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Taza Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taza Cafe
8.2
Taza Cafe is a long-running Loop counter-service spot for Palestinian-leaning Mediterranean plates, falafel, and shawarma that stay firmly in the affordable-lunch zone. Regulars lean on it for freshly cooked platters and wraps that feel homemade compared with the larger fast-casual chains nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel platter with hummus, Lentil soup with warm pita
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A quietly enduring Franklin Street café serving Palestinian-style shawarma, falafel, and daily-cooked specials at true Loop-budget prices.
Who should go: Office workers wanting fresh, affordable Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: Arrive just before the weekday noon rush for faster lines.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, falafel platter, lentil soup with pita.
Insider tip: Ask which items were cooked most recently; the staff will often steer you toward the freshest skewers or trays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Loop is limited and metered; most guests rely on nearby paid garages or employer parking access.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly — work attire, jeans, and casual layers are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during the lunch rush; usually easy to hold a conversation once the line thins.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a weekday lunch operation and may not be open for weekend dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at peak noon rush; little to no wait just before or after the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several staples such as falafel, salads, hummus, and veggie platters.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, salads, and many sides are naturally vegan (confirm sauces and add-ons at the counter).
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable — rice plates and salads can be ordered without pita; cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, grab-and-go lunches than a first-date setting — it’s counter-service, fast, and practical rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are taken. Seating is first-come, first-served and most guests order to-go; arrive just before the lunch rush for best odds at a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick daytime meals, but there are no kids-specific amenities; seating is limited and works best for older kids who can handle counter-service dining.
Best For
Better for: Freshly cooked platters, friendly guidance from the staff on what was made most recently, and true budget-friendly Loop pricing compared with larger fast-casual chains.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner environment, evening hours, or a lingering meal with full-service ambiance — this is a daytime, efficiency-first lunch spot.
Taza Cafe
8.3
Taza Cafe is a long-running Loop counter-service spot where chicken shawarma, gyros, and falafel come in generous plates and sandwiches with hummus and salads. Office regulars rely on it for swift lines, halal options, and consistently fresh Middle Eastern and Greek-leaning plates at lunch and early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taza Combo (Chicken Shawarma & Gyro), Hummus Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Counter-service Middle Eastern spot where shawarma and gyros stay consistently fresh.
Who should go: Loop workers wanting hearty, customizable Greek-Middle Eastern plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush or early dinner before closing.
What to order: Taza Combo, Hummus Shawarma Bowl, Falafel Sandwich.
Insider tip: Order ahead online; lines move fast and peak around noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown street parking is scarce; nearby paid garages and metered spots are the most reliable options during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, gym clothes, and jeans are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush, otherwise easy for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: Often minimal or not applicable — this is primarily a weekday lunch spot and hours may be limited on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Short line during peak noon rush (5–10 minutes), but it moves quickly with counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus plates, salads, and veggie sides are reliable options.
Vegan options: Yes — several vegan-friendly items like falafel, hummus, and salads (ask for no yogurt-based sauces).
Gluten-free options: Some options — plates and salads work better than sandwiches; pita and wraps contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s a fast-casual, counter-service lunch spot geared toward quick meals rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used; seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is quick, especially outside peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for simple, casual meals, though it’s more of an office-worker lunch environment with limited space for strollers or lingering.
Best For
Better for: Fast, generous shawarma and gyro plates at budget pricing, quick service, and dependable freshness for weekday lunches.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner experience, lingering meals, or extensive evening/weekend hours.
Hours
Monday10am - 8pm
Tuesday10am - 8pm
Wednesday10am - 8pm
Thursday10am - 8pm
Friday10am - 5pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed