Way too cold - it's like a freezer inside. Greek salad was swimming in dressing. Required compazine suppository after meal. Solid falafel, though.
(2)
Niki C.
I don't eat a lot of Middle Eastern food, truth be told, but an old friend of the family took me here one night before a Second City show & I left full & satisfied. The falafel was just what I'd expect & the hummus & baba ganoush were divine. I keep telling myself I'm going to go back, but I haven't yet. Hence the 3 stars.
(3)
Gina D.
The food made me sick and was way too salty. The delivery guy was rude and didn't seem interested in wanting to ever deliver to us again. Fine with me because first and last time they'll be getting my $. not worth it in my opinion. There are other places that don't get people sick from their food and have better flavor with kinder staff.
(1)
Matthew T.
I had eaten here once before and thought the food to be mediocre and extremely overpriced, they definitely take advantage of their location. If I was in old town, there are a number of better places. If you are in the mood for middle eastern, there are hundreds of places far better and cheaper. This kicker is the owner is EXTREMELY RUDE. The only reason I am posting a review is because of our experience with the owner today. My fiance wanted to stop in and order take out from them (much to my protest) and we pulled up and put our directional on to pull into the loading zone. As I begin to pull in a car came flying in and blocked my entrance into the spot. When I rolled down my window to protest the lady yelled "this is my loading zone and I own the restaurant" as I replied we were simply trying to park there to order take out she simply rolled up her window and ignored me. Needless to say we did not order take out and I will NEVER go here again!
(1)
Kristen D.
A great place for some falafal or kefta kabobs. Wonderful food (lentil soup, tabboleuh, hummus...they're all great!) The staff is quite nice. Very inexpensive, and you get tons of food. Highly recommended for a quick mediterranean meal.
(4)
Isa B.
I know my falafels and tabule! THIS is the place for that. Carry-on is great, delivery is great and dine in is great. It's fresh, unpretentious and people are very nice. I went with my friend and we both had strollers and they made it comfortable to lunch in. It's cheap and good. I'm a fan.
(4)
Regina F.
I just went for dinner here couple days ago for a friend's birthday. This was recommended by a co worker. This restaurant does not have as many selections as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but the food was pretty good. The place is small and intimate so it;s good for privacy. There is an outdoor seating area which is nice (we didn't sit outside because of our heat wave though). I ordered a small piece of cake for my friend's bday and that was the only thing I wasn't a big fan of because it was too sweet. Other than that, I wouldn't mind going again. BTW, excellent and friendly service too!
(4)
Hannette S.
Great food and great service... I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Jackie R.
Its nothing exciting to look at...yet becomes exciting when your food arrives and it exceeds all of your expectations. I actually cant say ive had better middle eastern food. My boyfriend moved to the states when he was 18 from the middle east...and he said it brought him back home. hes never said that!
(5)
Marisa B.
I got a Greek salad, one of my favorite things to order, and all I can say is that it was ridiculously overpriced. $8.25 for a small plate of iceberg lettuce, 2 olives, and 2 slices of tomato? Oh hell no. Also, the menu said it came with bread. I was still starving after eating that rabbit food so I went to ask about the bread, which I did not get with my meal, and the guy traipsed off "to get me more feta" before I could even finish telling him I was asking about BREAD. Then some lady came up to us and practically threw the bread at me. I would not recommend going back to this place. If you do, don't get the Greek salad.
(1)
Dory O.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and this place was a disappointment. The food was just okay. The food wasn't seasoned very well at all. We were the only table in the restaurant and they barely paid attention to us. I was also disappointed by the $1.50 per person corkage fee. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)
Fawn D.
If you crave authentic gyros and hummus, this is your place. The rice is to die for. Minus one star because it takes FOREVER for the food to arrive when you order delivery. BUT it's worth the wait.
(4)
H K.
Catering: Being Iraqi, I have to say Lebanese food is by far the best middle eastern food. That being said, I decided to buy food for a party from here. The employee, who barley speaks good English, spent over 20 Min's w/ me trying to figure out the cheapest way for me to get the best deal. He apologized over and over for his miscalculations. Anyway, the food was amazing, and the service was outstanding!!!! Keep in mind this is a very small-family owned restaurant, so be patient if they are a little slow. Catering ( again): I can't help but cater from this place, the falafel are great to get if you don't have time to go there in the morning, Heated up the next day taste great. The food is inexpensive and great tasting. The service is super great!
(5)
Mame M.
I ordered delivery, and was looking forward by a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern meal, only to be disappointed. The falafel tastes burned, and the lentil soup is watery and flavorless. I don't think I'll order from here again.
(2)
asra a.
standard mediterranean cuisine. ordered shawarma and was disappointed- looked more like grilled gyro strips. my husband ordered chicken with hummus which was good- as stated below, the hummus is really good. for dessert we ordered kanefeh which also was a bit sub-par compared to what we have had before. the owner was really nice, service was decent, and food was ok.
(3)
Blair B.
Tried this for carryout last night and wasn't terribly impressed. Food was ready quickly and it was fairly priced.. otherwise..the bread was bad. Like, they need to find a new supplier. Most middle eastern food I've had has served delicious homeade bread.. this was cold and gross, definitely out of a package. Hummus was just ok. My kafta sandwich had very little meat and a lot of lettuce. Overall probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Allison Alesya R.
I am new to Chicago area and I have lived in Detroit for 15 years, where we have a middleastern restaurant on every corner. So, the Old Jerusalem does not compare to anything I've had in Detroit, however it is taste food, clean atmosphere. I will probably go there again, since I live there and don't know where else to go for middleeastern.
(2)
Kristal R.
Despite them being a "middle eastern" restaurant, they do not have the MOST COMMON item on all middle eastern menu's being the chicken shawarma. Since they didn't have the chicken shawarma, I ordered the beef shawarma which was described as being like a gyro. It was on normal pita bread you would get from the grocery store and 98% beef with little sauce, etc. Overall, not impressed.
(2)
Scott M.
Great Food. 100% Authentic. I would go back any day any time. Small room....a dozen tables or so....street parking is sparce. I did not have any jim beam there....it is BYOB.
(5)
Mandee M.
I love the chicken hummus and the falafel is generally pretty good. If I'm ordering lunch I normally just order the appetizer portion though since it is enough for me. The portions are fairly good sized, and this is one of the cheapest places to buy a meal in the Old Town neighborhood. Most other places within a block or two are either twice as much or they just serve okay food. We order delivery from here all the time, and it normally only takes 20 minutes, but my office is also only a few blocks away and we are regulars so tehy know what we order and that they generally always get a good tip so they seem to hurry right along.
(4)
A.S. V.
There need to be more cheap, fast middle eastern restaurants like Old Jersusalem around town. This is pretty healthy food, and I crave it nearly every week. This is highly authentic and tasty.
(4)
Ren H.
This Old Town spot is perfect for a quick middle eastern fix! The staff is all middle eastern so its really authentic cuisine.. and the location is perfect for people watching and walking around Old Town afterwards!
(5)
Mazen M.
I like the shawirma sandwich, and you probably don't care, but its close to where I live.
(4)
Marley F.
This hole in the wall is one of my favorite restaurants. I love middle eastern food and they have some of the best. I dine in occasionally, but I also end up ordering in for delivery a lot (especially on icky, rainy days like today!).
(4)
Kara M.
came here with a large group of people from school, the service was fast and the food was good. everyone loved their dishes and had no complaints, if you can please about 15 people at once, then in my book you're good!
(4)
riddhi j.
Decent food, good service, very reasonable price. Liked the baklava. Hubby and I both ordered the falafel and it was good. Like most falafels it was dry, but still tasty. Would definitely return here for good food and good price.
(4)
Andrew K.
I wouldn't go back, if that's any indication as to how I felt about this place. Over priced too.
(2)
Dana P.
All I can say is Falafel pita sandwich. Get it!
(4)
Kat S.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)
Bee B.
Great food. Good prices. Food came out super fast. My new mediterranean place!
(5)
ali a.
This is a great middle eastern restaurant! I love the hummus and the falafel. The portions are big and the prices are cheap. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this kinds of food.
(4)
Anna P.
Truth be told-I am conflicted on Old Jerusalem...Part of me wants to rave of the low key, comfortable atmosphere and the incredibly affordable food...The other part can't justify paying $12 for their Greek Salad with it comes with so much iceberg lettuce, that I start to feel like a grazing cow mid-meal. Another strange experience happened when I added a bottled water to my order...I started walking away and realized that I was not the original owner of said bottle-cap was broken and not my lipstick on it...At that point, I felt just a tad too close to another diner....
(3)
Michael W.
I stopped here on a whim with a friend who never had Middle Eastern cuisine before, and this was a great introduction. The restaurant is small but intimate - grab a table by the front window for prime people watching. The food was very good - I especially liked the combination platter. We were uncertain about dessert, but a man who appeared to be the owner gave us recommendations - a nice touch. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)
Diane C.
This is a great place to go to get a quick bite when you're in Old Town. Their falafels are the best in the city. They even have an award on the wall to prove it! Also it's a good place to bring a book and hang out. And it's modestly priced.
(4)
Rachel G.
The falafel is great. Prices are on the lower side - about $30 per couple. It has great people watching during the warm months on the sidewalk.
(4)
Aaron R.
Great place to grab a quick bite to eat...the service is very fast, the food is good, and it's cheap. I've yet to find a better place for middle eastern food in Chicago.
(4)
Tracy M.
Emma- sorry you had a bad experience here, but try it again! I eat here all the time and love it! It's so affordable, fast, cheap and tastes good!
(4)
Elizabeth N.
My second favorite neighborhood place, after Topo Gigio. They use good quality, fresh ingredients and it's very reasonably priced. Plus, it's relatively easy to eat healthy here (which, in the Chicago restaurant market, means an automatic three stars as far as I'm concerned). The musaheb sandwich (I'm totally botching the spelling on that, I'm sure) is delicious.
(5)
Emma L.
I guess I ordered the wrong thing at Old Jerusalem because everyone seems to love this place. I tried it last week after reading these raving reviews and have to say I wasn't too impressed. The chicken in my pita was kind of fatty and I didn't find the prices as cheap as everyone is claiming. Maybe it was an off day for them? I'll have to go back and try Old Jerusalem again.
(2)
Design G.
Low-key and great food. Lots of people get take-out but on week nights it's not too crowded so you can dine-in without making it too much of an affair. The price is more than right (under $10 for a vegetarian platter and sandwich platters about $6) and the desserts are cheap and yummy. The chef also teaches a cooking class for Treasure Island, which is about one of their only treasures these days... and that would be worth checking out as well. Check it out-- they get my $.
(5)
bob j.
good outdoor lunch spot with good food
(3)
K J.
The cucumber sauce was awesome and made for a great salad dressing. The shwarma (spelling?) was really dry. My friend ordered the meat plate and one of the red meats on her plate was heavenly. They have great baklava too.
(4)
Lauren H.
This place was not the greatest and i hear that they MICROWAVE THEIR MEATS AND HAVE ALMOST EVERTHING PRE-PREPARED! EEWW GROSS! In 1970's this place was awesome, now i am sure their has been a change in management. PEOPLE OF OLD TOWN, THERE ARE MUCH BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE BUBURBS SERVING BETTER MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD AT BETTER PRICES! THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! A FALAFIL SANDWICH FOR OVER $5 PLEASE LETS BE REASONABLE! ALL IT IS IS GARBONZO BEANS!
(1)
Doug p.
another great falafel place in the city. .the portions are on the small side though
(4)
Diana S.
Wowzers... I don't usually like eating Middle Eastern food at restaurants.... either they over cook stuff, the service sucks, or the food is bland and muted to appeal to the American palate. Not the case here! It's such a cute restaurant. There are little touches of the culture, but nothing overwhelming. Soft music, an embroidered mural, little pieces of art, it's pretty and I like it. Add to that the fact that the food is all so fresh and comes to you super fast and I want to come back all the time. So. I. Have. Been. I come every week. It's a family restaurant and you can tell. This summer I've seen the owner's kids sitting quietly in their corners with their electronics or even rolling silverware (so adorbs!) and even a little old lady who I'm sure is the matriarch either sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or relaxing in her corner of the restaurant overseeing the excellent service! But okay, ambiance and people aside, the food--- oh dear sweet lord, the food. It's like Aladdin, Genie, Abu and the magic carpet came and swept me off to Beirut- or dare I say Old Jerusalem :-p (see what I did there?) The flavors are authentic, the food- fresh, the mashawi (grilled food) are whoa, falafel is the best I've had this side of the Atlantic and don't even get me started on the hummus... I want to kiss the hands of whoever made it and beg them, "teach me master". Seriously though, if you want Middle Eastern food that is actually REAL Middle Eastern food, run- don't walk to Old Jerusalem on Wells.
(5)
Sarah G.
We were looking for an affordable place to eat, which in Old Town can be tricky sometimes, and we saw the good reviews for this place online, but it only ended up being so so in my book. I love me some falafel but this falafel was a little dry and I wished the appetizer portion of it that we ordered came with a little more sauce or something for us to add to it. Their lentil soup however is pretty addicting and I really need to figure out their recipe for that soup! I found myself having difficult sharing that soup with Matt, so definitely something I would come back and order again. We also got a dish I had never heard of before called Arayes which took over 20 minutes to wait! It said that clarification on the menu too, but we had pretty much finished our entrees by the time it came out so it was more like a post appetizer ha ha It is like a middle eastern flat bread topped with ground lamb and it was pretty good, but I would have liked it to start my meal rather than end it. Then we also got their kefta sausage sandwich which I think also was one of the best dishes we got. The flavor in the sausage was really great and the sauce with the vegetables all went together really well. So for a place in the area with decent prices and large portions and the service is really nice too, Old Jerusalem is a good choice.
(3)
Scott S.
I really wanted to like Old Jerusalem. I arrived with great anticipation and left unenthused. Service receives 1 star while the Food receives roughly 2.5. I'm normally indifferent regarding service, but felt this was particularly poor. We waited several long minutes before our waiter first arrived. Our table received our pita bread halfway through our meal, roughly 10 minutes after the table next to us who had been seated after us. Requests for condiments were left unanswered. A markedly poor experience. The food was slightly better, but nothing to rave about. The grape leaves were uninspiring, the hummus plate was smaller than anticipated, and the lentil was bland. The Greek Salad was decent, although the grilled chicken on top was very good. The Kefta Kabob Sandwich was the highlight. It was bigger than expected and the meat was cooked perfectly.
(2)
Jean L.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the area! A no frills restaurant with straight-forward service. ...and did i mention BYOB??? The sandwiches are great and all under $10. The babaganoush is the best I've had. The combos are huge and yummy! (my personal recommendation is the chicken kabob) All the yummy eats + BYOB = definitely a 5 star review!
(5)
Jess M.
This place came highly recommended by the chaps at my hotel and it did not disappoint. I went from 70 degree weather to snow when flying in earlier in the day so wanted something to warm me up. I ordered a bowl of lentil soup and side of tabouleh with bread. The soup may have been the best lentil soup I have ever had. It was seasoned perfectly and warmed me up. The tabouleh was fresh and delicious. I indulged a little and had a piece of baklava, also really good. Flaky and not too sweet just like baklava is supposed to be. It's a family run joint and you can tell. Friendly atmosphere, good food and very reasonably priced. I will definitely stop here again for some nosh when I'm in town.
(4)
Ceyda E.
I really wanted to like this place! The ambiance is great, a cute little restaurant that has a BYOB option, which is fantastic. However, their food was too far from authentic and was "Americanized" so much so that the originally spicy Middle Eastern dishes lacked flavor. Also, they can improve their price-portion balance; I found the portions to be a bit small. The service was excellent, though.
(3)
Jake C.
The chicken and falafel sandwiches were excellent. The only problem was the amount of lettuce. The dessert was baklava and amazing, best I've had in a while. The Arabian coffee was strong and tasty. Will return. This is a nice family owned and operated establishment.
(5)
Nicole B.
Fantastic casual little cafe in Old Town. This place isn't fancy, but the food is fantastic!Highly recommend the vegetarian combo with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad, and falafel. I'm usually not a fan of tebouleh but this was fantastic! The baba ganouj was also some of the best I've ever had! The Jerusalem salad was this creamy yogurty salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Great deal for the money. Everyone in my group ordered meat entrees- lamb and chicken and honestly the vegetarian dinner looked way fresher and more delicious. Overall definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Rayanne A.
I have been going here for years and I have tried almost everything on their menu!! There aren't many restaurants you go to and you find great hummus and to die for falafel sandwiches. I love going to this restaurant that has friendly waiters and a lovely owner. You should stop by this tasty restaurant when your in old town.
(5)
Rachel A.
I called for take out and it was ready in 15 minutes. Got the hummus chicken, falafel appetizer and a side of pita bread. Everything was great! The chicken was well seasoned and came on a bed of delicious hummus. The appetizer came with 4 falafel balls on top of a small salad. The side pita bread came with so many pitas for .50 cents! We made pita sandwiches with the chicken, hummus and salad that the falafel was on top of. The restaurant itself is not fancy and based pm the ambiance, I would suggest carry out over dining in. The 1 employee I talked with was friendly. Delicious! I will definitely be back to try more dishes!
(5)
Tavi J.
I went here last night after deciding fast food wasn't the way to go :) Glad we did. It was a beautiful night out (after the rain) and we wanted to eat outside.. The waiter and staff were very attentive and got our seats all dried off so we could enjoy our meal outdoors. We ordered the Tebouleh salad which was delicious and had a lot of flavor to it. For our main meal we split the Shawirma. It was was presented different from any place I have had before. Instead of shredded lamb and beef it was slices. It actually did taste like a gyros. Hummus was served underneath it. I appreciated the uniqueness of the presentation, but I have had better hummus. Guess I should mention what my friend really enjoyed about this place is it's BYOB. I've been seeing a lot of BYOB establishments on Wells street, so will have to make sure we remember to go that route. Next time I plan on getting dessert and trying the Bakalava. Nice establishment and I will return to try more food items.
(4)
Sydney B.
Great, casual Middle Eastern food at good prices. Even the bread was notably good. If I lived near here, I'd be a regular.
(5)
Jay N.
This is THE hidden gem in old town!! Not only is the food amazing, fresh and healthy - the people that work there are the nicest! My favorites are the Lentil Soup and the Veggie Combo Platter ( i am not a big meat eater) with the falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, etc. The portions are so generous. I absolutely love this place! Its BYOB for sitting in the restaurant and super fast delivery for take out!
(5)
Marisa Y.
This is another instance where I wish Yelp allowed for half stars because I think this place is really more a 3.5 than 3. The food here is solid, but nothing to write home about. The falafels are excellent and I'd definitely order them again if I come back here. I ordered the greek salad with falafel (trying to get that Lean Body 2015 diet going haha) and the falafel was the only real standout. The portion size was big, but the salad was overdressed and I have no earthly idea what dressing was used. It kind of ruined the salad unfortunately. I also thought the hummus was overpriced. Ok, but overpriced. Service was fast and nice though, which shouldn't be discounted. If I was in the area, I might come back again, but this place was pretty forgettable to me.
(3)
Shayna Y.
For a casual, Byob spot, this place a great choice. There isn't much of an ambiance, but Old Jerusalem is located in the heart of Old Town. For $1.50/person you can bring your own wine. The food is casual Mediterranean food. We ordered the Tzatziki which was honestly a bit watered down and not as creamy as I've had before. I would not recommend it. For an entree, I had the chicken and hummus. The hummus was delicious - not too creamy, not too oily. The chicken was also pretty good. I would certainly get it again. Looking for an inexpensive and casual place on Wells St, this is your spot!
(3)
Mohammed H.
This review is for delivery only. Our office ordered the food for a lunch seminar. The food is fresh and tasty, but it could be better. I had the chicken wrap with pickles and it tasted pretty dry and didn't really have any sauces in it. The tabouli and falafels were much better - I am glad they were ordered as additional dishes. It's not the most authentic and delicious Mediterranean food out there, but perhaps visiting the resturant might be a different experience.
(3)
Eva R.
This is a litle restaurant in Chicago Old street. It is opened very late and you will get your meal very fastly. The speciality are typical of Midle east cuisine and is very well made. I addition you can seat inside or outside. So this place is prety much a good deal if you want to eat late something unusual for the city
(3)
Kasey A.
Appropriately priced, authentic (to me) Mediterranean food. My wife and I got the combo meat platter and felafel and it filled us up! Definitely would recommend.
(4)
Jessica N.
this place was super cute but was very hyped so it under-delivered. Falafel - Just ok. Not super flavorful Shawirma - Underwhelming. Great portion, rice was tasty. But I wanted more from the meat Musaheb - Hubs ordered this and it was delicious. Really tasty hummus and the chicken was well spiced and cooked. Clearly the winner Need to come back and try more, 2/3 were under whelming but we need to try more on the menu.
meh ive had better. I probably would not go here again. The food was mediocre and the service was slow. Not to mention, its freezing inside! It is BYOB though!
(2)
Ben W.
This place was quite a gem! Was pretty slow when we walked in but by the time we ordered dinner, it was full. Ordered the falafel appetizer (AMAZING), shawarma sandwich and my date ordered the combo platter. The falafel was the clear victor in my book. Portions are very generous especially for the price. Staff friendly, helpful, and attentive.
(5)
Radhika K.
Great Byob Mediterranean place ! Meat is cooked to perfection and their dips were too good ! Bread was warm and our server was super friendly ! I tried lamb kebabs and they were done so well and my friend tried chicken kebabs and they were equally well marinated and tasty ! It's almost a 5 star place till the dessert arrived . Baklava was stale ' skip the dessert if you can . Everything else was pretty good :):)
(4)
Mark C.
Excellent Turkish Coffee! Authentic middle eastern cuisine. Great neighborhood. Will definitely return.
(5)
ChiTown M.
Dirty. Run down. Poor service. Beverages that taste as though the lines haven't been cleaned since they opened in 1976. Coffee that makes your tongue numb. Filthy utensils. Mediocre food. What more could you want in a restaurant? Sort the reviews by date and you'll see that this place is going down hill.
(1)
Lindsey W.
I was thoroughly impressed with Old Jerusalem attentive service, accommodating seating area, and obviously the byob-awesomeness. Although I've passed by this establishment several several times over the years, we decided to eat here because Cafe Sushi is closed between 3-5pm (dumb) The food was all delicious, we had falafil app, hommos, feta cheese, greek salad, tebouleh, and other plates that we our table of 4 split. We all felt like it was a great value. Love the outdoor seating and people watching on Wells Street too! Seems pretty child friendly too... not sure about dogs but I'd assume so. Great place for vegetarians! So many options! PS: Try the baklava.. at least 1 piece (I think it's only $3), it was so rich it felt like it was melting as you took a bite.
(5)
Romana Y.
The food is solid: great tabouleh, hummus, kifteh kabobs, chicken, and shawirma. The sandwiches and plates were generously satisfying. The lackluster service is never welcoming. The outdoor tables wobble. The bathrooms are in need of an upgrade: the communal hand towel-style remains disdainful amongst most. The family-run owners were rather cold towards their patrons, but appeared relatively cordial towards my group and I, as our similar origins came up during service. Great, healthy, pick-me-up, and people-watching location, but improvements are highly recommended here with everything but food.
(3)
S W.
Just wanna make a comment on the Turkish coffee, since that's the main reason I went there during my short trip to Chicago. It's great over all. Very strong and flavorful. They put cardamon in it, too which I love. Very impressed. :) The staff was great. Very patient and nice (I asked lots of questions about the Turkish coffee since I make my own. They definitely have a better recipe than mine). I had a great time!
(5)
Nancy Y.
Very laid back ambiance. Ppl were eating outside, but I was too cold today to eat out doors. Very classic Lebanese style food! Very good and kind service. Family owned and operated. Good family place. Will come back again!
(5)
Sarah M.
Great food, especially the shawerma entree and chicken sandwich. Highly recommend for takeout and lunch.
(4)
Neal N.
Amazing food, amazing service! The best middle eastern food I have ever had in my life.
(5)
Phil Q.
This is my go to Lebanese/Med restaurant in the city. Great service and amazing food. Go with the chicken kabob plate or the Kefta Kabob sandwich.
(5)
Khadijah L.
Solid lebanese food. Great baba ghanoush and meats on the combo platter. Owner confirms that food is halal.
(4)
Albina O.
A couple of years ago I remember this place being fantastic. But going back last week I was very disappointed. I really wanted to love this place. The good: - It's a mom and pop shop, complete with an old woman in a head scarf sitting in the corner. - Great location - Good Feta Cheese appetizer (really, should have stopped eating there)- I might even call it great, but considering how little effort goes into preparing it, 'great' would be generous. - Stayed a little while for tea after dinner, and did not at all feel rushed to leave. The bad: - Attentive, friendly service, with a major glitch: my grape leaves entree (on the entree menu) was brought out with appetizers. - The grape leaves were over-salted, and I really couldn't get past that. - Cold Pita Bread - The tables are wobbly. A coaster under a leg would help out a lot. Disclosure: I grew up overseas on kabobs, pilov and grape leaves.
(2)
Lara T.
The restaurant was not really busy, but the take-out counter was hopping. The menu and prices are decent in scope, and you can never go wrong with a BYO. Our group ordered quite a few items, so I was able to sample all sorts of dishes. The baba ghanoush was delicious and smoky, the stuffed grape leaves were delicious, and the Moudardara was tasty. The meat dishes were overcooked. If you have a hankering for this style of food and happen to be on Wells, swing on by.
(3)
A C.
Their chicken with hummus is good, and pita bread is fresh. I like the coffee as well.
(4)
Ed D.
Excellent food! Middle eastern cuisine at it's finest. I will come back here for sure. Located on North Wells
(5)
Shan D.
Thought everything was just average. The falafel is overcooked, and the hummus is just bland. I'd look elsewhere if you're craving middle eastern food.
(2)
Nish R.
Stopped by for a lunch on a weekday. So the palce was pretty empty. Seemed like a no nonsese kind of a place. Food came amazingly fast. I had the Veggie combo and a fresh carrot juce served with lebonese bread. Food was really tasty. Service was a little business like rather than friendly but it was very efficient. So no complaints here.
(4)
India B.
Very impressed with Old Jerusalem. We ordered in, so I'm sure it would be better if we ate in the restaurant. The tebouleh, feta cheese, vegetarian combination platter, and shawirma were good. We will be back!
(3)
Sid P.
Ordered the lentil soup and Musaheb. Lentil soup was great but the Musaheb was meh! Chicken was really dry
(3)
Rachel R.
Excellent food. The Greek salad was absolutely perfect from the freshness of the produce to the light, yet tasty dressing. The falafel was wonderful as well. The only con was that delivery took nearly 1.5 hours and the lady who answered the phone when I called to get an ETA wasn't very friendly (although the lady who delivered was very sweet). Will try dine-in next time, but will definitely be back.
(4)
Son N.
The highlights include hummus and baba ganoush (both contain just the right mix of spics without having one overpower others), tabouleh (salad-like and not soggy like at many other joints). The entrees don't stand out as much, but most people will like the generous portions. If you like desserts, their kenafeh is da bomb. Last but not least, patio seating (summer is coming!). What could be improved: the room-temperature pita and inconsistent service - I suppose it comes with the territory of running a mom-n-pop establishment in the high-traffic Old Town. Recommendation: give Old Jerusalem a try. For a casual date night or a group dinner over decent Middle Eastern fare + BYOB wine, you could do much worse than this homely restaurant.
(4)
Alicia D.
Really great food! Quick delivery- about 35 minutes. Quality stuff. I found my new place!
(5)
Jennifer P.
I'd rate it as 2-3 stars. Service was okay, nice people but not great service-wise. The food was fine, but I've had a lot better. The price is what brings this place down. Its quite expensive for the food quality.
(3)
Katherine G.
After having friends recommend the place for some time I finally gave this place a try. My dad was in town from the burbs so I dragged him along for lunch. I was expecting slow service,but we greeted its as soon as we walked in, and the service remained attentive it entire visit with it making us feel rushed. We split the an appitizer and then we both got sandwiches. Everything was flavorful and not over or under seasoned. We both enjoyed everything and we'll likely be back. For the food I would likely go 4 stars, but factoring in the price it gets bumped to 5. With tax and tip it was under 25 which can be hard to do in the Gold Coast/old Town area. Not much ambiance, but I am okay with that for solid food and service.
(5)
Emily J.
Great spot for lunch in Old Town. It wasn't crowded at all when we went and the food is tasty. Its like a second version of Mona's in New Orleans - which I used to frequent when I lived there.
(3)
Peter C.
Definitely could have been better. I had my expectations high from previous reviews and the traditional ambiance. To start, the bread was cold and my yogurt appetizer was watered down. Had the shawarma plate for a main. The meat was dry, and the rice and lettuce that came with tasted store-bought. The tabbouleh was the saving grace. Not too grainy, with a nice onion flavor.
(2)
John G.
good byob spot, i enjoyed the apps & the lamb was excellent. friendly service too!
(5)
H. V.
Quick delivery service via GrubHub. Service in restaurant is slower than it should be (especially for premade items ie:hummus), especially when the weather is warmer and they have the outdoor seating. I will say: I keep trying their delivery and every time something is off. This time it was hair in my tabbouleh :( But. When the food is on, it's on!
(4)
Kymberly J.
I've been here a few times and have always been satisfied. This place has some of the best lentil soup around. It's so comforting on a chilly Chicago day! I take a star off because the service is so very much served without a smile. And not in a mean way like I want to stiff her tip, it's more like in a sad way. I feel sorry for the woman who is always my server. Maybe it's because she is never allowed a day off but there is something about her that makes me feel like she might not want to be there or she is overworked. Anyway, lentil soup, tabbouleh salad, falafel sandwich, whatever you get you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Larry L.
We had many options in "old town" but picked Old Jerusalem. What a treat! The falafel plate is excellent and the lamb too! The family run restaurant is like being at home with welcoming hosts and friendly service. We dined, had great conversation and could bring our own wine! Do not miss this jewel!
(5)
Rick T.
Pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good. Standard fare. Well prepared. Family run. Eat in to watch as the the family members wander to and fro, seeming to multiply from a mysterious room beyond the doorway at the back of the dining room. Waager with friends on how many different people will enter and emerge from the mystery room during the course of your meal.
(3)
Steve M.
Solid chicken schawarma sandwich as well as entree. The chicken is juicy and spiced mildly - none of that over-the-top turmeric seasoning here. Tahini sauce is creamy and mild as well. This is good stuff. Delicious hummous too. The proprietors are some of the nicest around too. All of the ladies are friendly in that "stern but nice grandmother" kind of way. Do it.
(4)
Sarah P.
Lentil soup. That's all I ordered and all I was craving the entire day. Old Jerusalem has some good lentil soup. They are located in the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. Their prices are very nice given it's in the city, and they offer outdoor seating with an awning overhead so you can sip your soup outside while it's raining.
(3)
Jacob A.
This is a great spot in Old Town. I've been going here for about a decade. Solid Middle Eastern food. From the hummus to the kebabs everything is great! The owner and staff are very friendly. Service is excellent. Go check it out!
(4)
Wes N.
Overall I enjoyed the food. I had grape leaves, falafel, lamb and tabouli. Only three stars because I didn't love the tabouli. The rest was pretty good and you can't beat the prices and the byob. I'd def come again but don't expect to have your world rocked.
(3)
Jessica L.
Old Jerusalem is so great. I have Mediterranean food all over the city and I have NEVER found a place that does everything as right as they do! I have never had anything bad from here and would recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of food!
(5)
Mark G.
Very impressed with this place. There falafel platter is a must!
(4)
Tom H.
I've been going here for decades. Good Middle Eastern food with all the standard pita, kebabs, lentil soup and so on. Friendly wait staff. Outdoor sidewalk tables and the restaurant front opens up on warm days. Prices somewhat higher than say, Pita Inn in Skokie, but fine for Old Town.
(4)
Jimmy J.
If we are to judge on food alone, this place is a solid 4 stars. I am an Arab by origin. I have eaten hummos, falafil, and the such in Chicago, Amman, Beirut, Bethlehem, and Damascus, hence my review here will have some credibility. This is definitely a restaurant where you want to take the food to go. The inside is very drab and doesn't have to be but apparently its owners don't know any better. Service was awkward and bizarre and weak all at the same time.This place appears to do good business, but 90% is carry out and it is easy to see why. The food was quite good. Some of the best hummos and baba ghanoush i have ever had. The mezzes had just the right amount of salt and lemon without being overpowering, and the baba ghanouj wasnt overpowered by garlic, often a common Arab flaw. Their version of the Greek Salad was good but no reason to use Iceberg lettuce. I can tell you as an operator, Romaine is cheap enough where no restaurant should ever use Iceberg in any salad. Their Tabouleh was killer. It wasnt chopped to fine which is a common mistake. When it is cut too fine, it soakes up to much of the oil and lemon,and becomes soggy. Theirs was cut perfect making it more of a salad in texture. Also, while the standard procedure is to soak the bulgur (cracked wheat), a main ingredient in tabouleh), to to make it soft, Old Jerusalem does not giving it tabouleh a nice crunch. Falafil was a bit overspiced but defintely met my high standard. Price points for appetizers salads, appetizer spreads, and sandwiches are very good especially given the high rents of the neighborhood. Howvever, the meat and chicken entrees were high in relation to other menu items and what additional food u get: Cheap rice and a generic salad. My grilled chicken kabob sandwich was awesome. Their sauce is a perfect mixture of tahini and lemon. If you live in the neighborhood and looking for solid hummus, falafil, tabbouleh, and kabob...essentially ARAB cuisine staples, Old Jerusalem works. Lastly, perhaps it was day old bread for we came on a sunday, but food rating lost a star because the bread was lackluster. Your bread has to be a star if you run a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(4)
Brian F.
Strange to see an older restaurant like this in the midst of old town's glitter. There's just nothing fancy about the place and the workers seem unhappy. The food was good but not great and my lentil soup was served lukewarm. Hard to get excited about coming back, but I will try a few more dishes based on the high yelp ratings. Maybe I missed something.
(3)
Brian N.
$7 for q shawerma that was chocked FULL of meat. I have rarely encountered such a problem where I've been wishing I had more tatziki. They cut no corners and the shawerma came in a fully enclosed pita pocket that was fresh so none of the mess encountered when some ppl give you just a wrap. House made hot sauce. Super flavorful tabbouleh. Really impressed here. Humble mom and pop. Good for price point.
(5)
Danny B.
My favorite place to get middle eastern food. This place is great, I ussually get the beef schwarma and falaffel, both are excellent! The pita's are also freshly made and delicious! I wouldn't go anywhere else if this is the type of food you are looking for!
(5)
Samuel M.
After many years of obsessive falafel sampling, I think I've finally found perfection, and it's at Chicago's oldest Middle Eastern standby. Old Jerusalem's falafel sandwich ($6.25) is served simply, with tahini sauce, iceberg lettuce, and tomato. However, this falafel needs no embellishment; the patties are spiced vigorously, burst with flavor, and are fried to a delectable crunch. They're awesome. For what its worth, the toppings, while spartan, are exceptional; briefly, the tomato managed to distract me from the falafel. I have to knock down a star because of the hummus ($4.75), which is pricey and a bit bland for my taste, and for the pita, which while not unpleasant, is served at room temperature and is not made in house. Also for these reasons, Pita Inn still holds my top spot for Middle Eastern food in the vicinity of Chicago. However, the falafel sandwich at Old Jerusalem is truly superlative, and in a class of its own. It's a must try.
(4)
Jet S.
It's fine. Bad decor, okay prices. In general meh. It's the only food of its kind in the area so if you want these flavores then this is your spot. The people that own it are not that friendly.
(2)
Ryan P.
This place is definitely tasty. If you are into Middle Eastern food, this place will probably knock your socks off. The hummus is crazy good.
(4)
Justin B.
The kefta kabob sandwich and the falafel were fine, not amazing, but tasty. I would go back for both since the price point was pretty solid. However, I'm still not cool with the $1.50/person BYO surcharge; as part of my cheap eats weekly dinner, this surcharge put us over the $10/person standard. Otherwise, great service in a simple setting...not remarkable enough to go back but I can see where it would be if I lived close by.
(3)
Daisha G.
My husband and I loved this place! The service was GREAT and the food was tasty. The only thing we weren't a fan of was the shish kebab. We also loved how small and authentic the restaurant was. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone that likes this type of food.
(4)
Lauren H.
This place is another hidden gem of Old Town! BYOB. Very very good. I have been once and loved it.
(5)
Keith D.
Old Town's staple for falafel cracks #19 on Chicago Magazines best sandwich list. This was my first Chicago falafel experience. I decided then that Falafel would receive honorary meat status. It's so good, that I can't tell that something wasn't murdered. If I ever go vegan, Mr. Falafel, you are my only hope. You're like a pocket of good. Not that there's any fear of the vegan thing happening, but sometimes you gotta get real and ask yourself. I consider myself a vegan now, except I possess the mental and physical fortitude to eat and digest meat. Kind of like a vegan super hero. Is it the best falafel in the city? Shit no, but it's respectable none the less. The Schwarma is rather damn tasty.
(4)
Yoj G.
Amazing sandwich for a very reasonable price. The dessert was good too, but I think the sandwich was a tough act to follow. The location also a great spot to relax and people watch.
(4)
Julia K.
Chicken kabob was chewy, the yogurt dip was watery, hummus was bland, and falafel was just okay. The food was absolutely nothing to return for. Service was underwhelming-had to go inside to find the waitress quite a few times Outdoor seating right on Wells is a plus.
(2)
Meredith B.
Stopped here for lunch during a shopping day in Old Town, and we were both pleasantly surprised! We came at a weird time, like 1:30 pm on a Monday, but a few other diners with weird eating schedules came in throughout the afternoon. Looks like they do a swift takeout business too! Not being terribly hungry, I got the Jerusalem salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley in tahini sauce) and the lentil soup. The lentil soup was surprisingly fantastic. I thought it would be thin and average but it was really complex and flavorful. The bowl was generously sized, and along with the salad made for a great light lunch. The Jerusalem salad was very thick and creamy from the tahini - I ended up eating it stuffed in pita, which was great. I couldn't finish the whole portion myself - it's not a huge amount, but I wasn't super hungry - but it kept well in the fridge and made for awesome snacks later. My boyfriend got the hummos with beef, and he really enjoyed it. I stole a few bites of the thinly sliced beef but he did a pretty good job polishing it off. He too was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food coming out of this little joint! Since Yelp says that our favorite Middle Eastern spot, Fattoush, is closed, we may need to start coming here to get our fix!
(4)
K C.
Fantastic option in Old Town. Arguably the best find on Wells St. Prices are very reasonable and BYOB makes for a great $30 date with patio seating on a summer night.
(5)
Brian K.
love the food, love the service. especially when the owner personally makes deliveries.
(4)
Karen Anne B.
I've been here a few times and am surprised to find that I haven't reviewed it. This is one of my favorite places for falafel, baba ganoush and definitely my fave for stuffed grape leaves. The falafel is crispy and yummy. The baba ganoush has a great smokey flavor, I'm not always a fan of baba ganoush but I like theirs. The stuffed grape leaves are tasty, lemony and tender. The hummus, IMHO, is fine, not extraordinary, but decent, and the tabbouleh is better than most. The service is maybe not the most "friendly" (they're not rude by any means, just...efficient), but the food comes out lightning fast. It's BYOB and there is a per person corkage fee. In the summer they have outdoor seating, which is nice. Give them a try.
(4)
Jessica S.
The food was pretty good but did not blow me away. To be fair, I did only order the vegetarian platter, a mix of different veggie entrees. While I only gave Old Jerusalem 3 stars, I would return for a laid back al fresco atmosphere on a nice summer night.
(4)
Kathryn R.
Falafel sandwiches at old jerusalem are highly rated by other yelpers, so I expected a much tastier experience. Falafel sandwiches come smothered in lots and lots of iceberg lettuce - slimy says what?! Restaurant temperature is very cold and not cozy in the winter. Hostess was not very friendly and our lunch was really really slow even though we were one of two tables in the restaurant. This place is ok, but will keep looking for my go-to middle eastern food restaurant in Chicago.
(3)
Kevin O.
If you want the best hummus in the city this is the place to get it. Not much in the way if atmosphere but its made up in their food which is always consistently good. Been eating here for YEARS!
(4)
Matthew L.
Really a 1.5. I've eaten here twice - the first was bland, and mostly unremarkable. I decided that there was no reason to go back, but it wasn't offensive or anything. Last night, a family member ordered from here for a family function. While talking to him, it sounds like he got a good deal - a mountain of falafel and hummus along with jerusalem salad and tabbouleh for not that much money. I guess that's a score. The problem is that this was literally the worst meal of Mediterranean food I've had in my life. The hummus (how do you mess up hummus? 4 ingredients!) had no flavor. I genuinely do not believe they added lemon juice to it. It was paste - the consistency of mashed potato. Suitable for spackling. No lemon juice. No garlic. Just paste. The falafel was unbearably dry. The crust gave a nice crunch, but you're no supposed to get that crunch all the way to the center. The falafel just crumbled on your tongue. Most of the positive reviews here note their "mild" spicing in their dishes and their large portions. If you like vats of tasteless food, I guess this is the place. But even Sultans, which is cheap, runs circles around this joint. I can't figure out why someone would voluntarily eat here.
(1)
Jonathan K.
The real deal! Was very disappointed by a falafel at one of the newer hip establishments, and needed to fulfill a craving for a real falafel done right to cleanse my palate. Turns out old school still does it right. The balls spiced subtly and fried just right. The Jerusalem style toppings (tomato, iceberg lettuce, tahini sauce) done just like I remember from the Middle East. The baba ganoush also superior... Not overly smoked and pulverized so it had texture left. Sure, they don't give you a choice of a trillion options. They do it simple and they do it right.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafil sandwiches, tebouleh, hommos, and baba ganouj are excellent. The food is fresh and well prepared. This is a small, casual restaurant on Wells Street in Old Town. Parking is extremely limited. In the summer, there are tables outside. The owners are very friendly and take pride in the food they serve. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for good Middle Eastern food at a causal restaurant with reasonable prices.
(5)
Brent L.
Phenomenal restaurant ran by stand up management. Visited Old Jerusalem for a few appetizers during the Old Town Art Fair. A few friends and I came into Old Jerusalem with around half a cup of beer from one of the food and beverage tents. We were originally charged $1.50 each for a BYOB fee we were unaware of. I brought this to the manager/owner's attention and he waived the fee. Although it was a small charge and he could have easily substantiated it with it's presence on the menu, he was kind enough to waive the fee. The food was excellent and the shaded outdoor seating was perfect. Given that the food and dining experience are wonderful, I want to really emphasize how great the management at Old Jerusalem is. I highly recommend Old Jerusalem.
(4)
Shirley A.
My new middle eastern spot! Vegetarian platter and combo meat platter are both delish! Love supporting small family owned local restaurants!
(5)
Andrea R.
I enjoyed such a yummy dinner here recently that I wondered why I stopped coming here. A friend and I were starving after our nearby boot camp class. Stairs, hills and some other forms of torture sure can bring on a healthy appetite! Fortunately lots of food at Old Jerusalem awaited: * Hummus Appetizer served with a basket of soft pita bread * Chicken Kebob Platter. The chicken was cooked to perfection * Falafel Platter. Not quite Sultan Market quality, but sure tasty The service was fast and it was pretty inexpensive. Shame on me for letting Old Jerusalem slip my mind since moving from Old Town a few years ago...I won't let it happen again.
(4)
Eric R.
Three words...moldy pita bread. I picked up a sandwich for carry out, got home to discover that the pita was covered in mold. Called the restaurant and was argued with. Never going back.
(1)
Amy R.
Best Baklava in the city! It's made in house. The Kefta kabob is excellent....always extremely fresh. The texture of the meat is great. Also, the combination plate of chicken, steak, and Kefta is a wonderful meal, and two people can easily split that. I enjoy their lentil soup.....but it's not as thick as before. Less lentils, more water..... This is a family owed business, and they have been there for over 30 years. The people who own it are very genuine & gracious. Fresh carrot & apple juice. BYOB in Old Town. Not a SCENE! So, very comfortable. Casual....
(5)
Kelly K.
Bottom line: delicious Middle Eastern food at reasonable prices (especially for the neighborhood). This was my boyfriend's and my go-to Middle Eastern restaurant when we lived in the area. We would get the feta appetizer and I always got the vegetarian combo, which is a great choice if you want to try a variety of items. It comes with hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, and Jerusalem salad and all are very good. The only reason I deducted a star is because the service can be a bit slow and aloof sometimes. But the food more than makes up for it.
(4)
Sarah Beth B.
After a movie at Piper's Alley, this was a great place for an easy, relaxed saturday night dinner. We started with Jerusalem Salad and Falafel, and split the meat combination plate, with schwarma, kefta kebab and beef kebab. Overall, it was pretty delicious. The falafel was crispy and fresh and the salad was bright with lemon. The meats were all great, especially the beef kebab, and the rice pilaf served with the meat was really good. Everything came with plenty of tahini sauce on top, and a side salad was a nice accompaniment. Unfortunately, the pita wasn't the best I've ever had, and there wasn't enough of what there was. It's not my favorite falafel in the city, but when I'm in Old Town, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Agnes Z.
Although this is a very low key place, the food is fantastic. So don't judge the book by it's cover. I've been eating here for years. For me this is the best place in the city for Middle Eastern / Mediterranean food. They have one of the best falafel and tahini that I've ever had. Of course they have many other great dishes. The service most of the time is fine, it's average, but for the price (this is really inexpensive for down town) I don't think one can complain. Oh and they have a nice out door sitting in the summer.
(5)
Snowdrops C.
An excellent place for a falafel wrap or a shawarma! We have visited this place twice now - great food and good value casual dining in a lively neighborhood.
(5)
S L.
food is great, 5 star food. but, this little place knows how to stretch a dollar and they will. I go here for takeout all the time. Let me give you an example. The Old Jerusalem salad is tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with tahini sauce and parsley. Delicious and fresh. Small is a decent portion. The large is much more money but the same amount of salad with a side of iceburg lettuce. And they LOVE to pull the "$10 minimum on a credit card", which I think is illegal. But, I put up with it because it's close to my house and good food. Just figure out their system or you get significantly screwed.
(3)
Jelena Z.
