A Thousand Tales

4.4 (352 reviews)

ModerateTurkish, Bakeries, Cafes

Open • 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

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A Thousand Tales - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - buffer on weekends - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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A THOUSAND TALES ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Classy

Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Bob R.

A Thousand Tales is a great restaurant, and they also have a coffee and pastry shop in the same building. This time, we tried the coffee shop. The pastries are plentiful and beautiful. We had a very hard decisions to make deciding what to get. I don't know what it was called, but we got something that looked like a strawberry Napoleon. I couldn't have any because of an allergy, but my wife loved it. Their coffee bar is also impressive. My wife had a latte and I had a mint tea. They make an elaborate latte. I was a little disappointed that the tea, which was not inexpensive, was made with a tea bag and not tea leaves. But it was good, so no real problem there. There was a short line to order at the counter, but it moved quickly. The people behind the counter were pleasant and seem to enjoy talking with their customers. All in all, the Thousand Tales coffee shop rates up there with the best.

Kitty L.

Last December we had the year end Yelpies at A Thousand Tales, my sister Frances was my plus one. This was the first time that she joined my husband, also a Yelp Elite, and I at a Yelp event. She was absolutely impressed by the Yelpies and the restaurant. Recently, she even hosted her birthday party at A Thousand Tales. We were a party of 10, they seated us at the first table near the host area, it's understandable, as it was during the month of Ramadan, the restaurant was busy serving buffet even on a Monday. My sister loved the menu at our Yelpies, and wanted to duplicate that as much as possible, so as to introduce A Thousand Tales to the rest of the family who live close by. She had two of each of the following dishes: Spinach Avocado Salad ($17 ea) Shepherd Salad ($15 ea) Falafel with Hummus ($10 ea) Tales Family Mixed Grill ($140 ea) Some of us ordered Fresh Squeezed Lemonade ($7 ea) Their very fresh ingredients always contribute to delicious dishes. The presentation with dry ice under the Tales Family Mixed Grill was always fun and impressive. The complimentary bread was so good, lightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. It was nice that they gave us a huge pot of hot black tea after dinner. Our serving team was very friendly and efficient. Our main server, Akmaral, a young lady who's very pleasant and attentive, worked hard to make sure we had a great time. She even patiently took group pictures for us with at least four different smartphones from us. I need to mention that their very friendly manager Bugra, the owner's son, was absent for a month. When my husband celebrated his birthday here last year, Bugra was extremely friendly, generous and welcoming. He checked in on us several times and gifted my husband a piece of White Dream Cake as complimentary dessert. The presentation of the cake and fireworks candles was so much fun. When I reminded Akmaral that it was Frances' birthday so she would give her a piece of birthday cake. I was quite shocked when she responded that they no longer gave out birthday cake to the birthday person, but she would check (with her management). She came back and the answer was still not a yes. She said only Bugra had the power to give out nice complimentary birthday cakes, she asked me if a piece of cheaper milk cake would be fine. I accepted, but the happy mood of the party has been dampened at this point. It's so different from the generosity that we experienced here at Yelp events, where there were cakes and desserts galore, so much extra free food and desserts for guests to take home. Now, our server had to run around for a while to get permission for a piece of birthday dessert, something pretty standard at restaurants. When Akmaral finally came with another waitress to present the piece of milk cake, it was very fun, Turkish, and happy. It's funny that they also brought 10 forks, and the funniest was that my sister cut that piece into 10 little teeny pieces for everyone to try. It was very moist and not bad. The cake value was not important, it's the gesture and thoughts that counted. Since they don't allow outside cakes, my sister had purchased a big mango "cloud" cake from her favorite bakery, and shared that with everyone at home. I asked for Frances' opinion after the party; she said she would give 3 stars. She did like the serving team a lot, and they had been great. She said it was the hostess Altyn who seemed to be unfriendly to her both on the phone and in person, and no management or substitute checked in on us even once (although our server did). When I called to make a reservation for Frances, Altyn seemed to be fine on the phone, though. Frances was pleasantly surprised that the check was only $500 with the big amount of food, that was very reasonable to her. She said she would return when her son is in town to visit. I am glad that Frances plans on returning. All in all, everyone had a good time. Can't wait to see how another sequel continues.

Lesley Anne Y.

I love love love this placr! Service is grdat! Place is nice and you can dress up or down as you please. I have my goto food order. It will always be the Grilled platter. Its a variety of meat and its really delicious! If you want to try everything this is a highly suggested order and presentation is amazing! Definitely coming back for more! Happy Eating!!!!

Michelle F.

This place is nothing short of amazing! We experienced a 4 course meal starting with appetizers of hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves and warm bread followed by a hot tomato red pepper soup and on to a beautiful plated main entree of Turkish style roast lamb with beautiful sides. The show stopper was the flaming salt crusted turkey that a chef unveiled for us. All the food is made fresh everyday and items are all delicious with their own unique flavors. That wasn't all.. they also have a beautiful grocery shop featuring various sweets, bakery, butcher and authentic groceries. Another nice area is the cafeteria style meal place with casual seating! It reminded me of my trip to Istanbul where this is very common to have many dishes offered and you pick what you want at the restaurants. Seating was comfortable and intimate. Then they have another area separate from all this where you can try a number of Turkish delights/Lokum, baklava's and deserts with coffee and teas! Setup as a traditional Turkish tea room as well. The whole family is very nice and puts thier passion and hard work into everything here! When you leave you feel like a Sultan!

