They are the worst. The service is bad and the food is terrible. Everyone should stay away.

There is only permit parking on Sacramento and the neighbors will call the cops. Valet parks on street when lot fills up.

Nice spacious place. I performed at a comedy show here. Clean establishment and drinks are no joke. Definitely a vibe and or date night spot. Will return soon. read more

I been in this location in many occasions , Food, Music and service are exultant , I would like to get some more information on having a privet graduation party . read more

Hands down the absolute WORST place that I've ever been to in my entire life and it all starts with HORRIBLE management! I don't even know where to begin! We sat at our table waiting for our waitress for 25 minutes. Then when she realized she had new customers, it then came to her right mind that she needed to serve us! We placed an order for drinks, then after I requested their WiFi password. She then told me that she would get it for me. So I waited she came back with the drinks, but totally forgot about the WiFi password. Mind you their network there sucked! I asked her the second time and she didn't even bother. Honestly it's not even worth giving the whole summary of how bad this night was! I am amazed how people still come to this place and enjoy themselves. read more

Our favorite spot for Middle Eastern food! The hummus is lemony and garlicky, just perfect. The chicken shawarma with rice... WOW!

The service was great,food is amazing, hookah is great and the vibe is perfect. HIGHLY recommend

Last night I came with my wife to have a quick dinner. Right off the bat the waiter asked if I was going to spend at least $50? That was very rude and unnecessary. The food was fine but when the bill came I was overcharged by $50 plus. Think twice before you come here. read more

Thee Gold Standard for an *authentic* Arab nightclub experience in Chicago. This place has the BEST band - real professional musicians - good belly dancers too. Andreana, their current dancer is competent- if a little over-choreographed and lacking in spontaneity - but fun to watch briefly. I know . . . the sign out front makes it look like a Korean disco, and that's what it used to be - the owners are just too cheap to change it. BUT power on by that, and go inside - don't be freaked out by the 98% arab crowd - this is a good thing! The food here is very good - I had quail once that was excellent. The drinks are a bit pricey, and there is a cover charge and a two drink minimum - this is a place you stay all night, enjoy the show and drop a little coin. Birthdays are fun here - you have not lived until you've had "Happy Birthday" sung in Arabic to you. Guaranteed good time, and the dance floor ROCKS until 4 AM! read more

Worst place ever.. don't go there first time and last time. Everything was unprofessional. If you wanna have a shitty food, drink and spend money more then any other place then go there. read more

Decent entertainment, terrible atmosphere, overpriced food and drink. The atmosphere here is very strange, reminding me a strip club. Outside it looks like a converted sizzler with blacked out windows. Inside there is blacklights everywhere with with neon lights. The seating looks like a hotel buffet. Very tacky and simple decoration. The belly-dancers were ok, the first one was a bit overweight but kept us entertained. The MC was talented keeping the entertainment moving along, getting the crowd involved. I enjoyed the band, but have to fault them for overusing a synthesizer that had trouble producing realistic sounds. You can find just as good if not better food in this style throughout Chicago. Their hummus and falafel was top notch, although the 2 drink minimum at $8 a piece forced me to see past this. To be fair I was there from around 9 to 11:30 on a Saturday, but I was told that it gets really hopping after midnight. I would give them 3 stars, but have to knock them down one star for not respecting my privacy and the law by printing my entire credit card number on the receipt. Shame on you! read more

Juliana Restaurant - Dancing - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Big fun!. We were a group of 8 and certainly the ethnic minority here. However we were made to feel very welcome and our waiter (Mel) and the owner (Al) were exceptionally friendly and we were very well taken care of. Entertainment was awesome. We didn't know the music or songs but it was fascinating to people watch. Vanessa the Brazilian Belly dancer was gorgeous and very talented. Very authentic show. The place was sold out and obviously favored by the local middle eastern population. You want good ethnic food? Eat where they eat! Excellent food. Highly recommend the lamb chops. Hookah'd for the first time and I'm a fan! P.S Other reviews I have read stated "BYOB" this is not the case! read more

Juliana Restaurant - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Actually we happened to find this hidden gem accidentally.Itvlooks like straight out of a movie set from a musical! We never knew this kind of restaurant cum night club ( live music and dance floor) excisted so close to us out of LVegas. The couple who owns the restaurant are very warm and welcoming. The food is fresh and made to order. The hummus come with house made pita chips and the kababs are grilled to perfection. We landed there in the afternoon for lunch and were told that weekend nights are the happening nights. They have renowned musician, belly dancers and bands perform through most of the night. So now that we are tried the food we are definitely going for the musical extravaganza which I am sure will be equally good. I surely recommend for special occasions or date nights! read more

They waited an hour to cancel an order because they "had a large party". Greaf service, guys.

