, but other than that I have no complaints. Especially since many of the dishes are vegetarian friendly!
When I go to Aladdin Pita, I usually get the Hummus, Falafel Sandwich, Lentil Soup or the Lamb Stew. Heck, even the Stuffed Grape Leaves are still tempting on occasion.
And did I mention this is the only place in Northwest Indiana that has a buffet you can trust NOT to give you food poisoning? That's worth 3 stars right there.
As a final note, don't forget to check out the grocery section. There are some awesome sweets sold there (including Halva!) and you can pick up that last-minute birthday hookah for your friend. -
Review from angie p.
Lake, IN
10/28/2009
Hated this place. Went with my then step-father of middle eastern decent. I hated eating there with the nats constantly flying in my food, the chicken bryani was disgusting, and they did not offer to take it off the tab. It was inedible. The bathrooms are disgusting cause there is butt water all over the floor (the water can is not for the plants, think of it as a do it yourself bidet).
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Review from John T.
11/15/2010
I would do carry-out unless you really want to do some hookah. The little market when you first walk in sort of ruins the entire experience if you ask me. Nonetheless, the food is usually good, but there are other times that it is not worth it. In short, it's really hit or miss. My personal favorite is the lamb kabob platter. I have had the falafel and although it is not bad, there are better around. In addition, I did not enjoy the lentil soup, as it had to be mixed around a few time because it was clumpy. The service is good, but keep in mind that there are times this restaurant is a miss so you may want to call ahead and do some carry out.
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Review from carmen b.
Saint John, IN
5/7/2008
Hello, food snob here. Not to many places around to compare this to . Been there once and had the Falafel Sandwich and it was GREAT. Good quality food. The Humus and Relish that came with it were a good acompanionment. Whenever something is family owned most of the time it is good. I must go back sometime and check out buffet.
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Review from Charles F.
West Lafayette, IN
3/28/2010
I attended a concert at the Star Plaza Theater and wanted to find somewhere to eat beforehand. This was different than most of the other standard fare steak places and such on US 30. Fortunately, it wasn't too busy and I had no problem being seated. Before I even said anything, 4 little bowls of food and pitas were set before me. Hummus, baba ghanouj, arabic salad and another salad. It is part of some sampler appetizers for each table. I ordered the beef schwerma plate. The meat was ok though the rice was really bad. It reminded me of the rice one would receive at a low quality family restaurant. I must admit that I am quite spoiled with 3 good middle east style restaurants in my home area.
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Review from Alyssa M.
Auburn, AL
6/8/2010
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants. They have the best falafel I've ever tasted and all their food is very reasonably priced. Best lentil soup too. I love that they give you hummus, baba ganoush and a couple other appetizers (usually arabian salad) with super fresh pita for a FREE appetizer. Beware though, service has gone downhill in the past 6 months....they used to be so quick and attentive but now we have to ask for everything even the basics like silverware and water!
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Review from Howard L.
Updated - 3/13/2010 6 photos
We came back for a dinner, almost a year after our first lunch visit. It was an ok dinner, and good value at under $40 for 3, and we also all had leftovers. The son had the business special beef kabab, wife had pita pies (beef, spinach, and cheese), and I had a beef shawerma plate. The pita bread (hot and fresh) and hummus were great. I should have just ordered the Mediterranean catfish like I was going to but I wanted to give them a second chance (from last lunch visit) at the beef shawerma - and I was disappointed again as beef was old and dry. Never again for me on the shawerma - order the right dishes, and you'll be happy here. We were also pleasantly surprised that the Hookah smoking from adjacent smoking area was not very noticeable. We thought it could be a little smokey going in, but it was the type food we were looking for, and as mentioned, it wasn't a factor at all. Servers were attentive and friendly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2009
This is a decent place in NW Indiana for Mediterranean food. It was pretty quiet (us and another… Read more »
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Review from Jeri R.
Merrillville, IN
3/16/2009
I love this place! I love when I can go out and stuff myself silly and not feel gross afterward because the food isn't disgustingly greasy. Everything is very light and tasty. I've always had good service and the little market attached to the restaurant has some nice finds. I have yet to try the buffet but I reaaalllly want to.
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Review from L. R.
New York, NY
10/31/2008
Been coming to this place for years! Love the food. Love the little attached grocery store and I always get an extra plate of hummus and baba to go along with the freshly baked pitas. The only reason it isn't 4 stars is because I agree with Rebecca. Who needs the smoke just on the other side of the room? Lots of kids coming in to buy smoking paraphenalia or sitting in the restaurant smoking fruit gum. This is what ruins it for me mostly. But I like going during lunch when hardly anyone smoking is there. In fact, meeting some friends here tomorrow. Definitely worth the trouble to find.
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Review from Paula B.
Dyer, IN
12/23/2008
Started coming here year or so ago and kids and husband and I love it! The portions are just right, the food is superb and most importantly to me - the service is fantastic! They retain a lot of the same employees (perhaps family?) but when I go out once a week I want to be taken care of and that is the case here. The meat is all lean (no fatty grizzle). Well worth the price (although prices have gone up in the last 6 months we noticed). Will continue to eat here but perhaps not as often. A sign of the times.