Mel C.

This Turkish café is a five star place filled with wonderful aromas, sights and tastes that awaken the palate. The food is made from the freshest ingredients and you can taste the care and passion put into every bite. I loved everything I tried, but a few of my favorites were the pomegranate walnut salad, pesto pasta and meat rolled in a thin pita with tomato based sauce and cheese garnish. Dessert was equally impressive and we tried delicious cheesecake, baklava, and profiteroles served with hot Turkish tea in elegant tulip glasses. The entire night while dining here, we felt like we were part of an exclusive family meal experience. The owner, servers and staff at the bakery counter are all fabulous and we look forward to returning here in 2026!

Just one of the display cases. The pyramid of pistachio fudge drew me in.

Kate S.

I came here on Christmas Eve while I was running errands in Arlington Heights. I was in need of caffeine and after attending two recent Yelp events here, I wanted to come back and support them. (Plus my Yelp bestie Stacy O. mentioned at the last event that she had a pistachio latte here before the event and it was amazing. I haven't stopped thinking about it). I got an oatmilk pistachio crumble latte and I'm not normally a sweet coffee kind of gal, but omg. It was incredible and so worth the splurge. The real pistachios as a topping was a great addition, and they topped it with a small Turkish delight. I will always come back here when I'm in the area and need coffee. Also, all their fudges are delicious, but the pistachio one might be my favorite.

Ron T.

Stepping into A Thousand Tales is less about eating out and more about embarking on a journey. Located subtly in the heart of Mount Prospect, this restaurant manages to feel both intimate and grand, inviting patrons to settle in and become part of its narrative. I can confidently say that this is a five-star experience, and I am already looking forward to my next chapter there!

Madeleine A.

We came here on a Thursday after 8pm dinner to a packed restaurant & we were able to be seated with 5 minutes which was great! The environment was classy with white table clothes & all servers wearing black pants & button downs but the other restaurant goers were a mix of dressed up or casual. They give complimentary bread & olive oil. It was very addicting and could have ate all of it but saved room for the main course. We ordered Lahmacun & Beytzi Kabob then got pastries (not pictured) at the cafe next door: pistachio cheesecake & baklava. Everything with tip included was around $75. I am new to Turkish food but everything tasted amazing! The kabob was my favorite because it came with yogurt sauce and the meat was so tender. Nothing was too salty & all the flavors were very balanced. I would come here again to try more foods!

Dan K.

Wow grabbed some delicious baklava to take home and share with my wife. They looked so good I ate some in the car before I was home. . So good highly recommend checking out their bakery and the restaurant. Welcoming and friendly staff. Definitely a hidden gem !!!

Dyamond D.

I've been to A Thousand Tales before and visited for a second time while visiting Illinois. It's a nice place to grab a quick bite to eat. The service here tends to be a little slow but the food is fresh. I've ordered the grilled meatballs both visits and it will likely become a go-to. They also have a cafe next door where you can order crafted drinks and pastries to go.

Cady D.

Had an amazing first time visiting A Thousand Tales! The food was great and everyone here is so kind. We tried their Valentine's Day drinks, which included an iced strawberry mocha latte and love potion mocktail (a beautiful sparkly shirley temple). They even gave us a complimentary dessert. I got the chocolate mousse one and it was so delicious. The bakery connected to the restaurant also has a huge selection of beautiful cakes, chocolates, and pastries. I will definitely need to come back to try more of their bakery items!

Sheyenne H.

Been going back from time to time to get the Black Forest cake and mosaic chocolate. These are my comfort food. They continue to be amazing! I love that they are not too sweet.

Cabinets City K.

Awesome place to dine in. A real great atmosphere with beautifully designed ambience. Foods are so authentic and so delicious. The menu is full of a list of different turkish food and make you want to order all same time. Simply it is a place you MUST visit and and experience yourself:)

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Tayyib R.

186

4 years ago

The good: the place is clean and very nice looking. The service is good and fast. The food: the ingredients were fresh but not much in terms of substance, taste, and portions. The taste was just ok. The rating explained: the taste of the food did not live up to my expectations given the prices of menu items. For these prices I want a restaurant to rock my world and it just didn't happen. Would I go here again? Maybe but I would have to try something totally different. read more

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Jamil Q.

161

134

3 years ago

Family Mixed Grill Platter. Delicious and succulent. It had 6 different meat entrees, French fries, rice, and salad. Worth the price because you can try a variety of meats. After dinner the server escorted us to the cafe area and provide complimentary Turkish tea. Elegant ambiance. Highly recommend. read more

A Thousand Tales - Turkish Tea - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - Tales Family Mixed Grill Platter - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Christina C.

