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Sultan's Market (Pilsen)

1738 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
$
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Sultan's Market (Pilsen) 8.3
Pilsen
A Pilsen counter-and-grocery staple built for fast, affordable Middle Eastern comfort—shawarma, falafel, soups, and plates that locals treat as a repeatable weeknight solution. The move is to keep it simple: one wrap or plate as the anchor, then add soup or a small side for lift.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma wrap, Falafel sandwich, Lentil soup
Scores:
Value: 9.1 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A long-running, value-driven counter for shawarma, falafel, and soup in Pilsen.
Who should go: Budget diners who want reliable shawarma-falafel comfort
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easy, fast takeout
What to order: Chicken shawarma wrap, falafel sandwich, lentil soup
Insider tip: Add soup or salad—going wrap + fries can feel one-note fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks; usually manageable on weeknights, tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service hum, easy conversation.
Weekend wait: Short line or 10–20 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; fast counter flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel sandwiches/plates, lentil soup, salads, and mezze-style sides.
Vegan options: Yes—falafel, lentil soup, hummus, and several vegetable sides (confirm sauces).
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice plates, salads, and soups can work, but cross-contact is likely in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual. It’s counter-service and fast, better for a low-pressure bite than a linger-long date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and grab open seating; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple flavors, quick service, and flexible seating make it easy with kids, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Value, speed, and repeatable Middle Eastern comfort—great for weeknight takeout or quick group meals.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mediterranean experience, polished service, or a destination date-night vibe.
Sultan's Market (Pilsen) 7.7
Pilsen
A Pilsen Middle Eastern counter-and-market built around a fast line, a big salad bar, and plates designed for maximum fill without fuss. It’s strongest when you keep it classic—falafel or shawarma as the anchor, then one soup or salad-bar side—so the meal stays sharp instead of sprawling.
Must-Try Dishes: Falafel sandwich, Chicken shawarma dinner, Lentil soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fast, filling Middle Eastern classics with a salad-bar-and-soup rhythm.
Who should go: Budget diners who want quick falafel
When to visit: Midday for the cleanest in-and-out
What to order: Falafel sandwich, chicken shawarma, lentil soup
Insider tip: Pick one main and use the salad bar for balance—don’t double up on heavy sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable midday, tighter evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — busy counter energy but short conversations are easy at tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak; line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, lentil soup, salads, hummus, and multiple meat-free plates.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, lentil soup, salads, and several sides are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — salad bar and some plates work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast, casual, and line-driven, better for a quick meal than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating; just grab a table after ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, flexible portions, and mild options like falafel and soup work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Middle Eastern plates with big portions and salad-bar flexibility.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, quieter atmosphere, or more refined presentation.