If I was forced to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be a combo platter from a Middle Eastern restaurant. Why? Because it usually comes with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel AND pita bread. So yeah... I'm a bit of a cheater. 'Cause clearly that's more than one item. I came here on a brisk October afternoon with audible hunger pangs and a caffeine withdrawal sweats. Well, practically. Enter Arabic coffee: strong and super dark just the way my mom makes it! I've always found it interesting that no matter how much sugar you add to this potent brew, it'll never be sweet. Black magic! True to form, I ordered the vegetarian combo platter. Hummus was creamy, mild with a hint of garlic. The baba had a nice touch of smoke, but i kept my eyes on the prize: the falafel. Nothing crumbly about these fabulously friend chickpeas... moist and totally together. I polished off my entire plate, which means I thoroughly enjoyed my assortment of Middle Eastern delights but also that the portion was on the smallish side. But that's okay, because the food is quality and did keep me satiated for hours. I'll definitely be back, especially since I hear they're BYO! Nothing like eating AND imbibin' on the way cheap.
(4)
David R.
Really good food and quality service. Why is this place three-quarters empty all the time, while all the generic bar-food dumpsters up and down Wells Street are teeming with people on a weekend afternoon? Well, fuck those no-taste douchebags. I enjoy a quiet lunch where I can read anyway. I'm not sure what the management setup is here, but there's an old lady and two middle-aged men, who may be her sons. In any case, she is pleasant and seems to be running the show. Today I saw her taking a delivery order out, for heaven's sake, leaving one guy to man the kitchen and the other to handle the entire front of house, including the patio. They pulled it off though. Anyway, the food is very, very solid. I wish that they had better pita and that they served it warm, but that's about the only detraction I can think of. Baba ghannouj: B+; smoky and slightly textured. Steak kebab: B+; tender juicy grill flavor, maybe the second-best I've had behind Al-Khaymeih. Falafel sandwich: B+; too much lettuce but very good crispy, not greasy, falafel. Hummus: B+ again; they nail the perfect texture, and I love the garlicky undertone. Jerusalem salad: B; light and tasty but somewhat overdressed. Kibbah: B+; until Old Jerusalem, I had not found a place that made this item taste like anything but dog food; OJ's is pungent in the good way and tastes like the actual ingredients listed. Great seasoning and cooked perfectly. I don't find myself in Old Town too often but this is shaping up as a destination for me as one of my favorite down-scale Middle Eastern joints. Too bad they don't have chicken shawarma on the menu though. (Sad face)
(4)
Anuj S.
Went here this evening. I would say it was a very normal middle-eastern place. For me falafel is the measuring stick at these type of places. They did fine on falafel. I can't complain. The second measuring stick is the hot sauce, though. I didn't care much for the hot sauce... and actually it tasted spoiled/sourish. The hummos was good, although the portion was small. Let me put it this way... if you're nearby and you want some Mediterranean food without much effort or travel, it's not a bad option. I definitely wouldn't seek this place out, though, because there are plenty of better options if you're willing to... like... what's the word... go somewhere?
(3)
Jamie S.
Love this place! The food is amazing, portions are huge, staff is really friendly and it's cheap (especially for Chicago)! Oh and it's BYOB. The actual restaurant is a little cozy, but well worth it.
(5)
Lisha L.
Cheap fast solid neighborhood gem! Tip: order the sandwich, it's almost exactly the same size and content as the entrees but cheaper.
(5)
Hanna S.
Great, reasonably priced neighborhood place. Crunchy, garlicky falafel is the right choice here. They taste like they are fried up fresh. Too many places offer leaden, greasy, or bland falafel. This is some of the best in the city.
(4)
Rachel W.
My go-to falafal spot for the crew. Love their babaganoush, hummus, cucumber/tomato salad. I don't eat lamb, but it's popular w/the guys, as is their grilled chicken that comes on this awesome flavored rice. Not sure abt the ambiance, have only catered them in.
(4)
Chris L.
I feel a little guilty for only giving three stars, but honestly the word I would use for this place is uninspired. The service was fair, the food tasted ok (falafel was the best dish, shish kabobs didn't seem to be grilled), and the atmosphere was laid back. Prices were definitely reasonable and portions were good. Why only three stars then? The menu selection wasn't quite as original as I had hoped. Basically I could go to many other places to get the exact same things on the menu: falafel, baba ganoush, shish kabobs, etc. Maybe I will return to update later on.
(3)
Vivi W.
Very slow service, even when the place was rather empty on a saturday night. Chicken kabob and beef kabob were both very dry and disappointing. Grilled lamb sandwich was dry. Felafel, for which they are famous, was ok but nothing special. Dessert was overly sweet. Avoid this place.
(1)
Gina M.
While spending 5 days in Chicago I tried several restaurants in the Old Town area. I love middle eastern food and this was a good stop! I had baba ganoush which was rich, creamy and refreshing. A slice of tomato, onions and a sprinkling of paprika. A small salad was served along with pitas. I also ordered Lamb Shawarma that was served on a warm bed of rice. I had enough left over to make 3 more pitas for lunch. I also had a nice fresh glass of carrot juice. The server was friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. I would recommend coming here!
(4)
Alex H.
Pretty safe bets are shawarma, kebab, and falafel. I don't make unsafe bets.
(5)
Will R.
Good, simple spot for reasonably-priced and tasty middle eastern food. Good falafel, hummus, schwarma plate, and lentil soup. Service was very polite but a bit slow.
(4)
Rhonda G.
What do you get when you chop tomatoes, cucumbers and mix in a little cucumber sauce? Apparently $11 bucks worth of something because that's what this lovely little concoction costs. OK, their were other things in the meal as well but since it was a vegetarian combo, pretty much everything was a side dish or sauce, which in my book doesn't add up to anywhere near $11 bucks. Service was mediocre, food was mediocre, location was pretty nice. So Mediocre +mediocre/by average equals not worth your time.
(2)
Timothy B.
Food was absolutely fantastic and the service was exceptional. They took the time to assure my order was correct down to the last detail. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes middle eastern food.
(5)
Courtney H.
Not particularly impressed. Chicago boasts many places with better - and cheaper - falafel sandwiches (Sultan's Market, for example), and much better hummus (Falafel and Grill, or for the foodies, check out Frontier for their white bean hummus). All in all, I'm too full to move because I was hoping it would get better. Definitely not satisfied.
(2)
Jill M.
The falafel sandwich is very good. As was the service. If you have food allergies, be careful when you order the desserts and ask questions to make sure. I thought I was fine because I thought the description in the menu put me in the clear, but I got really sick earlier from an allergic reaction and now I am drugged up on Benadryl. I will still come back to sample their other food, but not the pastries.
(4)
David T.
The food is authentic and absolutely delicious! I agree that the falafel is the best in Chicago. In addition to the food, the staff are extremely friendly, kind, and accommodating. Because of the outstanding food and staff, this has become a staple for my family and one of our very favorite restaurants. Go!!
(5)
Ws's Mama H.
My first at Old Jerusalem.... I loved everything about it and wiil definitely return. I tried vegetarian combo, meat combo, and harissa. I liked how I was able to taste bit of everything from both combos. I devoured their Jerusalem Salad! Yum!!! Falafel was crispy not greasy. From the meat combo, lamb tasted better than beef. Rice was pretty good, too. For dessert, I didn't really care for harissa but I liked how it was home made looking.
Maybe they thought I should be fasting or something. Our table ordered an appetizer & dinners, the appetizer never appeared & then everyone else got their dinner but me. I waited, thinking it must be on it's way. I waited. I may have dropped a pant size. I waited some more. Finally I flagged down the server & asked where my dinner was & where the appetizer was the table had ordered. He said he'd "forgotten". Well. So then my dinner came, along with the appetizer. My friend had the veggie combo platter which was served with hummous & babaganoush. She was apparently on a server-imposed carb-diet because they never brought any of us pita bread. I had to flag down the server again (because they seemed to be more interested in talking to eachother than dealing with us) before my friend started eating hummous with a spoon. I understand servers forget things, food orders go in wrong, etc. BUT, when mistakes DO happen, usually they go out of their way to apologize and try to make you leave happy. That didn't seem to happen here. BOTTOM LINE: The food was mediocre and the service was lackluster. They can do better & I should be seeking better.
(1)
Eric S.
Great little spot. Quality fresh ingredients that taste amazing! Service was friendly and authentic...highly recommended - And definitely going back!
(5)
Kathrin E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Chicago! The ambiance isn't anything spectacular, nor is the outdoor patio (however, it is very good for people watching), but it's the FOOD that always keeps me coming back from more (especially the Musaheb Sandwich)! This is a family run restaurant, and it is one of the most efficiently run restaurants I've ever been to. The menu is very simple, but oh so good because all of the ingredients are very fresh. Plus, this place is BYOB and they allow dogs on the outdoor patio! :)
(5)
Cory A.
Old Jerusalem is a standard Middle Eastern restaurant that serves all of the usual suspects in the usual preparations. Nothing stands out as different or signature, or even exciting. The service wasn't very good, and neither was the atmosphere. The plates and glasses were of the unbreakable plastic kind and looked as though they've been in use since the 90's. If I was brought back here, I wouldn't warn my party not to go, it's just that you can get the same food at ANY middle eastern restaurant, simply better; with more seasoning, variety, and depth.
(3)
Brz A.
I always stop in here when I'm in the neighborhood, and each time I'm reminded how much I like it. I usually try the falafel sandwich, which is really good - but recently I opted for the veggie combo platter - which was awesome. The dish included: Pita - Standard, not too thin or chewy. Hummus - smooth with a nice tahini flavor Jerusalem salad - like a middle eastern pico de gallo! - very flavorful compared to the many watered down versions I've tried. Falafal - Perfect amount of crispy outside and tender inside. Baba Ganouj - eggplant is not usually my thing, but this was a real surprise. As other have noted, it has a real smokey flavor that I loved. Jerusalem Salad - Fragrant, well-balanced and complicated mix. Again, made with more skill than many other versions in Chicago. I wouldn't call it cheap, but there is a lot of food. I am a big eater and I couldn't finish the whole thing. You can tell they are serious about their recipes here, Old Jerusalem offers one of the more homey and delicate takes on Mediterranean cuisine that I've found in Chicago..and I've been looking... P.S. I'm also a fan of their tough-love type service!
(4)
Chris D.
the food and prices are great and the BYOB is a huge plus. The only drawback is that the service can be slow at times.
(4)
Jenn C.
Not sure why it's taken me so long to post a review but this is one of my favorite quick dinner spots in Chicago. I'd say we grab takeout here about once a week and dine in a couple times a month. I still haven't found better hummus anywhere in Chicago than at Old Jerusalem. The shwarama is delicious - I always get an extra side of tahini with it. The chicken kabob, falafel and the combo platter (with beef and lamb) are all consistently great as well. The service is excellent - and I have to hope they recognize us at this point - and BYOB option is always welcome.
(5)
Ryan S.
Best Lebanese food in the city! Make sure you get the labneh and hummus, it's top notch. Also ask for some za'atar, it's a middle eastern spice that isn't on the menu. Goes great on both of those dishes. The falafel entree is perfect for two, a go-to every time I go there. The staff is so nice and service is great!
(5)
Darryl S.
The GOOD: Falafils were pretty good along with the Baba ganoush and the hummus. Good flavor, especially in the falafils. Great mix of herbs. The BAD: My friend had the greek salad and all I have to say to that is does this restaurant think she was a rabbit or something? There was some lamb which tasted pretty much like generic gyro meat you would find at any greasy spoon restaurant. The bigger problem was with the mountain of lettuce under the meat which seemed never ending. Salad overall was bland. The UGLY: How can you mess up Baklawa? Come on man! Straight up terrible desserts.
(3)
Chris H.
Good choice for Middle Eastern food in Chicago.
(4)
Michael B.
Yum, one of my favorite restaurants on Wells. This place has legit mediterrean food and the staff is great. Food is consistently good and the take-out is always ready on time as well if you decide to go that route. The portions are huge and normally enough to have for two days. Suggestions: combination platter, kefta kabab, falafel and hummus.
(4)
Matthew M.
I have found that exploring other cities over long weekends is a very exciting way to satisfy more than just the cultural junkie in me--it is an even better way for satisfying the foodie in me. My native Philadelphia is known for some very fine restaurants but not always for anything with a significant ethnic influence. This is why Chicago--a city even more well known for its fantastic cuisine--was the perfect place to tease my palate. The first choice? Morrocan. To my dismay, finding a Morrocan restaurant in the heart of Chicago on the weekend is a challenge. So many of them either have limited menus or are only open for the business crowd. Finally, after culling through an exhaustive list of deadends, we found Old Jerusalem. This spot is in a prime location--a great place to eat AND people watch. With some outdoor seating and windows that open to the outside, the atmosphere is very inviting and familial. Perhaps it was a tad too familial though, as upon entry, DC mentioned that it smelled slightly like grandparents. Old people aroma or not, the service they provided was also quite good. Orders were taken and plates placed very quickly. First up - Falafel. I must say it was cooked nearly to perfection, with just the right balance of creamyness and crispness. The accompanying Tahini was also quite good, but the most amazing part was the texture of the pitas--I can never find ones like that at the grocer! Shortly after devouring the appetizer, we were presented with the main course. I had the Kefta Kabob, and DC had the Baked Kefta in tomato sauce. The Kabob was grilled and served with a grilled tomato, and it was delicious. Oddly, a side salad of iceberg lettuce and tomato in tahini sauce was presented a la carte and again as the base of my main dish. I found this to be a major overkill. The Baked Kefta dish was prepared with a healthy amount of spice in a creamy tomato sauce (DC preferred this over more Tahini). In both meals, the portion size was unbelivably generous; this was a statement overheard from many other diners as well. All in all, this joint gets four stars for being open, having healthy portions, and overall taste. If I could make any recommendations to them, it would be to have better air circulation to reduce the "grandparent mothball" aroma, as well as upgrade the quality of the rice being used. DC made note that it was of middle-grade cafeteria consistency and served as a mere filler to an otherwise outstanding main dish.
(4)
Dex Y.
I'm glad I gave this place a shot. Now I have one more option for eating in this area. Their Kefta kabob was well put together. The veggie was fresh and crunchy, and the beef/lamb patty was tasteful. I feel it would be even better if they could have added a little bit more spices to kick it up a notch. I must note that the pita bread was perfect. If they sold the bread separately I'd get that. I also ordered the lentil soup on the side. It tasted mild, but somehow I enjoyed it. Serving was fast because not many customers were there. Waiters/waitresses were friendly. Will go back to explore the other dishes!
(4)
Norbert W.
Love it for lunch. Love it. It's very solid, what-to-expect Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Have always had good experience with the service, and while it gets lively in the space - can be a bit noisy - that's one of the fun parts of the atmosphere. For some, it's probably not their thing. Oh well. This genre of cuisine is a favorite, so I'm definitely of the "pick anything" school of ordering. Have fun.
(4)
Anna T.
Old Jerusalem is A-OK, but nothing to call home about. I've been here a couple times. First was for a light dinner several months ago and finally returned last night with a friend. We were looking for somewhere to sit outside and my dining companion couldn't pass up the Middle Eastern fare, so I was willing to give Old Jerusalem another go. Bonus points for allow my dog to sit with us, although it was for sure a tight squeeze. We started with the Kibbah, which was new to me, and it was tasty with a splash of lemon and yogurt topping. Kind of sad looking, though, and a tad steep for what we got. I ordered the Vegetarian Combination plate, which came with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad and falafil. Everything tasted fine, but felt pretty ordinary. My dining companion ordered the grape leaves plate and a side of falafil. Flavorful grape leaves, but not filled generously. Overall my second try for Old Jerusalem solidified my 3-star rating. Non-pretentious and easy going food and service, but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Daniel L.
I've been to quite a few Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago (And to a few in the Middle East) and I've gotta say that this place is good. I got the vegeterian combination platter and my fiancee got the shawarma sandwich and we were both very happy with what we got. The hummus, cucumber salad and tabbouleh was yummy but not surprising. The babaganoush (sp?) was fresh! Nice surprise there. But the falafels, oh boy. I generally stay away from them because they're always too dry or way overcooked but the brown balls of deliciousness that landed on my plate was anything but! 5 stars for the best falafels I've had. I can't wait to go back and try some of their meat dishes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
(5)
Steve D.
Good food cooked by someone who knows what they're doing in a relaxed atmosphere, enough said. Came here for lunch on MLK and didn't leave disappointed. Started with the hummus and the baba ghanouj. Both were really good, home made, and hit the spot. I got the Musaheb, grilled chicken, which was cooked perfectly. I also sampled my friends kefta, and my other friend's falafel sandwich. All of it was really tasty, my chicken was cooked perfectly, and I would definitely go back for the falafel. For dessert we got the baklava and the kinafa, both were sweet, flaky and delicious, I would recommend either to anyone. The service was good, our waiter was attentive and he made sure we had everything we needed. When a restaurant uses age old recipes, decent quality ingredients and good service usually the customer will leave happy. I left happy, and really full. I would recommend getting a sandwich rather than an entree. The sandwich will fill you up for half the price. Great place for lunch or dinner, great part of town, I will certainly be going back.
(4)
Heidi K.
Everything I ate was perfect! The tabbouleh was sublime, the baba ganouj was perfectly flavored, and perfect texture...truly a master chef made this food!
(5)
Rick F.
Wow this place really sucks. Bread taste like a freezer, soup is watered down, and canned hummous! Yuk! This place turned into american style :/
(1)
Matt L.
Have you ever seen that petrol station, Gas City? Worth it though. BYOB and better for the basics (falafel, baba ganouj) than Sultan's or even Chickpea.
(4)
Kelly S.
Mmmmeh. I ate here with a friend before attempting to catch a show at Second City. Charming little place... almost with a french cafe type feel. The place was packed (7:30 on a Saturday night). However, a table of 12 in the back was taking up the majority of the space. We were seated right away. After pondering over the menu for awhile, I opted for the Vegetarian Combo Plate. WAY overpriced at $11.50 for what you get. A few sides, some pita bread, and 3 falafel balls. I was wanting more. I was hungry and this meal had me feeling a bit like a rabbit. Next time... I will go with my gut and get the falafel sandwich or the hommous and chicken. Yes, that is how they spell hommous here. Service was slowwwwww. My dirty plate sat in front of me a lot longer than I can usually tolerate. BYOB. $1.25 per person corkage fee.
(2)
Maryann M.
I really enjoy Old Jerusalem. I've been here a few times and the food is always very tasty. The service is ALWAYS great - friendly, prompt and efficient. I love that it's a BYO and completely unpretentious. Definitely my kind of place. I think the falafel is really good, and I LOVE the stuffed grape leaves. Another positive: the prices.
(4)
Henry V.
The Hummus is the best here. Environment is very laid-back and young. Menu is fairly simple, the things you expect from a Mediterranean restaurant. Jerusalem salad here is also really good. Tried the Chicken with Hummus one time a 3-meat combination another. Great go-to place for a date night in Old Town.
(4)
Melissa G.
Small restaurant. Great hummus, pita and falafel sandwich. Hot tea was ok.
(4)
Sara P.
I have to give Old Jerusalem 5 stars, because everytime I come here (and I come here a lot), it never ever disappoints. I truly love this place. The vegetarian platter is delicious- it comes with all sorts of salads, falafel, baba ganoush, and hummus. The meat platter is great too. My most recent visit I got the falafel sandwich, wrapped in pita. It was so good, I almost wished there was more. I love this place in the summer when you can sit outside in their little patio. The inside is nothing special, just an open room with a bunch of tables. What they lack in decor, they absolutely make up in food. Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)
Rachel B.
Great middle Eastern/ Lebanese cuisine with BYOB policy! What I liked the best about Old Jerusalem was the service. The staff is friendly, quick but they don't rush you. On the Saturday evening it was pretty empty but later on it started filling up. My boyfriend and I opted for two dishes with lamb. The Kefka Kebob was our top choice out of the two. The portions were pretty big and we stopped ourselves from eating the whole meal to leave room for the baklava (baklawa)! What is better than phyllo dough and honey? The couple sitting next to us had the Vegitarian Comination Platter and it looked amazing. It also has a low corkage fee. If ordering the grape leaves, note that they are served cold and not hot. The ones I had tried before (in a Georgian restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia) were served hot, so I was expecting something different. All in all, we've already turned into huge fans and can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)
Dan L.
I stopped in for lunch and had the 'Shawirma'. The meat was very dry and spiced in an odd way. I've had much better. The price was good though and so was the service.
(2)
L H.
This is hands down the best mediterranean place in the city. I've tried countless times to perfect their chicken after I asked them how they make it. They use fresh ingredients in all of their dishes...no preservatives or artificial ingredients. That's probably why it's so authentic. Get the greek salad or house salad with chicken...it's seriously the best thing ever. The combination platter is delicious as well. GO!
(5)
Denise F.
When I lived in the neighborhood, Old Jerusalem was always a great spot that I kept going back to. I've had quite a few of their menu items, and while nothing completely wowed me, it was dependably very good. Even now taht I've moved out of the area, if I'm feeling like Middle Eastern food, this is where go. Also, I love the BYOB option!
(4)
Andrea G.
I organized a big group dinner (20 people) here that we had at OJR earlier tonight. The restaurant management was fantastic--the place is run by a Lebanese immigrant family. They helped me pick out just the right amount of food--without trying to push stuff on us that we didn't want to run up the bill--had our table all set up when we got there, brought the food out in a timely fashion, and didn't try to run us out when we were finished eating. So five stars on that. Now this wasn't any ordinary group or any ordinary dinner. This was a reunion dinner for my Birthright trip that we had over winter break. That meant that not only were we 20 people, we were 20 hungry Jews who had just come back from eating hummus in the Middle East. And WE LOVED IT. Every dish was perfect. We had: -Hummus -Tebouli -Shwarma Kebab -Chicken Kebab -Falafel -Jerusalem Salad -and then Pita with everything. My only criticism is the pita could have been warmer. Otherwise, everything was DELECTABLE. Even the tebouli, which I find is too dry at most places, had just the right amount of vinegar in it. The hummus was creamy and amply spiced, the Jerusalem salad had enough tomatoes in it (not to mention extra tahini sauce for dipping), and the falafel was fresh out of the frier. Furthermore, our wallets weren't ravaged at the end. I also think they're BYOB. Hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Anna B.
Love this place. I usually get the falafel and it always very tasty. I love the pickled turnips and the rice pilaf. I like that the restaurant is nothing fancy, easy access. It's more of a cafe style place then a serious sit down place. The food is inexpensive and tasty. It's simple and authentic. I also love the music playing in the background. Excellent for quick lunch.
(5)
Ev A.
I'll keep this short. If you are Mediterranean or enjoy Mediterranean food, you will appreciate this place. It has the select flavors anyone can enjoy and the food is fresh. I recommend this place. I had such a pleasant experience. It's restaurants like Old Jerusalem that take me back to the homeland...
(4)
Jon L.
I've lived above/behind this quality middle eastern restaurant for just over a year now, and it's a great place to go pick up something quick when I don't feel like cooking. Prices are good for the neighborhood, pickup orders are always quick (10-15 minutes, even on weekend nights), and the food tasty (but not gourmet). Their babaganoush and lentil soup are excellent, and a shwarma sandwich fills you up without making you feel over-stuffed. Bottom line = quality standard middle eastern food, quick and affordable.
(3)
Joscelyn M.
BYO and outdoor patio for great Wells street people-watching are definite pluses, but this place gets 5 stars on food alone. I love everything here from the lentil soup to the hummus, salads, meat, falafel, pita... Best middle eastern in the city, hands down!
(5)
Stu T.
Stopped in for the first time mid-afternoon and found the place a great find. Service was great, the food flavorful and the prices reasonable. They even turned off the ceiling fans for us. I live in the burbs but will stop in again.
(4)
Jennifer J.
Just tried this spot recently, and I liked it for the most part. I got the Musaheb sandwich (essentially a chicken sandwich), and my dining companion ordered the Shish Kabob sandwich. My sandwich was simple and tasty, largely due to the sauce but the chicken was good, too. The baklava was actually considerably larger than those from other places I've ordered yet around the same price. It was good, too. The service was decent, not extremely nice, but they did refill our drinks, take away dishes, give the check, etc. in a timely fashion. I do feel that some of their dishes are overpriced, but the appetizers seem pretty cheap. Just FYI: the prices on their website are outdated ones; they've gone up a few cents to a dollar. One more thing I like is that, according to their website, they're open until 10:30 sun-thurs, 11 fri-sat. I wish more places stayed open later during the week, at least until 11, so yay for them!
(3)
ashley d.
Dine-in, dine-out..... either/or, just dine, it's divine. They also deliver. I get down on their tasty hummus and falafel. Dining in can be a little slow, so get an appetizer.... may I suggest the hummus? Also, when I've been in the colder months, I recall being chilly inside.... so, grab your snuggie!
(4)
Kelly K.
Food: Great. Service: Hit or miss. I've been here a few times and the food never lets me down. Usually I get the chicken kebabs, but any time I've tried something different, I've been satisfied. The hummus is delish, the corkage fee reasonable, and the sidewalk seating is perfect in the shade on a summer day. The only complaint I have is the service- usually I have no complaints about it, but a few times it has been slow.
(4)
Janet E.
I came here during the summer time and the outdoor seating was great! Service was good and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable as well.
(4)
ChicagoFoodie S.
Thought it would be a great place and was expecting better. Very Salty Lentil Soup. The meat shawarma tasted okay, but still salty! Probably will not return.
(2)
DrGrace G.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)
Ryan J.
Last night, I found myself in Old Town, craving some Middle Eastern food before seeing a show at the Red Orchid Theatre. Enter, Old Jerusalem. My boo and I were promptly seated in the tiny space, which was pretty much packed to the brim with other patrons -- always a good sign. He ordered a sandwich and I ordered the mint tea with falafel appetizer. Both were adequate-to-good. My falafel in particular was very flavorful on soft on the inside with excellent crispiness on the outside (almost a bit too crispy for my taste, however). It came with a light salad which was nice, but I wish there had been more yogurt sauce or something to dip the crunchy nummyness in. The service was a little bit pooky, but there seemed to only be three people (likely the owners and one other person -- the cook) working the entire restaurant, so that was understandable. Definitely on the more casual end of the dining spectrum, but all in all, I was mostly quite satisfied.
(3)
Victoria O.
Old Jerusalem is a pleasant place to have a meal. Eat outdoors and take your time. Some have said food is the same as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but in my opinion, it's better. Falafel, Jerusalem salad, shawarma, lentil soup, pita, are all good. Service is friendly and laid back. I am always happy to come here. I believe it is BYOB as well, which will make your meal far less expensive. Fun to people watch as well when you sit outside.
(5)
Erika G.
Oldskool Chicago - this place has been here For. Ev. Ah. or . . . at least since 1988. It's a good place to get a cheap bite if you're in Old Town and craving middle eastern food. It's tasty fare - nothing at all wrong with the food here, but . . . in no way the best I've ever had, because I've had the best, habibi.
(3)
Liz B.
Old Jerusalem gets the job done when I'm craving Middle-Eastern. I've been here several occasions, but only for lunch, so I wouldn't know anything about crowds at night. Always order some falafel before your meal, it's super tasty and you can order by the piece. I ordered the schwarma sandwich the first time I came to OJ, and it had a really funky taste. Kind of like cinnamon, which I found to be kind of gross. I would suggest passing on that. However, I did try my date's chicken Musaheb sandwich, which was DELICIOUS! So with that said, I decided to give OJ another chance and ordered the Musaheb the next time I lunched there. OJ- you redeemed yourself with that tasty, tahini-laden chicken pita. Mmmmmmmmmm!
(4)
Wendy Y.
Im not sure why this place gets so much hype. I've seen it in like 3 travel guides for Chicago. Maybe its because I felt like there was a bad vibe in there and a wierd creepy lady with a scowl on her face seated us. Maybe its because I am from Detroit, which probably has the best (and most) Middle Eastern restaraunts in the counttry. I am just not that into Old Jerusalem. I have to say my Chicken Pita was really good but everything else was just OK. My friend hated hers. The worst is when you suggest a place to a friend and then they hate it. Woops. Sorry. I may go back but they need to put some music on in the place. Its just quiet and wierd and not too appealing. Anyway, Its OK. The food is above average. The service is not so great.
(3)
Richie D.
Very nice place in Old Town for falafels, with sidewalk tables for nice days. It seems to be the hummus/falafel sandwich capital of Chicago! My only complaints were that I received dirty silverware and the cup of water served had teenie specks of something black in it (it may be from an ice machine or something). Other than that, very tasty and good prices.
(4)
ak a.
Great falafel, baba ganoush and tabouli. The chicken and vegetarian dishes are great. Wonderful lentil soup and warm pita bread. Always fresh, consistent and great service.
(5)
Nicole B.
I ate here for the first time today and will definitely return. The menu seemed to be simple / typical Middle Eastern food but that was exactly what we were looking for. I had the falafel and my fiance had the Shawarma and a Jerusalem salad. We both enjoyed our meals. I am not usually a huge falafel fan, but this was great. Crunchy but not greasy, and not overloaded with sauce. It was also a lovely day to enjoy the patio. The food came out fast and our water was always full. (Much appreciated since it was 90 degrees today.)
(4)
Big B.
I used to go hear as a child and some 20 years later its still got great food at amazing prices. Each and every visit, take out or delivery the food has the same freshness and quality. Worth the visit.
(5)
Meg O.
My parents and I were on our way to the Zoo Lights, and my mom really wanted to stop at Old Jerusalem for dinner. It had been an old family haunt, I think we first started coming here in the late 80s, when we discovered the part of Chicago that lies between 900 North and Lincoln Square, the old-school one lined with delicatessens crammed with Fraus und Herrs. Back then, my parents associated falafel and hummus with their days of shopping on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn nearly a decade before, and found Old Jerusalem to be an exotic, nostalgic gem. Sadly, last night Old Jerusalem bore very little resemblance to our discovery so many years ago. While the hummus still held some of its magic, and my mom declared it better than Cedars of Lebanon down in Hyde Park, most everything else was mediocre. My lentil soup was on the bland side, even after a squeeze of lemon, and the potage was nearing watery. The tabouleh salad, while strong on the parsley, just the way I like it, had a sweet and sour apple cider vinegar aftertaste. I didn't have a falafel sandwich, but I can tell you that the ones from Sultan's Market look a lot better. There was a generous amount of feta cheese on my Greek salad, but shame on me for ordering something with tomatoes in winter. Worst of all, the restaurant was freezing! Service was on the slow side, but the staff is friendly. If we hadn't been going to Zoo Lights, and just had been in the mood for Middle Eastern food, I would have taken my parents to Sultan's. Next time I will, and I will also relish thick, savory lentil soup as I listen to my mom tell stories about the next door neighbor in Staten Island teaching her to make hummus.
(2)
Ashley G.
I find the place to be hit or miss. Sometimes I get a great meal and at other times I wonder what happened to the place. The service could improve, because I have experienced a number of mistakes. There are a few other places in the city that I would prefer over this place, so if you are looking for an awesome meal, I might look in another direction.
(3)
Denise U.
I go to this place somewhat regularly and it has always been consistent and great. The Musaheb is so fresh and wonderful. Their Baba ganoush and Kiibbah are superb. It's BYO too, so that's a good thing. A great way to start an evening, and just steps from the Old Towne Ale House.
(5)
Andrew L.
The food here is tasty! I love the yogurt cucumber salad and the kabobs. The food is pretty authentic and the price is not too shabby. The service can be a tad slow, but aside from that this is a decent place to eat at. It's nice inside too, you could take a chick or a dood here and impress them by suggesting the foods I did in this review ;) For deserts I suggest the one with the cheese in it, I forgot the name. OH well try it out! :P
(4)
David K.
It's 1pm on Wednesday, it's 15 degrees out and there's snow on the ground. My buddy and I are starving. My only protection against the cold is a light zip up sweatshirt and a pair of gloves. I'm craving shawrima, hummus and pita bread. Old Jerusalem is almost a mile away and the cold is nearly debilitating. My heart is telling me yes but my body is telling me take a cab. I have no cash on me, I suck it up and make the hike. I order the shawirma with hummus and an arabic coffee. My buddy orders the grape leaves and hummus appetizers. The meal is served within 10 minutes. The pita bread was fluffy and warm. The hummus was not to pasty and just cold enough. The lamb was so tender it must have been in love. I could taste the happiness. Old Jerusalem is a very good Lebanese restaurant (they also deliver). If your going as two plan on spending $20-$30 and satisfying all your wildest hummus dreams.
(5)
Dean D.
Service here is pretty spotty, but the food and coffee were decent. The waitress seemed to not like us, so maybe that's why we got crappy service!
(3)
Hope A.
Great! Couldn't have enjoyed it more. Nice evening to sit outside - only thing to make it better would have been a glass of wine (byob - but a very cheap corkage fee). Had the feta app, vegetarian combo and the entree combo plate between three people. All was fantastic. No frills just good food.
(4)
Jerry B.
Everything good except for Baklava. Better value at Pita Inn. Corkage $1.50 pp.
(4)
Kendra M.
Very authentic food. Has become my go-to restaurant. Pick up is always ready in 10 minutes and the food is delicious. Great for groups because of menu, prices, and BYO. And the staff... icing on the cake.
(5)
Liza M.
I went here last week, it's pretty good! I got the grape leaves entree it was pretty tasty. We walked and realized it was BYOB and we were without B, so we ran down the street to Galleria Liquors, which is a lovely little place, and bought 2 bottles of wine. There is a corkage fee of $1.50 or something but it's not bad. Everyone else ordered shwarma pitas and what not and were satisfied with their meals. The pita bread is good too. I wasn't blown away but I would be willing to give it another try!
(3)
Maria C.
Old Jerusalem to me is the Pita Inn of the city. When I'm in the city and feel like a quick Middle Eastern bite, I go there. The Kiba is to die for and the Shawirma Sandwich is also great. I love the Hummus. The desserts look a bit weird but when you try them, you will not believe how tasteful they are.
(4)
Bobby J.
I eat at Old Jerusalem at least once a week. This unassuming restaurant is my favorite BYOB spot in Old Town. The hummus is some of the best I've ever had. The prices are reasonable and the portions big. Dining in or taking out, the food is always ready in 10-15 minutes and the staff always seems to be in a good mood. Try the Vegetarian Combo, Hummus with Chicken or the Hummus Sandwich...you'll be coming back for more.
(5)
Justin R.
Very good food, I had the shiwarma and it was very authentic. Service was not very social but it was swift and polite. I wish it was not BYOB or that I had known in advance. Wine would have been good with the meal. But overall it was a great place and if I lived nearby I would be back soon.
(4)
Sari H.
I don't give out 5 stars very easily. But Old Jerusalem is spectacular. The food is always perfect, and the staff is nice. We used to go here a lot before plays, but haven't been out and about in a while. So it's hard to remember exactly the price, but I know it's cheap. I think my husband and I both ate dinner for something like $13 total once. And the food is so, so good, they could totally charge more and I'd still be happy. We almost always get the vegetarian platters. Delicious falafel, hummus, salad, baba ghannouj.
(5)
James H.
I enjoy the good food at this unpretentious middle eastern cafe on Wells. I love the baba ganouj and both the tebouleh and hummos are always good. My favorite entree is the Hummos with Chicken, but the Shawirma and kabobs are both excellent. Above all you get a meal at a reasonable price in a friendly atmosphere.
(4)
Bridget B.
Have dined in and carried out about two dozen times and have never been dissappointed. I usually order hummus and fallafal but have had a few other things. Always fresh and delicious.
(5)
Diana P.
Decent middle eastern cuisine. Good place for a quick bite either for lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating on Wells makes for a nice atmosphere. Staff isn't too friendly but that doesn't bother us. I always get the falafal sandwich-YUM
(4)
James F.
Having been raised in a Middle Eastern family, this place has great food. The falafel, hummus and kabobs are all excellent. Add a gracious and humble staff/owners on site and it is a easy hassle free experience. Even bring your own beer/wine if you'd like. Great meal at a great price.
(5)
Jason C.
Well, I have only had a couple things here but the veggie platter is great! The hummus, falafel, etc. are all very fresh and you can tell it is homemade. I would also recommend the Swarma - the sandwiches are large and reasonably priced. Its one of the few good restaurants in Old Town.
(4)
Betsy J.
I've only tried a couple items on the menu but what I have tried, I've really enjoyed. The falafel sandwich is really big and tasty and the hummus is good too. I've been a couple times and the service was great each time. Everyone is very friendly and obliging. Plus it's in a great location on Wells in Old Town and sitting outside in nice weather is very pleasant.
(4)
Sophia T.
I'd say the food was nothing special... I had the lamb kebab sandwhich which was honestly mediocre to me. It needed more spice. The tabbouleh was also mediocre.
(2)
D F.
I don't want to be mean, but I don't think this place is good at all. I don't think any of the food is good, and the service is consistently bad. I've actually gone here at least 5 times, because I live close and I generally like middle eastern food, but I have never walked away happy from this place, either because the food disappointed me, or the service, or both. Usually both. In fact, I think it may be the most consistently bad place in terms of service that I go to. I'm sure I'll be back here eventually, so I will upgrade this review if this place ever gives me a reason to.
(2)
Daneen H.
Excellent. authentic food with good prices. Restaurant is small but has a good sized outdoor dining area in the warm months. I always get a few dishes to go. If you are looking for the real thing-this is the place.
(5)
Todd A.
I certainly felt discriminated against as we sat at and watched other, obviously olive skinned patrons get served. (I am chronically caucasian) And it turns out the food is lame and expensive - thick, chalky hummus, bland baba ghannouj, greasy falafel, tasteless lamb, cloyingly sweet baklava. Don't waste your time, make the trip to Lawrence and Kedzie, Little Arabia is sooo much better.
(1)
Alexis P.
Really great falafel sandwiches! Nice and moist and the falafel balls don't crumble all to hell. The hummus is also very good, but for the amount of hummus, not enough pita comes with. I've never actually been there, but it's pretty awesome as far as delivery.
(5)
Amy M.
I decided to walk across the street from Kamehachi (since it is no longer BYOB and had a chilled bottle of wine in hand) after reviewing this place on Yelp as BYOB as well. $1.50 pp, thought that was reasonable, and sat outdoors on their patio. The patio was nice, the service wasn't friendly, but not unfriendly, so it worked for me, I wasn't looking to make new friends. There was a longer wait for the food, with the understanding that the restaurant was filled, and we were seated next to a table of 8. I ordered the hummus entree, and my date ordered the chicken kabob. Both entrees were very good. I've had middle eastern cuisine plenty of times to know the difference. The prices are reasonable, and if we ordered an appetizer there was no way I would get to my entree-the serving sizes are plenty for the price. However, I was tempted to try a desert, but then stopped myself after remembering several bad reviews on Yelp. I just couldn't do it. I would recommmend stopping in, and plan to do so again myself.
(4)
Alison M.
If I'm standing in front of Old Jerusalem, craving Middle Eastern food, I'd go in. But, otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. While they do have good hummus and a decent vegetarian sampler plate, it's pretty run of the mill fare. The other night I was really craving stuffed grape leaves, but theirs were overwhelmingly lemony, and kind of limp and soggy. In the future, I'll just stick with Cafe Orchid.
(3)
Misse D.
Every other review has hit on the points that I was going to state (great cheap eats, delicious food, and healthy.) I ordered the lentil soup on a cold, rainy day and it was perfect! Yum.
(4)
Tim S.
I love this place! I get the Vegetarian Combo almost every time, however, I 've had other stuff too. BYOB, reasonably priced for it's location. The staff is extremely friendly, but it's more of a cultural difference I think. Outdoor seating in the summer, carry out and delivery available. They are open late, so I often call in an order and swing by for carry out if I want a lighter meal after 9 or 10pm.
(4)
Dustin H.
This is a great place; I have not been to the restaurant in person as I always get delivery using grubhub.com or calling directly (to cut out the grubhub fees). Everything I have had there is good - only giving 4 stars since I honestly havent been to the restaurant itself.
(4)
Sarah L.
I just recently moved to Old Town and this restaurant is at the front of my building. I've eaten here quite a bit and it's consistently pretty good. They have excellent lentil soup and I like their falafel. I have mostly just had their shawarma and it is excellent. They have a nice little outdoor seating area. I've had a positive impression of this place every time I've been there and I'll continue to go back and recommend that others give it a try.
(4)
Oskee W.
I greatly enjoyed the beef shwarma and the baklava. The shwarma is served in strips on warm flatbread with tahini. very flavorful and very nice portions. the baklava was sweet. moist, and flaky, exactly as it should be. I would go every day if I could!
(5)
Heather K.
This place was surprisingly delicious. Came for a quick dinner before going to Piper's Alley, so it was one of those "I'm starving, the movie starts pretty soon, and I only have $10" situations. We started with the hummus appetizer which was wonderfully creamy and had a bit of a lemon kick. The appetizer split between 3 people was a bit of a stretch. I'd recommend a 2:1 (eaters:orders) ratio for next time, or a 1:1 if you're hungry and love hummus, like me. My friends and I all got various forms of falafel as entrees, in sandwich and platter varieties. The sandwich was no more than $5.50 and probably one of the best falafel sandwiches I'd ever tried. The falafel was hot from the fryer and had more of a smooth texture instead of being crumbly inside. The tahini tasted very fresh too and there was sauce all throughout the pita pocket, not just poured on the top. The lettuce was crisp, the pita was soft, and I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich. I must go back immediately. I'm thinking...falafel sandwich to go, and picnic on North Ave beach?
(4)
PJ K.
OK, I don't spend a lot of time in Old Town, so maybe y'all's definition of "cheap" is a little different than mine ... I found this place rather expensive relative to what I got. It was competently prepared food, no real complaints, but it didn't exactly move my needle, or that of my dining companion, who grew up in Cairo. Sometimes, you need Middle Eastern food. Sometimes, you're in Old Town. If both of those things are simultaneously true, here you go. Otherwise, there's really no reason.
(3)
Daniel R.
Old Jerusalem is a great place but this review reflects more than what yelp.com has created with it's ranking system. Many reviews loss sight that restaurants relationships with us, the customer, is an experience. Sometimes things do not click and we dislike what we have seen, heard, ate, etc. but thus is not accurate to a numerical rating system that infantilizes our experiences with food, wine and other humans! I was reminded of my experience with this little restaurant after going to Zaytinya, a Jose Andres restaurant in DC. At this concept restaurant started by this year's James Beard Chef of the Year, the food and particularly its presentation were great but there is something to be said with pure, down home execution of a food style demanding a daft hand with spice, experience, the freshest ingredients and knowing what to do with them in the minimalist way possible. My experience with Old Jerusalem began well before I stepped foot into the restaurant. I had heard of a great wine shop in the neighborhood that had a Domaine Tempier 2002 baseline rouge. There was minor seepage apparent and the proprietor of the shop dutifully whipped out his waiter tool, before a word was said, popped the bottle and poured a small splash for both of us. The wine was delicious regardless of its condition which just goes to show you how sturdy mourvedre is! I asked the gentlemen for a good Meditarrean restaurant and he recommended Old Jerusalem. Needless to say the food was great and I enjoyed the totally modest corkage fee. The food is not "innovative", the spices don't "suprise" you but this is textbook. This is what reminds you that being human and enjoying food, wine and the company around you is a reflection of our basic human nature and is entirely subjective. I saw try this restaurant and maybe the synergy I experienced will be there but probably not. Regardless of my rating it is a solid place sure to deliver more highs than lows.
(4)
Brenna M.
Note: This is in regards to DELIVERY service We ordered a simply hummus plate and falaffel plate and had to wait 1.5 hours for it to be delivered (we live less than a half mile away). Once it was delivered it was cold, the food was mediocre (maybe because we were so frustrated but oh well...) and it cost a ridiculous $18 for hummus, pita and a few falaffel balls. Not somewhere I will ever order from again.
(1)
Javier B.
Very solid Lebanese! The menu is very simple, though I was very pleased to see a couple of new additions recently. The baked kofte with tahini was outstanding! They have the best tabouleh in the city and their falafel sandwich is awesome and a great value. Not the greatest atmosphere but it is BYOB. My only complaint about this place is the very mundane pita bread that they serve. No worse than most places, just wish the bread was better.
(4)
scott a.
Awkward atmosphere when you an in to an empty silent place. We ordered, and it was weird not having any music on. The food was ok. It was cheap. Not bad, not great. I'd go back.
(3)
Liz S.
I ordered from here cause I was having a horrible craving for hummus and falafel, and while I LOVE Sultan's Market, I figured it was time to try a new place. Well....the hummus was great, but the falafel didn't compare to the yummy-ness that is Sultan's Market. Also, the prices are also higher than at Sultan's Market. So, I've learned my lesson....I'm going to stick with Sultan's Market for now and I'll explore new falafel and hummus at a later date.
(3)
Stacy D.
Don't go for the ambiance (unless you can sit outside and people-watch), but definitely go for the food. I live a block away from OJ and go all the time. The decor inside is unimpressive and the service is straight-forward and not overly friendly, but none of these things matter if you take it for what it is. BYOB always a plus. Personal faves: Veg Combo Dinner, Musaheb (chicken+hummus+salad+pita), and Chicken with Hummus. Minus one star for the prices, which are a bit hefty for some of the smaller dishes like the soups and salads.
(4)
Diana S.
Wowzers... I don't usually like eating Middle Eastern food at restaurants.... either they over cook stuff, the service sucks, or the food is bland and muted to appeal to the American palate. Not the case here! It's such a cute restaurant. There are little touches of the culture, but nothing overwhelming. Soft music, an embroidered mural, little pieces of art, it's pretty and I like it. Add to that the fact that the food is all so fresh and comes to you super fast and I want to come back all the time. So. I. Have. Been. I come every week. It's a family restaurant and you can tell. This summer I've seen the owner's kids sitting quietly in their corners with their electronics or even rolling silverware (so adorbs!) and even a little old lady who I'm sure is the matriarch either sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or relaxing in her corner of the restaurant overseeing the excellent service! But okay, ambiance and people aside, the food--- oh dear sweet lord, the food. It's like Aladdin, Genie, Abu and the magic carpet came and swept me off to Beirut- or dare I say Old Jerusalem :-p (see what I did there?) The flavors are authentic, the food- fresh, the mashawi (grilled food) are whoa, falafel is the best I've had this side of the Atlantic and don't even get me started on the hummus... I want to kiss the hands of whoever made it and beg them, "teach me master". Seriously though, if you want Middle Eastern food that is actually REAL Middle Eastern food, run- don't walk to Old Jerusalem on Wells.
