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Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
1509 W Foster AveChicago, IL 60640
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Ravenswood, Uptown
(773) 334-1600
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
284 reviews for Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The lentil soup is perfect on a winter day." In 144 reviews -
"The falafel was also perfectly seasoned and cooked." In 135 reviews -
"My favorite is the hummous/grape leaves." In 23 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
284 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle K.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012 1 photo
I've gotten lunch here many times and it is always pretty crowded-a good sign!
My order today:
2 hummus and grape leaf wraps for $3.79
Baklava for $1
Lentil soup for $2.49ish
total was $12 not bad for both lunch and dinner
I am determined to try everything. I've just had their famous soup for the first time today and thought it was a great value and you get a warm pita to dip in it. Full of flavor and a bit spicy.
The food gets out fast and the nice counter people bring it right to your table along with a cup of water. I've never waited for more than 10 minutes. I also appreciate that they nicely wrap the wraps in parchment paper when you order to dine in and foil when you take out so the wrap stays well...wrapped and it isn't messy to eat.
Highly recommend this Andersonville gem! -
Review from mike f.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2012
This place has the best simple menu, is very inexpensive, and they are lightning fast at getting you your food.
I don't know what this lady below me is talking about regarding the soup not being vegan. I even called the restaurant and asked them if the soup contains chicken broth, and asked them why that specific review mentions chicken broth, and they said they read the review as well and don't know why someone would say that. People with vegan diets, you can still enjoy the soup, and I honestly think it is the best lentil soup in the city. Just don't get it to go because the styrofoam cup breaks easily and you don't get as much as in a bowl when you sit down.
See you in there! -
Review from Annie D.
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
When the BF first moved to Chicago, this was one of the places we bookmarked on Yelp to try. Unfortunately for us,we seem to only crave falafel on Sundays... the one day they are closed.
Finally, last weekend we headed over here on a Saturday and scored big. We ordered a tabbouleh salad to share and I went for the falafel platter (comes with baba ganouj, hummus, some veggies and a few fried chickpea balls... and their pita bread, which is excellent). The platter was delicious, but actually smaller than I thought it would be, so I ate the whole thing no problem. Same with my boyfriend's sandwich---a little on the small side. The tasty tabbouleh salad, on the other hand... ENORMOUS.
Honestly the portions for the platter and sandwich are probably more appropriate than the way we normally stuff ourselves and it's still a good value for the price... just know that if you're hungry you should probably order an appetizer or salad too.
The counter-style restaurant itself is rather small and there's no real atmosphere of note. Kind of divey but clean. Fancy is not required for food this good. -
Review from Vera J.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012
I am not in love with the atmosphere, and since that's important to me for a sit-down place, I wouldn't stop and get a meal here.
That being said, I was introduced to Taste of Lebanon as carry-out by a friend, and the falafel wrap is THE GREATEST THING ON EARTH. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but I can't imagine a better meal for $3. So although the sit-down is like any other place where you order at a counter, the food is totally fantastic. -
Review from mark w.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/26/2012
OK, tried a few more things on the menu. The lentil soup is outstanding. My wife loves the cucumber salad, and the felafel wraps are awesome. I stand firm with the chicken schwarma being bland, but everything else is awesome.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2011
2.5 stars. I just don't get all the good reviews. Just gave this place a second chance last week.… Read more »
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Review from Kathryn F.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
$4 falafel with hummus. Delicious. I had it twice a week during Lent when I gave up meat. Tasty, flavorful falafel with creamy hummus in a thin pita. It was the perfect meal to have on the go. I've never had anything else. Why mess up a good thing?
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Review from Anthony J.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2012
Falafel w/hummus wrap, $3.79, sooo delicious, 5 stars. Nuff said.
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Review from Jasmine J.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2012
Taste of Lebanon is the best fast food around. It's SUPER cheap, fresh, healthy (come on, healthier than most fast food), and delicious. The lentil soup and falafel here cannot be beat. Amazing.
Listed in: 5000 North
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Review from Marion G.
Chicago, IL
5/12/2012
Best Lebanese food I've had outside of Paris. We generally take out - so rating is for food (and not ambiance or service.) We're working our way through the menu, but the lentil soup is nice and as is typical, there are plenty of vegetarian - and vegan options - like baba ganoush (Smoked eggplant, blended with tahini, garlic, fresh lemon juice, topped with olive oil, fresh parsley), stuffed grape leaves, Fool Mudammas: Mashed fava beans and chickpeas with fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, topped off with olive oil, parsley & of course, falafel . All are prepared with enough flavor - all are savory enough to please meat eaters too. The Kefta (lamb kabob) on pita has a very nice tahini sauce. In fact all their sauces we've tried are all quite good. On larger orders, they often surprise us with an extra in the bag - like a baklava or extra stuffed grape leaves.
