Cheap and delicious food. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is super casual. The falafel is loaded, the fries are piping hot, and the shawarma (chicken) was great according to the in laws. Try the garlic sauce too. Great on fries and your sandwich as well. read more

This place is my favorite middle astern restaurant. Everything is fresh made . Falafel is always fresh and delicious. Hummus is the original recipe. The owner is very friendly and funny guy. All their meats are cooked to order. Try their Kafta Kabob it's out of this world. read more

Falafalji is the first Mediterranean restaurant in the Lyons/Stickney/Forest View area. Why did we have to wait so long? The first thing that strikes me about this restaurant (besides the amazing smells when you walk in) is their service. They're doing it right. I think it helps that its a family owned restaurant as well. The location where Falafelji sits has been home to countless other restaurants that have all failed. I can only hope that Falafelji lasts longer than the others. I think the location is sort of hard to reach because of the amount of traffic on the corner of Harlem and 39th. But, don't fear, there is ample parking in front of this tiny strip mall. The food is simply amazing. The smells emanating from the grill make your mouth water the minute you walk in the door. I would have to suggest a kabob platter for your first visit to Falafelji. The kabob, be it chicken, pork, or beef, is marinated then grilled to perfection. Every bite of the tender meet with the delicious tahini sauce on top is a slice of heaven. If you're lucky enough to catch some rice on your fork along with that meat you're in for the best combination of flavors on the planet. The rice is every bit as delicious as the kabob. When you're done with your rice and kabob you still have your side of grilled tomatoes and eggplants and salad. Put the veggies on the pita bread that comes on the side and you have a whole new combination of flavor to love. I have not tried their hummus yet but I assume its amazing. I was reluctant at first to try the taboulej, but its amazing! Ask for some extra pita to go with. Once you get a taste of the delicious, citrusy dip, you won't be able to put down the pita bread. The one downside to having the highest quality, best tasting ingredients is the price. Falafelji is not exactly cheap. However, the food is so good and the portions are so generous that you'll be willing to overlook that. I really hope they don't decide to use lower quality ingredients to lower their prices like so many other restaurants do. If anyone who works at Falafelji reads this: PLEASE DON'T CHANGE YOUR FOOD QUALITY! Its hard to find food this good around here. read more

As everybody else, I used to come here when it seemed like an adult family was running the business. The food was absolutely DELICIOUS. Some of the best. I came here recently, after a long while, and ordered one salmon platter and one combination platter. The salmon was extremely under-salted and over done. At this time I did not yet know they were under different management, or perhaps are hiring other people to do the cooking. I came in yesterday to order again, which is when I noticed the difference in the employees. Two kids who were definitely not 18 yet were making the food. They were extremely polite and helpful. However, the meats of both of my combination platters I ordered were all overcooked, and under-flavored. You could taste the black charcoal. Because of this black charcoal, I woke up with a hurting stomach (not nauseous or sick in any way) and my friend who ate the other platter isn't feeling very well either. However, we ate a bunch of meats really late at night after a couple of beers, so it may have something to do with our bad eating habits. I agree with some of the new reviews: 1. The rice is no longer the way it used to be (not well mixed, a lot less flavorful....some of the rice was white, some was yellow). However, I still found it to be delicious. Just no longer "Whoah". But still worth it. Discolored, but seriously delicious. 2. The portions were a little bit off. My friend received WAY more meat than my platter did, and his was covered in sauce, while only one of my meats had sauce on it. However, I asked for extra sauce right away and they handed me plenty extra. It was just kind of disappointing to open our platters at the same time and see that I had about 1/3 less meat than my friend did, for paying the same price. And I was the hungry one. 3. Under-salted, slightly burned meat. Nooooooo!!!!! Although those grill marks are freaking superb, those young guys got those down, just a little too well. Gordon Ramsay would love the look of those grill marks. Overall, I could see why a lot of people would be turned off by the establishment all of a sudden. Did I expect the owners to be cooking the food themselves while the place grows super successful? No. I knew they would blow up. And I knew this would bring changes. However, the combination platters are still an amazing price ($12) even if they are not as good as they used to be. This new cooking technique makes me merge from "Man I gotta have that combo platter today I'm craving it" (once every to weeks) to "I may come here every few months or so". Simple fix! However, you'll still see me often. You can't buy that much meat and ingredients at a store for $12.00. read more

