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Black Iris
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
228 Dekalb Ave(between Adelphi St & Clermont Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
(718) 852-5556
- Nearest Transit:
-
Clinton - Washington Avs (G)
Lafayette Av (A, C)
Fulton St (G)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Inspired with rich fragrant taste and aroma, the Mediterranean dishes at Mocha Hookah are authentic and fresh. From kebabs and slowly grilled lamb… read more »
109 reviews for Black Iris
Review Highlights
109 reviews in English
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Review from Joseph G.
Brooklyn, NY
10/4/2011
First things first, they play ethnic music as opposed to a lot of morons who play American dance music when you trying to get your pretending in another country eat on!
i know personally the silky smooth manager AhMet and hes mad suave with the ladies - so boyfriends beware LOL
now for me after 2 attempts at great waitresses that disappeared on me from here I guess thrice is the charm cause the new brooklynesque middle eastern girl is just too cute for words & a total delight, what a sweetheart, I likey!
What food, o food? They serve food? Ooo yea, sorry my bad, back to the point.
Zatar bread is great value, cheese pitza is too! The lental soup is fantastic but the new price rise on that has made it now only an adequate value to the cheaper selections I used to do in early afternoons instead of dinner. Salads are fantastic, chicken is juicy solid chunks of white meat, I personally frequent mostly the chicken kabab platter with rice and such, the pita is authentic freshly baked of course, the scene is just nice & laid back inside, one of my absolutely favorite and most frequented places on the DeKalb strip of the Greene foodie network, O and sick wrap around strip of the greatest corner in the Fort!
ps, isn't the waitress just the cutest thang u ever done seen?! -
Review from Callie R.
Washington, DC
12/11/2011
This place was awesome. I came here with my best friend and her boyfriend, and we were anything but disappointed.
It's BYOB, the prices are outstanding, and the combination platters are great! Our waitress was one of the most adorable people I've met in a restaurant, and she gaves us some amazing traditional desert just because we were having a great conversation--always the mark of good service.
I highly recommend the green pizza, chicken kabobs and assorted cold appetizer platter (babaghanouj, humus, foul, stuffed grape leaves). -
Review from Dana P.
New York, NY
10/13/2011
We came here after moving into our new Fort Greene apartment. We were exhausted, but wanted to be able to buy food for the people who helped bring our heavy crap up to our fourth floor walk up.
Black Iris was a great decision. We brought beer and all ate and had a really good time joking around with the waitress. She was extremely helpful, gave us tastes when we were confused, and also made sure our plates were loaded up with the amazing hummus.
We had let one of our moving buddies choose the place (since we didn't have internet yet, not even a smart phone between us) and were delighted when we picked up the tab and everything was SO much cheaper than we would have expected.
I recommend the grilled vegetable platter if you love veggies. Deliciously grilled and simple, but comes with a choice of sides. I recommend hummus and babaganoush for dipping! That's what made it awesome.
On the way out, one of our friends said that this had been the most pleasant dining experience she's had. Ever.
Overall, it's low key and enjoyable. They do the simple stuff well. It brought us out of our moving exhaustion, and I didn't think that would be possible! -
Review from Azi A.
Brooklyn, NY
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE this place! The chicken gyro sandwhich and the merguez flat bread pizza are my favorite items on the menu. They don't serve alcohol, but it's BYOB (and they will open your bottles for you). The service is great, and the staff is super friendly. One of my favorite neighborhood eateries.
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Review from James H.
Brooklyn, NY
8/1/2011
Clearly the best middle eastern joint in the neighborhood, Black iris continually satisfies my cravings for pitahhummusbabagalabanelamblamblamblamblamblamb.
Everything is under 15$, with some real good deals (roast veggie platter - 7.50, falafel sandwich - 4.50) and made fresh to order. With an semi-open kitchen, one can watch each freshly made pita order in excitement.
I highly recommend the appetizer plate. At 10$ you get 5 of their apps (which are normally 5$/per) and with no shortage of delicious options, it makes for perfect starter for 2-4 people. I always get the Baba, Hummus, Bulgar, Lebane, and Beet Salad, though the others make a spot start every once in a while.
Also an awesome surprise was the Black Iris pitza. Really fresh veggies and mozz roasted on top of fresh, thick pita inspired dough. I had low expectations (pitza in the pizza capital of the world?!) and was really surprised at how balanced and flavorful it was.
