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As aforementioned, chicken maroosh way is the bomb diggity. The falafel here is no Mama's and the baba ganoush is just okay, but darn does that Middle Easterny hoagie with a side of their perfectly crispy fries make up for it.
And not to mention - they are the nicest people EVER in there, greeting you hokily by name and making sure to thank you when you come trekking through the rain for your halal fix. Every time I leave Saad's I feel better about myself and sometimes even humankind (yeah). And I feel full of delicious food, also.
I really enjoy how the staff are so personable with their customers. "Here's your order, James."
I think my man and I have taken a liking to the chicken maroosh. I may be spelling that wrong. He likes it because he feels reassured that it's halal and cooked properly. He's taken cheese steaks back to his roommates. I personally feel that the cheese steaks are lacking a little. I also had a burger and the bread that was used just fell apart. Maybe that isn't the item to order. Their fries are really good though.
In addition, please do not talk on your cell phones while in this establishment. It is extremely rude, and whatever it is can wait until you leave. There are visible signs that state do not speak on phones, so don't. I was a little aggravated by the fact the young lady behind the counter didn't say anything to the woman who was yapping loudly on her phone. I would have said something.
FEAR!! That's exactly what I felt before walking into Saad's. My friends and I all promised to turn off our cell phones, we decided we would follow the rules. My friend eats Halal only, and went to Philly for cheesesteaks, so we had to be in our best behavior to make sure he was able to eat one too. I really felt like I was in a classroom and scared of my teacher!
As you have noticed...no cell phones people. There were 14 signs (we counted), and when someone got on their phone, the whole restaurant gasped! There's also a sign the second you walk in the door of Dont's - No credit, No cell phone (yes Saad, we get it), No Pets, No Alcohol (duh), No Smoking, No Soliciting, No Unruly Customers (we were trying to maintain). Ok...now time for the food...
As stated, we went to Philly strictly for cheesesteaks and I heard this was the only place that had Halal cheesesteaks. It was actually really really good, I thought it was delish! But alas, this is not a real cheesesteak my friends, this is a Middle Eastern version. So if you eat Halal and are looking for authentic cheesesteak, this is not the place.
I'm sure the other food was great, I believe in Saad. With all those rules, he has too be good. And what we did have was great...so I give it 3 stars and fear Saad knows I secretely had my blackberry on.
Although I'm not of a religious bent, I've often considered fasting when Saad's is closed during Ramadan simply because there's nothing I'd rather eat. Hoever, the anticipation alone of having their perfectly smoked baba ganoush and cheap as hell falafel is enough to get me through the long month. Also, Saad might be the friendliest man on earth, but then again why shouldn't he be- he holds the secrets of shwarma in his hand, but thankfully he's willing to share with the rest of us.
Some times you walk into a place and you just think "this restaurant has the perfect formula". Saad's is definitely one of those places . The food is quick, cheap, good portions and very good. I've had the chicken maroosh and the lamb shawarma here, both of which were awesome. I also like to tell myself that it's healthier than eating at a typical fast food place. Yea....I'm sticking to it.
Aside from the food, the place is really comfortable. It's one of those joints where you'd feel fine eating alone. And like so many of the other reviewers have said, Saad is extremely warm and personable.
Like I said, this place has it all figured out.
Best of Mediterranean food in Philly, i love the sandwiches, recommend koofte sandwich and yogurt drink
Great food! Love the simplicity! Adore Saad and his family working the grill + counter :) What people keep saying about trauma from having to put away their cell phones for a good 20-30 minutes while they eat their delicious food is just silly! I asked Saad what his rationale was for sending cell phone-talkers outside and his theory was easy: a person who's distracted won't appreciate the saavory meals that Saad and his staff so carefully craft for their customers OR those people who do appreciate the food and enjoy every last morsel may be interrupted from their euphoria by blabber mouth customers. Come on guys, I know we're living in the West, but when you step into this place, you're really experiencing the Middle East....so just take it in :)
My favorites: Shish tawook, kebbeh, any of their keftas, ba'lawa and falafel. Note, Saad's closes shop on Friday ONLY BTWN 1:30-2:30pm for Friday prayer.