Elite 23

155

246

1141

4 years ago

Magic. That is what this place is. It is one word to tell Thousand Tales. I've been waiting for this opening for a quite now and I believe there is few of us truly in love with this place. It was a love on first bite:) I very much admire mother restaurant ( Istanbul market) as you all know that. I admire family who owns it and how hard they worked to be where they are now. I followed this place to grow through last few years and Thousand Tales is a crown. I respect that. And I love that. It is one great example. The moment you step your foot into this place your will feel how glorious it is. On the left side you will have a bakery part, with cute cozy space to enjoy some delicious pastries or just cup of coffee and catch up with some friends. On the right side is restaurant where you can enjoy their amazing, tasty food. You will be welcome very warmly and probably seated right away. Seating area is very spacious and I love details. They paid attention on the whole project to follow Thousand Tale concept through menu and interior. I like that touch. There is a lot of different options, but it is not overwhelming. Appetizers or salad, it is up to you. But you shouldn't skip TT salad and Wedding soup to start your glorious meal with. You just simply need to have it. Yum. Salad is fresh, sweet with just hint of sourness, just to balance everything out. It is maybe best salad I had in US. I kid you not. Crunchy, with soft white creamy cheese, walnuts and pomegranate. Perfect. Wedding soup is something I wanted to try for a long time and finally I have a chance. It is yogurt based soup with perfectly cooked beef small chunks of meat, chickpea and pasta. Drizzled with (probably paprika) oil. Amazing. First time we had Ali nazik and Beyti Kabob. Both well seasoned, very refreshing meals. Ali nazik was my fave. It is that type of dish that you can eat over again and you would be amazed on the first bite over and over again. Bed of mashed eggplant and gooey cheese, topped with tasty beef tenderloin chunks, drizzled with tomato sauce. Heavenly. You just need to try it. That smokiness pairs perfectly to make meal very unique. I love lightness of this dish especially since it contains cheese but it sits very light on your stomach. Beyti Kabob is minced kabob rolled in pita with cheese and served with yogurt and tomato . Nice bites. Both perfectly shareable (or just keep it for yourself we wont judge) Today we had different entree since we decided to try Tales grill. Boy we were right. But honestly I have some feeling that in this place you can not go wrong. Every bite was perfect. Lamb chops to die for. Adana wow. Chicken and beef kabob you just need to have it. Every single bite. Dish is served with side of rice pilaf and bulgur pilaf. Of course the offer more than enough dessert options. It is great place to celebrate with your dear ones or just bring someone to enjoy great, healthy, meal with you. With a spacious parking outside you shouldn't worry even if you came in the group of 20:) From exotic puddings to baklavas. They have it all. And if you are lucky luck us Abdu will be your host and he will help you with a slightest details and he will try over and over to keep you happy and satisfied. Thank you Abdu for your service. I could go on and on and it is truly a Thousand tales . Pro tip: If you are already there after perfectly ended meal with dessert., do yourself a favor and visit Istanbul market nearby for some to go treats. We will keep coming back bc it is the place to satisfy my soul. It deserves Thousands Stars. read more

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Aiperi O.

3 years ago

Love this place, especially the bakery part, loving to sit with friends at quiet spot and drinking their tea with dessert read more

A Thousand Tales - Coffee, Organic Black Tea - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Akmam S.

Elite 18

108

3 years ago

Great ambiance, authentic taste and elaborate menu. BBQ with Turkish tea is weirdly addictive combo.

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Mert Ş.

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Anton E.

2 years ago

I found this restaurant through Yelp when looking for new restaurants in the area. I came in with my friend. Foods are pricey but it was good. The Tales Grill is a good option to share, it serves 2. Food gets cold fast if you tend to eat slower. If you order a soda, they will give you a glass with lemon to put in which is nice. Although the service was good, it felt rushed (the restaurant was basically empty when we went). If the restaurant was packed and we were rushed with ordering, then that would make more sense. We asked for recommendations from the server but they just read all the menu options which wasn't helpful so we ended up just going with our pick. The restaurant itself has a nice ambiance. It's decorated to feel a little more upscale. Right next to the restaurant is their cafe. They were out of many things which is weird for a cafe and it's on the more expensive side for basic things. I would recommend to go here for the food, not the cafe. Enjoy! read more

A Thousand Tales - Tales Grill - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Mert Ş.

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Moe M.

2 years ago

The food is fresh and quality no doubt but delish taste is not there!! Especially for exagerated prices they charge! Charging high end "chefs' picks" prime taste prices for very average tasting dishes!! Sometimes even off like the sweets!! You can pay half the price and get same or even way tastier mediteranean dishes at many other places serving same cuisine or from that region!! Guess you pay for the decor and service.. Lovely place and a very much needed addition to the neighborhood no doubt!! read more

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Bengisu D.

2 years ago

Thank you Sky for serving us today! Everything was delicious. We had delicious cigkofte and iskender and celebrated our birthday with a cake. We will be back! read more

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Mert Ş.

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Gobohae L.

2 years ago

Went for an early lunch for the first time. Even before ordering noticed everything on the menu was bit overpriced. But my girl friend and I ordered Adana Kabob. Wow...For such a small amount of food, and ok taste, thought it was bit expensive for lunch. For two person, my bill was almost $60.00 not including the taxes and tip. Service was pretty decent but good chance we won't be going back. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Lilah J.

130

275

4 years ago

This place is soooooo good! Service, food and ambiance are all perfect! If you are looking for very authentic Turkish food, you want to definitely come here! They also have a cafe next to the restaurant. Turkish delight is freshly made and so good! read more

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Monika P.

2 years ago

The pistachio latte was just the most delicious coffee, I had. They have amazing basque cheesecake too. Service is great and ambience is family friendly. They have books too, to keep you engaged read more

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Mert Ş.

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V A.

3 years ago

Food great, friendly staff Service is good but no alcohol, which is ok but would be nice with a meal so yummy read more

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Soph Q.

3 years ago

Soooo tasty! Loved the atmosphere !!! dry ice with the appetizers looked and tasted so nice . Great staff

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Alisa M.

2 years ago

Food is excellent but a bit overpriced. Save for special occasion. Love the ambiance. The desserts in the cafe are amazing and worth prices. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Julianne H.

3 years ago

As I am on a gluten free diet , I was happy to find variety of flour-less desert items in the menu in the cafe area today which go perfect with Turkish coffee and tea. read more

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Gosia G.

2 years ago

Solid 4 stars for bakery section. Restaurant experience one star!! Maybe it's a good place for family gatherings, they have capacity to accommodate big parites. Food wise ? - very mediocre spot (I prefer businesses in the same plaza) It's not genuine Turkish Cuisine-mozarrela in almost every dish ?? Really? Zero attention from service, but unfortunately, the forced service fee is included already in your bill !! read more

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Mert Ş.

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Diana D.

3 years ago

The food was OK. Portions were small and it was fairly expensive. And the noise level was quite high lots of small children even in the evening read more

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Mark V.

3 years ago

We found this place by accident while EV charging! Just walking in was amazing! The variety of baked goods was mind boggling and every thing we tried was amazing (did I mention free samples?). We ended up with Simit with Kashkaval (cheese bread boat) and fresh-made Cheese and Dill Pogca (rustic homestyle feta and dill pastry). Along with the coffee it was amazing. We took a Latte and a Turkish Tea to go (both great), and realized if we lived any place close we would be happy and much plumper! There was also a restaurant, which would probably be amazing. But we had to hit the road. We will come back if we ever get the chance. read more

A Thousand Tales - Some of the amazing selections - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - Check out these cakes! - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - Our breakfast next to the fire on the couch! - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Hasan S.

2 years ago

I've been to Turkey and this reminds me of that trip: the service is lousy and the food is pretty good. The kabobs, lamb, and bread are top notch. The service is bad. I had to wait to get water, our waitress disappeared and I had to fish down two separate waiters to order dessert. Then they never refilled the water. Had to flag someone down for that. Out of the thousand tales, the service is the only one that shouldn't be told. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Carm A.

838

5427

4 years ago

The presentation and quality is amazing. They really take pride in everything to even how you get the bill in an adorable wooden box. Food was delicious and the staff was so friendly and accomodating. Can't wait to come back. Gorgepus place. read more

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Farzana K.

2 years ago

Went there couple of times. Although it is far but would love to go back. They had great food, amazing presentation and friendly and courteous staff and service. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Sinem E.

3 years ago

Food was amazing! Try lamb guvec. Service is awesome. I am not even mentioning the bakery. Outside of the food being delicious, the wait staff especially Abdullah made our visit even better. read more

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Marina W.

4 years ago

This location used to be a nice Japanese restaurant and now it is another excellent restaurant as well. We enjoyed the dinner with the family meat platter and it was packed with good quality of meats, roasted greens and fresh salads. We also ordered three different types of desserts including Turkish delight (they are so fresh and well done!) didn't even got the chance to take photos as we dived right into those fabulous and delicious desserts. Will definitely swing by another time. read more

A Thousand Tales - Family platter - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Lynn M.

4 years ago

Highly Recommend. Haven't visited the restaurant yet, but we had a wonderful experience at the bakery side. The bakery has an excellent selection of both savory and sweet items. The staff was very helpful and kind in explaining what everything was and making recommendations. Clearly newly renovated, and it's a gorgeous and comfortable space. Warm atmosphere thanks to the staff. Can't wait to go back to try the restaurant. I would have been back already but it's over an hour away from I live. read more

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Omar W.

4 years ago

Great restaurant- reminds me alot of turkey. Nice little cafe attached too. Get the Adana kabob read more

A Thousand Tales - Adana - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Laura H.

2 years ago

I am so glad we went to this place, absolutely phenomenal! The second you walk in, you know it's going to be good because all of the smells were heavily. We ordered the mix of shish kabobs, and thankfully, we had leftovers. The service was a bit slow, and an 18% gratuity is added to every bill. A must try. We will be bringing my parents next time. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Marisol S.

187

3 years ago

My sister brought my here for the first time. Great experience and great food. Will definitely be returning

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Mert Ş.

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Zarnigor N.

105

393

3 years ago

I bought their Baklava and Hazelnut mousse banana cake.. It was so fresh and amazing ) reminded me of Istanbul.. I would like to return and try their Entree dishes. I highly recommend this place to everyone . read more

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Mert Ş.

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S A.

3 years ago

Too expensive, food was okay and not Wow, portions was very small . Be ready to pay ~$100 for two dishes, one side and one drink . People were friendly though. I wish i went to Al-Bawadi or Kabobi, better food and price read more

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Alicia S.

3 years ago

My sisters and I went to lunch here and were extremely impressed with the food. Everything was so good! We enjoyed the bakery too and sampling the sweets. It was a special place to visit. read more

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Omar A.

272

255

3 years ago

Amazing bakery items from turkish delights to cookies and such. What a Gem in Chicago.

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Mert Ş.

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Martin S.

Elite 23

115

3 years ago

Came here for the first time with gf and ordered the 2-3 person platter ($60) which has a little bit of everything. I hate to say it but both my gf and I agreed rather quickly that Pita Inn would have been much better. Chicken, lamb and beef were all very dried out. Very homogeneous kind of seasoning on everything....which made everything tastes the same. Don't mind 18% added gratuity but it doesn't lend itself to good service as a server already knows they are going to get a tip, so why try....and our server didn't. I felt like I was interacting with an accountant. Definitely won't come back here to eat but the bakery/ coffee shop looked really nice and would definitely come back for that. read more

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Mert Ş.