Great staff/service too. -
Review from Adam R.
9/16/2011
Black Iris is two kinds of restaurants in one location. The first kind is a typical sit down dinner. You get your menu, you order some food, the server brings it out to you, and you leave. Pretty typical. And if you go for that experience, this is a three star establishment.
However, I highly recommend going with a group of people, and eating tapas style. The service improves, the food improves, and the experience is much less clinical.
I went for a friend's birthday. We ordered lots of food and ate little bits. There were also many bottles of wine brought, which is awesome, considering it's BYOB.
Cold Stuff: Labana - Mix it with hot sauce for an extra kick. Hummus - Creamy and underrated. Babaghanouj - I like my eggplant tasting smokey like they do, which is rad. Grape Leaves - You only get two, when ordered in an appetizer sampler. Spinach and Chick Peas - It is what it says it is. Nothing more, nothing less. Four Lentil & Bulgur - Same, but stickier, and thus easier to get on a pita.
Hot Stuff: Spinach & Cheese Pie - Kind of a Mediterranean quesadilla that you had to cut yourself. Luckily, I have knife skillz. Green Pitza - This might have been the best smelling pizza or pitza that I've ever smelled in my life. It tasted fine, but the smell is intoxicating. Lambajin Pitza - Basically a bunch of ground meat on a platter. Still tasty. Merques - A bit too greasy for my tastes. Chicken Gyro - Seemed like it was made from scratch, which was pretty awesome. Shish Kebab - A bit dry.
Yes, I ate all of those things. Yes, I would do it again (save the Shish Kebab). Yes, you should do the same. -
Review from Pamela S.
5/28/2011 10 Check-ins Here
Please allow me to start by stating that I have to take off 1 star for this restaurant not taking credit/debit cards. I am sorry Black iris. I love you for many reasons, but for this reason I will not fold.
I truly cannot think of 1 bad thing to say about the food, service, and experiences that I have had at Black Iris. I have tried many things off of the menu to date, had both take out, delivery, and have dined in...and I have LOVED every bite and every moment.
1) BYOB!!!
2) They allow you to linger and chill with friends without moving you along like others in the area
3) The food is all good fresh to order
4) They make their pita and hummus IN HOUSE.
I would recommend the chicken shish kebab platter, the piTzas and all the salads. My personal favorite starter salad is the bulgar and lentil. YUMMY!
We had the opportunity to dine outside last weekend and we were able to sit with our box of wine and talk for a few hours. The staff didn't bother us and nobody hounded us for the table. Laid back and relaxed is just what Black Iris is about. -
Review from Laura M.
Rochester, NY
5/27/2011
On a recent trip the City my friend and I stumbled across Black Iris after a good day at the the Brooklyn Flea and with our treasures in hand we rested our tired feet and enjoyed a nice long lunch.
while looking a the menu we began by quenching our thirst with the best Iced mint tea I've has so far (I am an avid Tea drinker) soo refreshing!
We ordered two lamb dishes served with Baba Ghanouj, Pitta and a side salad. we also ordered the stuffed grapes leaves as an appetizers. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the flavors in all of the components of the meal were savory and the portion of the meal left us full and happy for the rest of the day.
The staff was friendly and attentive and even served us a dessert gratis :)
Definitely a place I will go back to on my next trip to the City. -
Review from Katie T.
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum!
Sure, it probably wasnt the best chicken kabob I ever tasted in my life, but there are many quirks about this place that turned me into a loyal customer.
The food is always fresh, and very satisfying. Like if on a random night, you are craving for middle eastern food, you can count on this place to send you home feeling satisfied and happy.
And I love that they don't charge you a corking fee. Whatever alcoholic beverages you bring in, they help to serve you - no fuzz.
The last special thing is about their service: the guys there are super nice and definitely a local favorite. Just to give you an example, when we were there for a late Sunday lunch, at least 3 families and their little kids stopped by, just to wave hi. That to me, says a lot about their standing in the local community.
Try it. You will love it (too). -
Review from Sam M.
Brooklyn, NY
10/31/2011
Black Iris is one of my favorite spots in Brooklyn! First off, the service and hospitality are unmatched, and the waiters are very kind. I'll see them around Dekalb sometimes and say hi, or wave when I pass by the restaurant. I have never been to a restaurant where I've felt as welcome as I do here.
