Best Late Night Middle Eastern Restaurants in Chicago
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tabaq Restaurant
Late-night halal Pakistani comfort plates in Old Town.
Notable Picks
8.1
A late-hours halal Pakistani option that locals use for hearty staples like biryani and curry plates when you want maximum food for the money. It’s functional and no-frills inside, but the kitchen leans into big flavor, big portions, and reliable takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb biryani, Nihari, Tandoori chicken tikka
What Makes it Special: Late-night halal Pakistani comfort plates in Old Town.
8
Operating out of a South Loop ghost-kitchen hub, Turkitch Express focuses on Turkish street-food staples like doner, kofte sandwiches, and grilled chicken plates with a halal cue. Bowls, wraps, and panini-style sandwiched meats lean flavorful and filling, with value combos that work well for students, nearby workers, and late-night takeout. The space is functional rather than atmospheric, but execution on the food side is notably careful for a quick-service concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Doner Wrap - Turkish Style, Istanbul Street Kofte Kebab Sandwich, Beef Doner Plate
What Makes it Special: Halal Turkish street food with strong flavor focus from a modern ghost kitchen.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-hours, counter-service shawarma stop where the cleanest results come from a tight order built around one main plus one supporting side. Keep it simple—shawarma plus hummus or falafel—so textures stay crisp and flavors don’t blur.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shawarma wrap, Hummus plate (includes 2 pitas), 3 piece falafel
What Makes it Special: Late-night shawarma-and-falafel counter built for fast, focused orders.
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
What Makes it Special: High-volume halal shawarma shop by the ballpark with huge plates and long hours.
#5
Shawarma 1
7.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-night shawarma stop built for speed and volume, with delivery-platform popularity and a simple menu that focuses on wraps, fries, and straightforward add-ons. Best move is to order one signature shawarma plus one side—keep it tight so it arrives hot and doesn’t steam itself soft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Shawarma, French Fries, Spicy Shawarma
What Makes it Special: Late-night hours with big, filling shawarma-focused orders.
#6
Shawarma 1
7.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A late-night shawarma stop built for speed and volume, with delivery-platform popularity and a simple menu that focuses on wraps, fries, and straightforward add-ons. Best move is to order one signature shawarma plus one side—keep it tight so it arrives hot and doesn’t steam itself soft.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Shawarma, French Fries, Spicy Shawarma
What Makes it Special: Late-night hours with big, filling shawarma-focused orders.