Quick pick up lunch. Well I thought it would be quick, but no. It wasn't busy when I came in, but I waited for almost 15 min for my order. I've been here before and I love their "combination feast". Today was a different vibe for staff and not quite pleasant. It's pricey, but they do offer lunch special Mon-Fri only. Parking always suck around downtown Oak Park. There are street parking (meter and garage), but free after 6pm. read more

Jerusalem Cafe - Middle Eastern Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

See all

I've eaten here twice and was impressed both times. I ordered the combination plate both times (boring, I know. It was a quick dinner on nights when I was rushed.) The meat and chicken were tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. (I make my own shawarma spice blend, so I'm no novice here.) The falafel seasoning is seriously impressive. It's probably the best I've ever had. The hummus is delicious too. You can taste how fresh it is and the lemon and tahini really come through in a way that store bought just doesn't deliver. The portion is generous, but I recommend paying the extra buck for extra meat. It's worth it! Also, if you order delivery they're really quick! (Half the expected time on GrubHub) I also ordered takeout while on my way home from work and it was ready when I got there! read more

Does not look like much when walking by when we took a chance on the beef shish kabob sandwich and it is unbelievably good!! We get it almost once a week, can't beat it for $10!! Great little spot downtown read more

good falafel, good prices, good prices - we got the vegetarian platter and the lunch special :) شكراً بالاكل كان زااااكي كثيرً

Amazing food for a great price! I've been there for the lunch buffet, but usually have to be carried out. The combination dinners or sandwiches also hit the stop. They also have smoothies & fresh juices which are pretty darn good. What can I say am fan of this place, even though during my first visit I looked around and walked out. Wasn't until some of my coworkers tried it out and I saw the dishes they ordered they came back with. read more

Jerusalem Cafe - Chicken tender & beef kebab combination... mmmm sooo good - Middle Eastern Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Hi Yelpers, First, let me say that I love Middle Eastern food. This is important for all my fellow yelpers to know because of the score that I gave this place. I give Jerusalem Cafe a half star for both hospitality and food quality. What did we order that was so bad? Quite a few things including Chicken Fatoush Salad, Baba Ghanoush, Chicken Schwarma dinner, and Kabob Pita. The menu described what should have been succulent and herb-infused moist chicken that is crispy from the roasting on a rotating spit. This is what you find in authentic Middle Eastern (not to mention Greek) dining spots like Jerusalem Cafe. Verbatim, the menu says that Chicken Schwarma is "thin sliced of roast chicken cooked on a slowing revolving rotisserie" (verify that right here: http://www.jerusalemcafe-oakpark.com/). This is a lie. I watched the staff take big chunks of raw chicken, sprinkle on some dry "seasonings" and toss them in a fry pan. No revolving rotisserie. Not thinly sliced. And not even remotely edible. I shrugged this unusual "rotisserie" preparation off at first until I took my first bite. Moments later, I went up to the counter and verified with the clerk that the preparation is done in the pan not on the spit like they do throughout the Middle East. She said yes, that it was cooked in a pan. I asked for refund. She pointed to the owner that ignored us when we came in. He stood up and asked what was wrong. When I told him that his chicken schwarma was not done on a spit he said, "Who told you that?" I responded promptly, "No one. It is on your menu." I then pointed to the menu that was taped on the counter. He went silently to the credit-card machine and processed my refund. Yelpers, where could another restaurant get away with misleading the consumer like that? Can you imagine if we went into Gibson's Steakhouse and ordered the grilled ribeye only to receive a steamed ribeye? Gross. What's more,the owner didn't say a word, didn't apologize, didn't promise to corrent the printing error (assuming that it was). He did, however, refund my money. Curiously on the way out, his table mate said "next time you should try the lamb". Yeah, right. I wouldn't even come back for the water. (NOTE: Pita Inn is 100 times better than Jerusalem Cafe. Real chicken schwarma from a spit, not a fry pan. And cheaper too!) read more

Jerusalem Cafe makes an absolutely perfect falafel sandwich. It was so good that I want one right now! The first time that I ate here, I could not decide what to order and tried their lunch buffet. It's a pretty good deal, but I have since learned that it is best to order exactly what you are in the mood for fresh off the grill. No matter what, it's all good. If you are not up for Mediterranean food they do have American standby's such as grilled hot dogs and crinkle cut french fries. Nom Nom Nom! read more