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Review from Kaitlin M.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2012
I have found true love! Oh my golly gosh...they made all my dreams come true through food! First off they have have a couple of different veggie/ vegan options. There are two different veggie platters, a falafel wrap and a grape leaves wrap. I have had everything so far and have been quite content with the portion and in heaven with the flavors.
I must comment on their amazing lentil soup also. It is not fully vegan because it's base is chicken broth but if your not a freak about it... it is COMPLETELY WORTH THE CHEAT! You have to at least get a cup of lentil soup when you stop in.
By the way.. bring cash. They don't take credit cards. That is probably the only down side to this place but it is a sacrifice that we all should be willing to make to support the mom and pop shops!
The service is always friendly and your meal always comes out quick so its a great place to stop in for lunch. Most likely I will be there so say Hi if you recognize me! ;-) -
Review from David R.
Updated - 10/14/2011
Good lord, the injustice! How have I not bumped them to five stars months ago?
By now I have moved into the neighborhood and become a regular, but even before that I probably got carryout from here once every six weeks or so. They have risen meteorically through the takeout preference ranks from occasional treat to periodic go-to option to all-time favorite.
It simply can't be beaten--phenomenal food for relatively cheap. Transcendent lentil soup, superb hummus, and one of the best falafel wraps in the city or suburbs.
And the service is consistently great. Recently I found an unordered baclava-like dessert in my takeout bag, and I think that it was because I had pointed out that the guy was giving me too much change. Either that or they just give out random free desserts. I wouldn't put it past them.Listed in: Soup's On!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2009
See, if I didn't read Yelp reviews, I would never have tried the excellent lentil soup. I never get… Read more »
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Review from ilovesushi- L.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2012
Great quick lunch place. Cash only with no atm. My favorite is the fatoush salad. Their lentil soup is really good too. I eat here at least once a week.
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Review from Casey M.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
After seeing many fellow Yelpers rave about this place I had to go there and see what all the craze was about. Andersonville is chock-full of great Middle-Eastern places and this small store front restaurant has never grabbed my attention. That is because I have my favorites there and I know I will consistently get a great meal from them.
Taste of Lebanon(TOL) really changed my perception and I really enjoyed my meal there.
It was a brisk afternoon in Chicago and after a quick walk around some Andersonville shops, I was in the mood for a hot and hearty bowl of soup. I saw all my regular standbys, but chose TOL's cozy storefront instead. There is an inside walk-up counter with an easy to read large print menu and the food is relatively cheap. I read $2 Lentil Soup, $3 Falafel Wrap and $1 Soda Pop. I ordered just that and sat down. The gentleman at the counter brought out the Lentil Soup to my table (I was waiting to hear someone call out that my order was ready). The soup came out piping hot and also came with four delicious and chewy pieces of pita bread. The Lentil Soup was savory, fresh, slightly lemony and delicious. The portion was big, for the mere $2 dollars I spent.
I also ordered the Falafel Wrap with Baba Ganoush and that came out about a minute after the soup. The wrap was really good. There were about 5 pieces of crispy falafel, wrapped up with fresh lettuce, tomato, tahini sauce and their delicately smoky baba ganoush. After getting baba ganosh and tahini all over my face, I cleaned up with the provided napkins and headed out feeling full and comforted.
Don't be fooled by the facade. Taste of Lebanon is a great little restaurant amongst it's bigger brothers in Andersonviile's Middle-Eastern block. It is a quick in-and-out restaurant with great food, friendly service and really good prices. TOL, I will be back to explore your great affordable menu. -
Review from Liz T.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2012
Notes: Cash only and they close early. But... The lentil soup is really good as is the falafel sandwich. Personally, I like Sultan's sandwich better but this place is cheaper and closer to home so it usually gets my bucks.
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Review from Jack P.
1/11/2012
Finally had an opportunity to pop in for lunch here. The place is actually more spacious inside than it looks from the outside. The well-staffed and busy kitchen in the back, and the easy-to-read menu above the service window, one is impressed by the number of menu items all under $5.00. I ordered a Lebanese Salad, as I thought it would be like a Jerusalem Salad, with little lettuce, and mostly tomatoes, cukes, and onions. It was mostly iceberg lettuce, with a basic vianaigrette. Large enough, but I was looking for the smaller salad with the tahini type dressing. The falafel wrap was good. Nothing special. I was hoping they had mint tea, but a bottle of water served to hydrate and wash down the goodies. I need to return and try some of the other recommended items.This time, everything was just OK. The prices about as low as you could ask for. And the service is sweet.
