- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Shawarma King
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
1383 Beacon StBrookline, MA 02446
Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner
(617) 731-6035
- Nearest Transit:
-
Summit Ave - Inbound (Green Line)
Summit Ave - Outbound (Green Line)
322 Harvard St (66)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
156 reviews for Shawarma King
Review Highlights
"My favorite place for a falafel in Boston."
(in 51 reviews)
"Amazing beef-lamb shawarma with the perfect combination of..."
(in 14 reviews)
"New to Coolidge corner so I haven't had time to check other..."
(in 13 reviews)
Loading...
156 reviews in English
-
Review from Nessa M.
Brookline, MA
1/12/2012
A total dive but i feel like everyone has to try it. This place has been around for many many years and it has hardly changed its menu (if at all). I used to come when I was 8 years old and recently started coming again and everything is just as I remembered. The lamb and chicken shawarma are great and so are the grape leaf wraps and the hummus. Even the fries are good (random but good).
I always try to pull out cash before going because up to a certain amount they only take cash I believe. There is an ATM in there but it'll charge you extra so better to go in prepared. -
Review from Nicole A.
Walpole, MA
1/20/2012
This is a review on their delivery service, I can't speak to the restaurant experience:
Okay, shawarma king is great shawarma- when it arrives PROMPTLY and is WARM. I had such a disappointing experience tonight when it took over 2 hours for my order to arrive (and I live in Medford). When the food finally got here the delivery guy seemed grumpy and the food was cold :(
That being said, I have had great experiences with them in the past and the food consistently hits the spot and is very reasonably priced. I usually opt for the lamb plate, which is a big portion of shaved meat on a bed of rice and comes with salad.
If only they were reliable! -
Review from Doris T.
Brookline, MA
10/26/2011
I am inclining more toward a 3.5 but I will be generous today.
The shawarma was probably not the best I've had but it had its perks too. The prices here seem very reasonable and food quality is good too. Service is excellent! I got the plain shawarma roll-up (minus the hummus or baba ganouj which makes the combo) and it was enough to make me really full! The meat was tender and flavorful. The sauce was somewhat spicy (that's what I wanted) but somewhat tangy and it left a weird bitter after taste... but while I was savoring my roll-up sandwich, I was content :) Will stop by again sometime. -
Review from irfan m.
Boston, MA
2/8/2012
Are you kidding me, Best Shwerma in town. Ok you need falafel fix..mhh.mhhh..mm.So good. I am a hot sauce fan and guy responds it promptly and he knows exactly what I am talking about. They try to push their specials but just ignore it. I love their service staff..So fast..On time. So again this place does not have orchids on your table and Butler service but for $9 they will hook you up. Just walk right in and you will be welcomed with big smile.
-
Review from Courtney G.
Brookline, MA
2/1/2012
It's small and VERY casual but I love the food!
I highly highly recommend any and all of their hot and cold middle eastern rollups !
They are the best I've ever had and I'm a foodie!
They have hot dinners everyday that are very satisfying
i also LOVE there custards
I always get the one with rosewater.... Yum!
I guess i know where I'm going tomorrow!
:) -
Review from Marc B.
Boston, MA
1/20/2012
Best place for quick, great tasting food at a perfect price.
Sometimes, I go out of my way for a small plate of hummus with ground lamb and a splash of olive oil.
Great dinner plates too.
Very casual. Sometimes crowded, but worth it. -
Review from Alyssa S.
12/26/2011
I love this place for it's delicious food and quick walk-in/walk-out service. Ever since my boyfriend introduced it to me, I crave their kabobs and lamb more times than I should. The kabobs, grape wraps, meat pies, pita with hummus, and all the other authentic dishes are just so warming and comforting. For the price you pay, it's just perfect for a quick, go-to meal.
-
Review from Brian W.
Peabody, MA
12/22/2011
Great simple tons of Lebanese food. No frills. The best with no BS.
-
Review from Cathy S.
Cambridge, MA
9/22/2011 1 photo
Wow the portion here is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the vegetarian dinner plate (go check the pic). It came with two small mountains of salads, a big load of hummus, two stuffed grape leaves (very filling), two falafels (extremely filling) and two pita breads (boy i was overwhelmed...)! I am a girl and this is enough for two delicious and healthy meals.