The food is probably the best value I've found in the city. The portions are large, the prices are small, and the food is delicious. Even the sandwiches, which are smaller than the plates, will feed me for two meals.
Their hummus is the best out there. Whenever I've had the chicken, it has always been cooked well, moist, and a good cut (no gristle). They offer BYOB, which can be convenient. The basbousa cake is delightful. Basically everything I've tried has been delicious.
The ambiance is very comfortable, laid-back, and authentic. It's a fun place to go with a few friends and relax.
I've lost count of how many times I've gone back, and I have yet to be disappointed. I highly recommend it! -
Review from c s.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2011
It's all been said before - but I just want to add that their Baba Ghanouj is GREAT. Im not a Hummous fan in general, so if the Baba aint good, I aint goin back.
Ive now had their Baba G 2 nights in a row. Yeah...I'll be going back. -
Review from Jo G.
Brooklyn, NY
3/10/2011
We stopped here for lunch with friends after a kiddie rock concert at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple and even with two cranky teething toddlers in tow, the staff made the experience more pleasant than we thought possible.
The food was surprisingly great and the fresh, warm pita bread was out of this world. The staff were attentive and gracious -- even when the wee ones started slinging hummus in all directions -- and really went out of their way to be friendly.
When my partner and I had to start tag teaming -- one enjoying lunch while the other wandered around the restaurant with the antsy babe -- we had a hard them keeping her from darting into the kitchen. After redirecting her for what felt like the hundredth time, the manager noticed where she was trying to go and offered to take her into the kitchen for a tour. We would've gladly handed her off without a second thought, but she's a bit fearful of strangers so although his offer was kind, we had to pass. (Plans for a normal grown-up lunch together, thwarted! Again!)
When the meal was over and we were pooling our money for the bill, the manager surprised us by coming over, confirming the kids' names with us, and then pulling a plate of cake out from behind his back with a big smile.
"Penny and Egon! This is for you!"
Extra bonus: the cake was delicious.
As we were leaving, our overtired tot absolutely lost it outside while trying to maneuver her into the stroller in front of the restaurant. When she suddenly stopped crying and stared at the restaurant in bewilderment instead, we turned around to see what had caught her attention and what did we see? The manager dancing and jumping, waving his arms and making funny faces through the window.
Seriously, does service get better than that?!
I'd be back again even if their food sucked. Lucky for us, it didn't. Yum! -
Review from Adam A.
Brooklyn, NY
5/19/2011
Everything about this place is 5 stars.
I eat here AT LEAST once every two weeks. I've tried at least 8-10 different dishes on the menu. The vegetable pizza is dynamite. I haven't met a dish I do not like here. The spicy lamb sausage is very good, as well.
They treat their return customers well. We're always greeted at the door with a handshake and "good to see you again." And it's not BS -- specific questions about what's going on lately, things we've talked about before, etc. Quality people here.
Their delivery is always fast and accurate.
If this is not enough to convince you to try, I don't know what else to say. Oh, wait, I do...it's BYOB. No corking fee and they'll hook you up with glasses.
If that's not enough, then I don't know what else to say that can make you happy. -
Review from Sherwin R.
Amityville, NY
B & B
BYOB and Baba - Ghanouj that's really good! what more can you ask for?!?! -
Review from maria m.
3/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I ate here a few days ago for the first time, and I couldn't believe it had taken me so long to realize this gem.
I had the shish kebab with salad, pita and babaganoush. The lamb was delicious! The pita was perfect! Warm, chewy, flaky, fresh. It was my first time tasting babaganoush, and I loved it. The salad was delicious as well. I loved the pickle and olive additions. Very nice.
My friend had an array of salad options. I tasted her beets, and they were tasty as well. I don't even like beets!
Ever since eating here, I've had a hankering for more. Too bad I don't live in the neighborhood, or else I'd eat here a lot more often.
Oh, and it's BYOB, so definitely do and make a great evening of it! -
Review from Daniel D.
Brooklyn, NY
3/14/2011
Quality Middle Eastern food at very reasonable prices with an option to bring your own bottle (BYOB). Have an excellent dinner, bring your bottle of wine and enjoy yourselves for under $15 per person. The kebabs were excellent, well seasoned and served in generous quantities.
