I just got an American from here. I didn't see them tamp it down and just brush a finger across it, but thought I just missed something. After my second sip it was un-drinkable and started hurting my mouth and stomach because I was basically drinking water and coffee grounds, which is what happens when the coffee isn't packed correctly. Now this is bad, but I just walked back and tried explaining, in calm tones, what happened and that the coffee was un-drinkable. The young lady told me she does tamp it down, walked back to show me, asking if I want another coffee. I said no just trying to be helpful. The small man working there then stepped forward and asked the person behind me how they could help him, basically brushing me aside. Fire that guy, train the girl, sorry to the bigger guy who works there, possibly the owner, who I actually like interacting with. Their food is ok, coffee is bad, and service is worse. Avoid.
(1)
Brenton K.
Good stuff! The hummus is great! Gyros are nothing to complain about! Good prices, good atmosphere, and decent service. $0.50 charge for credit cards. I'd recommend you check it out!
(4)
Jamey J.
The food is great but they should really update the prices on their online menu. They've been wrong for over a year. For example, the chicken caesar salad is $6.50 online but it is actually $8.50.
(4)
Marianna P.
I love this place, the food is great and the folks that work there are always super friendly. What more could you want?!
(5)
Anthony S.
Really excellent place! Their hummus and their falafel are TOP NOTCH, I mean like the beg damn falafel I've eaten. The gal at the counter is super friendly and cute and suggested the falafel to me when I told her I was looking for something without meat or dairy. I've gone for lunch two days in a row now and haven't been disappointed. I'm excited to try the hummus on its own an I'm looking forward to trying the dolmas as well. Good vibes all around.
(5)
Tom M.
There is nothing like a soothing cup of hot tea after having to endure such pain. I won't go into detail except to say it hurts like hell but I do it voluntarily and routinely. It's a good thing. This cafe not only serves up the morning Joe but also has a full lunch menu. So far I've only had the tea. It's nothing special but I like hanging out at the place. I'm just waiting for the right moment to try something on the menu. Until then, I'll keep coming back until the time is right.
(4)
Rebekah V.
Amazing falafel gyro. It can be hard to find decent tasting falafel but this is delicious! Skip the lentil soup if you are like me and don't want one that is tomato based.
(5)
Chelsea J.
The Sultan Cafe was good! Unlike some of the other reviewers here I had no problem using my deal voucher. I am from Seattle so if it weren't for the Living Social voucher I never would have heard about the business. I'm glad we got to check it out on our visit. My parents had the bagel breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon ($6 each). I had the chicken gyro (around $6). I had the Turkish coffee and we got a couple bottled drinks. Everyone enjoyed their food. The gyro was a bit different than other gyros I've had but it was tasty. The chicken was a tad on the dry side but the flavors were good. The woman helping us was nice and did a good job. I'd recommend this place! They have a full bar and they advertise as having hookah so I assume they have an evening clientele, as well.
(4)
Cola V.
I work down the street from this little gem. Delish. Had a gyro salad that I ate in 2.4 seconds. The lamb was moist and marinated just right, the sauce was amaze and for $6.99 I'll get it again. Have heard great things from others in the office...going to need to try my first Turkish Coffee.
(4)
Daniel M.
A panini is a special thing. When I make them at home, I take great care so I don't put a boring sandwich on my plate.. unless its for my wife, she likes boring food (but not boring men) (*man). I ordered the turkey panini with sun dried tomatoes on it. I was pretty hungry and eager to bite into my flavorful panini treat. Man, that was the lamest sandwich I have ever had. Literally, only 1/5 of the panini had the sun dried tomatoes on it. The only thing that gave the sandwich some flavor were my tears that were pouring onto it. It was so bland. I didn't actually cry. But I sure wanted to.
(2)
Savvy G.
I hope my previous positive post is still up here. I just wanted to update...holy moly the breakfast boritto is ridiculous! Aaand Mike (the owner) has added this doughnut that will blow your mind and ruin your waste line. I've left resisting and later come back for it!!! Lol I love Sultan and have been a customer since the very beginning!! Thanks Mike!
(5)
mary r.
Yummy chicken swarma, warm dolmas and great lentil soup. I just started working in the area and am so pleased to find such a great cafe. The owner, Mike remembers your name and your coffee...after your first visit. I only wish they were open early for coffee on Saturday when I am dragging and really need it!
(5)
Lilly R.
I wanted to like this place. I REALLY did. I learned about it after purchasing a Groupon for it. I typically love Mediterranean food and so finding this place that was so close by my house felt like a huge win. But, alas, it really let me down. I had a Groupon ($7 for $15 worth of food) so I ended up ordering the daily special (a lamb plate with salad) as well as a side of tabouli salad and hummus. Where do I even begin? I was a bit put off that they wouldn't let me substitute tabouli for the side salad (even when I offered to pay extra) - though I do understand the logic behind the "no substitutions" thing. So instead, I ordered tabouli on the side. It probably took about 10 minutes for my meal to come out (I ordered it to go). When I got home, starving, I couldn't wait to tear in to the food. However, it was sort of one train wreck after another. I started with the tabouli. It was good, but it was very, very salty. Not to mention, the container was pre-packed and I watched the guy take it from their "to go" refrigerator and place it with my order. Not to say that it wasn't fresh (perhaps they prepare these every day) but that did turn me off. How do I know how long those things have been sitting there? After tasting the tabouli, I moved on to the side of hummus I had ordered. This was a big disappointment. The hummus had virtually no flavor...not the tahini that I'm used to. I tried doing a mixture of hummus and tabouli on a piece of warm pita, but even that fell short. Then I went to the main dish - the lamb, served on a bed of saffron rice with a side salad. This was where I realized it was over. For one, the side salad (which I wasn't interested in to begin with) was pretty sad. At least two of the tomatoes still had the core/stem attached to them. To me, this indicated that whoever prepped the salad did a really shoddy job cleaning the veggies. Really disappointing since the tomatoes were virtually all I wanted off the salad anyways. In addition, there were about two pieces of crumbled feta (weak!) and a bunch of green lettuce, with not much else. Ok, so the salad sucked. I could have let that pass. But it didn't stop there. I finally tried the lamb. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good. It certainly didn't taste as fresh as the lamb I've had elsewhere. And it had this weird, THICK, garlic sauce sort of messily spattered over it. It was decent, but it wasn't good. The thickness of the sauce sort of threw me off...as if it had sort of thickened over time (i.e. been left over for too long). The rice that the lamb was served over was hardly edible....it tasted like it had come out of a microwaveable package - it was chewy and bland. Overall, this meal was just a real disappointment. Like I said, I really WANTED to like this place. And the owner (I think that's who he was at the register) seemed super friendly and nice. To their credit, the place was full (it was peak lunch time, but still) and there seemed to be a lot of "regulars" there (most likely people who work in the area). But I just wasn't impressed...at all. It was even worse that I ended up having to pay an extra $2.50, on top of the Groupon value, for the meal. If you want really good, authentic, tasty Mediterranean fare at a great price, go to Hush Hush cafe. Good luck.
(2)
Zack F.
