I went in tonight with my mother, my sister, and children (12, 2, (was sleeping) & infant (also sleeping). My sister called around 6:30p to confirm if they were open, and they said yes. We got there and it was completely dead and we proceeded to sit down to get a table. From the moment we walked in, we could feel the tension towards our family of being unwelcome. Because my family wasn't the usual demographic that walks in there, they refused to service us. I have eaten here at least 3xs since they have opened and supported this small business before I had more children. My children were not and are not the kind to kick and scream in a restaurant and are well behaved. Again, they were sleeping, and even then it does not say anything about children unwanted if that is the case why they were unwilling to feed paying customers. (Tacky if you ask me. Who doesn't appreciate business?) After this experience, I will never even bother to try and eat here again. Honestly, with that kind of attitude, it's only a matter of time until that "restaurant" closes down. We also passed by on our way home from eating at another restaurant and it looked more than half empty. read more

This place has the best filet mignon kabobs ever! and they delivered and were the best prices around! Delicious rice, delicious lamb kabobs, great dipping sauces, good hummus, but strong baba ghanooj, awesome cream of mushroom soup and all included in dinner plate! You cant go wrong. Friendly delivery, friendly service, great food, great prices. PS im still thinking about the filet mignon kabobs! read more

In a part of town that is littered with fast food places, dusty dives, Italian cafes and Polish buffets it is refreshing to find a cozy middle eastern restaurant to remind your taste buds that they are still alive. If you make an abstraction of the eclectic decor and are lucky to be served by the owner and chef, rather than by a less flattering and borderline senile waitress, you are in for a treat. The food is excellent and plentiful and there is no shortage of choices on the menu. I've had the lamb and chicken kebabs and the filet mignon kebabs, which were succulent and done just right. The humus and the baba-ganoush were also delicious. It is still a new place, where the owners are testing the waters of the restaurant business, but with a few changes I'm sure they will pull through and solidify a much needed oasis of taste in the area. read more

Cool little spot on Harlem just north of HIP. Food details first and miscellaneous details after. Food: Me and my girlfriend both ordered the boneless chicken kabobs and chose salads instead of soup. We were not disappointed. The portions and quality greatly exceeded my expectations. The salad was more than just a couple pieces of iceberg lettuce packaged in a tiny styrofoam container that I was accustomed to. Some iceberg of course, but also leaf lettuce, arugula, spinach and other delicious things. For the entree, the chicken was top notch. Good quality, cooked just right, and it had this incredible dipping sauce. I wish I knew more about food so I could tell you what was in it, but I can tell you it was so good I'd eat it all by itself, no chicken necessary. We got rice with it which was a little bland and overcooked (a small part of the 4 instead of 5) but it wasn't enough to distract from the deliciousness of the chicken and that sauce. Other: I decided to try it out due to the deal and I'm glad I did. Unfortunately, I didn't pay close enough attention to notice that the deal was for dine-in only (I carried out, they deliver as well but I live close) but the owner was cool and put the $15 credit towards my current order even though I offered to come back and dine-in some time. At least who I assumed was the owner. His assistant/hostess didn't know how to handle the Yelp deal I had on my phone so she called the chef out front. Very nice guy (sorta looked like a slimmer Sacha Baron Cohen at first glance) who was pleasant enough to talk to me while taking care of the bill. I think he has a Groupon deal going as well. Will comment more on the ambiance/decor after my next visit, didn't pay much attention this round. The other part of giving it 4 instead of 5 was the hassle of trying to order that first time which is easily remedied if dining in. The menu on their site was very hard to read (the reason we both went with the chicken) and the hostess/assistant that took our order on the phone was hard to understand/communicate with. I'm looking forward to dining in and trying out some of the other items on the menu my next time around and possibly upgrading the rating to a 5. read more

