This is a bodega style deli fully equipped with clutter and random misplaced overstock items. The menu was falling apart though reads well. I had the falafel gyro with fries and a pomegranate soda. I will not have that again though I have searched some of my local markets for the pomegranate soda. Everything was dry and lacked flavor. While the falafel were piping hot, there was no flavor at all. There was just a sheer smear of hummus, one piece of iceberg lettuce and one tomato cut in half along with two or three cut falafel. No red onion or tzatziki sauce which is what made this so dry. The fries were hot though dry (not sure how that happens) and they had OLD BAY sprinkled on them when he asked if I wanted salt, not old bay. The service was prompt and quiet, no engagement which is typical for a bodega. The seating was standard and clean. I was just disappointed in the meal I chose. read more

Aj Deli - Pomegranate soda - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Our ROMEO lunch group of 8 went here for our first time today. I was a little surprised when we walked in because when I first looked at their website I only saw the dinner menu, which basically was Middle Eastern dishes with almost all of the them priced around $32.95. I figured this must be a nice restaurant with sit down tables and decent lighting. However, after opening the door it basically looked like a fast food, order at the counter restaurant, with about 6 tables or so with around 6-7 small chairs around each table. There was one person waiting outside and inside there was one person sitting at a table eating. There was one person cooking and nobody to take orders. We stood there and watched him cook for about 3-4 minutes without him acknowledging our presence. Finally he finished cooking, wrapped it up and gave it to the guy waiting. He took our orders one by one and while he was taking the third order a guy came out to do the cooking. This was about 11:20AM. Three of us ordered Lamb Gyros with fries. We had one order for a hamburber, a chicken gyro with fries, two combination paninis and one other chicken sandwich. The three lamb gyros came out first. They were very tightly wrapped in a thin paper and then with aluminum foil. The lamb was good but getting the wrapping paper off was a mess. Very messy to eat (but hey, it's a gyro) but the taste was good. The chicken sandwich came out around 35 minutes after ordering. The hamburger was out at about 30 minutes. It didn't look like much and the bun was like something you'd buy off the shelf at Walmart or local grocery store...nothing special, just a normal ordinary hamburger bun. It was rated as a 2.0 by the guy that ordered it. The fries were good, again nothing special but there were quite a bit with the orders. We weren't very impressed with the restaurant as far as friendliness or ambiance. Our average overall rating for it was a 2.87 so we probably won't make this one of our favorites of the 179 restaurants we've eaten at in the Cola area. read more

Aj Deli - Lamb Gyro with Fries - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

They are so sweet and the food is great! The wife and husband are sweet and they offered me free tea while I waited it was very good

Everything was on point! The March Madness smoothie was a perfect 5 stars -- fresh, flavorful, and super refreshing. The bacon, egg & cheese on a roll was another 5-star item -- cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Highly recommend! read more

Tucked between two other restaurants I heard this place was great. Overall I will give it a 3/5 stars today. As pictured is the Chicken Over Rice ($14.99). My thoughts as followed; The bowl is heavy and full, I did not enjoy the amount of white sauce on there because it truly drowns out the taste of everything else. I was able to taste the chicken without the white sauce and it was flavorful. Unfortunately underneath the rice there was a hair(stopped eating at that point). I also had "The Juice Box" ($10.99) which was okay. I think the prices for the juices were a bit high considering the menu stated one thing and the receipt reflected another. The lady at the front counter "Simone" was very friendly and provided good customer service by providing me insight on the menu. I am willing to give them a redemption. also it was very hot in the establishment. read more

Aj Deli - Chicken over Basmati Rice - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

If you are looking for fast food this not the place for you. If you are looking for good halal food you might want to check it out. I was waiting for this place to open up for a while. With the very limited options my family and I have when it comes to certain things. Breakfast for example I would have to prepare at home everyday because I don't eat certain meats. When I going AJ's menu had beef bacon egg and cheese options I was in my happy place. I put my order in prior to going to be sure it's ready either when I arrive or shortly there after. They offer plenty of options for your sustenance and your thirst if you are looking for five star service this is not the place for you. If you are looking for food that not going to be fun to eat and a little messy again this is not the place for you. But If you want good halal for not filled with a bunch of stuff we should not be eating anyway give this place a try. Pictures and more reviews coming soon. I will be returning. read more

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Was heading to Lidl when Aj deli and Middle eastern restaurant Yemen Arabic restaurant caught our eye. We knew after grabbing groceries we'd have to swing by and check it out. I'm so glad we did, it was busy with many takeout orders and what seemed to be regulars in the restaurant enjoying the food. My husband and I both opted for a gyro, while my kids did a burger and hot sandwich. We did our 20 minute drive back home with our food and let me tell you the whole car ride home was a tease because it smelled so good. As soon as we put groceries away we sat the table and dug in. And let me tell you the portions were huge and the flavors were out of this world! It's been years since I've had a gyro this good. Legit flavor town on every bite. This place has an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, middle eastern favorites and they even offer chopped cheeses which my husband cannot wait to go back and try. This place for sure will be on rotation as one of our favorite places in Columbia. read more

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The staff was super friendly and the menu has something for everybody! The food was hot, fresh, and loaded with flavor! Definitely a neighborhood gem! Make sure you ask about the Yemeni tea! read more

Aj Deli - Chicken & Lamb Combo w/Seasoned Fried - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Food is amazing. It felt like i was back up North. Felt like home. Service was rather quick read more

I went for a house Philly cheesesteak got home and inside my sandwich was some type of grounded meat. No steak in sight

Amazing food and service! At first I was a bit shocked by the prices until I saw all the food it came with. The food was seasoned to perfection and it was nice and hot. read more

I finally visited Aj Deli yesterday. I ordered the Chicken Haneeth. The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, the basmati rice and vegetables were tasty. The vibe had me reminiscing a bodega in NYC. The staff was friendly and helpful in answering menu questions! Shukran to Aj Deli! read more

Great place. Food is absolutely delicious!! Staff is very nice. Excellent service. Recommend the hummus and lamb gyro