(5)
Sarah G.
We were looking for an affordable place to eat, which in Old Town can be tricky sometimes, and we saw the good reviews for this place online, but it only ended up being so so in my book. I love me some falafel but this falafel was a little dry and I wished the appetizer portion of it that we ordered came with a little more sauce or something for us to add to it. Their lentil soup however is pretty addicting and I really need to figure out their recipe for that soup! I found myself having difficult sharing that soup with Matt, so definitely something I would come back and order again. We also got a dish I had never heard of before called Arayes which took over 20 minutes to wait! It said that clarification on the menu too, but we had pretty much finished our entrees by the time it came out so it was more like a post appetizer ha ha It is like a middle eastern flat bread topped with ground lamb and it was pretty good, but I would have liked it to start my meal rather than end it. Then we also got their kefta sausage sandwich which I think also was one of the best dishes we got. The flavor in the sausage was really great and the sauce with the vegetables all went together really well. So for a place in the area with decent prices and large portions and the service is really nice too, Old Jerusalem is a good choice.
(3)
Scott S.
I really wanted to like Old Jerusalem. I arrived with great anticipation and left unenthused. Service receives 1 star while the Food receives roughly 2.5. I'm normally indifferent regarding service, but felt this was particularly poor. We waited several long minutes before our waiter first arrived. Our table received our pita bread halfway through our meal, roughly 10 minutes after the table next to us who had been seated after us. Requests for condiments were left unanswered. A markedly poor experience. The food was slightly better, but nothing to rave about. The grape leaves were uninspiring, the hummus plate was smaller than anticipated, and the lentil was bland. The Greek Salad was decent, although the grilled chicken on top was very good. The Kefta Kabob Sandwich was the highlight. It was bigger than expected and the meat was cooked perfectly.
(2)
Jean L.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the area! A no frills restaurant with straight-forward service. ...and did i mention BYOB??? The sandwiches are great and all under $10. The babaganoush is the best I've had. The combos are huge and yummy! (my personal recommendation is the chicken kabob) All the yummy eats + BYOB = definitely a 5 star review!
(5)
Jess M.
This place came highly recommended by the chaps at my hotel and it did not disappoint. I went from 70 degree weather to snow when flying in earlier in the day so wanted something to warm me up. I ordered a bowl of lentil soup and side of tabouleh with bread. The soup may have been the best lentil soup I have ever had. It was seasoned perfectly and warmed me up. The tabouleh was fresh and delicious. I indulged a little and had a piece of baklava, also really good. Flaky and not too sweet just like baklava is supposed to be. It's a family run joint and you can tell. Friendly atmosphere, good food and very reasonably priced. I will definitely stop here again for some nosh when I'm in town.
(4)
Ceyda E.
I really wanted to like this place! The ambiance is great, a cute little restaurant that has a BYOB option, which is fantastic. However, their food was too far from authentic and was "Americanized" so much so that the originally spicy Middle Eastern dishes lacked flavor. Also, they can improve their price-portion balance; I found the portions to be a bit small. The service was excellent, though.
(3)
Jake C.
The chicken and falafel sandwiches were excellent. The only problem was the amount of lettuce. The dessert was baklava and amazing, best I've had in a while. The Arabian coffee was strong and tasty. Will return. This is a nice family owned and operated establishment.
(5)
Nicole B.
Fantastic casual little cafe in Old Town. This place isn't fancy, but the food is fantastic!Highly recommend the vegetarian combo with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad, and falafel. I'm usually not a fan of tebouleh but this was fantastic! The baba ganouj was also some of the best I've ever had! The Jerusalem salad was this creamy yogurty salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Great deal for the money. Everyone in my group ordered meat entrees- lamb and chicken and honestly the vegetarian dinner looked way fresher and more delicious. Overall definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Rayanne A.
I have been going here for years and I have tried almost everything on their menu!! There aren't many restaurants you go to and you find great hummus and to die for falafel sandwiches. I love going to this restaurant that has friendly waiters and a lovely owner. You should stop by this tasty restaurant when your in old town.
(5)
Rachel A.
I called for take out and it was ready in 15 minutes. Got the hummus chicken, falafel appetizer and a side of pita bread. Everything was great! The chicken was well seasoned and came on a bed of delicious hummus. The appetizer came with 4 falafel balls on top of a small salad. The side pita bread came with so many pitas for .50 cents! We made pita sandwiches with the chicken, hummus and salad that the falafel was on top of. The restaurant itself is not fancy and based pm the ambiance, I would suggest carry out over dining in. The 1 employee I talked with was friendly. Delicious! I will definitely be back to try more dishes!
(5)
Tavi J.
I went here last night after deciding fast food wasn't the way to go :) Glad we did. It was a beautiful night out (after the rain) and we wanted to eat outside.. The waiter and staff were very attentive and got our seats all dried off so we could enjoy our meal outdoors. We ordered the Tebouleh salad which was delicious and had a lot of flavor to it. For our main meal we split the Shawirma. It was was presented different from any place I have had before. Instead of shredded lamb and beef it was slices. It actually did taste like a gyros. Hummus was served underneath it. I appreciated the uniqueness of the presentation, but I have had better hummus. Guess I should mention what my friend really enjoyed about this place is it's BYOB. I've been seeing a lot of BYOB establishments on Wells street, so will have to make sure we remember to go that route. Next time I plan on getting dessert and trying the Bakalava. Nice establishment and I will return to try more food items.
(4)
Sydney B.
Great, casual Middle Eastern food at good prices. Even the bread was notably good. If I lived near here, I'd be a regular.
(5)
Jay N.
This is THE hidden gem in old town!! Not only is the food amazing, fresh and healthy - the people that work there are the nicest! My favorites are the Lentil Soup and the Veggie Combo Platter ( i am not a big meat eater) with the falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, etc. The portions are so generous. I absolutely love this place! Its BYOB for sitting in the restaurant and super fast delivery for take out!
(5)
Marisa Y.
This is another instance where I wish Yelp allowed for half stars because I think this place is really more a 3.5 than 3. The food here is solid, but nothing to write home about. The falafels are excellent and I'd definitely order them again if I come back here. I ordered the greek salad with falafel (trying to get that Lean Body 2015 diet going haha) and the falafel was the only real standout. The portion size was big, but the salad was overdressed and I have no earthly idea what dressing was used. It kind of ruined the salad unfortunately. I also thought the hummus was overpriced. Ok, but overpriced. Service was fast and nice though, which shouldn't be discounted. If I was in the area, I might come back again, but this place was pretty forgettable to me.
(3)
Shayna Y.
For a casual, Byob spot, this place a great choice. There isn't much of an ambiance, but Old Jerusalem is located in the heart of Old Town. For $1.50/person you can bring your own wine. The food is casual Mediterranean food. We ordered the Tzatziki which was honestly a bit watered down and not as creamy as I've had before. I would not recommend it. For an entree, I had the chicken and hummus. The hummus was delicious - not too creamy, not too oily. The chicken was also pretty good. I would certainly get it again. Looking for an inexpensive and casual place on Wells St, this is your spot!
(3)
Mohammed H.
This review is for delivery only. Our office ordered the food for a lunch seminar. The food is fresh and tasty, but it could be better. I had the chicken wrap with pickles and it tasted pretty dry and didn't really have any sauces in it. The tabouli and falafels were much better - I am glad they were ordered as additional dishes. It's not the most authentic and delicious Mediterranean food out there, but perhaps visiting the resturant might be a different experience.
(3)
Eva R.
This is a litle restaurant in Chicago Old street. It is opened very late and you will get your meal very fastly. The speciality are typical of Midle east cuisine and is very well made. I addition you can seat inside or outside. So this place is prety much a good deal if you want to eat late something unusual for the city
(3)
Kasey A.
Appropriately priced, authentic (to me) Mediterranean food. My wife and I got the combo meat platter and felafel and it filled us up! Definitely would recommend.
(4)
Jessica N.
this place was super cute but was very hyped so it under-delivered. Falafel - Just ok. Not super flavorful Shawirma - Underwhelming. Great portion, rice was tasty. But I wanted more from the meat Musaheb - Hubs ordered this and it was delicious. Really tasty hummus and the chicken was well spiced and cooked. Clearly the winner Need to come back and try more, 2/3 were under whelming but we need to try more on the menu.
meh ive had better. I probably would not go here again. The food was mediocre and the service was slow. Not to mention, its freezing inside! It is BYOB though!
(2)
Ben W.
This place was quite a gem! Was pretty slow when we walked in but by the time we ordered dinner, it was full. Ordered the falafel appetizer (AMAZING), shawarma sandwich and my date ordered the combo platter. The falafel was the clear victor in my book. Portions are very generous especially for the price. Staff friendly, helpful, and attentive.
(5)
Radhika K.
Great Byob Mediterranean place ! Meat is cooked to perfection and their dips were too good ! Bread was warm and our server was super friendly ! I tried lamb kebabs and they were done so well and my friend tried chicken kebabs and they were equally well marinated and tasty ! It's almost a 5 star place till the dessert arrived . Baklava was stale ' skip the dessert if you can . Everything else was pretty good :):)
(4)
Mark C.
Excellent Turkish Coffee! Authentic middle eastern cuisine. Great neighborhood. Will definitely return.
(5)
ChiTown M.
Dirty. Run down. Poor service. Beverages that taste as though the lines haven't been cleaned since they opened in 1976. Coffee that makes your tongue numb. Filthy utensils. Mediocre food. What more could you want in a restaurant? Sort the reviews by date and you'll see that this place is going down hill.
(1)
Lindsey W.
I was thoroughly impressed with Old Jerusalem attentive service, accommodating seating area, and obviously the byob-awesomeness. Although I've passed by this establishment several several times over the years, we decided to eat here because Cafe Sushi is closed between 3-5pm (dumb) The food was all delicious, we had falafil app, hommos, feta cheese, greek salad, tebouleh, and other plates that we our table of 4 split. We all felt like it was a great value. Love the outdoor seating and people watching on Wells Street too! Seems pretty child friendly too... not sure about dogs but I'd assume so. Great place for vegetarians! So many options! PS: Try the baklava.. at least 1 piece (I think it's only $3), it was so rich it felt like it was melting as you took a bite.
(5)
Romana Y.
The food is solid: great tabouleh, hummus, kifteh kabobs, chicken, and shawirma. The sandwiches and plates were generously satisfying. The lackluster service is never welcoming. The outdoor tables wobble. The bathrooms are in need of an upgrade: the communal hand towel-style remains disdainful amongst most. The family-run owners were rather cold towards their patrons, but appeared relatively cordial towards my group and I, as our similar origins came up during service. Great, healthy, pick-me-up, and people-watching location, but improvements are highly recommended here with everything but food.
(3)
S W.
Just wanna make a comment on the Turkish coffee, since that's the main reason I went there during my short trip to Chicago. It's great over all. Very strong and flavorful. They put cardamon in it, too which I love. Very impressed. :) The staff was great. Very patient and nice (I asked lots of questions about the Turkish coffee since I make my own. They definitely have a better recipe than mine). I had a great time!
(5)
Nancy Y.
Very laid back ambiance. Ppl were eating outside, but I was too cold today to eat out doors. Very classic Lebanese style food! Very good and kind service. Family owned and operated. Good family place. Will come back again!
(5)
Sarah M.
Great food, especially the shawerma entree and chicken sandwich. Highly recommend for takeout and lunch.
(4)
Neal N.
Amazing food, amazing service! The best middle eastern food I have ever had in my life.
(5)
Phil Q.
This is my go to Lebanese/Med restaurant in the city. Great service and amazing food. Go with the chicken kabob plate or the Kefta Kabob sandwich.
(5)
Khadijah L.
Solid lebanese food. Great baba ghanoush and meats on the combo platter. Owner confirms that food is halal.
(4)
Albina O.
A couple of years ago I remember this place being fantastic. But going back last week I was very disappointed. I really wanted to love this place. The good: - It's a mom and pop shop, complete with an old woman in a head scarf sitting in the corner. - Great location - Good Feta Cheese appetizer (really, should have stopped eating there)- I might even call it great, but considering how little effort goes into preparing it, 'great' would be generous. - Stayed a little while for tea after dinner, and did not at all feel rushed to leave. The bad: - Attentive, friendly service, with a major glitch: my grape leaves entree (on the entree menu) was brought out with appetizers. - The grape leaves were over-salted, and I really couldn't get past that. - Cold Pita Bread - The tables are wobbly. A coaster under a leg would help out a lot. Disclosure: I grew up overseas on kabobs, pilov and grape leaves.
(2)
Lara T.
The restaurant was not really busy, but the take-out counter was hopping. The menu and prices are decent in scope, and you can never go wrong with a BYO. Our group ordered quite a few items, so I was able to sample all sorts of dishes. The baba ghanoush was delicious and smoky, the stuffed grape leaves were delicious, and the Moudardara was tasty. The meat dishes were overcooked. If you have a hankering for this style of food and happen to be on Wells, swing on by.
(3)
A C.
Their chicken with hummus is good, and pita bread is fresh. I like the coffee as well.
(4)
Ed D.
Excellent food! Middle eastern cuisine at it's finest. I will come back here for sure. Located on North Wells
(5)
Shan D.
Thought everything was just average. The falafel is overcooked, and the hummus is just bland. I'd look elsewhere if you're craving middle eastern food.
(2)
Nish R.
Stopped by for a lunch on a weekday. So the palce was pretty empty. Seemed like a no nonsese kind of a place. Food came amazingly fast. I had the Veggie combo and a fresh carrot juce served with lebonese bread. Food was really tasty. Service was a little business like rather than friendly but it was very efficient. So no complaints here.
(4)
India B.
Very impressed with Old Jerusalem. We ordered in, so I'm sure it would be better if we ate in the restaurant. The tebouleh, feta cheese, vegetarian combination platter, and shawirma were good. We will be back!
(3)
Sid P.
Ordered the lentil soup and Musaheb. Lentil soup was great but the Musaheb was meh! Chicken was really dry
(3)
Rachel R.
Excellent food. The Greek salad was absolutely perfect from the freshness of the produce to the light, yet tasty dressing. The falafel was wonderful as well. The only con was that delivery took nearly 1.5 hours and the lady who answered the phone when I called to get an ETA wasn't very friendly (although the lady who delivered was very sweet). Will try dine-in next time, but will definitely be back.
(4)
Son N.
The highlights include hummus and baba ganoush (both contain just the right mix of spics without having one overpower others), tabouleh (salad-like and not soggy like at many other joints). The entrees don't stand out as much, but most people will like the generous portions. If you like desserts, their kenafeh is da bomb. Last but not least, patio seating (summer is coming!). What could be improved: the room-temperature pita and inconsistent service - I suppose it comes with the territory of running a mom-n-pop establishment in the high-traffic Old Town. Recommendation: give Old Jerusalem a try. For a casual date night or a group dinner over decent Middle Eastern fare + BYOB wine, you could do much worse than this homely restaurant.
(4)
Alicia D.
Really great food! Quick delivery- about 35 minutes. Quality stuff. I found my new place!
(5)
Jennifer P.
I'd rate it as 2-3 stars. Service was okay, nice people but not great service-wise. The food was fine, but I've had a lot better. The price is what brings this place down. Its quite expensive for the food quality.
(3)
Katherine G.
After having friends recommend the place for some time I finally gave this place a try. My dad was in town from the burbs so I dragged him along for lunch. I was expecting slow service,but we greeted its as soon as we walked in, and the service remained attentive it entire visit with it making us feel rushed. We split the an appitizer and then we both got sandwiches. Everything was flavorful and not over or under seasoned. We both enjoyed everything and we'll likely be back. For the food I would likely go 4 stars, but factoring in the price it gets bumped to 5. With tax and tip it was under 25 which can be hard to do in the Gold Coast/old Town area. Not much ambiance, but I am okay with that for solid food and service.
(5)
Emily J.
Great spot for lunch in Old Town. It wasn't crowded at all when we went and the food is tasty. Its like a second version of Mona's in New Orleans - which I used to frequent when I lived there.
(3)
Peter C.
Definitely could have been better. I had my expectations high from previous reviews and the traditional ambiance. To start, the bread was cold and my yogurt appetizer was watered down. Had the shawarma plate for a main. The meat was dry, and the rice and lettuce that came with tasted store-bought. The tabbouleh was the saving grace. Not too grainy, with a nice onion flavor.
(2)
John G.
good byob spot, i enjoyed the apps & the lamb was excellent. friendly service too!
(5)
H. V.
Quick delivery service via GrubHub. Service in restaurant is slower than it should be (especially for premade items ie:hummus), especially when the weather is warmer and they have the outdoor seating. I will say: I keep trying their delivery and every time something is off. This time it was hair in my tabbouleh :( But. When the food is on, it's on!
(4)
Kymberly J.
I've been here a few times and have always been satisfied. This place has some of the best lentil soup around. It's so comforting on a chilly Chicago day! I take a star off because the service is so very much served without a smile. And not in a mean way like I want to stiff her tip, it's more like in a sad way. I feel sorry for the woman who is always my server. Maybe it's because she is never allowed a day off but there is something about her that makes me feel like she might not want to be there or she is overworked. Anyway, lentil soup, tabbouleh salad, falafel sandwich, whatever you get you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Larry L.
We had many options in "old town" but picked Old Jerusalem. What a treat! The falafel plate is excellent and the lamb too! The family run restaurant is like being at home with welcoming hosts and friendly service. We dined, had great conversation and could bring our own wine! Do not miss this jewel!
(5)
Rick T.
Pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good. Standard fare. Well prepared. Family run. Eat in to watch as the the family members wander to and fro, seeming to multiply from a mysterious room beyond the doorway at the back of the dining room. Waager with friends on how many different people will enter and emerge from the mystery room during the course of your meal.
(3)
Steve M.
Solid chicken schawarma sandwich as well as entree. The chicken is juicy and spiced mildly - none of that over-the-top turmeric seasoning here. Tahini sauce is creamy and mild as well. This is good stuff. Delicious hummous too. The proprietors are some of the nicest around too. All of the ladies are friendly in that "stern but nice grandmother" kind of way. Do it.
(4)
Sarah P.
Lentil soup. That's all I ordered and all I was craving the entire day. Old Jerusalem has some good lentil soup. They are located in the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. Their prices are very nice given it's in the city, and they offer outdoor seating with an awning overhead so you can sip your soup outside while it's raining.
(3)
Jacob A.
This is a great spot in Old Town. I've been going here for about a decade. Solid Middle Eastern food. From the hummus to the kebabs everything is great! The owner and staff are very friendly. Service is excellent. Go check it out!
(4)
Wes N.
Overall I enjoyed the food. I had grape leaves, falafel, lamb and tabouli. Only three stars because I didn't love the tabouli. The rest was pretty good and you can't beat the prices and the byob. I'd def come again but don't expect to have your world rocked.
(3)
Jessica L.
Old Jerusalem is so great. I have Mediterranean food all over the city and I have NEVER found a place that does everything as right as they do! I have never had anything bad from here and would recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of food!
(5)
Mark G.
Very impressed with this place. There falafel platter is a must!
(4)
Tom H.
I've been going here for decades. Good Middle Eastern food with all the standard pita, kebabs, lentil soup and so on. Friendly wait staff. Outdoor sidewalk tables and the restaurant front opens up on warm days. Prices somewhat higher than say, Pita Inn in Skokie, but fine for Old Town.
(4)
Julia K.
Chicken kabob was chewy, the yogurt dip was watery, hummus was bland, and falafel was just okay. The food was absolutely nothing to return for. Service was underwhelming-had to go inside to find the waitress quite a few times Outdoor seating right on Wells is a plus.
(2)
Meredith B.
Stopped here for lunch during a shopping day in Old Town, and we were both pleasantly surprised! We came at a weird time, like 1:30 pm on a Monday, but a few other diners with weird eating schedules came in throughout the afternoon. Looks like they do a swift takeout business too! Not being terribly hungry, I got the Jerusalem salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley in tahini sauce) and the lentil soup. The lentil soup was surprisingly fantastic. I thought it would be thin and average but it was really complex and flavorful. The bowl was generously sized, and along with the salad made for a great light lunch. The Jerusalem salad was very thick and creamy from the tahini - I ended up eating it stuffed in pita, which was great. I couldn't finish the whole portion myself - it's not a huge amount, but I wasn't super hungry - but it kept well in the fridge and made for awesome snacks later. My boyfriend got the hummos with beef, and he really enjoyed it. I stole a few bites of the thinly sliced beef but he did a pretty good job polishing it off. He too was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food coming out of this little joint! Since Yelp says that our favorite Middle Eastern spot, Fattoush, is closed, we may need to start coming here to get our fix!
(4)
Jimmy J.
If we are to judge on food alone, this place is a solid 4 stars. I am an Arab by origin. I have eaten hummos, falafil, and the such in Chicago, Amman, Beirut, Bethlehem, and Damascus, hence my review here will have some credibility. This is definitely a restaurant where you want to take the food to go. The inside is very drab and doesn't have to be but apparently its owners don't know any better. Service was awkward and bizarre and weak all at the same time.This place appears to do good business, but 90% is carry out and it is easy to see why. The food was quite good. Some of the best hummos and baba ghanoush i have ever had. The mezzes had just the right amount of salt and lemon without being overpowering, and the baba ghanouj wasnt overpowered by garlic, often a common Arab flaw. Their version of the Greek Salad was good but no reason to use Iceberg lettuce. I can tell you as an operator, Romaine is cheap enough where no restaurant should ever use Iceberg in any salad. Their Tabouleh was killer. It wasnt chopped to fine which is a common mistake. When it is cut too fine, it soakes up to much of the oil and lemon,and becomes soggy. Theirs was cut perfect making it more of a salad in texture. Also, while the standard procedure is to soak the bulgur (cracked wheat), a main ingredient in tabouleh), to to make it soft, Old Jerusalem does not giving it tabouleh a nice crunch. Falafil was a bit overspiced but defintely met my high standard. Price points for appetizers salads, appetizer spreads, and sandwiches are very good especially given the high rents of the neighborhood. Howvever, the meat and chicken entrees were high in relation to other menu items and what additional food u get: Cheap rice and a generic salad. My grilled chicken kabob sandwich was awesome. Their sauce is a perfect mixture of tahini and lemon. If you live in the neighborhood and looking for solid hummus, falafil, tabbouleh, and kabob...essentially ARAB cuisine staples, Old Jerusalem works. Lastly, perhaps it was day old bread for we came on a sunday, but food rating lost a star because the bread was lackluster. Your bread has to be a star if you run a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(4)
Brian F.
Strange to see an older restaurant like this in the midst of old town's glitter. There's just nothing fancy about the place and the workers seem unhappy. The food was good but not great and my lentil soup was served lukewarm. Hard to get excited about coming back, but I will try a few more dishes based on the high yelp ratings. Maybe I missed something.
(3)
Brian N.
$7 for q shawerma that was chocked FULL of meat. I have rarely encountered such a problem where I've been wishing I had more tatziki. They cut no corners and the shawerma came in a fully enclosed pita pocket that was fresh so none of the mess encountered when some ppl give you just a wrap. House made hot sauce. Super flavorful tabbouleh. Really impressed here. Humble mom and pop. Good for price point.
(5)
Danny B.
My favorite place to get middle eastern food. This place is great, I ussually get the beef schwarma and falaffel, both are excellent! The pita's are also freshly made and delicious! I wouldn't go anywhere else if this is the type of food you are looking for!
(5)
Samuel M.
After many years of obsessive falafel sampling, I think I've finally found perfection, and it's at Chicago's oldest Middle Eastern standby. Old Jerusalem's falafel sandwich ($6.25) is served simply, with tahini sauce, iceberg lettuce, and tomato. However, this falafel needs no embellishment; the patties are spiced vigorously, burst with flavor, and are fried to a delectable crunch. They're awesome. For what its worth, the toppings, while spartan, are exceptional; briefly, the tomato managed to distract me from the falafel. I have to knock down a star because of the hummus ($4.75), which is pricey and a bit bland for my taste, and for the pita, which while not unpleasant, is served at room temperature and is not made in house. Also for these reasons, Pita Inn still holds my top spot for Middle Eastern food in the vicinity of Chicago. However, the falafel sandwich at Old Jerusalem is truly superlative, and in a class of its own. It's a must try.
(4)
Jet S.
It's fine. Bad decor, okay prices. In general meh. It's the only food of its kind in the area so if you want these flavores then this is your spot. The people that own it are not that friendly.
(2)
Ryan P.
This place is definitely tasty. If you are into Middle Eastern food, this place will probably knock your socks off. The hummus is crazy good.
(4)
Justin B.
The kefta kabob sandwich and the falafel were fine, not amazing, but tasty. I would go back for both since the price point was pretty solid. However, I'm still not cool with the $1.50/person BYO surcharge; as part of my cheap eats weekly dinner, this surcharge put us over the $10/person standard. Otherwise, great service in a simple setting...not remarkable enough to go back but I can see where it would be if I lived close by.
(3)
Daisha G.
My husband and I loved this place! The service was GREAT and the food was tasty. The only thing we weren't a fan of was the shish kebab. We also loved how small and authentic the restaurant was. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone that likes this type of food.
(4)
Lauren H.
This place is another hidden gem of Old Town! BYOB. Very very good. I have been once and loved it.
(5)
Keith D.
Old Town's staple for falafel cracks #19 on Chicago Magazines best sandwich list. This was my first Chicago falafel experience. I decided then that Falafel would receive honorary meat status. It's so good, that I can't tell that something wasn't murdered. If I ever go vegan, Mr. Falafel, you are my only hope. You're like a pocket of good. Not that there's any fear of the vegan thing happening, but sometimes you gotta get real and ask yourself. I consider myself a vegan now, except I possess the mental and physical fortitude to eat and digest meat. Kind of like a vegan super hero. Is it the best falafel in the city? Shit no, but it's respectable none the less. The Schwarma is rather damn tasty.
(4)
Yoj G.
Amazing sandwich for a very reasonable price. The dessert was good too, but I think the sandwich was a tough act to follow. The location also a great spot to relax and people watch.
(4)
K C.
Fantastic option in Old Town. Arguably the best find on Wells St. Prices are very reasonable and BYOB makes for a great $30 date with patio seating on a summer night.
(5)
Brian K.
love the food, love the service. especially when the owner personally makes deliveries.
(4)
Karen Anne B.
I've been here a few times and am surprised to find that I haven't reviewed it. This is one of my favorite places for falafel, baba ganoush and definitely my fave for stuffed grape leaves. The falafel is crispy and yummy. The baba ganoush has a great smokey flavor, I'm not always a fan of baba ganoush but I like theirs. The stuffed grape leaves are tasty, lemony and tender. The hummus, IMHO, is fine, not extraordinary, but decent, and the tabbouleh is better than most. The service is maybe not the most "friendly" (they're not rude by any means, just...efficient), but the food comes out lightning fast. It's BYOB and there is a per person corkage fee. In the summer they have outdoor seating, which is nice. Give them a try.
(4)
Jessica S.
The food was pretty good but did not blow me away. To be fair, I did only order the vegetarian platter, a mix of different veggie entrees. While I only gave Old Jerusalem 3 stars, I would return for a laid back al fresco atmosphere on a nice summer night.
(4)
Kathryn R.
Falafel sandwiches at old jerusalem are highly rated by other yelpers, so I expected a much tastier experience. Falafel sandwiches come smothered in lots and lots of iceberg lettuce - slimy says what?! Restaurant temperature is very cold and not cozy in the winter. Hostess was not very friendly and our lunch was really really slow even though we were one of two tables in the restaurant. This place is ok, but will keep looking for my go-to middle eastern food restaurant in Chicago.
(3)
Kevin O.
If you want the best hummus in the city this is the place to get it. Not much in the way if atmosphere but its made up in their food which is always consistently good. Been eating here for YEARS!
(4)
Matthew L.
Really a 1.5. I've eaten here twice - the first was bland, and mostly unremarkable. I decided that there was no reason to go back, but it wasn't offensive or anything. Last night, a family member ordered from here for a family function. While talking to him, it sounds like he got a good deal - a mountain of falafel and hummus along with jerusalem salad and tabbouleh for not that much money. I guess that's a score. The problem is that this was literally the worst meal of Mediterranean food I've had in my life. The hummus (how do you mess up hummus? 4 ingredients!) had no flavor. I genuinely do not believe they added lemon juice to it. It was paste - the consistency of mashed potato. Suitable for spackling. No lemon juice. No garlic. Just paste. The falafel was unbearably dry. The crust gave a nice crunch, but you're no supposed to get that crunch all the way to the center. The falafel just crumbled on your tongue. Most of the positive reviews here note their "mild" spicing in their dishes and their large portions. If you like vats of tasteless food, I guess this is the place. But even Sultans, which is cheap, runs circles around this joint. I can't figure out why someone would voluntarily eat here.
(1)
Jonathan K.
The real deal! Was very disappointed by a falafel at one of the newer hip establishments, and needed to fulfill a craving for a real falafel done right to cleanse my palate. Turns out old school still does it right. The balls spiced subtly and fried just right. The Jerusalem style toppings (tomato, iceberg lettuce, tahini sauce) done just like I remember from the Middle East. The baba ganoush also superior... Not overly smoked and pulverized so it had texture left. Sure, they don't give you a choice of a trillion options. They do it simple and they do it right.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafil sandwiches, tebouleh, hommos, and baba ganouj are excellent. The food is fresh and well prepared. This is a small, casual restaurant on Wells Street in Old Town. Parking is extremely limited. In the summer, there are tables outside. The owners are very friendly and take pride in the food they serve. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for good Middle Eastern food at a causal restaurant with reasonable prices.
(5)
Brent L.
Phenomenal restaurant ran by stand up management. Visited Old Jerusalem for a few appetizers during the Old Town Art Fair. A few friends and I came into Old Jerusalem with around half a cup of beer from one of the food and beverage tents. We were originally charged $1.50 each for a BYOB fee we were unaware of. I brought this to the manager/owner's attention and he waived the fee. Although it was a small charge and he could have easily substantiated it with it's presence on the menu, he was kind enough to waive the fee. The food was excellent and the shaded outdoor seating was perfect. Given that the food and dining experience are wonderful, I want to really emphasize how great the management at Old Jerusalem is. I highly recommend Old Jerusalem.
(4)
Shirley A.
My new middle eastern spot! Vegetarian platter and combo meat platter are both delish! Love supporting small family owned local restaurants!
(5)
Andrea R.
I enjoyed such a yummy dinner here recently that I wondered why I stopped coming here. A friend and I were starving after our nearby boot camp class. Stairs, hills and some other forms of torture sure can bring on a healthy appetite! Fortunately lots of food at Old Jerusalem awaited: * Hummus Appetizer served with a basket of soft pita bread * Chicken Kebob Platter. The chicken was cooked to perfection * Falafel Platter. Not quite Sultan Market quality, but sure tasty The service was fast and it was pretty inexpensive. Shame on me for letting Old Jerusalem slip my mind since moving from Old Town a few years ago...I won't let it happen again.
(4)
Eric R.
Three words...moldy pita bread. I picked up a sandwich for carry out, got home to discover that the pita was covered in mold. Called the restaurant and was argued with. Never going back.
(1)
Amy R.
Best Baklava in the city! It's made in house. The Kefta kabob is excellent....always extremely fresh. The texture of the meat is great. Also, the combination plate of chicken, steak, and Kefta is a wonderful meal, and two people can easily split that. I enjoy their lentil soup.....but it's not as thick as before. Less lentils, more water..... This is a family owed business, and they have been there for over 30 years. The people who own it are very genuine & gracious. Fresh carrot & apple juice. BYOB in Old Town. Not a SCENE! So, very comfortable. Casual....
(5)
Kelly K.
Bottom line: delicious Middle Eastern food at reasonable prices (especially for the neighborhood). This was my boyfriend's and my go-to Middle Eastern restaurant when we lived in the area. We would get the feta appetizer and I always got the vegetarian combo, which is a great choice if you want to try a variety of items. It comes with hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, and Jerusalem salad and all are very good. The only reason I deducted a star is because the service can be a bit slow and aloof sometimes. But the food more than makes up for it.
(4)
Sarah Beth B.
After a movie at Piper's Alley, this was a great place for an easy, relaxed saturday night dinner. We started with Jerusalem Salad and Falafel, and split the meat combination plate, with schwarma, kefta kebab and beef kebab. Overall, it was pretty delicious. The falafel was crispy and fresh and the salad was bright with lemon. The meats were all great, especially the beef kebab, and the rice pilaf served with the meat was really good. Everything came with plenty of tahini sauce on top, and a side salad was a nice accompaniment. Unfortunately, the pita wasn't the best I've ever had, and there wasn't enough of what there was. It's not my favorite falafel in the city, but when I'm in Old Town, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Agnes Z.
Although this is a very low key place, the food is fantastic. So don't judge the book by it's cover. I've been eating here for years. For me this is the best place in the city for Middle Eastern / Mediterranean food. They have one of the best falafel and tahini that I've ever had. Of course they have many other great dishes. The service most of the time is fine, it's average, but for the price (this is really inexpensive for down town) I don't think one can complain. Oh and they have a nice out door sitting in the summer.
(5)
Snowdrops C.
An excellent place for a falafel wrap or a shawarma! We have visited this place twice now - great food and good value casual dining in a lively neighborhood.
(5)
S L.
food is great, 5 star food. but, this little place knows how to stretch a dollar and they will. I go here for takeout all the time. Let me give you an example. The Old Jerusalem salad is tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with tahini sauce and parsley. Delicious and fresh. Small is a decent portion. The large is much more money but the same amount of salad with a side of iceburg lettuce. And they LOVE to pull the "$10 minimum on a credit card", which I think is illegal. But, I put up with it because it's close to my house and good food. Just figure out their system or you get significantly screwed.
(3)
Jelena Z.
If I was forced to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be a combo platter from a Middle Eastern restaurant. Why? Because it usually comes with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel AND pita bread. So yeah... I'm a bit of a cheater. 'Cause clearly that's more than one item. I came here on a brisk October afternoon with audible hunger pangs and a caffeine withdrawal sweats. Well, practically. Enter Arabic coffee: strong and super dark just the way my mom makes it! I've always found it interesting that no matter how much sugar you add to this potent brew, it'll never be sweet. Black magic! True to form, I ordered the vegetarian combo platter. Hummus was creamy, mild with a hint of garlic. The baba had a nice touch of smoke, but i kept my eyes on the prize: the falafel. Nothing crumbly about these fabulously friend chickpeas... moist and totally together. I polished off my entire plate, which means I thoroughly enjoyed my assortment of Middle Eastern delights but also that the portion was on the smallish side. But that's okay, because the food is quality and did keep me satiated for hours. I'll definitely be back, especially since I hear they're BYO! Nothing like eating AND imbibin' on the way cheap.
(4)
David R.
Really good food and quality service. Why is this place three-quarters empty all the time, while all the generic bar-food dumpsters up and down Wells Street are teeming with people on a weekend afternoon? Well, fuck those no-taste douchebags. I enjoy a quiet lunch where I can read anyway. I'm not sure what the management setup is here, but there's an old lady and two middle-aged men, who may be her sons. In any case, she is pleasant and seems to be running the show. Today I saw her taking a delivery order out, for heaven's sake, leaving one guy to man the kitchen and the other to handle the entire front of house, including the patio. They pulled it off though. Anyway, the food is very, very solid. I wish that they had better pita and that they served it warm, but that's about the only detraction I can think of. Baba ghannouj: B+; smoky and slightly textured. Steak kebab: B+; tender juicy grill flavor, maybe the second-best I've had behind Al-Khaymeih. Falafel sandwich: B+; too much lettuce but very good crispy, not greasy, falafel. Hummus: B+ again; they nail the perfect texture, and I love the garlicky undertone. Jerusalem salad: B; light and tasty but somewhat overdressed. Kibbah: B+; until Old Jerusalem, I had not found a place that made this item taste like anything but dog food; OJ's is pungent in the good way and tastes like the actual ingredients listed. Great seasoning and cooked perfectly. I don't find myself in Old Town too often but this is shaping up as a destination for me as one of my favorite down-scale Middle Eastern joints. Too bad they don't have chicken shawarma on the menu though. (Sad face)
(4)
Anuj S.
Went here this evening. I would say it was a very normal middle-eastern place. For me falafel is the measuring stick at these type of places. They did fine on falafel. I can't complain. The second measuring stick is the hot sauce, though. I didn't care much for the hot sauce... and actually it tasted spoiled/sourish. The hummos was good, although the portion was small. Let me put it this way... if you're nearby and you want some Mediterranean food without much effort or travel, it's not a bad option. I definitely wouldn't seek this place out, though, because there are plenty of better options if you're willing to... like... what's the word... go somewhere?
(3)
Jamie S.
Love this place! The food is amazing, portions are huge, staff is really friendly and it's cheap (especially for Chicago)! Oh and it's BYOB. The actual restaurant is a little cozy, but well worth it.
(5)
Lisha L.
Cheap fast solid neighborhood gem! Tip: order the sandwich, it's almost exactly the same size and content as the entrees but cheaper.
(5)
Hanna S.
Great, reasonably priced neighborhood place. Crunchy, garlicky falafel is the right choice here. They taste like they are fried up fresh. Too many places offer leaden, greasy, or bland falafel. This is some of the best in the city.
(4)
Rachel W.
My go-to falafal spot for the crew. Love their babaganoush, hummus, cucumber/tomato salad. I don't eat lamb, but it's popular w/the guys, as is their grilled chicken that comes on this awesome flavored rice. Not sure abt the ambiance, have only catered them in.
(4)
Chris L.
I feel a little guilty for only giving three stars, but honestly the word I would use for this place is uninspired. The service was fair, the food tasted ok (falafel was the best dish, shish kabobs didn't seem to be grilled), and the atmosphere was laid back. Prices were definitely reasonable and portions were good. Why only three stars then? The menu selection wasn't quite as original as I had hoped. Basically I could go to many other places to get the exact same things on the menu: falafel, baba ganoush, shish kabobs, etc. Maybe I will return to update later on.
(3)
Vivi W.
Very slow service, even when the place was rather empty on a saturday night. Chicken kabob and beef kabob were both very dry and disappointing. Grilled lamb sandwich was dry. Felafel, for which they are famous, was ok but nothing special. Dessert was overly sweet. Avoid this place.
(1)
Gina M.
While spending 5 days in Chicago I tried several restaurants in the Old Town area. I love middle eastern food and this was a good stop! I had baba ganoush which was rich, creamy and refreshing. A slice of tomato, onions and a sprinkling of paprika. A small salad was served along with pitas. I also ordered Lamb Shawarma that was served on a warm bed of rice. I had enough left over to make 3 more pitas for lunch. I also had a nice fresh glass of carrot juice. The server was friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. I would recommend coming here!
(4)
Will R.
Good, simple spot for reasonably-priced and tasty middle eastern food. Good falafel, hummus, schwarma plate, and lentil soup. Service was very polite but a bit slow.
(4)
Rhonda G.
What do you get when you chop tomatoes, cucumbers and mix in a little cucumber sauce? Apparently $11 bucks worth of something because that's what this lovely little concoction costs. OK, their were other things in the meal as well but since it was a vegetarian combo, pretty much everything was a side dish or sauce, which in my book doesn't add up to anywhere near $11 bucks. Service was mediocre, food was mediocre, location was pretty nice. So Mediocre +mediocre/by average equals not worth your time.
(2)
Timothy B.
Food was absolutely fantastic and the service was exceptional. They took the time to assure my order was correct down to the last detail. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes middle eastern food.
(5)
Courtney H.
Not particularly impressed. Chicago boasts many places with better - and cheaper - falafel sandwiches (Sultan's Market, for example), and much better hummus (Falafel and Grill, or for the foodies, check out Frontier for their white bean hummus). All in all, I'm too full to move because I was hoping it would get better. Definitely not satisfied.
Maybe they thought I should be fasting or something. Our table ordered an appetizer & dinners, the appetizer never appeared & then everyone else got their dinner but me. I waited, thinking it must be on it's way. I waited. I may have dropped a pant size. I waited some more. Finally I flagged down the server & asked where my dinner was & where the appetizer was the table had ordered. He said he'd "forgotten". Well. So then my dinner came, along with the appetizer. My friend had the veggie combo platter which was served with hummous & babaganoush. She was apparently on a server-imposed carb-diet because they never brought any of us pita bread. I had to flag down the server again (because they seemed to be more interested in talking to eachother than dealing with us) before my friend started eating hummous with a spoon. I understand servers forget things, food orders go in wrong, etc. BUT, when mistakes DO happen, usually they go out of their way to apologize and try to make you leave happy. That didn't seem to happen here. BOTTOM LINE: The food was mediocre and the service was lackluster. They can do better & I should be seeking better.
(1)
Eric S.
Great little spot. Quality fresh ingredients that taste amazing! Service was friendly and authentic...highly recommended - And definitely going back!
(5)
Alex H.
Pretty safe bets are shawarma, kebab, and falafel. I don't make unsafe bets.
(5)
Jill M.
The falafel sandwich is very good. As was the service. If you have food allergies, be careful when you order the desserts and ask questions to make sure. I thought I was fine because I thought the description in the menu put me in the clear, but I got really sick earlier from an allergic reaction and now I am drugged up on Benadryl. I will still come back to sample their other food, but not the pastries.
(4)
David T.
The food is authentic and absolutely delicious! I agree that the falafel is the best in Chicago. In addition to the food, the staff are extremely friendly, kind, and accommodating. Because of the outstanding food and staff, this has become a staple for my family and one of our very favorite restaurants. Go!!
(5)
Ws's Mama H.
My first at Old Jerusalem.... I loved everything about it and wiil definitely return. I tried vegetarian combo, meat combo, and harissa. I liked how I was able to taste bit of everything from both combos. I devoured their Jerusalem Salad! Yum!!! Falafel was crispy not greasy. From the meat combo, lamb tasted better than beef. Rice was pretty good, too. For dessert, I didn't really care for harissa but I liked how it was home made looking.
(5)
Kathrin E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Chicago! The ambiance isn't anything spectacular, nor is the outdoor patio (however, it is very good for people watching), but it's the FOOD that always keeps me coming back from more (especially the Musaheb Sandwich)! This is a family run restaurant, and it is one of the most efficiently run restaurants I've ever been to. The menu is very simple, but oh so good because all of the ingredients are very fresh. Plus, this place is BYOB and they allow dogs on the outdoor patio! :)
(5)
Cory A.
Old Jerusalem is a standard Middle Eastern restaurant that serves all of the usual suspects in the usual preparations. Nothing stands out as different or signature, or even exciting. The service wasn't very good, and neither was the atmosphere. The plates and glasses were of the unbreakable plastic kind and looked as though they've been in use since the 90's. If I was brought back here, I wouldn't warn my party not to go, it's just that you can get the same food at ANY middle eastern restaurant, simply better; with more seasoning, variety, and depth.
(3)
Brz A.
I always stop in here when I'm in the neighborhood, and each time I'm reminded how much I like it. I usually try the falafel sandwich, which is really good - but recently I opted for the veggie combo platter - which was awesome. The dish included: Pita - Standard, not too thin or chewy. Hummus - smooth with a nice tahini flavor Jerusalem salad - like a middle eastern pico de gallo! - very flavorful compared to the many watered down versions I've tried. Falafal - Perfect amount of crispy outside and tender inside. Baba Ganouj - eggplant is not usually my thing, but this was a real surprise. As other have noted, it has a real smokey flavor that I loved. Jerusalem Salad - Fragrant, well-balanced and complicated mix. Again, made with more skill than many other versions in Chicago. I wouldn't call it cheap, but there is a lot of food. I am a big eater and I couldn't finish the whole thing. You can tell they are serious about their recipes here, Old Jerusalem offers one of the more homey and delicate takes on Mediterranean cuisine that I've found in Chicago..and I've been looking... P.S. I'm also a fan of their tough-love type service!
(4)
Chris D.
the food and prices are great and the BYOB is a huge plus. The only drawback is that the service can be slow at times.
(4)
Jenn C.
Not sure why it's taken me so long to post a review but this is one of my favorite quick dinner spots in Chicago. I'd say we grab takeout here about once a week and dine in a couple times a month. I still haven't found better hummus anywhere in Chicago than at Old Jerusalem. The shwarama is delicious - I always get an extra side of tahini with it. The chicken kabob, falafel and the combo platter (with beef and lamb) are all consistently great as well. The service is excellent - and I have to hope they recognize us at this point - and BYOB option is always welcome.
(5)
Ryan S.
Best Lebanese food in the city! Make sure you get the labneh and hummus, it's top notch. Also ask for some za'atar, it's a middle eastern spice that isn't on the menu. Goes great on both of those dishes. The falafel entree is perfect for two, a go-to every time I go there. The staff is so nice and service is great!
(5)
Darryl S.
The GOOD: Falafils were pretty good along with the Baba ganoush and the hummus. Good flavor, especially in the falafils. Great mix of herbs. The BAD: My friend had the greek salad and all I have to say to that is does this restaurant think she was a rabbit or something? There was some lamb which tasted pretty much like generic gyro meat you would find at any greasy spoon restaurant. The bigger problem was with the mountain of lettuce under the meat which seemed never ending. Salad overall was bland. The UGLY: How can you mess up Baklawa? Come on man! Straight up terrible desserts.
(3)
Chris H.
Good choice for Middle Eastern food in Chicago.
(4)
Michael B.
Yum, one of my favorite restaurants on Wells. This place has legit mediterrean food and the staff is great. Food is consistently good and the take-out is always ready on time as well if you decide to go that route. The portions are huge and normally enough to have for two days. Suggestions: combination platter, kefta kabab, falafel and hummus.
(4)
Matthew M.