Really enjoyed my chicken gyro salad bowl here today. Rather than processed "gyro chicken" I've grown accustomed to, Sultan's used good quality breast meat. The special garlic sauce was delicious, as was the hot sauce they drizzled on top. Quantity was good and it came out within 10 minutes of ordering at lunch-time. While I was eating I noticed that the lady behind the counter knew a lot the customers - repeat business is a good sign. My only criticism is that Sultan's uses iceberg lettuce, where romain would have been a big improvement. Still, the price was right, and overall I still enjoyed the salad tremendously. It also included some feta cheese, tomatoes and cabbage straws. If I could, I'd rate 4.5 due to the lettuce, and I'll definitely return again.
(5)
Tamara C.
Oh bliss - just heavenly, perfectly marinated and stuffed into a pita, bliss. That was my lunch experience at Sultan. I wanted everything that was in the Veggie Panini but I didn't want all the bread that went with it so they graciously offered to put all the goodies in a pita for me. And oh man, was it great! From the soft, fluffy, slightly smoky pita itself to all the fixins'; the veggie comes with havarti and mozzarella cheese, kalamata-oh-yum-my-favorite-olives, marinated artichoke hearts, fresh tomato and a zingy pesto sauce. I'm sure this is great in on the sandwich bread too but dang! In the scrumptious pita, it was out-of-this-world, fantastic. Thankfully, I live pretty close so I can easily go back for a second helping!
(5)
Dave D.
Stopped by for lunch the other day. It was interesting; what kind of a restaurant has hookah as well? The food was pretty good. The jasmine rice was nicely spiced, and there was a nice side salad. I wanted to lean back, but the seating uses their large windows as a seat-back, and I thought I would break through the glass if I leaned too hard. All in all I'd say feel free to stop by if you want a quick Gyro or similar mediterranean food for lunch. But if it is a nice day, walk a few blocks further to the food carts for a better option.
(3)
Matt R.
I got the special today, and the chicken was raw. I tried to take it back to have them fix it and they said it was the skin. I had about 10 pieces that were pink. Not the skin. No sorry I will return your food or money, just deal with it. I will never go back.
(1)
Orchid T.
Get the chicken shish kabob it comes with this yummy yellow rice and a little side of hummus and creamy dill sauce. Everything is very flavorful and the portions are good enough even if you just get one skewer. I've also tried their veggie burger and it's also delicious. The coffee is good too.
(5)
Sunny L.
Ate the monster lamb gyro. Not really monsterous as I can finish it but it sure taste good. Love it.
(4)
Monica A.
I'd consider this a middle-eastern style restaurant so I tried it out for lunch during my middle-eastern kick. I work in the area and forgot about this neat cafe until recently. Love their bagels (I think they sell Kettleman Bagels) and coffee is good. Prices are very reasonable for all their dishes. For lunch, my friend and I tried the chicken kabob (I ordered a single) and their special of the day, Chicken Curry. The kabob was okay-- it's seasoned well, but the flavor didn't really get through to the meat. I did not like the rice at all-- it was a bit mushy and very yellow (saffron or not--unsure). Their hummus was very good and on the garlic-ky side-- however, the pita is not fresh. It's pre-made and then grilled when ordered. The chicken curry had great coconut flavor (which I enjoy), but again-- the rice was not to my liking. Not sure if I'd go back for their middle-eastern cuisines but will definitely stop in for a bagel and coffee. Also-- get there early as they have a considerable lunch rush.
(3)
Summer L.
Friendly employees and great pastries. There is a guy named Mike there that is so super sweet and always remembers me and my name when I come in. So glad this place is so close to my work.
(5)
Moos B.
I frequent this place because it is SO CLOSE to work and by doing so, I've learned that though they have great garlic sauce, it is not consistent and neither is anything else! Now, the lamb gyro is all I order. One of the best gyros I've had!!! Hummus is my favorite as well! Great selection of drinks (yerba mate!!) I'd skip the coffee though.
(3)
Allie R.
I've had many gyros in Portland, and at least for me, this is the best. If their hours were extended, I'd get to enjoy their gyros much more often. But I suppose that, as it is, it's a special treat.
(5)
Soma D.
I went here on the advice of a friend. Not somewhere I can usually stop as I'm on the other side of town most of the time but I was very impressed. I try gyros everywhere I go and these are very good. Top 3 for me so whenever I am in the neighborhood I will definitely be stopping. Dolmas and tabbouleh were top notch as well.
(4)
Fluffy D.
Owner was clipping his nails behind the counter!!!!! Really? Come on dude! Your coffee was good and I like your food selection, but ya gotta be sanitary! Next time, take your grooming outside.
(1)
M D.
MMmmmm! This place has the best hummus and warm pita bread. You cant beat the prices either. The staff is super nice and the cafe is set up nicely. Try it!
(5)
Julie C.
I usually visit The Sultan regularly for coffee or snacks as I work very close to here. This review sounds fairly negative, and it's hard for me reconcile why I like this place so much when it's hard to give their food a good review. Sometimes, things are like that. I just like them and I will continue to visit here. I hope they see areas they can improve and do so as I know they're fully capable of it. The espresso isn't perfect, but it serves it's purpose. Their Turkish coffee is delicious! I heart cardamom. The service is usually very friendly and they will start recognizing you after a few visits. They always address their regulars by name and ask how you're doing. Food: All over the place. They have the potential to really step this up, but linger somewhere between a coffee-bar plus and a quick lunch spot. I would not recommend coming here for a sit-down meal, it's not that kind of place, though I think they would like to be. If you're vegetarian or vegan, there are a lot of options. Their burger is huge and decent for the price, though not spectacular. It comes with previously-frozen french fries which are usually crispy and good, though a coworker noted she got moldy fries once. She didn't notice until she got back to work, but I have no doubt if she had mentioned it to the staff, they would have rectified it right away. The various Lebanese dips are hit-and-miss. I really love baba ganoush, so I wish theirs was better. Mostly, it's bitter/lemon and garlic which predominate instead of smokey eggplant goodness. Sometimes, it's delicious. The stuffed grape leaves are pasty. They grill pita bread to give you with the dips, though once I was told bread didn't come with the baba (though it has every other time). The lamb plate had slices of gyro/doner/shawarma over iceburg lettuce and a side of yellow rice. The garlic/tzatziki-like dressing on the lettuce was strong and delicious. There were chunks of tomato, feta, and onion. The rice was plump and moist, but not very flavorful. The meat slices were okay, but a bit dried out and salty. Such is the nature of gyro meat and the sauce helped bring everything together. They have a selection of normal pastries as well as homemade baklava.
(3)
Leigh B.
The sultan is an amazing man. His food is not only delicious, but reasonable priced. 2 dollar wells, fries and cheese sticks during happy hour. The place was packed too. My gin and juice was good, a little strong but at least I knew it wasn't watered down like a lot of bars. I really like that they remember me. I recommend eating and drinking here.
(5)
Megan I.