I had a veggie, falaffel sandwich. And it was fresh and tasty. The place has a lot of options. And it is very clean. Get some hummus and baba ganoush and enjoy. Or don't. Go to Chipotle across the street and be an American, mainstream consumer who screws over small businesses. I'm sassy!!!! read more

I love visiting Oakpark, especially to grab Dinner at Jerusalem Cafe. There are several options to choose from to suit everyone's appetite. My personal favorite is the beef shish kabob. The meat is so flavorful and tender. The Falafel is an absolute must! They are fried crisp to perfection and very flavorful. You definitely get a bang for your buck with their portion sizes. This is definitely a staple restaurant in Oakpark. Keep up the great job! read more

Came here looking for a cheap lunch near the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Oak Park. The restaurant seemed pretty busy, likely because there is a really affordable lunch buffet. No frills. Quick service. I ordered a beef shwarma, a morning kick (carrot and orange juice), and a side tabouleh to share. Loved the juice. It was perfect for my cold. The tabouleh tasted fresh and the beef shwarma was a nice meaty complement. read more

Mmmmeh. I was disappointed with my usual neighborhood Falafel joint tonight. My falafels were a bit too crispy and had been sitting in a warmer for a bit. Bleck. My grape leaves were runny, yes runny, and falling apart. They had a bit of a fish odor to them. Stink! I could only stomach two. Major bummer since this place has never disappointed me before. Maybe I should just stick to the chicken schwarma? read more

I love Jerusalem Cafe. For one...it's inexpensive...and I love cheap eats. Two...the food is good. Quality. Tasty. Just like everything is supposed to taste. Not fancy...just tasty. I'm not sure what some of the other reviewers were expecting from a lunch counter style Middle Eastern place...that's squished into a location that used to house a Panda Express...cloth napkins? The hummus...there are several styles of hummus. Jerusalem Cafe hummus is like eating a delicious hummus cloud of chick peas. Delish! I've had other hummus that was a lot more "dense" than theirs...maybe some people have different tastes? I LOVE Jerusalem Cafe Hummus. Why I'm giving them five stars? Their catering packs. I have stopped cooking for small parties. Why cook...when I can get delicious vegetarian party food for 10-12 people (the menu says 8 to 10...but it will feed more) for around $80? Their vegetarian catering pack comes with hummus, babaganoush, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, salad, tabouleh, pita...AND serving spoons. Last time I got a catering pack for my birthday...and called them SAME DAY...and they didn't blink. I had 12 people over...everyone pigged out...and we STILL had leftovers. Seriously...next party you're having...consider one of their catering packs. Worth EVERY PENNY. read more

Just returned from NYC and had a craving for one of those roadside foodcarts with the cheap, delicious falafel sandwich with that warm pita bread and busting at the seams with the warm crispy falafel contrasted with the cold lettuce and tomatoes and dripping with creamy tahini sauce. I tried the closest thing and had a falafel sandwich delivered from Jerusalem Cafe. I threw the sandwich out after a few bites. The pita bread didnt taste fresh, which I would have expected from a place like this. The falafel was too mushy and a little overcooked, the result of frying something too quickly in oil that's too hot. And the cucumbers tasted rotten. The taste was so putrid, I had to throw the thing away. These guys could learn a thing or two from those NYC food carts! read more

A review for Jerusalem Cafe from me was long over due. This place was my go to spot when I worked in the area, which was for about 3 years. The manager is always there making sure everything is going well, which is why I feel like the restaurant has kept well and consistent. The quality of their food is great! you get quality and quantity which doesn't usually happen. I'm a big fan of their combination feast plate (I ALWAYS ask for more steak instead of the little meat patties) Which also comes with veggies and rice...trust me you will be full. That, and the chicken/steak shwarma sandwiches were my favorite! read more

Jerusalem Cafe is well known for their cuisine and they typically don't disappoint when I visit. I find their variety of entrees diverse enough to fit most taste buds, but I absolutely LOVE their hummus! I hear that they have a lunch buffet as well that is a favorite among the regulars as well, and I hope to try that as well someday soon! read more

I can only say that the people who eat here and review this restaurant above one star have never had any authentic middle-eastern food. The place is dirty and the food is never fresh. I have given this place three tries to get it right and they have failed on every occasion. Do I need to say more than the fact that they serve hot dogs! read more