I have found that exploring other cities over long weekends is a very exciting way to satisfy more than just the cultural junkie in me--it is an even better way for satisfying the foodie in me. My native Philadelphia is known for some very fine restaurants but not always for anything with a significant ethnic influence. This is why Chicago--a city even more well known for its fantastic cuisine--was the perfect place to tease my palate. The first choice? Morrocan. To my dismay, finding a Morrocan restaurant in the heart of Chicago on the weekend is a challenge. So many of them either have limited menus or are only open for the business crowd. Finally, after culling through an exhaustive list of deadends, we found Old Jerusalem. This spot is in a prime location--a great place to eat AND people watch. With some outdoor seating and windows that open to the outside, the atmosphere is very inviting and familial. Perhaps it was a tad too familial though, as upon entry, DC mentioned that it smelled slightly like grandparents. Old people aroma or not, the service they provided was also quite good. Orders were taken and plates placed very quickly. First up - Falafel. I must say it was cooked nearly to perfection, with just the right balance of creamyness and crispness. The accompanying Tahini was also quite good, but the most amazing part was the texture of the pitas--I can never find ones like that at the grocer! Shortly after devouring the appetizer, we were presented with the main course. I had the Kefta Kabob, and DC had the Baked Kefta in tomato sauce. The Kabob was grilled and served with a grilled tomato, and it was delicious. Oddly, a side salad of iceberg lettuce and tomato in tahini sauce was presented a la carte and again as the base of my main dish. I found this to be a major overkill. The Baked Kefta dish was prepared with a healthy amount of spice in a creamy tomato sauce (DC preferred this over more Tahini). In both meals, the portion size was unbelivably generous; this was a statement overheard from many other diners as well. All in all, this joint gets four stars for being open, having healthy portions, and overall taste. If I could make any recommendations to them, it would be to have better air circulation to reduce the "grandparent mothball" aroma, as well as upgrade the quality of the rice being used. DC made note that it was of middle-grade cafeteria consistency and served as a mere filler to an otherwise outstanding main dish.
(4)
Dex Y.
I'm glad I gave this place a shot. Now I have one more option for eating in this area. Their Kefta kabob was well put together. The veggie was fresh and crunchy, and the beef/lamb patty was tasteful. I feel it would be even better if they could have added a little bit more spices to kick it up a notch. I must note that the pita bread was perfect. If they sold the bread separately I'd get that. I also ordered the lentil soup on the side. It tasted mild, but somehow I enjoyed it. Serving was fast because not many customers were there. Waiters/waitresses were friendly. Will go back to explore the other dishes!
(4)
Norbert W.
Love it for lunch. Love it. It's very solid, what-to-expect Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Have always had good experience with the service, and while it gets lively in the space - can be a bit noisy - that's one of the fun parts of the atmosphere. For some, it's probably not their thing. Oh well. This genre of cuisine is a favorite, so I'm definitely of the "pick anything" school of ordering. Have fun.
(4)
Anna T.
Old Jerusalem is A-OK, but nothing to call home about. I've been here a couple times. First was for a light dinner several months ago and finally returned last night with a friend. We were looking for somewhere to sit outside and my dining companion couldn't pass up the Middle Eastern fare, so I was willing to give Old Jerusalem another go. Bonus points for allow my dog to sit with us, although it was for sure a tight squeeze. We started with the Kibbah, which was new to me, and it was tasty with a splash of lemon and yogurt topping. Kind of sad looking, though, and a tad steep for what we got. I ordered the Vegetarian Combination plate, which came with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad and falafil. Everything tasted fine, but felt pretty ordinary. My dining companion ordered the grape leaves plate and a side of falafil. Flavorful grape leaves, but not filled generously. Overall my second try for Old Jerusalem solidified my 3-star rating. Non-pretentious and easy going food and service, but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Daniel L.
I've been to quite a few Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago (And to a few in the Middle East) and I've gotta say that this place is good. I got the vegeterian combination platter and my fiancee got the shawarma sandwich and we were both very happy with what we got. The hummus, cucumber salad and tabbouleh was yummy but not surprising. The babaganoush (sp?) was fresh! Nice surprise there. But the falafels, oh boy. I generally stay away from them because they're always too dry or way overcooked but the brown balls of deliciousness that landed on my plate was anything but! 5 stars for the best falafels I've had. I can't wait to go back and try some of their meat dishes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
(5)
Steve D.
Good food cooked by someone who knows what they're doing in a relaxed atmosphere, enough said. Came here for lunch on MLK and didn't leave disappointed. Started with the hummus and the baba ghanouj. Both were really good, home made, and hit the spot. I got the Musaheb, grilled chicken, which was cooked perfectly. I also sampled my friends kefta, and my other friend's falafel sandwich. All of it was really tasty, my chicken was cooked perfectly, and I would definitely go back for the falafel. For dessert we got the baklava and the kinafa, both were sweet, flaky and delicious, I would recommend either to anyone. The service was good, our waiter was attentive and he made sure we had everything we needed. When a restaurant uses age old recipes, decent quality ingredients and good service usually the customer will leave happy. I left happy, and really full. I would recommend getting a sandwich rather than an entree. The sandwich will fill you up for half the price. Great place for lunch or dinner, great part of town, I will certainly be going back.
(4)
Heidi K.
Everything I ate was perfect! The tabbouleh was sublime, the baba ganouj was perfectly flavored, and perfect texture...truly a master chef made this food!
(5)
Rick F.
Wow this place really sucks. Bread taste like a freezer, soup is watered down, and canned hummous! Yuk! This place turned into american style :/
(1)
Matt L.
Have you ever seen that petrol station, Gas City? Worth it though. BYOB and better for the basics (falafel, baba ganouj) than Sultan's or even Chickpea.
(4)
Kelly S.
Mmmmeh. I ate here with a friend before attempting to catch a show at Second City. Charming little place... almost with a french cafe type feel. The place was packed (7:30 on a Saturday night). However, a table of 12 in the back was taking up the majority of the space. We were seated right away. After pondering over the menu for awhile, I opted for the Vegetarian Combo Plate. WAY overpriced at $11.50 for what you get. A few sides, some pita bread, and 3 falafel balls. I was wanting more. I was hungry and this meal had me feeling a bit like a rabbit. Next time... I will go with my gut and get the falafel sandwich or the hommous and chicken. Yes, that is how they spell hommous here. Service was slowwwwww. My dirty plate sat in front of me a lot longer than I can usually tolerate. BYOB. $1.25 per person corkage fee.
(2)
Maryann M.
I really enjoy Old Jerusalem. I've been here a few times and the food is always very tasty. The service is ALWAYS great - friendly, prompt and efficient. I love that it's a BYO and completely unpretentious. Definitely my kind of place. I think the falafel is really good, and I LOVE the stuffed grape leaves. Another positive: the prices.
(4)
Henry V.
The Hummus is the best here. Environment is very laid-back and young. Menu is fairly simple, the things you expect from a Mediterranean restaurant. Jerusalem salad here is also really good. Tried the Chicken with Hummus one time a 3-meat combination another. Great go-to place for a date night in Old Town.
(4)
Melissa G.
Small restaurant. Great hummus, pita and falafel sandwich. Hot tea was ok.
(4)
Sara P.
I have to give Old Jerusalem 5 stars, because everytime I come here (and I come here a lot), it never ever disappoints. I truly love this place. The vegetarian platter is delicious- it comes with all sorts of salads, falafel, baba ganoush, and hummus. The meat platter is great too. My most recent visit I got the falafel sandwich, wrapped in pita. It was so good, I almost wished there was more. I love this place in the summer when you can sit outside in their little patio. The inside is nothing special, just an open room with a bunch of tables. What they lack in decor, they absolutely make up in food. Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)
Rachel B.
Great middle Eastern/ Lebanese cuisine with BYOB policy! What I liked the best about Old Jerusalem was the service. The staff is friendly, quick but they don't rush you. On the Saturday evening it was pretty empty but later on it started filling up. My boyfriend and I opted for two dishes with lamb. The Kefka Kebob was our top choice out of the two. The portions were pretty big and we stopped ourselves from eating the whole meal to leave room for the baklava (baklawa)! What is better than phyllo dough and honey? The couple sitting next to us had the Vegitarian Comination Platter and it looked amazing. It also has a low corkage fee. If ordering the grape leaves, note that they are served cold and not hot. The ones I had tried before (in a Georgian restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia) were served hot, so I was expecting something different. All in all, we've already turned into huge fans and can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)
Dan L.
I stopped in for lunch and had the 'Shawirma'. The meat was very dry and spiced in an odd way. I've had much better. The price was good though and so was the service.
(2)
L H.
This is hands down the best mediterranean place in the city. I've tried countless times to perfect their chicken after I asked them how they make it. They use fresh ingredients in all of their dishes...no preservatives or artificial ingredients. That's probably why it's so authentic. Get the greek salad or house salad with chicken...it's seriously the best thing ever. The combination platter is delicious as well. GO!
(5)
Denise F.
When I lived in the neighborhood, Old Jerusalem was always a great spot that I kept going back to. I've had quite a few of their menu items, and while nothing completely wowed me, it was dependably very good. Even now taht I've moved out of the area, if I'm feeling like Middle Eastern food, this is where go. Also, I love the BYOB option!
(4)
Andrea G.
I organized a big group dinner (20 people) here that we had at OJR earlier tonight. The restaurant management was fantastic--the place is run by a Lebanese immigrant family. They helped me pick out just the right amount of food--without trying to push stuff on us that we didn't want to run up the bill--had our table all set up when we got there, brought the food out in a timely fashion, and didn't try to run us out when we were finished eating. So five stars on that. Now this wasn't any ordinary group or any ordinary dinner. This was a reunion dinner for my Birthright trip that we had over winter break. That meant that not only were we 20 people, we were 20 hungry Jews who had just come back from eating hummus in the Middle East. And WE LOVED IT. Every dish was perfect. We had: -Hummus -Tebouli -Shwarma Kebab -Chicken Kebab -Falafel -Jerusalem Salad -and then Pita with everything. My only criticism is the pita could have been warmer. Otherwise, everything was DELECTABLE. Even the tebouli, which I find is too dry at most places, had just the right amount of vinegar in it. The hummus was creamy and amply spiced, the Jerusalem salad had enough tomatoes in it (not to mention extra tahini sauce for dipping), and the falafel was fresh out of the frier. Furthermore, our wallets weren't ravaged at the end. I also think they're BYOB. Hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Anna B.
Love this place. I usually get the falafel and it always very tasty. I love the pickled turnips and the rice pilaf. I like that the restaurant is nothing fancy, easy access. It's more of a cafe style place then a serious sit down place. The food is inexpensive and tasty. It's simple and authentic. I also love the music playing in the background. Excellent for quick lunch.
(5)
Ev A.
I'll keep this short. If you are Mediterranean or enjoy Mediterranean food, you will appreciate this place. It has the select flavors anyone can enjoy and the food is fresh. I recommend this place. I had such a pleasant experience. It's restaurants like Old Jerusalem that take me back to the homeland...
(4)
Jon L.
I've lived above/behind this quality middle eastern restaurant for just over a year now, and it's a great place to go pick up something quick when I don't feel like cooking. Prices are good for the neighborhood, pickup orders are always quick (10-15 minutes, even on weekend nights), and the food tasty (but not gourmet). Their babaganoush and lentil soup are excellent, and a shwarma sandwich fills you up without making you feel over-stuffed. Bottom line = quality standard middle eastern food, quick and affordable.
(3)
Joscelyn M.
BYO and outdoor patio for great Wells street people-watching are definite pluses, but this place gets 5 stars on food alone. I love everything here from the lentil soup to the hummus, salads, meat, falafel, pita... Best middle eastern in the city, hands down!
(5)
Stu T.
Stopped in for the first time mid-afternoon and found the place a great find. Service was great, the food flavorful and the prices reasonable. They even turned off the ceiling fans for us. I live in the burbs but will stop in again.
(4)
Jennifer J.
Just tried this spot recently, and I liked it for the most part. I got the Musaheb sandwich (essentially a chicken sandwich), and my dining companion ordered the Shish Kabob sandwich. My sandwich was simple and tasty, largely due to the sauce but the chicken was good, too. The baklava was actually considerably larger than those from other places I've ordered yet around the same price. It was good, too. The service was decent, not extremely nice, but they did refill our drinks, take away dishes, give the check, etc. in a timely fashion. I do feel that some of their dishes are overpriced, but the appetizers seem pretty cheap. Just FYI: the prices on their website are outdated ones; they've gone up a few cents to a dollar. One more thing I like is that, according to their website, they're open until 10:30 sun-thurs, 11 fri-sat. I wish more places stayed open later during the week, at least until 11, so yay for them!
(3)
ashley d.
Dine-in, dine-out..... either/or, just dine, it's divine. They also deliver. I get down on their tasty hummus and falafel. Dining in can be a little slow, so get an appetizer.... may I suggest the hummus? Also, when I've been in the colder months, I recall being chilly inside.... so, grab your snuggie!
(4)
Kelly K.
Food: Great. Service: Hit or miss. I've been here a few times and the food never lets me down. Usually I get the chicken kebabs, but any time I've tried something different, I've been satisfied. The hummus is delish, the corkage fee reasonable, and the sidewalk seating is perfect in the shade on a summer day. The only complaint I have is the service- usually I have no complaints about it, but a few times it has been slow.
(4)
Janet E.
I came here during the summer time and the outdoor seating was great! Service was good and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable as well.
(4)
ChicagoFoodie S.
Thought it would be a great place and was expecting better. Very Salty Lentil Soup. The meat shawarma tasted okay, but still salty! Probably will not return.
(2)
DrGrace G.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)
Ryan J.
Last night, I found myself in Old Town, craving some Middle Eastern food before seeing a show at the Red Orchid Theatre. Enter, Old Jerusalem. My boo and I were promptly seated in the tiny space, which was pretty much packed to the brim with other patrons -- always a good sign. He ordered a sandwich and I ordered the mint tea with falafel appetizer. Both were adequate-to-good. My falafel in particular was very flavorful on soft on the inside with excellent crispiness on the outside (almost a bit too crispy for my taste, however). It came with a light salad which was nice, but I wish there had been more yogurt sauce or something to dip the crunchy nummyness in. The service was a little bit pooky, but there seemed to only be three people (likely the owners and one other person -- the cook) working the entire restaurant, so that was understandable. Definitely on the more casual end of the dining spectrum, but all in all, I was mostly quite satisfied.
(3)
Victoria O.
Old Jerusalem is a pleasant place to have a meal. Eat outdoors and take your time. Some have said food is the same as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but in my opinion, it's better. Falafel, Jerusalem salad, shawarma, lentil soup, pita, are all good. Service is friendly and laid back. I am always happy to come here. I believe it is BYOB as well, which will make your meal far less expensive. Fun to people watch as well when you sit outside.
(5)
Erika G.
Oldskool Chicago - this place has been here For. Ev. Ah. or . . . at least since 1988. It's a good place to get a cheap bite if you're in Old Town and craving middle eastern food. It's tasty fare - nothing at all wrong with the food here, but . . . in no way the best I've ever had, because I've had the best, habibi.
(3)
Liz B.
Old Jerusalem gets the job done when I'm craving Middle-Eastern. I've been here several occasions, but only for lunch, so I wouldn't know anything about crowds at night. Always order some falafel before your meal, it's super tasty and you can order by the piece. I ordered the schwarma sandwich the first time I came to OJ, and it had a really funky taste. Kind of like cinnamon, which I found to be kind of gross. I would suggest passing on that. However, I did try my date's chicken Musaheb sandwich, which was DELICIOUS! So with that said, I decided to give OJ another chance and ordered the Musaheb the next time I lunched there. OJ- you redeemed yourself with that tasty, tahini-laden chicken pita. Mmmmmmmmmm!
(4)
Wendy Y.
Im not sure why this place gets so much hype. I've seen it in like 3 travel guides for Chicago. Maybe its because I felt like there was a bad vibe in there and a wierd creepy lady with a scowl on her face seated us. Maybe its because I am from Detroit, which probably has the best (and most) Middle Eastern restaraunts in the counttry. I am just not that into Old Jerusalem. I have to say my Chicken Pita was really good but everything else was just OK. My friend hated hers. The worst is when you suggest a place to a friend and then they hate it. Woops. Sorry. I may go back but they need to put some music on in the place. Its just quiet and wierd and not too appealing. Anyway, Its OK. The food is above average. The service is not so great.
(3)
Richie D.
Very nice place in Old Town for falafels, with sidewalk tables for nice days. It seems to be the hummus/falafel sandwich capital of Chicago! My only complaints were that I received dirty silverware and the cup of water served had teenie specks of something black in it (it may be from an ice machine or something). Other than that, very tasty and good prices.
(4)
ak a.
Great falafel, baba ganoush and tabouli. The chicken and vegetarian dishes are great. Wonderful lentil soup and warm pita bread. Always fresh, consistent and great service.
(5)
Nicole B.
I ate here for the first time today and will definitely return. The menu seemed to be simple / typical Middle Eastern food but that was exactly what we were looking for. I had the falafel and my fiance had the Shawarma and a Jerusalem salad. We both enjoyed our meals. I am not usually a huge falafel fan, but this was great. Crunchy but not greasy, and not overloaded with sauce. It was also a lovely day to enjoy the patio. The food came out fast and our water was always full. (Much appreciated since it was 90 degrees today.)
(4)
Big B.
I used to go hear as a child and some 20 years later its still got great food at amazing prices. Each and every visit, take out or delivery the food has the same freshness and quality. Worth the visit.
(5)
Meg O.
My parents and I were on our way to the Zoo Lights, and my mom really wanted to stop at Old Jerusalem for dinner. It had been an old family haunt, I think we first started coming here in the late 80s, when we discovered the part of Chicago that lies between 900 North and Lincoln Square, the old-school one lined with delicatessens crammed with Fraus und Herrs. Back then, my parents associated falafel and hummus with their days of shopping on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn nearly a decade before, and found Old Jerusalem to be an exotic, nostalgic gem. Sadly, last night Old Jerusalem bore very little resemblance to our discovery so many years ago. While the hummus still held some of its magic, and my mom declared it better than Cedars of Lebanon down in Hyde Park, most everything else was mediocre. My lentil soup was on the bland side, even after a squeeze of lemon, and the potage was nearing watery. The tabouleh salad, while strong on the parsley, just the way I like it, had a sweet and sour apple cider vinegar aftertaste. I didn't have a falafel sandwich, but I can tell you that the ones from Sultan's Market look a lot better. There was a generous amount of feta cheese on my Greek salad, but shame on me for ordering something with tomatoes in winter. Worst of all, the restaurant was freezing! Service was on the slow side, but the staff is friendly. If we hadn't been going to Zoo Lights, and just had been in the mood for Middle Eastern food, I would have taken my parents to Sultan's. Next time I will, and I will also relish thick, savory lentil soup as I listen to my mom tell stories about the next door neighbor in Staten Island teaching her to make hummus.
(2)
Ashley G.
I find the place to be hit or miss. Sometimes I get a great meal and at other times I wonder what happened to the place. The service could improve, because I have experienced a number of mistakes. There are a few other places in the city that I would prefer over this place, so if you are looking for an awesome meal, I might look in another direction.
(3)
Denise U.
I go to this place somewhat regularly and it has always been consistent and great. The Musaheb is so fresh and wonderful. Their Baba ganoush and Kiibbah are superb. It's BYO too, so that's a good thing. A great way to start an evening, and just steps from the Old Towne Ale House.
(5)
Andrew L.
The food here is tasty! I love the yogurt cucumber salad and the kabobs. The food is pretty authentic and the price is not too shabby. The service can be a tad slow, but aside from that this is a decent place to eat at. It's nice inside too, you could take a chick or a dood here and impress them by suggesting the foods I did in this review ;) For deserts I suggest the one with the cheese in it, I forgot the name. OH well try it out! :P
(4)
David K.
It's 1pm on Wednesday, it's 15 degrees out and there's snow on the ground. My buddy and I are starving. My only protection against the cold is a light zip up sweatshirt and a pair of gloves. I'm craving shawrima, hummus and pita bread. Old Jerusalem is almost a mile away and the cold is nearly debilitating. My heart is telling me yes but my body is telling me take a cab. I have no cash on me, I suck it up and make the hike. I order the shawirma with hummus and an arabic coffee. My buddy orders the grape leaves and hummus appetizers. The meal is served within 10 minutes. The pita bread was fluffy and warm. The hummus was not to pasty and just cold enough. The lamb was so tender it must have been in love. I could taste the happiness. Old Jerusalem is a very good Lebanese restaurant (they also deliver). If your going as two plan on spending $20-$30 and satisfying all your wildest hummus dreams.
(5)
Dean D.
Service here is pretty spotty, but the food and coffee were decent. The waitress seemed to not like us, so maybe that's why we got crappy service!
(3)
Hope A.
Great! Couldn't have enjoyed it more. Nice evening to sit outside - only thing to make it better would have been a glass of wine (byob - but a very cheap corkage fee). Had the feta app, vegetarian combo and the entree combo plate between three people. All was fantastic. No frills just good food.
(4)
Jerry B.
Everything good except for Baklava. Better value at Pita Inn. Corkage $1.50 pp.
(4)
Kendra M.
Very authentic food. Has become my go-to restaurant. Pick up is always ready in 10 minutes and the food is delicious. Great for groups because of menu, prices, and BYO. And the staff... icing on the cake.
(5)
Liza M.
I went here last week, it's pretty good! I got the grape leaves entree it was pretty tasty. We walked and realized it was BYOB and we were without B, so we ran down the street to Galleria Liquors, which is a lovely little place, and bought 2 bottles of wine. There is a corkage fee of $1.50 or something but it's not bad. Everyone else ordered shwarma pitas and what not and were satisfied with their meals. The pita bread is good too. I wasn't blown away but I would be willing to give it another try!
(3)
Maria C.
Old Jerusalem to me is the Pita Inn of the city. When I'm in the city and feel like a quick Middle Eastern bite, I go there. The Kiba is to die for and the Shawirma Sandwich is also great. I love the Hummus. The desserts look a bit weird but when you try them, you will not believe how tasteful they are.
(4)
Bobby J.
I eat at Old Jerusalem at least once a week. This unassuming restaurant is my favorite BYOB spot in Old Town. The hummus is some of the best I've ever had. The prices are reasonable and the portions big. Dining in or taking out, the food is always ready in 10-15 minutes and the staff always seems to be in a good mood. Try the Vegetarian Combo, Hummus with Chicken or the Hummus Sandwich...you'll be coming back for more.
(5)
Justin R.
Very good food, I had the shiwarma and it was very authentic. Service was not very social but it was swift and polite. I wish it was not BYOB or that I had known in advance. Wine would have been good with the meal. But overall it was a great place and if I lived nearby I would be back soon.
(4)
Sari H.
I don't give out 5 stars very easily. But Old Jerusalem is spectacular. The food is always perfect, and the staff is nice. We used to go here a lot before plays, but haven't been out and about in a while. So it's hard to remember exactly the price, but I know it's cheap. I think my husband and I both ate dinner for something like $13 total once. And the food is so, so good, they could totally charge more and I'd still be happy. We almost always get the vegetarian platters. Delicious falafel, hummus, salad, baba ghannouj.
(5)
James H.
I enjoy the good food at this unpretentious middle eastern cafe on Wells. I love the baba ganouj and both the tebouleh and hummos are always good. My favorite entree is the Hummos with Chicken, but the Shawirma and kabobs are both excellent. Above all you get a meal at a reasonable price in a friendly atmosphere.
(4)
Bridget B.
Have dined in and carried out about two dozen times and have never been dissappointed. I usually order hummus and fallafal but have had a few other things. Always fresh and delicious.
(5)
Diana P.
Decent middle eastern cuisine. Good place for a quick bite either for lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating on Wells makes for a nice atmosphere. Staff isn't too friendly but that doesn't bother us. I always get the falafal sandwich-YUM
(4)
James F.
Having been raised in a Middle Eastern family, this place has great food. The falafel, hummus and kabobs are all excellent. Add a gracious and humble staff/owners on site and it is a easy hassle free experience. Even bring your own beer/wine if you'd like. Great meal at a great price.
(5)
Jason C.
Well, I have only had a couple things here but the veggie platter is great! The hummus, falafel, etc. are all very fresh and you can tell it is homemade. I would also recommend the Swarma - the sandwiches are large and reasonably priced. Its one of the few good restaurants in Old Town.
(4)
Betsy J.
I've only tried a couple items on the menu but what I have tried, I've really enjoyed. The falafel sandwich is really big and tasty and the hummus is good too. I've been a couple times and the service was great each time. Everyone is very friendly and obliging. Plus it's in a great location on Wells in Old Town and sitting outside in nice weather is very pleasant.
(4)
Sophia T.
I'd say the food was nothing special... I had the lamb kebab sandwhich which was honestly mediocre to me. It needed more spice. The tabbouleh was also mediocre.
(2)
D F.
I don't want to be mean, but I don't think this place is good at all. I don't think any of the food is good, and the service is consistently bad. I've actually gone here at least 5 times, because I live close and I generally like middle eastern food, but I have never walked away happy from this place, either because the food disappointed me, or the service, or both. Usually both. In fact, I think it may be the most consistently bad place in terms of service that I go to. I'm sure I'll be back here eventually, so I will upgrade this review if this place ever gives me a reason to.
(2)
Daneen H.
Excellent. authentic food with good prices. Restaurant is small but has a good sized outdoor dining area in the warm months. I always get a few dishes to go. If you are looking for the real thing-this is the place.
(5)
Todd A.
I certainly felt discriminated against as we sat at and watched other, obviously olive skinned patrons get served. (I am chronically caucasian) And it turns out the food is lame and expensive - thick, chalky hummus, bland baba ghannouj, greasy falafel, tasteless lamb, cloyingly sweet baklava. Don't waste your time, make the trip to Lawrence and Kedzie, Little Arabia is sooo much better.
(1)
Alexis P.
Really great falafel sandwiches! Nice and moist and the falafel balls don't crumble all to hell. The hummus is also very good, but for the amount of hummus, not enough pita comes with. I've never actually been there, but it's pretty awesome as far as delivery.
(5)
Amy M.
I decided to walk across the street from Kamehachi (since it is no longer BYOB and had a chilled bottle of wine in hand) after reviewing this place on Yelp as BYOB as well. $1.50 pp, thought that was reasonable, and sat outdoors on their patio. The patio was nice, the service wasn't friendly, but not unfriendly, so it worked for me, I wasn't looking to make new friends. There was a longer wait for the food, with the understanding that the restaurant was filled, and we were seated next to a table of 8. I ordered the hummus entree, and my date ordered the chicken kabob. Both entrees were very good. I've had middle eastern cuisine plenty of times to know the difference. The prices are reasonable, and if we ordered an appetizer there was no way I would get to my entree-the serving sizes are plenty for the price. However, I was tempted to try a desert, but then stopped myself after remembering several bad reviews on Yelp. I just couldn't do it. I would recommmend stopping in, and plan to do so again myself.
(4)
Alison M.
If I'm standing in front of Old Jerusalem, craving Middle Eastern food, I'd go in. But, otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. While they do have good hummus and a decent vegetarian sampler plate, it's pretty run of the mill fare. The other night I was really craving stuffed grape leaves, but theirs were overwhelmingly lemony, and kind of limp and soggy. In the future, I'll just stick with Cafe Orchid.
(3)
Misse D.
Every other review has hit on the points that I was going to state (great cheap eats, delicious food, and healthy.) I ordered the lentil soup on a cold, rainy day and it was perfect! Yum.
(4)
Tim S.
I love this place! I get the Vegetarian Combo almost every time, however, I 've had other stuff too. BYOB, reasonably priced for it's location. The staff is extremely friendly, but it's more of a cultural difference I think. Outdoor seating in the summer, carry out and delivery available. They are open late, so I often call in an order and swing by for carry out if I want a lighter meal after 9 or 10pm.
(4)
Dustin H.
This is a great place; I have not been to the restaurant in person as I always get delivery using grubhub.com or calling directly (to cut out the grubhub fees). Everything I have had there is good - only giving 4 stars since I honestly havent been to the restaurant itself.
(4)
Sarah L.
I just recently moved to Old Town and this restaurant is at the front of my building. I've eaten here quite a bit and it's consistently pretty good. They have excellent lentil soup and I like their falafel. I have mostly just had their shawarma and it is excellent. They have a nice little outdoor seating area. I've had a positive impression of this place every time I've been there and I'll continue to go back and recommend that others give it a try.
(4)
Oskee W.
I greatly enjoyed the beef shwarma and the baklava. The shwarma is served in strips on warm flatbread with tahini. very flavorful and very nice portions. the baklava was sweet. moist, and flaky, exactly as it should be. I would go every day if I could!
(5)
Heather K.
This place was surprisingly delicious. Came for a quick dinner before going to Piper's Alley, so it was one of those "I'm starving, the movie starts pretty soon, and I only have $10" situations. We started with the hummus appetizer which was wonderfully creamy and had a bit of a lemon kick. The appetizer split between 3 people was a bit of a stretch. I'd recommend a 2:1 (eaters:orders) ratio for next time, or a 1:1 if you're hungry and love hummus, like me. My friends and I all got various forms of falafel as entrees, in sandwich and platter varieties. The sandwich was no more than $5.50 and probably one of the best falafel sandwiches I'd ever tried. The falafel was hot from the fryer and had more of a smooth texture instead of being crumbly inside. The tahini tasted very fresh too and there was sauce all throughout the pita pocket, not just poured on the top. The lettuce was crisp, the pita was soft, and I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich. I must go back immediately. I'm thinking...falafel sandwich to go, and picnic on North Ave beach?
(4)
PJ K.
OK, I don't spend a lot of time in Old Town, so maybe y'all's definition of "cheap" is a little different than mine ... I found this place rather expensive relative to what I got. It was competently prepared food, no real complaints, but it didn't exactly move my needle, or that of my dining companion, who grew up in Cairo. Sometimes, you need Middle Eastern food. Sometimes, you're in Old Town. If both of those things are simultaneously true, here you go. Otherwise, there's really no reason.
(3)
Daniel R.
Old Jerusalem is a great place but this review reflects more than what yelp.com has created with it's ranking system. Many reviews loss sight that restaurants relationships with us, the customer, is an experience. Sometimes things do not click and we dislike what we have seen, heard, ate, etc. but thus is not accurate to a numerical rating system that infantilizes our experiences with food, wine and other humans! I was reminded of my experience with this little restaurant after going to Zaytinya, a Jose Andres restaurant in DC. At this concept restaurant started by this year's James Beard Chef of the Year, the food and particularly its presentation were great but there is something to be said with pure, down home execution of a food style demanding a daft hand with spice, experience, the freshest ingredients and knowing what to do with them in the minimalist way possible. My experience with Old Jerusalem began well before I stepped foot into the restaurant. I had heard of a great wine shop in the neighborhood that had a Domaine Tempier 2002 baseline rouge. There was minor seepage apparent and the proprietor of the shop dutifully whipped out his waiter tool, before a word was said, popped the bottle and poured a small splash for both of us. The wine was delicious regardless of its condition which just goes to show you how sturdy mourvedre is! I asked the gentlemen for a good Meditarrean restaurant and he recommended Old Jerusalem. Needless to say the food was great and I enjoyed the totally modest corkage fee. The food is not "innovative", the spices don't "suprise" you but this is textbook. This is what reminds you that being human and enjoying food, wine and the company around you is a reflection of our basic human nature and is entirely subjective. I saw try this restaurant and maybe the synergy I experienced will be there but probably not. Regardless of my rating it is a solid place sure to deliver more highs than lows.
(4)
Brenna M.
Note: This is in regards to DELIVERY service We ordered a simply hummus plate and falaffel plate and had to wait 1.5 hours for it to be delivered (we live less than a half mile away). Once it was delivered it was cold, the food was mediocre (maybe because we were so frustrated but oh well...) and it cost a ridiculous $18 for hummus, pita and a few falaffel balls. Not somewhere I will ever order from again.
(1)
Javier B.
Very solid Lebanese! The menu is very simple, though I was very pleased to see a couple of new additions recently. The baked kofte with tahini was outstanding! They have the best tabouleh in the city and their falafel sandwich is awesome and a great value. Not the greatest atmosphere but it is BYOB. My only complaint about this place is the very mundane pita bread that they serve. No worse than most places, just wish the bread was better.
(4)
scott a.
Awkward atmosphere when you an in to an empty silent place. We ordered, and it was weird not having any music on. The food was ok. It was cheap. Not bad, not great. I'd go back.
(3)
Emma L.
I guess I ordered the wrong thing at Old Jerusalem because everyone seems to love this place. I tried it last week after reading these raving reviews and have to say I wasn't too impressed. The chicken in my pita was kind of fatty and I didn't find the prices as cheap as everyone is claiming. Maybe it was an off day for them? I'll have to go back and try Old Jerusalem again.
(2)
Design G.
Low-key and great food. Lots of people get take-out but on week nights it's not too crowded so you can dine-in without making it too much of an affair. The price is more than right (under $10 for a vegetarian platter and sandwich platters about $6) and the desserts are cheap and yummy. The chef also teaches a cooking class for Treasure Island, which is about one of their only treasures these days... and that would be worth checking out as well. Check it out-- they get my $.
(5)
bob j.
good outdoor lunch spot with good food
(3)
K J.
The cucumber sauce was awesome and made for a great salad dressing. The shwarma (spelling?) was really dry. My friend ordered the meat plate and one of the red meats on her plate was heavenly. They have great baklava too.
(4)
Lauren H.
This place was not the greatest and i hear that they MICROWAVE THEIR MEATS AND HAVE ALMOST EVERTHING PRE-PREPARED! EEWW GROSS! In 1970's this place was awesome, now i am sure their has been a change in management. PEOPLE OF OLD TOWN, THERE ARE MUCH BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE BUBURBS SERVING BETTER MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD AT BETTER PRICES! THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! A FALAFIL SANDWICH FOR OVER $5 PLEASE LETS BE REASONABLE! ALL IT IS IS GARBONZO BEANS!
(1)
Doug p.
another great falafel place in the city. .the portions are on the small side though
(4)
Liz S.
I ordered from here cause I was having a horrible craving for hummus and falafel, and while I LOVE Sultan's Market, I figured it was time to try a new place. Well....the hummus was great, but the falafel didn't compare to the yummy-ness that is Sultan's Market. Also, the prices are also higher than at Sultan's Market. So, I've learned my lesson....I'm going to stick with Sultan's Market for now and I'll explore new falafel and hummus at a later date.
(3)
Stacy D.
Don't go for the ambiance (unless you can sit outside and people-watch), but definitely go for the food. I live a block away from OJ and go all the time. The decor inside is unimpressive and the service is straight-forward and not overly friendly, but none of these things matter if you take it for what it is. BYOB always a plus. Personal faves: Veg Combo Dinner, Musaheb (chicken+hummus+salad+pita), and Chicken with Hummus. Minus one star for the prices, which are a bit hefty for some of the smaller dishes like the soups and salads.
(4)
TheLeg G.
Way too cold - it's like a freezer inside. Greek salad was swimming in dressing. Required compazine suppository after meal. Solid falafel, though.
(2)
Niki C.
I don't eat a lot of Middle Eastern food, truth be told, but an old friend of the family took me here one night before a Second City show & I left full & satisfied. The falafel was just what I'd expect & the hummus & baba ganoush were divine. I keep telling myself I'm going to go back, but I haven't yet. Hence the 3 stars.
(3)
Gina D.
The food made me sick and was way too salty. The delivery guy was rude and didn't seem interested in wanting to ever deliver to us again. Fine with me because first and last time they'll be getting my $. not worth it in my opinion. There are other places that don't get people sick from their food and have better flavor with kinder staff.
(1)
Matthew T.
I had eaten here once before and thought the food to be mediocre and extremely overpriced, they definitely take advantage of their location. If I was in old town, there are a number of better places. If you are in the mood for middle eastern, there are hundreds of places far better and cheaper. This kicker is the owner is EXTREMELY RUDE. The only reason I am posting a review is because of our experience with the owner today. My fiance wanted to stop in and order take out from them (much to my protest) and we pulled up and put our directional on to pull into the loading zone. As I begin to pull in a car came flying in and blocked my entrance into the spot. When I rolled down my window to protest the lady yelled "this is my loading zone and I own the restaurant" as I replied we were simply trying to park there to order take out she simply rolled up her window and ignored me. Needless to say we did not order take out and I will NEVER go here again!
(1)
Kristen D.
A great place for some falafal or kefta kabobs. Wonderful food (lentil soup, tabboleuh, hummus...they're all great!) The staff is quite nice. Very inexpensive, and you get tons of food. Highly recommended for a quick mediterranean meal.
(4)
Isa B.
I know my falafels and tabule! THIS is the place for that. Carry-on is great, delivery is great and dine in is great. It's fresh, unpretentious and people are very nice. I went with my friend and we both had strollers and they made it comfortable to lunch in. It's cheap and good. I'm a fan.
(4)
Regina F.
I just went for dinner here couple days ago for a friend's birthday. This was recommended by a co worker. This restaurant does not have as many selections as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but the food was pretty good. The place is small and intimate so it;s good for privacy. There is an outdoor seating area which is nice (we didn't sit outside because of our heat wave though). I ordered a small piece of cake for my friend's bday and that was the only thing I wasn't a big fan of because it was too sweet. Other than that, I wouldn't mind going again. BTW, excellent and friendly service too!
(4)
Hannette S.
Great food and great service... I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Jackie R.
Its nothing exciting to look at...yet becomes exciting when your food arrives and it exceeds all of your expectations. I actually cant say ive had better middle eastern food. My boyfriend moved to the states when he was 18 from the middle east...and he said it brought him back home. hes never said that!
(5)
Marisa B.
I got a Greek salad, one of my favorite things to order, and all I can say is that it was ridiculously overpriced. $8.25 for a small plate of iceberg lettuce, 2 olives, and 2 slices of tomato? Oh hell no. Also, the menu said it came with bread. I was still starving after eating that rabbit food so I went to ask about the bread, which I did not get with my meal, and the guy traipsed off "to get me more feta" before I could even finish telling him I was asking about BREAD. Then some lady came up to us and practically threw the bread at me. I would not recommend going back to this place. If you do, don't get the Greek salad.
(1)
Dory O.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and this place was a disappointment. The food was just okay. The food wasn't seasoned very well at all. We were the only table in the restaurant and they barely paid attention to us. I was also disappointed by the $1.50 per person corkage fee. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)
Fawn D.
If you crave authentic gyros and hummus, this is your place. The rice is to die for. Minus one star because it takes FOREVER for the food to arrive when you order delivery. BUT it's worth the wait.
(4)
H K.
Catering: Being Iraqi, I have to say Lebanese food is by far the best middle eastern food. That being said, I decided to buy food for a party from here. The employee, who barley speaks good English, spent over 20 Min's w/ me trying to figure out the cheapest way for me to get the best deal. He apologized over and over for his miscalculations. Anyway, the food was amazing, and the service was outstanding!!!! Keep in mind this is a very small-family owned restaurant, so be patient if they are a little slow. Catering ( again): I can't help but cater from this place, the falafel are great to get if you don't have time to go there in the morning, Heated up the next day taste great. The food is inexpensive and great tasting. The service is super great!
(5)
Mame M.
I ordered delivery, and was looking forward by a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern meal, only to be disappointed. The falafel tastes burned, and the lentil soup is watery and flavorless. I don't think I'll order from here again.
(2)
asra a.
standard mediterranean cuisine. ordered shawarma and was disappointed- looked more like grilled gyro strips. my husband ordered chicken with hummus which was good- as stated below, the hummus is really good. for dessert we ordered kanefeh which also was a bit sub-par compared to what we have had before. the owner was really nice, service was decent, and food was ok.
(3)
Blair B.
Tried this for carryout last night and wasn't terribly impressed. Food was ready quickly and it was fairly priced.. otherwise..the bread was bad. Like, they need to find a new supplier. Most middle eastern food I've had has served delicious homeade bread.. this was cold and gross, definitely out of a package. Hummus was just ok. My kafta sandwich had very little meat and a lot of lettuce. Overall probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Allison Alesya R.
I am new to Chicago area and I have lived in Detroit for 15 years, where we have a middleastern restaurant on every corner. So, the Old Jerusalem does not compare to anything I've had in Detroit, however it is taste food, clean atmosphere. I will probably go there again, since I live there and don't know where else to go for middleeastern.
(2)
Kristal R.
Despite them being a "middle eastern" restaurant, they do not have the MOST COMMON item on all middle eastern menu's being the chicken shawarma. Since they didn't have the chicken shawarma, I ordered the beef shawarma which was described as being like a gyro. It was on normal pita bread you would get from the grocery store and 98% beef with little sauce, etc. Overall, not impressed.
(2)
Scott M.
Great Food. 100% Authentic. I would go back any day any time. Small room....a dozen tables or so....street parking is sparce. I did not have any jim beam there....it is BYOB.
(5)
Mandee M.
I love the chicken hummus and the falafel is generally pretty good. If I'm ordering lunch I normally just order the appetizer portion though since it is enough for me. The portions are fairly good sized, and this is one of the cheapest places to buy a meal in the Old Town neighborhood. Most other places within a block or two are either twice as much or they just serve okay food. We order delivery from here all the time, and it normally only takes 20 minutes, but my office is also only a few blocks away and we are regulars so tehy know what we order and that they generally always get a good tip so they seem to hurry right along.
(4)
A.S. V.
There need to be more cheap, fast middle eastern restaurants like Old Jersusalem around town. This is pretty healthy food, and I crave it nearly every week. This is highly authentic and tasty.
(4)
Ren H.
This Old Town spot is perfect for a quick middle eastern fix! The staff is all middle eastern so its really authentic cuisine.. and the location is perfect for people watching and walking around Old Town afterwards!
(5)
Mazen M.
I like the shawirma sandwich, and you probably don't care, but its close to where I live.
(4)
Marley F.
This hole in the wall is one of my favorite restaurants. I love middle eastern food and they have some of the best. I dine in occasionally, but I also end up ordering in for delivery a lot (especially on icky, rainy days like today!).
(4)
Kara M.
came here with a large group of people from school, the service was fast and the food was good. everyone loved their dishes and had no complaints, if you can please about 15 people at once, then in my book you're good!
(4)
riddhi j.
Decent food, good service, very reasonable price. Liked the baklava. Hubby and I both ordered the falafel and it was good. Like most falafels it was dry, but still tasty. Would definitely return here for good food and good price.
(4)
Andrew K.
I wouldn't go back, if that's any indication as to how I felt about this place. Over priced too.
(2)
Dana P.
All I can say is Falafel pita sandwich. Get it!
(4)
Kat S.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)
Bee B.
Great food. Good prices. Food came out super fast. My new mediterranean place!
(5)
ali a.
This is a great middle eastern restaurant! I love the hummus and the falafel. The portions are big and the prices are cheap. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this kinds of food.
(4)
Anna P.
Truth be told-I am conflicted on Old Jerusalem...Part of me wants to rave of the low key, comfortable atmosphere and the incredibly affordable food...The other part can't justify paying $12 for their Greek Salad with it comes with so much iceberg lettuce, that I start to feel like a grazing cow mid-meal. Another strange experience happened when I added a bottled water to my order...I started walking away and realized that I was not the original owner of said bottle-cap was broken and not my lipstick on it...At that point, I felt just a tad too close to another diner....
(3)
Michael W.
I stopped here on a whim with a friend who never had Middle Eastern cuisine before, and this was a great introduction. The restaurant is small but intimate - grab a table by the front window for prime people watching. The food was very good - I especially liked the combination platter. We were uncertain about dessert, but a man who appeared to be the owner gave us recommendations - a nice touch. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)
Diane C.
This is a great place to go to get a quick bite when you're in Old Town. Their falafels are the best in the city. They even have an award on the wall to prove it! Also it's a good place to bring a book and hang out. And it's modestly priced.
(4)
Rachel G.
The falafel is great. Prices are on the lower side - about $30 per couple. It has great people watching during the warm months on the sidewalk.
(4)
Aaron R.
Great place to grab a quick bite to eat...the service is very fast, the food is good, and it's cheap. I've yet to find a better place for middle eastern food in Chicago.
(4)
Tracy M.
Emma- sorry you had a bad experience here, but try it again! I eat here all the time and love it! It's so affordable, fast, cheap and tastes good!
(4)
Elizabeth N.
My second favorite neighborhood place, after Topo Gigio. They use good quality, fresh ingredients and it's very reasonably priced. Plus, it's relatively easy to eat healthy here (which, in the Chicago restaurant market, means an automatic three stars as far as I'm concerned). The musaheb sandwich (I'm totally botching the spelling on that, I'm sure) is delicious.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
TheLeg G.
Way too cold - it's like a freezer inside. Greek salad was swimming in dressing. Required compazine suppository after meal. Solid falafel, though.
(2)Niki C.
I don't eat a lot of Middle Eastern food, truth be told, but an old friend of the family took me here one night before a Second City show & I left full & satisfied. The falafel was just what I'd expect & the hummus & baba ganoush were divine. I keep telling myself I'm going to go back, but I haven't yet. Hence the 3 stars.
(3)Gina D.
The food made me sick and was way too salty. The delivery guy was rude and didn't seem interested in wanting to ever deliver to us again. Fine with me because first and last time they'll be getting my $. not worth it in my opinion. There are other places that don't get people sick from their food and have better flavor with kinder staff.
(1)Matthew T.
I had eaten here once before and thought the food to be mediocre and extremely overpriced, they definitely take advantage of their location. If I was in old town, there are a number of better places. If you are in the mood for middle eastern, there are hundreds of places far better and cheaper. This kicker is the owner is EXTREMELY RUDE. The only reason I am posting a review is because of our experience with the owner today. My fiance wanted to stop in and order take out from them (much to my protest) and we pulled up and put our directional on to pull into the loading zone. As I begin to pull in a car came flying in and blocked my entrance into the spot. When I rolled down my window to protest the lady yelled "this is my loading zone and I own the restaurant" as I replied we were simply trying to park there to order take out she simply rolled up her window and ignored me. Needless to say we did not order take out and I will NEVER go here again!
(1)Kristen D.
A great place for some falafal or kefta kabobs. Wonderful food (lentil soup, tabboleuh, hummus...they're all great!) The staff is quite nice. Very inexpensive, and you get tons of food. Highly recommended for a quick mediterranean meal.
(4)Isa B.
I know my falafels and tabule! THIS is the place for that. Carry-on is great, delivery is great and dine in is great. It's fresh, unpretentious and people are very nice. I went with my friend and we both had strollers and they made it comfortable to lunch in. It's cheap and good. I'm a fan.
(4)Regina F.
