Just left the restaurant and I could not be more impressed with the food and more importantly kindness and hospitality of the owner Ahmad. Greeted us upon arrival with a kind smile and explained the menu in detail based on how many people we had in our family. Told him I'd been craving "Mansaf" but my sister in law was no longer preparing it today, and needless to say I was a a bit disappointed. Ahmad went to the back and brought out a huge plate of Mansaf and it was absolutely delicious. Hospitality, great service, and phenomenal food is why I'll be recommending Hakuna Matata to all of my family and friends. read more

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Hakuna Matata in Oaklawn is delicious. I've been here about three times, and each visit has been great. We ordered through the drive-thru, and while the line can get long, it took us about 20 minutes to get our food. The customer service is friendly, attentive, and patient. There are pictures of most of the meals displayed outside, which makes it easy to see what you're ordering. I had the chicken shawarma, fries, and hummus. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, and the portions were generous. I'll definitely come back. The food is a bit on the pricier side and my chicken shawarma meal was around $19. read more

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This was my first time eating here, and everything was absolutely delicious! The young man behind the counter was exceptionally friendly and wonderful. They even gave us a complimentary lentil soup, which was really good. I would definitely come back again! Highly recommend! read more

I've been to this place a couple of times, and each visit has come with an unreasonably long wait for the food. Even though there's someone taking orders, we still end up waiting more than 30 minutes to be served. The food is delicious, but unfortunately the service doesn't match the quality of the meals. read more

I've never had any kind of halal food before... but after smelling what they were cooking while picking up late night orders? I knew I had to come back and try it for myself. And I'm beyond glad I did, this location is just THAT good. The staff are so lovely and generous, it makes sense why their drive-thru is hardly ever empty. Definitely recommend planning your order ahead of time, because their staff is so attentive to the drive-thru that they'll be ready to take your order before you see the menu. (Luckily for me, I had grabbed one when I had stopped in earlier.) The food was hot and ready so quickly, I couldn't even wait to get home to eat; I had pull over on a side street to try some. The mixed shawarma plate? Scrumdiddlyumptious. The lamb gyro? Tender and DIVINE. The falafel? Seasoned to perfection and so filling. The Jerusalem salad? Super refreshing and flavorful. (I got the falafel pita because I couldn't decide between the two - why not both, right? Exactly right, that's why I DEVOURED that pita haha.) But the lentil soup?!? The lentil soup has changed me as a human being... Not only was it the tastiest lentil soup I've ever had in my life, it completely cleared my acne, boosted my credit score, and re-aligned my chakras like I was Aang from Avatar: the Last Airbender. I might name my first born child Lentil (middle name Soup) from how delicious it was. I downloaded Yelp! JUST to post about this place because of the lentil soup, it's that amazing. I'm so excited to go back and try their baba ghanouj and new mansaf meal next time - highly recommend to anyone looking for a late night bite and/or anyone wanting to try halal food for the first time. It is such a lovely restaurant. 12 out of 10 in my books! read more

The men were SO NICE however the rude b*tch at the drive through window gave me a dirty look and unfortunately they do not serve proportions the same and are now overpricing EVERYTHING. baba saj is WAYYY better and more food for less money. I only recommend baba saj. This vibe here was so EUGH with her rude hating face at the window I'm not coming back ever read more

Hakuna Matata - the food that came half full compared to a year ago - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

My sister and I felt like middle eastern food. We ended up at this drive thru restaurant. We went inside and there are a few tables. I had shawarma sandwich. It was delicious and presented so nicely. We got a few samples, because they are preparing food. The falafel was big, a big round ball. It was delicious and moist inside, but crispy on the outside. Nice service, They were baking fresh pita bread! read more

Hakuna Matata - 9. Steak Shawarma Sandwich - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

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Came in for the very first time to try the place and support the local business. I ordered Chicken shawarma it was JUST OK. The portion is too little for what's the price is! The taste was just OK. I have had way better chicken Shawarma in the same area than this place. Employee were very friendly.! the dining room is very small. It's more ideal for drive-through. read more

