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Zam Zam Middle Eastern Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Zam Zam Middle Eastern Grill
7.6
Zam Zam is a halal Middle Eastern counter by Wrigley Field known for oversized shawarma plates, laffa bread, and late-night hours. It’s the move when you want volume and flavor—especially after games—more than a slow, sit-down experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Windstorm Plate (Chicken Shawarma - Gyro - Falafel), Lentil Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: High-volume halal shawarma shop by the ballpark with huge plates and long hours.
Who should go: Cubs fans and night owls craving hearty shawarma and plates.
When to visit: Post-game and late evenings when the room is buzzing.
What to order: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Windstorm combo plate, lentil soup.
Insider tip: Share one of the storm combo plates if you’re coming from a game—portions are big enough to split.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Wrigleyville, especially on game days; expect paid neighborhood lots or rideshare to be the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual — ballpark attire and hoodies are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during post-game rush and late nights; quieter on non-game weekdays.
Weekend wait: Short line during peak post-game windows; counter service generally moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus, salads, and some plate builds can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — falafel and some sides are vegan; confirm sauces and spreads at ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some plates can be served without bread or over rice, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual, post-game energy — it’s counter-service, bright, and often busy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with counter ordering; seating is first-come and can fill quickly after games.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals — big portions and simple flavors work for older kids, though late nights and game-day crowds can feel hectic.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling halal shawarma and combo plates at late hours near the stadium, especially for post-game groups and takeout.
Skip if: You want a quieter sit-down meal, refined Mediterranean cooking, or strict gluten-free handling.
Zam Zam Middle Eastern Grill
8.4
Zam Zam is a high-volume halal counter near Wrigley where shawarma, falafel, and hefty rice bowls feed game-day crowds and late-night regulars. It’s more about speed, portions, and flavor than decor, with long hours and online ordering keeping the line moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sandstorm with Rice Plate, Chicken Shawarma over Hummus, Falafel & Rice Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night-friendly halal shawarma shop with huge portions and volume.
Who should go: Hungry Wrigleyville crowds needing fast, filling Middle Eastern plates.
When to visit: Post-game and late nights when shawarma cravings hit.
What to order: Sandstorm rice plate, chicken shawarma over hummus, falafel bowl.
Insider tip: Split one loaded rice plate and add extra sides to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered spots on Clark and side streets; expect scarcity and surge pricing on game days and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — game-day wear, hoodies, and jeans are common.
Noise level: Loud during post-game and late-night rush; quieter and conversational earlier in the day.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during post-game and late-night surges; usually faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel plates, hummus, salads, and veggie bowls are reliable options.
Vegan options: Yes but limited — falafel, hummus, salads, and rice bowls can be customized without sauces containing dairy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — rice plates and salads can be ordered without pita, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, quick bite than a formal date — it’s counter-service, bright, and often busy, especially after games.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and turns over quickly, though tables fill during game and bar rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals — simple plates and sharable portions work for older kids; evenings can feel hectic and loud on game nights.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, fast counter service, late-night hours, and reliable halal shawarma and rice plates near the stadium.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining room, quieter ambiance, or strictly controlled gluten-free or allergy-specific handling.