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

Delicious food, juicy chicken and kefta, amazingly smoky baba ghanoush. This is definitely a new favorite place for us.

OMG! They say never judge a book by its cove, this place is surrounded by a cigarette shop and a insurance agency I think! But the food and the owner friendliest is BIG plus. The Falafel's are true falafel, they have KUBBAH yummy. Must try! read more

Great fresh food--awesome flavors and nice staff. Location and decor isn't a highlight--but the food is worth a visit. Lots of customers picking up takeout while I was there. read more

Amazing food. The place looks like a little hole in the wall, so expectations were timid, but the food blew me away. The pita is soft, fluffy, and chewy. All the meat perfectly spiced. read more

A secret hiding place for great food! My family does take out at least once a week from here. We have many of our friends hooked on it too. I personally love the chicken shawarma and babagnush even though I can't spell either one. The place is friendly, clean and quick. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

What happened to this previous gem? My mouth used to water just thinking of the deliciousness that permeated this family owned place. I am unsure if the owners are new or the cook changed but the food is ok at best. The last 2 times I have gone to buy my old standby platters, the food was tasteless. Very sad to say goodbye to one of my all time faves. Won't be back. read more

This was only the second time I've had Mediterranean food, so I tried a bunch of different things. The service here is amazing very friendly people. I definitely recommend this place. The yogurt dill cucumber salad was so awesome very refreshing it will be a good summer dish that I will definitely be ordering a lot.The chicken shawerma sandwich was fantastic. I love that the Falafel had a little spicy kick definitely the garlic sauce is good with it. I will definitely be back in a few weeks to check more stuff out on the menu can't wait very pleased customer :) read more

Their hummus is AMAZING! The falafel is pretty tasty and the chicken shawarma is really good. Their food is inconsistent at times but on most nights it is really, really tasty. read more

Just got off a flight at Midway and decided we were hungry for some chicken shawarma... so we popped in here. Absolutely delicious! Everything came out promptly and food really was delicious. We live out of town, but surely every time we fly through Midway we will be making a stop here. read more

Surprisingly, the falafel salad was the worst I've ever had. They must have changed the recipe because I've ordered this in the past and it was flavorful. The Jerusalem salad was so bland, tomatoes didn't seem fresh. The falafel was fine so the meal wasn't a total waste. Won't be ordering this again read more

a must stop if you like Mediterranean food!! falafel, tabouleh and baba ghanoush are some of the best i've ever had. can't wait to try the kibbeh (house special)!!! Bilal has been here for five years and going strong. our new favorite local lunch shop. we'll be ordering carryout, frequently. read more

Falafelji - Bilal makes the best baba ghanoush in Chicago. - Mediterranean Near Me - Lyons, Illinois

Falafelji DEFINETELY gets the thumbs up from my tastebuds.Food is good.Prices are very reasonable.Loved the sauces I tried.I've been eating Middle Eastern for years.My best friend and former roommate is Palestinian and opened my eyes to it.Thank you,Sam!!!! Ive been to many Middle Eastern restaurants and have eaten in peoples homes as well.Falafelji YOU HAVE MY BUSINESS!!!!!! read more

Great new Mediterranean spot to quench your taste for shawarma and baba ghanoush! Owner is super friendly and food is very fresh and tasty. I highly recommend it! read more