I had to update my review. The food is still excellent, but the last few times I've ordered, I'm usually disappointed with something. I ordered online and drove from the city on my lunch break because I had such a taste for it. I got there and they never made my order. On top of it, as I'm walking out, I noticed they forgot BOTH orders of my humus. I went back to get it and then I realized as I heard to the door that they forgot my pitas. Last week i ordered 4 dinners and a large humus only to find there were ZERO pitas in the bag. ( Kinda hard to enjoy humus without pitas!) And now today is Friday, the weekend, and they are all out of rice... it's the weekend...it's a Mediterranean restaurant... very disappointed because that's my favorite part! I was totally looking forward to it. The food is really good so I guess I'll hope for better luck next time, but they really need to get it together over there. read more

Would give another star for the food; as it's not that bad. But no masks? During a global pandemic? What gives? They also never remember to give hot sauce with orders. This is the second order from them, I asked to confirm hot sauce in the bag before leaving as they forgot it last time. Horrible customer service response being "I'm not sure" then Places a hot sauce on the counter. I'm visually uncomfortable being in here as no one in the staff has a mask on and I have to be within 6 ft of all of them to grab my food. This is my last order ever from here:. Shame. read more

This place was so good!!!!! We were in the area and wanted some Mediterranean food. This place came up with a ton of stars and great reviews. The food lived up to all the high expectations set by past reviews. The falafel is fresh and so delicious. The lentil soup was to die for. Also the owner was there as well and clearly showed that he cares about his product and service. A must try if you enjoy this genre of food. read more

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The people running the place were nice, answered all my questions, and the food was decent. However. I asked for no pickles on my food, and when I got home there were pickles in it. And when I got a bite of everything it was good, but when I got just a piece of chicken and pita from the bottom, no sauce or veggies with the bite, it was a little dry. While I was waiting I saw him mixing meat, veggies and sauce in a bowl before packing it into the pita for another order, and if he had done this for mine, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot better. Over all it was okay, but not sure I would be back considering it's out of my way to go. read more

Ordered the chicken shawarma on pita and a side of falafel...everything was perfectly delicious! The falafel was the best I've ever had..and I've had lots of falafel! The chicken was moist and juicy, loved the garlic mayo that comes with it, and the pickled vegetables topped it all off! The owner and employees were very nice! They even gave me some aromatic mint tea that I will be ordering next time! Found my new Mediterranean spot..and they deliver to us! Yay! read more

This place is my falafel sanctuary on the long drive home from work. people are friendly, food is great & prices are pretty reasonable. I have yet to be even close to disappointed. read more

Fast, tasty, and inexpensive. We had heard great things so had to try it out. We were not disappointed. Will definitely be back.

Great Mediterranean food! My new obsession for sure and not expensive either. The place is small, clean. I love it.

Excellent food. Chicken is fabulous! Staff is great - friendly and attentive to the orders - falafel is also very good and I'm sure everything else is just as good. Kitchen is very clean. Love it!! read more

Nice people. I order kafta kebab plate... mmm.. very good. I should try something else from their menu. read more

Excellent Falafels omg nice portions. This place has existed for years and I am just trying it. I will be back. read more

Falafelji - Mediterranean Near Me - Lyons, Illinois

Who would have thought a strip mall in the Armpit of western suburbs (Lyons)would be home to some of the best Middle Eastern fare around. Their Garlic sauce should be bottled and sold top shelf. Perfect compliment to beautifully seasoned Shwarma. Hummus with notes of citrus as fresh as any I've tasted. Falafel with the crunch and texture that all falafel should have. I am addicted to this place. Keep up the good work guys. It doesn't go unnoticed read more

This was my first time here @Falafelji..and the food was very delicious I totally loved it.. costumer service was A+ read more