Service is prompt and friendly. Highly recommended. -
Review from Amie M.
Winthrop, MA
11/29/2011
I've been coming to SK since the early 90's (yes, I am old) when a BF of mine worked there. The place is as consistant the day is long! GREAT falafel, awesome baba,great hummus, and the baklava is heavenly! Add cheap prices and open late and you've got a solid winner! I make the trek to SK from suburbia as often as I can, even though the BF is no longer! I love Shawarma King!
-
Review from James F.
Provo, UT
9/15/2011
The food is okay. Anyone saying it is the best shawarma they've ever eaten needs to eat shawarma more. Great prices; okay food. Good selection. Decently-sized portions.
But there's no service at all: I ordered to stay in, but they gave it to me to go. Too much trouble to put it on a plate on a tray I guess. The guys behind the counter were more interested in talking to each other than in preparing or selling food. -
Review from Jill F.
5/12/2011
This place is crowned King for a reason. I think it may be the best fallafel in Boston!
In the summer in Brookline, there is nothing better than walking up to Coolidge Corner, paying $5 dollars for a crispy, warm fallafel wrap and eating it on the benches outside with a helping of baklava for dessert.
Super Kitsch interior, super yum food...Go get some Shawarma King delight! -
Review from Khaldoun A.
Boston, MA
1/1/2012
yummy lunch is always found in this small joint. best middle eastern in boston!
-
Review from Julie R.
3/22/2011
This was my first shawarma experience and will certainly not be my last.
I tried the chicken shawarma combo with the additions of hummus and baba ganoush. I loved it. Biting into it, it was crispy from the grill but tender inside with the juicy meat, loaded with flavor. My fiance had the same combo but with the lamb. No complaints there!
On the side, the falafel was light and fluffy. I found the curry flavor bold compared to others. We also took a side of hummus and pita to go. Their hummus is garlicky and delicious.
The inside eating area has a few tables that opened up quickly during a busy lunch. Will certainly return. This is a great cheap eats place with quality food. Very nice guys behind the counter too! -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Brookline, MA
2/10/2011
I have devoured shawarma in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Druze village, and le Marais in Paris, France, and Shawarma King is the. best. shawarma. I've ever had.
I don't know WHAT they do to the flavors that make my tongue so ecstatic. This is the Middle Eastern equivalent of Anna's. It may not be good for you, but it's SO good (for me).Listed in: Toto.. I don't think we're in…
-
Review from Prithviraj S.
Cambridge, MA
12/10/2010
I've typically had good experiences here but the last time I went, I saw them microwave the chicken shawarma! I mean, come on...
Head to Azama Grill for better quality stuff. -
Review from Eve L.
Brighton, MA
8/17/2011
This place doesn't get the love that Rami's does, but it's quite good. As I wrote in my review for Rami's, Rami's wins for best pita, hands down. But Shawarma King is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper (like, two people can get a meal for under $20 as opposed to $30) and that wins Shawarma King some points. Their falafel is quite tasty. Fewer veggies included. Excellent hummus and baba ghanouj. Pretty comparable to Moody's in Cambridge.
-
Review from Joe J.
Brookline, MA
11/15/2010
Being Lebanese, I have a soft spot for my mom's cooking. I think it is the best, and nothing compares to it. Still, I like to give places like this a try.
Shawarma King is OK. That's about it. The food isn't outstanding, but it is flavorful and filling. Sometimes it is a bit messy, but still it tastes good.
I still haven't found another shawarma joint in the area, but I'm looking. There hummous is OK, kind of "liquidy" and their lamb stew was alright. The portions aren't that big and it is cash only which is kind of annoying. The tabouli was alright. If you can ever make it out to Norwood, MA, try and get to Cedar's Market. It is a Lebanese supermarket that makes shawarmas, and they are the BEST. -
Review from Toni K.
Newton, MA
12/1/2011
Im middle eastern and hard to impress. These guys have the best garlic sauce in the world. Maks sure you get a side of their famous "garlic sauce" and dip your chicken shawarma in it. Its pure bliss! Ive personally never had an issue here and will continue to go there everytime I pass by.