I came here based on reviews and this has become my go-to place for a simple, yet enjoyable meal.
The good: Great food, good prices, friendly service.
The bad: don't expect to be wowed by the atmosphere and decor - it is fairly plain. Also, the heating system doesn't work so well, so be prepared to wear your jacket in the dining room if it's cold outside. -
Review from Christine L.
New York, NY
The lamb pizza (lambajin) can be salty but it's what keeps me coming back. I personally like the chicken and scallion pizza (no cheese on it) b/c it's so fresh and clean tasting. the shrimp pizza is a little too garlicky for me. The olive (black iris) pizza can be really really salty (stopped getting that). the loomi (tea) is really good. and the service has usually been top-notch. the 1st time i went the guy let me have a free loomi just to try it. FYI it's cash only.
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Review from Jaimie L.
3/21/2011
I've been coming here for several years, and I've tried almost everything. I have to say I've never been here and left dissatisfied. It's never crowded when I come (I'm usually there in the late afternoon or early evening on a weekday).
I love the colorful décor and the music, which gives off a laid back vibe. And it's BYOB, which we definitely do when we come here. You also have to bring cash as they don't accept credit/debit cards.
My favs: appetizers (lentil soup, spinach & cheese pie); entrees (chicken ouzi, which is thin-baked dough that's stuffed with grilled chicken, basmati rice, carrots, peas, almonds and raisins served with a yogurt sauce and salad--I love the contrast of sweet, tart, and salty flavors); dessert (the baklava--"to go"--I enjoy it with tea later at home).
The thing I notice everything time I eat here is that I'm always satiated without having that stuffed feeling after dining out. -
Review from Mitchell R.
Brooklyn, NY
12/26/2010
Really good middle eastern food. Good prices, good people.
Try the falfel and the spinach pie!!!
Also very kid friendly! -
Review from Ty R.
New York, NY
3/9/2011
BYOB Middle Eastern food! Friendly and attentive service, and the fresh baked pita is really good. Unfortunately they were out of the 2 specials my boo and I wanted which was kind of a letdown. I ended up getting the lamb kebobs, and he got the Black Iris pitza. My lamb was a tad on the dry side, but the pitza was delicious. It had grilled eggplant, zucchini, and mozzarella.
Aside from being out of the specials (even though it was 7PM on a Thursday) and my dry lamb, I'll probably come back and try something else. -
Review from Galvin C.
7/29/2010
We stopped in here on the walk of shame back home after getting turned away from Umi Nom, due to our foolishly not making a reservation (and also for our shabby clothes). Totally different food category, yeah, but I'm always in the mood for some savory chicken and rice and shit. Upon perusing the menu, my eyes immediately fixated on the Chicken Ouzi, which sounded totally mouth-wateringly delicious. Unfortunately, much to my great surprise, it (and my girlfriend's gyro) turned out to be just...bland, which is really odd for this type of cuisine. All the ingredients were there but it was like they forgot to add the flavor. I mean, check out the menu description of the ouzi:
"A wrapped philo, stuffed with grilled chicken breast, basmati rice, carrots, peas, almond and raisins, cooked to perfection, served with green salad and yogurt sauce."
Doesn't that sound flavorful as fuck? When I think Middle Eastern food I think savory, I think spiced. I admit I'm not really an expert but past experiences lead me to believe it's supposed to have a little more taste than that of a boiled white tennis shoe. Now, true, I've only eaten here once, and as a general rule I like to put in at least 2-3 visits before I review a place, since you never know when a place is just having an off night. But the food here was so disappointing--though, I should point out, certainly not BAD--that I can't see myself ever bothering to go back again. -
Review from David S.
ASTORIA, NY
7/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came here for lunch after tramping around Brooklyn apartment hunting with the wife. We were absolutely famished and dehydrated so maybe it wasn't the best time to review a place as you tend to be very forgiving. No worries though because Black Iris delivered. The server was very attentive, the background tunes were nice (Egyptian pop), and the food was delicious.
We had a meze platter with the beet salad, ful medames, domaldes, humus, and chickpeas with spinach. Ordered some zaatar to go with the platter. Everything was great but the chickpeas and spinach were really outstanding. The zaatar was great. My wife usually doesn't like bread but she was scarfing it down with the hummus. That's a pretty ringing endorsement given her distaste for bread.