Falafelji - Mediterranean Near Me - Lyons, Illinois

This restaurant has great reviews, so I'm not sure what I'm missing. Husband and I went yesterday based on the reviews. Both men behind the counter had masks on their chins. I cringed, but refrained from pointing out that wearing a mask on your chin does absolutely nothing. I ordered the falafel platter. Falafels were hard and dry. Almost like they were deep fried numerous times. Rice had a funky taste. Something oily and spicy poured on top of hummus ruined it for me. No pita. Husband got the chicken shawarma and was also unimpressed. We agreed that our dinners were not very good and we will not return. read more

This was great food. The falafels were nice and crispy. Falafels are rarely crispy enough but these were spot on. The Kafka Kabobs were full of great flavor. The veggies tasted crispy and fresh. Lots of food for a good price. Seldom does it get this good. read more

Food was good. Good service. Uncomfortable seats. Chicken and Beef Shawarma sandwiches were delicious.

This place was amazing!! It deserves every star. The meat is moist and the portions are perfect for large groups conducive to eating family style. read more

Always amazing food and service. I always have a craving for their food. It's worth the price! And it's not too expensive at all. Taste is superb. read more

Call ahead, they're not fast, but they are FRESH and delicious! I wish I lived closer. The schwarma was great and the falafel was what dreams are made of! read more

Friendly service, simple menu & just down right good food! The owner came out a few times to check on us to make sure we had everything we needed. Definitely will be back for more. Yum read more

The falafel sandwich is soooo good and really filling. The food is always very fresh. I like to order online so there's no wait. The sauces are good too. read more

My go to spot for Mediterranean food in this area. That chicken swarma platter with humus and some falafel

When I went to Falafelji the first tine I had an immediate crush on their food! Anything I try from this place is simply amazing and different. There are my classic staples like chicken and beef kabob platters I can't think of how more delicious this plate could be anywhere else. And I have been around, by I always come back to falafelji when I want exquisite flavors. read more

Usually a go- to for us. However, our order was completely wrong the last time we ordered with half- hearted resolution. Now I find that the one item that I was to have for lunch was not ready and was not delivered. No call, nothing. They let the poor delivery guy deliver the news and I don't even get the option to order something else for lunch. Poor poor management of the situation. I call and they tell me that the manager is going to reimburse my card for the soup...like I'm supposed to be grateful? That's what should happen! Thanks, but maybe we'll reconsider ordering next time. read more

I love this place. The owners love this place. You can tell through their hospitality, and quality of food. I make my own middle eastern food, but there is no point after this place opened. The falafel are crisp, and nicely spiced. The fries are delicious, and sprinkled with herbs that taste almost magical. None of the food needs anything, but they have the most creative and delicious sauces. The sauces seem to be their own creations, and are worth trying all. Why are you still reading this? Just visit there already! read more

I gave this place a try a few times and regretted it every time .. first of all their were kids no older then 10 or 12 years old working both times I went their .. The one kid that took my order and worked the register couldn't be older then 12 , and it looked like his younger brother was cutting vegetables .. and once I made the mistake of eating their instead of taking it to go , every single table seemed dirty , and then one of the 10 year old kids started sweeping the dirty floor as I ate my food .. ( g thanks ) now you clean ... Food is not that good either .. I will never again eat their !!!! read more

I like the chicken shawarma platter, just wish the chicken was more crispy but next time I'll ask for that read more

Falafelji - Garlic herb Fries - Mediterranean Near Me - Lyons, Illinois

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Oh... my... goodness! This is what went through my mind when I took my 1st bite. Crazy good! I got the Falafel Platter: Comes w/ 2 pita, 8 falafel on a bed of yellow jasmine rice, Jerusalem salad and hummus. The falafel are perfectly golden and perfectly spiced. The rice is pillowy and offer a great compliment. The hummus is so flippin good. It's got a good amount of lemon and spices that are harmonious to the taste. The freshness of the Jerusalem salad (cucumber, tomatoes, purple cabbage, spices) couldn't be better. It shows in its taste how fresh it is. Overall 10/10. I can't believe how great this place is and how reasonable the price is (paid $10 before tax) Definitely made me a customer for life. Didn't ask or see but i would like to try a sample platter of sorts so that i can get a better feel of the menu w/out the committment of ordering a platter or sandwich. Next time ;) In conclusion, if you're looking for a great, fresh alternative to burgers and pizza w/out paying the premium on freshness, I recommend this spot at 100%. read more