Sweet little hole in the wall in Downtown Oak Park. I was quite skeptical because its hard to make super good Mediterranean food, especially if you've had PitaPit in wicker park (price vs food vs flavor = THE BEST). This place had good prices, the food was a little limey but was so delicious. I actually preferred it the next day, a little reheated, which calmed the sourness of the lime taste enough. I got the chicken schwarma, it was in a different style that I have had before but was so good! It came with a little cup of hummus which was good, but not that great. Same goes for the pita, not amazing, but nice to have. I definitely recommend and will return in the future! Hopefully I'll get to try out some smoothies here :) read more

This place is awesome and I can't believe I lived in Oak Park for 6 years before trying it! It's a small middle-eastern cafe that serves great food--and I'm middle eastern, so I should know, since almost no one's food ever compares to my mom's! I almost always get the same thing here, which is the falafel sandwich, comes with tahini, tomato, cucumber and wrapped in a pita. Soooo good! They also have pickled vegetables you can add to it and fried pita chips if you get the hummus. Also have had the chicken version of the same sandwich and it's also good. Baklava is pretty awesome too. They have outdoor seating, and serve Perrier, which I love. No alcohol served (not sure if you can bring your own). Prices are very reasonable. It's the perfect place to go to right before a movie or if you're strolling down Lake street. The people who work there are always nice. Highly recommended! read more

I have been several times over the past few years. Each time reminds me why I never come here. The customer service is horrific. Any change and they want more money and some toppings they flat out refuse to do at all. I like taboleh on my sandwich and they REFUSE to do it. Instead they charge me $4 for the two tablespoons I need. Please don't spend money with these jerks. North ave falafel is good and they'll make what you want without charging you a bunch of extra money and their service is much better. read more

When I want to eat healthy and not travel far, I opt for Jerusalem Café. I love their beef and chicken shawarma entrees. The entrees come with rice, pita bread, and a vegetable mix that includes carrots and green peppers. The only down side is the parking in Oak Park, the wait time for the food, and lack of space inside of the restaurant. I have also tried their falafel, tabouleh and fatoush salad, and lentil soup. All were very good. If you are okay waiting about 20 minutes for your food (watch them when they are in rush mode, they may place your pita bread inside the bag without wrapping it in aluminum foil first), not mind having others wait or eat where you are standing or sitting, and parking down the street and around the corner, it's worth a try The prices are not bad for the portions either. read more

Jerusalem Cafe is slowly redeeming itself. The chicken shwarma and hummus I had this evening was excellent but I was also starving so pretty much anything would have tasted good. The falafel was a bit different than most but still pretty good. Jerusalem is still not on my top list of favorite shwarma joints but when in Oak Park it satisfies my shwarma craving. Takes a bit long sometimes so keep that in mind if you plan on just running in. read more

Felafel snob alert! I am a harsh critic of felafel. This place was just Okay. Things not to my preference: The vegetables were pre-mixed in tahini as opposed to fresh. Others may not mind, but it makes it harder to say, remove tomatoes. Plus I like the fresher flavor more. Also, the sandwich was inside a round, pita picket, as opposed to the more favored lavash bread wrap. Needless to say it wasn't put in a sandwich press. Heat was not ready at hand. I had to get hot sauce on the side. The server did go out of her way to do that, so I can't fault too much. Like I said, unless you are a felafel nazi, you should not hesitate to eat here. I would do so myself under certain circumstances. read more

I probably would've give this place more stars had my Chicken Shawarma Entree looked like the pictured. The bowl was full of rice and on only one piece of Broccoli and the rest carrots. No zucchini at all. As far as taste delicious but But I'm disappointed. I had to add my own veggies. read more

I am not impressed with Jerusalem Cafe. None of their dishes have any flavor that stands out, it all tastes very below average. The inside of their falalfel is more of that brown color as opposed to bright green (a true sign of freshness/deliciousness). It also feels pretty expensive for what you get. If You're on Lake street, wander into some other place, or if you're craving middle eastern food, you can take a 10 minute walk/5 minute drive over to Grape Leaves which is the standout middle eastern food in Oak Park. read more

So- it's okay... if you haven't ever had anything to eat from the middle east ever... otherwise, it's bland and dry. One perk- it's in a great neighborhood in Oak Park... but why go here when there are so many other lovely looking food stops. Oh- and service is slooooooow. read more