I want to update my review because I've seen some great progress around quality here and because the owner and staff were so responsive to my review (which I was maybe just a little TOO grumpy when I wrote.) I went in today after an absence to meet with a co worker and one of the owners immediately recognized me, apologized for the past things that weren't so great and gifted me a drink. I thought that was superb example of customer service. The drink, which she made personally, also tasted great. That level of customer service is definitely enough to make me amend (and feel badly about!) my previous review. If Sultan can keep a high level of service and a high level of consistency in quality, they'll be golden.
(4)
Adam S.
Stopped in for the first time today to grab a gyro on my way to the bus. I accidentally ordered a beef gyro instead of lamb (not sure what I was thinking). When I got my order, I inquired thinking perhaps I had received the wrong order by mistake. I received exactly what I ordered, but it wasn't what I wanted. Sensing this, the man behind the counter said "You wanted a lamb gyro didn't you?" Without thinking twice he started making me a lamb gyro and insisted I keep the beef one as well. He said something to the effect of "You should leave here with something you'll enjoy". Did I ever. The gyro was delicious and was a nice change of pace from traditional tzatziki sauce, featuring a flavorful garlic sauce. So the food was great, the service was fantastic (including the very friendly lady that took my order), and they went above and beyond to make sure I left happy. That's how you run a business, and there are quite a few area eateries that could learn that lesson! You guys just earned yourself a regular customer!
(5)
Lizzie V.
I was there 2 nights ago when Eric B.'s brother tried to use his Groupon. I can vouch for the ridiculousness of the situation. I too used my Groupon and felt the frustration upon presenting it. HERE'S THE SCOOP: I've been here several times, and have never experienced such poor treatment. My husband and I ordered our food and were each charged a dollar extra for our gyros. We asked for a cup of water with our meal. We were then charged for two waters. Like I said, I've been here several times, and have never been charged for water. After hearing the total we added in our heads, and asked about the extra charges. He explained the lamb gyro cost was extra (Nowhere is that marked), and that the bottled water was in the grab-n-go fridge. Instead of making a fuss about it we just grabbed soda, which he said was the same price as the water. We sat at our table and noticed people next to us had water in a cup, that was free. We already had a hunch this was because of the Groupon. Then our server brought us our food and said, oh those soda's are extra, I'm going to need $2's extra from you when you're finished. Us: "You said the soda's were the same price as the water." Him: "Yeah, the soda in a can, not the soda in a glass bottle." Are you kidding me? None of the prices are marked, I didn't even see the canned soda, this dude is ridiculous... Cue the other Groupon customer (Eric B's brother). He came in before the ending time, the food was already made sitting on the counter because he called it in, and the man working would not give it to him because he said the Groupon ended at 6pm (In which the customer replied it's not 6pm), and that he did not specify he had a Groupon over the phone. We looked at our watch and it was 5:55pm. The man working there and the customer began arguing for several minutes causing a scene, and the end result was that the customer left without any food, angry, and unable to use the Groupon. They lost a few customer's that night. They have good food, but I do not respect the way they do business.
(1)
Brian M.
The lamb was amazing, the smell of it fire roasting in spices hits you as you walk in the door, it was so tender and delicious... as was the pita drizzled in oil and spices, the baked good are always delicious.., this is a great place and the owners are such genuine and awesome people... a mom and pop shop that want and needs your support
(5)
Nate O.
I love it! I was at REI and getting hungry, so I checked to see what was in the neighborhood. When I went in around 1, it was mostly empty. I decided to try the turkish coffee and some babaganouj. Both: so good. I've never had turkish coffee before, so I can't compare it to other versions, but the Sultan's was delicious, strong, and fragrant. The babaganouj was not bitter at all and loaded up with bits of tomato and parsley. Curse Jerusalem House for their horrid-tasting middle eastern snacks that made me think I didn't like babaganouj and hummus until the last few years. The Sultan Cafe is an antidote for anyone similarly afflicted. I imagine that if I lived nearby, I'd be in here a couple times a week.
(5)
Sean M.
A local artist pointed me to this downtown cafe when I inquired about good eats. Let me say first and foremost that I had a pleasant meal and I'm writing this review on their free wifi. It took me a full five minutes to peruse the varied menu. I finally blurted out "vegi panini". It turned out to be a decent choice. The sandwhich was crunchy and packed with vegies, but it didn't WOW me. A decent and filling meal, nothing more, nothing less. The guy behind the counter is helpful, but not overly-friendly or underly-friendly. Music is not obnoxious. If someone asks me how my day went, I probably won't bother to mention this cafe, and I probably wouldn't make this a regular spot until I tried what else downtown Portland has to offer.
(3)
Jennifer S.
I come here a couple times a week since I work in the neighborhood. I haven't tried a ton of the menu items they offer, but do regularly get their hummus/pita and the lamb gyro - SO GOOD! Prices are reasonable, and they have outside seating which is awesome in the summer. Grab a coffee in the morning, and come back after work for a beer (they offer a small selection of beers & boozes). Service is great when it's the main owner - friendly & fast - but be prepared for a long wait (and a little attitude) if it's the lady working behind the counter.
(4)
Erin O.
This place has just revived my faith in eating lunch. It's the kinda place that makes me think things like, "hmmm, if I leave these leftovers in the fridge, I can go to the Sultan for lunch..." I'm really impressed by the variety of options (hummus plates, gyros, burgers, weird things I can't pronounce), the flavor (hands down, best hummus I've ever had) and its priced just right. And there's a frequent eater card! And the attention to detail! The hot chocolate was garnished with a mound of whipped cream, a sprinkling of (something cinnamon-esqe) and tiny marshmallows.
(5)
Hui K.
"I wish I was a real Sultan... :(" Background: - First hookah bar I went to. - Went there at night with some friends. - Good hookah atmosphere (Not too creepy, not too many high-school kids) - Middle Eastern style set up. - Couches and tables available. Pros: - Not a lot of high-school kids. - Good selection of favors. - Good hookahs. - Good service. - Breaths in smooth. - Good price. Cons: - A little small. - No alcohol can be served there. I recommend: - Try this place out with friends. - Ask for a good favor (I don't remember which one was good...)
(5)
Leah T.
I am in love...pure love. I go here at minimum 2-3 times a week. The service is beyond friendly - ALWAYS. And the food...oh for the love of all that is holy...the food is superb!! The lamb gyros are perfection (in my mind...side note - I am not mediterranean in any way but these are da bomb!)...the paninis always grilled to perfection...the hummus is rich in flavor and creamy....oh and the falafal...OH...MY...GRACIOUS!! The chicken kabobs and chicken bento served with SUPER YUM saffron rice! Well..you get the idea.... As if that wasn't enough, they serve Umbria coffee (which is fabulous in my opinion), super delish desserts - like their giant peanut butter cookies...YUM...and as I learned today...protein shakes to swoon over! I realize I am gushing...but really...when it is love...it's love! *sigh* So glad it is within walking distance...I will continue to have to walk off all the fabulousness that they serve. VIVA LA SULTAN!!!!
(5)
Matt M.
