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Heart Of Middle East Market
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Heart Of Middle East Market
7.8
Heart Of Middle East Market is a compact Halsted grocery that doubles as a takeout counter for falafel, shawarma, and house-made dips. Shelves of pantry goods, a deli case, and hot sandwiches make it more of a neighborhood utility stop than a sit-down restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Hummus with Fresh Pita
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Tiny Middle Eastern market where grocery runs meet quick falafel and shawarma.
Who should go: Locals stocking pantry staples and grabbing inexpensive handhelds.
When to visit: Afternoon and early evening before deli items sell out.
What to order: Falafel sandwich, chicken shawarma wrap, hummus with warm pita.
Insider tip: Pair a fresh-made sandwich with sweets or spices from the shelves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Halsted and nearby side streets; generally easier earlier in the day but can be tight during peak neighborhood hours.
Dress code: Casual — grocery-stop and takeout friendly; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low — small market environment where conversation is easy and most visits are grab-and-go.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but there may be a brief 5–10 minute line at the counter during rushes.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; orders are prepared quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and several deli items work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel and most dips are vegan, though confirm sauces and pita spreads if avoiding dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some platters and dips are naturally gluten-free, but pita and wraps contain gluten and there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s more of a compact grocery and takeout counter than a sit-down dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are typically few or no dine-in seats and reservations are not used; expect takeaway or very limited counter seating if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops — it’s a calm market environment, but there are no kids’ menus or amenities and visits are usually short.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive handhelds and pantry staples in one stop — especially falafel, shawarma wraps, and house-made dips.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, large group seating, or a linger-friendly dining room — a traditional restaurant will be a better fit.
Heart Of Middle East Market
7.9
Heart Of Middle East Market is a compact Lakeview grocery and counter that locals use for fresh hummus, dips, and quick falafel sandwiches. It feels more like a neighborhood pantry with a few excellent prepared items than a full restaurant, which helps keep it under the radar even as word spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
House hummus with warm pita, Falafel sandwich, Assorted house-made dips
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Tiny Halsted market where everyday grocery runs come with legitimately great hummus and falafel.
Who should go: Locals craving affordable Middle Eastern grab-and-go.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings before prepared items sell out.
What to order: House hummus, falafel sandwich, mixed dips.
Insider tip: Grab pita, dips, and olives from the shelves to build an at-home mezze spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Halsted; spaces can be limited during evenings and weekends, no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday streetwear is normal; come as you are.
Noise level: Low — small grocery-style environment where conversation is easy if you’re waiting on an order.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; brief delays only if a small rush hits the counter.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically — most visits are in-and-out pickup stops.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many items are naturally vegetarian (falafel, hummus, dips, salads).
Vegan options: Yes — several vegan-friendly options like falafel and most dips, though labeling may be limited.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dips and prepared items are gluten-free, but pita and sandwiches are not; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s more of a quick-stop market and takeout counter than a sit-down setting with ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no formal tables or reservations — expect grab-and-go or brief counter ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick snack stops or takeout, but space is tight and there’s little room for strollers or lingering.
Best For
Better for: Affordable grab-and-go mezze, fresh hummus and dips, and pantry-style Middle Eastern staples you can take home.
Skip if: You want a full-service restaurant, lots of seating, or a broader hot-meal menu.
Hours
Monday9:30am - 10pm
Tuesday9:30am - 10pm
Wednesday9:30am - 10pm
Thursday9:30am - 10pm
Friday9:30am - 12am
Saturday9:30am - 12am
Sunday9:30am - 10pm