After finishing off lunch we got into a conversation with our server, who then treated us to some semolina cakes. If that's not great service then I don't know what is. -
Review from Groovefit G.
Manhattan, NY
3/19/2011
Friendly service, sweet arabic tunes, and absolutely delicious spreads and meats.
My tummy has had plenty of experience digesting mid-eastern food and I must say that it is very happy with me at the moment. The beats, hummus, baba were fantastic. The lamb and chicken were flavorful and only a bit dry...... BUT the Lamb Pitza is my new crack! OMG! it is seriously off-the-charts.
Oh and it's BYOB and the food is VERY reasonably priced. Can't really ask for more.... -
Review from Jorge C.
Brooklyn, NY
11/23/2011
Best mediterranean food in the upper Brooklyn neighborhoods that I've tried. Very reasonably priced, and super friendly staff.
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Review from Allison N.
Brooklyn, NY
4/18/2011
This place is not great. They have the exact same menu as the amazing Bedouin Tent and Olive Vine (are these three restaurants related?), which gave me such high hopes. How could lentil soup and pita go so wrong? The soup is watered down, the pita isn't that fresh (maybe they have a different oven from the other places) and everything just tastes slightly "off." If you are able to go to Bedouin Ten or Olive Vine, immediately pass up Black Iris. If you're stuck in Ft. Greene and don't mind a so-so dinner, this place is fine.
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Review from Naz S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/15/2011
GREAT lamp chops, the meat and fat were practically melting off the bone in the most amazing way. Staff was friendly and gave us cold tea on the house. Very chill place, definitely the perfect food to try on a hot summer day in Brooklyn. Stuffed grape leaf appetizer is a sure thing!
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Review from Mia C.
Brooklyn, NY
4/14/2010
Scrumptious and Affordable!
As tempting as it can be sometimes to try out the latest hotspot in the area, my past experience tells me I am likely to be disappointed. Why waste my appetite (and time and money) on a let-down, when I can go to a sure-thing right down the block?
Indeed, Black Iris is one of the few truly tasty spots in Fort Greene. While other places in the neighborhood tend to be overhyped and overpriced, Black Iris has hit that (apparently) elusive sweet spot where the food is hearty, perfectly seasoned, and fresh, the service is warm and prompt, and the prices are reasonable. Their expert marksmanship on these three critical factors keep me coming back to Black Iris time and time again.
5 stars all around! Especially recommend the falafel, lamb and home-made lavash. Though it's the house specialty, their rice, chicken, and craisin concoction wrapped up in a bundle of phyllo dough actually leaves much to be desired, as I find it to be a little dry and short on chicken. -
Review from Briana M.
1/13/2009
I wasn't expecting much from delivery Middle Eastern, especially when the delivery guy had a tough time finding the Brooklyn Navy Yard. I was pleasantly surprised to find my salad platter fairly intact, and my sandwich only a little soggy.
I ordered the merguez sandwich, which had a very pleasant kick to it. The tahini absorbed the spices from the sausage, so since it was spilling from the sandwich it made for a nice dipping sauce for the extra pita I had ordered. While the sausage was dry, the tahini, chewy pita, and vegetables made up for it.
My salad platter was pleasing, despite the fact that after 1/2 of my sandwich I could barely eat. The baba ghanouj was divine...wonderfully smokey in flavor. Hummus was standard for these places, but I was pleased to find that they didn't overdo it with the tahini. I could taste the chickpeas...unlike recent visits to places like Olive Valley. The grape leaves were good as usual, slightly better than the ones from the can (which I still love!).
I sampled some salads I had never tried before. The Lentils and Bulgur were delicious! Slightly crunchy, with a flavor of caramelized onions. I have to say the biggest disappointment was the "Black Iris" salad. It was touted as tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives and special seasoning. The tomatoes were unfortunately grainy, I could taste no special seasoning, and there was not a black olive in sight! I LOVE OLIVES.
To sum it all up...I would order from Black Iris again in a SECOND, and would be more than happy to dine there were I in the neighborhood. Generally a delivery experience is lackluster compared to sit down, so there may be a five star update in Black Iris' future... -
Review from Aisha S.