Over a year later and I agree with Lilly G. Tabbouleh is a simple, beautiful thing. But here it is salty with little flavor. My Lamb Plate salad consisted solely of shredded iceberg lettuce. The lamb had only the most remote reference of the flavor of the meat. Worst of all, the lamb was dry and overcooked, as if it had been cut early in the morning (or day before) and held under a warming lamp. The menu held such potential, and perhaps it succumbs to the lunch rush budget fatigue that leads to good and bad reviews based on time of day, but there seems to be a lot of room for improvement here.
(2)
Lee B.
I was in the Northwest running an errand and I felt peckish. Let's face it; in that area, there's not much in the way of food...and even less in the way of vegan food. I went in here thinking I could grab a falafel, nom it down and run. Sadly, they were out of falafel. Luckily, they made me one of the most badass sandwiches I've ever had. It was the Veggie Panini (Havarti, Mozzarella, Kalamata Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Fresh Tomato and Pesto Spread). I was vegan at the time so I got it without the cheese, but even without that it was rich, savory and filling. The person working the counter was extremely nice and helpful in finding something a vegan could eat. All-in-all, it was a good experience.
(4)
Chris E.
We stumbled across this place while walking in the neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised. They offer a full little bar and quite the variety on their menu. We ordered a cocktail and a chicken Gyro to share and sat in comfy seats by a window. The cocktail was generous, the Gyro was delicious and plenty for two, the atmosphere was fine, the service was great and the prices were affordable. The TV up loud sort of detracted from things. I'd suggest some good world beat or jazz in the background with the TV volume off with closed caption on. Other than that, we enjoyed the experience and would definitely visit again.
(3)
Robert V.
Awesome service and food, the meat was cooked good and the veggies, sauces, and pita had very good flavor! I have eaten there twice, and I just like the attitude and swiftness of service. Pros: Decent price Good flavor Trendy hangout WIFI Outside seating Cons: Small Location - While it is in the NW hood, it is not on a main road, so you could live in the neighborhood for years like I have and not know about it. Spread the word!! Later gators.
(4)
JT T.
I did a search for hookah bars on yelp in my general vicinity and to my luck found The Sultan Cafe just a few blocks away tucked away behind the i405 overpass. After reading other reviews of it being a chill place to hang out as well as good Mediterranean food, I knew I had to try it out. When I got there, I ordered the veggie pannini and a side of the grape leaf dish. This turned out to be the perfect amount of food for lunch (I split the dolmas with a friend). The pannini was to grilled perfectly and had all the right ingredients that I love ...artichoke heart, garlic goodness, and olives, etc. It makes my mouth water now just to think of it. The atmosphere is very chill and welcoming, and the prices are very reasonable. This will definitely be on my list of places to frequent often when I am in the mood for some excellent Mediterranean...I have yet to try the hookah though, something I can't wait for =)
(5)
Wayne R.
I love this place. It is fairly small (there are maybe a dozen+ tables), but PERFECT for lunch/take out. The chicken shawarma is fantastic and the chicken kabobs magnificent. They have daily specials and great desserts too. Cheap prices, fast and friendly service.
(5)
Jim C.
An oasis in a desert of quasi-industrial desolation. Once upon a midday dreary, while I wandered weak and weary, Through streets filled with lunch spots that so bore, While I hungered, energy sapping, suddenly saw a sign aflapping, All the while my cell phone mapping, mapping toward a lit glass door. "'Tis bad fast food," I muttered, "Lapping it would be a bore - Only this, and nothing more." Ah, though the day felt like bleak December, The taste of hummus I did remember, lighting my soul like sun upon the floor. Eagerly, I said "Screw Sbarro! I won't wait until the morrow, I will eat despite the claro, claro from the hookahs near the door." For the Sultan boasts both water pipes and Middle Eastern food galore. Yes, I will return someday for more.
(4)
Crosby L.
New to Portland, I was starting to feel extremely homesick for San Francisco when I stumbled upon The Sultan Cafe. Walking in I noticed they offer free wifi and a computer to browse on. The service was extremely helpful and friendly. The Gyros were fantastic. Go for the traditional lamb. Being a hummus fiend... I was very happy to realize that they have a section of to go containers in a fridge so you can enjoy it at home. We also enjoyed a hookah session. Peach was great but they had a wide variety to choose from. Everything was fresh and delicious. I can't wait to go back and see the same friendly faces each time!
(5)
Tracy A.
AMAZING hummus and pita (warmed!), good and consistent espresso drinks, super friendly staff ... I'm SO glad my co-workers led me to the Sultan!
(4)
Jacob G.
This small cafe is in the NW industrial area and attracts the lunch crowd. I had some of their shawarma for lunch and it was damned tasty. Spicy but not overpowering. They also have lots of sandwiches and other Middle Eastern fare such as hummus and baba-ganouj. Hookahs, too, if you want to get your smoke on.
(4)
Ben P.
Seriously, do not go here, at least not for dinner. We bought a $12 Groupon for $25 worth of food, and my wife and our roommate left wishing we hadn't spent even a dollar for this stuff. The place is marketing itself as a Lebanese restaurant/coffee and pastry shop where you can also get pasta, panninis, burgers and SMOOTHIES. YES! You can't just put chicken in a store bought pita with lettuce and call it a gyro! I ended up saying that out loud about my meal, shortly after my wife called it quits on her beef gyro. The meat was just so salty and strange, it tasted like it had been cooking all day. When we went up and told the cook/cashier, he said "Oh yeah, it's been cooking since 6AM this morning so it might be a little salty." (Keep in mind, it was 6:30PM) He then proceeds to fill a bowl with meat and start wolfing it down, "Hey I'm eating it, this stuff is fine." But hey, we got a baba ganoosh (spelling?) plate which was decent, but not better than anything you can get from a store. So we'll obviously be going back, right? Ha, come on! I really felt like asking for my money back, but the place is already losing money with the Groupon and we were the only customers there. My friend commented right before we left, "It tastes like fast food doesn't it?" and that was exactly right, bad fast food. Maybe we should have gotten the half pound angus burger for $5, it's much harder to screw that up. But ordering a burger from a place that looks like a coffee shop, and has a display case full of pastries and Lebanese dips? So weird, and from the way the cook/cashier rejected our feedback I don't have any hope for this location improving.
(1)
Scott L.
What a great hookah bar! I was in Portland for work and was very happy to find this place. They had so many different flavors to choose from and it was at a reasonable price ($10). I also had a coffee that was delicious. I'll defiantly be back the next time I'm in Portland.
(5)
Mike D.
This place rocks. The guy that works there is very friendly and the food is superb. It's a little on the smaller side but if you go at the right time, you can grab the news, have some good food and chill on your lunch break. I'm sure the hookah is good too!
(5)
John H.
Gyro, YUM one of the best that I have ever had and I have tried many. A small place hidden away under the 405. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Kole R.
Yes, I love this place. The food is good, the owner is friendly, the hours are just as bizarre as mine. Sure I smell like a clove of raw garlic for six hours following my visit; but true love should be both blind and void of olfaction. Get the Lamb Gyro... trust me, you weren't planning on doing anything more important this afternoon.
(5)
Risa L.
Great little joint for lunch, super friendly and affordable. The Mezzah plate is delicious, love their Baba ganouj, and Shawarma. Truly amazing hummus, and great coffee. Hooray for Hookahs!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Tyler P.