I'd never before been to a halal place of any sort and therefore filled the gap in my mind with a scene of my own creation: One elderly, bearded man unsmilingly taking orders in a cramped space. Middle Eastern music and unfathomable chants spoiled by the muffled voice of the speakers of a battery operated boom box placed high on the shelf it shares with plastic containers of ingredients, the names of which were written in black marker.
I imagined I'd potentially made a foolish choice in carrying into the establishment a Salman Rushdie novel. Of all the novels to have in hand....
A list of prohibitions against rowdy behavior, cell phone use, and alcohol greets you at the entrance. All reasonable requests, but the sight did nothing to dispel my feeling that I was about to enter a joyless establishment. Then:
Beautiful tapestries. Room to move. Choices of tables. Ingredients arranged attractively in containers and a smiling, middle-aged gentleman in glasses (Mr. Saad?) who took my order (chicken maroosh) and my name along with it. (The sandwich was fantastic and I have already planned a return trip. Describing ethnic cuisine is not my strong suit, so I'll leave it to others.) A half hour later, I made for the door and the counter person bade me farewell, using my name.
Outside in the afternoon sun, I realized that the cramped, unadorned place I'd imagined was in fact just one of the many squalid compartments of my imagination. I unwrapped the Rushdie novel from the City Paper in which I'd hidden it and vowed to do better.
good sht! maybe even my favorite eat out place, considering I do not like to eat out, take this as a compliment!
Saads...where to begin. Its a small spot with an awesome owner. If you start going a lot Saad will remember your name and order (who doesnt like to be recognized). He has a strict cell phones OFF poolicy which I appreciate as well.
For the veggie people the falafel is great, definitely the best I've had in philly. I get it with the baba ganoush but it is good plain or with hummus (for a little extra) as well. The real jewel in Saad's menu is the chicken maroosh. Thinking of it keeps me awake at night sometimes. Its a chopped chicken sandwich on a long roll grilled panini style with lettuce, tomato and the most wonderful garlic sauce ever. I can only have it once in a while, but when I do its truly transcendent. Also I am a big fan of french fries, and Saad's has great fries as well. Top it off with a soda and an Ali Bean pie (with the come back taste!) and you are set. Saad's is owrth going out of your way for. Great place.
Saad's is the best Middle Eastern food in the city. Yes -- it's low key and family-oriented, but it's still a great place to go for lunch with friends, or dinner with a casual date.
The owner, Mr. Saad, is not only friendly and considerate; he is also genuine. Years after we first started eating there, and despite that we only go there once every few months, Mr. Saad still knows my name and my husband's favorite dessert. He's interested in the community and in his customers' lives. His wife, who occasionally works the counter, is equally kind, friendly, and patient.
My favorite foods there: the hummus, the lamb schwarma platter, the falafel sandwich, the baklava.
Saad's is a Friday night-- just getting home from work-- need some food and a beer-- staple in my life. Just don't bring the beer to Saad's! (Or your cell phone unless it's on silent).
Delicious falafel, creamy hummus, and tons of tabouli make a great platter. (They let me sub tabouli for spinach salad). The woman working the counter is also patient and nice. And whatever you do-- get a sweet potato pie. It's the one with the "come back taste." You will definitely come back to Saad's, again and again and again.
Possibly my favorite joint in Philly. The place is amazing. The workers are great, hard working, and very friendly.
The hummus and lamb shwarma sandwich are my favorites. I swear, that sandwich changed my life.
It is cheap and cellphones are not allowed in this diner-like atmosphere. What could be better?
This place is amazing. The lamb shawarma (and all their other food) is delicious, fast, and cheap. Don't talk on your cell phone, though, or Saad will ask you to leave.
So, so, so good. The food is delicious, just all around good, and to top that off, the staff is all great. If you're a regular, they remember you, and if you're not, they're still incredibly friendly and fun.
It's one of those restuarants that really has a personality to it, and I'd say the only other place nearby that has a s much personality is Kochs. Go to both. Often.
Seriously maybe the only reason I miss living in West Philly. I still go to school out there, but Saad's is still kind of a trek, so I only go there on random occasions. I've heard the maroosh sandwiches are great, but I honestly cannot order anything except the Greek salad. It's a giant container filled with fresh romaine, feta, onions, Middle Eastern pickles, hot banana peppers, grape leaves, tomatoes, vinaigrette...OMG. It's at least two meals worth of food. I'm not really into the ambiance so I usually get take-out, but it's worth the trip just for that.