I just went for dinner here couple days ago for a friend's birthday. This was recommended by a co worker. This restaurant does not have as many selections as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but the food was pretty good. The place is small and intimate so it;s good for privacy. There is an outdoor seating area which is nice (we didn't sit outside because of our heat wave though). I ordered a small piece of cake for my friend's bday and that was the only thing I wasn't a big fan of because it was too sweet. Other than that, I wouldn't mind going again. BTW, excellent and friendly service too!
(4)Hannette S.
Great food and great service... I'll definitely be back!
(5)Jackie R.
Its nothing exciting to look at...yet becomes exciting when your food arrives and it exceeds all of your expectations. I actually cant say ive had better middle eastern food. My boyfriend moved to the states when he was 18 from the middle east...and he said it brought him back home. hes never said that!
(5)Marisa B.
I got a Greek salad, one of my favorite things to order, and all I can say is that it was ridiculously overpriced. $8.25 for a small plate of iceberg lettuce, 2 olives, and 2 slices of tomato? Oh hell no. Also, the menu said it came with bread. I was still starving after eating that rabbit food so I went to ask about the bread, which I did not get with my meal, and the guy traipsed off "to get me more feta" before I could even finish telling him I was asking about BREAD. Then some lady came up to us and practically threw the bread at me. I would not recommend going back to this place. If you do, don't get the Greek salad.
(1)Dory O.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and this place was a disappointment. The food was just okay. The food wasn't seasoned very well at all. We were the only table in the restaurant and they barely paid attention to us. I was also disappointed by the $1.50 per person corkage fee. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)Fawn D.
If you crave authentic gyros and hummus, this is your place. The rice is to die for. Minus one star because it takes FOREVER for the food to arrive when you order delivery. BUT it's worth the wait.
(4)H K.
Catering: Being Iraqi, I have to say Lebanese food is by far the best middle eastern food. That being said, I decided to buy food for a party from here. The employee, who barley speaks good English, spent over 20 Min's w/ me trying to figure out the cheapest way for me to get the best deal. He apologized over and over for his miscalculations. Anyway, the food was amazing, and the service was outstanding!!!! Keep in mind this is a very small-family owned restaurant, so be patient if they are a little slow. Catering ( again): I can't help but cater from this place, the falafel are great to get if you don't have time to go there in the morning, Heated up the next day taste great. The food is inexpensive and great tasting. The service is super great!
(5)Mame M.
I ordered delivery, and was looking forward by a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern meal, only to be disappointed. The falafel tastes burned, and the lentil soup is watery and flavorless. I don't think I'll order from here again.
(2)asra a.
standard mediterranean cuisine. ordered shawarma and was disappointed- looked more like grilled gyro strips. my husband ordered chicken with hummus which was good- as stated below, the hummus is really good. for dessert we ordered kanefeh which also was a bit sub-par compared to what we have had before. the owner was really nice, service was decent, and food was ok.
(3)Blair B.
Tried this for carryout last night and wasn't terribly impressed. Food was ready quickly and it was fairly priced.. otherwise..the bread was bad. Like, they need to find a new supplier. Most middle eastern food I've had has served delicious homeade bread.. this was cold and gross, definitely out of a package. Hummus was just ok. My kafta sandwich had very little meat and a lot of lettuce. Overall probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Allison Alesya R.
I am new to Chicago area and I have lived in Detroit for 15 years, where we have a middleastern restaurant on every corner. So, the Old Jerusalem does not compare to anything I've had in Detroit, however it is taste food, clean atmosphere. I will probably go there again, since I live there and don't know where else to go for middleeastern.
(2)Kristal R.
Despite them being a "middle eastern" restaurant, they do not have the MOST COMMON item on all middle eastern menu's being the chicken shawarma. Since they didn't have the chicken shawarma, I ordered the beef shawarma which was described as being like a gyro. It was on normal pita bread you would get from the grocery store and 98% beef with little sauce, etc. Overall, not impressed.
(2)Scott M.
Great Food. 100% Authentic. I would go back any day any time. Small room....a dozen tables or so....street parking is sparce. I did not have any jim beam there....it is BYOB.
(5)Mandee M.
I love the chicken hummus and the falafel is generally pretty good. If I'm ordering lunch I normally just order the appetizer portion though since it is enough for me. The portions are fairly good sized, and this is one of the cheapest places to buy a meal in the Old Town neighborhood. Most other places within a block or two are either twice as much or they just serve okay food. We order delivery from here all the time, and it normally only takes 20 minutes, but my office is also only a few blocks away and we are regulars so tehy know what we order and that they generally always get a good tip so they seem to hurry right along.
(4)A.S. V.
There need to be more cheap, fast middle eastern restaurants like Old Jersusalem around town. This is pretty healthy food, and I crave it nearly every week. This is highly authentic and tasty.
(4)Ren H.
This Old Town spot is perfect for a quick middle eastern fix! The staff is all middle eastern so its really authentic cuisine.. and the location is perfect for people watching and walking around Old Town afterwards!
(5)Mazen M.
I like the shawirma sandwich, and you probably don't care, but its close to where I live.
(4)Marley F.
This hole in the wall is one of my favorite restaurants. I love middle eastern food and they have some of the best. I dine in occasionally, but I also end up ordering in for delivery a lot (especially on icky, rainy days like today!).
(4)Kara M.
came here with a large group of people from school, the service was fast and the food was good. everyone loved their dishes and had no complaints, if you can please about 15 people at once, then in my book you're good!
(4)riddhi j.
Decent food, good service, very reasonable price. Liked the baklava. Hubby and I both ordered the falafel and it was good. Like most falafels it was dry, but still tasty. Would definitely return here for good food and good price.
(4)Andrew K.
I wouldn't go back, if that's any indication as to how I felt about this place. Over priced too.
(2)Dana P.
All I can say is Falafel pita sandwich. Get it!
(4)Kat S.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)Bee B.
Great food. Good prices. Food came out super fast. My new mediterranean place!
(5)ali a.
This is a great middle eastern restaurant! I love the hummus and the falafel. The portions are big and the prices are cheap. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this kinds of food.
(4)Anna P.
Truth be told-I am conflicted on Old Jerusalem...Part of me wants to rave of the low key, comfortable atmosphere and the incredibly affordable food...The other part can't justify paying $12 for their Greek Salad with it comes with so much iceberg lettuce, that I start to feel like a grazing cow mid-meal. Another strange experience happened when I added a bottled water to my order...I started walking away and realized that I was not the original owner of said bottle-cap was broken and not my lipstick on it...At that point, I felt just a tad too close to another diner....
(3)Michael W.
I stopped here on a whim with a friend who never had Middle Eastern cuisine before, and this was a great introduction. The restaurant is small but intimate - grab a table by the front window for prime people watching. The food was very good - I especially liked the combination platter. We were uncertain about dessert, but a man who appeared to be the owner gave us recommendations - a nice touch. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)Diane C.
This is a great place to go to get a quick bite when you're in Old Town. Their falafels are the best in the city. They even have an award on the wall to prove it! Also it's a good place to bring a book and hang out. And it's modestly priced.
(4)Rachel G.
The falafel is great. Prices are on the lower side - about $30 per couple. It has great people watching during the warm months on the sidewalk.
(4)Aaron R.
Great place to grab a quick bite to eat...the service is very fast, the food is good, and it's cheap. I've yet to find a better place for middle eastern food in Chicago.
(4)Tracy M.
Emma- sorry you had a bad experience here, but try it again! I eat here all the time and love it! It's so affordable, fast, cheap and tastes good!
(4)Elizabeth N.
My second favorite neighborhood place, after Topo Gigio. They use good quality, fresh ingredients and it's very reasonably priced. Plus, it's relatively easy to eat healthy here (which, in the Chicago restaurant market, means an automatic three stars as far as I'm concerned). The musaheb sandwich (I'm totally botching the spelling on that, I'm sure) is delicious.
(5)Emma L.
I guess I ordered the wrong thing at Old Jerusalem because everyone seems to love this place. I tried it last week after reading these raving reviews and have to say I wasn't too impressed. The chicken in my pita was kind of fatty and I didn't find the prices as cheap as everyone is claiming. Maybe it was an off day for them? I'll have to go back and try Old Jerusalem again.
(2)Design G.
Low-key and great food. Lots of people get take-out but on week nights it's not too crowded so you can dine-in without making it too much of an affair. The price is more than right (under $10 for a vegetarian platter and sandwich platters about $6) and the desserts are cheap and yummy. The chef also teaches a cooking class for Treasure Island, which is about one of their only treasures these days... and that would be worth checking out as well. Check it out-- they get my $.
(5)bob j.
good outdoor lunch spot with good food
(3)K J.
The cucumber sauce was awesome and made for a great salad dressing. The shwarma (spelling?) was really dry. My friend ordered the meat plate and one of the red meats on her plate was heavenly. They have great baklava too.
(4)Lauren H.
This place was not the greatest and i hear that they MICROWAVE THEIR MEATS AND HAVE ALMOST EVERTHING PRE-PREPARED! EEWW GROSS! In 1970's this place was awesome, now i am sure their has been a change in management. PEOPLE OF OLD TOWN, THERE ARE MUCH BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE BUBURBS SERVING BETTER MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD AT BETTER PRICES! THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! A FALAFIL SANDWICH FOR OVER $5 PLEASE LETS BE REASONABLE! ALL IT IS IS GARBONZO BEANS!
(1)Doug p.
another great falafel place in the city. .the portions are on the small side though
(4)Diana S.
Wowzers... I don't usually like eating Middle Eastern food at restaurants.... either they over cook stuff, the service sucks, or the food is bland and muted to appeal to the American palate. Not the case here! It's such a cute restaurant. There are little touches of the culture, but nothing overwhelming. Soft music, an embroidered mural, little pieces of art, it's pretty and I like it. Add to that the fact that the food is all so fresh and comes to you super fast and I want to come back all the time. So. I. Have. Been. I come every week. It's a family restaurant and you can tell. This summer I've seen the owner's kids sitting quietly in their corners with their electronics or even rolling silverware (so adorbs!) and even a little old lady who I'm sure is the matriarch either sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or relaxing in her corner of the restaurant overseeing the excellent service! But okay, ambiance and people aside, the food--- oh dear sweet lord, the food. It's like Aladdin, Genie, Abu and the magic carpet came and swept me off to Beirut- or dare I say Old Jerusalem :-p (see what I did there?) The flavors are authentic, the food- fresh, the mashawi (grilled food) are whoa, falafel is the best I've had this side of the Atlantic and don't even get me started on the hummus... I want to kiss the hands of whoever made it and beg them, "teach me master". Seriously though, if you want Middle Eastern food that is actually REAL Middle Eastern food, run- don't walk to Old Jerusalem on Wells.
(5)Sarah G.
We were looking for an affordable place to eat, which in Old Town can be tricky sometimes, and we saw the good reviews for this place online, but it only ended up being so so in my book. I love me some falafel but this falafel was a little dry and I wished the appetizer portion of it that we ordered came with a little more sauce or something for us to add to it. Their lentil soup however is pretty addicting and I really need to figure out their recipe for that soup! I found myself having difficult sharing that soup with Matt, so definitely something I would come back and order again. We also got a dish I had never heard of before called Arayes which took over 20 minutes to wait! It said that clarification on the menu too, but we had pretty much finished our entrees by the time it came out so it was more like a post appetizer ha ha It is like a middle eastern flat bread topped with ground lamb and it was pretty good, but I would have liked it to start my meal rather than end it. Then we also got their kefta sausage sandwich which I think also was one of the best dishes we got. The flavor in the sausage was really great and the sauce with the vegetables all went together really well. So for a place in the area with decent prices and large portions and the service is really nice too, Old Jerusalem is a good choice.
(3)Scott S.
I really wanted to like Old Jerusalem. I arrived with great anticipation and left unenthused. Service receives 1 star while the Food receives roughly 2.5. I'm normally indifferent regarding service, but felt this was particularly poor. We waited several long minutes before our waiter first arrived. Our table received our pita bread halfway through our meal, roughly 10 minutes after the table next to us who had been seated after us. Requests for condiments were left unanswered. A markedly poor experience. The food was slightly better, but nothing to rave about. The grape leaves were uninspiring, the hummus plate was smaller than anticipated, and the lentil was bland. The Greek Salad was decent, although the grilled chicken on top was very good. The Kefta Kabob Sandwich was the highlight. It was bigger than expected and the meat was cooked perfectly.
(2)Jean L.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the area! A no frills restaurant with straight-forward service. ...and did i mention BYOB??? The sandwiches are great and all under $10. The babaganoush is the best I've had. The combos are huge and yummy! (my personal recommendation is the chicken kabob) All the yummy eats + BYOB = definitely a 5 star review!
(5)Jess M.
This place came highly recommended by the chaps at my hotel and it did not disappoint. I went from 70 degree weather to snow when flying in earlier in the day so wanted something to warm me up. I ordered a bowl of lentil soup and side of tabouleh with bread. The soup may have been the best lentil soup I have ever had. It was seasoned perfectly and warmed me up. The tabouleh was fresh and delicious. I indulged a little and had a piece of baklava, also really good. Flaky and not too sweet just like baklava is supposed to be. It's a family run joint and you can tell. Friendly atmosphere, good food and very reasonably priced. I will definitely stop here again for some nosh when I'm in town.
(4)Ceyda E.
I really wanted to like this place! The ambiance is great, a cute little restaurant that has a BYOB option, which is fantastic. However, their food was too far from authentic and was "Americanized" so much so that the originally spicy Middle Eastern dishes lacked flavor. Also, they can improve their price-portion balance; I found the portions to be a bit small. The service was excellent, though.
(3)Jake C.
The chicken and falafel sandwiches were excellent. The only problem was the amount of lettuce. The dessert was baklava and amazing, best I've had in a while. The Arabian coffee was strong and tasty. Will return. This is a nice family owned and operated establishment.
(5)Nicole B.
Fantastic casual little cafe in Old Town. This place isn't fancy, but the food is fantastic!Highly recommend the vegetarian combo with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad, and falafel. I'm usually not a fan of tebouleh but this was fantastic! The baba ganouj was also some of the best I've ever had! The Jerusalem salad was this creamy yogurty salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Great deal for the money. Everyone in my group ordered meat entrees- lamb and chicken and honestly the vegetarian dinner looked way fresher and more delicious. Overall definitely recommend this place!
(4)Rayanne A.
I have been going here for years and I have tried almost everything on their menu!! There aren't many restaurants you go to and you find great hummus and to die for falafel sandwiches. I love going to this restaurant that has friendly waiters and a lovely owner. You should stop by this tasty restaurant when your in old town.
(5)Rachel A.
I called for take out and it was ready in 15 minutes. Got the hummus chicken, falafel appetizer and a side of pita bread. Everything was great! The chicken was well seasoned and came on a bed of delicious hummus. The appetizer came with 4 falafel balls on top of a small salad. The side pita bread came with so many pitas for .50 cents! We made pita sandwiches with the chicken, hummus and salad that the falafel was on top of. The restaurant itself is not fancy and based pm the ambiance, I would suggest carry out over dining in. The 1 employee I talked with was friendly. Delicious! I will definitely be back to try more dishes!
(5)Tavi J.
I went here last night after deciding fast food wasn't the way to go :) Glad we did. It was a beautiful night out (after the rain) and we wanted to eat outside.. The waiter and staff were very attentive and got our seats all dried off so we could enjoy our meal outdoors. We ordered the Tebouleh salad which was delicious and had a lot of flavor to it. For our main meal we split the Shawirma. It was was presented different from any place I have had before. Instead of shredded lamb and beef it was slices. It actually did taste like a gyros. Hummus was served underneath it. I appreciated the uniqueness of the presentation, but I have had better hummus. Guess I should mention what my friend really enjoyed about this place is it's BYOB. I've been seeing a lot of BYOB establishments on Wells street, so will have to make sure we remember to go that route. Next time I plan on getting dessert and trying the Bakalava. Nice establishment and I will return to try more food items.
(4)Sydney B.
Great, casual Middle Eastern food at good prices. Even the bread was notably good. If I lived near here, I'd be a regular.
(5)Jay N.
This is THE hidden gem in old town!! Not only is the food amazing, fresh and healthy - the people that work there are the nicest! My favorites are the Lentil Soup and the Veggie Combo Platter ( i am not a big meat eater) with the falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, etc. The portions are so generous. I absolutely love this place! Its BYOB for sitting in the restaurant and super fast delivery for take out!
(5)Marisa Y.
This is another instance where I wish Yelp allowed for half stars because I think this place is really more a 3.5 than 3. The food here is solid, but nothing to write home about. The falafels are excellent and I'd definitely order them again if I come back here. I ordered the greek salad with falafel (trying to get that Lean Body 2015 diet going haha) and the falafel was the only real standout. The portion size was big, but the salad was overdressed and I have no earthly idea what dressing was used. It kind of ruined the salad unfortunately. I also thought the hummus was overpriced. Ok, but overpriced. Service was fast and nice though, which shouldn't be discounted. If I was in the area, I might come back again, but this place was pretty forgettable to me.
(3)Shayna Y.
For a casual, Byob spot, this place a great choice. There isn't much of an ambiance, but Old Jerusalem is located in the heart of Old Town. For $1.50/person you can bring your own wine. The food is casual Mediterranean food. We ordered the Tzatziki which was honestly a bit watered down and not as creamy as I've had before. I would not recommend it. For an entree, I had the chicken and hummus. The hummus was delicious - not too creamy, not too oily. The chicken was also pretty good. I would certainly get it again. Looking for an inexpensive and casual place on Wells St, this is your spot!
(3)Mohammed H.
This review is for delivery only. Our office ordered the food for a lunch seminar. The food is fresh and tasty, but it could be better. I had the chicken wrap with pickles and it tasted pretty dry and didn't really have any sauces in it. The tabouli and falafels were much better - I am glad they were ordered as additional dishes. It's not the most authentic and delicious Mediterranean food out there, but perhaps visiting the resturant might be a different experience.
(3)Eva R.
This is a litle restaurant in Chicago Old street. It is opened very late and you will get your meal very fastly. The speciality are typical of Midle east cuisine and is very well made. I addition you can seat inside or outside. So this place is prety much a good deal if you want to eat late something unusual for the city
(3)Kasey A.
Appropriately priced, authentic (to me) Mediterranean food. My wife and I got the combo meat platter and felafel and it filled us up! Definitely would recommend.
(4)Jessica N.
this place was super cute but was very hyped so it under-delivered. Falafel - Just ok. Not super flavorful Shawirma - Underwhelming. Great portion, rice was tasty. But I wanted more from the meat Musaheb - Hubs ordered this and it was delicious. Really tasty hummus and the chicken was well spiced and cooked. Clearly the winner Need to come back and try more, 2/3 were under whelming but we need to try more on the menu.
(3)Kerry C.
I placed a delivery order from here and was thoroughly disappointed. First off, I live less than a mile away and delivery took over an hour, which is ridiculous to me on a weeknight. My boyfriend and I ordered two entrées and the falafel appetizer. The falafel was really, really good, but the entrées were lacking. The meat was overcooked and really oily, and I don't think it was worth the cost. However, the size of the meal was quite large and I had over half leftover. I ate the leftovers the next day but only because I hate to waste food. It was edible, but I don't think I will ever order from here again.
(2)Emily M.
meh ive had better. I probably would not go here again. The food was mediocre and the service was slow. Not to mention, its freezing inside! It is BYOB though!
(2)Ben W.
This place was quite a gem! Was pretty slow when we walked in but by the time we ordered dinner, it was full. Ordered the falafel appetizer (AMAZING), shawarma sandwich and my date ordered the combo platter. The falafel was the clear victor in my book. Portions are very generous especially for the price. Staff friendly, helpful, and attentive.
(5)Radhika K.
Great Byob Mediterranean place ! Meat is cooked to perfection and their dips were too good ! Bread was warm and our server was super friendly ! I tried lamb kebabs and they were done so well and my friend tried chicken kebabs and they were equally well marinated and tasty ! It's almost a 5 star place till the dessert arrived . Baklava was stale ' skip the dessert if you can . Everything else was pretty good :):)
(4)Mark C.
Excellent Turkish Coffee! Authentic middle eastern cuisine. Great neighborhood. Will definitely return.
(5)ChiTown M.
Dirty. Run down. Poor service. Beverages that taste as though the lines haven't been cleaned since they opened in 1976. Coffee that makes your tongue numb. Filthy utensils. Mediocre food. What more could you want in a restaurant? Sort the reviews by date and you'll see that this place is going down hill.
(1)Lindsey W.
I was thoroughly impressed with Old Jerusalem attentive service, accommodating seating area, and obviously the byob-awesomeness. Although I've passed by this establishment several several times over the years, we decided to eat here because Cafe Sushi is closed between 3-5pm (dumb) The food was all delicious, we had falafil app, hommos, feta cheese, greek salad, tebouleh, and other plates that we our table of 4 split. We all felt like it was a great value. Love the outdoor seating and people watching on Wells Street too! Seems pretty child friendly too... not sure about dogs but I'd assume so. Great place for vegetarians! So many options! PS: Try the baklava.. at least 1 piece (I think it's only $3), it was so rich it felt like it was melting as you took a bite.
(5)Romana Y.
The food is solid: great tabouleh, hummus, kifteh kabobs, chicken, and shawirma. The sandwiches and plates were generously satisfying. The lackluster service is never welcoming. The outdoor tables wobble. The bathrooms are in need of an upgrade: the communal hand towel-style remains disdainful amongst most. The family-run owners were rather cold towards their patrons, but appeared relatively cordial towards my group and I, as our similar origins came up during service. Great, healthy, pick-me-up, and people-watching location, but improvements are highly recommended here with everything but food.
(3)S W.
Just wanna make a comment on the Turkish coffee, since that's the main reason I went there during my short trip to Chicago. It's great over all. Very strong and flavorful. They put cardamon in it, too which I love. Very impressed. :) The staff was great. Very patient and nice (I asked lots of questions about the Turkish coffee since I make my own. They definitely have a better recipe than mine). I had a great time!
(5)Nancy Y.
Very laid back ambiance. Ppl were eating outside, but I was too cold today to eat out doors. Very classic Lebanese style food! Very good and kind service. Family owned and operated. Good family place. Will come back again!
(5)Sarah M.
Great food, especially the shawerma entree and chicken sandwich. Highly recommend for takeout and lunch.
(4)Neal N.
Amazing food, amazing service! The best middle eastern food I have ever had in my life.
(5)Phil Q.
This is my go to Lebanese/Med restaurant in the city. Great service and amazing food. Go with the chicken kabob plate or the Kefta Kabob sandwich.
(5)Khadijah L.
Solid lebanese food. Great baba ghanoush and meats on the combo platter. Owner confirms that food is halal.
(4)Albina O.
A couple of years ago I remember this place being fantastic. But going back last week I was very disappointed. I really wanted to love this place. The good: - It's a mom and pop shop, complete with an old woman in a head scarf sitting in the corner. - Great location - Good Feta Cheese appetizer (really, should have stopped eating there)- I might even call it great, but considering how little effort goes into preparing it, 'great' would be generous. - Stayed a little while for tea after dinner, and did not at all feel rushed to leave. The bad: - Attentive, friendly service, with a major glitch: my grape leaves entree (on the entree menu) was brought out with appetizers. - The grape leaves were over-salted, and I really couldn't get past that. - Cold Pita Bread - The tables are wobbly. A coaster under a leg would help out a lot. Disclosure: I grew up overseas on kabobs, pilov and grape leaves.
(2)Lara T.
The restaurant was not really busy, but the take-out counter was hopping. The menu and prices are decent in scope, and you can never go wrong with a BYO. Our group ordered quite a few items, so I was able to sample all sorts of dishes. The baba ghanoush was delicious and smoky, the stuffed grape leaves were delicious, and the Moudardara was tasty. The meat dishes were overcooked. If you have a hankering for this style of food and happen to be on Wells, swing on by.
(3)A C.
Their chicken with hummus is good, and pita bread is fresh. I like the coffee as well.
(4)Ed D.
Excellent food! Middle eastern cuisine at it's finest. I will come back here for sure. Located on North Wells
(5)Shan D.
Thought everything was just average. The falafel is overcooked, and the hummus is just bland. I'd look elsewhere if you're craving middle eastern food.
(2)Nish R.
Stopped by for a lunch on a weekday. So the palce was pretty empty. Seemed like a no nonsese kind of a place. Food came amazingly fast. I had the Veggie combo and a fresh carrot juce served with lebonese bread. Food was really tasty. Service was a little business like rather than friendly but it was very efficient. So no complaints here.
(4)India B.
Very impressed with Old Jerusalem. We ordered in, so I'm sure it would be better if we ate in the restaurant. The tebouleh, feta cheese, vegetarian combination platter, and shawirma were good. We will be back!
(3)Sid P.
Ordered the lentil soup and Musaheb. Lentil soup was great but the Musaheb was meh! Chicken was really dry
(3)Rachel R.
Excellent food. The Greek salad was absolutely perfect from the freshness of the produce to the light, yet tasty dressing. The falafel was wonderful as well. The only con was that delivery took nearly 1.5 hours and the lady who answered the phone when I called to get an ETA wasn't very friendly (although the lady who delivered was very sweet). Will try dine-in next time, but will definitely be back.
(4)Son N.
The highlights include hummus and baba ganoush (both contain just the right mix of spics without having one overpower others), tabouleh (salad-like and not soggy like at many other joints). The entrees don't stand out as much, but most people will like the generous portions. If you like desserts, their kenafeh is da bomb. Last but not least, patio seating (summer is coming!). What could be improved: the room-temperature pita and inconsistent service - I suppose it comes with the territory of running a mom-n-pop establishment in the high-traffic Old Town. Recommendation: give Old Jerusalem a try. For a casual date night or a group dinner over decent Middle Eastern fare + BYOB wine, you could do much worse than this homely restaurant.
(4)Alicia D.
Really great food! Quick delivery- about 35 minutes. Quality stuff. I found my new place!
(5)Jennifer P.
I'd rate it as 2-3 stars. Service was okay, nice people but not great service-wise. The food was fine, but I've had a lot better. The price is what brings this place down. Its quite expensive for the food quality.
(3)Katherine G.
After having friends recommend the place for some time I finally gave this place a try. My dad was in town from the burbs so I dragged him along for lunch. I was expecting slow service,but we greeted its as soon as we walked in, and the service remained attentive it entire visit with it making us feel rushed. We split the an appitizer and then we both got sandwiches. Everything was flavorful and not over or under seasoned. We both enjoyed everything and we'll likely be back. For the food I would likely go 4 stars, but factoring in the price it gets bumped to 5. With tax and tip it was under 25 which can be hard to do in the Gold Coast/old Town area. Not much ambiance, but I am okay with that for solid food and service.
(5)Emily J.
Great spot for lunch in Old Town. It wasn't crowded at all when we went and the food is tasty. Its like a second version of Mona's in New Orleans - which I used to frequent when I lived there.
(3)Peter C.
Definitely could have been better. I had my expectations high from previous reviews and the traditional ambiance. To start, the bread was cold and my yogurt appetizer was watered down. Had the shawarma plate for a main. The meat was dry, and the rice and lettuce that came with tasted store-bought. The tabbouleh was the saving grace. Not too grainy, with a nice onion flavor.
(2)John G.
good byob spot, i enjoyed the apps & the lamb was excellent. friendly service too!
(5)H. V.
Quick delivery service via GrubHub. Service in restaurant is slower than it should be (especially for premade items ie:hummus), especially when the weather is warmer and they have the outdoor seating. I will say: I keep trying their delivery and every time something is off. This time it was hair in my tabbouleh :( But. When the food is on, it's on!
(4)Kymberly J.
I've been here a few times and have always been satisfied. This place has some of the best lentil soup around. It's so comforting on a chilly Chicago day! I take a star off because the service is so very much served without a smile. And not in a mean way like I want to stiff her tip, it's more like in a sad way. I feel sorry for the woman who is always my server. Maybe it's because she is never allowed a day off but there is something about her that makes me feel like she might not want to be there or she is overworked. Anyway, lentil soup, tabbouleh salad, falafel sandwich, whatever you get you wont be disappointed.
(4)Larry L.
We had many options in "old town" but picked Old Jerusalem. What a treat! The falafel plate is excellent and the lamb too! The family run restaurant is like being at home with welcoming hosts and friendly service. We dined, had great conversation and could bring our own wine! Do not miss this jewel!
(5)Rick T.
Pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good. Standard fare. Well prepared. Family run. Eat in to watch as the the family members wander to and fro, seeming to multiply from a mysterious room beyond the doorway at the back of the dining room. Waager with friends on how many different people will enter and emerge from the mystery room during the course of your meal.
(3)Steve M.
Solid chicken schawarma sandwich as well as entree. The chicken is juicy and spiced mildly - none of that over-the-top turmeric seasoning here. Tahini sauce is creamy and mild as well. This is good stuff. Delicious hummous too. The proprietors are some of the nicest around too. All of the ladies are friendly in that "stern but nice grandmother" kind of way. Do it.
(4)Sarah P.
Lentil soup. That's all I ordered and all I was craving the entire day. Old Jerusalem has some good lentil soup. They are located in the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. Their prices are very nice given it's in the city, and they offer outdoor seating with an awning overhead so you can sip your soup outside while it's raining.
(3)Jacob A.
This is a great spot in Old Town. I've been going here for about a decade. Solid Middle Eastern food. From the hummus to the kebabs everything is great! The owner and staff are very friendly. Service is excellent. Go check it out!
(4)Wes N.
Overall I enjoyed the food. I had grape leaves, falafel, lamb and tabouli. Only three stars because I didn't love the tabouli. The rest was pretty good and you can't beat the prices and the byob. I'd def come again but don't expect to have your world rocked.
(3)Jessica L.
Old Jerusalem is so great. I have Mediterranean food all over the city and I have NEVER found a place that does everything as right as they do! I have never had anything bad from here and would recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of food!
(5)Mark G.
Very impressed with this place. There falafel platter is a must!
(4)Tom H.
I've been going here for decades. Good Middle Eastern food with all the standard pita, kebabs, lentil soup and so on. Friendly wait staff. Outdoor sidewalk tables and the restaurant front opens up on warm days. Prices somewhat higher than say, Pita Inn in Skokie, but fine for Old Town.
(4)Jimmy J.
If we are to judge on food alone, this place is a solid 4 stars. I am an Arab by origin. I have eaten hummos, falafil, and the such in Chicago, Amman, Beirut, Bethlehem, and Damascus, hence my review here will have some credibility. This is definitely a restaurant where you want to take the food to go. The inside is very drab and doesn't have to be but apparently its owners don't know any better. Service was awkward and bizarre and weak all at the same time.This place appears to do good business, but 90% is carry out and it is easy to see why. The food was quite good. Some of the best hummos and baba ghanoush i have ever had. The mezzes had just the right amount of salt and lemon without being overpowering, and the baba ghanouj wasnt overpowered by garlic, often a common Arab flaw. Their version of the Greek Salad was good but no reason to use Iceberg lettuce. I can tell you as an operator, Romaine is cheap enough where no restaurant should ever use Iceberg in any salad. Their Tabouleh was killer. It wasnt chopped to fine which is a common mistake. When it is cut too fine, it soakes up to much of the oil and lemon,and becomes soggy. Theirs was cut perfect making it more of a salad in texture. Also, while the standard procedure is to soak the bulgur (cracked wheat), a main ingredient in tabouleh), to to make it soft, Old Jerusalem does not giving it tabouleh a nice crunch. Falafil was a bit overspiced but defintely met my high standard. Price points for appetizers salads, appetizer spreads, and sandwiches are very good especially given the high rents of the neighborhood. Howvever, the meat and chicken entrees were high in relation to other menu items and what additional food u get: Cheap rice and a generic salad. My grilled chicken kabob sandwich was awesome. Their sauce is a perfect mixture of tahini and lemon. If you live in the neighborhood and looking for solid hummus, falafil, tabbouleh, and kabob...essentially ARAB cuisine staples, Old Jerusalem works. Lastly, perhaps it was day old bread for we came on a sunday, but food rating lost a star because the bread was lackluster. Your bread has to be a star if you run a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(4)Brian F.
Strange to see an older restaurant like this in the midst of old town's glitter. There's just nothing fancy about the place and the workers seem unhappy. The food was good but not great and my lentil soup was served lukewarm. Hard to get excited about coming back, but I will try a few more dishes based on the high yelp ratings. Maybe I missed something.
(3)Brian N.
$7 for q shawerma that was chocked FULL of meat. I have rarely encountered such a problem where I've been wishing I had more tatziki. They cut no corners and the shawerma came in a fully enclosed pita pocket that was fresh so none of the mess encountered when some ppl give you just a wrap. House made hot sauce. Super flavorful tabbouleh. Really impressed here. Humble mom and pop. Good for price point.
(5)Danny B.
My favorite place to get middle eastern food. This place is great, I ussually get the beef schwarma and falaffel, both are excellent! The pita's are also freshly made and delicious! I wouldn't go anywhere else if this is the type of food you are looking for!
(5)Samuel M.
After many years of obsessive falafel sampling, I think I've finally found perfection, and it's at Chicago's oldest Middle Eastern standby. Old Jerusalem's falafel sandwich ($6.25) is served simply, with tahini sauce, iceberg lettuce, and tomato. However, this falafel needs no embellishment; the patties are spiced vigorously, burst with flavor, and are fried to a delectable crunch. They're awesome. For what its worth, the toppings, while spartan, are exceptional; briefly, the tomato managed to distract me from the falafel. I have to knock down a star because of the hummus ($4.75), which is pricey and a bit bland for my taste, and for the pita, which while not unpleasant, is served at room temperature and is not made in house. Also for these reasons, Pita Inn still holds my top spot for Middle Eastern food in the vicinity of Chicago. However, the falafel sandwich at Old Jerusalem is truly superlative, and in a class of its own. It's a must try.
(4)Jet S.
It's fine. Bad decor, okay prices. In general meh. It's the only food of its kind in the area so if you want these flavores then this is your spot. The people that own it are not that friendly.
(2)Ryan P.
This place is definitely tasty. If you are into Middle Eastern food, this place will probably knock your socks off. The hummus is crazy good.
(4)Justin B.
The kefta kabob sandwich and the falafel were fine, not amazing, but tasty. I would go back for both since the price point was pretty solid. However, I'm still not cool with the $1.50/person BYO surcharge; as part of my cheap eats weekly dinner, this surcharge put us over the $10/person standard. Otherwise, great service in a simple setting...not remarkable enough to go back but I can see where it would be if I lived close by.
(3)Daisha G.
My husband and I loved this place! The service was GREAT and the food was tasty. The only thing we weren't a fan of was the shish kebab. We also loved how small and authentic the restaurant was. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone that likes this type of food.
(4)Lauren H.
This place is another hidden gem of Old Town! BYOB. Very very good. I have been once and loved it.
(5)Keith D.
Old Town's staple for falafel cracks #19 on Chicago Magazines best sandwich list. This was my first Chicago falafel experience. I decided then that Falafel would receive honorary meat status. It's so good, that I can't tell that something wasn't murdered. If I ever go vegan, Mr. Falafel, you are my only hope. You're like a pocket of good. Not that there's any fear of the vegan thing happening, but sometimes you gotta get real and ask yourself. I consider myself a vegan now, except I possess the mental and physical fortitude to eat and digest meat. Kind of like a vegan super hero. Is it the best falafel in the city? Shit no, but it's respectable none the less. The Schwarma is rather damn tasty.
(4)Yoj G.
Amazing sandwich for a very reasonable price. The dessert was good too, but I think the sandwich was a tough act to follow. The location also a great spot to relax and people watch.
(4)Julia K.
Chicken kabob was chewy, the yogurt dip was watery, hummus was bland, and falafel was just okay. The food was absolutely nothing to return for. Service was underwhelming-had to go inside to find the waitress quite a few times Outdoor seating right on Wells is a plus.
(2)Meredith B.
Stopped here for lunch during a shopping day in Old Town, and we were both pleasantly surprised! We came at a weird time, like 1:30 pm on a Monday, but a few other diners with weird eating schedules came in throughout the afternoon. Looks like they do a swift takeout business too! Not being terribly hungry, I got the Jerusalem salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley in tahini sauce) and the lentil soup. The lentil soup was surprisingly fantastic. I thought it would be thin and average but it was really complex and flavorful. The bowl was generously sized, and along with the salad made for a great light lunch. The Jerusalem salad was very thick and creamy from the tahini - I ended up eating it stuffed in pita, which was great. I couldn't finish the whole portion myself - it's not a huge amount, but I wasn't super hungry - but it kept well in the fridge and made for awesome snacks later. My boyfriend got the hummos with beef, and he really enjoyed it. I stole a few bites of the thinly sliced beef but he did a pretty good job polishing it off. He too was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food coming out of this little joint! Since Yelp says that our favorite Middle Eastern spot, Fattoush, is closed, we may need to start coming here to get our fix!
(4)K C.
Fantastic option in Old Town. Arguably the best find on Wells St. Prices are very reasonable and BYOB makes for a great $30 date with patio seating on a summer night.
(5)Brian K.
love the food, love the service. especially when the owner personally makes deliveries.
(4)Karen Anne B.
I've been here a few times and am surprised to find that I haven't reviewed it. This is one of my favorite places for falafel, baba ganoush and definitely my fave for stuffed grape leaves. The falafel is crispy and yummy. The baba ganoush has a great smokey flavor, I'm not always a fan of baba ganoush but I like theirs. The stuffed grape leaves are tasty, lemony and tender. The hummus, IMHO, is fine, not extraordinary, but decent, and the tabbouleh is better than most. The service is maybe not the most "friendly" (they're not rude by any means, just...efficient), but the food comes out lightning fast. It's BYOB and there is a per person corkage fee. In the summer they have outdoor seating, which is nice. Give them a try.
(4)Jessica S.
The food was pretty good but did not blow me away. To be fair, I did only order the vegetarian platter, a mix of different veggie entrees. While I only gave Old Jerusalem 3 stars, I would return for a laid back al fresco atmosphere on a nice summer night.
(4)Kathryn R.
Falafel sandwiches at old jerusalem are highly rated by other yelpers, so I expected a much tastier experience. Falafel sandwiches come smothered in lots and lots of iceberg lettuce - slimy says what?! Restaurant temperature is very cold and not cozy in the winter. Hostess was not very friendly and our lunch was really really slow even though we were one of two tables in the restaurant. This place is ok, but will keep looking for my go-to middle eastern food restaurant in Chicago.
(3)Kevin O.
If you want the best hummus in the city this is the place to get it. Not much in the way if atmosphere but its made up in their food which is always consistently good. Been eating here for YEARS!
(4)Matthew L.
Really a 1.5. I've eaten here twice - the first was bland, and mostly unremarkable. I decided that there was no reason to go back, but it wasn't offensive or anything. Last night, a family member ordered from here for a family function. While talking to him, it sounds like he got a good deal - a mountain of falafel and hummus along with jerusalem salad and tabbouleh for not that much money. I guess that's a score. The problem is that this was literally the worst meal of Mediterranean food I've had in my life. The hummus (how do you mess up hummus? 4 ingredients!) had no flavor. I genuinely do not believe they added lemon juice to it. It was paste - the consistency of mashed potato. Suitable for spackling. No lemon juice. No garlic. Just paste. The falafel was unbearably dry. The crust gave a nice crunch, but you're no supposed to get that crunch all the way to the center. The falafel just crumbled on your tongue. Most of the positive reviews here note their "mild" spicing in their dishes and their large portions. If you like vats of tasteless food, I guess this is the place. But even Sultans, which is cheap, runs circles around this joint. I can't figure out why someone would voluntarily eat here.
(1)Jonathan K.
The real deal! Was very disappointed by a falafel at one of the newer hip establishments, and needed to fulfill a craving for a real falafel done right to cleanse my palate. Turns out old school still does it right. The balls spiced subtly and fried just right. The Jerusalem style toppings (tomato, iceberg lettuce, tahini sauce) done just like I remember from the Middle East. The baba ganoush also superior... Not overly smoked and pulverized so it had texture left. Sure, they don't give you a choice of a trillion options. They do it simple and they do it right.
(5)Jennifer W.
Outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafil sandwiches, tebouleh, hommos, and baba ganouj are excellent. The food is fresh and well prepared. This is a small, casual restaurant on Wells Street in Old Town. Parking is extremely limited. In the summer, there are tables outside. The owners are very friendly and take pride in the food they serve. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for good Middle Eastern food at a causal restaurant with reasonable prices.
(5)Brent L.
Phenomenal restaurant ran by stand up management. Visited Old Jerusalem for a few appetizers during the Old Town Art Fair. A few friends and I came into Old Jerusalem with around half a cup of beer from one of the food and beverage tents. We were originally charged $1.50 each for a BYOB fee we were unaware of. I brought this to the manager/owner's attention and he waived the fee. Although it was a small charge and he could have easily substantiated it with it's presence on the menu, he was kind enough to waive the fee. The food was excellent and the shaded outdoor seating was perfect. Given that the food and dining experience are wonderful, I want to really emphasize how great the management at Old Jerusalem is. I highly recommend Old Jerusalem.
(4)Shirley A.
My new middle eastern spot! Vegetarian platter and combo meat platter are both delish! Love supporting small family owned local restaurants!
(5)Andrea R.
I enjoyed such a yummy dinner here recently that I wondered why I stopped coming here. A friend and I were starving after our nearby boot camp class. Stairs, hills and some other forms of torture sure can bring on a healthy appetite! Fortunately lots of food at Old Jerusalem awaited: * Hummus Appetizer served with a basket of soft pita bread * Chicken Kebob Platter. The chicken was cooked to perfection * Falafel Platter. Not quite Sultan Market quality, but sure tasty The service was fast and it was pretty inexpensive. Shame on me for letting Old Jerusalem slip my mind since moving from Old Town a few years ago...I won't let it happen again.
(4)Eric R.
Three words...moldy pita bread. I picked up a sandwich for carry out, got home to discover that the pita was covered in mold. Called the restaurant and was argued with. Never going back.
(1)Amy R.
Best Baklava in the city! It's made in house. The Kefta kabob is excellent....always extremely fresh. The texture of the meat is great. Also, the combination plate of chicken, steak, and Kefta is a wonderful meal, and two people can easily split that. I enjoy their lentil soup.....but it's not as thick as before. Less lentils, more water..... This is a family owed business, and they have been there for over 30 years. The people who own it are very genuine & gracious. Fresh carrot & apple juice. BYOB in Old Town. Not a SCENE! So, very comfortable. Casual....
(5)Kelly K.
Bottom line: delicious Middle Eastern food at reasonable prices (especially for the neighborhood). This was my boyfriend's and my go-to Middle Eastern restaurant when we lived in the area. We would get the feta appetizer and I always got the vegetarian combo, which is a great choice if you want to try a variety of items. It comes with hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, and Jerusalem salad and all are very good. The only reason I deducted a star is because the service can be a bit slow and aloof sometimes. But the food more than makes up for it.
(4)Sarah Beth B.
After a movie at Piper's Alley, this was a great place for an easy, relaxed saturday night dinner. We started with Jerusalem Salad and Falafel, and split the meat combination plate, with schwarma, kefta kebab and beef kebab. Overall, it was pretty delicious. The falafel was crispy and fresh and the salad was bright with lemon. The meats were all great, especially the beef kebab, and the rice pilaf served with the meat was really good. Everything came with plenty of tahini sauce on top, and a side salad was a nice accompaniment. Unfortunately, the pita wasn't the best I've ever had, and there wasn't enough of what there was. It's not my favorite falafel in the city, but when I'm in Old Town, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)Agnes Z.
Although this is a very low key place, the food is fantastic. So don't judge the book by it's cover. I've been eating here for years. For me this is the best place in the city for Middle Eastern / Mediterranean food. They have one of the best falafel and tahini that I've ever had. Of course they have many other great dishes. The service most of the time is fine, it's average, but for the price (this is really inexpensive for down town) I don't think one can complain. Oh and they have a nice out door sitting in the summer.
(5)Snowdrops C.
An excellent place for a falafel wrap or a shawarma! We have visited this place twice now - great food and good value casual dining in a lively neighborhood.
(5)S L.
food is great, 5 star food. but, this little place knows how to stretch a dollar and they will. I go here for takeout all the time. Let me give you an example. The Old Jerusalem salad is tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with tahini sauce and parsley. Delicious and fresh. Small is a decent portion. The large is much more money but the same amount of salad with a side of iceburg lettuce. And they LOVE to pull the "$10 minimum on a credit card", which I think is illegal. But, I put up with it because it's close to my house and good food. Just figure out their system or you get significantly screwed.
(3)Jelena Z.
If I was forced to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be a combo platter from a Middle Eastern restaurant. Why? Because it usually comes with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel AND pita bread. So yeah... I'm a bit of a cheater. 'Cause clearly that's more than one item. I came here on a brisk October afternoon with audible hunger pangs and a caffeine withdrawal sweats. Well, practically. Enter Arabic coffee: strong and super dark just the way my mom makes it! I've always found it interesting that no matter how much sugar you add to this potent brew, it'll never be sweet. Black magic! True to form, I ordered the vegetarian combo platter. Hummus was creamy, mild with a hint of garlic. The baba had a nice touch of smoke, but i kept my eyes on the prize: the falafel. Nothing crumbly about these fabulously friend chickpeas... moist and totally together. I polished off my entire plate, which means I thoroughly enjoyed my assortment of Middle Eastern delights but also that the portion was on the smallish side. But that's okay, because the food is quality and did keep me satiated for hours. I'll definitely be back, especially since I hear they're BYO! Nothing like eating AND imbibin' on the way cheap.
(4)David R.
Really good food and quality service. Why is this place three-quarters empty all the time, while all the generic bar-food dumpsters up and down Wells Street are teeming with people on a weekend afternoon? Well, fuck those no-taste douchebags. I enjoy a quiet lunch where I can read anyway. I'm not sure what the management setup is here, but there's an old lady and two middle-aged men, who may be her sons. In any case, she is pleasant and seems to be running the show. Today I saw her taking a delivery order out, for heaven's sake, leaving one guy to man the kitchen and the other to handle the entire front of house, including the patio. They pulled it off though. Anyway, the food is very, very solid. I wish that they had better pita and that they served it warm, but that's about the only detraction I can think of. Baba ghannouj: B+; smoky and slightly textured. Steak kebab: B+; tender juicy grill flavor, maybe the second-best I've had behind Al-Khaymeih. Falafel sandwich: B+; too much lettuce but very good crispy, not greasy, falafel. Hummus: B+ again; they nail the perfect texture, and I love the garlicky undertone. Jerusalem salad: B; light and tasty but somewhat overdressed. Kibbah: B+; until Old Jerusalem, I had not found a place that made this item taste like anything but dog food; OJ's is pungent in the good way and tastes like the actual ingredients listed. Great seasoning and cooked perfectly. I don't find myself in Old Town too often but this is shaping up as a destination for me as one of my favorite down-scale Middle Eastern joints. Too bad they don't have chicken shawarma on the menu though. (Sad face)
(4)Anuj S.