I just got an American from here. I didn't see them tamp it down and just brush a finger across it, but thought I just missed something. After my second sip it was un-drinkable and started hurting my mouth and stomach because I was basically drinking water and coffee grounds, which is what happens when the coffee isn't packed correctly. Now this is bad, but I just walked back and tried explaining, in calm tones, what happened and that the coffee was un-drinkable. The young lady told me she does tamp it down, walked back to show me, asking if I want another coffee. I said no just trying to be helpful. The small man working there then stepped forward and asked the person behind me how they could help him, basically brushing me aside. Fire that guy, train the girl, sorry to the bigger guy who works there, possibly the owner, who I actually like interacting with. Their food is ok, coffee is bad, and service is worse. Avoid.
(1)Brenton K.
Good stuff! The hummus is great! Gyros are nothing to complain about! Good prices, good atmosphere, and decent service. $0.50 charge for credit cards. I'd recommend you check it out!
(4)Jamey J.
The food is great but they should really update the prices on their online menu. They've been wrong for over a year. For example, the chicken caesar salad is $6.50 online but it is actually $8.50.
(4)Marianna P.
I love this place, the food is great and the folks that work there are always super friendly. What more could you want?!
(5)Anthony S.
Really excellent place! Their hummus and their falafel are TOP NOTCH, I mean like the beg damn falafel I've eaten. The gal at the counter is super friendly and cute and suggested the falafel to me when I told her I was looking for something without meat or dairy. I've gone for lunch two days in a row now and haven't been disappointed. I'm excited to try the hummus on its own an I'm looking forward to trying the dolmas as well. Good vibes all around.
(5)Tom M.
There is nothing like a soothing cup of hot tea after having to endure such pain. I won't go into detail except to say it hurts like hell but I do it voluntarily and routinely. It's a good thing. This cafe not only serves up the morning Joe but also has a full lunch menu. So far I've only had the tea. It's nothing special but I like hanging out at the place. I'm just waiting for the right moment to try something on the menu. Until then, I'll keep coming back until the time is right.
(4)Rebekah V.
Amazing falafel gyro. It can be hard to find decent tasting falafel but this is delicious! Skip the lentil soup if you are like me and don't want one that is tomato based.
(5)Chelsea J.
The Sultan Cafe was good! Unlike some of the other reviewers here I had no problem using my deal voucher. I am from Seattle so if it weren't for the Living Social voucher I never would have heard about the business. I'm glad we got to check it out on our visit. My parents had the bagel breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon ($6 each). I had the chicken gyro (around $6). I had the Turkish coffee and we got a couple bottled drinks. Everyone enjoyed their food. The gyro was a bit different than other gyros I've had but it was tasty. The chicken was a tad on the dry side but the flavors were good. The woman helping us was nice and did a good job. I'd recommend this place! They have a full bar and they advertise as having hookah so I assume they have an evening clientele, as well.
(4)Cola V.
I work down the street from this little gem. Delish. Had a gyro salad that I ate in 2.4 seconds. The lamb was moist and marinated just right, the sauce was amaze and for $6.99 I'll get it again. Have heard great things from others in the office...going to need to try my first Turkish Coffee.
(4)Daniel M.
A panini is a special thing. When I make them at home, I take great care so I don't put a boring sandwich on my plate.. unless its for my wife, she likes boring food (but not boring men) (*man). I ordered the turkey panini with sun dried tomatoes on it. I was pretty hungry and eager to bite into my flavorful panini treat. Man, that was the lamest sandwich I have ever had. Literally, only 1/5 of the panini had the sun dried tomatoes on it. The only thing that gave the sandwich some flavor were my tears that were pouring onto it. It was so bland. I didn't actually cry. But I sure wanted to.
(2)Savvy G.
I hope my previous positive post is still up here. I just wanted to update...holy moly the breakfast boritto is ridiculous! Aaand Mike (the owner) has added this doughnut that will blow your mind and ruin your waste line. I've left resisting and later come back for it!!! Lol I love Sultan and have been a customer since the very beginning!! Thanks Mike!
(5)mary r.
Yummy chicken swarma, warm dolmas and great lentil soup. I just started working in the area and am so pleased to find such a great cafe. The owner, Mike remembers your name and your coffee...after your first visit. I only wish they were open early for coffee on Saturday when I am dragging and really need it!
(5)Lilly R.
I wanted to like this place. I REALLY did. I learned about it after purchasing a Groupon for it. I typically love Mediterranean food and so finding this place that was so close by my house felt like a huge win. But, alas, it really let me down. I had a Groupon ($7 for $15 worth of food) so I ended up ordering the daily special (a lamb plate with salad) as well as a side of tabouli salad and hummus. Where do I even begin? I was a bit put off that they wouldn't let me substitute tabouli for the side salad (even when I offered to pay extra) - though I do understand the logic behind the "no substitutions" thing. So instead, I ordered tabouli on the side. It probably took about 10 minutes for my meal to come out (I ordered it to go). When I got home, starving, I couldn't wait to tear in to the food. However, it was sort of one train wreck after another. I started with the tabouli. It was good, but it was very, very salty. Not to mention, the container was pre-packed and I watched the guy take it from their "to go" refrigerator and place it with my order. Not to say that it wasn't fresh (perhaps they prepare these every day) but that did turn me off. How do I know how long those things have been sitting there? After tasting the tabouli, I moved on to the side of hummus I had ordered. This was a big disappointment. The hummus had virtually no flavor...not the tahini that I'm used to. I tried doing a mixture of hummus and tabouli on a piece of warm pita, but even that fell short. Then I went to the main dish - the lamb, served on a bed of saffron rice with a side salad. This was where I realized it was over. For one, the side salad (which I wasn't interested in to begin with) was pretty sad. At least two of the tomatoes still had the core/stem attached to them. To me, this indicated that whoever prepped the salad did a really shoddy job cleaning the veggies. Really disappointing since the tomatoes were virtually all I wanted off the salad anyways. In addition, there were about two pieces of crumbled feta (weak!) and a bunch of green lettuce, with not much else. Ok, so the salad sucked. I could have let that pass. But it didn't stop there. I finally tried the lamb. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't good. It certainly didn't taste as fresh as the lamb I've had elsewhere. And it had this weird, THICK, garlic sauce sort of messily spattered over it. It was decent, but it wasn't good. The thickness of the sauce sort of threw me off...as if it had sort of thickened over time (i.e. been left over for too long). The rice that the lamb was served over was hardly edible....it tasted like it had come out of a microwaveable package - it was chewy and bland. Overall, this meal was just a real disappointment. Like I said, I really WANTED to like this place. And the owner (I think that's who he was at the register) seemed super friendly and nice. To their credit, the place was full (it was peak lunch time, but still) and there seemed to be a lot of "regulars" there (most likely people who work in the area). But I just wasn't impressed...at all. It was even worse that I ended up having to pay an extra $2.50, on top of the Groupon value, for the meal. If you want really good, authentic, tasty Mediterranean fare at a great price, go to Hush Hush cafe. Good luck.
(2)Zack F.