I've been going here for years, but after a few recent trips, i feel like this place is not what it used to be. My most recent order was gyro over rice. The gyro seemed like it was frozen pieces that was heated in a microwave. I'm not sure it ever saw the grill. The sauce on top tasted sour. I asked for a cup of garlic sauce, extra on the side. It had no garlic flavor and was also very sour. The rice was very bland. There was no seasoning. And lastly, the price. The menu says one thing but the price at the window is always a bit more. They never give a receipt. This place used to be sooo good! The people were always super friendly, but it feels like it lost it's heart. read more

I come here all the time with my mother and the workers are basically family to us. Every time we are there they are all so happy and give unbelievable service each time. Today there was a new worker Hana who was amazing. Amazing food, people, and service; if you're thinking about coming in just do it! read more

Late night delivery upon arriving in Chicago I must say you all saved the day. Had a large order for the family and we shared a little bit of everything with each other because everything was so good. We doordashed everything so the fact that the order came right only means we have to see what the service at the brick and mortar is like. When back in town we will be around. read more

Wow I am impressed! The combo got way better.. the portion is pretty good and the salad is fresh! I am glad they corrected this in their combo! Huge fan. read more

The food tasted like yesterday. I was charged 14$ for hummus with chicken on top? That's crazy! packaging was sloppy, no sauces and the chicken was dry af. Idk sometimes I think this is the service you give when you don't like who you're serving. Other ppl might have a better experience here. Mine's was terrible. read more

Incredibly slow service but it is worth it. Great variety of bright flavors. Very nice staff.

-food amazing. -service, it's better to order ahead it's a small place, have compassion and understanding. The people themselves are kind. read more

Every time we order they take for ever and the exit is very dangerous. They keep their door open and we can see they only have one man cooking while the other man just walks around and eats. We can see all the trash and food on the floor read more

Hakuna Matata - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

We came in during the last night of Ramadan, and needless to say it was packed. Both the drive-thru and lobby were brimming with customers. I will say, it's on me that I came 10 minutes before sunset, so I wasn't frustrated with the traffic. There was a hijabi at the counter that took my order, I apologize for not knowing her name but she was very sweet and patient. Behind her, manning all the commands was who I believe to be the manager/owner. Without that whole team and his leadership, I don't think the place would've been moving as smoothly as it did. We got our food in about 20 minutes (all things considered, is very very quick) and the owner/manager even apologized for the wait. I told him that there was nothing to apologize for. We ordered a Philly shawarma and a chicken shawarma. Both were piping hot when we opened them. My absolute favorite part was the attention to detail, specifically the mini pickles in the shawarma that gave a consistent crunch. This was also my first time having spicy garlic as a side, and it was so good that I didn't have any left over after the first few bites. If you're around the Chicago Ridge/Oak Lawn/Bridgeview area, definitely give this place a try. It's one of the more low-key spots, so it is a little small, but you will be taken care of. read more

Had an absolutley amazing and kind staff that treated us so kindly and had a beautiful fan blowing cool air during this humid August heat. Honestly i could keep going on but overall this place just makes me feel like home. read more

My son and I love Middle Eastern food. We were in the area and decided to stop in here tonight. The food was excellent! Everything was delicious. The customer service was outstanding. Everyone was so nice. I wish we lived closer, but we'll be back. Thanks for the great service and food! read more

Quick drive through with fresh food and great portions! Their prices are decent as well. Only con is their baklava is not made fresh by them- it comes in a package. The shawarma and chicken over rice are excellent here. Great place to come for a quick and delicious halal food! read more

I eat here consistently in the wee hours of the morning and my food is perfect, every single time. I can't say enough good things about this place - and their staff is wonderful as well. I'm loyal to them! read more

Impressed. Really solid flavor and portions. Gyro plate was fantastic. Falafel were nice and crunchy. Bonus points because they're open late read more

Awesome shawarma! Super sweet young lady behind the counter. Some of the tastiest seasoned fries I've had anywhere. A little bit pricey but well worth it. Oh and get the falafel! read more

Hakuna Matata - 10. Chicken Shawarma Sandwich Meal - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

Beef Shawarma was very good, and the sauce on it was something special. Only strike against the place was how tight the drive through space was. read more

Hakuna Matata - Beef Shawarma Sandwich - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