Listed in: Cheap Eats I Have Known and…, What about Kebob?
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Review from Dave O.
Chicago, IL
10/18/2011
Easy to miss storefront that serves the best Lentil soup and pretty good sandwiches/wraps. I like the lamb wrap the best with the falafel a close second.
Great food and cheap (by Andersonville standards). If you live in the hood you really have to try this place. -
Review from Matt T.
10/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Oh the hype, the hype! I get too wrapped up (no pun intended) in the hype. The good reviews sold me and I've now been to Taste of Lebanano a few times. Granted, I've only had a few things on the small menu at this tiny, hole in the wall cash-only spot on Foster, but I just haven't been blown away.
Would I stop here if I was hungry for a cheap Middle Eastern wrap if I was in the neighborhood? Sure would. But, would I come out of my way to come here knowing there are better spots no too far away from me? Naw.
Look, I love Middle Eastern food, especially those that are Lebanese. Taste of Lebanon is known for their lentil soup and their chicken shawarma wraps and since these items are some of my favorites I make it a point to come out there a few times.
The lentil soup is good. Pretty good there, but really, I was expecting to be blown away. Maybe it was the day I was there but the soup was a little too watery and bland for me. It had potential, it wasn't that bland, really, but I like my lentil soup a little creamier (see Larsa's or the Afghani spot in Skokie, Kabul House).
I love love love love love chicken shawarma and I was excited to get one in wrap form. I've fallen in a hard ass love with the chicken or beef shawarma special sandwich at Semiramis in Albany Park and I was excited to try another sammy in wrap form. I thought that the reviewers could not be wrong and when you add hummus to the sandwich and then drop some hot sauce other I'd be tap dancing with a sandwich in my hand outside of Taste of Lebanon trying to get some change for another one.
Not so. The sandwich was kind of a disappointment. It's a big sammy, but not big on flavor. What am I missing? I'm not sure if it's me but I'm not seeing it. The chicken on all three occassions was rather bland and a bit on the drier side. The wrap itself was also bland and so was the hummus!
Oh dear. I was so excited to have found another cheap spot, but not so.
Oh well, I will continue on my search. Well, I don't really need to search, I've found some favorite spots, but I like to eat Middle Eastern food so much I will continue to on this adventure. -
Review from Julie B.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2011
Nestled in a tiny strip along Foster Ave between Clark and Ashland, the most precious gem - Taste of Lebanon. I'm originally from the Detroit area and to find authentic middle eastern cuisine is hard to find.
Family owned, they are a great little eat in or take out joint (only about 8-10 tables). Clean space and very affordable. I prefer a cup of their lentil soup, their falafel is so delicious (not greasy), I love their falafel and hummus sandwich. This is a in & out kind of joint, small menu with sandwiches, soup, salads, and you are given baklavah with your order (it's sooo good). A sandwich will run you under $5.00!
I'm a regular and everytime I come here I am warmly greeted, receive great service and food! -
Review from Jenna P.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2012
i love thee for thy cheapness and deliciousness. cash only. don't be fooled by the non descript outside. the food will win you over time and again.
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Review from Jelena Z.
How do I know when it's love?
I can't tell you but it lasts forever
How does it feel when it's love?
It's just somethin' you feel together
Yep, just like Van Halen said. I know, I know - It's only been six weeks. But this thing that Taste of Lebanon and I have, it's the real deal. I've finally found my soulmate and I'm whipped on his fresh, fluffy pita bread, soul-seducing baba ghanoush, silky smooth hummus and chicken shawarma that makes my toes curl. In 30 seconds flat.
I finally gave the falafel a whirl and it's excellent. I even ate at Sultan's the following day just to make sure... you know, one last rendezvous before taking on Taste of Lebanon as my life partner. And I have no regrets because now I'm absolutely certain I'll be spending the rest of my falafel-lovin' days with the only Middle Eastern restaurant I'll ever truly love.
You look at every face in a crowd
Some shine and some keep you guessin'
Waiting for someone to come into focus
Teach you your final love lesson
It feels so good to stop looking! Ahhh.Listed in: Recession Eats & Drinks, YelpCurious., Bring It: BYOBs, Cold, hard CASH., My so-called (healthy) life.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2011
Who's tired of the 'hidden gem' expression? This girl! I hate to toss around another overused and… Read more »
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Review from Michelle N.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2011
This is our go-to for take-out on a night when we're just too tired or lazy to cook. I'm vegetarian, my husband is not, and we love that it has options for both of us.