Went here this evening. I would say it was a very normal middle-eastern place. For me falafel is the measuring stick at these type of places. They did fine on falafel. I can't complain. The second measuring stick is the hot sauce, though. I didn't care much for the hot sauce... and actually it tasted spoiled/sourish. The hummos was good, although the portion was small. Let me put it this way... if you're nearby and you want some Mediterranean food without much effort or travel, it's not a bad option. I definitely wouldn't seek this place out, though, because there are plenty of better options if you're willing to... like... what's the word... go somewhere?
(3)Jamie S.
Love this place! The food is amazing, portions are huge, staff is really friendly and it's cheap (especially for Chicago)! Oh and it's BYOB. The actual restaurant is a little cozy, but well worth it.
(5)Lisha L.
Cheap fast solid neighborhood gem! Tip: order the sandwich, it's almost exactly the same size and content as the entrees but cheaper.
(5)Hanna S.
Great, reasonably priced neighborhood place. Crunchy, garlicky falafel is the right choice here. They taste like they are fried up fresh. Too many places offer leaden, greasy, or bland falafel. This is some of the best in the city.
(4)Rachel W.
My go-to falafal spot for the crew. Love their babaganoush, hummus, cucumber/tomato salad. I don't eat lamb, but it's popular w/the guys, as is their grilled chicken that comes on this awesome flavored rice. Not sure abt the ambiance, have only catered them in.
(4)Chris L.
I feel a little guilty for only giving three stars, but honestly the word I would use for this place is uninspired. The service was fair, the food tasted ok (falafel was the best dish, shish kabobs didn't seem to be grilled), and the atmosphere was laid back. Prices were definitely reasonable and portions were good. Why only three stars then? The menu selection wasn't quite as original as I had hoped. Basically I could go to many other places to get the exact same things on the menu: falafel, baba ganoush, shish kabobs, etc. Maybe I will return to update later on.
(3)Vivi W.
Very slow service, even when the place was rather empty on a saturday night. Chicken kabob and beef kabob were both very dry and disappointing. Grilled lamb sandwich was dry. Felafel, for which they are famous, was ok but nothing special. Dessert was overly sweet. Avoid this place.
(1)Gina M.
While spending 5 days in Chicago I tried several restaurants in the Old Town area. I love middle eastern food and this was a good stop! I had baba ganoush which was rich, creamy and refreshing. A slice of tomato, onions and a sprinkling of paprika. A small salad was served along with pitas. I also ordered Lamb Shawarma that was served on a warm bed of rice. I had enough left over to make 3 more pitas for lunch. I also had a nice fresh glass of carrot juice. The server was friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. I would recommend coming here!
(4)Alex H.
Pretty safe bets are shawarma, kebab, and falafel. I don't make unsafe bets.
(5)Will R.
Good, simple spot for reasonably-priced and tasty middle eastern food. Good falafel, hummus, schwarma plate, and lentil soup. Service was very polite but a bit slow.
(4)Rhonda G.
What do you get when you chop tomatoes, cucumbers and mix in a little cucumber sauce? Apparently $11 bucks worth of something because that's what this lovely little concoction costs. OK, their were other things in the meal as well but since it was a vegetarian combo, pretty much everything was a side dish or sauce, which in my book doesn't add up to anywhere near $11 bucks. Service was mediocre, food was mediocre, location was pretty nice. So Mediocre +mediocre/by average equals not worth your time.
(2)Timothy B.
Food was absolutely fantastic and the service was exceptional. They took the time to assure my order was correct down to the last detail. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes middle eastern food.
(5)Courtney H.
Not particularly impressed. Chicago boasts many places with better - and cheaper - falafel sandwiches (Sultan's Market, for example), and much better hummus (Falafel and Grill, or for the foodies, check out Frontier for their white bean hummus). All in all, I'm too full to move because I was hoping it would get better. Definitely not satisfied.
(2)Jill M.
The falafel sandwich is very good. As was the service. If you have food allergies, be careful when you order the desserts and ask questions to make sure. I thought I was fine because I thought the description in the menu put me in the clear, but I got really sick earlier from an allergic reaction and now I am drugged up on Benadryl. I will still come back to sample their other food, but not the pastries.
(4)David T.
The food is authentic and absolutely delicious! I agree that the falafel is the best in Chicago. In addition to the food, the staff are extremely friendly, kind, and accommodating. Because of the outstanding food and staff, this has become a staple for my family and one of our very favorite restaurants. Go!!
(5)Ws's Mama H.
My first at Old Jerusalem.... I loved everything about it and wiil definitely return. I tried vegetarian combo, meat combo, and harissa. I liked how I was able to taste bit of everything from both combos. I devoured their Jerusalem Salad! Yum!!! Falafel was crispy not greasy. From the meat combo, lamb tasted better than beef. Rice was pretty good, too. For dessert, I didn't really care for harissa but I liked how it was home made looking.
(5)Tashween A.
I liked that this place has long history, it's been open for 35 years. I also like that this place honors its commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. My brother and I happened on this place, when we came to Old Town and were looking for something ethnic. We you walk in, Brass wall hangings and warm maroon and crème colors fill the interior, producing an authentic ambiance. The casual atmosphere, with the option to dine inside or in their outdoor patio during the summer months is a plus. I ordered the labneh, home strained yogurt topped with olive oil, which epitomizes their commitment to freshness. Not too tart, it a tasty, healthy option. Their baba ganouj, blended eggplant and tahini served as a cold dip with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, with its surprising smoky taste and melded fresh herbs is scrumptious. I'm a big fan of baba ganouj and I would say that it's one of the best I've had. The Lebanese pita, if only served warm, is otherwise just right; soft and light. The thickness is unique. Not too thick nor to thin. My brother ordered the the falafel , perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful inside without being greasy. It seemed that all the entrée options have large proportions. However, they lack variety in preparations for their meat entrees. For example, unlike most Middle Eastern restaurants, they don't prepare chicken shawirma, but only a beef and lamb combination. The shawirma, rather than diced/shredded like at most other Middle Eastern restaurants, is sliced like gyro meat. They even proclaim that their shawirma sandwich is "Our version of a Gyro." I was surprised and didn't feel like it was shawirma, but it still tasted good. Their sandwiches are also generously large and delectable, but are hard to eat. Rather than wrapping the bread around the filling, the filling is stuffed into the pita bread, which often breaks. You may need a fork and knife, but it's worth the effort. The service is a hit or miss probably, because we had a really nice wait staff who were friendly and patient. I can't wait to go back and try a few more of their appetizers and made in house desserts.
(4)Marissa B.
Maybe they thought I should be fasting or something. Our table ordered an appetizer & dinners, the appetizer never appeared & then everyone else got their dinner but me. I waited, thinking it must be on it's way. I waited. I may have dropped a pant size. I waited some more. Finally I flagged down the server & asked where my dinner was & where the appetizer was the table had ordered. He said he'd "forgotten". Well. So then my dinner came, along with the appetizer. My friend had the veggie combo platter which was served with hummous & babaganoush. She was apparently on a server-imposed carb-diet because they never brought any of us pita bread. I had to flag down the server again (because they seemed to be more interested in talking to eachother than dealing with us) before my friend started eating hummous with a spoon. I understand servers forget things, food orders go in wrong, etc. BUT, when mistakes DO happen, usually they go out of their way to apologize and try to make you leave happy. That didn't seem to happen here. BOTTOM LINE: The food was mediocre and the service was lackluster. They can do better & I should be seeking better.
(1)Eric S.
Great little spot. Quality fresh ingredients that taste amazing! Service was friendly and authentic...highly recommended - And definitely going back!
(5)Kathrin E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Chicago! The ambiance isn't anything spectacular, nor is the outdoor patio (however, it is very good for people watching), but it's the FOOD that always keeps me coming back from more (especially the Musaheb Sandwich)! This is a family run restaurant, and it is one of the most efficiently run restaurants I've ever been to. The menu is very simple, but oh so good because all of the ingredients are very fresh. Plus, this place is BYOB and they allow dogs on the outdoor patio! :)
(5)Cory A.
Old Jerusalem is a standard Middle Eastern restaurant that serves all of the usual suspects in the usual preparations. Nothing stands out as different or signature, or even exciting. The service wasn't very good, and neither was the atmosphere. The plates and glasses were of the unbreakable plastic kind and looked as though they've been in use since the 90's. If I was brought back here, I wouldn't warn my party not to go, it's just that you can get the same food at ANY middle eastern restaurant, simply better; with more seasoning, variety, and depth.
(3)Brz A.
I always stop in here when I'm in the neighborhood, and each time I'm reminded how much I like it. I usually try the falafel sandwich, which is really good - but recently I opted for the veggie combo platter - which was awesome. The dish included: Pita - Standard, not too thin or chewy. Hummus - smooth with a nice tahini flavor Jerusalem salad - like a middle eastern pico de gallo! - very flavorful compared to the many watered down versions I've tried. Falafal - Perfect amount of crispy outside and tender inside. Baba Ganouj - eggplant is not usually my thing, but this was a real surprise. As other have noted, it has a real smokey flavor that I loved. Jerusalem Salad - Fragrant, well-balanced and complicated mix. Again, made with more skill than many other versions in Chicago. I wouldn't call it cheap, but there is a lot of food. I am a big eater and I couldn't finish the whole thing. You can tell they are serious about their recipes here, Old Jerusalem offers one of the more homey and delicate takes on Mediterranean cuisine that I've found in Chicago..and I've been looking... P.S. I'm also a fan of their tough-love type service!
(4)Chris D.
the food and prices are great and the BYOB is a huge plus. The only drawback is that the service can be slow at times.
(4)Jenn C.
Not sure why it's taken me so long to post a review but this is one of my favorite quick dinner spots in Chicago. I'd say we grab takeout here about once a week and dine in a couple times a month. I still haven't found better hummus anywhere in Chicago than at Old Jerusalem. The shwarama is delicious - I always get an extra side of tahini with it. The chicken kabob, falafel and the combo platter (with beef and lamb) are all consistently great as well. The service is excellent - and I have to hope they recognize us at this point - and BYOB option is always welcome.
(5)Ryan S.
Best Lebanese food in the city! Make sure you get the labneh and hummus, it's top notch. Also ask for some za'atar, it's a middle eastern spice that isn't on the menu. Goes great on both of those dishes. The falafel entree is perfect for two, a go-to every time I go there. The staff is so nice and service is great!
(5)Darryl S.
The GOOD: Falafils were pretty good along with the Baba ganoush and the hummus. Good flavor, especially in the falafils. Great mix of herbs. The BAD: My friend had the greek salad and all I have to say to that is does this restaurant think she was a rabbit or something? There was some lamb which tasted pretty much like generic gyro meat you would find at any greasy spoon restaurant. The bigger problem was with the mountain of lettuce under the meat which seemed never ending. Salad overall was bland. The UGLY: How can you mess up Baklawa? Come on man! Straight up terrible desserts.
(3)Chris H.
Good choice for Middle Eastern food in Chicago.
(4)Michael B.
Yum, one of my favorite restaurants on Wells. This place has legit mediterrean food and the staff is great. Food is consistently good and the take-out is always ready on time as well if you decide to go that route. The portions are huge and normally enough to have for two days. Suggestions: combination platter, kefta kabab, falafel and hummus.
(4)Matthew M.
I have found that exploring other cities over long weekends is a very exciting way to satisfy more than just the cultural junkie in me--it is an even better way for satisfying the foodie in me. My native Philadelphia is known for some very fine restaurants but not always for anything with a significant ethnic influence. This is why Chicago--a city even more well known for its fantastic cuisine--was the perfect place to tease my palate. The first choice? Morrocan. To my dismay, finding a Morrocan restaurant in the heart of Chicago on the weekend is a challenge. So many of them either have limited menus or are only open for the business crowd. Finally, after culling through an exhaustive list of deadends, we found Old Jerusalem. This spot is in a prime location--a great place to eat AND people watch. With some outdoor seating and windows that open to the outside, the atmosphere is very inviting and familial. Perhaps it was a tad too familial though, as upon entry, DC mentioned that it smelled slightly like grandparents. Old people aroma or not, the service they provided was also quite good. Orders were taken and plates placed very quickly. First up - Falafel. I must say it was cooked nearly to perfection, with just the right balance of creamyness and crispness. The accompanying Tahini was also quite good, but the most amazing part was the texture of the pitas--I can never find ones like that at the grocer! Shortly after devouring the appetizer, we were presented with the main course. I had the Kefta Kabob, and DC had the Baked Kefta in tomato sauce. The Kabob was grilled and served with a grilled tomato, and it was delicious. Oddly, a side salad of iceberg lettuce and tomato in tahini sauce was presented a la carte and again as the base of my main dish. I found this to be a major overkill. The Baked Kefta dish was prepared with a healthy amount of spice in a creamy tomato sauce (DC preferred this over more Tahini). In both meals, the portion size was unbelivably generous; this was a statement overheard from many other diners as well. All in all, this joint gets four stars for being open, having healthy portions, and overall taste. If I could make any recommendations to them, it would be to have better air circulation to reduce the "grandparent mothball" aroma, as well as upgrade the quality of the rice being used. DC made note that it was of middle-grade cafeteria consistency and served as a mere filler to an otherwise outstanding main dish.
(4)Dex Y.
I'm glad I gave this place a shot. Now I have one more option for eating in this area. Their Kefta kabob was well put together. The veggie was fresh and crunchy, and the beef/lamb patty was tasteful. I feel it would be even better if they could have added a little bit more spices to kick it up a notch. I must note that the pita bread was perfect. If they sold the bread separately I'd get that. I also ordered the lentil soup on the side. It tasted mild, but somehow I enjoyed it. Serving was fast because not many customers were there. Waiters/waitresses were friendly. Will go back to explore the other dishes!
(4)Norbert W.
Love it for lunch. Love it. It's very solid, what-to-expect Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Have always had good experience with the service, and while it gets lively in the space - can be a bit noisy - that's one of the fun parts of the atmosphere. For some, it's probably not their thing. Oh well. This genre of cuisine is a favorite, so I'm definitely of the "pick anything" school of ordering. Have fun.
(4)Anna T.
Old Jerusalem is A-OK, but nothing to call home about. I've been here a couple times. First was for a light dinner several months ago and finally returned last night with a friend. We were looking for somewhere to sit outside and my dining companion couldn't pass up the Middle Eastern fare, so I was willing to give Old Jerusalem another go. Bonus points for allow my dog to sit with us, although it was for sure a tight squeeze. We started with the Kibbah, which was new to me, and it was tasty with a splash of lemon and yogurt topping. Kind of sad looking, though, and a tad steep for what we got. I ordered the Vegetarian Combination plate, which came with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad and falafil. Everything tasted fine, but felt pretty ordinary. My dining companion ordered the grape leaves plate and a side of falafil. Flavorful grape leaves, but not filled generously. Overall my second try for Old Jerusalem solidified my 3-star rating. Non-pretentious and easy going food and service, but nothing spectacular.
(3)Daniel L.
I've been to quite a few Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago (And to a few in the Middle East) and I've gotta say that this place is good. I got the vegeterian combination platter and my fiancee got the shawarma sandwich and we were both very happy with what we got. The hummus, cucumber salad and tabbouleh was yummy but not surprising. The babaganoush (sp?) was fresh! Nice surprise there. But the falafels, oh boy. I generally stay away from them because they're always too dry or way overcooked but the brown balls of deliciousness that landed on my plate was anything but! 5 stars for the best falafels I've had. I can't wait to go back and try some of their meat dishes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
(5)Steve D.
Good food cooked by someone who knows what they're doing in a relaxed atmosphere, enough said. Came here for lunch on MLK and didn't leave disappointed. Started with the hummus and the baba ghanouj. Both were really good, home made, and hit the spot. I got the Musaheb, grilled chicken, which was cooked perfectly. I also sampled my friends kefta, and my other friend's falafel sandwich. All of it was really tasty, my chicken was cooked perfectly, and I would definitely go back for the falafel. For dessert we got the baklava and the kinafa, both were sweet, flaky and delicious, I would recommend either to anyone. The service was good, our waiter was attentive and he made sure we had everything we needed. When a restaurant uses age old recipes, decent quality ingredients and good service usually the customer will leave happy. I left happy, and really full. I would recommend getting a sandwich rather than an entree. The sandwich will fill you up for half the price. Great place for lunch or dinner, great part of town, I will certainly be going back.
(4)Heidi K.
Everything I ate was perfect! The tabbouleh was sublime, the baba ganouj was perfectly flavored, and perfect texture...truly a master chef made this food!
(5)Rick F.
Wow this place really sucks. Bread taste like a freezer, soup is watered down, and canned hummous! Yuk! This place turned into american style :/
(1)Matt L.
Have you ever seen that petrol station, Gas City? Worth it though. BYOB and better for the basics (falafel, baba ganouj) than Sultan's or even Chickpea.
(4)Kelly S.
Mmmmeh. I ate here with a friend before attempting to catch a show at Second City. Charming little place... almost with a french cafe type feel. The place was packed (7:30 on a Saturday night). However, a table of 12 in the back was taking up the majority of the space. We were seated right away. After pondering over the menu for awhile, I opted for the Vegetarian Combo Plate. WAY overpriced at $11.50 for what you get. A few sides, some pita bread, and 3 falafel balls. I was wanting more. I was hungry and this meal had me feeling a bit like a rabbit. Next time... I will go with my gut and get the falafel sandwich or the hommous and chicken. Yes, that is how they spell hommous here. Service was slowwwwww. My dirty plate sat in front of me a lot longer than I can usually tolerate. BYOB. $1.25 per person corkage fee.
(2)Maryann M.
I really enjoy Old Jerusalem. I've been here a few times and the food is always very tasty. The service is ALWAYS great - friendly, prompt and efficient. I love that it's a BYO and completely unpretentious. Definitely my kind of place. I think the falafel is really good, and I LOVE the stuffed grape leaves. Another positive: the prices.
(4)Henry V.
The Hummus is the best here. Environment is very laid-back and young. Menu is fairly simple, the things you expect from a Mediterranean restaurant. Jerusalem salad here is also really good. Tried the Chicken with Hummus one time a 3-meat combination another. Great go-to place for a date night in Old Town.
(4)Melissa G.
Small restaurant. Great hummus, pita and falafel sandwich. Hot tea was ok.
(4)Sara P.
I have to give Old Jerusalem 5 stars, because everytime I come here (and I come here a lot), it never ever disappoints. I truly love this place. The vegetarian platter is delicious- it comes with all sorts of salads, falafel, baba ganoush, and hummus. The meat platter is great too. My most recent visit I got the falafel sandwich, wrapped in pita. It was so good, I almost wished there was more. I love this place in the summer when you can sit outside in their little patio. The inside is nothing special, just an open room with a bunch of tables. What they lack in decor, they absolutely make up in food. Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Rachel B.
Great middle Eastern/ Lebanese cuisine with BYOB policy! What I liked the best about Old Jerusalem was the service. The staff is friendly, quick but they don't rush you. On the Saturday evening it was pretty empty but later on it started filling up. My boyfriend and I opted for two dishes with lamb. The Kefka Kebob was our top choice out of the two. The portions were pretty big and we stopped ourselves from eating the whole meal to leave room for the baklava (baklawa)! What is better than phyllo dough and honey? The couple sitting next to us had the Vegitarian Comination Platter and it looked amazing. It also has a low corkage fee. If ordering the grape leaves, note that they are served cold and not hot. The ones I had tried before (in a Georgian restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia) were served hot, so I was expecting something different. All in all, we've already turned into huge fans and can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)Dan L.
I stopped in for lunch and had the 'Shawirma'. The meat was very dry and spiced in an odd way. I've had much better. The price was good though and so was the service.
(2)L H.
This is hands down the best mediterranean place in the city. I've tried countless times to perfect their chicken after I asked them how they make it. They use fresh ingredients in all of their dishes...no preservatives or artificial ingredients. That's probably why it's so authentic. Get the greek salad or house salad with chicken...it's seriously the best thing ever. The combination platter is delicious as well. GO!
(5)Denise F.
When I lived in the neighborhood, Old Jerusalem was always a great spot that I kept going back to. I've had quite a few of their menu items, and while nothing completely wowed me, it was dependably very good. Even now taht I've moved out of the area, if I'm feeling like Middle Eastern food, this is where go. Also, I love the BYOB option!
(4)Andrea G.
I organized a big group dinner (20 people) here that we had at OJR earlier tonight. The restaurant management was fantastic--the place is run by a Lebanese immigrant family. They helped me pick out just the right amount of food--without trying to push stuff on us that we didn't want to run up the bill--had our table all set up when we got there, brought the food out in a timely fashion, and didn't try to run us out when we were finished eating. So five stars on that. Now this wasn't any ordinary group or any ordinary dinner. This was a reunion dinner for my Birthright trip that we had over winter break. That meant that not only were we 20 people, we were 20 hungry Jews who had just come back from eating hummus in the Middle East. And WE LOVED IT. Every dish was perfect. We had: -Hummus -Tebouli -Shwarma Kebab -Chicken Kebab -Falafel -Jerusalem Salad -and then Pita with everything. My only criticism is the pita could have been warmer. Otherwise, everything was DELECTABLE. Even the tebouli, which I find is too dry at most places, had just the right amount of vinegar in it. The hummus was creamy and amply spiced, the Jerusalem salad had enough tomatoes in it (not to mention extra tahini sauce for dipping), and the falafel was fresh out of the frier. Furthermore, our wallets weren't ravaged at the end. I also think they're BYOB. Hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Anna B.
Love this place. I usually get the falafel and it always very tasty. I love the pickled turnips and the rice pilaf. I like that the restaurant is nothing fancy, easy access. It's more of a cafe style place then a serious sit down place. The food is inexpensive and tasty. It's simple and authentic. I also love the music playing in the background. Excellent for quick lunch.
(5)Ev A.
I'll keep this short. If you are Mediterranean or enjoy Mediterranean food, you will appreciate this place. It has the select flavors anyone can enjoy and the food is fresh. I recommend this place. I had such a pleasant experience. It's restaurants like Old Jerusalem that take me back to the homeland...
(4)Jon L.
I've lived above/behind this quality middle eastern restaurant for just over a year now, and it's a great place to go pick up something quick when I don't feel like cooking. Prices are good for the neighborhood, pickup orders are always quick (10-15 minutes, even on weekend nights), and the food tasty (but not gourmet). Their babaganoush and lentil soup are excellent, and a shwarma sandwich fills you up without making you feel over-stuffed. Bottom line = quality standard middle eastern food, quick and affordable.
(3)Joscelyn M.
BYO and outdoor patio for great Wells street people-watching are definite pluses, but this place gets 5 stars on food alone. I love everything here from the lentil soup to the hummus, salads, meat, falafel, pita... Best middle eastern in the city, hands down!
(5)Stu T.
Stopped in for the first time mid-afternoon and found the place a great find. Service was great, the food flavorful and the prices reasonable. They even turned off the ceiling fans for us. I live in the burbs but will stop in again.
(4)Jennifer J.
Just tried this spot recently, and I liked it for the most part. I got the Musaheb sandwich (essentially a chicken sandwich), and my dining companion ordered the Shish Kabob sandwich. My sandwich was simple and tasty, largely due to the sauce but the chicken was good, too. The baklava was actually considerably larger than those from other places I've ordered yet around the same price. It was good, too. The service was decent, not extremely nice, but they did refill our drinks, take away dishes, give the check, etc. in a timely fashion. I do feel that some of their dishes are overpriced, but the appetizers seem pretty cheap. Just FYI: the prices on their website are outdated ones; they've gone up a few cents to a dollar. One more thing I like is that, according to their website, they're open until 10:30 sun-thurs, 11 fri-sat. I wish more places stayed open later during the week, at least until 11, so yay for them!
(3)ashley d.
Dine-in, dine-out..... either/or, just dine, it's divine. They also deliver. I get down on their tasty hummus and falafel. Dining in can be a little slow, so get an appetizer.... may I suggest the hummus? Also, when I've been in the colder months, I recall being chilly inside.... so, grab your snuggie!
(4)Kelly K.
Food: Great. Service: Hit or miss. I've been here a few times and the food never lets me down. Usually I get the chicken kebabs, but any time I've tried something different, I've been satisfied. The hummus is delish, the corkage fee reasonable, and the sidewalk seating is perfect in the shade on a summer day. The only complaint I have is the service- usually I have no complaints about it, but a few times it has been slow.
(4)Janet E.
I came here during the summer time and the outdoor seating was great! Service was good and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable as well.
(4)ChicagoFoodie S.
Thought it would be a great place and was expecting better. Very Salty Lentil Soup. The meat shawarma tasted okay, but still salty! Probably will not return.
(2)DrGrace G.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)Ryan J.
Last night, I found myself in Old Town, craving some Middle Eastern food before seeing a show at the Red Orchid Theatre. Enter, Old Jerusalem. My boo and I were promptly seated in the tiny space, which was pretty much packed to the brim with other patrons -- always a good sign. He ordered a sandwich and I ordered the mint tea with falafel appetizer. Both were adequate-to-good. My falafel in particular was very flavorful on soft on the inside with excellent crispiness on the outside (almost a bit too crispy for my taste, however). It came with a light salad which was nice, but I wish there had been more yogurt sauce or something to dip the crunchy nummyness in. The service was a little bit pooky, but there seemed to only be three people (likely the owners and one other person -- the cook) working the entire restaurant, so that was understandable. Definitely on the more casual end of the dining spectrum, but all in all, I was mostly quite satisfied.
(3)Victoria O.
Old Jerusalem is a pleasant place to have a meal. Eat outdoors and take your time. Some have said food is the same as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but in my opinion, it's better. Falafel, Jerusalem salad, shawarma, lentil soup, pita, are all good. Service is friendly and laid back. I am always happy to come here. I believe it is BYOB as well, which will make your meal far less expensive. Fun to people watch as well when you sit outside.
(5)Erika G.
Oldskool Chicago - this place has been here For. Ev. Ah. or . . . at least since 1988. It's a good place to get a cheap bite if you're in Old Town and craving middle eastern food. It's tasty fare - nothing at all wrong with the food here, but . . . in no way the best I've ever had, because I've had the best, habibi.
(3)Liz B.
Old Jerusalem gets the job done when I'm craving Middle-Eastern. I've been here several occasions, but only for lunch, so I wouldn't know anything about crowds at night. Always order some falafel before your meal, it's super tasty and you can order by the piece. I ordered the schwarma sandwich the first time I came to OJ, and it had a really funky taste. Kind of like cinnamon, which I found to be kind of gross. I would suggest passing on that. However, I did try my date's chicken Musaheb sandwich, which was DELICIOUS! So with that said, I decided to give OJ another chance and ordered the Musaheb the next time I lunched there. OJ- you redeemed yourself with that tasty, tahini-laden chicken pita. Mmmmmmmmmm!
(4)Wendy Y.
Im not sure why this place gets so much hype. I've seen it in like 3 travel guides for Chicago. Maybe its because I felt like there was a bad vibe in there and a wierd creepy lady with a scowl on her face seated us. Maybe its because I am from Detroit, which probably has the best (and most) Middle Eastern restaraunts in the counttry. I am just not that into Old Jerusalem. I have to say my Chicken Pita was really good but everything else was just OK. My friend hated hers. The worst is when you suggest a place to a friend and then they hate it. Woops. Sorry. I may go back but they need to put some music on in the place. Its just quiet and wierd and not too appealing. Anyway, Its OK. The food is above average. The service is not so great.
(3)Richie D.
Very nice place in Old Town for falafels, with sidewalk tables for nice days. It seems to be the hummus/falafel sandwich capital of Chicago! My only complaints were that I received dirty silverware and the cup of water served had teenie specks of something black in it (it may be from an ice machine or something). Other than that, very tasty and good prices.
(4)ak a.
Great falafel, baba ganoush and tabouli. The chicken and vegetarian dishes are great. Wonderful lentil soup and warm pita bread. Always fresh, consistent and great service.
(5)Nicole B.
I ate here for the first time today and will definitely return. The menu seemed to be simple / typical Middle Eastern food but that was exactly what we were looking for. I had the falafel and my fiance had the Shawarma and a Jerusalem salad. We both enjoyed our meals. I am not usually a huge falafel fan, but this was great. Crunchy but not greasy, and not overloaded with sauce. It was also a lovely day to enjoy the patio. The food came out fast and our water was always full. (Much appreciated since it was 90 degrees today.)
(4)Big B.
I used to go hear as a child and some 20 years later its still got great food at amazing prices. Each and every visit, take out or delivery the food has the same freshness and quality. Worth the visit.
(5)Meg O.
My parents and I were on our way to the Zoo Lights, and my mom really wanted to stop at Old Jerusalem for dinner. It had been an old family haunt, I think we first started coming here in the late 80s, when we discovered the part of Chicago that lies between 900 North and Lincoln Square, the old-school one lined with delicatessens crammed with Fraus und Herrs. Back then, my parents associated falafel and hummus with their days of shopping on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn nearly a decade before, and found Old Jerusalem to be an exotic, nostalgic gem. Sadly, last night Old Jerusalem bore very little resemblance to our discovery so many years ago. While the hummus still held some of its magic, and my mom declared it better than Cedars of Lebanon down in Hyde Park, most everything else was mediocre. My lentil soup was on the bland side, even after a squeeze of lemon, and the potage was nearing watery. The tabouleh salad, while strong on the parsley, just the way I like it, had a sweet and sour apple cider vinegar aftertaste. I didn't have a falafel sandwich, but I can tell you that the ones from Sultan's Market look a lot better. There was a generous amount of feta cheese on my Greek salad, but shame on me for ordering something with tomatoes in winter. Worst of all, the restaurant was freezing! Service was on the slow side, but the staff is friendly. If we hadn't been going to Zoo Lights, and just had been in the mood for Middle Eastern food, I would have taken my parents to Sultan's. Next time I will, and I will also relish thick, savory lentil soup as I listen to my mom tell stories about the next door neighbor in Staten Island teaching her to make hummus.
(2)Ashley G.
I find the place to be hit or miss. Sometimes I get a great meal and at other times I wonder what happened to the place. The service could improve, because I have experienced a number of mistakes. There are a few other places in the city that I would prefer over this place, so if you are looking for an awesome meal, I might look in another direction.
(3)Denise U.
I go to this place somewhat regularly and it has always been consistent and great. The Musaheb is so fresh and wonderful. Their Baba ganoush and Kiibbah are superb. It's BYO too, so that's a good thing. A great way to start an evening, and just steps from the Old Towne Ale House.
(5)Andrew L.
The food here is tasty! I love the yogurt cucumber salad and the kabobs. The food is pretty authentic and the price is not too shabby. The service can be a tad slow, but aside from that this is a decent place to eat at. It's nice inside too, you could take a chick or a dood here and impress them by suggesting the foods I did in this review ;) For deserts I suggest the one with the cheese in it, I forgot the name. OH well try it out! :P
(4)David K.
It's 1pm on Wednesday, it's 15 degrees out and there's snow on the ground. My buddy and I are starving. My only protection against the cold is a light zip up sweatshirt and a pair of gloves. I'm craving shawrima, hummus and pita bread. Old Jerusalem is almost a mile away and the cold is nearly debilitating. My heart is telling me yes but my body is telling me take a cab. I have no cash on me, I suck it up and make the hike. I order the shawirma with hummus and an arabic coffee. My buddy orders the grape leaves and hummus appetizers. The meal is served within 10 minutes. The pita bread was fluffy and warm. The hummus was not to pasty and just cold enough. The lamb was so tender it must have been in love. I could taste the happiness. Old Jerusalem is a very good Lebanese restaurant (they also deliver). If your going as two plan on spending $20-$30 and satisfying all your wildest hummus dreams.
(5)Dean D.
Service here is pretty spotty, but the food and coffee were decent. The waitress seemed to not like us, so maybe that's why we got crappy service!
(3)Hope A.
Great! Couldn't have enjoyed it more. Nice evening to sit outside - only thing to make it better would have been a glass of wine (byob - but a very cheap corkage fee). Had the feta app, vegetarian combo and the entree combo plate between three people. All was fantastic. No frills just good food.
(4)Jerry B.
Everything good except for Baklava. Better value at Pita Inn. Corkage $1.50 pp.
(4)Kendra M.
Very authentic food. Has become my go-to restaurant. Pick up is always ready in 10 minutes and the food is delicious. Great for groups because of menu, prices, and BYO. And the staff... icing on the cake.
(5)Liza M.
I went here last week, it's pretty good! I got the grape leaves entree it was pretty tasty. We walked and realized it was BYOB and we were without B, so we ran down the street to Galleria Liquors, which is a lovely little place, and bought 2 bottles of wine. There is a corkage fee of $1.50 or something but it's not bad. Everyone else ordered shwarma pitas and what not and were satisfied with their meals. The pita bread is good too. I wasn't blown away but I would be willing to give it another try!
(3)Maria C.
Old Jerusalem to me is the Pita Inn of the city. When I'm in the city and feel like a quick Middle Eastern bite, I go there. The Kiba is to die for and the Shawirma Sandwich is also great. I love the Hummus. The desserts look a bit weird but when you try them, you will not believe how tasteful they are.
(4)Bobby J.
I eat at Old Jerusalem at least once a week. This unassuming restaurant is my favorite BYOB spot in Old Town. The hummus is some of the best I've ever had. The prices are reasonable and the portions big. Dining in or taking out, the food is always ready in 10-15 minutes and the staff always seems to be in a good mood. Try the Vegetarian Combo, Hummus with Chicken or the Hummus Sandwich...you'll be coming back for more.
(5)Justin R.
Very good food, I had the shiwarma and it was very authentic. Service was not very social but it was swift and polite. I wish it was not BYOB or that I had known in advance. Wine would have been good with the meal. But overall it was a great place and if I lived nearby I would be back soon.
(4)Sari H.
I don't give out 5 stars very easily. But Old Jerusalem is spectacular. The food is always perfect, and the staff is nice. We used to go here a lot before plays, but haven't been out and about in a while. So it's hard to remember exactly the price, but I know it's cheap. I think my husband and I both ate dinner for something like $13 total once. And the food is so, so good, they could totally charge more and I'd still be happy. We almost always get the vegetarian platters. Delicious falafel, hummus, salad, baba ghannouj.
(5)James H.
I enjoy the good food at this unpretentious middle eastern cafe on Wells. I love the baba ganouj and both the tebouleh and hummos are always good. My favorite entree is the Hummos with Chicken, but the Shawirma and kabobs are both excellent. Above all you get a meal at a reasonable price in a friendly atmosphere.
(4)Bridget B.
Have dined in and carried out about two dozen times and have never been dissappointed. I usually order hummus and fallafal but have had a few other things. Always fresh and delicious.
(5)Diana P.
Decent middle eastern cuisine. Good place for a quick bite either for lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating on Wells makes for a nice atmosphere. Staff isn't too friendly but that doesn't bother us. I always get the falafal sandwich-YUM
(4)James F.
Having been raised in a Middle Eastern family, this place has great food. The falafel, hummus and kabobs are all excellent. Add a gracious and humble staff/owners on site and it is a easy hassle free experience. Even bring your own beer/wine if you'd like. Great meal at a great price.
(5)Jason C.
Well, I have only had a couple things here but the veggie platter is great! The hummus, falafel, etc. are all very fresh and you can tell it is homemade. I would also recommend the Swarma - the sandwiches are large and reasonably priced. Its one of the few good restaurants in Old Town.
(4)Betsy J.
I've only tried a couple items on the menu but what I have tried, I've really enjoyed. The falafel sandwich is really big and tasty and the hummus is good too. I've been a couple times and the service was great each time. Everyone is very friendly and obliging. Plus it's in a great location on Wells in Old Town and sitting outside in nice weather is very pleasant.
(4)Sophia T.
I'd say the food was nothing special... I had the lamb kebab sandwhich which was honestly mediocre to me. It needed more spice. The tabbouleh was also mediocre.
(2)D F.
I don't want to be mean, but I don't think this place is good at all. I don't think any of the food is good, and the service is consistently bad. I've actually gone here at least 5 times, because I live close and I generally like middle eastern food, but I have never walked away happy from this place, either because the food disappointed me, or the service, or both. Usually both. In fact, I think it may be the most consistently bad place in terms of service that I go to. I'm sure I'll be back here eventually, so I will upgrade this review if this place ever gives me a reason to.
(2)Daneen H.
Excellent. authentic food with good prices. Restaurant is small but has a good sized outdoor dining area in the warm months. I always get a few dishes to go. If you are looking for the real thing-this is the place.
(5)Todd A.
I certainly felt discriminated against as we sat at and watched other, obviously olive skinned patrons get served. (I am chronically caucasian) And it turns out the food is lame and expensive - thick, chalky hummus, bland baba ghannouj, greasy falafel, tasteless lamb, cloyingly sweet baklava. Don't waste your time, make the trip to Lawrence and Kedzie, Little Arabia is sooo much better.
(1)Alexis P.
Really great falafel sandwiches! Nice and moist and the falafel balls don't crumble all to hell. The hummus is also very good, but for the amount of hummus, not enough pita comes with. I've never actually been there, but it's pretty awesome as far as delivery.
(5)Amy M.
I decided to walk across the street from Kamehachi (since it is no longer BYOB and had a chilled bottle of wine in hand) after reviewing this place on Yelp as BYOB as well. $1.50 pp, thought that was reasonable, and sat outdoors on their patio. The patio was nice, the service wasn't friendly, but not unfriendly, so it worked for me, I wasn't looking to make new friends. There was a longer wait for the food, with the understanding that the restaurant was filled, and we were seated next to a table of 8. I ordered the hummus entree, and my date ordered the chicken kabob. Both entrees were very good. I've had middle eastern cuisine plenty of times to know the difference. The prices are reasonable, and if we ordered an appetizer there was no way I would get to my entree-the serving sizes are plenty for the price. However, I was tempted to try a desert, but then stopped myself after remembering several bad reviews on Yelp. I just couldn't do it. I would recommmend stopping in, and plan to do so again myself.
(4)Alison M.
If I'm standing in front of Old Jerusalem, craving Middle Eastern food, I'd go in. But, otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. While they do have good hummus and a decent vegetarian sampler plate, it's pretty run of the mill fare. The other night I was really craving stuffed grape leaves, but theirs were overwhelmingly lemony, and kind of limp and soggy. In the future, I'll just stick with Cafe Orchid.
(3)Misse D.
Every other review has hit on the points that I was going to state (great cheap eats, delicious food, and healthy.) I ordered the lentil soup on a cold, rainy day and it was perfect! Yum.
(4)Tim S.
I love this place! I get the Vegetarian Combo almost every time, however, I 've had other stuff too. BYOB, reasonably priced for it's location. The staff is extremely friendly, but it's more of a cultural difference I think. Outdoor seating in the summer, carry out and delivery available. They are open late, so I often call in an order and swing by for carry out if I want a lighter meal after 9 or 10pm.
(4)Dustin H.
This is a great place; I have not been to the restaurant in person as I always get delivery using grubhub.com or calling directly (to cut out the grubhub fees). Everything I have had there is good - only giving 4 stars since I honestly havent been to the restaurant itself.
(4)Sarah L.
I just recently moved to Old Town and this restaurant is at the front of my building. I've eaten here quite a bit and it's consistently pretty good. They have excellent lentil soup and I like their falafel. I have mostly just had their shawarma and it is excellent. They have a nice little outdoor seating area. I've had a positive impression of this place every time I've been there and I'll continue to go back and recommend that others give it a try.
(4)Oskee W.
I greatly enjoyed the beef shwarma and the baklava. The shwarma is served in strips on warm flatbread with tahini. very flavorful and very nice portions. the baklava was sweet. moist, and flaky, exactly as it should be. I would go every day if I could!
(5)Heather K.
This place was surprisingly delicious. Came for a quick dinner before going to Piper's Alley, so it was one of those "I'm starving, the movie starts pretty soon, and I only have $10" situations. We started with the hummus appetizer which was wonderfully creamy and had a bit of a lemon kick. The appetizer split between 3 people was a bit of a stretch. I'd recommend a 2:1 (eaters:orders) ratio for next time, or a 1:1 if you're hungry and love hummus, like me. My friends and I all got various forms of falafel as entrees, in sandwich and platter varieties. The sandwich was no more than $5.50 and probably one of the best falafel sandwiches I'd ever tried. The falafel was hot from the fryer and had more of a smooth texture instead of being crumbly inside. The tahini tasted very fresh too and there was sauce all throughout the pita pocket, not just poured on the top. The lettuce was crisp, the pita was soft, and I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich. I must go back immediately. I'm thinking...falafel sandwich to go, and picnic on North Ave beach?
(4)PJ K.
OK, I don't spend a lot of time in Old Town, so maybe y'all's definition of "cheap" is a little different than mine ... I found this place rather expensive relative to what I got. It was competently prepared food, no real complaints, but it didn't exactly move my needle, or that of my dining companion, who grew up in Cairo. Sometimes, you need Middle Eastern food. Sometimes, you're in Old Town. If both of those things are simultaneously true, here you go. Otherwise, there's really no reason.
(3)Daniel R.
Old Jerusalem is a great place but this review reflects more than what yelp.com has created with it's ranking system. Many reviews loss sight that restaurants relationships with us, the customer, is an experience. Sometimes things do not click and we dislike what we have seen, heard, ate, etc. but thus is not accurate to a numerical rating system that infantilizes our experiences with food, wine and other humans! I was reminded of my experience with this little restaurant after going to Zaytinya, a Jose Andres restaurant in DC. At this concept restaurant started by this year's James Beard Chef of the Year, the food and particularly its presentation were great but there is something to be said with pure, down home execution of a food style demanding a daft hand with spice, experience, the freshest ingredients and knowing what to do with them in the minimalist way possible. My experience with Old Jerusalem began well before I stepped foot into the restaurant. I had heard of a great wine shop in the neighborhood that had a Domaine Tempier 2002 baseline rouge. There was minor seepage apparent and the proprietor of the shop dutifully whipped out his waiter tool, before a word was said, popped the bottle and poured a small splash for both of us. The wine was delicious regardless of its condition which just goes to show you how sturdy mourvedre is! I asked the gentlemen for a good Meditarrean restaurant and he recommended Old Jerusalem. Needless to say the food was great and I enjoyed the totally modest corkage fee. The food is not "innovative", the spices don't "suprise" you but this is textbook. This is what reminds you that being human and enjoying food, wine and the company around you is a reflection of our basic human nature and is entirely subjective. I saw try this restaurant and maybe the synergy I experienced will be there but probably not. Regardless of my rating it is a solid place sure to deliver more highs than lows.
(4)Brenna M.
Note: This is in regards to DELIVERY service We ordered a simply hummus plate and falaffel plate and had to wait 1.5 hours for it to be delivered (we live less than a half mile away). Once it was delivered it was cold, the food was mediocre (maybe because we were so frustrated but oh well...) and it cost a ridiculous $18 for hummus, pita and a few falaffel balls. Not somewhere I will ever order from again.
(1)Javier B.
Very solid Lebanese! The menu is very simple, though I was very pleased to see a couple of new additions recently. The baked kofte with tahini was outstanding! They have the best tabouleh in the city and their falafel sandwich is awesome and a great value. Not the greatest atmosphere but it is BYOB. My only complaint about this place is the very mundane pita bread that they serve. No worse than most places, just wish the bread was better.
(4)scott a.
Awkward atmosphere when you an in to an empty silent place. We ordered, and it was weird not having any music on. The food was ok. It was cheap. Not bad, not great. I'd go back.
(3)Liz S.
I ordered from here cause I was having a horrible craving for hummus and falafel, and while I LOVE Sultan's Market, I figured it was time to try a new place. Well....the hummus was great, but the falafel didn't compare to the yummy-ness that is Sultan's Market. Also, the prices are also higher than at Sultan's Market. So, I've learned my lesson....I'm going to stick with Sultan's Market for now and I'll explore new falafel and hummus at a later date.
(3)Stacy D.
Don't go for the ambiance (unless you can sit outside and people-watch), but definitely go for the food. I live a block away from OJ and go all the time. The decor inside is unimpressive and the service is straight-forward and not overly friendly, but none of these things matter if you take it for what it is. BYOB always a plus. Personal faves: Veg Combo Dinner, Musaheb (chicken+hummus+salad+pita), and Chicken with Hummus. Minus one star for the prices, which are a bit hefty for some of the smaller dishes like the soups and salads.
(4)Diana S.
Wowzers... I don't usually like eating Middle Eastern food at restaurants.... either they over cook stuff, the service sucks, or the food is bland and muted to appeal to the American palate. Not the case here! It's such a cute restaurant. There are little touches of the culture, but nothing overwhelming. Soft music, an embroidered mural, little pieces of art, it's pretty and I like it. Add to that the fact that the food is all so fresh and comes to you super fast and I want to come back all the time. So. I. Have. Been. I come every week. It's a family restaurant and you can tell. This summer I've seen the owner's kids sitting quietly in their corners with their electronics or even rolling silverware (so adorbs!) and even a little old lady who I'm sure is the matriarch either sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or relaxing in her corner of the restaurant overseeing the excellent service! But okay, ambiance and people aside, the food--- oh dear sweet lord, the food. It's like Aladdin, Genie, Abu and the magic carpet came and swept me off to Beirut- or dare I say Old Jerusalem :-p (see what I did there?) The flavors are authentic, the food- fresh, the mashawi (grilled food) are whoa, falafel is the best I've had this side of the Atlantic and don't even get me started on the hummus... I want to kiss the hands of whoever made it and beg them, "teach me master". Seriously though, if you want Middle Eastern food that is actually REAL Middle Eastern food, run- don't walk to Old Jerusalem on Wells.
(5)Sarah G.