I AM Middle Eastern, high standards as we have cooks in the family, and I gotta say Saad's is awesome. Finally an authentic and reasonable culinary adventure. The vegetarian platter satisfied me. The lamb shwarma is amazing, tender and perfectly spiced. The staff is awesome and the owner is right there.
Worth the hype. My boyfriend and I walked from our 36th & Spring Garden apartment to this place because we also wanted to check out the thrift store nearby. He had the hummus and falafel sandwich, I had the baba ganouj and falafel sandwich. Mine was better, no doubt. Although, next time I'll try the version that has BOTH spreads....drool. Their menu is extensive and the seating isn't fancy or anything, but you won't spend much time in the chairs gobbling down the deliciousness anyway. The surrounding area is pretty, and after your meal I recommend getting some coffee at Green Line down the street.
Update: I went here a second time and had the falafel maroosh way, per Yelp recommendations-- now I can't decide which I like better (this time it also came with pickled celery, and althought I'm not a celery fan, I loved this stuff!). Guess I'll just have to get one of each every time I go there from now on.
One of the gastronomic highlights of the neighborhood, this food definitely has some good energy going into it - and coming out of it! YUM! Not only is everything fresh, savory and delicious but Saad himself is friendly, remembers your name and the service is overall wonderful, especially for such a busy place!
I am almost-vegan-vegetarian and I especially enjoy their HUGE greek and spinach salads as well as their hummus, falafel and spinach/feta sandwiches. Sandwiches are really economical at about $4 a pop and the salads take me at least two meals to finish, sometimes three! Plus the salads come with the awesome pita bread that gets soft again if you pop it in the oven for a few minutes.
The fries are also some of the best I've had! And their baklava is awesome.
BONUS: Their feta cheese is actually goat cheese, so much tastier, and easier for us lactose-semi-intolerant people to digest too!!
(...and I know it can be annoying but I love that they close in September for Ramadam and for an hour on Fridays for Friday prayer, cuz that's just my kinda Authentic. Deprivation breeds appreciation...or something twisted like that).
Ok, turn your cell phones off and get your friends money; cause they are gonna have to hold the booth while you order.
Once you've done that, get ready cause Saad's is one of those great hole in the walls that delivers the cheap yummy goods that you come back for time and again.
Falafel, hummus plate, feta plate.... oh, man, I wanna go eat all the goodness right now... lol
Just ate there yesterday. It was so good. Try falafel maroosh way!! OMG!
And I don't think anybody can not agree that Saad is the friendliest business owner ever. I mean, he's always smiling and is just so sweet, willing to accomodate your order.
They are about to be closed for a month, get it while the gettins good!
I talk Saad's up left and right, often calling it the best falafel in the city. I used to live right around the corner, and this place was a constant temptation. The falafel balls are crispy, the pita is fresh, and the whole place is a happy bustle of busy folks without the annoyance of cell phones (they're banned) and under the blanket of Islamic prayer chant.
I once wrote a grad school folklore paper on this place, it's so diverse, and a great place for a neighborhood folks to run into each other. Saad's smiling face, his generosity and kindness towards customers, and his ability to remember my name and order make every visit a treat.
The only bad news - they are no longer using the pickled beets I LOVE and switched to a pickled cucumber. I hope the red slivers return soon. Oh, and give up on trying to go during Ramadan. Saad closes down for the whole month.
A must west of center culinary destination. Fresh arabic cuisine. Specialties like falafel, hummus and tabouleh. They also do stuff like cheese steaks and turkey sandwiches for less adventurous eaters.
I am big fan of the chicken falafel, which uses ground chicken (as opposed to ground chickpeas) with traditional falafel seasoning. It comes with this awesome garlicky aioli. The lamb schwarma maroosh style is also very good. Good hangover remedy.
The owner is also very nice and he runs a tight ship. Very clean and a strict no cell phone policy...glad someone is addressing this issue.
Saad's is the jam, as mentioned by most of the people that have reviewed it. I've eaten here a dozen or so times and the experience has always been great.
Saad himself is a great guy and I found his quirky "No, you only pay when I give you the food" policy to be refreshing. As long as you aren't trying to make a call in his restaurant, he is almost certain to be a beacon of hospitality in the often unforgiving wilds of west philly.