Rosedale, NY
6/6/2010
We love, love, love, love this restaurant. Its prices are resonable ($28 for two ppl) and the hummus and babaganoush are spectacular! we have been there atleast 4 times and never get tired of the same dishes. i reccommend the hummus and baba of course, chicken and their gyro all very tender and juicy!
the service is awesome they are very hospitable and make you feel VERY comfortable. me and the MR. love the ppl here. one time there was a loud group of french speaking women talking next to us. the waitor saw how annoying it was becoming and offered me and the MR a cup of peppermint tea on the house to soothe the headache that these french wine sippers were about to give us.
love love love them. -
Review from Erik F.
Brooklyn, NY
6/12/2008
Brooklyn is wealthy when it comes to falafel.
Near by me in Clinton Hill/Fort Green, I not only have a great place like Black Iris, but there is Bedouin Tent, Zaytoons, and those guys in the back of Ralph's Internet Cafe (though they are never there when I stop by lately). They all have nearly identical menus at first glance.
Black Iris is my favorite for sandwiches. Their sandwiches are huge, cheap and tasty. Like all of the places listed above, they make the pita fresh and wrap the sandwich rather than stuff.
The lentil soup, hummus and cold salad selections...stuffed grape leaves, foul, etc...are good but not great. I would hit Bedouin Tent for that kind of thing if I was feeling picky.
The folks at Black Iris are friendly and fast. They offer quick delivery too (cash only).
If you standing on Dekalb and staring at Red Bamboo, turn left and walking to the end of the block for Black Iris instead.
5 stars for the immortal sandwiches, minus one for the mortal hummus and lentil soup. -
Review from Nerissa A.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 7/19/2011
Very inexpensive and everything I tried was excellent. Has a relaxed vibe to it. Fresh baked pitas, metz, merguez, kebabs, everything was great. Muy favourite though was the lamb pizza was divine! I will visit that place just to get the pizza!! Loved heaing Arabic music playing in the background!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2011
Went there a few weeks ago and ordered a bunch of food. Ok, this place has amazing food!! The lamb… Read more »
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Review from Deanna D.
6/30/2009
The food is great and the prices are sooo cheap!! It's also BYOB which is a good thing in my book. Its also cash only but the prices are totally affordable so it's a good trade off.
We started off with the Assorted Plate; some of the stand outs were the Babaghanouj, Tabouleh, and Foul---Everything was really fresh, flavorful and tasty. For our lunch we had Falafel and Merques sandwiches; both of which were very well seasoned and perfectly cooked. The iced mint tea was a great finish to lunch.
The portion sizes are huge and the meals were satisfying. The service was friendly and the food was solid which makes Black Iris a great value so it gets the 5th star!Listed in: Brooklyn & NYC
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Review from Kristin M.
Santa Clara, CA
3/14/2010
My boyfriend and I LOVE this place! We go here at least three times a month. The trek from Crown Heights to Fort Greene is no problem to get our fix of delicious Middle Eastern food.
First, the people who work here are very friendly. They'll let you sit where you want, and on a cold evening will serve you a piping hot cup of peppermint tea immediately. Never seen the tea show up on the bill either--nice! As everyone else has mentioned, it's BYOB which is nice.
Their prices are great, and you can usually walk out with a bill around $25 for two people. We always get the lamb pitza--which is divine--as an appetizer. Their platters have generous portions and constitute quite a balanced meal. The salad that comes with entrees is one of my favorite parts of the meal--fresh, crisp lettuce with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and kalamata olives. Try the lamb kebab or the falafel--those are my favorites.
Be aware they're cash only! -
Review from Dena L.
Brooklyn, NY
7/7/2009
Black Iris, I love you. I was so happy to move to Fort Greene but kind of mourned the fact that I pay more than I should for an apartment that the city has deemed hazardous because it's in a neighborhood I (and everyone else) love...
But then I found you. And you, with your BYOB and your $9 salad/dip platter, made eating out okay again! Your Labana yogurt dippiness is incredible - your servers are so nice and chill - your pita is warm and fluffy and I want to eat it until I'm so stuffed that I need to be rolled home to my hazardous, hazardous apartment.
Black Iris: despite my apartment situation, I didn't even know the MEANING of the word hazardous until I found you. What is truly hazardous is the havoc you've wreaked on my heart and the depth of my feelings for you. If what I want to do to you is wrong, then I don't want to be right. -
Review from BP K.
