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Panini Kabob Grill
Master Critic Review
Panini Kabob Grill
7.8
California-based chain serving scratch-made Mediterranean fare with flame-grilled koobideh and chicken kabobs since 1997. Daily-delivered ingredients and in-house preparations create consistent quality for downtown workers seeking healthy, budget-friendly options near City Hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh Kabob, Chicken Shish Kabob, Atlantic Salmon Kabob
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: True scratch kitchen with daily-delivered ingredients and flame-grilled kabobs
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners, office workers, health-focused eaters
When to visit: Lunch hours for fresh daily preparations, weekends less crowded
What to order: Koobideh kabob plate, combo kabob plate, house-made soups
Insider tip: Order through their app for pickup to skip parking challenges near City Hall
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Pine Ave and nearby blocks ($1.50/hr), or City Place parking structure ($2/hr). Arrive early for lunch - spots fill fast near City Hall
Dress code: Casual - business casual for lunch crowd, but shorts and t-shirts totally fine
Noise level: Moderate - open dining room with typical lunch rush buzz, easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for counter service, may wait for seating during peak dinner
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait 11:30am-1pm (City Hall crowd), otherwise walk right in
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including falafel plate, veggie kabob, hummus bowls, and multiple salads
Vegan options: Yes - falafel, dolmas, hummus, baba ganoush, rice, salads (skip yogurt sauce)
Gluten-free options: Yes - all kabobs and rice are GF, skip pita bread, request GF prep awareness
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners - bright lighting, counter-service format, and lunch-rush energy make it friendly but not intimate. Good if you both love Mediterranean food and want low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Seating fills up 11:30am-1pm weekdays with office workers, but turnover is quick (20-30 min). Weekends and evenings are easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, mild kabob options, and rice plates work for picky eaters. High chairs available. Gets loud during lunch rush but families are common on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality at budget prices, healthy fast-casual Mediterranean when you want flame-grilled meat over Chipotle-style assembly lines, and reliable chain experience downtown
Skip if: You want authentic family-recipe Mediterranean (try independent spots in nearby neighborhoods), romantic ambiance, or adventurous regional specialties beyond kabobs