-
Review from Mark M.
Astoria, NY
11/27/2010
I've eaten shawarma all over the place, and I keep defaulting to thinking that Shawarma King is the best (for shawarma, at any rate), anywhere. I keep searching, and failing, to find shawarma this good in NY...and after 10 years of trying, I've given up. Shawarma King reigns supreme.
One of their dishes that I absolutely love is the hummus with ground lamb. Ask for extra pine nut and onions. It's cheap, filling, and good. Their stuffed grape leaves are also really good.
I don't miss much about living in Boston...but I miss Shawarma King. -
Review from Cwot W.
Boston, MA
8/21/2011
First stop in here today. Beef & lamb shawarma sandwich was excellent. Definitely heading back again soon. All hail the king!
-
Review from K P.
Boston, MA
8/26/2011
Place was not clean
Chicken Shawarma was good.
Their tamarind juice was horrible.
I wanted to try this place because I had a coupon. However, they didnt accept the coupons It should not have been featured on the site if they dont use it. They didnt apologize either. -
Review from Romulo R.
9/22/2010
Really 3 1/2 stars over all, but i have not tried the menu that much so this is one of those pending further review.
Although, to be honest to get the 'as good as it gets' rating, this place needs to be open late.
There, I said.
Come on people, this is a city for pete's sake. there are all kinds of people walking around hungry late. this place would be awesome if they opened late. Even if they had a limited menu after hours. Just a thought.
But very good food and superfriendly staff. Great location as well. -
Review from Katrina M.
Brookline, MA
4/16/2011
I crave Shawarma King on a regular basis. I especially love the dinner platters, because of all the sides that they come with. A great deal for a great dinner!
-
Review from Sarah R.
Somerville, MA
6/18/2007 ROTD 9/1/2007
I'm going to try to write this review while totally ignoring that this was the last place I went out to eat with my ex before being unceremoniously dumped at Publick House last week. Here goes.
So we went here after deciding that, while delicious, Fugakyu just didn't warrant a 40-minute wait (on a Wednesday, of all days).
It's cramped in Shawarma King. Expect to get really up close and personal with other patrons if you plan on eating in. However, I discovered that a small sacrifice of personal space is totally worth it. Also, this isn't really the type of place where one lingers and admires the ambience, so customers typically aren't at their tables for long.
I got the chicken shawarma with garlic, which also comes with rice, a delicious salad (not unlike the one that comes with entrees at Columbus Cafe), and pickles. Which was a little random for me, but hey, I never claimed to be an expert on Mediterranean/Lebanese food. Regardless, it was all delicious and filling.
I can likely overlook the bad events that transpired afterwards to come here again and get some cheap, yummy takeout the next time I'm lurking around the 'Corner. -
Review from Jake M.
4/30/2008
Pretender, usurper, clothes-less emperor - your regality is robed in fraudulence. You only prosper now because the Falafel King has not yet deigned to take notice your puppet principality on his western borders. When he stirs from his stronghold in Downtown Crossing, you will taste his wrath.
And his wrath tastes wonderful, truly kingly - perfect texture, perfect portion, perfect price - unlike your sorry excuses for shawarma, of which you claim yourself lord and protector A tasteless undersized mess of dripping mush, any semblance of meat pulverized into unrecognizability, your offerings are not fit for the peasants who till your fields - perhaps not even their livestock.
Your kingdom stands on a flimsy foundation, your "Highness", your reign, strictly on borrowed time, false prince. Abdicate now, while you still have your head. -
Review from Hiroko S.
Brookline, MA
12/14/2006 1 photo
There is a meaning why this is three stars because I cannot judge. So stars are going to change based on my other experiences.
I am actually not ready to write a review of this place because I almost don't have any experience of middle east food.
Therefore my order was like this.
Shawarma(S): "Next!"
Hiroko(H): "Hi..........................................ahaaa uuuu ahahahaha"
S: "........."
H:"............................................... ........I don't know what should I order....."
S:"Oh is this your first time? Can you eat chicken? Chicken Shawarma is good."
H:"OK I will try it."