WATCH OUT, YOU MAY MISS THE BUILDING IF YOU BLINK! SMALLER PLACE IN STRIP MALL ON SOUTH WEST CORNER OF 39TH STREET (Pershing Road) & HARLEM AVE. I do like this place. I like the food and concept: An Americanized middle eastern food joint. Fast, friendly, and easy. In and out, quick sit down, or have it delivered if you are in nearby area. None of that stare at you or speak in their native tongues against you (tones and body language) if you are not of the same ethnic background or religion. I needed to say that, because I Have experienced that more than once in similar restaurants with similar foods! :( Nope. These guys and gals are smart. They opened a unique place, that serves food not of the norm for the area. (Thank God Not another Mexican or Italian or American junk food place. Love the food, but come on, twenty too many!) Food that is a healthier alternative to what's out there in terms of fast food fare. A place where one can experience foods they know little or nothing about, without venturing into an expensive or unfamiliar restaurant. A place that you would need to travel several miles South or go further North to replicate, but with fancier, pricier, less friendly establishments...... Facts or Truths I have experienced regarding Falafelji: At times, each person has a slightly different style as to when they are making your food. Mainly in the salads. When the place first opened, they were cheaper in price, and had a greater quantity. Perhaps that was the A-typical introductory stage. I.E. when a business opens up and has Killer product and fair or cheap prices. As a year or so passes, they drop down on one or all of quality, value, quantity, or service..... Sometimes they view the other businesses around them and compare and contrast TOO Much maybe. Or perhaps their introductory prices, portions, and quality were way in favor of the customer...... Falalfelji is keeping up with or trying to keep up with the times, as times are strange and costly. They were doing well a while back- well enough to open a 2nd location in more upscale downtown LaGrange, Illinois. Great idea, but it didn't work out. LaGrange is Uber expensive compared to Lyons. Things constantly change in LaGrange. Take Falafelji's former location, it has been an assortment of different businesses over the years. The first born Lyons, IL location is still going. I do notice a reduction in the amount of food I get, prices are up, and sometimes taste is not what it used to be. Regardless, I still go there. They are still friendly and happy to see me & it is still a good deal for what is nearby there. . I REALLY hope they can either A. Provide larger portions or B. Lower the prices a tad. They are NOT a rip off, but one does experience shock if over a short period of time, much changes, not for better. I also hope they market or advertise their business more, so that they bring in additional customers. This will help ensure their existence and keep the cash flow up. I would like to see them, via the website or whatever explain the food better, regarding the countries the food derives from, the styles, and the names, as each county / region may have a different slant on the same thing. I ask this because much of us are ignorant to the fact, as we have never or rarely experienced such food and culture. Beverages from the Middle East would be a wise addition too. ALL of their food is good and cool. Cool because again, it is healthier and something more Exotic for the peoples of the area. Cool because it is fast and easy. And Cool because you most likely never had it before (At least NOT in or near Lyons, IL). Love the salads, grilled veggies, combo platter that allows you a sample of this and that, schwarmas, deserts when they have them, mezze, and so on. Have not kept up with it, but they had KILLER offers in coupons, discounts, and etc in the past. I believe they do the Belly Rewards Card or customer loyalty program now... YOU Need to try Falafelji several times. Bring with you or buy for a friend / family as well. If nothing more, you'll be responsible for opening up their minds and turning them on to new and different foods and cultures. You will experience an explosion of taste and freshness. You will also notice that your gut won't expand as much as it would if say.... you ate same portions of food at a burger joint, or etc... Be CAREFUL pulling into and out of the parking lot. Very busy intersection and lot is tight coming in and out of. read more

BESSSST FOOOOOD EVERRRRR, love going there and even sitting there very kind environment and respectful employees! I would recommend to all of you out there who struggles to try different food from different cultures , I personally tried it and no regrets!!!! BESSSST ENVIRONMENT, BEST FOOD , and BEST EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS THE OWNER AMAZZZZING. They all care about u and care about u liking the food, very clean food and very clean restaurant. The food tastes amazing and I have no words to explain it, you have to go and try it!!! read more

Wow! Let me tell you..... The hummus is Amazing! Food is delicious! One of my favorite places to get a quick bite to eat.

This place absolutely deserves 5 stars! First off, the customer service is great! Secondly the presentation of the food is very good and the food itself taste so good and is very well balanced. Sometimes certain restaurants over season their falafel! Very pleased and will be returning many times. Try their Red Bell Pepper Hummus! So good. read more

Love this place. The hummus is amazing. I love the chicken shawarma and falafel. The owner is very friendly as well.

Had the meat combination platter for lunch which includes chicken, beef, and lamb, with rice, house salad, and grilled vegetables. The food was fresh and tasty, and portions are very generous able to satisfy any palate with Mediterranean taste. I would recommend it! read more

Consistently good food. I normally get the chicken of steak shawarma which is very good.

Went here to to hopefully find a good falafel place closer to our house. We ordered the Chicken Shawarma platter, 1/2 dozen falafel and an order of hummus. Chicken Shawarma itself was very dry, like burned dry. I don't know if the cook was new or that's how they serve it but it tasted like someone forget about it on the grill and then decided to give it to me. For the price I expected more chicken, as the serving of chicken was very small. The rice that was served with it though was actually pretty good as was the grilled vegetables and salad. Falafel was pretty good, you had pretty good flavor, tried it with the tahini sauce that wasn't bad. The hummus was by far the worst hummus I have ever had. As in worse than some grocery store prepackaged stuff. It had no flavor whatsoever. Like none. It was horrible. Service was slow, maybe we went at a bad time (Saturday night), but we waited almost 25 minutes for take out. read more

They seem to have gotten skimpier on serving sizes for the same price. He last two visits, we waited an exceedingly long time. Both instances, they forgot items that had to get started long after everything else was done. Result? Our food was left on the counter to go cold. Prepared meat was left on a cutting board for a long enough period, the food safety nerd in me was beginning to wonder if it was in the temperature danger zone when it was finally tossed into my schwarma platter some 15 minutes later. I love their food, but it is becoming difficult to justify the long wait and high price. read more

Yes! Eat here! Looking for delicious middle eastern food that leaves you feeling satisfied and nourished? This is the hidden gem! Not flashy, not fancy, but amazing food! We ordered the hummus plate, a salad, a chicken Schwarma dinner and a combo dinner. The owner was so welcoming, asked us of we would like some hot sauces to accompany our meal. We were just delighted with our meal! Keep up the GREAT job!!!! This is food made with love! read more

Please...Please support this establishment. This is my favorite goto place for lunch near my work. I don't understand why this doesn't constantly have a line out the door. The food is fantastic. Fresh, fast, fantastic food. read more

Best Middle Eastern Food AROUND!! Eat here, and eat here often to keep it in business!!