My go to order is the lentil soup (BEST I have ever had) and a falafel wrap and his is shawarma. The staff are very friendly and courteous. It's the kind of place where you feel good spending your money.
A few things to note: I give it 5 stars, but that's evaluating it for what it is--a cash only joint about the size of your living room where you order extremely tasty food at a rock bottom price and sit in plastic chairs at plastic tables. It's the best deal in town, but save this place for a night when you just want cheap, great food, not high-end ambiance. Think of it more like being served in a family friend's friend's living room. -
Review from David F.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
The solid eats at this little humble joint is what first opened my eyes to Middle Eastern food, and for this Taste of Lebanon (and Emin my buddy) I love ya!! these guys will be here for years to come as the great reviews would suggest.
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Review from Amy A.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012
It's a cheap falafel joint. They have other stuff, but how can you go wrong with a $3 falafel? It's good and it's cheap. What else do you need to know? Oh, it is cash only, and they aren't open on Sundays. So glad they are in my neighborhood!
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Review from Lynn R.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2011
After living in Chicago 4 years I have only just discovered this place.
It is the best Middle Eastern Food in Chicago in the Budget range.
It is the first place that took some pride in plating the food as well.
I lived 2 years in Lebanon and Jordan and this place tastes just like it did when I was there.
I recomend the Vegetarian plate as an appetizer for 2 people it has the grape leaves, Falefal, Tabooleh and olives and plenty of it.
This is my new favorite place. -
Review from Josh S.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2011
You should know, going in, that this is quick and dirty Lebanese food. It is fast food without the grease and drive through, but it is fast food. That said, it is dirt cheap and delicious. There is always a steady crowd, but it is rarely crowded.
The lentil soup is amazing (objectively). It has far more body that any lentil soup I've ever had and has a rich and complex flavor that belies its price. While I've never walked away disappointed with a dish, I am always amazed at how delicious their lentil soup is. If you are in Andersonville, it is worth seeking out.
Why is this a five star restaurant? It is consistent, wonderfully inexpensive, and has at least one home run dish that can't be beat or replicated. -
Review from Romana Y.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
One of my favorite healthy spots to pick up a quick lunch/bite!
Love Middle Eastern food! -
Review from Kristin P.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2011
FInally went here based on the all the rave reviews and I just don't see what all the fuss is about. I had the felafel, which was tasty enough, but the pita it was served in was cold and dry to the point of being hard (do they toast these things and then let them sit until they cool off or was it completely stale??) Also tried the grape leaves which tasted ok but were totally mushy. Either the rice was completely overcooked or they were past their expiration date.
The place is cheap and convenient, I'll give it that. If it were located near my office, I could see myself grabbing a quick lunch here on a regular basis. But the food is nothing special.
IMO: 2 stars for food/atmosphere and an extra star for affordability. -
Review from Alice Y.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2011
I passed this place on my way home for work for weeks and thought it looked sketch until one day I saw a pretty long line of people inside waiting to order. The Yelp reviews were good (and plentiful!), so I decided to give it a try. Fellow Yelpers, you did not let me down.
I've tried a few different dishes here and my favorite is the lentil soup. It's got some magical secret ingredient, and makes for a perfect light dinner. The babaganouj is pretty good, too. Otherwise, I'd say the kefta wrap was just average, and I don't care for the way they make their falafel and hummus. I'll probably keep trying the rest of the dishes, but can see myself settling on the lentil soup.
I would rate the price as fair, actually, given the size of the portions and the atmosphere (it's so casual I felt comfortable coming in sweaty from the gym - great for me, but I wouldn't pay extra for it).
A solid choice for ethnic food that gets the job done while being easy on the wallet. -
Review from Michael S.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2012
Best middle eastern on the north side. Actually perhaps in all of the city. As good as anything I've had anywhere in the country! This place is A-1 and so are the people who run it.
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Review from Laura M.
Cook, IL
3/17/2012
This place is fantastic. It's not much to look at inside or out, but boy is the food good. Best lentil soup I've ever had. Fantastic hummus. Incredible wraps. I've yet to have anything there that isn't brilliant. On top of that it's both fast and cheap. Only downside, it's cash only.