We were looking for an affordable place to eat, which in Old Town can be tricky sometimes, and we saw the good reviews for this place online, but it only ended up being so so in my book. I love me some falafel but this falafel was a little dry and I wished the appetizer portion of it that we ordered came with a little more sauce or something for us to add to it. Their lentil soup however is pretty addicting and I really need to figure out their recipe for that soup! I found myself having difficult sharing that soup with Matt, so definitely something I would come back and order again. We also got a dish I had never heard of before called Arayes which took over 20 minutes to wait! It said that clarification on the menu too, but we had pretty much finished our entrees by the time it came out so it was more like a post appetizer ha ha It is like a middle eastern flat bread topped with ground lamb and it was pretty good, but I would have liked it to start my meal rather than end it. Then we also got their kefta sausage sandwich which I think also was one of the best dishes we got. The flavor in the sausage was really great and the sauce with the vegetables all went together really well. So for a place in the area with decent prices and large portions and the service is really nice too, Old Jerusalem is a good choice.
(3)Scott S.
I really wanted to like Old Jerusalem. I arrived with great anticipation and left unenthused. Service receives 1 star while the Food receives roughly 2.5. I'm normally indifferent regarding service, but felt this was particularly poor. We waited several long minutes before our waiter first arrived. Our table received our pita bread halfway through our meal, roughly 10 minutes after the table next to us who had been seated after us. Requests for condiments were left unanswered. A markedly poor experience. The food was slightly better, but nothing to rave about. The grape leaves were uninspiring, the hummus plate was smaller than anticipated, and the lentil was bland. The Greek Salad was decent, although the grilled chicken on top was very good. The Kefta Kabob Sandwich was the highlight. It was bigger than expected and the meat was cooked perfectly.
(2)Jean L.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the area! A no frills restaurant with straight-forward service. ...and did i mention BYOB??? The sandwiches are great and all under $10. The babaganoush is the best I've had. The combos are huge and yummy! (my personal recommendation is the chicken kabob) All the yummy eats + BYOB = definitely a 5 star review!
(5)Jess M.
This place came highly recommended by the chaps at my hotel and it did not disappoint. I went from 70 degree weather to snow when flying in earlier in the day so wanted something to warm me up. I ordered a bowl of lentil soup and side of tabouleh with bread. The soup may have been the best lentil soup I have ever had. It was seasoned perfectly and warmed me up. The tabouleh was fresh and delicious. I indulged a little and had a piece of baklava, also really good. Flaky and not too sweet just like baklava is supposed to be. It's a family run joint and you can tell. Friendly atmosphere, good food and very reasonably priced. I will definitely stop here again for some nosh when I'm in town.
(4)Ceyda E.
I really wanted to like this place! The ambiance is great, a cute little restaurant that has a BYOB option, which is fantastic. However, their food was too far from authentic and was "Americanized" so much so that the originally spicy Middle Eastern dishes lacked flavor. Also, they can improve their price-portion balance; I found the portions to be a bit small. The service was excellent, though.
(3)Jake C.
The chicken and falafel sandwiches were excellent. The only problem was the amount of lettuce. The dessert was baklava and amazing, best I've had in a while. The Arabian coffee was strong and tasty. Will return. This is a nice family owned and operated establishment.
(5)Nicole B.
Fantastic casual little cafe in Old Town. This place isn't fancy, but the food is fantastic!Highly recommend the vegetarian combo with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad, and falafel. I'm usually not a fan of tebouleh but this was fantastic! The baba ganouj was also some of the best I've ever had! The Jerusalem salad was this creamy yogurty salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Great deal for the money. Everyone in my group ordered meat entrees- lamb and chicken and honestly the vegetarian dinner looked way fresher and more delicious. Overall definitely recommend this place!
(4)Rayanne A.
I have been going here for years and I have tried almost everything on their menu!! There aren't many restaurants you go to and you find great hummus and to die for falafel sandwiches. I love going to this restaurant that has friendly waiters and a lovely owner. You should stop by this tasty restaurant when your in old town.
(5)Rachel A.
I called for take out and it was ready in 15 minutes. Got the hummus chicken, falafel appetizer and a side of pita bread. Everything was great! The chicken was well seasoned and came on a bed of delicious hummus. The appetizer came with 4 falafel balls on top of a small salad. The side pita bread came with so many pitas for .50 cents! We made pita sandwiches with the chicken, hummus and salad that the falafel was on top of. The restaurant itself is not fancy and based pm the ambiance, I would suggest carry out over dining in. The 1 employee I talked with was friendly. Delicious! I will definitely be back to try more dishes!
(5)Tavi J.
I went here last night after deciding fast food wasn't the way to go :) Glad we did. It was a beautiful night out (after the rain) and we wanted to eat outside.. The waiter and staff were very attentive and got our seats all dried off so we could enjoy our meal outdoors. We ordered the Tebouleh salad which was delicious and had a lot of flavor to it. For our main meal we split the Shawirma. It was was presented different from any place I have had before. Instead of shredded lamb and beef it was slices. It actually did taste like a gyros. Hummus was served underneath it. I appreciated the uniqueness of the presentation, but I have had better hummus. Guess I should mention what my friend really enjoyed about this place is it's BYOB. I've been seeing a lot of BYOB establishments on Wells street, so will have to make sure we remember to go that route. Next time I plan on getting dessert and trying the Bakalava. Nice establishment and I will return to try more food items.
(4)Sydney B.
Great, casual Middle Eastern food at good prices. Even the bread was notably good. If I lived near here, I'd be a regular.
(5)Jay N.
This is THE hidden gem in old town!! Not only is the food amazing, fresh and healthy - the people that work there are the nicest! My favorites are the Lentil Soup and the Veggie Combo Platter ( i am not a big meat eater) with the falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, etc. The portions are so generous. I absolutely love this place! Its BYOB for sitting in the restaurant and super fast delivery for take out!
(5)Marisa Y.
This is another instance where I wish Yelp allowed for half stars because I think this place is really more a 3.5 than 3. The food here is solid, but nothing to write home about. The falafels are excellent and I'd definitely order them again if I come back here. I ordered the greek salad with falafel (trying to get that Lean Body 2015 diet going haha) and the falafel was the only real standout. The portion size was big, but the salad was overdressed and I have no earthly idea what dressing was used. It kind of ruined the salad unfortunately. I also thought the hummus was overpriced. Ok, but overpriced. Service was fast and nice though, which shouldn't be discounted. If I was in the area, I might come back again, but this place was pretty forgettable to me.
(3)Shayna Y.
For a casual, Byob spot, this place a great choice. There isn't much of an ambiance, but Old Jerusalem is located in the heart of Old Town. For $1.50/person you can bring your own wine. The food is casual Mediterranean food. We ordered the Tzatziki which was honestly a bit watered down and not as creamy as I've had before. I would not recommend it. For an entree, I had the chicken and hummus. The hummus was delicious - not too creamy, not too oily. The chicken was also pretty good. I would certainly get it again. Looking for an inexpensive and casual place on Wells St, this is your spot!
(3)Mohammed H.
This review is for delivery only. Our office ordered the food for a lunch seminar. The food is fresh and tasty, but it could be better. I had the chicken wrap with pickles and it tasted pretty dry and didn't really have any sauces in it. The tabouli and falafels were much better - I am glad they were ordered as additional dishes. It's not the most authentic and delicious Mediterranean food out there, but perhaps visiting the resturant might be a different experience.
(3)Eva R.
This is a litle restaurant in Chicago Old street. It is opened very late and you will get your meal very fastly. The speciality are typical of Midle east cuisine and is very well made. I addition you can seat inside or outside. So this place is prety much a good deal if you want to eat late something unusual for the city
(3)Kasey A.
Appropriately priced, authentic (to me) Mediterranean food. My wife and I got the combo meat platter and felafel and it filled us up! Definitely would recommend.
(4)Jessica N.
this place was super cute but was very hyped so it under-delivered. Falafel - Just ok. Not super flavorful Shawirma - Underwhelming. Great portion, rice was tasty. But I wanted more from the meat Musaheb - Hubs ordered this and it was delicious. Really tasty hummus and the chicken was well spiced and cooked. Clearly the winner Need to come back and try more, 2/3 were under whelming but we need to try more on the menu.
(3)Kerry C.
I placed a delivery order from here and was thoroughly disappointed. First off, I live less than a mile away and delivery took over an hour, which is ridiculous to me on a weeknight. My boyfriend and I ordered two entrées and the falafel appetizer. The falafel was really, really good, but the entrées were lacking. The meat was overcooked and really oily, and I don't think it was worth the cost. However, the size of the meal was quite large and I had over half leftover. I ate the leftovers the next day but only because I hate to waste food. It was edible, but I don't think I will ever order from here again.
(2)Emily M.
meh ive had better. I probably would not go here again. The food was mediocre and the service was slow. Not to mention, its freezing inside! It is BYOB though!
(2)Ben W.
This place was quite a gem! Was pretty slow when we walked in but by the time we ordered dinner, it was full. Ordered the falafel appetizer (AMAZING), shawarma sandwich and my date ordered the combo platter. The falafel was the clear victor in my book. Portions are very generous especially for the price. Staff friendly, helpful, and attentive.
(5)Radhika K.
Great Byob Mediterranean place ! Meat is cooked to perfection and their dips were too good ! Bread was warm and our server was super friendly ! I tried lamb kebabs and they were done so well and my friend tried chicken kebabs and they were equally well marinated and tasty ! It's almost a 5 star place till the dessert arrived . Baklava was stale ' skip the dessert if you can . Everything else was pretty good :):)
(4)Mark C.
Excellent Turkish Coffee! Authentic middle eastern cuisine. Great neighborhood. Will definitely return.
(5)ChiTown M.
Dirty. Run down. Poor service. Beverages that taste as though the lines haven't been cleaned since they opened in 1976. Coffee that makes your tongue numb. Filthy utensils. Mediocre food. What more could you want in a restaurant? Sort the reviews by date and you'll see that this place is going down hill.
(1)Lindsey W.
I was thoroughly impressed with Old Jerusalem attentive service, accommodating seating area, and obviously the byob-awesomeness. Although I've passed by this establishment several several times over the years, we decided to eat here because Cafe Sushi is closed between 3-5pm (dumb) The food was all delicious, we had falafil app, hommos, feta cheese, greek salad, tebouleh, and other plates that we our table of 4 split. We all felt like it was a great value. Love the outdoor seating and people watching on Wells Street too! Seems pretty child friendly too... not sure about dogs but I'd assume so. Great place for vegetarians! So many options! PS: Try the baklava.. at least 1 piece (I think it's only $3), it was so rich it felt like it was melting as you took a bite.
(5)Romana Y.
The food is solid: great tabouleh, hummus, kifteh kabobs, chicken, and shawirma. The sandwiches and plates were generously satisfying. The lackluster service is never welcoming. The outdoor tables wobble. The bathrooms are in need of an upgrade: the communal hand towel-style remains disdainful amongst most. The family-run owners were rather cold towards their patrons, but appeared relatively cordial towards my group and I, as our similar origins came up during service. Great, healthy, pick-me-up, and people-watching location, but improvements are highly recommended here with everything but food.
(3)S W.
Just wanna make a comment on the Turkish coffee, since that's the main reason I went there during my short trip to Chicago. It's great over all. Very strong and flavorful. They put cardamon in it, too which I love. Very impressed. :) The staff was great. Very patient and nice (I asked lots of questions about the Turkish coffee since I make my own. They definitely have a better recipe than mine). I had a great time!
(5)Nancy Y.
Very laid back ambiance. Ppl were eating outside, but I was too cold today to eat out doors. Very classic Lebanese style food! Very good and kind service. Family owned and operated. Good family place. Will come back again!
(5)Sarah M.
Great food, especially the shawerma entree and chicken sandwich. Highly recommend for takeout and lunch.
(4)Neal N.
Amazing food, amazing service! The best middle eastern food I have ever had in my life.
(5)Phil Q.
This is my go to Lebanese/Med restaurant in the city. Great service and amazing food. Go with the chicken kabob plate or the Kefta Kabob sandwich.
(5)Khadijah L.
Solid lebanese food. Great baba ghanoush and meats on the combo platter. Owner confirms that food is halal.
(4)Albina O.
A couple of years ago I remember this place being fantastic. But going back last week I was very disappointed. I really wanted to love this place. The good: - It's a mom and pop shop, complete with an old woman in a head scarf sitting in the corner. - Great location - Good Feta Cheese appetizer (really, should have stopped eating there)- I might even call it great, but considering how little effort goes into preparing it, 'great' would be generous. - Stayed a little while for tea after dinner, and did not at all feel rushed to leave. The bad: - Attentive, friendly service, with a major glitch: my grape leaves entree (on the entree menu) was brought out with appetizers. - The grape leaves were over-salted, and I really couldn't get past that. - Cold Pita Bread - The tables are wobbly. A coaster under a leg would help out a lot. Disclosure: I grew up overseas on kabobs, pilov and grape leaves.
(2)Lara T.
The restaurant was not really busy, but the take-out counter was hopping. The menu and prices are decent in scope, and you can never go wrong with a BYO. Our group ordered quite a few items, so I was able to sample all sorts of dishes. The baba ghanoush was delicious and smoky, the stuffed grape leaves were delicious, and the Moudardara was tasty. The meat dishes were overcooked. If you have a hankering for this style of food and happen to be on Wells, swing on by.
(3)A C.
Their chicken with hummus is good, and pita bread is fresh. I like the coffee as well.
(4)Ed D.
Excellent food! Middle eastern cuisine at it's finest. I will come back here for sure. Located on North Wells
(5)Shan D.
Thought everything was just average. The falafel is overcooked, and the hummus is just bland. I'd look elsewhere if you're craving middle eastern food.
(2)Nish R.
Stopped by for a lunch on a weekday. So the palce was pretty empty. Seemed like a no nonsese kind of a place. Food came amazingly fast. I had the Veggie combo and a fresh carrot juce served with lebonese bread. Food was really tasty. Service was a little business like rather than friendly but it was very efficient. So no complaints here.
(4)India B.
Very impressed with Old Jerusalem. We ordered in, so I'm sure it would be better if we ate in the restaurant. The tebouleh, feta cheese, vegetarian combination platter, and shawirma were good. We will be back!
(3)Sid P.
Ordered the lentil soup and Musaheb. Lentil soup was great but the Musaheb was meh! Chicken was really dry
(3)Rachel R.
Excellent food. The Greek salad was absolutely perfect from the freshness of the produce to the light, yet tasty dressing. The falafel was wonderful as well. The only con was that delivery took nearly 1.5 hours and the lady who answered the phone when I called to get an ETA wasn't very friendly (although the lady who delivered was very sweet). Will try dine-in next time, but will definitely be back.
(4)Son N.
The highlights include hummus and baba ganoush (both contain just the right mix of spics without having one overpower others), tabouleh (salad-like and not soggy like at many other joints). The entrees don't stand out as much, but most people will like the generous portions. If you like desserts, their kenafeh is da bomb. Last but not least, patio seating (summer is coming!). What could be improved: the room-temperature pita and inconsistent service - I suppose it comes with the territory of running a mom-n-pop establishment in the high-traffic Old Town. Recommendation: give Old Jerusalem a try. For a casual date night or a group dinner over decent Middle Eastern fare + BYOB wine, you could do much worse than this homely restaurant.
(4)Alicia D.
Really great food! Quick delivery- about 35 minutes. Quality stuff. I found my new place!
(5)Jennifer P.
I'd rate it as 2-3 stars. Service was okay, nice people but not great service-wise. The food was fine, but I've had a lot better. The price is what brings this place down. Its quite expensive for the food quality.
(3)Katherine G.
After having friends recommend the place for some time I finally gave this place a try. My dad was in town from the burbs so I dragged him along for lunch. I was expecting slow service,but we greeted its as soon as we walked in, and the service remained attentive it entire visit with it making us feel rushed. We split the an appitizer and then we both got sandwiches. Everything was flavorful and not over or under seasoned. We both enjoyed everything and we'll likely be back. For the food I would likely go 4 stars, but factoring in the price it gets bumped to 5. With tax and tip it was under 25 which can be hard to do in the Gold Coast/old Town area. Not much ambiance, but I am okay with that for solid food and service.
(5)Emily J.
Great spot for lunch in Old Town. It wasn't crowded at all when we went and the food is tasty. Its like a second version of Mona's in New Orleans - which I used to frequent when I lived there.
(3)Peter C.
Definitely could have been better. I had my expectations high from previous reviews and the traditional ambiance. To start, the bread was cold and my yogurt appetizer was watered down. Had the shawarma plate for a main. The meat was dry, and the rice and lettuce that came with tasted store-bought. The tabbouleh was the saving grace. Not too grainy, with a nice onion flavor.
(2)John G.
good byob spot, i enjoyed the apps & the lamb was excellent. friendly service too!
(5)H. V.
Quick delivery service via GrubHub. Service in restaurant is slower than it should be (especially for premade items ie:hummus), especially when the weather is warmer and they have the outdoor seating. I will say: I keep trying their delivery and every time something is off. This time it was hair in my tabbouleh :( But. When the food is on, it's on!
(4)Kymberly J.
I've been here a few times and have always been satisfied. This place has some of the best lentil soup around. It's so comforting on a chilly Chicago day! I take a star off because the service is so very much served without a smile. And not in a mean way like I want to stiff her tip, it's more like in a sad way. I feel sorry for the woman who is always my server. Maybe it's because she is never allowed a day off but there is something about her that makes me feel like she might not want to be there or she is overworked. Anyway, lentil soup, tabbouleh salad, falafel sandwich, whatever you get you wont be disappointed.
(4)Larry L.
We had many options in "old town" but picked Old Jerusalem. What a treat! The falafel plate is excellent and the lamb too! The family run restaurant is like being at home with welcoming hosts and friendly service. We dined, had great conversation and could bring our own wine! Do not miss this jewel!
(5)Rick T.
Pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty, pret-ty good. Standard fare. Well prepared. Family run. Eat in to watch as the the family members wander to and fro, seeming to multiply from a mysterious room beyond the doorway at the back of the dining room. Waager with friends on how many different people will enter and emerge from the mystery room during the course of your meal.
(3)Steve M.
Solid chicken schawarma sandwich as well as entree. The chicken is juicy and spiced mildly - none of that over-the-top turmeric seasoning here. Tahini sauce is creamy and mild as well. This is good stuff. Delicious hummous too. The proprietors are some of the nicest around too. All of the ladies are friendly in that "stern but nice grandmother" kind of way. Do it.
(4)Sarah P.
Lentil soup. That's all I ordered and all I was craving the entire day. Old Jerusalem has some good lentil soup. They are located in the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. Their prices are very nice given it's in the city, and they offer outdoor seating with an awning overhead so you can sip your soup outside while it's raining.
(3)Jacob A.
This is a great spot in Old Town. I've been going here for about a decade. Solid Middle Eastern food. From the hummus to the kebabs everything is great! The owner and staff are very friendly. Service is excellent. Go check it out!
(4)Wes N.
Overall I enjoyed the food. I had grape leaves, falafel, lamb and tabouli. Only three stars because I didn't love the tabouli. The rest was pretty good and you can't beat the prices and the byob. I'd def come again but don't expect to have your world rocked.
(3)Jessica L.
Old Jerusalem is so great. I have Mediterranean food all over the city and I have NEVER found a place that does everything as right as they do! I have never had anything bad from here and would recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of food!
(5)Mark G.
Very impressed with this place. There falafel platter is a must!
(4)Tom H.
I've been going here for decades. Good Middle Eastern food with all the standard pita, kebabs, lentil soup and so on. Friendly wait staff. Outdoor sidewalk tables and the restaurant front opens up on warm days. Prices somewhat higher than say, Pita Inn in Skokie, but fine for Old Town.
(4)Julia K.
Chicken kabob was chewy, the yogurt dip was watery, hummus was bland, and falafel was just okay. The food was absolutely nothing to return for. Service was underwhelming-had to go inside to find the waitress quite a few times Outdoor seating right on Wells is a plus.
(2)Meredith B.
Stopped here for lunch during a shopping day in Old Town, and we were both pleasantly surprised! We came at a weird time, like 1:30 pm on a Monday, but a few other diners with weird eating schedules came in throughout the afternoon. Looks like they do a swift takeout business too! Not being terribly hungry, I got the Jerusalem salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley in tahini sauce) and the lentil soup. The lentil soup was surprisingly fantastic. I thought it would be thin and average but it was really complex and flavorful. The bowl was generously sized, and along with the salad made for a great light lunch. The Jerusalem salad was very thick and creamy from the tahini - I ended up eating it stuffed in pita, which was great. I couldn't finish the whole portion myself - it's not a huge amount, but I wasn't super hungry - but it kept well in the fridge and made for awesome snacks later. My boyfriend got the hummos with beef, and he really enjoyed it. I stole a few bites of the thinly sliced beef but he did a pretty good job polishing it off. He too was pleasantly surprised at the quality of food coming out of this little joint! Since Yelp says that our favorite Middle Eastern spot, Fattoush, is closed, we may need to start coming here to get our fix!
(4)Jimmy J.
If we are to judge on food alone, this place is a solid 4 stars. I am an Arab by origin. I have eaten hummos, falafil, and the such in Chicago, Amman, Beirut, Bethlehem, and Damascus, hence my review here will have some credibility. This is definitely a restaurant where you want to take the food to go. The inside is very drab and doesn't have to be but apparently its owners don't know any better. Service was awkward and bizarre and weak all at the same time.This place appears to do good business, but 90% is carry out and it is easy to see why. The food was quite good. Some of the best hummos and baba ghanoush i have ever had. The mezzes had just the right amount of salt and lemon without being overpowering, and the baba ghanouj wasnt overpowered by garlic, often a common Arab flaw. Their version of the Greek Salad was good but no reason to use Iceberg lettuce. I can tell you as an operator, Romaine is cheap enough where no restaurant should ever use Iceberg in any salad. Their Tabouleh was killer. It wasnt chopped to fine which is a common mistake. When it is cut too fine, it soakes up to much of the oil and lemon,and becomes soggy. Theirs was cut perfect making it more of a salad in texture. Also, while the standard procedure is to soak the bulgur (cracked wheat), a main ingredient in tabouleh), to to make it soft, Old Jerusalem does not giving it tabouleh a nice crunch. Falafil was a bit overspiced but defintely met my high standard. Price points for appetizers salads, appetizer spreads, and sandwiches are very good especially given the high rents of the neighborhood. Howvever, the meat and chicken entrees were high in relation to other menu items and what additional food u get: Cheap rice and a generic salad. My grilled chicken kabob sandwich was awesome. Their sauce is a perfect mixture of tahini and lemon. If you live in the neighborhood and looking for solid hummus, falafil, tabbouleh, and kabob...essentially ARAB cuisine staples, Old Jerusalem works. Lastly, perhaps it was day old bread for we came on a sunday, but food rating lost a star because the bread was lackluster. Your bread has to be a star if you run a Middle Eastern restaurant.
(4)Brian F.
Strange to see an older restaurant like this in the midst of old town's glitter. There's just nothing fancy about the place and the workers seem unhappy. The food was good but not great and my lentil soup was served lukewarm. Hard to get excited about coming back, but I will try a few more dishes based on the high yelp ratings. Maybe I missed something.
(3)Brian N.
$7 for q shawerma that was chocked FULL of meat. I have rarely encountered such a problem where I've been wishing I had more tatziki. They cut no corners and the shawerma came in a fully enclosed pita pocket that was fresh so none of the mess encountered when some ppl give you just a wrap. House made hot sauce. Super flavorful tabbouleh. Really impressed here. Humble mom and pop. Good for price point.
(5)Danny B.
My favorite place to get middle eastern food. This place is great, I ussually get the beef schwarma and falaffel, both are excellent! The pita's are also freshly made and delicious! I wouldn't go anywhere else if this is the type of food you are looking for!
(5)Samuel M.
After many years of obsessive falafel sampling, I think I've finally found perfection, and it's at Chicago's oldest Middle Eastern standby. Old Jerusalem's falafel sandwich ($6.25) is served simply, with tahini sauce, iceberg lettuce, and tomato. However, this falafel needs no embellishment; the patties are spiced vigorously, burst with flavor, and are fried to a delectable crunch. They're awesome. For what its worth, the toppings, while spartan, are exceptional; briefly, the tomato managed to distract me from the falafel. I have to knock down a star because of the hummus ($4.75), which is pricey and a bit bland for my taste, and for the pita, which while not unpleasant, is served at room temperature and is not made in house. Also for these reasons, Pita Inn still holds my top spot for Middle Eastern food in the vicinity of Chicago. However, the falafel sandwich at Old Jerusalem is truly superlative, and in a class of its own. It's a must try.
(4)Jet S.
It's fine. Bad decor, okay prices. In general meh. It's the only food of its kind in the area so if you want these flavores then this is your spot. The people that own it are not that friendly.
(2)Ryan P.
This place is definitely tasty. If you are into Middle Eastern food, this place will probably knock your socks off. The hummus is crazy good.
(4)Justin B.
The kefta kabob sandwich and the falafel were fine, not amazing, but tasty. I would go back for both since the price point was pretty solid. However, I'm still not cool with the $1.50/person BYO surcharge; as part of my cheap eats weekly dinner, this surcharge put us over the $10/person standard. Otherwise, great service in a simple setting...not remarkable enough to go back but I can see where it would be if I lived close by.
(3)Daisha G.
My husband and I loved this place! The service was GREAT and the food was tasty. The only thing we weren't a fan of was the shish kebab. We also loved how small and authentic the restaurant was. We'd definitely recommend it to anyone that likes this type of food.
(4)Lauren H.
This place is another hidden gem of Old Town! BYOB. Very very good. I have been once and loved it.
(5)Keith D.
Old Town's staple for falafel cracks #19 on Chicago Magazines best sandwich list. This was my first Chicago falafel experience. I decided then that Falafel would receive honorary meat status. It's so good, that I can't tell that something wasn't murdered. If I ever go vegan, Mr. Falafel, you are my only hope. You're like a pocket of good. Not that there's any fear of the vegan thing happening, but sometimes you gotta get real and ask yourself. I consider myself a vegan now, except I possess the mental and physical fortitude to eat and digest meat. Kind of like a vegan super hero. Is it the best falafel in the city? Shit no, but it's respectable none the less. The Schwarma is rather damn tasty.
(4)Yoj G.
Amazing sandwich for a very reasonable price. The dessert was good too, but I think the sandwich was a tough act to follow. The location also a great spot to relax and people watch.
(4)K C.
Fantastic option in Old Town. Arguably the best find on Wells St. Prices are very reasonable and BYOB makes for a great $30 date with patio seating on a summer night.
(5)Brian K.
love the food, love the service. especially when the owner personally makes deliveries.
(4)Karen Anne B.
I've been here a few times and am surprised to find that I haven't reviewed it. This is one of my favorite places for falafel, baba ganoush and definitely my fave for stuffed grape leaves. The falafel is crispy and yummy. The baba ganoush has a great smokey flavor, I'm not always a fan of baba ganoush but I like theirs. The stuffed grape leaves are tasty, lemony and tender. The hummus, IMHO, is fine, not extraordinary, but decent, and the tabbouleh is better than most. The service is maybe not the most "friendly" (they're not rude by any means, just...efficient), but the food comes out lightning fast. It's BYOB and there is a per person corkage fee. In the summer they have outdoor seating, which is nice. Give them a try.
(4)Jessica S.
The food was pretty good but did not blow me away. To be fair, I did only order the vegetarian platter, a mix of different veggie entrees. While I only gave Old Jerusalem 3 stars, I would return for a laid back al fresco atmosphere on a nice summer night.
(4)Kathryn R.
Falafel sandwiches at old jerusalem are highly rated by other yelpers, so I expected a much tastier experience. Falafel sandwiches come smothered in lots and lots of iceberg lettuce - slimy says what?! Restaurant temperature is very cold and not cozy in the winter. Hostess was not very friendly and our lunch was really really slow even though we were one of two tables in the restaurant. This place is ok, but will keep looking for my go-to middle eastern food restaurant in Chicago.
(3)Kevin O.
If you want the best hummus in the city this is the place to get it. Not much in the way if atmosphere but its made up in their food which is always consistently good. Been eating here for YEARS!
(4)Matthew L.
Really a 1.5. I've eaten here twice - the first was bland, and mostly unremarkable. I decided that there was no reason to go back, but it wasn't offensive or anything. Last night, a family member ordered from here for a family function. While talking to him, it sounds like he got a good deal - a mountain of falafel and hummus along with jerusalem salad and tabbouleh for not that much money. I guess that's a score. The problem is that this was literally the worst meal of Mediterranean food I've had in my life. The hummus (how do you mess up hummus? 4 ingredients!) had no flavor. I genuinely do not believe they added lemon juice to it. It was paste - the consistency of mashed potato. Suitable for spackling. No lemon juice. No garlic. Just paste. The falafel was unbearably dry. The crust gave a nice crunch, but you're no supposed to get that crunch all the way to the center. The falafel just crumbled on your tongue. Most of the positive reviews here note their "mild" spicing in their dishes and their large portions. If you like vats of tasteless food, I guess this is the place. But even Sultans, which is cheap, runs circles around this joint. I can't figure out why someone would voluntarily eat here.
(1)Jonathan K.
The real deal! Was very disappointed by a falafel at one of the newer hip establishments, and needed to fulfill a craving for a real falafel done right to cleanse my palate. Turns out old school still does it right. The balls spiced subtly and fried just right. The Jerusalem style toppings (tomato, iceberg lettuce, tahini sauce) done just like I remember from the Middle East. The baba ganoush also superior... Not overly smoked and pulverized so it had texture left. Sure, they don't give you a choice of a trillion options. They do it simple and they do it right.
(5)Jennifer W.
Outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine. The falafil sandwiches, tebouleh, hommos, and baba ganouj are excellent. The food is fresh and well prepared. This is a small, casual restaurant on Wells Street in Old Town. Parking is extremely limited. In the summer, there are tables outside. The owners are very friendly and take pride in the food they serve. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the mood for good Middle Eastern food at a causal restaurant with reasonable prices.
(5)Brent L.
Phenomenal restaurant ran by stand up management. Visited Old Jerusalem for a few appetizers during the Old Town Art Fair. A few friends and I came into Old Jerusalem with around half a cup of beer from one of the food and beverage tents. We were originally charged $1.50 each for a BYOB fee we were unaware of. I brought this to the manager/owner's attention and he waived the fee. Although it was a small charge and he could have easily substantiated it with it's presence on the menu, he was kind enough to waive the fee. The food was excellent and the shaded outdoor seating was perfect. Given that the food and dining experience are wonderful, I want to really emphasize how great the management at Old Jerusalem is. I highly recommend Old Jerusalem.
(4)Shirley A.
My new middle eastern spot! Vegetarian platter and combo meat platter are both delish! Love supporting small family owned local restaurants!
(5)Andrea R.
I enjoyed such a yummy dinner here recently that I wondered why I stopped coming here. A friend and I were starving after our nearby boot camp class. Stairs, hills and some other forms of torture sure can bring on a healthy appetite! Fortunately lots of food at Old Jerusalem awaited: * Hummus Appetizer served with a basket of soft pita bread * Chicken Kebob Platter. The chicken was cooked to perfection * Falafel Platter. Not quite Sultan Market quality, but sure tasty The service was fast and it was pretty inexpensive. Shame on me for letting Old Jerusalem slip my mind since moving from Old Town a few years ago...I won't let it happen again.
(4)Eric R.
Three words...moldy pita bread. I picked up a sandwich for carry out, got home to discover that the pita was covered in mold. Called the restaurant and was argued with. Never going back.
(1)Amy R.
Best Baklava in the city! It's made in house. The Kefta kabob is excellent....always extremely fresh. The texture of the meat is great. Also, the combination plate of chicken, steak, and Kefta is a wonderful meal, and two people can easily split that. I enjoy their lentil soup.....but it's not as thick as before. Less lentils, more water..... This is a family owed business, and they have been there for over 30 years. The people who own it are very genuine & gracious. Fresh carrot & apple juice. BYOB in Old Town. Not a SCENE! So, very comfortable. Casual....
(5)Kelly K.
Bottom line: delicious Middle Eastern food at reasonable prices (especially for the neighborhood). This was my boyfriend's and my go-to Middle Eastern restaurant when we lived in the area. We would get the feta appetizer and I always got the vegetarian combo, which is a great choice if you want to try a variety of items. It comes with hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, and Jerusalem salad and all are very good. The only reason I deducted a star is because the service can be a bit slow and aloof sometimes. But the food more than makes up for it.
(4)Sarah Beth B.
After a movie at Piper's Alley, this was a great place for an easy, relaxed saturday night dinner. We started with Jerusalem Salad and Falafel, and split the meat combination plate, with schwarma, kefta kebab and beef kebab. Overall, it was pretty delicious. The falafel was crispy and fresh and the salad was bright with lemon. The meats were all great, especially the beef kebab, and the rice pilaf served with the meat was really good. Everything came with plenty of tahini sauce on top, and a side salad was a nice accompaniment. Unfortunately, the pita wasn't the best I've ever had, and there wasn't enough of what there was. It's not my favorite falafel in the city, but when I'm in Old Town, it's definitely worth a visit.
(4)Agnes Z.
Although this is a very low key place, the food is fantastic. So don't judge the book by it's cover. I've been eating here for years. For me this is the best place in the city for Middle Eastern / Mediterranean food. They have one of the best falafel and tahini that I've ever had. Of course they have many other great dishes. The service most of the time is fine, it's average, but for the price (this is really inexpensive for down town) I don't think one can complain. Oh and they have a nice out door sitting in the summer.
(5)Snowdrops C.
An excellent place for a falafel wrap or a shawarma! We have visited this place twice now - great food and good value casual dining in a lively neighborhood.
(5)S L.
food is great, 5 star food. but, this little place knows how to stretch a dollar and they will. I go here for takeout all the time. Let me give you an example. The Old Jerusalem salad is tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with tahini sauce and parsley. Delicious and fresh. Small is a decent portion. The large is much more money but the same amount of salad with a side of iceburg lettuce. And they LOVE to pull the "$10 minimum on a credit card", which I think is illegal. But, I put up with it because it's close to my house and good food. Just figure out their system or you get significantly screwed.
(3)Jelena Z.
If I was forced to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be a combo platter from a Middle Eastern restaurant. Why? Because it usually comes with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel AND pita bread. So yeah... I'm a bit of a cheater. 'Cause clearly that's more than one item. I came here on a brisk October afternoon with audible hunger pangs and a caffeine withdrawal sweats. Well, practically. Enter Arabic coffee: strong and super dark just the way my mom makes it! I've always found it interesting that no matter how much sugar you add to this potent brew, it'll never be sweet. Black magic! True to form, I ordered the vegetarian combo platter. Hummus was creamy, mild with a hint of garlic. The baba had a nice touch of smoke, but i kept my eyes on the prize: the falafel. Nothing crumbly about these fabulously friend chickpeas... moist and totally together. I polished off my entire plate, which means I thoroughly enjoyed my assortment of Middle Eastern delights but also that the portion was on the smallish side. But that's okay, because the food is quality and did keep me satiated for hours. I'll definitely be back, especially since I hear they're BYO! Nothing like eating AND imbibin' on the way cheap.
(4)David R.
Really good food and quality service. Why is this place three-quarters empty all the time, while all the generic bar-food dumpsters up and down Wells Street are teeming with people on a weekend afternoon? Well, fuck those no-taste douchebags. I enjoy a quiet lunch where I can read anyway. I'm not sure what the management setup is here, but there's an old lady and two middle-aged men, who may be her sons. In any case, she is pleasant and seems to be running the show. Today I saw her taking a delivery order out, for heaven's sake, leaving one guy to man the kitchen and the other to handle the entire front of house, including the patio. They pulled it off though. Anyway, the food is very, very solid. I wish that they had better pita and that they served it warm, but that's about the only detraction I can think of. Baba ghannouj: B+; smoky and slightly textured. Steak kebab: B+; tender juicy grill flavor, maybe the second-best I've had behind Al-Khaymeih. Falafel sandwich: B+; too much lettuce but very good crispy, not greasy, falafel. Hummus: B+ again; they nail the perfect texture, and I love the garlicky undertone. Jerusalem salad: B; light and tasty but somewhat overdressed. Kibbah: B+; until Old Jerusalem, I had not found a place that made this item taste like anything but dog food; OJ's is pungent in the good way and tastes like the actual ingredients listed. Great seasoning and cooked perfectly. I don't find myself in Old Town too often but this is shaping up as a destination for me as one of my favorite down-scale Middle Eastern joints. Too bad they don't have chicken shawarma on the menu though. (Sad face)
(4)Anuj S.
Went here this evening. I would say it was a very normal middle-eastern place. For me falafel is the measuring stick at these type of places. They did fine on falafel. I can't complain. The second measuring stick is the hot sauce, though. I didn't care much for the hot sauce... and actually it tasted spoiled/sourish. The hummos was good, although the portion was small. Let me put it this way... if you're nearby and you want some Mediterranean food without much effort or travel, it's not a bad option. I definitely wouldn't seek this place out, though, because there are plenty of better options if you're willing to... like... what's the word... go somewhere?
(3)Jamie S.
Love this place! The food is amazing, portions are huge, staff is really friendly and it's cheap (especially for Chicago)! Oh and it's BYOB. The actual restaurant is a little cozy, but well worth it.
(5)Lisha L.
Cheap fast solid neighborhood gem! Tip: order the sandwich, it's almost exactly the same size and content as the entrees but cheaper.
(5)Hanna S.
Great, reasonably priced neighborhood place. Crunchy, garlicky falafel is the right choice here. They taste like they are fried up fresh. Too many places offer leaden, greasy, or bland falafel. This is some of the best in the city.
(4)Rachel W.
My go-to falafal spot for the crew. Love their babaganoush, hummus, cucumber/tomato salad. I don't eat lamb, but it's popular w/the guys, as is their grilled chicken that comes on this awesome flavored rice. Not sure abt the ambiance, have only catered them in.
(4)Chris L.
I feel a little guilty for only giving three stars, but honestly the word I would use for this place is uninspired. The service was fair, the food tasted ok (falafel was the best dish, shish kabobs didn't seem to be grilled), and the atmosphere was laid back. Prices were definitely reasonable and portions were good. Why only three stars then? The menu selection wasn't quite as original as I had hoped. Basically I could go to many other places to get the exact same things on the menu: falafel, baba ganoush, shish kabobs, etc. Maybe I will return to update later on.
(3)Vivi W.
Very slow service, even when the place was rather empty on a saturday night. Chicken kabob and beef kabob were both very dry and disappointing. Grilled lamb sandwich was dry. Felafel, for which they are famous, was ok but nothing special. Dessert was overly sweet. Avoid this place.
(1)Gina M.
While spending 5 days in Chicago I tried several restaurants in the Old Town area. I love middle eastern food and this was a good stop! I had baba ganoush which was rich, creamy and refreshing. A slice of tomato, onions and a sprinkling of paprika. A small salad was served along with pitas. I also ordered Lamb Shawarma that was served on a warm bed of rice. I had enough left over to make 3 more pitas for lunch. I also had a nice fresh glass of carrot juice. The server was friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. I would recommend coming here!
(4)Will R.
Good, simple spot for reasonably-priced and tasty middle eastern food. Good falafel, hummus, schwarma plate, and lentil soup. Service was very polite but a bit slow.
(4)Rhonda G.
What do you get when you chop tomatoes, cucumbers and mix in a little cucumber sauce? Apparently $11 bucks worth of something because that's what this lovely little concoction costs. OK, their were other things in the meal as well but since it was a vegetarian combo, pretty much everything was a side dish or sauce, which in my book doesn't add up to anywhere near $11 bucks. Service was mediocre, food was mediocre, location was pretty nice. So Mediocre +mediocre/by average equals not worth your time.
(2)Timothy B.
Food was absolutely fantastic and the service was exceptional. They took the time to assure my order was correct down to the last detail. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who likes middle eastern food.
(5)Courtney H.
Not particularly impressed. Chicago boasts many places with better - and cheaper - falafel sandwiches (Sultan's Market, for example), and much better hummus (Falafel and Grill, or for the foodies, check out Frontier for their white bean hummus). All in all, I'm too full to move because I was hoping it would get better. Definitely not satisfied.
(2)Tashween A.
I liked that this place has long history, it's been open for 35 years. I also like that this place honors its commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. My brother and I happened on this place, when we came to Old Town and were looking for something ethnic. We you walk in, Brass wall hangings and warm maroon and crème colors fill the interior, producing an authentic ambiance. The casual atmosphere, with the option to dine inside or in their outdoor patio during the summer months is a plus. I ordered the labneh, home strained yogurt topped with olive oil, which epitomizes their commitment to freshness. Not too tart, it a tasty, healthy option. Their baba ganouj, blended eggplant and tahini served as a cold dip with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, with its surprising smoky taste and melded fresh herbs is scrumptious. I'm a big fan of baba ganouj and I would say that it's one of the best I've had. The Lebanese pita, if only served warm, is otherwise just right; soft and light. The thickness is unique. Not too thick nor to thin. My brother ordered the the falafel , perfectly crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful inside without being greasy. It seemed that all the entrée options have large proportions. However, they lack variety in preparations for their meat entrees. For example, unlike most Middle Eastern restaurants, they don't prepare chicken shawirma, but only a beef and lamb combination. The shawirma, rather than diced/shredded like at most other Middle Eastern restaurants, is sliced like gyro meat. They even proclaim that their shawirma sandwich is "Our version of a Gyro." I was surprised and didn't feel like it was shawirma, but it still tasted good. Their sandwiches are also generously large and delectable, but are hard to eat. Rather than wrapping the bread around the filling, the filling is stuffed into the pita bread, which often breaks. You may need a fork and knife, but it's worth the effort. The service is a hit or miss probably, because we had a really nice wait staff who were friendly and patient. I can't wait to go back and try a few more of their appetizers and made in house desserts.
(4)Marissa B.
Maybe they thought I should be fasting or something. Our table ordered an appetizer & dinners, the appetizer never appeared & then everyone else got their dinner but me. I waited, thinking it must be on it's way. I waited. I may have dropped a pant size. I waited some more. Finally I flagged down the server & asked where my dinner was & where the appetizer was the table had ordered. He said he'd "forgotten". Well. So then my dinner came, along with the appetizer. My friend had the veggie combo platter which was served with hummous & babaganoush. She was apparently on a server-imposed carb-diet because they never brought any of us pita bread. I had to flag down the server again (because they seemed to be more interested in talking to eachother than dealing with us) before my friend started eating hummous with a spoon. I understand servers forget things, food orders go in wrong, etc. BUT, when mistakes DO happen, usually they go out of their way to apologize and try to make you leave happy. That didn't seem to happen here. BOTTOM LINE: The food was mediocre and the service was lackluster. They can do better & I should be seeking better.
(1)Eric S.
Great little spot. Quality fresh ingredients that taste amazing! Service was friendly and authentic...highly recommended - And definitely going back!
(5)Alex H.
Pretty safe bets are shawarma, kebab, and falafel. I don't make unsafe bets.
(5)Jill M.
The falafel sandwich is very good. As was the service. If you have food allergies, be careful when you order the desserts and ask questions to make sure. I thought I was fine because I thought the description in the menu put me in the clear, but I got really sick earlier from an allergic reaction and now I am drugged up on Benadryl. I will still come back to sample their other food, but not the pastries.
(4)David T.
The food is authentic and absolutely delicious! I agree that the falafel is the best in Chicago. In addition to the food, the staff are extremely friendly, kind, and accommodating. Because of the outstanding food and staff, this has become a staple for my family and one of our very favorite restaurants. Go!!
(5)Ws's Mama H.
My first at Old Jerusalem.... I loved everything about it and wiil definitely return. I tried vegetarian combo, meat combo, and harissa. I liked how I was able to taste bit of everything from both combos. I devoured their Jerusalem Salad! Yum!!! Falafel was crispy not greasy. From the meat combo, lamb tasted better than beef. Rice was pretty good, too. For dessert, I didn't really care for harissa but I liked how it was home made looking.
(5)Kathrin E.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Chicago! The ambiance isn't anything spectacular, nor is the outdoor patio (however, it is very good for people watching), but it's the FOOD that always keeps me coming back from more (especially the Musaheb Sandwich)! This is a family run restaurant, and it is one of the most efficiently run restaurants I've ever been to. The menu is very simple, but oh so good because all of the ingredients are very fresh. Plus, this place is BYOB and they allow dogs on the outdoor patio! :)
(5)Cory A.
Old Jerusalem is a standard Middle Eastern restaurant that serves all of the usual suspects in the usual preparations. Nothing stands out as different or signature, or even exciting. The service wasn't very good, and neither was the atmosphere. The plates and glasses were of the unbreakable plastic kind and looked as though they've been in use since the 90's. If I was brought back here, I wouldn't warn my party not to go, it's just that you can get the same food at ANY middle eastern restaurant, simply better; with more seasoning, variety, and depth.
(3)Brz A.
I always stop in here when I'm in the neighborhood, and each time I'm reminded how much I like it. I usually try the falafel sandwich, which is really good - but recently I opted for the veggie combo platter - which was awesome. The dish included: Pita - Standard, not too thin or chewy. Hummus - smooth with a nice tahini flavor Jerusalem salad - like a middle eastern pico de gallo! - very flavorful compared to the many watered down versions I've tried. Falafal - Perfect amount of crispy outside and tender inside. Baba Ganouj - eggplant is not usually my thing, but this was a real surprise. As other have noted, it has a real smokey flavor that I loved. Jerusalem Salad - Fragrant, well-balanced and complicated mix. Again, made with more skill than many other versions in Chicago. I wouldn't call it cheap, but there is a lot of food. I am a big eater and I couldn't finish the whole thing. You can tell they are serious about their recipes here, Old Jerusalem offers one of the more homey and delicate takes on Mediterranean cuisine that I've found in Chicago..and I've been looking... P.S. I'm also a fan of their tough-love type service!
(4)Chris D.
the food and prices are great and the BYOB is a huge plus. The only drawback is that the service can be slow at times.
(4)Jenn C.