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Senitra B.

3 years ago

Work out here so I figured I would go try this place looking nice and a little fancy food was ok nothing to write home about chef was nice when he bought out my very small waffles he made more cause first batch was small didn't have any interaction with the staff after I ordered my food came out and I didn't even have staff check on me the whole time had to flag someone down to get my bill and 25 dollars later this is what I got and I was being generous with 3 stars read more

A Thousand Tales - Waffles and fruit - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - Mushrooms and cheese omelette - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

A Thousand Tales - How expensive the little sample portion of breakfast was - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Lola C.

2 years ago

This bakery is great! Very fresh and delicious food. This was my first time trying a Turkish bakery and I will definitely be back. Service is professional and they take good care of you. The ambiance has a good vibe that is peaceful. I have never tried their restaurant side but I've heard great things as well. However, they are a little pricey, but you get what you pay for I guess. read more

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Mert Ş.

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SF O.

2 years ago

Our server Lila was very sweet and took great care of us. The ambiance is nice but I think they could add a little more decor to enhance more of the Mediterranean culture. Food was on point all the way down to the presentation of our check! Lila asked to rate the service and she showed us a metal business size card with a bar code and I was about to scan it then she just tapped my phone and the survey site came up. Pretty neat but I was a little weary of it. The food wow...dessert double wow! Then the check arrived is a closed branded wooden box with their logo. That was pretty cool! All in all everything was very good!! I wish I took more pictures of our food. The teas and desserts doesn't do the restaurant justice here so I hope you try tho restaurant at least a couple times. read more

A Thousand Tales - Coconut Almond Pudding and teas - Turkish Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Mert Ş.

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Layan A.

Elite 24

136

517

878

3 years ago

The place was packed on a Sunday afternoon around 2.30. It's not fancy but clean and more than a diner. The food was very delicious, albeit pricey. For the 4 of us it was about $200. Traditional Turkish food is excellent. I wouldn't be coming here regularly because of how expensive it is. But maybe during special occasions. Although it doesn't feel like a special occasion place. I'm torn! read more

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Marianne R.

2 years ago

Delicious food with a wide variety of selections. Good options for casual to special occasion. The staff was very helpful.

Business owner information

Mert Ş.

Hi Marianne;…

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Metin Utku Ç.

2 years ago

Really good food, clean, fancy, good service. Takes a long time to get your food, for me it took 30 minutes didint mind, its a long time price, very overpriced for iskender it was 30 dollars. read more

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Mert Ş.

Hi Metin ;…

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Mary L.

3 years ago

Amazing food!! I wish the restaurant was closer to where I live. It reminded me of my Grandmas cooking Honey Cake read more

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Izmir A.

2 years ago

good food but BEWARE - the bill is automatically charged 18% whether you are 1 person or 2. They do not tell you this. Tip should be left to the discretion of the client not automatically charged... read more

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Mert Ş.

Hi Dear Customer ;…

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Page 6 of 9

2340 Elmhurst Rd
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Directions
(224) 534-2160
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.thousandtales.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does A Thousand Tales open?

A Thousand Tales opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does A Thousand Tales close?

A Thousand Tales closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does A Thousand Tales take credit cards?

Yes, A Thousand Tales takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does A Thousand Tales have catering options?

Yes, A Thousand Tales does have catering options.

Does A Thousand Tales serve alcohol?

No, A Thousand Tales does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does A Thousand Tales allow dogs?

Yes, A Thousand Tales allows dogs.

Does A Thousand Tales have TVs?

No, A Thousand Tales does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does A Thousand Tales have bike parking?

Yes, A Thousand Tales has bike parking.

Does A Thousand Tales have outdoor seating?

Yes, A Thousand Tales has outdoor seating options.

Does A Thousand Tales have parking?

Yes, A Thousand Tales has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is A Thousand Tales wheelchair accessible?

Yes, A Thousand Tales is wheelchair accessible.

Does A Thousand Tales have free WiFi?

Yes, A Thousand Tales has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Love is in the air! Join us for our All You Can Eat Valentine's Day Buffet from 1 PM - 9 PM, or start your day with the All You Can Eat Valentine's Day Brunch from 9 AM - 12:30 PM! Indulge in endless flavors, delicious dishes, and sweet treats that’ll leave you full of love! Enjoy the perfect fusion of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes at A Thousand Tales. Start off your early morning at our cafe with the perfect cappuccino, latte, americano, or espresso paired with a Turkish bagel or Balkan-style borek stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or ground beef. Free wi-Fi and printing services allow for the perfect working environment. A Thousand Tales offers a variety of breakfast options including veggie omelettes, waffles, and traditional Turkish platters. You must try the eggs with soudjouk or menemen! Bring your friends and family for lunch and dinner and enjoy the mixed grill that includes lamb chops, chicken shish kabob, kofte kabob, adana kabob, lamb shish kabob, lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and traditional beyti kabob. Finally, end your meal with Turkish coffee paired with Sutlac (Rice pudding), Kazandibi (Turkish flan), pistachio baklava, eclairs, honey cake, or our specialty cookies. Enjoy the summer weather by dining at our outdoor tables while sipping on some refreshing homemade lemonade and freshly squeezed orange juice. Perfect for private parties, large groups, and meetings.

A Thousand Tales Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - A Thousand Tales

Do I need to make a reservation or is it optional?

