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Middle East Bakery & Grocery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Middle East Bakery & Grocery
8.5
A bakery-and-market with a serious prepared-food counter that’s built for savory pies, shawarma, and mezze you can eat immediately or take home for later. The best visits feel like two stops in one: a hot wrap or plate first, then a box of pastries and pantry goods to extend the win.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shawafel wrap, Savory spinach pie, Baklava
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Bakery + grocery + grill counter that turns errands into dinner.
Who should go: Mezze lovers and sandwich regulars
When to visit: Lunch for freshest pies
What to order: Shawafel wrap, spinach pie, baklava
Insider tip: Grab extra pita and dips from the market side for tomorrow.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on Clark Street during the day, tighter evenings and weekends. Allow extra time if driving.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; fine for casual conversation but not a quiet sit-down meal.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak evening rush; faster if ordering to-go
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait, even at busy lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection including spinach pies, falafel, mezze, salads, and pastries.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and several mezze items (confirm pastries individually).
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mezze and salads are gluten-free, but most breads and pies are not; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime or low-pressure first meet than a formal date — it’s lively, food-forward, and more counter-service than sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter-service with limited seating, and reservations aren’t part of the model. Going off-peak makes it easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are flexible, and familiar items like wraps and pastries work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Mediterranean food plus bakery goods you can take home — especially strong for mezze, savory pies, and value.
Skip if: You want a full-service, sit-down Mediterranean dinner or a quiet, linger-long atmosphere.
Middle East Bakery & Grocery
8.5
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A bakery-and-market that doubles as a hot-food counter, built for shawarma wraps, savory pies, and a grab-a-lot pastry finish. It’s at its best when you treat it like two stops: one hot wrap or plate now, then baklava (and pantry goods) to extend the win. The long-running, high-volume reputation matches the day-to-day reliability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shawafel wrap (falafel + chicken shawarma), Spinach pie, Baklava
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Bakery-market energy with a serious shawarma-and-pies counter in one stop.
Who should go: Takeout regulars who want variety fast
When to visit: Lunch for hottest pies and fastest turnaround
What to order: Shawafel wrap, spinach pie, baklava
Insider tip: Add one savory pie for later—it reheats like a plan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours but usually manageable mid-day.
Dress code: Casual — everyday wear, jeans and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Moderate during busy hours — counter chatter and foot traffic, but not overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at the counter during peak rush; no table wait since seating is limited and informal.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong options including spinach pies, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and multiple mezze.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, lentil soup, and some pies; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some mezze and salads are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely due to bakery prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual, low-pressure food stop than a sit-down date — great for daytime or early evening, less ideal if you want ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; most people eat quickly or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, fast service, and familiar flavors make it easy with kids, though seating space is limited.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Middle Eastern food with bakery depth — especially shawarma, savory pies, and pastries you can take home.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dining experience, extended seating, or a quiet, linger-long meal.
Hours
Monday9:30am - 8pm
Tuesday9:30am - 8pm
Wednesday9:30am - 8pm
Thursday9:30am - 8pm
Friday9:30am - 8pm
Saturday9:30am - 8pm
Sunday11am - 6pm