Brooklyn, NY
4/18/2007
I agree with pretty much everything that's been posted so far. Been here several times, and never been disappointed. Its an awesome, simple, casual little place... Think pizza parlor alternative... But with generally healthier food. The first poster said they splurge to go here?? Black Iris is a great value especially compared to a lot of other places on DeKalb.
BREAKDOWN: Its cheap, quick and delicious. Check er out. -
Review from Isabella W.
Brooklyn, NY
6/11/2009
Good food at very affordable price. It won't blow your mind but the food is more than decent and tasty if you are in the mood for it.
Venue: The pictures I have seen online lead me to believe that the place is a lot prettier than what it is. In real life, its just quite casual.
Food: Their Pitzas are huge and cheap. I had the first one on the menu which is minced lamb in red sauce. Aw, tasty. My man had the chicken one and it was very different spice wise from mine. We ordered the spinach and cheese roll for appetizer which was good (would be better if they had some sauce to dip the roll in cuz it is on the dry side) but it was a mistake because it was so big that by the time the pitzas came out we were almost full.
Service: I ordered hot mint tea for myself and the gentleman was very nice to bring us two cups, another one for bf on the house.
I need to go back to try the chicken ouzi and their falafels. Its said on NYtimes that Ted Allen had it when he visited.. ha!~
ps. cash only and it is BYOB! -
Review from Leon I.
New York, NY
8/9/2009
For pita's sake, this place is fantastic. I mean middle eastern cuisine sometimes makes me falafel, but this place makes me feel great!
With one possible exception, everything I've had on this menu is bracketted by the construction "the best ___ I've ever had!"
This food is "good" in the Biblical sense.
The one possible exception in the above is the falafel, which is certainly very good, but not the best I've had. This is ridiculous quibbling, and me trying to find something to complain about to lend some credibility to the hyperbolic praise.
The grape-leaves, tabouleh, labna, humus and foul are out of this world, but the pita... Oh the pita. The pita is simply the best pita I can possibly imagine.
Imagine pita.
Then imagine the best pita you can imagine.
This pita is better.
Hot. Light. Flavorful.
It's better pita than you can imagine.
The service is at Black Iris is also outstanding. In very simple ways, one is made to feel very welcome and comfortable. I was there recently and needed to hang out for over an hour after I had finished my meal, and paid my check. In addition to serving me complimentary tea and treats, when I left, the manager made me feel like I had done him a favor by sitting there and reading my book. I have a pretty sensitive sarcasm detector. This was pretty real. -
Review from Jim S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/9/2010
Now, I'm not the most adventurous diner in the world, but this place is comfortably awesome! Friendly staff, the aforementioned courtesy drinks (not every time, but it's nice when it happens), and cozy interior make this a welcoming place.
My favorite dish is Chicken Ouzi. Always hot, fresh, deliciously spiced and packed inside an exploded pita. The cheese pastries are yummy along with the various kebobs.
Seating is indoor or out. Prices are very reasonable, and it will leave you waiting for your next visit.Listed in: Good eats
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Review from Alex S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/2/2009
I was walking in the rain and stopped here on my way to the Lucky Star bus after a long day of apartment hunting. I had no idea I was in for a seriously delicious meal served by one of the nicest people I have ever met. I figured, at best, I could get something decent and vegan. But I didn't know this place was going to be so absolutely fabulous.
The falafel wrap is massive and quite delicious. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside balls of culinary perfection. A nice amount of veggies and fruits stuffed inside. And the waiter really rocked the house. He saw me looking a little bewildered while reading the New York City subway map, trying to figure out how to get to the B, and came over to ask where I was from and offer directions. Then we talked about life (love, money, home, etc.) while I ate that totally awesome wrap ($4.50) and drank tasty mint tea (on the house!), and found out where the train was.
And just to show that it wasn't a one hit wonder, the falafel platter ($7), which comes with freshly baked pita bread, a salad (with olives and pickles, which rules) and a side of baba ganoush and hummus is fabulous, and the portion is generous. It was two meals for me.
Also, the hot sauce is the bees knees. -
Review from Enisa D.
Fresh Meadows, NY
9/11/2010
This place is decent. It is a better alternative to some lame pizza joint.
I'm a little skeptical as to how authentic it was.
Good for a quick bite though.