Great Persian and Polish food that is different and very reasonably priced. More, the people were ultra friendly and service was excellent. Loved the caucasus eggplant, baked feta and peppers, potsto pancakes and superb mushroom soup. We ate vegetarian but other diners were raving about the goulash and kebabs. The servings were large, so we had lots of leftovers and re-heated, they also tasted great. We discovered this place using YELP, when we'd just dropped someone at O'Hare. The ride back to the city, because of traffic, was going to be 90 minutes (a few days before Christmas) so we decided to grab dinner first, here. What a great find!! read more

Check hours open Friday thru Sunday only ! A unique ,eclectic, and cozy atmosphere transcending time . Such excellent homemade flavorful food with generous portions ! In addition welcomed by the entertaining and kind owner Pani Basia ,who's voice is beautiful and nostalgic of Polish retro music ( 60's-70's) . This restaurant is truly a unique and personal experience for families and friends . We loved it and highly recommend it ..It is Chicago's most hidden secret ! read more

I just got off the phone with someone from this restaurant in response to the review I wrote 6 days ago, about the situation I had with a delivery order one week ago. The man went through-what was clearly rehearsed and probably written down before he called-an explanation as to why they didn't have the food I requested. Note I say an explanation, not an apology. Not once in this phone call did I hear an apology. This explanation lasted about 2 minutes, which I tried to interrupt a few times with a polite "Excuse me." Finally he stopped and I asked why he was getting to me a week later, if he was so concerned about explaining the situation to me. He once again went through his explanation, this time a little more in depth, which by this point I didn't really want to hear it. If the guy was this concerned he should have contacted me sooner, and maybe as a reply my original review on here, and not disrupting my Saturday evening a week after I tried to place a delivery order. I had pretty much forgotten about it, but now I'm thinking about it again. I am also annoyed that he didn't let me say what I wanted to say: I couldn't interrupt him to ask more questions. I thought 'the customer was always right'...and that in theory, what I had to say should have been more important to him than covering his own ass to me over the telephone. If he was so concerned about me giving his restaurant a poor review, he should have cleared it up ON HERE so other people looking at reviews could make their own judgement. I'm thinking that if he calls me again that's borderline harassment... I'm also wondering that since I didn't give my name or my number when I tried to place my order how he got my number. Now I certainly will not be trying their food because their customer service sucks. read more

So I've dined here previously, on a handful of occasions from 2012 to 2016. The food is wonderfully sublime. The restaurant made a move to be only open during the weekend. I usually work weekends, so I've been waiting for some time to return, since I remember how delicious everything on their menu is. Every time I went, my experience was very favorable. Today, however, the owners were unbelievably rude. I called at 6:30, asking what time they will be open. The owner's wife answered and told me 6. I arrived at about 6:42 PM, with my family-mother, sister, nephew, and her 2 small children (1 baby & 1 toddler). The moment we walked in, we got stared at, as if we had 7 heads. I initially asked where we could be seated, as no one approached us and the 4 people inside the place just gawked at us. Also, our body language was obvious that we were trying to get settled. My mother, who is a senior citizen, and has hearing loss on one side, was walking towards the connecting room that was well lit. It looked like a main dining room. A haggardly appearing woman (which took me a moment to recall that she is the owner's wife) coldly told her, "Ehhhh, you can't go in there, private event." I was rather irritated by her tone & would have walked out, that instance, (that's my mother, this witch was speaking to like that. However, with the temperature outside, and to inconvenience my family when we were already inside, I remained cordial. Since she looked to be significantly aged than my 71 year old mother, I refrained from correcting the awful behavior of this wretched woman as I was raised to respect the elderly.) Then I politely asked where would be the best place to sit. It took almost 30 seconds (in the meantime, we were looking at each other, confused, waiting for them to tell us where to go and wondering why they were looking at us the way they were) for the owner to crassly respond that the restaurant is only open for an event. First of all, this wasn't posted online. Secondly, the idiot who answered the phone could have mentioned that, PRIOR TO us making the trip over there. It is 36° outside, on a Friday night in Chicago. Taking kids in and out, ESPECIALLY in this weather, is not an easy task. So basically, these people made a judgment based on the reason that we had small kids with us. Either that, or it is due to the fact that we are not of Eastern European descent, or from whatever population that frequents the establishment. We replied, "Okay." And immediately left. As we were heading out, a pleasant gentleman wearing glasses apologized to us, saying, "Sorry, he's the owner." (I already knew this from dining there, before. What I didn't know, and learned first handedly, was that the owner was capable of operating in such an unacceptable manner.) And guess what? I'm in the industry. I bartend and serve. I've never had this kind of experience, and if someone I worked with did this to a patron, they would be fired, immediately. If this poor excuse for a restaurant was indeed only opened for the event, that information should have been dispensed when I was on the phone (with one of the people who owns the restaurant, might I add). And that could have been immediately stated the moment we walked in the door, BEFORE we were all trying to find seating for our group. Clearly, they were sizing us up and we were discriminated against. No wonder why they are only open on weekends. Their attitude is unapologetically terrible. It is a shame, bc their food is so good. Due to the inconsiderate and awful treatment to not only me, but my family as well, I will never go back nor will I recommend Ali Baba Retro, any longer. read more

