0 Followers
Z Falafel
Master Critic Review
Z Falafel
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late-night Mediterranean counter serving crispy falafel, shawarma wraps, and fresh hummus until midnight most nights. The casual spot caters to downtown's diverse crowd with halal options and vegetarian-friendly menu at wallet-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Plate, Lemon Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Open late with consistent falafel and shawarma
Who should go: Late-night diners and budget-conscious downtown workers
When to visit: After 9pm for post-event Mediterranean fix
What to order: Falafel wrap, beef shawarma, fresh hummus
Insider tip: Counter seating offers quick service during lunch rush
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but limited - use nearby lots ($8-15) or Metro Civic Center station 2 blocks away
Dress code: Come as you are - casual counter service spot, gym clothes to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Moderately loud - order counter bustle but doable for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait typical, no table wait (counter/takeout spot)
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during downtown lunch rush (12-1pm), otherwise minimal
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie plates
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, hummus, most sides are vegan (confirm tahini sauce preparation)
Gluten-free options: Limited - skip the wraps, request bowls/plates with rice instead of pita
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter service and fluorescent lighting lack romance, but works for ultra-casual 'let's grab a bite' situations or late-night food runs after drinks elsewhere
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or taken - it's counter service with limited seating, first-come first-served. Peak lunch (12-1pm) means standing room only
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals - simple menu kids understand, affordable, fast service. No high chairs or changing tables though, better for school-age kids than toddlers
Good for large groups? Not really - limited seating maxes out at 4-5 people comfortably. Better for solo/duo dining or takeout for groups
Do they deliver? Yes via major apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash) but pickup recommended - falafel stays crispier and you save on fees
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings (open until midnight most nights), budget meals under $12, quick lunch breaks, halal dietary requirements, solo dining without judgment
Skip if: You want sit-down table service, romantic ambiance, craft cocktails, or leisurely meals - this is grab-and-go territory