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Sila's Mediterranean Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sila's Mediterranean Restaurant
7.6
Sila’s #2 brings a newer, build-your-own Mediterranean format to Madison Street, with customizable bowls, wraps, and plates that skew protein- and veg-forward. It functions as a healthier-feeling Loop lunch option where you can dial in spice, grains, and toppings without losing the comfort of shawarma and dips.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Hangover sandwich, Falafel wrap with baba ghanoush
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A modern counter-service Mediterranean spot where you can build substantial bowls and wraps with shawarma, grilled veggies, and house dips instead of defaulting to salad chains.
Who should go: Loop workers wanting customizable, filling Mediterranean lunches.
When to visit: Aim for late-lunch windows after the 12–1pm rush passes.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, Hangover sandwich, falafel wrap with baba ghanoush.
Insider tip: Stack roasted vegetables and extra sauces on bowl builds; portions are generous enough to stretch into a second mini meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Madison Street; most guests use nearby paid garages or metered spots when available.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, business casual, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush; generally easy to hold a conversation outside rush windows.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait — this location is primarily a weekday lunch destination.
Weekday lunch: Short line during 12–1pm rush; expect 5–10 minutes for ordering and food assembly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, salads, roasted vegetables, and multiple dips can be built into bowls and wraps.
Vegan options: Yes — plant-based builds are possible using falafel, grains, vegetables, and vegan sauces.
Gluten-free options: Many components are gluten-free (grains, proteins, salads); wraps contain gluten, so bowls are the safer pick.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s a counter-service, lunch-focused spot better suited for quick meals than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here. Seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick outside the lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like build-your-own meals; there’s no kids menu, high chairs, or table service, so it’s more functional than leisurely for families.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more customizable Mediterranean bowls and plates than nearby salad or sandwich chains, with heartier proteins and generous portions.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mediterranean dinner, table service, or a quiet, linger-friendly setting.
Sila's Mediterranean Restaurant
7.5
Sila's Mediterranean Restaurant #2 sits inside the Poetry Garage building and focuses on fast gyros, falafel, and build-your-own bowls for downtown workers. It’s a straightforward counter-service spot where portions are generous and the menu covers familiar Greek-Mediterranean staples at under-$15 lunch pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gyros Pita, Falafel Pita, Sila's Falafel Wrap
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Compact Loop counter turning out quick gyros, falafel, and bowls from a garage-level storefront.
Who should go: Downtown workers needing quick, satisfying Mediterranean lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours; expect the heaviest lines around midday.
What to order: Gyros Pita, Falafel Pita, Sila's Falafel Wrap.
Insider tip: Enter via the Poetry Garage on Madison if the street entrance looks crowded.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Located inside the Poetry Garage; paid garage parking is the most reliable option. Street parking in the Loop is limited and highly time-restricted on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, jeans, and gym clothes are all common for grab-and-go lunches.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch rush, quieter before and after the noon window; conversation is easy outside peak times.
Weekend wait: Often closed or very quiet on weekends; typically no wait when open.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the midday rush, especially 11:45am–1:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, salads, and build-your-own bowls can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, veggie plates, and bowls can be ordered vegan if you skip sauces with dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — bowls and salads can be ordered without pita, but cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual line setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s a counter-service, quick-turn lunch spot geared toward office workers rather than a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. Seating is first-come, first-served, and many guests take food to go; turnover is fast even during lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes, but it’s designed for downtown workers rather than families. High chairs and kids’ amenities are unlikely; better suited for quick, simple meals with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast gyro and falafel lunches under $15, generous portions, and quick service for office workers on tight breaks.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Greek restaurant, dinner ambiance, or extensive dietary accommodations with dedicated prep controls.
Hours
Monday10:30am - 7:30pm
Tuesday10:30am - 7:30pm
Wednesday10:30am - 7:30pm
Thursday10:30am - 7:30pm
Friday10:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday11:03am - 7pm
Sunday11:04am - 3:08pm