This restaurant is veeerrrry rarely open, and would appear to be a front for some other activity. I purchased vouchers from restaurant.com about ten months ago, and have been yet to be able to use them here. Twice I've been told that they "are hiring and will be open full time next week." They open on weekends sometimes, but it usually is a private party. Last time I went in on a Friday, there were pizzas on the table from another establishment, and it was clear it was a private function. It is a similar situation with Sandy's, another restaurant around the corner on Higgins that is never open...maybe they make too much money on the occassional birthday party. read more

I stopped in here on a Wednesday night with my parents and we were the only customers. We were greeted by an older woman who was the only one there except for a cook in the back. She took awhile to come take our drink order, but when she finally did, my Ali Baba Margarita turned out to be pretty good. Our appetizer was fried feta cheese over vegetables, and it was AMAZING. Next was the soup/salad course, and my cream of potato soup was really nice. For the main course I had beef and chicken kebabs which were cooked to absolute perfection. The vegetables were great too. The food was very reasonably priced and there was a lot of it. The three of us were so stuffed we didn't have room for dessert, and the final bill was barely over $40 with an Entertainment coupon, and would've been under $50 even without it. The decor was nice and really interesting, and though our server wasn't fast she was very friendly. She told us that they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and let my mother (who uses a walker to get around) know that she can park in the back next time since it's more convenient. There's not any street parking so we had to park around the corner about half a block away, but the next time (and there will be a next time), we will park in back as we were offered. This place has delicious food, great atmosphere, and very reasonable prices. And apparently it's the best-kept secret in the neighborhood because it should be overflowing and it wasn't. The only thing that keeps me from giving them 5 stars is that the service was a little slow, but it was definitely worth the wait. read more

Bad food and bad service. The place looks trashy as well. Just wasting your time and money going there.

Do not go rhere! They screwed our New Years party this year- place is old, unfinished, sloppy meals. We were hungry all night even though we had paid for the dinner. Total screw up! Horrible service... read more

Wanted to give it a try, glad I did! A casual sat night dinner with my husband and young son, the service was expedient and very friendly! The food though, was just delicious! The rice was fresh, the seasoning on everything was perfect, I had the shrimp kabob dinner, my husband had the chicken, we also did hummus appetizers, and I had coffee cake for dessert! The background music was strictly Mediterranean, which we both loved. I would def recommend this place for dinner. read more

My husband and I visited Alibaba for the first time last night, and everything was excellent! We took their suggestions from the menu and the food and service were superb. This a great neightborhood restaurant and we plan on visiting again very soon. Thanks for a great dinner! read more

I was in Chicago visiting my relative and we decided to go for Persian food and Alibaba was the place we decided to go to. I must say when I first stepped into the place I was very impressed by the absolute cleanness of the establishment. The owner Bobak was a delightful and very attentive host, very accomodating and very generous. The food was off the hook.... I enjoyed a delicious baba ghanouj and a lamb kebab sandwich. The lamb was very tender and very tasty...Even the tea was delicious. The price range is moderate...and so you get some bang for your buck. Believe me I know Persian Restaurants because I am from the Los Angeles area where there are a plethora of Persian restaurants and this one meets my standards. Everyone go and eat there it will be well worth your while and your palate will love you. read more