Optional unless you have a party of 10 or more then I would call so they can accommodate you for time you want.

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Can you just order to go?

Yes

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Donerka Shawarma & Cafe

4.3

(32 reviews)

0.0 mi

Bishkek chicken shawarma is the best. Never had an amazing sandwich like this place. I order from…read morehere very very often.

Started off to place an order through Grubhub for two Dubai chicken Shawarma wraps. With a five…read moredollar tip my total was $45. I thought that was a bit crazy for two wraps so I just decided to drive to the restaurant myself. Got two Dubai style chicken Shawarma wraps and asked for sauce when I picked up the order. He gave me some sport peppers and some garlic sauce. I asked for hot sauce and he said there would be an extra charge for it. When I looked at the container it was a small container of some kind of hot sauce. I decided to skip as I already paid for my order. The amount of meat is generous, but the flavor is very very mediocre. It just tasted like a wrap filled with warm lettuce, warm tomatoes, warm garlic sauce, surrounded in bland chicken inside a tortilla that was buttered with sesame seeds on top and then toasted. The tortillas were all hanging on the edge of the lid that all of their condiments are stored in. It was really bizarre. Would be nice if the meat had some flavor or at the very least they offered sauces without an additional charge. Total was $29 Will not be returning.

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Jelly Cafe

Came here on a random Sunday at the peak of luncheon was luckily seated immediately. It's located…read morein a large strip mall so there's lots of parking. The menu is pretty straightforward and service was pretty utilitarian as well. However, food did come out quickly. Unfortunately, the French toast came out at room temperature at best, and the syrup that was brought to the table before hand had already had a solidified top part. So it wasn't warm at all it in fact was cold. They're also very quick to clean tables and remove things from the table. In fact, my friend was still picking at her salad and they literally came by four times to try to take it away. I think this place is family owned small business type set up so it was great to see it busy and filled. I said service was utilitarian because I think we saw our waitress maybe twice all other things were done by the bus boys for refilling waters and coffees, etc.

We just love this little cozy cafe. We bring our kids, they color and do word puzzles on the kids…read moremenu until we have our food. The wait staff is amazing and treats you like family from day 1. We like to get there early when it's not too crowded but even when it's busy, they tend to your every need and turn tables around quickly so there is never a long wait. Truly a gem. We love Jelly Cafe!

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Brew Coffee Lab

4.5

(79 reviews)

3.1 mi

This was my second time here! I got the iced banana cream latte w/ oat milk for the second time! I…read moream usually not one to get sweet drinks but I am obsessed with this drink. It's sweet, but not too sweet. The large iced latte is also great, it has 3 shots of espresso which makes the ratios perfect. My boyfriend and I also got the Bacon egg and cheese, sausage egg and cheese, and the Korean chicken cheesesteak sandwich! Also super yummy. Cant wait to check out the other new location in Park Ridge! The vibe and aesthetic are also so cute in here! Love the simple design! It is located inside the train station, so while it was busy both times I went I received my food and drinks super fast! I am super picky with where I spend my money on coffee/matcha, but this is one of the few places in the area worth it!!

The drinks here are really a delicious suck I got the ube…read morelatte which is really thick so if you like your drinks more watery or thinner this might not be for you. It does have condensed milk in it. But the flavor of the new base is so rich so delicious it's not over sweet I definitely would come back if I was ever in Chicago again. My friend also got a drink I want to say she got the banana flavor I could be wrong but more than once she looked at me and said I chose the right coffee shop

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Ube Latte

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Jan 2025 Menu Board

Mango House Cafe

5.0

(37 reviews)

1.7 mi

Great food & service! Super fast service! Ask for the sweetness level and they actually were great…read morewith helping with recs. Got the strawberry peach smoothie and it was perfect. You get the taste of both flavors! Also their mango matcha was amazing as well. Not overly sweet! Definitely would come back!

What a cute place! Stopped by because my sister raved about their matcha drinks. I opted for a taro…read moresmoothie since it was after 4pm and I didn't want to be hopped up on caffeine . There's a kiosk to use to order your drinks. Real quick and easy. The taro smoothie was solid and not too sweet!

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Inside

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Mocha Frappe

releaf

Love this place per usual, great ice cream and drinks for desserts always a great place to go when…read moreyou have a sweet tooth. Service is quick and seating is easy to find at 6:28 on a Sunday

Ever since coming back to Illinois to visit family, I have made a stop to Releaf to order my…read moreVietnamese coffee. It the best spot for Vietnamese coffee in Illinois! No other place has come close to Releaf. It is a perfect mixture with chicory coffee and sweet condensed milk. Every order I have received had the been created consistently the same from day 1. I have been going here for years and I enjoy every cup of Vietnamese I order from Releaf. The service is amazing and the staff members have been very nice and had my order correct every time. It is a small coffee / dessert spot in Mitsuwa and always busy. When there is a line in front, follow the crowd. You know there is something good in there. The wait is always worth it! Yesterday, my brother and I ordered 2 Vietnamese coffees. My brother and I loved our Vietnamese coffees and tasted excellent. The sweet level was perfect. I enjoy mixing the chicory coffee and condensed milk before drinking it. When I get that light brown color during mixing I know that is the right time to drink the coffee. Today, I also ordered a Vietnamese coffee and it tasted excellent. Thank you Releaf!

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Vietnamese Coffee

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A delectable mixed matcha and sesame soft serve cone.

