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El Toum
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
El Toum
8.4
A Lebanese counter spot that wins on garlic-forward shawarma, crisp falafel, and the kind of sauces that make takeout taste complete even 20 minutes later. Order it as a build-your-own mezze spread—one sandwich, one plate, and two dips—so you get texture (crunch), heat, and that signature toum punch in every bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap with toum, Falafel plate with tahini, Hummus + baba ghanoush with warm pita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Toum-driven Lebanese shawarma and mezze that stay punchy in takeout.
Who should go: Takeout diners who want shawarma-and-dips reliability
When to visit: Midday lunch for fastest ordering and freshest turnover
What to order: Chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus/baba ghanoush
Insider tip: Add extra toum and use it as the whole meal’s “sauce.”
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive. Easier during weekday lunch, tougher evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, workday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly counter service and quick turnover, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush, mostly ordering line rather than table wait.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; fast-moving lunch crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong options including falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and mezze plates.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, toum, and several vegetable sides are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — grilled meats and dips are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible; skip pita if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date or daytime meet-up. It’s quick and informal rather than romantic, but the food delivers confidence.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is counter service with limited seating. Walk-ins are the norm, and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors like chicken shawarma, fries, and pita make it approachable for kids, though seating is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Garlic-forward shawarma, punchy sauces, and takeout that holds up exceptionally well compared to other neighborhood Mediterranean counters.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down dining experience, table service, or a quieter, linger-longer meal — this shines most as a fast, flavor-driven stop.
El Toum
8.4
A tight Lebanese counter spot where the signature garlic toum does the heavy lifting—turning shawarma and falafel into a craveable, sauce-driven meal. Best ordered as a mezze-and-wrap combo so you get crunch (falafel), richness (shawarma), and a dip that keeps its punch even after travel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma wrap with toum, Falafel platter, Hummus + baba ghanoush duo
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Garlic-forward toum and dialed-in shawarma built for repeatable takeout.
Who should go: Takeout-first diners chasing shawarma-and-dips reliability
When to visit: Lunch hours for fastest turnaround and freshest turnover
What to order: Chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus/baba ghanoush
Insider tip: Add an extra toum—use it as your sauce for everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight during peak hours, easier midday.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate; counter-service room with light foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at most; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and mezze plates.
Vegan options: Yes—many core items are vegan by default, including falafel and dips.
Gluten-free options: Limited—protein plates and dips work, but shared prep space means possible cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than a traditional first date—counter service and tight seating favor quick meals over lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served with fast turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple flavors; limited seating and no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Garlic-forward Lebanese flavors, fast takeout, and sauce-driven meals that travel well.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, a long sit-down meal, or a quieter, more spacious setting.
El Toum
7.7
A Middle Eastern counter‑service spot with aromatic falafel wraps and strong mezze offerings. Focused on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, it’s a pleasant and affordable detour from heavier fare along Roosevelt Avenue. Casual vibe and quality execution make it a reliable choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Wrap, Hummus Platter, Baklava
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fresh falafel and balanced mezze plates.
Who should go: Casual lunch seekers.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner.
What to order: Falafel wrap, hummus, baklava.
Insider tip: Add house pickles for extra zing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be challenging during peak hours, especially in the evening.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and t-shirts are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low – a quiet spot perfect for solo dining or intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: No significant wait, but it can get busy around dinner time. Expect a 10-15 min wait during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as it's more of a quick lunch spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – many options, including falafel wraps and hummus plates.
Vegan options: Yes – falafel, hummus, and other mezze options are all vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Limited – the falafel is gluten-free, but there are no dedicated gluten-free preparations for other items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It's a casual spot, perfect for a laid-back first date where conversation is easy. The intimate and relaxed vibe sets a comfortable tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's a counter-service setup, so there's no need for a reservation. However, it can get busy during lunch and dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, this spot is good for families with kids. The casual atmosphere and variety of mezze make it easy for kids to enjoy.
Best For
Better for: El Toum excels in its fresh, flavorful falafel and diverse mezze, offering a lighter yet satisfying meal compared to heavier fast-food options along Roosevelt Avenue.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a sit-down restaurant with extensive service or larger, more complex menu options.
El Toum
7.8
A compact Middle Eastern spot with strong vegetarian and vegan offerings centered on house‑made hummus, falafel, and grilled vegetables. Its casual counter service and friendly staff make it a solid choice for a quick, satisfying plant‑based meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hummus Platter, Falafel Wrap, Tabbouleh Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fresh, simple Middle Eastern plates with strong vegetarian focus
Who should go: Lunch crowds and casual plant‑based eaters
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Hummus Platter, Falafel Wrap, Tabbouleh
Insider tip: Combine plates family‑style for best value
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be challenging during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly fine, no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate - Conversation is easily audible, though it can get a bit lively during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: No significant wait typically, but expect occasional short delays during peak hours (15-20 minutes).
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, the counter service is fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Dedicated vegetarian-friendly menu with a variety of options.
Vegan options: Yes - Several vegan options including the hummus platter, falafel, and grilled vegetables.
Gluten-free options: Limited - Some items like the hummus and falafel are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a casual spot with a laid-back vibe, so it's ideal if you prefer a more relaxed first date without the pressure of formal dining. The healthy, fresh dishes make it a great choice for a light, non-fussy meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, the restaurant operates on a counter-service model, so no reservation is required. However, during peak hours, you might need to wait briefly to find a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - The casual, quick-service nature of the restaurant makes it a great choice for families. While there aren’t specific amenities for kids, the environment is friendly, and children are welcome.
Best For
Better for: El Toum excels in quick, healthy Middle Eastern fare with a solid plant-based focus. It's perfect for a fast but satisfying meal.
Skip if: If you're seeking a more upscale dining experience or a place with extensive table service, consider alternatives with a more formal atmosphere.