Really good food, owner was very attentive and we had a great time. You guys must try the filet mignon-no resteraunt in Chicago has it this cheap. Alibaba Burger was good too and my kids loved it. (Big burger lol, so they split it) read more

3.5/5.5 stars The efforts of the business management party of this establishment are great, five out five stars for effort! They really know how to treat a costumer. This is a place that is known to fill up to capacity because of their fair prices and various live music acts in a city like Chicago. To my knowledge the bar/club has two professional djs. On special occasions the music show turns into a concert. These special occasions turn into the coolest nights. Nights that a person chooses to remember. Great place to bring your friends to have a fun time. One issue that this establishment has it is completely under staffed. this is a place that goes from having 20 costumer around 8:30 to 120 costumers around 10pm. Especially on a saturday. The wait for food can turn in a 25 minute wait during this crazy time. The positive is that the bar is pretty cheap, and the music is so good that you'll have fun while waiting for your food. read more

Great baba ganush, cucumber salad, and pierogi appetizers at a great price. Try the goulash with potatoe pancakes. This is a gem on Harlem and Foster. read more

I really enjoy this restaurant because of its cultural diversity and its music venue. The décor and environment is warm and the staff is polite, courteous and offer great service. The food is authentic Persian food with a Mediterranean flare. The food is very fresh and healthy. They also have great music and a dance floor in a separate room of the restaurant and everyone is welcome to join in on the dancing. It's just a really fun place to go. I highly recommend it. read more

The food is excellent, great prices, many choices on the menu went there with couple of friends a week ago we all enjoyed it.

went there for New Years Eve, the owner promised our group of friends the whole place. up on arrival we were told that she changed her mind and decided to rent out half of the place to someone else. nothing was set as promised. When confronted the owner all she could say was that quote "that's how u do business honey" really that's how ur place will go out of business sooner than it opened. Food was nasty. On top of that it was served on paper/plastic plates. really in a restaurant u gone serve food on disposable dinner ware. We were also suppose to have open bar but it was closed for about 2hrs for dinner, hmm what dinner did I miss something? Would not recommend this place for anyone. There are lots of other places that u can get excellent service for great that money! read more

I have eaten at Alibaba several times and was always impressed with the food and the service. This last time, however, has caused me to rethink my evaluation. The waitress, a woman named Joanna, arrived at my table and told me about the day's specials. I picked one, tilapia. She said "The whitefish is better." "Fine," I said, "then give me the whitefish." She then told me about the three soups that were available, tomato, mushroom and one other (I've forgotten). "I'll have the mushroom," I said, having enjoyed that very soup previously. A full 10 minutes later she came back and said that they only had tomato soup. "Fine," I said, "give me the tomato." She brought it within another 5 minutes. The soup, and the accompanying pita bread, were tasty. Another 10 minutes passed and Joanna returned to say that she recommended the BREADED whitefish. (Apparently, what I had ordered was another preparation. Once again, this was HER recommendation.) Once again, I said, "I'll go with your recommendation. I waited, and waited, and waited. After another 10 minutes she stopped by and said that my meal would be out "in just a minute." Another 10 minutes passed and she and my dinner were nowhere to be found. Extremely frustrated, I left $5 on the table and walked out. On the way out I ran into Bobby, the owner (or manager) whom I had met and spoken to on every previous occasion. He asked how I was doing. "Not very well," I said, going into detail to explain what I had just experienced and the fact that I would not be returning. His only response was "I'm sorry." Realizing that any establishment (or waitstaff person) could have a bad day and thinking that he might not have understood what I was saying, I reminded the manager that I had been there on multiple occasions, brought with me a number of guests and had recommended his restaurant to several of my friends. Again, all he could say was "I'm sorry." Clearly, Bobby needs to enroll in (or go back to) hospitality management school. I will be taking my future to other restaurants. read more