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Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
7.9
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill is a family-run counter inside a small market where shawarma, falafel, and homey plates come out of a compact open kitchen. Logan Square locals use it as a dependable, affordable takeout option for freshly fried falafel, lentil soup, and mixed plates that travel well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Plate, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Lentil Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A tiny grocery-counter hybrid where hand-made falafel, shawarma, and lentil soup anchor some of the neighborhood’s most affordable Middle Eastern plates.
Who should go: Locals wanting low-cost, homestyle Middle Eastern takeout or delivery.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak takeout queues.
What to order: Falafel plate, chicken shawarma wrap, lentil soup.
Insider tip: Ask which sides are freshest that day—staff will steer you toward the best salads and dips from the case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most guests stop in for takeaway or a quick counter meal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small market setting with kitchen activity but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually short waits (5–15 minutes) during rushes while orders are cooked to order.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or brief queue at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel plates, salads, lentil soup, and mezze-style sides work well.
Vegan options: Yes — several vegan-friendly staples (falafel, lentil soup, many salads); confirm sauces and dips if strict.
Gluten-free options: Partial — many proteins, salads, and plates can be served without pita; wraps and sandwiches include gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual bite than a formal date — it’s a compact counter inside a market with limited ambiance and seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come, first-served; seating is limited, so many guests opt for takeaway.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, affordable meals and takeout; space is tight and seating is limited, so families may be most comfortable carrying out.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly Middle Eastern plates, freshly fried falafel, and takeout that travels well at a lower price point than sit-down restaurants.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, large groups with guaranteed seating, or a polished, linger-friendly atmosphere.
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
8.0
Tucked into the back of a Logan Square convenience store, Yaba’s runs a small counter turning out kebabs, gyros, and falafel plates with far more care than the setting suggests. Regulars come for generous platters, warmly handled service, and Middle Eastern flavors that scratch the same itch as a casual Greek grill at bodega pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kafta Kebab Plate, Falafel Wrap with Tahini, Lentil Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A no-frills counter in a corner store where kebabs, gyros, and falafel feel homemade and underpriced.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners craving hearty gyros and kebab plates
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for the freshest turnover
What to order: Kafta kebab plate, falafel wrap, lentil soup
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials or extra salads on the side—the team frequently throws in small extras and customizes plates for regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally easier earlier in the day but can tighten during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Very casual — counter-service setting; come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space with light foot traffic; conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Usually short; 5–15 minutes depending on takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — falafel, lentil soup, salads, and veggie platters.
Vegan options: Several natural fits (falafel, lentil soup, salads), but ask about sauces and dressings.
Gluten-free options: Plates over rice or salad can work; pita and fryer cross-contact are possible — confirm at the counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, grab-and-go style meal — it’s more of a value-driven counter spot than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is limited and informal, and many guests order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick, casual meals — generous platters and mild options work well, though space is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Large, affordable platter portions, warm counter service, and homemade-feeling kebabs and falafel at budget pricing.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, spacious seating, or an ambiance-focused Greek/Middle Eastern restaurant experience.
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
7.7
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill hides inside a modest storefront on Armitage, turning out shawarma, kebab, and falafel from a small open kitchen attached to a corner market. It’s primarily a takeout operation, but the focus on freshly grilled meats and housemade sides makes it feel more personal than a generic fast-food stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Falafel Sandwich, Hummus
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Small counter connected to a neighborhood market turning out homestyle shawarma.
Who should go: Budget diners wanting quick, filling Middle Eastern takeout.
When to visit: Weeknights for hot-off-the-grill plates without long waits.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, falafel sandwich, side of hummus.
Insider tip: Check the attached market’s shelves for Middle Eastern pantry staples to take home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Armitage and nearby side streets; usually manageable on weeknights but can be tighter during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Very casual — come as you are; takeout-focused environment with no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low — small counter-service space with light kitchen noise; easy to converse while waiting for food.
Weekend wait: Typically 5–15 minutes depending on grill volume; call-ahead orders may be faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with food prepared to order in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus, salads, and some sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — falafel and select sides are typically vegan; confirm sauces and spreads when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly plates (like grilled meats with rice and salad), but no dedicated prep area — best for diners who are gluten-sensitive rather than strictly celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual pickup meal than a sit-down date — it’s primarily counter-service with limited seating and a grab-and-go feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here. Seating is limited and mainly for quick bites, so most guests opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout or quick family meals — portions are generous and mild options are available, but space is small and not ideal for long dine-in visits.
Best For
Better for: Fresh-off-the-grill shawarma and kebab plates at budget prices, personal counter-service, and quick, filling takeout meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dining room, large group seating, or an extended sit-down Middle Eastern meal experience.
Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
8.0
Yaba’s is a tiny shawarma and kebab counter tucked inside a modest Armitage convenience store, often described by regulars as a true neighborhood hidden gem. Freshly grilled meats, generous platters, and housemade hummus punch well above the space’s humble look, with steady recent reviews praising both flavor and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate with rice and salad, Falafel Sandwich with house garlic sauce, Mixed Grill Platter with hummus and pita
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Back-of-the-market shawarma counter turning out unexpectedly polished Middle Eastern plates.
Who should go: Shawarma fans who love low-key, high-value neighborhood spots.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends for fastest, straight-off-the-grill orders.
What to order: Chicken shawarma plate, falafel sandwich, mixed grill with hummus.
Insider tip: Walk past the front shelves toward the back counter; it feels hidden if you’ve never been.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Armitage and nearby residential side streets; spots can be limited during peak evening hours but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — this is a counter-service neighborhood spot where everyday attire is completely appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space with light foot traffic; easy to hold a conversation while you wait.
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes depending on grill volume; takeout moves faster than dine-in.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with most orders turned around quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, hummus plates, salads, and sides provide several solid vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited but feasible — falafel, hummus, and some salads can work if you avoid sauces with dairy; ask when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Partial — many platters can be served over rice instead of pita, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates — it’s a humble counter inside a small market, great if you value food quality over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are typically a few seats and it operates first-come, first-served; most guests order takeout or quick dine-in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals — simple menu, generous platters, and informal seating; strollers may feel tight in the small space.
Best For
Better for: Value-forward shawarma and kebab plates with freshly grilled meats in a low-key setting — ideal when you want flavor, portions, and affordability.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service restaurant, large dining room, or lengthy sit-down experience — this is primarily a counter-service hidden gem.