Really enjoyed my chicken gyro salad bowl here today. Rather than processed "gyro chicken" I've grown accustomed to, Sultan's used good quality breast meat. The special garlic sauce was delicious, as was the hot sauce they drizzled on top. Quantity was good and it came out within 10 minutes of ordering at lunch-time. While I was eating I noticed that the lady behind the counter knew a lot the customers - repeat business is a good sign. My only criticism is that Sultan's uses iceberg lettuce, where romain would have been a big improvement. Still, the price was right, and overall I still enjoyed the salad tremendously. It also included some feta cheese, tomatoes and cabbage straws. If I could, I'd rate 4.5 due to the lettuce, and I'll definitely return again.
(5)Tamara C.
Oh bliss - just heavenly, perfectly marinated and stuffed into a pita, bliss. That was my lunch experience at Sultan. I wanted everything that was in the Veggie Panini but I didn't want all the bread that went with it so they graciously offered to put all the goodies in a pita for me. And oh man, was it great! From the soft, fluffy, slightly smoky pita itself to all the fixins'; the veggie comes with havarti and mozzarella cheese, kalamata-oh-yum-my-favorite-olives, marinated artichoke hearts, fresh tomato and a zingy pesto sauce. I'm sure this is great in on the sandwich bread too but dang! In the scrumptious pita, it was out-of-this-world, fantastic. Thankfully, I live pretty close so I can easily go back for a second helping!
(5)Dave D.
Stopped by for lunch the other day. It was interesting; what kind of a restaurant has hookah as well? The food was pretty good. The jasmine rice was nicely spiced, and there was a nice side salad. I wanted to lean back, but the seating uses their large windows as a seat-back, and I thought I would break through the glass if I leaned too hard. All in all I'd say feel free to stop by if you want a quick Gyro or similar mediterranean food for lunch. But if it is a nice day, walk a few blocks further to the food carts for a better option.
(3)Matt R.
I got the special today, and the chicken was raw. I tried to take it back to have them fix it and they said it was the skin. I had about 10 pieces that were pink. Not the skin. No sorry I will return your food or money, just deal with it. I will never go back.
(1)Orchid T.
Get the chicken shish kabob it comes with this yummy yellow rice and a little side of hummus and creamy dill sauce. Everything is very flavorful and the portions are good enough even if you just get one skewer. I've also tried their veggie burger and it's also delicious. The coffee is good too.
(5)Sunny L.
Ate the monster lamb gyro. Not really monsterous as I can finish it but it sure taste good. Love it.
(4)Monica A.
I'd consider this a middle-eastern style restaurant so I tried it out for lunch during my middle-eastern kick. I work in the area and forgot about this neat cafe until recently. Love their bagels (I think they sell Kettleman Bagels) and coffee is good. Prices are very reasonable for all their dishes. For lunch, my friend and I tried the chicken kabob (I ordered a single) and their special of the day, Chicken Curry. The kabob was okay-- it's seasoned well, but the flavor didn't really get through to the meat. I did not like the rice at all-- it was a bit mushy and very yellow (saffron or not--unsure). Their hummus was very good and on the garlic-ky side-- however, the pita is not fresh. It's pre-made and then grilled when ordered. The chicken curry had great coconut flavor (which I enjoy), but again-- the rice was not to my liking. Not sure if I'd go back for their middle-eastern cuisines but will definitely stop in for a bagel and coffee. Also-- get there early as they have a considerable lunch rush.
(3)Summer L.
Friendly employees and great pastries. There is a guy named Mike there that is so super sweet and always remembers me and my name when I come in. So glad this place is so close to my work.
(5)Moos B.
I frequent this place because it is SO CLOSE to work and by doing so, I've learned that though they have great garlic sauce, it is not consistent and neither is anything else! Now, the lamb gyro is all I order. One of the best gyros I've had!!! Hummus is my favorite as well! Great selection of drinks (yerba mate!!) I'd skip the coffee though.
(3)Allie R.
I've had many gyros in Portland, and at least for me, this is the best. If their hours were extended, I'd get to enjoy their gyros much more often. But I suppose that, as it is, it's a special treat.
(5)Soma D.
I went here on the advice of a friend. Not somewhere I can usually stop as I'm on the other side of town most of the time but I was very impressed. I try gyros everywhere I go and these are very good. Top 3 for me so whenever I am in the neighborhood I will definitely be stopping. Dolmas and tabbouleh were top notch as well.
(4)Fluffy D.
Owner was clipping his nails behind the counter!!!!! Really? Come on dude! Your coffee was good and I like your food selection, but ya gotta be sanitary! Next time, take your grooming outside.
(1)M D.
MMmmmm! This place has the best hummus and warm pita bread. You cant beat the prices either. The staff is super nice and the cafe is set up nicely. Try it!
(5)Julie C.
I usually visit The Sultan regularly for coffee or snacks as I work very close to here. This review sounds fairly negative, and it's hard for me reconcile why I like this place so much when it's hard to give their food a good review. Sometimes, things are like that. I just like them and I will continue to visit here. I hope they see areas they can improve and do so as I know they're fully capable of it. The espresso isn't perfect, but it serves it's purpose. Their Turkish coffee is delicious! I heart cardamom. The service is usually very friendly and they will start recognizing you after a few visits. They always address their regulars by name and ask how you're doing. Food: All over the place. They have the potential to really step this up, but linger somewhere between a coffee-bar plus and a quick lunch spot. I would not recommend coming here for a sit-down meal, it's not that kind of place, though I think they would like to be. If you're vegetarian or vegan, there are a lot of options. Their burger is huge and decent for the price, though not spectacular. It comes with previously-frozen french fries which are usually crispy and good, though a coworker noted she got moldy fries once. She didn't notice until she got back to work, but I have no doubt if she had mentioned it to the staff, they would have rectified it right away. The various Lebanese dips are hit-and-miss. I really love baba ganoush, so I wish theirs was better. Mostly, it's bitter/lemon and garlic which predominate instead of smokey eggplant goodness. Sometimes, it's delicious. The stuffed grape leaves are pasty. They grill pita bread to give you with the dips, though once I was told bread didn't come with the baba (though it has every other time). The lamb plate had slices of gyro/doner/shawarma over iceburg lettuce and a side of yellow rice. The garlic/tzatziki-like dressing on the lettuce was strong and delicious. There were chunks of tomato, feta, and onion. The rice was plump and moist, but not very flavorful. The meat slices were okay, but a bit dried out and salty. Such is the nature of gyro meat and the sauce helped bring everything together. They have a selection of normal pastries as well as homemade baklava.
(3)Leigh B.
The sultan is an amazing man. His food is not only delicious, but reasonable priced. 2 dollar wells, fries and cheese sticks during happy hour. The place was packed too. My gin and juice was good, a little strong but at least I knew it wasn't watered down like a lot of bars. I really like that they remember me. I recommend eating and drinking here.
(5)Megan I.