Cafe De Jour

5.0

(4 reviews)

2.6 mi

Food is made fresh and is delicious! Very kind family owned cafeteria. They have two locations that…read moreare right next to eachother and are taking proper precautions for covid.

This place has really great food, but the customer service is everything! They always greet you…read morewith a welcoming smile and you can really tell they care about their employees. Could eat here for lunch every day!

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1011 Cafe de Jour

1011 Cafe de Jour kitchen (Covid - updated)

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Khepri Kitchen Plus Coffee

4.6

(54 reviews)

2.8 mi

This location is MUCH larger than the Albany Park location. There is plenty of seating to work…read moreremote, catch up with friends, or gave a solo date. I loved that they have all year specialty drinks as well as seasonal options. They serve breakfast, lunch, and early dinner with options like coffee, tea, cocktails, smoothies, sandwiches, pastries, salads, bowls and more! This visit, I tried The Michelle Obama Latte as it felt springy to me. The rosemary and orange blossom flavors were subtle but definitely there. It wasn't overwhelming which made me love it! Another popular item is their Maple Brown Sugar Latte. I definitely prefer this location over Chicago's but I'm happy they have the same offerings at both.

$48 for two 16 oz iced coffees and 2 breakfast sandwiches is just not a good deal. My girlfriend's…read moresandwich was so small too, I felt bad that she ordered it. I had the AP Breakfast Sandwich which was bigger but nothing spectacular. As we were standing in line we considered leaving to go to a breakfast place but we wanted to support local and try something new. I wish we left that line. The menu also labeled all sandwiches come with chips or salad, we didn't get that with our order. The coffee was good, if I ever came back it would only be to get that but not worth parking and going inside to wait for it. The only good thing I can say was the staff was very friendly. Likely won't be back. Overpriced. Mediocre. Mislabeled menu. Left the place wanting more.

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Inside

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Gifts

Tous Les Jours

04/04/26 - Yummy Tommy I love Tous Les Jour & I love having guests from out of town to share these…read moredelicious goodies with. (In this case my sister). Tous Les Jour bakeries are popping up all over Chicago, Chicagoland & all over the country. As you may or may not know Tous Les Jour a fine French Bakery (NOT). Tous Les Jour is a Korean bakery that has hit on a winning formula. I have personally gone to at least 6 or 7 TLJ's in Chicago & Chicagoland. TLJ is international & have also eaten at locations outside the US. For me they have a great selection @ a reasonable price & availability @ numerous locations both nationally & internationally. For me TLJ is one of my favorite bakeries as I have repeatedly gone to different locations w/the same high Quality baked goods

First time here . Kept seeing it posted online and had to try it out. I went pretty early in the…read moreday but some of the stuff was already gone and I guess they don't have more in the back so that was a little disappointing. But the things I got were all very fresh and delicious, definitely would be going back . I will try to go when they open so I'm able to get the stuff I see in their pictures .

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BrewSmart Beverage

Our store relies on companies like Brew Smart to keep their customers happy. It's amazing on how a…read moregreat cup of coffee can make a persons day. When I bring a customer to our coffee station they are always impressed. Not only how the coffee tastes, but how impressive the station looks. I would highly recommend Scott and his team for their customer service and their competitive pricing.

Can't believe this is the first review for Antique. Not…read moresure what goes on in the office over there besides employee turnover, miscommunication, lack of attention to detail, and, if you like this sort of thing, getting pestered to pay invoices that were clearly already paid. And if you show proof of payment, they will....bill you again! Vending service was atrocious. Their snack machine, when it worked, was a craps shoot if you were going to get your product BUT because their machine was in very bad disrepair, the door would find its way open and eventually, the machine was practically emptied by disgruntled users. Not sure why anyone would want the stale products but hey, something for nothing.... How about their soda vending machine??? Yeah, that was a nightmare that lasted several weeks. The thermostat could not regulate temperature and the products froze and busted inside, THREE TIMES. And don't fall for the freebies the VP of Sales promises like gift cards for new customers because THAT never happened either. Sorry to say I'm just glad to be done with Antique and the headache this company caused :( Two stars...just because one star is cruel and unusual punishment, much like the service they provided

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De Jong Duke bean to cup brewer. Great for offices of 100 people or more! Available at no charge to your place of business.

Seattle's Best c-store set up.

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Lavazza single cup brewers with fresh milk fridge. Cafe styled drinks for 15-20% less than Keurig!

Jarosch Bakery

Jarosch Bakery recently moved into a new location, but it still has all of the same amazing flavors…read moreas before. The new location is in a brand-new building, and their coffee selection has expanded as well. Their butter cookies are the best I've ever had, and it's difficult to leave without a box. Sometimes I even buy two boxes--one to eat on the way home and another to share with my wife when I get there. They have delicious, fresh donuts every day, and I especially love the donut holes they sell on Fridays. I also love that they carry Ideal Bakery's kolaczki and some of their other products. They offer fresh bread that they can slice for you when you order, or you can take it home unsliced. The staff is extremely friendly and patient while taking your order, and they never make you feel rushed, even when there's a line of customers. I ordered a cake and a dessert table from them for a party, and they did an amazing job. Salma was incredibly helpful throughout the process, offering recommendations and assisting us with our order. She took the time to answer all of our questions and made the entire experience stress-free. Keep up the great work, Jarosch Bakery!