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Review from Elizabeth A.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2011
Dear GOD. I have been obsessed with Middle Eastern food for the past month, and this is definitely the best -- and cheapest -- that I've found. I got a lentil soup and a falafel/baba ghanoush wrap for less than $7. I've literally never had better falafel in my life, and the BG was smoky and amazing. The lentil soup is surprisingly spicy, and the pita bread is the perfect combination of chewy and soft. Totally worth the trip to the ATM (cash only) and the bare-bones aesthetic.
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Review from Beth R.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2011
An Anaphoral and Rhetorical Poem for Taste of Lebanon
by Beth D.
Could the staff be nicer?
Could the value be greater?
Could the food be fresher? Tastier?
Could the baba ghannouj be smokier, smoother, more delicious?
Could they give you more of that huge, thin pita?
Could the falafels be crisper?
Could the lentil soup be better on a chilly day?
Could the staff be nicer? (To quote Jack White, "I said it once before but it bears repeating.")
Oh, and it's cash only. -
Review from Todd W.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012
Its decent, great location considering there are no middle eastern take out places within miles. The prices are okay, food is par with other middle eastern places, I honestly do not understand the high praise here, but again its the only middle eastern place in the area.
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Review from mike s.
Cary, NC
8/1/2011 1 photo
Dear a taste of lebanon,
I wanted to love this place, and I thought I would. It reminds me of those ugly places in NYC that cook remarkably good food for cheap.
But it was not. The food I found rather salty. I had hummus, falafel, and pita. The pita was plentiful. I found the falafel a little bland and hard.
Unfortunately in the case of this restaurant cheaper is not always better.
And to the elite yelper who gave this place 2 stars and he didn't end up eating there I ask the question, Are you really that dumb? -
Review from Dan A.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2011
Who needs decor when you have the best lentil soup in the city of Chicago!!
The place is small and simple but the food is fresh, fast and cheap. The hummus wraps, chicken or falafel are great. I will say the flat bread they use is not a pita but a slightly chewy flat bread that holds up to the filling. The lentil soup is outstanding and served in large portions, plus you can't beat the price.
Staff is always friendly and quick. Would like this place even more if they took credit cards.
My recommendation is to grab a falafel wrap and some hummus from Taste of Lebanon then head over to the liquor store down and across the street for a beer then continue on Foster til your on the lakefront enjoying a beautiful view and tasty food. -
Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
I was tempted to give a Taste of Lebanon my 5-star review and then remembered that as much as I like this place. I didn't like the cold pita bread. I've had pita bread somewhere else and they are usually warm pitas of joy.
It was chilly the other day, so what better way to warm myself with a bowl of lentil soup. It came with a pita bread which was cold. Not warm, but cold.
I also ordered the Falafel Wrap and a cup of water.
Great vegetarian options and the soup was delicious.
In a nutshell, they deserve 4 stars for being inexpensive, fast, delicious and healthy.Listed in: Vegetarian on the road, Adventures in the Windy City
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Review from Megan J.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2010
It's Saturday night and has been over a week since I have eaten at Taste of Lebanon. MUST.GO.NOW.
So consistently delicious - fast - and cheap!! This place makes me happy!
Absolutely love the chicken schwarma wrap and the both of the vegetables plates are incredible. The falafel is perfect - crispy and tasty - and the grape leaves are so good! On a cold winter night - you can not beat the lentil soup.
The staff is so nice! Always really friendly. Two blocks from my place - this is one of the many reasons I LOVE Andersonville. -
Review from Natalie S.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2010 6 Check-ins Here
My Dude and I had tried to go here previously but they were closed. We finally caught them when they were open... and wowza, were we glad.
Five stars? Really?
YES. And the rating is mostly based on just the lentil soup. I feel like writing a sonnet or something dedicated to it. I have never had such a delicious lentil soup and I'll be craving it first thing tomorrow, just you wait and see.
We both had falafel wraps... mine had hummus and his had baba ghanoush They were fantastic and filling.
Dinner for two of us for $13? DONE.
After we had finished, I brought it to my Dude's attention that we hadn't eaten any meat at dinner. He looked at me, wide eyed (this is something we DON'T do) and said he was shocked but he didn't miss it. WOW. WOW. Wow.
We'll be back... and I can't wait to try more of the menu. -
Review from Lydia B.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2011
OK so this place is really ugly inside but the food is so good and the lady who works there is really nice. Its healthy, cheap, and delicious. Thats weird what another reviewer wrote about the pitas being stale because when we got them they had just came out of the oven and were warm. I would totally go back!
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Review from Robert R.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2011
Lentil soups, falafel w/hummus, lamb kabob, & fries - the perfect $20 lunch for 2!
This place NEVER disappoints.