I like this spot for several reasons. I'd eaten at a location in the city a few years ago and disliked it everytime I'd tried it (3-4 x's). Food was never flavorful and the restaurant was dingy and felt dirty. So when JC came to OP I had no desire to go there whatsoever. One day I really had a craving for hummus. A lot of locals here prefer Grape Leaves, but my experiences there have been hit or miss so I decided to give JC a try. This location is so different! Felt clean and fairly inviting. Some items are definitely better than others, but overall I enjoy dining here and the lunch buffet is usually a great deal with good food. So the grape leaves clearly come from a can/jar. The chicken is always pleasantly lemony but way overcooked. Falafel appetizers...not sure why exactly I don't love them. That being said... Beef/lamb/kifta kabobs are consistently great; never had tough kabobs as others have mentioned. Rice is always tasty, veggies are a healthy and fairly good side that never leaves me wanting fried stuff (and I love fried stuff). Falafel sandwich is made with patty-shaped falafel, and for some reason I vastly prefer the taste of it to the little cylindrical appetizer falafels. That and the lamb sammie I always enjoy. Tabouli is fine, smoothies are good. Service? Cashier/waitstaff and cooks have always been exceedingly nice. All even smile & wave goodbye to me! Owner always looks unfriendly but I've never spoken to him so not sure what his deal is. Service is slow, but know this going into it so you can plan accordingly. If I'm getting take-out, I always call ahead and it's ready when they tell me it will be (always been 15 mins.). Give it a try! read more

I give this 1 star because there isn't anything lower. So first of all the order said it would be delivered in one hour but it ended up coming an hour late. If I hadn't called to check on the order I have a feeling that I would have just not gotten the order. Then when the order came not only was it cold, but it wasn't even the correct order!! So pretty much wasted more than two hours waiting for the wrong order when I could have gotten better food somewhere else. I got a refund for the order thanks to Grubhub thankfully but I definitely don't recommend this restaurant and I won't try it again! read more

Jerusalem Cafe - Reply from owner for my honest review (food was not eaten since it wasn't correct, given to homeless) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

The quality, freshness and the tastiest everything: falafel, hummus, tabbouleh salad, lentil soup, fresh pita bread and the salmon entree...subperb. read more

I hate this place I went here today to try the food for lunch. All the good reviews it seemed like it should be good. This just goes to show you that Yelp sucks. Most people on Yelp know just about nothing about food. And the "great " reviews on this place just proves that AGAIN. This was some of the worst food I have had in a long time. Cut up chicken cooked on a flat top is NOT shawarma .Then stuff it into a stale pita throw in some wilted brown lettuce with a tomato slice the size of a quarter no sauce nothing just as dry as can be. The falafel ? Not to great. Pretty bland and dry. All in All. Just bad food. I hated it and could not wait to leave. read more

Lunch specials make the Jerusalem Cafe in Oak Park a healthy alternative to fast food. Located on Lake Street, we headed over here after my son's doctor visit. It was a draining day and the last thing I wanted to think about was what to eat. Ordinarily, I might consider this spot as "exotic" in my blinders-on mode. The $6.99 special had great yellow rice, schwarma and even some grape leaves. Simply delicious and affordable. read more

This is one of my preferred spots to get carry-out lunch, especially when I get a falafel craving. I don't find it to be the most authentic middle eastern food I've ever had, but what you get is pretty well prepared and fresh. There's a sign on the counter that basically says they make everything fresh instead of leaving it under heat lamps, and it's true. It's dirt-cheap. $5 gets you a combination plate for lunch, which includes a couple kebobs and rice, falafel, flatbread, cucumber salad and a soda. Small, very casual dining room, the food is served in a styrofoam container with plastic cutlery even if you eat in. No real complaints - I like the food and it's a solid joint. read more

I live 12 steps away from Grape Leaves, so I've had to talk myself into taking the big leap all the way up to Lake St. to eat at Jerusalem Cafe. Since I was going to the library anyways, I figured today was the day.... So glad I went!! For under 6$ I got a unbelievably delish chicken tender\\kabob sandwich. Veggies on the sandwich were super fresh, and the chicken was oh-my-gosh. Cooked and seasoned perfectly with great sauce, all wrapped in a yummy pita. It took longer than I was expecting, but I saw them filling a LOT of carryout and delivery orders, and once I got the sandwich, I didn't care if it took 3 minutes longer than I wanted-- with such good quality, the wait time is acceptable. Will most certainly go back-- the girl at the register was super nice {anyone who compliments my jewelry goes a long way with me} and the restaurant was festive, cute, and clean. Vaguely awkward seating {lots of tables all by each other and pushed together}, but tolerable and they have carryout, so I'll manage. read more