I want to update my review because I've seen some great progress around quality here and because the owner and staff were so responsive to my review (which I was maybe just a little TOO grumpy when I wrote.) I went in today after an absence to meet with a co worker and one of the owners immediately recognized me, apologized for the past things that weren't so great and gifted me a drink. I thought that was superb example of customer service. The drink, which she made personally, also tasted great. That level of customer service is definitely enough to make me amend (and feel badly about!) my previous review. If Sultan can keep a high level of service and a high level of consistency in quality, they'll be golden.
(4)Adam S.
Stopped in for the first time today to grab a gyro on my way to the bus. I accidentally ordered a beef gyro instead of lamb (not sure what I was thinking). When I got my order, I inquired thinking perhaps I had received the wrong order by mistake. I received exactly what I ordered, but it wasn't what I wanted. Sensing this, the man behind the counter said "You wanted a lamb gyro didn't you?" Without thinking twice he started making me a lamb gyro and insisted I keep the beef one as well. He said something to the effect of "You should leave here with something you'll enjoy". Did I ever. The gyro was delicious and was a nice change of pace from traditional tzatziki sauce, featuring a flavorful garlic sauce. So the food was great, the service was fantastic (including the very friendly lady that took my order), and they went above and beyond to make sure I left happy. That's how you run a business, and there are quite a few area eateries that could learn that lesson! You guys just earned yourself a regular customer!
(5)Lizzie V.
I was there 2 nights ago when Eric B.'s brother tried to use his Groupon. I can vouch for the ridiculousness of the situation. I too used my Groupon and felt the frustration upon presenting it. HERE'S THE SCOOP: I've been here several times, and have never experienced such poor treatment. My husband and I ordered our food and were each charged a dollar extra for our gyros. We asked for a cup of water with our meal. We were then charged for two waters. Like I said, I've been here several times, and have never been charged for water. After hearing the total we added in our heads, and asked about the extra charges. He explained the lamb gyro cost was extra (Nowhere is that marked), and that the bottled water was in the grab-n-go fridge. Instead of making a fuss about it we just grabbed soda, which he said was the same price as the water. We sat at our table and noticed people next to us had water in a cup, that was free. We already had a hunch this was because of the Groupon. Then our server brought us our food and said, oh those soda's are extra, I'm going to need $2's extra from you when you're finished. Us: "You said the soda's were the same price as the water." Him: "Yeah, the soda in a can, not the soda in a glass bottle." Are you kidding me? None of the prices are marked, I didn't even see the canned soda, this dude is ridiculous... Cue the other Groupon customer (Eric B's brother). He came in before the ending time, the food was already made sitting on the counter because he called it in, and the man working would not give it to him because he said the Groupon ended at 6pm (In which the customer replied it's not 6pm), and that he did not specify he had a Groupon over the phone. We looked at our watch and it was 5:55pm. The man working there and the customer began arguing for several minutes causing a scene, and the end result was that the customer left without any food, angry, and unable to use the Groupon. They lost a few customer's that night. They have good food, but I do not respect the way they do business.
(1)Brian M.
The lamb was amazing, the smell of it fire roasting in spices hits you as you walk in the door, it was so tender and delicious... as was the pita drizzled in oil and spices, the baked good are always delicious.., this is a great place and the owners are such genuine and awesome people... a mom and pop shop that want and needs your support
(5)Nate O.
I love it! I was at REI and getting hungry, so I checked to see what was in the neighborhood. When I went in around 1, it was mostly empty. I decided to try the turkish coffee and some babaganouj. Both: so good. I've never had turkish coffee before, so I can't compare it to other versions, but the Sultan's was delicious, strong, and fragrant. The babaganouj was not bitter at all and loaded up with bits of tomato and parsley. Curse Jerusalem House for their horrid-tasting middle eastern snacks that made me think I didn't like babaganouj and hummus until the last few years. The Sultan Cafe is an antidote for anyone similarly afflicted. I imagine that if I lived nearby, I'd be in here a couple times a week.
(5)Sean M.
A local artist pointed me to this downtown cafe when I inquired about good eats. Let me say first and foremost that I had a pleasant meal and I'm writing this review on their free wifi. It took me a full five minutes to peruse the varied menu. I finally blurted out "vegi panini". It turned out to be a decent choice. The sandwhich was crunchy and packed with vegies, but it didn't WOW me. A decent and filling meal, nothing more, nothing less. The guy behind the counter is helpful, but not overly-friendly or underly-friendly. Music is not obnoxious. If someone asks me how my day went, I probably won't bother to mention this cafe, and I probably wouldn't make this a regular spot until I tried what else downtown Portland has to offer.
(3)Jennifer S.
I come here a couple times a week since I work in the neighborhood. I haven't tried a ton of the menu items they offer, but do regularly get their hummus/pita and the lamb gyro - SO GOOD! Prices are reasonable, and they have outside seating which is awesome in the summer. Grab a coffee in the morning, and come back after work for a beer (they offer a small selection of beers & boozes). Service is great when it's the main owner - friendly & fast - but be prepared for a long wait (and a little attitude) if it's the lady working behind the counter.
(4)Erin O.
This place has just revived my faith in eating lunch. It's the kinda place that makes me think things like, "hmmm, if I leave these leftovers in the fridge, I can go to the Sultan for lunch..." I'm really impressed by the variety of options (hummus plates, gyros, burgers, weird things I can't pronounce), the flavor (hands down, best hummus I've ever had) and its priced just right. And there's a frequent eater card! And the attention to detail! The hot chocolate was garnished with a mound of whipped cream, a sprinkling of (something cinnamon-esqe) and tiny marshmallows.
(5)Hui K.
"I wish I was a real Sultan... :(" Background: - First hookah bar I went to. - Went there at night with some friends. - Good hookah atmosphere (Not too creepy, not too many high-school kids) - Middle Eastern style set up. - Couches and tables available. Pros: - Not a lot of high-school kids. - Good selection of favors. - Good hookahs. - Good service. - Breaths in smooth. - Good price. Cons: - A little small. - No alcohol can be served there. I recommend: - Try this place out with friends. - Ask for a good favor (I don't remember which one was good...)
(5)Leah T.
I am in love...pure love. I go here at minimum 2-3 times a week. The service is beyond friendly - ALWAYS. And the food...oh for the love of all that is holy...the food is superb!! The lamb gyros are perfection (in my mind...side note - I am not mediterranean in any way but these are da bomb!)...the paninis always grilled to perfection...the hummus is rich in flavor and creamy....oh and the falafal...OH...MY...GRACIOUS!! The chicken kabobs and chicken bento served with SUPER YUM saffron rice! Well..you get the idea.... As if that wasn't enough, they serve Umbria coffee (which is fabulous in my opinion), super delish desserts - like their giant peanut butter cookies...YUM...and as I learned today...protein shakes to swoon over! I realize I am gushing...but really...when it is love...it's love! *sigh* So glad it is within walking distance...I will continue to have to walk off all the fabulousness that they serve. VIVA LA SULTAN!!!!
(5)Matt M.
Over a year later and I agree with Lilly G. Tabbouleh is a simple, beautiful thing. But here it is salty with little flavor. My Lamb Plate salad consisted solely of shredded iceberg lettuce. The lamb had only the most remote reference of the flavor of the meat. Worst of all, the lamb was dry and overcooked, as if it had been cut early in the morning (or day before) and held under a warming lamp. The menu held such potential, and perhaps it succumbs to the lunch rush budget fatigue that leads to good and bad reviews based on time of day, but there seems to be a lot of room for improvement here.