Not sure why it's taken me so long to post a review but this is one of my favorite quick dinner spots in Chicago. I'd say we grab takeout here about once a week and dine in a couple times a month. I still haven't found better hummus anywhere in Chicago than at Old Jerusalem. The shwarama is delicious - I always get an extra side of tahini with it. The chicken kabob, falafel and the combo platter (with beef and lamb) are all consistently great as well. The service is excellent - and I have to hope they recognize us at this point - and BYOB option is always welcome.
(5)Ryan S.
Best Lebanese food in the city! Make sure you get the labneh and hummus, it's top notch. Also ask for some za'atar, it's a middle eastern spice that isn't on the menu. Goes great on both of those dishes. The falafel entree is perfect for two, a go-to every time I go there. The staff is so nice and service is great!
(5)Darryl S.
The GOOD: Falafils were pretty good along with the Baba ganoush and the hummus. Good flavor, especially in the falafils. Great mix of herbs. The BAD: My friend had the greek salad and all I have to say to that is does this restaurant think she was a rabbit or something? There was some lamb which tasted pretty much like generic gyro meat you would find at any greasy spoon restaurant. The bigger problem was with the mountain of lettuce under the meat which seemed never ending. Salad overall was bland. The UGLY: How can you mess up Baklawa? Come on man! Straight up terrible desserts.
(3)Chris H.
Good choice for Middle Eastern food in Chicago.
(4)Michael B.
Yum, one of my favorite restaurants on Wells. This place has legit mediterrean food and the staff is great. Food is consistently good and the take-out is always ready on time as well if you decide to go that route. The portions are huge and normally enough to have for two days. Suggestions: combination platter, kefta kabab, falafel and hummus.
(4)Matthew M.
I have found that exploring other cities over long weekends is a very exciting way to satisfy more than just the cultural junkie in me--it is an even better way for satisfying the foodie in me. My native Philadelphia is known for some very fine restaurants but not always for anything with a significant ethnic influence. This is why Chicago--a city even more well known for its fantastic cuisine--was the perfect place to tease my palate. The first choice? Morrocan. To my dismay, finding a Morrocan restaurant in the heart of Chicago on the weekend is a challenge. So many of them either have limited menus or are only open for the business crowd. Finally, after culling through an exhaustive list of deadends, we found Old Jerusalem. This spot is in a prime location--a great place to eat AND people watch. With some outdoor seating and windows that open to the outside, the atmosphere is very inviting and familial. Perhaps it was a tad too familial though, as upon entry, DC mentioned that it smelled slightly like grandparents. Old people aroma or not, the service they provided was also quite good. Orders were taken and plates placed very quickly. First up - Falafel. I must say it was cooked nearly to perfection, with just the right balance of creamyness and crispness. The accompanying Tahini was also quite good, but the most amazing part was the texture of the pitas--I can never find ones like that at the grocer! Shortly after devouring the appetizer, we were presented with the main course. I had the Kefta Kabob, and DC had the Baked Kefta in tomato sauce. The Kabob was grilled and served with a grilled tomato, and it was delicious. Oddly, a side salad of iceberg lettuce and tomato in tahini sauce was presented a la carte and again as the base of my main dish. I found this to be a major overkill. The Baked Kefta dish was prepared with a healthy amount of spice in a creamy tomato sauce (DC preferred this over more Tahini). In both meals, the portion size was unbelivably generous; this was a statement overheard from many other diners as well. All in all, this joint gets four stars for being open, having healthy portions, and overall taste. If I could make any recommendations to them, it would be to have better air circulation to reduce the "grandparent mothball" aroma, as well as upgrade the quality of the rice being used. DC made note that it was of middle-grade cafeteria consistency and served as a mere filler to an otherwise outstanding main dish.
(4)Dex Y.
I'm glad I gave this place a shot. Now I have one more option for eating in this area. Their Kefta kabob was well put together. The veggie was fresh and crunchy, and the beef/lamb patty was tasteful. I feel it would be even better if they could have added a little bit more spices to kick it up a notch. I must note that the pita bread was perfect. If they sold the bread separately I'd get that. I also ordered the lentil soup on the side. It tasted mild, but somehow I enjoyed it. Serving was fast because not many customers were there. Waiters/waitresses were friendly. Will go back to explore the other dishes!
(4)Norbert W.
Love it for lunch. Love it. It's very solid, what-to-expect Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Have always had good experience with the service, and while it gets lively in the space - can be a bit noisy - that's one of the fun parts of the atmosphere. For some, it's probably not their thing. Oh well. This genre of cuisine is a favorite, so I'm definitely of the "pick anything" school of ordering. Have fun.
(4)Anna T.
Old Jerusalem is A-OK, but nothing to call home about. I've been here a couple times. First was for a light dinner several months ago and finally returned last night with a friend. We were looking for somewhere to sit outside and my dining companion couldn't pass up the Middle Eastern fare, so I was willing to give Old Jerusalem another go. Bonus points for allow my dog to sit with us, although it was for sure a tight squeeze. We started with the Kibbah, which was new to me, and it was tasty with a splash of lemon and yogurt topping. Kind of sad looking, though, and a tad steep for what we got. I ordered the Vegetarian Combination plate, which came with hummus, baba ganouj, tebouleh, Jerusalem salad and falafil. Everything tasted fine, but felt pretty ordinary. My dining companion ordered the grape leaves plate and a side of falafil. Flavorful grape leaves, but not filled generously. Overall my second try for Old Jerusalem solidified my 3-star rating. Non-pretentious and easy going food and service, but nothing spectacular.
(3)Daniel L.
I've been to quite a few Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago (And to a few in the Middle East) and I've gotta say that this place is good. I got the vegeterian combination platter and my fiancee got the shawarma sandwich and we were both very happy with what we got. The hummus, cucumber salad and tabbouleh was yummy but not surprising. The babaganoush (sp?) was fresh! Nice surprise there. But the falafels, oh boy. I generally stay away from them because they're always too dry or way overcooked but the brown balls of deliciousness that landed on my plate was anything but! 5 stars for the best falafels I've had. I can't wait to go back and try some of their meat dishes. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
(5)Steve D.
Good food cooked by someone who knows what they're doing in a relaxed atmosphere, enough said. Came here for lunch on MLK and didn't leave disappointed. Started with the hummus and the baba ghanouj. Both were really good, home made, and hit the spot. I got the Musaheb, grilled chicken, which was cooked perfectly. I also sampled my friends kefta, and my other friend's falafel sandwich. All of it was really tasty, my chicken was cooked perfectly, and I would definitely go back for the falafel. For dessert we got the baklava and the kinafa, both were sweet, flaky and delicious, I would recommend either to anyone. The service was good, our waiter was attentive and he made sure we had everything we needed. When a restaurant uses age old recipes, decent quality ingredients and good service usually the customer will leave happy. I left happy, and really full. I would recommend getting a sandwich rather than an entree. The sandwich will fill you up for half the price. Great place for lunch or dinner, great part of town, I will certainly be going back.
(4)Heidi K.
Everything I ate was perfect! The tabbouleh was sublime, the baba ganouj was perfectly flavored, and perfect texture...truly a master chef made this food!
(5)Rick F.
Wow this place really sucks. Bread taste like a freezer, soup is watered down, and canned hummous! Yuk! This place turned into american style :/
(1)Matt L.
Have you ever seen that petrol station, Gas City? Worth it though. BYOB and better for the basics (falafel, baba ganouj) than Sultan's or even Chickpea.
(4)Kelly S.
Mmmmeh. I ate here with a friend before attempting to catch a show at Second City. Charming little place... almost with a french cafe type feel. The place was packed (7:30 on a Saturday night). However, a table of 12 in the back was taking up the majority of the space. We were seated right away. After pondering over the menu for awhile, I opted for the Vegetarian Combo Plate. WAY overpriced at $11.50 for what you get. A few sides, some pita bread, and 3 falafel balls. I was wanting more. I was hungry and this meal had me feeling a bit like a rabbit. Next time... I will go with my gut and get the falafel sandwich or the hommous and chicken. Yes, that is how they spell hommous here. Service was slowwwwww. My dirty plate sat in front of me a lot longer than I can usually tolerate. BYOB. $1.25 per person corkage fee.
(2)Maryann M.
I really enjoy Old Jerusalem. I've been here a few times and the food is always very tasty. The service is ALWAYS great - friendly, prompt and efficient. I love that it's a BYO and completely unpretentious. Definitely my kind of place. I think the falafel is really good, and I LOVE the stuffed grape leaves. Another positive: the prices.
(4)Henry V.
The Hummus is the best here. Environment is very laid-back and young. Menu is fairly simple, the things you expect from a Mediterranean restaurant. Jerusalem salad here is also really good. Tried the Chicken with Hummus one time a 3-meat combination another. Great go-to place for a date night in Old Town.
(4)Melissa G.
Small restaurant. Great hummus, pita and falafel sandwich. Hot tea was ok.
(4)Sara P.
I have to give Old Jerusalem 5 stars, because everytime I come here (and I come here a lot), it never ever disappoints. I truly love this place. The vegetarian platter is delicious- it comes with all sorts of salads, falafel, baba ganoush, and hummus. The meat platter is great too. My most recent visit I got the falafel sandwich, wrapped in pita. It was so good, I almost wished there was more. I love this place in the summer when you can sit outside in their little patio. The inside is nothing special, just an open room with a bunch of tables. What they lack in decor, they absolutely make up in food. Can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Rachel B.
Great middle Eastern/ Lebanese cuisine with BYOB policy! What I liked the best about Old Jerusalem was the service. The staff is friendly, quick but they don't rush you. On the Saturday evening it was pretty empty but later on it started filling up. My boyfriend and I opted for two dishes with lamb. The Kefka Kebob was our top choice out of the two. The portions were pretty big and we stopped ourselves from eating the whole meal to leave room for the baklava (baklawa)! What is better than phyllo dough and honey? The couple sitting next to us had the Vegitarian Comination Platter and it looked amazing. It also has a low corkage fee. If ordering the grape leaves, note that they are served cold and not hot. The ones I had tried before (in a Georgian restaurant in St. Petersburg, Russia) were served hot, so I was expecting something different. All in all, we've already turned into huge fans and can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)Dan L.
I stopped in for lunch and had the 'Shawirma'. The meat was very dry and spiced in an odd way. I've had much better. The price was good though and so was the service.
(2)L H.
This is hands down the best mediterranean place in the city. I've tried countless times to perfect their chicken after I asked them how they make it. They use fresh ingredients in all of their dishes...no preservatives or artificial ingredients. That's probably why it's so authentic. Get the greek salad or house salad with chicken...it's seriously the best thing ever. The combination platter is delicious as well. GO!
(5)Denise F.
When I lived in the neighborhood, Old Jerusalem was always a great spot that I kept going back to. I've had quite a few of their menu items, and while nothing completely wowed me, it was dependably very good. Even now taht I've moved out of the area, if I'm feeling like Middle Eastern food, this is where go. Also, I love the BYOB option!
(4)Andrea G.
I organized a big group dinner (20 people) here that we had at OJR earlier tonight. The restaurant management was fantastic--the place is run by a Lebanese immigrant family. They helped me pick out just the right amount of food--without trying to push stuff on us that we didn't want to run up the bill--had our table all set up when we got there, brought the food out in a timely fashion, and didn't try to run us out when we were finished eating. So five stars on that. Now this wasn't any ordinary group or any ordinary dinner. This was a reunion dinner for my Birthright trip that we had over winter break. That meant that not only were we 20 people, we were 20 hungry Jews who had just come back from eating hummus in the Middle East. And WE LOVED IT. Every dish was perfect. We had: -Hummus -Tebouli -Shwarma Kebab -Chicken Kebab -Falafel -Jerusalem Salad -and then Pita with everything. My only criticism is the pita could have been warmer. Otherwise, everything was DELECTABLE. Even the tebouli, which I find is too dry at most places, had just the right amount of vinegar in it. The hummus was creamy and amply spiced, the Jerusalem salad had enough tomatoes in it (not to mention extra tahini sauce for dipping), and the falafel was fresh out of the frier. Furthermore, our wallets weren't ravaged at the end. I also think they're BYOB. Hands down one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Anna B.
Love this place. I usually get the falafel and it always very tasty. I love the pickled turnips and the rice pilaf. I like that the restaurant is nothing fancy, easy access. It's more of a cafe style place then a serious sit down place. The food is inexpensive and tasty. It's simple and authentic. I also love the music playing in the background. Excellent for quick lunch.
(5)Ev A.
I'll keep this short. If you are Mediterranean or enjoy Mediterranean food, you will appreciate this place. It has the select flavors anyone can enjoy and the food is fresh. I recommend this place. I had such a pleasant experience. It's restaurants like Old Jerusalem that take me back to the homeland...
(4)Jon L.
I've lived above/behind this quality middle eastern restaurant for just over a year now, and it's a great place to go pick up something quick when I don't feel like cooking. Prices are good for the neighborhood, pickup orders are always quick (10-15 minutes, even on weekend nights), and the food tasty (but not gourmet). Their babaganoush and lentil soup are excellent, and a shwarma sandwich fills you up without making you feel over-stuffed. Bottom line = quality standard middle eastern food, quick and affordable.
(3)Joscelyn M.
BYO and outdoor patio for great Wells street people-watching are definite pluses, but this place gets 5 stars on food alone. I love everything here from the lentil soup to the hummus, salads, meat, falafel, pita... Best middle eastern in the city, hands down!
(5)Stu T.
Stopped in for the first time mid-afternoon and found the place a great find. Service was great, the food flavorful and the prices reasonable. They even turned off the ceiling fans for us. I live in the burbs but will stop in again.
(4)Jennifer J.
Just tried this spot recently, and I liked it for the most part. I got the Musaheb sandwich (essentially a chicken sandwich), and my dining companion ordered the Shish Kabob sandwich. My sandwich was simple and tasty, largely due to the sauce but the chicken was good, too. The baklava was actually considerably larger than those from other places I've ordered yet around the same price. It was good, too. The service was decent, not extremely nice, but they did refill our drinks, take away dishes, give the check, etc. in a timely fashion. I do feel that some of their dishes are overpriced, but the appetizers seem pretty cheap. Just FYI: the prices on their website are outdated ones; they've gone up a few cents to a dollar. One more thing I like is that, according to their website, they're open until 10:30 sun-thurs, 11 fri-sat. I wish more places stayed open later during the week, at least until 11, so yay for them!
(3)ashley d.
Dine-in, dine-out..... either/or, just dine, it's divine. They also deliver. I get down on their tasty hummus and falafel. Dining in can be a little slow, so get an appetizer.... may I suggest the hummus? Also, when I've been in the colder months, I recall being chilly inside.... so, grab your snuggie!
(4)Kelly K.
Food: Great. Service: Hit or miss. I've been here a few times and the food never lets me down. Usually I get the chicken kebabs, but any time I've tried something different, I've been satisfied. The hummus is delish, the corkage fee reasonable, and the sidewalk seating is perfect in the shade on a summer day. The only complaint I have is the service- usually I have no complaints about it, but a few times it has been slow.
(4)Janet E.
I came here during the summer time and the outdoor seating was great! Service was good and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable as well.
(4)ChicagoFoodie S.
Thought it would be a great place and was expecting better. Very Salty Lentil Soup. The meat shawarma tasted okay, but still salty! Probably will not return.
(2)DrGrace G.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)Ryan J.
Last night, I found myself in Old Town, craving some Middle Eastern food before seeing a show at the Red Orchid Theatre. Enter, Old Jerusalem. My boo and I were promptly seated in the tiny space, which was pretty much packed to the brim with other patrons -- always a good sign. He ordered a sandwich and I ordered the mint tea with falafel appetizer. Both were adequate-to-good. My falafel in particular was very flavorful on soft on the inside with excellent crispiness on the outside (almost a bit too crispy for my taste, however). It came with a light salad which was nice, but I wish there had been more yogurt sauce or something to dip the crunchy nummyness in. The service was a little bit pooky, but there seemed to only be three people (likely the owners and one other person -- the cook) working the entire restaurant, so that was understandable. Definitely on the more casual end of the dining spectrum, but all in all, I was mostly quite satisfied.
(3)Victoria O.
Old Jerusalem is a pleasant place to have a meal. Eat outdoors and take your time. Some have said food is the same as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but in my opinion, it's better. Falafel, Jerusalem salad, shawarma, lentil soup, pita, are all good. Service is friendly and laid back. I am always happy to come here. I believe it is BYOB as well, which will make your meal far less expensive. Fun to people watch as well when you sit outside.
(5)Erika G.
Oldskool Chicago - this place has been here For. Ev. Ah. or . . . at least since 1988. It's a good place to get a cheap bite if you're in Old Town and craving middle eastern food. It's tasty fare - nothing at all wrong with the food here, but . . . in no way the best I've ever had, because I've had the best, habibi.
(3)Liz B.
Old Jerusalem gets the job done when I'm craving Middle-Eastern. I've been here several occasions, but only for lunch, so I wouldn't know anything about crowds at night. Always order some falafel before your meal, it's super tasty and you can order by the piece. I ordered the schwarma sandwich the first time I came to OJ, and it had a really funky taste. Kind of like cinnamon, which I found to be kind of gross. I would suggest passing on that. However, I did try my date's chicken Musaheb sandwich, which was DELICIOUS! So with that said, I decided to give OJ another chance and ordered the Musaheb the next time I lunched there. OJ- you redeemed yourself with that tasty, tahini-laden chicken pita. Mmmmmmmmmm!
(4)Wendy Y.
Im not sure why this place gets so much hype. I've seen it in like 3 travel guides for Chicago. Maybe its because I felt like there was a bad vibe in there and a wierd creepy lady with a scowl on her face seated us. Maybe its because I am from Detroit, which probably has the best (and most) Middle Eastern restaraunts in the counttry. I am just not that into Old Jerusalem. I have to say my Chicken Pita was really good but everything else was just OK. My friend hated hers. The worst is when you suggest a place to a friend and then they hate it. Woops. Sorry. I may go back but they need to put some music on in the place. Its just quiet and wierd and not too appealing. Anyway, Its OK. The food is above average. The service is not so great.
(3)Richie D.
Very nice place in Old Town for falafels, with sidewalk tables for nice days. It seems to be the hummus/falafel sandwich capital of Chicago! My only complaints were that I received dirty silverware and the cup of water served had teenie specks of something black in it (it may be from an ice machine or something). Other than that, very tasty and good prices.
(4)ak a.
Great falafel, baba ganoush and tabouli. The chicken and vegetarian dishes are great. Wonderful lentil soup and warm pita bread. Always fresh, consistent and great service.
(5)Nicole B.
I ate here for the first time today and will definitely return. The menu seemed to be simple / typical Middle Eastern food but that was exactly what we were looking for. I had the falafel and my fiance had the Shawarma and a Jerusalem salad. We both enjoyed our meals. I am not usually a huge falafel fan, but this was great. Crunchy but not greasy, and not overloaded with sauce. It was also a lovely day to enjoy the patio. The food came out fast and our water was always full. (Much appreciated since it was 90 degrees today.)
(4)Big B.
I used to go hear as a child and some 20 years later its still got great food at amazing prices. Each and every visit, take out or delivery the food has the same freshness and quality. Worth the visit.
(5)Meg O.
My parents and I were on our way to the Zoo Lights, and my mom really wanted to stop at Old Jerusalem for dinner. It had been an old family haunt, I think we first started coming here in the late 80s, when we discovered the part of Chicago that lies between 900 North and Lincoln Square, the old-school one lined with delicatessens crammed with Fraus und Herrs. Back then, my parents associated falafel and hummus with their days of shopping on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn nearly a decade before, and found Old Jerusalem to be an exotic, nostalgic gem. Sadly, last night Old Jerusalem bore very little resemblance to our discovery so many years ago. While the hummus still held some of its magic, and my mom declared it better than Cedars of Lebanon down in Hyde Park, most everything else was mediocre. My lentil soup was on the bland side, even after a squeeze of lemon, and the potage was nearing watery. The tabouleh salad, while strong on the parsley, just the way I like it, had a sweet and sour apple cider vinegar aftertaste. I didn't have a falafel sandwich, but I can tell you that the ones from Sultan's Market look a lot better. There was a generous amount of feta cheese on my Greek salad, but shame on me for ordering something with tomatoes in winter. Worst of all, the restaurant was freezing! Service was on the slow side, but the staff is friendly. If we hadn't been going to Zoo Lights, and just had been in the mood for Middle Eastern food, I would have taken my parents to Sultan's. Next time I will, and I will also relish thick, savory lentil soup as I listen to my mom tell stories about the next door neighbor in Staten Island teaching her to make hummus.
(2)Ashley G.
I find the place to be hit or miss. Sometimes I get a great meal and at other times I wonder what happened to the place. The service could improve, because I have experienced a number of mistakes. There are a few other places in the city that I would prefer over this place, so if you are looking for an awesome meal, I might look in another direction.
(3)Denise U.
I go to this place somewhat regularly and it has always been consistent and great. The Musaheb is so fresh and wonderful. Their Baba ganoush and Kiibbah are superb. It's BYO too, so that's a good thing. A great way to start an evening, and just steps from the Old Towne Ale House.
(5)Andrew L.
The food here is tasty! I love the yogurt cucumber salad and the kabobs. The food is pretty authentic and the price is not too shabby. The service can be a tad slow, but aside from that this is a decent place to eat at. It's nice inside too, you could take a chick or a dood here and impress them by suggesting the foods I did in this review ;) For deserts I suggest the one with the cheese in it, I forgot the name. OH well try it out! :P
(4)David K.
It's 1pm on Wednesday, it's 15 degrees out and there's snow on the ground. My buddy and I are starving. My only protection against the cold is a light zip up sweatshirt and a pair of gloves. I'm craving shawrima, hummus and pita bread. Old Jerusalem is almost a mile away and the cold is nearly debilitating. My heart is telling me yes but my body is telling me take a cab. I have no cash on me, I suck it up and make the hike. I order the shawirma with hummus and an arabic coffee. My buddy orders the grape leaves and hummus appetizers. The meal is served within 10 minutes. The pita bread was fluffy and warm. The hummus was not to pasty and just cold enough. The lamb was so tender it must have been in love. I could taste the happiness. Old Jerusalem is a very good Lebanese restaurant (they also deliver). If your going as two plan on spending $20-$30 and satisfying all your wildest hummus dreams.
(5)Dean D.
Service here is pretty spotty, but the food and coffee were decent. The waitress seemed to not like us, so maybe that's why we got crappy service!
(3)Hope A.
Great! Couldn't have enjoyed it more. Nice evening to sit outside - only thing to make it better would have been a glass of wine (byob - but a very cheap corkage fee). Had the feta app, vegetarian combo and the entree combo plate between three people. All was fantastic. No frills just good food.
(4)Jerry B.
Everything good except for Baklava. Better value at Pita Inn. Corkage $1.50 pp.
(4)Kendra M.
Very authentic food. Has become my go-to restaurant. Pick up is always ready in 10 minutes and the food is delicious. Great for groups because of menu, prices, and BYO. And the staff... icing on the cake.
(5)Liza M.
I went here last week, it's pretty good! I got the grape leaves entree it was pretty tasty. We walked and realized it was BYOB and we were without B, so we ran down the street to Galleria Liquors, which is a lovely little place, and bought 2 bottles of wine. There is a corkage fee of $1.50 or something but it's not bad. Everyone else ordered shwarma pitas and what not and were satisfied with their meals. The pita bread is good too. I wasn't blown away but I would be willing to give it another try!
(3)Maria C.
Old Jerusalem to me is the Pita Inn of the city. When I'm in the city and feel like a quick Middle Eastern bite, I go there. The Kiba is to die for and the Shawirma Sandwich is also great. I love the Hummus. The desserts look a bit weird but when you try them, you will not believe how tasteful they are.
(4)Bobby J.
I eat at Old Jerusalem at least once a week. This unassuming restaurant is my favorite BYOB spot in Old Town. The hummus is some of the best I've ever had. The prices are reasonable and the portions big. Dining in or taking out, the food is always ready in 10-15 minutes and the staff always seems to be in a good mood. Try the Vegetarian Combo, Hummus with Chicken or the Hummus Sandwich...you'll be coming back for more.
(5)Justin R.
Very good food, I had the shiwarma and it was very authentic. Service was not very social but it was swift and polite. I wish it was not BYOB or that I had known in advance. Wine would have been good with the meal. But overall it was a great place and if I lived nearby I would be back soon.
(4)Sari H.
I don't give out 5 stars very easily. But Old Jerusalem is spectacular. The food is always perfect, and the staff is nice. We used to go here a lot before plays, but haven't been out and about in a while. So it's hard to remember exactly the price, but I know it's cheap. I think my husband and I both ate dinner for something like $13 total once. And the food is so, so good, they could totally charge more and I'd still be happy. We almost always get the vegetarian platters. Delicious falafel, hummus, salad, baba ghannouj.
(5)James H.
I enjoy the good food at this unpretentious middle eastern cafe on Wells. I love the baba ganouj and both the tebouleh and hummos are always good. My favorite entree is the Hummos with Chicken, but the Shawirma and kabobs are both excellent. Above all you get a meal at a reasonable price in a friendly atmosphere.
(4)Bridget B.
Have dined in and carried out about two dozen times and have never been dissappointed. I usually order hummus and fallafal but have had a few other things. Always fresh and delicious.
(5)Diana P.
Decent middle eastern cuisine. Good place for a quick bite either for lunch or dinner. Outdoor seating on Wells makes for a nice atmosphere. Staff isn't too friendly but that doesn't bother us. I always get the falafal sandwich-YUM
(4)James F.
Having been raised in a Middle Eastern family, this place has great food. The falafel, hummus and kabobs are all excellent. Add a gracious and humble staff/owners on site and it is a easy hassle free experience. Even bring your own beer/wine if you'd like. Great meal at a great price.
(5)Jason C.
Well, I have only had a couple things here but the veggie platter is great! The hummus, falafel, etc. are all very fresh and you can tell it is homemade. I would also recommend the Swarma - the sandwiches are large and reasonably priced. Its one of the few good restaurants in Old Town.
(4)Betsy J.
I've only tried a couple items on the menu but what I have tried, I've really enjoyed. The falafel sandwich is really big and tasty and the hummus is good too. I've been a couple times and the service was great each time. Everyone is very friendly and obliging. Plus it's in a great location on Wells in Old Town and sitting outside in nice weather is very pleasant.
(4)Sophia T.
I'd say the food was nothing special... I had the lamb kebab sandwhich which was honestly mediocre to me. It needed more spice. The tabbouleh was also mediocre.
(2)D F.
I don't want to be mean, but I don't think this place is good at all. I don't think any of the food is good, and the service is consistently bad. I've actually gone here at least 5 times, because I live close and I generally like middle eastern food, but I have never walked away happy from this place, either because the food disappointed me, or the service, or both. Usually both. In fact, I think it may be the most consistently bad place in terms of service that I go to. I'm sure I'll be back here eventually, so I will upgrade this review if this place ever gives me a reason to.
(2)Daneen H.
Excellent. authentic food with good prices. Restaurant is small but has a good sized outdoor dining area in the warm months. I always get a few dishes to go. If you are looking for the real thing-this is the place.
(5)Todd A.
I certainly felt discriminated against as we sat at and watched other, obviously olive skinned patrons get served. (I am chronically caucasian) And it turns out the food is lame and expensive - thick, chalky hummus, bland baba ghannouj, greasy falafel, tasteless lamb, cloyingly sweet baklava. Don't waste your time, make the trip to Lawrence and Kedzie, Little Arabia is sooo much better.
(1)Alexis P.
Really great falafel sandwiches! Nice and moist and the falafel balls don't crumble all to hell. The hummus is also very good, but for the amount of hummus, not enough pita comes with. I've never actually been there, but it's pretty awesome as far as delivery.
(5)Amy M.
I decided to walk across the street from Kamehachi (since it is no longer BYOB and had a chilled bottle of wine in hand) after reviewing this place on Yelp as BYOB as well. $1.50 pp, thought that was reasonable, and sat outdoors on their patio. The patio was nice, the service wasn't friendly, but not unfriendly, so it worked for me, I wasn't looking to make new friends. There was a longer wait for the food, with the understanding that the restaurant was filled, and we were seated next to a table of 8. I ordered the hummus entree, and my date ordered the chicken kabob. Both entrees were very good. I've had middle eastern cuisine plenty of times to know the difference. The prices are reasonable, and if we ordered an appetizer there was no way I would get to my entree-the serving sizes are plenty for the price. However, I was tempted to try a desert, but then stopped myself after remembering several bad reviews on Yelp. I just couldn't do it. I would recommmend stopping in, and plan to do so again myself.
(4)Alison M.
If I'm standing in front of Old Jerusalem, craving Middle Eastern food, I'd go in. But, otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way for it. While they do have good hummus and a decent vegetarian sampler plate, it's pretty run of the mill fare. The other night I was really craving stuffed grape leaves, but theirs were overwhelmingly lemony, and kind of limp and soggy. In the future, I'll just stick with Cafe Orchid.
(3)Misse D.
Every other review has hit on the points that I was going to state (great cheap eats, delicious food, and healthy.) I ordered the lentil soup on a cold, rainy day and it was perfect! Yum.
(4)Tim S.
I love this place! I get the Vegetarian Combo almost every time, however, I 've had other stuff too. BYOB, reasonably priced for it's location. The staff is extremely friendly, but it's more of a cultural difference I think. Outdoor seating in the summer, carry out and delivery available. They are open late, so I often call in an order and swing by for carry out if I want a lighter meal after 9 or 10pm.
(4)Dustin H.
This is a great place; I have not been to the restaurant in person as I always get delivery using grubhub.com or calling directly (to cut out the grubhub fees). Everything I have had there is good - only giving 4 stars since I honestly havent been to the restaurant itself.
(4)Sarah L.
I just recently moved to Old Town and this restaurant is at the front of my building. I've eaten here quite a bit and it's consistently pretty good. They have excellent lentil soup and I like their falafel. I have mostly just had their shawarma and it is excellent. They have a nice little outdoor seating area. I've had a positive impression of this place every time I've been there and I'll continue to go back and recommend that others give it a try.
(4)Oskee W.
I greatly enjoyed the beef shwarma and the baklava. The shwarma is served in strips on warm flatbread with tahini. very flavorful and very nice portions. the baklava was sweet. moist, and flaky, exactly as it should be. I would go every day if I could!
(5)Heather K.
This place was surprisingly delicious. Came for a quick dinner before going to Piper's Alley, so it was one of those "I'm starving, the movie starts pretty soon, and I only have $10" situations. We started with the hummus appetizer which was wonderfully creamy and had a bit of a lemon kick. The appetizer split between 3 people was a bit of a stretch. I'd recommend a 2:1 (eaters:orders) ratio for next time, or a 1:1 if you're hungry and love hummus, like me. My friends and I all got various forms of falafel as entrees, in sandwich and platter varieties. The sandwich was no more than $5.50 and probably one of the best falafel sandwiches I'd ever tried. The falafel was hot from the fryer and had more of a smooth texture instead of being crumbly inside. The tahini tasted very fresh too and there was sauce all throughout the pita pocket, not just poured on the top. The lettuce was crisp, the pita was soft, and I thoroughly enjoyed my sandwich. I must go back immediately. I'm thinking...falafel sandwich to go, and picnic on North Ave beach?
(4)PJ K.
OK, I don't spend a lot of time in Old Town, so maybe y'all's definition of "cheap" is a little different than mine ... I found this place rather expensive relative to what I got. It was competently prepared food, no real complaints, but it didn't exactly move my needle, or that of my dining companion, who grew up in Cairo. Sometimes, you need Middle Eastern food. Sometimes, you're in Old Town. If both of those things are simultaneously true, here you go. Otherwise, there's really no reason.
(3)Daniel R.
Old Jerusalem is a great place but this review reflects more than what yelp.com has created with it's ranking system. Many reviews loss sight that restaurants relationships with us, the customer, is an experience. Sometimes things do not click and we dislike what we have seen, heard, ate, etc. but thus is not accurate to a numerical rating system that infantilizes our experiences with food, wine and other humans! I was reminded of my experience with this little restaurant after going to Zaytinya, a Jose Andres restaurant in DC. At this concept restaurant started by this year's James Beard Chef of the Year, the food and particularly its presentation were great but there is something to be said with pure, down home execution of a food style demanding a daft hand with spice, experience, the freshest ingredients and knowing what to do with them in the minimalist way possible. My experience with Old Jerusalem began well before I stepped foot into the restaurant. I had heard of a great wine shop in the neighborhood that had a Domaine Tempier 2002 baseline rouge. There was minor seepage apparent and the proprietor of the shop dutifully whipped out his waiter tool, before a word was said, popped the bottle and poured a small splash for both of us. The wine was delicious regardless of its condition which just goes to show you how sturdy mourvedre is! I asked the gentlemen for a good Meditarrean restaurant and he recommended Old Jerusalem. Needless to say the food was great and I enjoyed the totally modest corkage fee. The food is not "innovative", the spices don't "suprise" you but this is textbook. This is what reminds you that being human and enjoying food, wine and the company around you is a reflection of our basic human nature and is entirely subjective. I saw try this restaurant and maybe the synergy I experienced will be there but probably not. Regardless of my rating it is a solid place sure to deliver more highs than lows.
(4)Brenna M.
Note: This is in regards to DELIVERY service We ordered a simply hummus plate and falaffel plate and had to wait 1.5 hours for it to be delivered (we live less than a half mile away). Once it was delivered it was cold, the food was mediocre (maybe because we were so frustrated but oh well...) and it cost a ridiculous $18 for hummus, pita and a few falaffel balls. Not somewhere I will ever order from again.
(1)Javier B.
Very solid Lebanese! The menu is very simple, though I was very pleased to see a couple of new additions recently. The baked kofte with tahini was outstanding! They have the best tabouleh in the city and their falafel sandwich is awesome and a great value. Not the greatest atmosphere but it is BYOB. My only complaint about this place is the very mundane pita bread that they serve. No worse than most places, just wish the bread was better.
(4)scott a.
Awkward atmosphere when you an in to an empty silent place. We ordered, and it was weird not having any music on. The food was ok. It was cheap. Not bad, not great. I'd go back.
(3)Emma L.
I guess I ordered the wrong thing at Old Jerusalem because everyone seems to love this place. I tried it last week after reading these raving reviews and have to say I wasn't too impressed. The chicken in my pita was kind of fatty and I didn't find the prices as cheap as everyone is claiming. Maybe it was an off day for them? I'll have to go back and try Old Jerusalem again.
(2)Design G.
Low-key and great food. Lots of people get take-out but on week nights it's not too crowded so you can dine-in without making it too much of an affair. The price is more than right (under $10 for a vegetarian platter and sandwich platters about $6) and the desserts are cheap and yummy. The chef also teaches a cooking class for Treasure Island, which is about one of their only treasures these days... and that would be worth checking out as well. Check it out-- they get my $.
(5)bob j.
good outdoor lunch spot with good food
(3)K J.
The cucumber sauce was awesome and made for a great salad dressing. The shwarma (spelling?) was really dry. My friend ordered the meat plate and one of the red meats on her plate was heavenly. They have great baklava too.
(4)Lauren H.
This place was not the greatest and i hear that they MICROWAVE THEIR MEATS AND HAVE ALMOST EVERTHING PRE-PREPARED! EEWW GROSS! In 1970's this place was awesome, now i am sure their has been a change in management. PEOPLE OF OLD TOWN, THERE ARE MUCH BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE BUBURBS SERVING BETTER MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD AT BETTER PRICES! THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF! A FALAFIL SANDWICH FOR OVER $5 PLEASE LETS BE REASONABLE! ALL IT IS IS GARBONZO BEANS!
(1)Doug p.
another great falafel place in the city. .the portions are on the small side though
(4)Liz S.
I ordered from here cause I was having a horrible craving for hummus and falafel, and while I LOVE Sultan's Market, I figured it was time to try a new place. Well....the hummus was great, but the falafel didn't compare to the yummy-ness that is Sultan's Market. Also, the prices are also higher than at Sultan's Market. So, I've learned my lesson....I'm going to stick with Sultan's Market for now and I'll explore new falafel and hummus at a later date.
(3)Stacy D.
Don't go for the ambiance (unless you can sit outside and people-watch), but definitely go for the food. I live a block away from OJ and go all the time. The decor inside is unimpressive and the service is straight-forward and not overly friendly, but none of these things matter if you take it for what it is. BYOB always a plus. Personal faves: Veg Combo Dinner, Musaheb (chicken+hummus+salad+pita), and Chicken with Hummus. Minus one star for the prices, which are a bit hefty for some of the smaller dishes like the soups and salads.
(4)TheLeg G.
Way too cold - it's like a freezer inside. Greek salad was swimming in dressing. Required compazine suppository after meal. Solid falafel, though.
(2)Niki C.
I don't eat a lot of Middle Eastern food, truth be told, but an old friend of the family took me here one night before a Second City show & I left full & satisfied. The falafel was just what I'd expect & the hummus & baba ganoush were divine. I keep telling myself I'm going to go back, but I haven't yet. Hence the 3 stars.
(3)Gina D.
The food made me sick and was way too salty. The delivery guy was rude and didn't seem interested in wanting to ever deliver to us again. Fine with me because first and last time they'll be getting my $. not worth it in my opinion. There are other places that don't get people sick from their food and have better flavor with kinder staff.
(1)Matthew T.
I had eaten here once before and thought the food to be mediocre and extremely overpriced, they definitely take advantage of their location. If I was in old town, there are a number of better places. If you are in the mood for middle eastern, there are hundreds of places far better and cheaper. This kicker is the owner is EXTREMELY RUDE. The only reason I am posting a review is because of our experience with the owner today. My fiance wanted to stop in and order take out from them (much to my protest) and we pulled up and put our directional on to pull into the loading zone. As I begin to pull in a car came flying in and blocked my entrance into the spot. When I rolled down my window to protest the lady yelled "this is my loading zone and I own the restaurant" as I replied we were simply trying to park there to order take out she simply rolled up her window and ignored me. Needless to say we did not order take out and I will NEVER go here again!
(1)Kristen D.
A great place for some falafal or kefta kabobs. Wonderful food (lentil soup, tabboleuh, hummus...they're all great!) The staff is quite nice. Very inexpensive, and you get tons of food. Highly recommended for a quick mediterranean meal.
(4)Isa B.
I know my falafels and tabule! THIS is the place for that. Carry-on is great, delivery is great and dine in is great. It's fresh, unpretentious and people are very nice. I went with my friend and we both had strollers and they made it comfortable to lunch in. It's cheap and good. I'm a fan.
(4)Regina F.
I just went for dinner here couple days ago for a friend's birthday. This was recommended by a co worker. This restaurant does not have as many selections as other Middle Eastern restaurants, but the food was pretty good. The place is small and intimate so it;s good for privacy. There is an outdoor seating area which is nice (we didn't sit outside because of our heat wave though). I ordered a small piece of cake for my friend's bday and that was the only thing I wasn't a big fan of because it was too sweet. Other than that, I wouldn't mind going again. BTW, excellent and friendly service too!
(4)Hannette S.
Great food and great service... I'll definitely be back!
(5)Jackie R.
Its nothing exciting to look at...yet becomes exciting when your food arrives and it exceeds all of your expectations. I actually cant say ive had better middle eastern food. My boyfriend moved to the states when he was 18 from the middle east...and he said it brought him back home. hes never said that!
(5)Marisa B.
I got a Greek salad, one of my favorite things to order, and all I can say is that it was ridiculously overpriced. $8.25 for a small plate of iceberg lettuce, 2 olives, and 2 slices of tomato? Oh hell no. Also, the menu said it came with bread. I was still starving after eating that rabbit food so I went to ask about the bread, which I did not get with my meal, and the guy traipsed off "to get me more feta" before I could even finish telling him I was asking about BREAD. Then some lady came up to us and practically threw the bread at me. I would not recommend going back to this place. If you do, don't get the Greek salad.
(1)Dory O.
I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food and this place was a disappointment. The food was just okay. The food wasn't seasoned very well at all. We were the only table in the restaurant and they barely paid attention to us. I was also disappointed by the $1.50 per person corkage fee. I don't think I'll go back.
(2)Fawn D.
If you crave authentic gyros and hummus, this is your place. The rice is to die for. Minus one star because it takes FOREVER for the food to arrive when you order delivery. BUT it's worth the wait.
(4)H K.
Catering: Being Iraqi, I have to say Lebanese food is by far the best middle eastern food. That being said, I decided to buy food for a party from here. The employee, who barley speaks good English, spent over 20 Min's w/ me trying to figure out the cheapest way for me to get the best deal. He apologized over and over for his miscalculations. Anyway, the food was amazing, and the service was outstanding!!!! Keep in mind this is a very small-family owned restaurant, so be patient if they are a little slow. Catering ( again): I can't help but cater from this place, the falafel are great to get if you don't have time to go there in the morning, Heated up the next day taste great. The food is inexpensive and great tasting. The service is super great!
(5)Mame M.
I ordered delivery, and was looking forward by a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern meal, only to be disappointed. The falafel tastes burned, and the lentil soup is watery and flavorless. I don't think I'll order from here again.
(2)asra a.
standard mediterranean cuisine. ordered shawarma and was disappointed- looked more like grilled gyro strips. my husband ordered chicken with hummus which was good- as stated below, the hummus is really good. for dessert we ordered kanefeh which also was a bit sub-par compared to what we have had before. the owner was really nice, service was decent, and food was ok.
(3)Blair B.
Tried this for carryout last night and wasn't terribly impressed. Food was ready quickly and it was fairly priced.. otherwise..the bread was bad. Like, they need to find a new supplier. Most middle eastern food I've had has served delicious homeade bread.. this was cold and gross, definitely out of a package. Hummus was just ok. My kafta sandwich had very little meat and a lot of lettuce. Overall probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Allison Alesya R.
I am new to Chicago area and I have lived in Detroit for 15 years, where we have a middleastern restaurant on every corner. So, the Old Jerusalem does not compare to anything I've had in Detroit, however it is taste food, clean atmosphere. I will probably go there again, since I live there and don't know where else to go for middleeastern.
(2)Kristal R.
Despite them being a "middle eastern" restaurant, they do not have the MOST COMMON item on all middle eastern menu's being the chicken shawarma. Since they didn't have the chicken shawarma, I ordered the beef shawarma which was described as being like a gyro. It was on normal pita bread you would get from the grocery store and 98% beef with little sauce, etc. Overall, not impressed.
(2)Scott M.
Great Food. 100% Authentic. I would go back any day any time. Small room....a dozen tables or so....street parking is sparce. I did not have any jim beam there....it is BYOB.
(5)Mandee M.
I love the chicken hummus and the falafel is generally pretty good. If I'm ordering lunch I normally just order the appetizer portion though since it is enough for me. The portions are fairly good sized, and this is one of the cheapest places to buy a meal in the Old Town neighborhood. Most other places within a block or two are either twice as much or they just serve okay food. We order delivery from here all the time, and it normally only takes 20 minutes, but my office is also only a few blocks away and we are regulars so tehy know what we order and that they generally always get a good tip so they seem to hurry right along.
(4)A.S. V.
There need to be more cheap, fast middle eastern restaurants like Old Jersusalem around town. This is pretty healthy food, and I crave it nearly every week. This is highly authentic and tasty.
(4)Ren H.
This Old Town spot is perfect for a quick middle eastern fix! The staff is all middle eastern so its really authentic cuisine.. and the location is perfect for people watching and walking around Old Town afterwards!
(5)Mazen M.
I like the shawirma sandwich, and you probably don't care, but its close to where I live.
(4)Marley F.
This hole in the wall is one of my favorite restaurants. I love middle eastern food and they have some of the best. I dine in occasionally, but I also end up ordering in for delivery a lot (especially on icky, rainy days like today!).
(4)Kara M.
came here with a large group of people from school, the service was fast and the food was good. everyone loved their dishes and had no complaints, if you can please about 15 people at once, then in my book you're good!
(4)riddhi j.
Decent food, good service, very reasonable price. Liked the baklava. Hubby and I both ordered the falafel and it was good. Like most falafels it was dry, but still tasty. Would definitely return here for good food and good price.
(4)Andrew K.
I wouldn't go back, if that's any indication as to how I felt about this place. Over priced too.
(2)Dana P.
All I can say is Falafel pita sandwich. Get it!
(4)Kat S.
Excellent Authentic MiddleEastern Cuisine, Prices are unbelievably low, pleasant staff, very clean and cozy. You will love it if you like ethnic dining.
(5)Bee B.
Great food. Good prices. Food came out super fast. My new mediterranean place!
(5)ali a.
This is a great middle eastern restaurant! I love the hummus and the falafel. The portions are big and the prices are cheap. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this kinds of food.
(4)Anna P.
Truth be told-I am conflicted on Old Jerusalem...Part of me wants to rave of the low key, comfortable atmosphere and the incredibly affordable food...The other part can't justify paying $12 for their Greek Salad with it comes with so much iceberg lettuce, that I start to feel like a grazing cow mid-meal. Another strange experience happened when I added a bottled water to my order...I started walking away and realized that I was not the original owner of said bottle-cap was broken and not my lipstick on it...At that point, I felt just a tad too close to another diner....
(3)Michael W.
I stopped here on a whim with a friend who never had Middle Eastern cuisine before, and this was a great introduction. The restaurant is small but intimate - grab a table by the front window for prime people watching. The food was very good - I especially liked the combination platter. We were uncertain about dessert, but a man who appeared to be the owner gave us recommendations - a nice touch. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)Diane C.
This is a great place to go to get a quick bite when you're in Old Town. Their falafels are the best in the city. They even have an award on the wall to prove it! Also it's a good place to bring a book and hang out. And it's modestly priced.
(4)Rachel G.
The falafel is great. Prices are on the lower side - about $30 per couple. It has great people watching during the warm months on the sidewalk.
(4)Aaron R.
Great place to grab a quick bite to eat...the service is very fast, the food is good, and it's cheap. I've yet to find a better place for middle eastern food in Chicago.
(4)Tracy M.
Emma- sorry you had a bad experience here, but try it again! I eat here all the time and love it! It's so affordable, fast, cheap and tastes good!
(4)Elizabeth N.
My second favorite neighborhood place, after Topo Gigio. They use good quality, fresh ingredients and it's very reasonably priced. Plus, it's relatively easy to eat healthy here (which, in the Chicago restaurant market, means an automatic three stars as far as I'm concerned). The musaheb sandwich (I'm totally botching the spelling on that, I'm sure) is delicious.
(5)