I had the steak shawarma meal today, which comes with fries and a drink. This meal was 5 stars because it was delicious! So much flavor and the meat was tender. Fresh veggies and crispy fries! They are doing a great job under new management! The only suggestion I have for the restaurant: please work on your wait times. The food always takes a long time. Speed up your drivethru and you'll be the most popular arabi place in Oak Lawn :) read more

Hakuna Matata - Steak Shawarma combo - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

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This is by far one of my favorite halal restaurants in the south side! The food is always so fresh and delicious. I always go with the chicken shawarma plate! The portion sides are insane, I'm taking food home for later. I also got some baklava.. so good I had to get another box for home too. Can't forget about the service, Mia took care of us she was so friendly and answered every question we had. Mike checked on us when we finished our meal, and made sure everything was great. Thank you so much for a great experience. I definitely recommend Hakuna Matata. Can't wait to return! read more

Some of what others had shared in their reviews of this restaurant featuring Halal food, I did find as well. There are few dining seats in the flagship Oak Lawn store, and most of the business I observed was pickup or drive - through. By NO STRETCH of the imagination is this "fast food", and it shouldn't be thought of this way - I went simple; falafel in a pita, fries (sugary coating! No wonder they almost disappeared!) and tahini. It's worth the wait, people. The menu is gorgeous and worth the wait. My St. Xavier CSD peeps: you are just four miles away from delicious and healthy eats! read more

One of the best Shawerma's I tried ever!!! Very fresh and clean ambiance. AUTHENTIC Also they stay late which is amazing!! read more

Amazing food and even better service. The young lady at the window will have me coming back, just for her friendly personality. We drive from Lockport just for their grape leaves. Give them a try!!! You won't be sorry! read more

I wanted to get a nice take out meal for someone in the hospital. the young woman who took my order , Sara, was a great help and the person I brought the food for said it was deliciious. we really appreciated the napkins and cutlery too read more

If I could no star I would!!!By far the absolute worst ever! Supposedly the best gyros around. I highly doubt it. $9 for just a "gyro sandwich.. which looks like chopped meat. I ordered six plain with onions and tomatoes on side n 2 sides of rice. Well 20 minutes later I get these little wrapped up pitas with hardly no meat, didn't get the rices ( which I found out when I got home and best of all $70 that's ridiculous! I'll never go back nor refer this place to anyone. Stay away!! read more

Hakuna Matata - a hot dog and a burrito - Halal Near Me - Oak Lawn, Illinois

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I love the food! My favorite is the chicken shawarma plate over rice. And the lentil soup is AMAZING! Even my 5 year old asks for it. The service is great and Mike is always very friendly! read more

Tried to order some food on NYE and wait behind a car for almost 20 minutes. I'm sure food is good, but wow the service...

Never coming here again. Was swindled\upcharged $5 for hummus (never orderered it) and TWO sides of tahini (just asked for a side, which I should get for FREE, was given two, and made to pay an extra $1.50). Then despite five people working in the kitchen, I had to wait 30 MINUTES for my order while customer after customer entered, in person and in the drive-through, got their food and left. Never. Coming. Here. Again. You people suck. read more

This is actually really good food at least the salad was the employee made it fresh Gave me some hot falafel in a brown bag I was taking it to go and he told me To just sit down and eat it while it hot and fresh I said okay They had really good sauces read more

Love, love, love!! I eat here weekly! A not to miss dish is their lentil soup!! Rafa is the best!

Delicious food - shawarma is top notch! It's a humble family-run business with a small storefront that has no parking lot. It encourages drive-thru but it's too slow and the intercom makes it hard to understand, so I prefer to park in the alley behind the restaurant and walk in for carry out. Ask for the red and white sauce! The indoor seating is clean but tight. Prices are ok- comparable to a middle eastern chain but they do serve plenty of meat! read more

Too greasy and simultaneously dry falafel. Hummus was drenched in oil.. um, not sure what to make of it. Pass.

Food is amazing always cooked to perfection and with care, amazing hospitality from all members including Yazan!! I hope I spelled the name right, definitely a spot to consider if you're up late night on 95th west of Cicero. read more

This place is really good. I got done with working out and needed to grab something quick. The food is fresh and piping hot. It's filled with flavor that you've probably never had before. I will definitely be coming back... read more