The shawarmas are the best things I've ever tasted. I love their herb fries because they're always crispy and not greasy like other places. The chicken shawarma is my favorite and their hot sauce is amazing. It's pretty spicy so a little goes a long way. The inside looks tacky I will admit but the food makes up for it a million times. Everything is always fresh read more

Phenomenal! The hummus are delicious with the little toppings on top. I also had the chicken kebob platter, the salad with the cucumber is so refreshing to the palet and the chicken a has very, very good flavor like it is marinated in lime and garlic. This was my first time ordering but I will definitely be returning many more times. read more

Falafelji - Mediterranean Near Me - Lyons, Illinois

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We love this place...best Mediterranean food in the near-West suburbs. Everything is excellent, including the friendly staff!

I wanted to like this place but they performed 2 my ultimate pet peeves! First of all I was first in line to order, in front of 4 separate people ordering. My order was simple; hummus, soup and grape leaves; everything which should have been made already allowing for a quick in and out service. However, my order did not get started until everyone in line ordered and paid...AND I WAS THE LAST ONE TO RECEIVE MY FOOD because I ordered to go. I was so annoyed that when the third person to get their order got their food before me I wanted to cancel my order and asked for my money back. Instead they ignored me, rushed to get my order together and said, "It's ok, you don't have a problem," and refused to give me my money back. I thought that was extremely disrespectful and rude! Secondly, the next day when I am going through my emails (personal AND work) I saw emails from Falafeji because I purchased my order with my credit card. They take your personal information from your card and don't tell you. That is strike 2 and 3 for me! I don't like to wait unnecessarily for a simple food order and then have my feelings overlooked, and I DO NOT LIKE having my personal information taken and not be informed about it. I just moved from the city and this food is hardly comparable to any of the Mediterranean places I've frequented over the last 8 years, both sit down and quick-order. The lentil soup hardly had any lentils in it and the grape leaves were ok but not a lot of filling. Not an issue for me because I love the taste of grape leaves, but for those not so keen on their taste, it can be very overwhelming. No more of my money will go to this place! read more

Great Mediterranean food.they have the best Falafel and garlic mayo.and i have tried many in north side

Great fresh food made to order right in front of your eyes. Delicious flavors and excellent service. This is the best Mediterranean food in the area. read more

I have been here several times but after my last experience I will not be back. The restaurant is a tiny little place that doesn't look particularly clean on the floors, but is tidy everywhere else. You order at a small counter. There are a few small tables for dining there, but I would strongly recommend taking it out. The first few times I went I was very happy with the experience. The food was reasonably priced, the service friendly, and everything tasted good. The last time I went was 6pm on a Saturday night. They were out of pita bread. What? You are a middle eastern place and pretty much all the meals are supposed to come with it... but you are out. Ok, then we tried to order the platters. They were out of beef kebab. Fine. If I hadn't already paid I would have walked out of there after watching the food prep. There were 3 guys. The one that appeared to be supervising came out from behind the counter while wearing food prep gloves, took a soda out of the cooler, then returned back behind the food prep line. He never changed his gloves. He added the pre-squeezed lemon juice to the soda he was drinking, all in the food prep area. The chicken appears to be stored in an open plastic container in a small fridge back there. The food we got was not as good as previous either. Salad was inedible and veggies hardly cooked at all. Very disappointed. If you plan to try this place I would recommend the hummus (assuming they have pita) and the falafel. Parking is super easy out front. read more

Expected food to taste like the 4.5 star rating that made me go. But, the food & service were both poor. Man who took our order & also cooked meal did not like being bothered as to any questions on menu. Was hoping his poor attitude would make up with the food, but it didn't. Definitely needs better customer service, maybe even with a smile. And establishment was dirty ! read more