ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Harwood Heights
Master Critic Review
EZ Shawarma
8.0
A compact Middle Eastern counter that earns a fries spot by keeping them hot and snackable alongside grilled meats and spreads. Treat it like a two-item order—one shawarma or kebab plate plus fries—so the fries stay crisp and you get the full dip-and-bite experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
French-fried potatoes, Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel with hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fries that work as a dip vehicle for hummus and sauces.
Who should go: Shawarma lovers who want fries
When to visit: Early dinner for quickest turnaround
What to order: Fries; chicken shawarma plate; falafel
Insider tip: Dip fries in hummus—skip extra sides to keep them crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Easy suburban parking vibe—usually straightforward street parking nearby with some small-lot spillover depending on the time. Dinner rush can tighten up, but it’s rarely a long hunt.
Dress code: Casual always works—hoodie, jeans, work clothes, whatever you’re in. It’s a grab-and-go counter energy.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quick conversations are easy, but it’s not designed for long sit-down hangs.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min typical; can spike to 20-30 min if multiple large orders hit at once.
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typical—usually quick in-and-out.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel is the safe anchor, plus hummus/spreads and salad-style sides depending on the build.
Vegan options: Good if you order intentionally—falafel + hummus + salads work well; confirm sauces before adding.
Gluten-free options: Possible but requires care—go plate-style with protein + salad/rice and skip pita; ask about shared fryers/sauce ingredients if you’re sensitive.
Best For
Better for: Hot, crisp fries that actually stay snackable—and the real win is how well they pair with hummus, garlic sauce, and drippings from shawarma. It’s a stronger “fries + dips + protein” combo than most Middle Eastern counters that treat fries as an afterthought.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip it if you want a sit-down restaurant night, a long hang, or a fries-only destination. If you’re not also ordering shawarma/falafel, you’ll miss the whole point of why the fries score so well here.