Chicken Shawarma was good and I am familiar with that taste because I had in Tokyo but the name was different. According to the pictures on menu, it seems like the other menu is more like chalenging especially for me that I am glad that he recommend me to order chicken shawrma.
I am always excited about trying new restaurant. I will try the other menu. -
Review from Kelly O.
8/14/2009
What solidifies this place for me as a staple is the fact that they grill your roll-up. Just that simple little step adds so much to your sandwich... if you've got the whole salty-bitter-soft-crunchy-garlicky-deliciousness thing going on, the grilling not only helps you keep it all inside but gives you that nice outer crust to contrast with the inner soft goodness. Mmm... Also, never thought I would like pickles in my sandwich, but here somehow it totally works.
Chicken shawarma roll-up is my standard order, and I also realllly enjoy the pumpkin kibbe. Can't comment on the rest of the menu, but those two are solid choices. -
Review from Madhumitha N.
Manhattan, NY
10/31/2010
They have more variety of vegetarian food. They have good and cheap food, all together is a perfect place when you want to relax during weekday.
TIPS: very close to T station. -
Review from Sameer N.
New York, NY
1/6/2009
KID ARE YOU MENTAL? You haven't reviewed this yet??
First things first. I grew up eating Indian and Lebanese/Syrian food. I know what good hummus tastes like (no, it isn't Israeli, there was no Israel when hummus was invented), I know what a delectable tabouli tastes like, and God damnit I know what a correct shawarma is supposed to taste like.
Considering your options (Rami's), this place has it all and they're super authentic. They have the oily Lebanese dude behind the counter taking your (CASH ONLY) orders. You can get the lamb, chicken, or beef shawarma. You can get delicious hummus with olive oil just chilling in the center of it, you can get the mouth watering/breath destroying tomb (garlic paste, dont know how to spell it in English).
Check this place out. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars are the following:
1) Sitting space is super limited.
2) It's cash only and the ATM machine charges me dumb loot to take out cash.
3) It's not stoner friendly (there's a bunch of families that roll in and white people who want to seem cultured/love other cultures foods.)
4) There's no hot Lebanese women working there. Just oily hairy chested men, but if that's your thing.. there's plenty of "eye candy" I guess. -
Review from Kendra G.
Brookline, MA
3/10/2008
Four stars cause I hate restaurants with mirrored interiors. Seriously, the second-to-last thing I want to watch myself do is eat.
But I feel totally dumb that my bf and I have walked past this place too many times to count in the last two years and only dropped by last Friday when I was starving and in a post-orthodontic funk and needed something fast, vegetarian, and easy on the teeth. And we only had $14 in cash between us. Got the veggie combo plate and the day was saved. Awesome falafel, hummous, salad, rice, tabbouli, pita, and a stuffed grape leave. A huge pile of very tasty food we split for $12 including drink.
I don't even know what a shawarma is and I don't care. Lots of veggie options (unlike Pita Kabob) and fast. I will definitely go back before I leave town in August. -
Review from Kyle H.
Easthampton, MA
7/26/2006
I love Shawarma King for the shawarma -- their shawarma roll-ups are the best I have ever tasted, with lots of delicious tahini-garlic sauce and yummy pickles, plus they're grilled, for extra awesomeness.
That said, I'm not crazy about the other stuff at Shawarma King. The falafel is pretty good, but Sami's in Longwood or Rami's (also in Coolidge Corner) do it better. And once or twice I have gotten one of their dinners with rice and salad and been really unimpressed.
But those shawarma roll-ups! They are the food of the gods! -
Review from Joseph P.
Amherst, MA
6/9/2010
I walked around Coolidge Corner looking for something that wasn't an awkward $$ restaurant or a Dunkin Donuts and walked into this place and it was perfect for someone like me, just wanting something good and easy.
I had the shawarma sandwich and it was perfect.
Support this little Lebanese place... -
Review from Michael K.
Allston, MA
5/30/2008
Eh, decent generic Middle Eastern food (Lebanese flags, I wonder if there are any specific Lebanese dishes they could highlight?) close to work. Overpriced for the portions and unremarkable flavor. I'm not saying it's bad or a racket or anything, it's just nothing to rave about. Falafel Palace in Central square is a much better value and tastes a lot better in my opinion.