The food is delicious. I see most people have already declared it the best falafel in the city, and I have had no cause to dispute this yet. BUT, in addition to delicious middle eastern food, Saad's American menu is also delicious. I've been questing for a decent cheesesteak since I moved here, and Saad's currently holds that title.
For atmosphere and value: 4 stars
For having delicious food and my favorite cheesesteak so far: +1 star
Do it!
Oh man! Saad's Halal Restaurant makes some great food!! I won't take much space repeating what others have stated about his delicious falafel, hummus, and grape leaves. And I also concur that Saad himself is a super nice man and really cares about his customers.
There are two things that I will recommend highly: (1) the kofta sandwich (amazing yum) and (2) a basket of fries.
I know what you are thinking... fries at a halal restaurant? Yes, fries! Order them. They are perfect. Crispy perfection.
go. go now. just GO!!!!!
Best Middle Eastern in the city, great place to overhear Arabic or chat about Islam with your neighbor. To give you an idea of how good the food is--all my old Arabic professors when I was a Penn undergrad ate lunch here--and it's a hike from campus. Also, a no-cellphone policy, which is awesome.
I love the lamb maroosh way. The chicken maroosh way is also awesome. (my mouth is watering just imagining their garlic sauce...mmmmm)
The falafel is damn good, as is the schwarma. The Turkish coffee and baklava (walnut or pistachio) are to die for.
The only caveat about Saad's is that if you are female, you may not feel comfortable eating there in less than relatively modest clothing. I've waited outside for my husband to pick our order up because I was wearing a short skirt, for example. That's just my neurosis, probably, but the place is next to a mosque and an Islamic community center, so there's a very traditional vibe to the place.
Saad's food is terrific and cheap. Service is pretty quick and they are always friendly. A good family atmosphere. My only wish: Tawook during Ramadan!! I'm jonesin' for some!
Ramadan Mubarik to the family.
Finally went to give Saad's a try after I went shopping at Second Mile Center (check out that review too!). At First I was taken aback because it looked like an overcrowded Middle Eastern pizza joint. I became even more confused as I realized how long I was waiting for my sandwich and realized exactly how many other people were sitting to wait down for their delectable treats as well. But as soon as I took the first bite out of my lamb shawarma sandwich the answers started to become a lot more clearer. Damn is their food good!
despite the wait the service was great and the people were friendly. and it definitely has plenty of great vegetarian options (I'm really craving some hummus right about now!). the only thing that I really found unnecessary was their American options like a Philly Cheesesteak. I could really picture them offering that stuff just to please certain customers even more. I could also picture those options being amazing. But I just can't fathom why anyone would go to Saad's to try that kind of food.
Visited this place based on the great yelp! reviews and was not disappointed ,,, was not overwhelmed either, but it was good. The place is clean and the food is fast. I love the no cell phone policy but was a little surprised when the owner actually yelled at someone (nicely) who was on the phone - didn't know it was so strictly enforced! It does make for a nicer dining experience. Would definitely recommend to a friend for a quick and filling bite, but don't think it's the best I've ever had. Also, my friend had to pay with a debit card and there was a fifty cent surcharge, so bring cash!
2 words.... chicken maroosh...
One of the top 5 sandos in philadelphia !
Good lamb shawarma sandwich, comfortable place to eat when you want a quick bite in a pizza joint type place.
This is probably sacrilege, but I have two things to mention about Saads that i feel are the most winning characteristics, and they don't have to do with hummus or maroosh or falafel(sorry guys!):
1) Fries. How can you ignore their fries? I have to admit, I've found the falafel to be so-so, and their pita sometimes stale, but the fries are consistently golden crunchy bits o' heaven. I have actually taken to just wandering in for an order of fries, with nothing else, which is a problem when I live about two blocks away.
2) The atmosphere. A few people have said Saad's "isn't much to look at" and I have to disagree. They certainly won't be featured on a restaurant design blog, but Saads has atmosphere up the wazoo. It's a space that feels distinctive, which often isn't the case at the latest trendy hot spot. Yes, the distinctiveness renders itself in neon green lighting that is wildly unflattering and bizarre cafeteria style booths and carpeting (which is really unusual for a restaurant when you think about it) but it has a homey feel, a certain tacky coziness that makes you want to snuggle into one of the booths and share some shawarma (also damn good) and fries (don't forget the fries!) with the one you love. Or at least it does for me.