I am American but love stepping into a new culture and experiencing a more real experience. Juliana provides an opportunity to step into an Arabic lounge just like you are in Beirut. There was a 5 person band with a lead singer strolling around the room and dance floor. The drinks were strong and most tables had hookah to smoke and relax. I recommend the apple. The night featured a smiling, swirling, beautiful belly dancer. The Arabic culture enjoys their dancing so the dance floor was constantly filled and very welcoming for someone who might not know all the steps. Great service especially with the electronic button on table to call staff when needed. We didn't eat but next time we will! read more

If you really want to do something different with a group, or have a birthday celebration, or wow the cousins from Omaha, Juliana is a great choice. Just remember that things don't get cookin' until later in the evening. We had a joint birthday celebration here one time, and it was a big (and memorable) success. Basically a rendezvous spot for Chicago's Assyrian community, it has a great vibe, with a belly-dancer show perhaps around 9PM, a decent middle eastern menu, and you can order a hookah, too. I was very impressed with the belly dancing and even more impressed with the incredible mid-eastern music. It was not that "Oh-my-God-Who-is-dying?" Middle Eastern music. It was a driving, visceral and make-you-wanna dance type music, which is exactly what everyone does when the belly-dancers are finished. Although, they too, stay on the floor when the general non-belly-dancing public makes its way to the dance floor. The place is big and has a nice club feel to it. Service is fun and gracious and you feel welcome no matter what kind of birth certificate you have. I am now belly dancing just thinking of it. (Stay tuned, You Tube...) read more

Juliana is definitely an experience. I would say that this place is suited for older Middle Eastern couples who want to get out and feel as though they are having a date night. I can't really imagine another demographic enjoying it the way it seems it is intended to be enjoyed. It's pretty outdated. ********THIS PLACE ALLOWS PEOPLE TO SMOKE CIGARETTES!!!!!! I could have sworn that was banned in Chicago, to my elation. The owner of Juliana does NOT CARE about this and trust me, he knows! He is front and center, singing his heart out as people puff away right in front of him. ATTENTION: Chicago Police Department!!!! The concept of valet here is totally ridiculous. I know they are trying to push the concept of upscale nightclub, but the venue itself just does not support it. It's Peterson Avenue! Find your own parking less than a block away. The food is quite good, but you must pay a price: Having to endure the "entertainment". Wow! I'm not sure what to say here: An older drunken man singing very loudly and...........not especially well (really, I do feel badly for saying this). He seemed to be having fun, but failed to entertain. It was just MUCH too loud. My ears actually hurt quite a bit and I even mentioned to a waiter that it was noisy to the point of being unenjoyable. He shrugged and told me that there was nothing he could do about it. The belly dancer was..........a belly dancer. She did not do a particularly good OR bad job, but props to her for being able to stand up and shake her body nonstop for a good amount of time........I'm sure she got a good workout out of it. It was just nothing special. Honestly though, I don't want to sell this place short on the food. The food is what Juliana has going for it. It IS very good and I would probably suggest coming during the day for lunch. That would be ideal AND a more enjoyable dining experience due to lack of noise. read more

I came here w my parents for my birthday for the experience and all I can say is, watch-out and read your bill carefully. The waiter said don't worry, put yourself in my hands, we started to worry. They tried to stick shrimp appetizers on our bill, we said we dn have any, he sd "OOpps" and he added wrong. They all think they are Ali Baba and the 40 Theives. Bring a flashlight on your keychain. Otherwise the food was decent, not like home. Try Basara in Skokie. read more

Visiting Juliana was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Chicago. As a dancer and fan of Middle Eastern music I loved the live band and singer - something we don't have in St. Louis. They performed a mix of Arabic and Assyrian classics. Actually, before my visit to Juliana I didn't know anything about Assyrian culture or people - our friendly waiter was happy to educate us when I asked him about it. The food was good. We just tried the chicken shwarma and hummus. The dancer was Vanessa and she was superb. She did 2 sets: one around 10:45 and another around midnight. There is a wooden dance floor in the middle of the restaurant so it's a great place to watch dancing as well join in the dancing later on (perhaps a debke line if someone starts it). Some things to keep in mind: You'll get the best atmosphere if you go late, like 10:30 or later. You might want to call ahead to make sure there is a dancer that night. We were there on a Friday. And, it's not cheap, so be prepared. All drinks are $9, even light beer, and there is a 2-drink minimum. This exists in place of a cover charge. The entrees are also expensive, and tip is included in the bill even for just a party of 2. I could never afford to come here every weekend, maybe just a few times a year. The neighborhood seemed fine to me - I think it used to be bad but is getting better. If you're interested in Middle Eastern music, food, and dance you should definitely check it out. read more