(2)Lee B.
I was in the Northwest running an errand and I felt peckish. Let's face it; in that area, there's not much in the way of food...and even less in the way of vegan food. I went in here thinking I could grab a falafel, nom it down and run. Sadly, they were out of falafel. Luckily, they made me one of the most badass sandwiches I've ever had. It was the Veggie Panini (Havarti, Mozzarella, Kalamata Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Fresh Tomato and Pesto Spread). I was vegan at the time so I got it without the cheese, but even without that it was rich, savory and filling. The person working the counter was extremely nice and helpful in finding something a vegan could eat. All-in-all, it was a good experience.
(4)Chris E.
We stumbled across this place while walking in the neighborhood and were pleasantly surprised. They offer a full little bar and quite the variety on their menu. We ordered a cocktail and a chicken Gyro to share and sat in comfy seats by a window. The cocktail was generous, the Gyro was delicious and plenty for two, the atmosphere was fine, the service was great and the prices were affordable. The TV up loud sort of detracted from things. I'd suggest some good world beat or jazz in the background with the TV volume off with closed caption on. Other than that, we enjoyed the experience and would definitely visit again.
(3)Robert V.
Awesome service and food, the meat was cooked good and the veggies, sauces, and pita had very good flavor! I have eaten there twice, and I just like the attitude and swiftness of service. Pros: Decent price Good flavor Trendy hangout WIFI Outside seating Cons: Small Location - While it is in the NW hood, it is not on a main road, so you could live in the neighborhood for years like I have and not know about it. Spread the word!! Later gators.
(4)JT T.
I did a search for hookah bars on yelp in my general vicinity and to my luck found The Sultan Cafe just a few blocks away tucked away behind the i405 overpass. After reading other reviews of it being a chill place to hang out as well as good Mediterranean food, I knew I had to try it out. When I got there, I ordered the veggie pannini and a side of the grape leaf dish. This turned out to be the perfect amount of food for lunch (I split the dolmas with a friend). The pannini was to grilled perfectly and had all the right ingredients that I love ...artichoke heart, garlic goodness, and olives, etc. It makes my mouth water now just to think of it. The atmosphere is very chill and welcoming, and the prices are very reasonable. This will definitely be on my list of places to frequent often when I am in the mood for some excellent Mediterranean...I have yet to try the hookah though, something I can't wait for =)
(5)Wayne R.
I love this place. It is fairly small (there are maybe a dozen+ tables), but PERFECT for lunch/take out. The chicken shawarma is fantastic and the chicken kabobs magnificent. They have daily specials and great desserts too. Cheap prices, fast and friendly service.
(5)Jim C.
An oasis in a desert of quasi-industrial desolation. Once upon a midday dreary, while I wandered weak and weary, Through streets filled with lunch spots that so bore, While I hungered, energy sapping, suddenly saw a sign aflapping, All the while my cell phone mapping, mapping toward a lit glass door. "'Tis bad fast food," I muttered, "Lapping it would be a bore - Only this, and nothing more." Ah, though the day felt like bleak December, The taste of hummus I did remember, lighting my soul like sun upon the floor. Eagerly, I said "Screw Sbarro! I won't wait until the morrow, I will eat despite the claro, claro from the hookahs near the door." For the Sultan boasts both water pipes and Middle Eastern food galore. Yes, I will return someday for more.
(4)Crosby L.
New to Portland, I was starting to feel extremely homesick for San Francisco when I stumbled upon The Sultan Cafe. Walking in I noticed they offer free wifi and a computer to browse on. The service was extremely helpful and friendly. The Gyros were fantastic. Go for the traditional lamb. Being a hummus fiend... I was very happy to realize that they have a section of to go containers in a fridge so you can enjoy it at home. We also enjoyed a hookah session. Peach was great but they had a wide variety to choose from. Everything was fresh and delicious. I can't wait to go back and see the same friendly faces each time!
(5)Tracy A.
AMAZING hummus and pita (warmed!), good and consistent espresso drinks, super friendly staff ... I'm SO glad my co-workers led me to the Sultan!
(4)Jacob G.
This small cafe is in the NW industrial area and attracts the lunch crowd. I had some of their shawarma for lunch and it was damned tasty. Spicy but not overpowering. They also have lots of sandwiches and other Middle Eastern fare such as hummus and baba-ganouj. Hookahs, too, if you want to get your smoke on.
(4)Ben P.
Seriously, do not go here, at least not for dinner. We bought a $12 Groupon for $25 worth of food, and my wife and our roommate left wishing we hadn't spent even a dollar for this stuff. The place is marketing itself as a Lebanese restaurant/coffee and pastry shop where you can also get pasta, panninis, burgers and SMOOTHIES. YES! You can't just put chicken in a store bought pita with lettuce and call it a gyro! I ended up saying that out loud about my meal, shortly after my wife called it quits on her beef gyro. The meat was just so salty and strange, it tasted like it had been cooking all day. When we went up and told the cook/cashier, he said "Oh yeah, it's been cooking since 6AM this morning so it might be a little salty." (Keep in mind, it was 6:30PM) He then proceeds to fill a bowl with meat and start wolfing it down, "Hey I'm eating it, this stuff is fine." But hey, we got a baba ganoosh (spelling?) plate which was decent, but not better than anything you can get from a store. So we'll obviously be going back, right? Ha, come on! I really felt like asking for my money back, but the place is already losing money with the Groupon and we were the only customers there. My friend commented right before we left, "It tastes like fast food doesn't it?" and that was exactly right, bad fast food. Maybe we should have gotten the half pound angus burger for $5, it's much harder to screw that up. But ordering a burger from a place that looks like a coffee shop, and has a display case full of pastries and Lebanese dips? So weird, and from the way the cook/cashier rejected our feedback I don't have any hope for this location improving.
(1)Scott L.
What a great hookah bar! I was in Portland for work and was very happy to find this place. They had so many different flavors to choose from and it was at a reasonable price ($10). I also had a coffee that was delicious. I'll defiantly be back the next time I'm in Portland.
(5)Mike D.
This place rocks. The guy that works there is very friendly and the food is superb. It's a little on the smaller side but if you go at the right time, you can grab the news, have some good food and chill on your lunch break. I'm sure the hookah is good too!
(5)John H.
Gyro, YUM one of the best that I have ever had and I have tried many. A small place hidden away under the 405. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Kole R.
Yes, I love this place. The food is good, the owner is friendly, the hours are just as bizarre as mine. Sure I smell like a clove of raw garlic for six hours following my visit; but true love should be both blind and void of olfaction. Get the Lamb Gyro... trust me, you weren't planning on doing anything more important this afternoon.
(5)Risa L.
Great little joint for lunch, super friendly and affordable. The Mezzah plate is delicious, love their Baba ganouj, and Shawarma. Truly amazing hummus, and great coffee. Hooray for Hookahs!
(4)