This place is quite the find it it's area. The food is homemade and delicious. The owner is so friendly and offers free samples of his dishes. His lentil soup is amazing! The best I've ever had. Other great items include the wraps and delicious sauces. If you love healthy Mediterranean food this is the place. They offer vegan/vegetarian friendly options as well. It's great for carry-out but also has a couple of tables. read more

I am in love with their Baba Ganoush. It is seriously my favorite thing on the menu. My dad gets the Falafel pita, and that is also super yummy. I get the vegetarian sampler, because I love hummus and tabouleh. Their tabouleh has a bit of a kick, but that makes it even tastier. The red pepper hummus and stuffed grape leaves are good too. You get so much food. I have leftovers for at least another meal, maybe even a snack too. Eventually I'm sure I'm going to branch out and get something else...maybe. I feel so refreshed and happy after the vegetarian sampler that I may never not order it. read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon during non peak hours and was warmly greeted by badel, who is the restaurant owner. I was glad to see he was there monitoring the quality of what's coming out across the counter, it definitely shows a lot. I ordered the cobo kobob. Very tasty and a good portion. The falafel was also very good and had a lot of flavor. Overall great good, excellent service and I will be coming back soon! Thank you Badel! read more

So this place had been on our to do list for a while now and we finally got a chance to see what the deal was. Please belive the hype when it comes to the falafel! We've had it at several places, some better than others, but none have been as good as the ones from here. Packed full of flavor and super moist, it's something to go out of your way for. I also enjoyed the rice which had a texture of plumpness in each grain that I never experienced before. I definitely would recommend. read more

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Excellent food and great customer service. Best falfel in the city or burbs and outstanding shwarma. We will definitely be back!

I have lived in Cairo, Iraq, Damascus, and Beirut and this little joint has the best Falafel I've had in the United States bar none. It's worth the wait, and the owners are very friendly. It's worth the trip if you're a Falafel lover. read more

A no frills very small restaurant with small dinning area tucked in a strip mall. Food made fresh to order. We ate there at a tiny table. Everything was delcious. This place is recommened if you want good middle eastern style food. If you want table service, ambience, or anyting resembling a pleasant dining experience, you probably wont get this here. Almost all who came in while we were eating got take out. read more

Great food and for a really good price! I had hummus and falafel and both were really good. Glad I found this local hidden gem!

No surprise that the best tasting item is (drum roll) the falafel. Yes, it's good and so are the hummus and stuffed grape leaves. The meat portions are completely undistinguished and on the small side for the price. That's what kills it for me. Maybe it's fine if you're a vegetarian. A much smaller concern is that the staff seems a little menacing: a pack scowling guys in black shirts. It clashes with the otherwise pleasant decor. Gentlemen, a stained white smock is much friendlier. On the whole, this restaurant does not live up to the hype in the reviews here. read more

Pickles in my Shawerma sandwich ??Normally it's pickled turnips not pickles .? Pickles just aren't he same......Chicken is very good ....Mezze (Vegetarian Sampler) 9.00 and no pita for the hummus and babaganoush. .....Good but not great .... read more

What a welcome addition to the neighborhood! All items were very tasty and the service, super friendly. The kabobs were excellent and so was the Shawerma. Next time we'll be trying the falafel and lentil soup for sure. read more

My Groupons expired months ago and I still hadn't had a chance to stop here on the way home from Mom's. But this time I was travelling in the opposite direction, knew Mom probably wouldn't be up to waiting in line ANYWHERE on Mother's Day, and decided to surprise her with her first taste of Middle Eastern food. I ordered both a steak and chicken schewerma platter and a dozen falafel. All were very fresh, tasty, spiced to perfection. Sauces are great, veggies, salad & rice were excellent, but the falafel, straight out of the fry basket, is to die for! OMG! Service was very friendly as they accepted both expired Groupons at what I paid for them. Mom, a fussy eater by necessity, even said she would like to order again. Thanks so much, Falafelji. Only thing that bothers me about this place is how to figure out which syllables get accented in your name..... read more

I really enjoyed the food and I thought it was a great value. Will definitely be going back.

Fresh fresh fresh food!!! Loved this place! The hummus was amazing and the chicken platter. Perfect location- nothing similar any where around. The service was amazing as well, very friendly. read more