A really fun experience. Great food - we shared the vegetarian platter, and it was so good, we ordered another. Cocktail drinks are expensive, so we opted for a bottle of the house wine, I think it was around $35 or so, not the best wine, but not bad either. My husband and I had a great time, the entertainment was fun, and did it's job entertaining us. The light show on the back wall is too funny. The decor actually entertained us as well, bad 80's carpet, and neon lights all around. The band is good, the belly dancer, though not dancing very much, was pretty good. We will certainly come back with a larger group next time. read more

this place is so much fun. Bubble gum hooka was the bomb.. expensive but so worth it. Be careful they add the tip 18% for 2 people. we almost paid extra. (they know arabs don't tip) read more

See all

I've been going here for years and it's always been a great time. Food is amazing, staff is always nice and the show is always great. They recently refreshed the place and it looks more modern. Special events are cool too if you're looking to catch some of the other talent they bring in. They also host special events like weddings, baptisms etc. so that's been fun too. Overall I'd always choose Juliana's over other similar knock offs read more

Henri: The food is good, if you can get your order in. The shows always start late and the head waiter is rude...regardless. We've eaten there several times, and we get flack from him every time. If you can stand it (we've learned to, though it's wearing thin), head down there on a Friday or Saturday night and catch Vanessa! A great belly dancer working the crowd to the songs of a live band and a great singer. Totally the ONLY reason to go to Juliana's. Nicole: Vanessa is amazing!!! Has the best shimmy I've ever seen. The live band and Albert are awesome! The service has regretfully never been even remotely good. Go for the show and get out. P.S. If this ever changes, we'll update!! read more

For middle eastern food Juliana's has been staple in our neighborhood. For as long as I can remember all of our catering is done here. Lamb chops are bomb, the combination plate is delicious and abundant. By fat one of the most consistent restaurants ever. read more

Juliana is my absolute favorite place for a night out. The atmosphere is great--it's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're surrounded by such a friendly staff and terrific entertainment. The menu is quite extensive, guaranteeing that everyone will find something they like. The staff is welcoming and very attentive to everyone's needs. The food is undoubtedly among the best Chicago has to offer. The entertainer is famous throughout the city, and it won't be difficult to figure out why: He's a blast and works to ensure that everyone is having a good time. The belly dancers are equally talented. The space is large and comfortable. No cramped tables, and the dance floor is wide and encouraging. Juliana is perfect for any occasion, and any size party. I've been to several engagements, birthday parties, and bridal showers here--it's always a good time. It's great for a night out with the girls, a family outing, anything. You won't be disappointed (Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights). Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Juliana may seem a little pricey at first, but at the end of the night you won't feel cheated of a single penny. For high quality food, excellent service, and wonderful performers, you should expect to shell out a bit more. Absolutely worth it. Juliana is hands down the best Mediterranean hot spot in the Chicagoland area. read more

Love, love, love this place. Not sure if its the same but this Assyrian / Iraqi / Middle Eastern club is so much fun. Good food, excellent music (sometimes live), fine hookah, and professional belly dancing make this spot a great night out. Lots of good memories here. read more

Want to be at the best wedding, communion, Castilian like celebration with be people you actually want to be with rather than drunk uncle, et al. Come here and witness the greatest celebration, singing, dancing and food set to an Arabian lounge lizard sound. This happens twice a week. read more

I was there on a Saturday night, i expected it more crowded than it actually was, i haven`t been there in years, but we have friends visiting and we decided to take them to see something different, so we chose middle eastern food and entertainment. The service was as slow as it gets, we were literally forgotten, to the point i went and get the drinks from the bar myself. The waiter was really apologetic, he tried to fix the lack of service, we appreciated he comped some things from the bill. They had greek and assyrian life music, belly dancer show, which was really nice, but I am not rushing to go back... read more

Juliana Restaurant - Greek and assyrian night. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is excellent and this is one of my favorite restaurant for entertainment. One of the best belly dancers I've seen. The band is well diverse in music and singers sing in different languages. My top favorite place. read more

As always the best place for entertainment. The best kababs in town and hookah. Great personnel. Very friendly