I must preface this review with the fact that I have grown up eating at Middle Eastern restaurants in Middle Eastern communities in SW Michigan. The food at Jerusalem Cafe was mediocre at best. I did go simple with the Chicken Shawarma platter. The portion was large, but the chicken was very dry. The hummus was also mediocre. Jerusalem Cafe seems to be an attempt at fast Middle Eastern food. They even give you a free order of french fries with any order (you have to ask for it). Free is always nice, but perhaps they should put a little more effort into their food quality and drop the fried freebies. read more

Let's give it up for cheap eats! Cheap eats under $5 AND it's actually good! Double high five. Where this obsession for eating multitudes of sandwiches is coming from, I really couldn't tell you but as long as the gym still has working equipment and my alarm doesn't fail, well then pass the carbs. One of my very favorite things to munch on is falafel, and to stumble across an eatery that has it, well then I'm bound to make a pitstop for a little snack. I was in the area after a very interesting exit off of Harlem-not my favorite of stops but still it's alright. When I finally listened to the loud and obnoxious grumble of my empty stomach and started looking around for places to snag something. So I'm strolling along Lake Street and I notice pictures outside of the café, at first thinking no way do I need to have anything like that unless I want to spend the night on the treadmill. Figuring I'd get a salad someplace further down I started to move but my feet didn't go anywhere. That was when I saw the kabob sign. What do you do when you have temporary paralysis? I forced my legs to work and followed my eyes inside to look over the brightly lit menu and cruise until I see my poison, Falafel and order the insanely cheap sandwich and wait. It's mid day, I'm not in the mood to have a sit down for lunch and would rather take something and walk around. And I just might not be the only one because inside, there was the entire population of Emmaville, MN. All 5 loyal members of its township were inside chilling out, talking shop and getting their serious grub on. Slow day during the lunch hour for sure. The food takes a few minutes to cook up, mainly because this ain't no fast food mart, it's made to order and there's only one cook behind the grill. Before I could get comfortable in the long ranch style table the server brought out my order and off I went. Sooo good. The sandwich. Can it even be called that if the falafel is served bundled ever so tightly into a warmed and freshly grilled pita with a tzatziki sauce? Certainly not, it can only be called stomach greatness. It looks small, but there's a whole package of flavorful fury in that pita that will fill you up. Well impressed Jerusalem Café, I will definitely be back for some nosh. read more

Not good. Falafel was Blegh, bland and the hummus was tasteless. Took forever and was kinda expensive. My son didn't even want to eat the hot dog I ordered for him and he's a kid, who likes hot dogs... Won't be back. read more

My go to spot in Oak Park. Love their chicken shwarma meal. Good food at a good price. A meal is more like two meals. My mom and I usually share one. We love it! read more

"I don't understand how people in the Middle East can be so angry at each other when they have such delicious food to eat." That was what my boyfriend said to me when we ordered in the other night. I had their food about a week previous and was amazed when I was told that it's pretty authentic. I never thought I would like it.... So I had to convince the boy to try it, too. Long story short, we'll be ordering frequently. =) read more

Ordered a food tray for delivery our group lunch, discovered a piece of glass in one of its meat patties. More so, had to prove ourselves to the business that we are not making it up for financial gains. A lunch meeting got ruined, definitely not what we wanted. Unapologetic business, particularly with this level of health hazard, you get the picture. read more

Jerusalem Cafe - Glass piece next to the meat patty. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I've only made it here for dinner and usually after checking a movie theater next-door. It's a really relaxed place to go and they have a good size outdoor seating. The food has never disappointed especially because they are very generous with the portion size which is always a plus in my book. The only downside would be that you always seem to wait quite a bit for your food but it's the price to pay for freshly made dishes. read more

See all

I was not at all impressed. Service was terrible. Falafel sandwich was terrible, soggy, falling apart. Mango smoothy was chalky and tasteless. Very disappointed. Falafel was not freshly fried either. read more