The hummus and baba ganoush are very good, but I wasn't a huge fan of the falafel. I also regret getting the yogurt drink.
But I'm a *huge* fan of the chicken maroosh - the garlic sauce makes it tick, and the chicken is always moist and juicy. Will definitely come back just for that.
Not enough can be said of the glory that is the hummus or a falafel or chicken maroosh sandwich at Saad's. One of the worst months of my life happened to coincide with their month-long closing in observance of Ramadan. Okay, so maybe it wasn't the worst month, but it was certainly painful not having the option in my dining choices.
If you want the real deal, skip WAY over Maoz on South Street for this place. It's authentic, quick, fast, and best of all: cheap. After I've finished a sandwich, it's likely I won't need much more for the rest of the day.
Awwwwwwww yeah, Saad's is the mutt's nuts and then some! I see this place every time I leave Abyssinia, but of course it's always too late. So after spotting the Yelp reviews, I called my neighbour today and told her we were going to check this place out for lunch. Well, we got there right around 1.30, only to be told by Saad that he closes from 1.30 - 2.30 every Friday for prayers. He must have seen the look of sadness in my eye, because he then immediately said they will quickly make us something. Remembering the reviews, we both got the chicken maroush sandwich, and we ate it in my car. Oh so good. I love the combination of the pickles and that yummy garlic sauce that everyone has been raving about. Given that we wanted to let them get to prayers, we decided quite quickly, and it was only afterward that I found myself sort of wishing I had got the falafel, as that's more my cup of tea than a chicken sandwich, and I also wanted to try the baba ganoush and the stuffed grape leaves. The rotisserie chickens looked to die for too, as did the baklava, but we will explore all those things soon when we go for dinner and have time to relax more. But the sandwich really hit the spot, and it was huge! Saad was really friendly too, as were his employees. And I for one love the no cellphone rule. I'm as guilty as the next person of texting when I'm out to eat, but there's something nice about a place that considers talking on the phone bad manners when you're eating a meal. So the 5th star is mainly for that!
saad's might not be the best falafel in the city, but it's the best falafel in west philly. plus, they've got those amazing ali's bean pies (with the "come back taste"), delicious fries, and saad himself. i adore the tacky interior and the pretty wall hangings, and i especially love the no-cell-phone policy.
i recommend that you stay away from the strawberry moss drink, but everything else i've had there is delicious.
Saad makes the best hummus in west philly.
and the guy yells at you if you use your cell phone in the restaurant, which always makes for amusing dinner entertainment at the expense of people who have never been there before.
also, try the baklava. DELICIOUS!
Praise Allah, this place rocks. Best Falafel in the city, hands down. The shwarma is banging. The hummus is yummus. And the chicken maroosh makes me want to call someone and share my good fortune - however, Saad's is a cell-phone free zone (yay!), so that's out of the question. The prices couldn't be better, Saad himself couldn't be nicer, and the food couldn't be tastier. Get it.
The Chicken Maroosh is one of the best sandwiches I've had anywhere and a Saad original. It's seasoned chicken with ripe tomatoes, sauteed onions, fresh parsley, and orgasmic garlic sauce on an Amaroso roll pressed on a Panini-style grill. Think hoagie meets Cuban sandwich meets chicken shwarama.
Othe good choices are the grape leaves, the hummus and the spinach salad (they also use excellent feta cheese in the salads).
EDIT: I should add that the Lamb Maroosh is every bit as good as the chicken, if not more so. Honestly when I first had the lamb many years ago I was not too impressed, but either he changed the recipe or I got a bad batch because every time I've had it since, it's been great. Also, Saad is friendly as hell and very committed to the quality of his product.
I love Saad's just because it smells so great. As for the falafel, call me spoiled, but I don't think it is thaaaaat great. It is exponentially better if you get it with tabouli. To bring the point home--I don't order it anymore without tabouli. Their hummus is fine. Their shwarma is good. Their fries are really good. There are all sorts of different sized booths which is nice for all parties. Sometimes you end up sitting with strangers and making new friends. Everyone is always having a good time in there so it is a great place to grab a bite, even if their falafel is so-so.
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Ethiopian
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Middle Eastern
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Ethnic Food
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Sandwiches
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Food Stands
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