Upgraded to 5 stars The food was excellent, we had Kufta kabob and it was great The wait staff had better attitude and were more attentive The belly dancer learned more tricks too so everything has gotten better there read more

Hey for the past year or so, the belly dancers get a break and Juliana's hosts Chicago-style Steppin every Thursday! I went for the first time this past week after hearing my friends who are into this beautiful couples dance (like a slow, walking swing/bop dance) talk about how great it is to have a place to Step on the northside. It's from 7p.m. to midnight every Thursday. I hear though it doesn't get hopping until 9 or 10. I went at 7 and left around 9:15 on a rainy Thursday nights, there were about 30 people at tables and about 20 dancing. The music is from a low-key DJ playing beautiful slow- and mid-tempo soul music, think Marvin Gaye or RKelly or Luther Vandross. Just sitting there and enjoying the music and watching the dancers is a pleasure even if you don't know the dance or simply came to have dinner (and yes the food is great.) They even have a special drink menu for Steppin night with some crazy drinks. I happened to be there on a night where a dance school was doing a workshop to teach you how to step; they do this the 2nd Thursday every month, starting at 7, I asked one of the teachers. So it was cool to discover this happening in a part of the city I hardly ever go to except pass on my way to Evanston. Thank you Juliana's for supporting this beautiful dancing that's part of Chicago. You should do more night like this with different kinds of dance too! How about a salsa night? read more

One of the best times I ever have!! I love the staff, the owner and of course Vanessa!! The drinks are not that expensive no matter what the other reviews said. After all they do not charge for the entertainment. My favorite part of Juliana is the inclusion ,, they don't care that you are Gay, Lesbian or Trans ,, you are welcome and they treat you very nicely. If I had it in me I would be there every Saturday :) , well I am there twice a month so that's not bad .. . I highly recommend it read more

-Food was ok ... probably 7/10 -The sound system is set in a way where the beat is VERY loud and disturbing. -That was all ok and I would have given the place 3 stars, but we had an issue with the bill and the waiter, who was really good and polite, got the manager "Danny" to help and the manager was really RUDE! he didn't try to solve the issue. He said "just pay" you don't have to come back again. I know managers should be diplomatic but he was awful. From the moment he came you can tell he came to fight, not to solve anything. read more

Was visiting the place on valentine's day, Food and music was perfect like the music type and chicken with rice

I consider this as the worst hookah I ever tried in my life. The place is bad too, in a bad and dangerous neighborhood. The food was not good as well. The staff were lazy, you wait for them to take your order for like a half hour and add a 45min for waiting them to bring it to you. Their singer only went on stage for a couple songs then that was it the night is over. Overpriced too. SPEND YOUR MONEY IN ANOTHER PLACE read more

This is not normally the type of place I would frequent, but I was hanging out with my Assyrian/Iraqi peeps, and they all wanted to go to Juliana's. So I tagged along. The outside of this restaurant looks scary. However, you go in and are warmly greeted by a gentle Assyrian man, vibrant music and people of all ages in cocktail dresses, suits... eating, drinking and having a great time. I have a growing appreciation for Assyrian music as my friends love listening to it... all the time. We did not eat here, but drank... a lot. This is not the place for dirty martini's, but mine was not too bad. Being the only non-Middle Eastern person there, everyone was so welcoming and invited me to enjoy their food and celebrate with them. It seemed like everyone knew each other and I was in a big wedding reception. My favorite part was the belly dancer. She was amazing!! I wish I could move like that. Overall, Juliana's is a great place if you're looking for something different. Helps if you know someone who speaks Assyrian... otherwise, you'll just be lost. I've heard great things about the food here. Will have to try it out sometime! read more

An amazing place The singer Albert is a talented high quality voice with encyclopedia of songs. The Belly dancer Vanessa is a true talented star, the best I have seen, world class. The band is amazing too. We loved the food and the drinks. They made us feel home and were treated as royalty ! All at an affordable price . I am definitely coming back . read more

Terrible! STAY AWAY!! I ordered food online from this place, and went to pick up in person, and the place was closed, even though it said online that it was open. Then i called the number for the restaurant(which is fake), and it said that the number was disconnected. Basically, these crooks stole my money and tried to get away with it.!!! I never received my order!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!!!! read more

Been going to this restaurant for 15 years and they never disappoint - amazing food, good hookah, great entertainment - not sure if Vanessa is still there, but she's the best belly dancer in the city! The owner will sing for you in your native language, and they treat you like family here, always remember your name. Vera is wonderful as is the whole staff. There are fancier venues out there, but this place is and always will be #1 read more