Very limited seating, also. -
Review from Shea D.
Brookline, MA
2/12/2008
Honestly, I don't know why this place is rated so high... This is probably the worst shawarma I've ever had... Their meat doesn't even taste like meat, they throw everything into a thin, crappy pita with the skimpiest portions of meat, and it tastes... decent. But when I think Shawarma, I have high expectations...
The restaurant its self is really dirty as well, and the service is poor... Not going to be returning, sorry! -
Review from Dara C.
6/14/2010
I'm not going to lie, I don't exactly love Shawarma King for a couple of reasons, but it's certainly okay. C'EST WHY!
Shawarma King serves up perfectly serviceable Lebanese-style shawarma and hummus. Portions are on the smaller size, especially for roll-ups, but they ARE packed full of flavor. The hummus is very lemon-y, perhaps a little bit too much for me (sorry, Moody's wins there.) The meat is juicy and tender, the rolls sometimes a bit messy. The grape leaves are a nice size. I didn't love the falafel. It wasn't spiced nearly as well as others and was a bit dry to boot, though it was crispy on the outside.
Place is cash-only, though, which is a bummer. They have a fakey ATM inside, the kind that charges an arm, a leg, a firstborn, and $3 fee to use. (Okay, why the ATM fee? There is no little man sitting inside that ATM that needs to be paid but rather, a gigantic, faceless corporation in an industrial park somewhere in Kentucky or perhaps Illinois. Why do I need to pay to access my damn money?! Whoo-rant-over.)
In short. Shawarma King is worth a stop, but I think if you're seriously jonesing for shawarma and only the best will do, Falafel King "reigns." (Lame. If my current job falls through, I should write Herald headlines.) -
Review from bettina c.
Saint Louis, MO
3/13/2008
Shwarma King is delicious!
This is a no-frills restaurant. The food is fantastic. Their portions are generous. Large menu. Great place for both vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. -
Review from Kiwi H.
4/26/2007
Not bad, but not the best. Yes, they have some yummy shawarmas, kebabs, baklava, juices, and assorted mezzeh (mostly cold), and if you're in the area and don't want to travel further it's probably one of the best places around Brookline/Coolidge Corner to get Arabic food.
While things are by no means expensive here, I do think things can be slightly overpriced for what you're getting. But maybe that's just because I don't think baklawa should be charged by the piece for that much (although they are admittedly big pieces), and because I know that back home in the U.A.E. I can get a yummy shawarma for 2.5dhs. (That's the rough equivalent of 67cents). So I realise that I'm biased compared to some! Still, we are indeed in Boston and as Arabic food isn't as common here as some, it's a good place to go and *definitely* won't break the bank. And the staff are really nice and friendly too, which is always a good thing!
I prefer my wara einab (vine leaves) warm rather than cold like they serve them here, and less lemony, but still everything here is quite fresh and delicious. It's not the kind of place you'd dress up and go into for a fancy, atmospheric dinner at all.. but a great casual place to get takeout, or stop in for a quick bite with friends. Cash only! -
Review from Rachel S.
Boston, MA
4/16/2008
The place is kinda crowded and the chicken roll up I got was bland. A friend of mine ordered the shawarma and was disappointed by the taste & portion. My other friend was satisfied with his salad (which was pretty big and cheap) but none of us were all that impressed.
I was really disappointed, especially since there's signs hanging up in the place, boasting about its award-winning food. Shawarma King couldn't be more average.
Coolidge Corner has much better places in the area, I regret not checking out Rami's instead. -
Review from Drew S.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2008
This review is based on hummus alone. (I am not a fan of the spices in the shwarma, totally personal... I only hear good things from everyone else.)
Moving on: that hummus is a-mazing! And if you get it with the lamb on top (in this case I don't mid the spices) it also has slivered almonds and olive oil on it. WOW.
Here is a tip though, don't eat it with the pita they give you, go across the street and up to where Beacon meets Marion and in the Russian grocery (Bazaar i think?) they have this amazing flat bread that is just killer with it!
Just don't plan on making out after eating this liquid garlic... it's pretty intense!