Jarosch Bakery is one of those classic, old-school bakeries that's been serving the Chicago suburbs…read morefor decades, and you can tell the moment you walk in. It has that traditional neighborhood bakery feel with display cases full of cookies, donuts, pastries, breads, and cakes. The bakery has been around since 1959 and is known for making many of its items from scratch, which really shows in the quality. Jarosch Bakery +1 The selection is impressive. Their butter cookies, coffee cakes, sweet rolls, and donuts are standouts, and everything looks fresh and carefully made. If you're picking up dessert for a gathering or ordering a custom cake for a celebration, this is the kind of bakery that has built a reputation for doing those things really well. The place can get busy, especially around holidays, but that's usually a good sign that people keep coming back. Prices are a bit on the higher side compared to grocery store bakeries, but the quality and traditional baking make it worth it. Overall, Jarosch Bakery is a great spot if you appreciate classic bakeries that focus on fresh, scratch-made pastries and desserts. It's the kind of place that feels like a local tradition.

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Untitled

Chocolate chunky brownie cake

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New storefront.

Khepri Kitchen Plus Coffee

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Cap’s Ice Cream

The shop had some updates with new signage, lighting and paint which gives it a clean, fresh look…read more There is a good variety of ice cream flavors to choose from and a variety of ways to enjoy them from shakes to sundaes and more. They also have some non-dairy options. The portions are a good size and you feel like you get your money's worth. They also have pints to go. The service was quick and efficient. The shop can be really busy at times, but they seem to have a good operation to keep the line moving. There is some seating indoors and outdoors around the shop and in the garden area. It is a great neighborhood shop!

Really cute place. It has an awesome area in the back to sit outside. Standard ice cream flavors…read moreand the staff was kind

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Menu as of April '25

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Altea Viet Coffee & Boba

We love coming back here to try new drinks and love seeing how much they've grown since they first…read moreopened. Even now to have the bakery next door. We recently came by after needing an afternoon pick me up and Altea had just the treat. Along with our beverages we got the ube banana pudding and it was delicious, I'm still thinking about it weeks later! A must try if they have it in stock! P.S. absolutely love the lactaid vending for those who need it!

Limited selection that is dairy free. They offer Oat milk alternative. Most drinks are sweetened…read morewith monk fruit. Walking in there is a display answering common questions. One of which is about dairy free which mainly lists Matcha drinks with oat milk. Another question on the sheet is about of they have regular espresso drinks and saying they focus mainly on Vietnamese coffee that usually has milk in it. This was a bit confusing since the menu a bit further to the left did have an americano listed on it which had a dairy free marking. The menu was more help and was kindly marked the dairy free alternative options. Just a bit confusing if you are sensitive to dairy and think you can just fall back on black coffee or espresso if they don't have any options. I had an oat milk matcha latte hot. Didn't come out that hot honestly. It was ready to drink, but not that hot. Probably should have tried iced honestly. I am a but bias since I just don't like the flavor of monk fruit so I was not a big fan of the flavor. Not a lot of sound mitigation in the cafe. It was a bit busy, but was a little hard to hear the person sitting just across from me. I do wish I could try the other drinks, but with such limited dairy free selections I didn't have many options.

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Inside

Mango Croffle.

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Ube matcha, iced pandan latte, and hot egg coffee

Uyuhaus Ice Cream & Cafe

4.6

(48 reviews)

2.8 mi

Straw & Bubbles Tea Bar is for sure my daughter's go to when she has a taste for boba/bubble tea or…read moreramen. She has been there with friends as well as myself multiple times. (I wish they had a loyalty program or punch card of sorts for her because of her affinity to the store!) Last night, she had a taste for bubble tea so we took her after dinner and we had some pleasant surprises in our drink choices! My boyfriend got the Cookies and Cream milkshake with oat milk ('cause dairy) and it was thick, delicious, and had a strong ratio of milk to cookie in it. Last time my parents took my daughter, I tried a Coconut Purple Berry tea and added tapioca. It is tea, coconut milk, and like, chunks of guava--delicious. I can tell you my daughter's go to is a Taro Milkshake which is milk and taro blended--very delicious! The presentation is appealing--it looks like white clouds in a purple sky. Other drinks I have tried include their galaxy lemon tea, a sort of ocean lemonade (?), etc. My daughter also lives for their croffles--I know she has had matcha, tiramisu, plain, etc. Last night's choice was matcha and there was not a crumb left in the box. Ordering is easy on the kiosk, and the staff is quiet, but friendly. I have been there with different sized groups at different times of day, and the food, drinks, and service are always consistent. Sometimes it's packed, sometimes it's not. Driving back home, I wanted to yell at all the youths in that green siren logoed coffee shop to drink something better across the parking lot, but I did not. I hope Straw & Bubbles continues to find Mount Prospect to be a good home!

Straw and Bubbles is a nice gem in Downtown MP. The Taro…read moreMilk tea here was really good, and they have a nice cozy sitting area where you can even make your own ramen! They have ALOT to choose from with bowls on the spot so you can enjoy there. You order through the Kiosk so it makes it easy to look at all the sweats and drinks they have. We also got a plain croffle that went perfect with our drinks but will be back to try other treats they have!

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Classic Matcha Latte & Lavender Latte

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Croffle

TRU Bowl

4.6

(25 reviews)

3.2 mi

Came here for the first time on a Saturday when they had a promotion for a buy one get one at a…read morediscount. A friend of mine convinced me to come here because she absolutely loved it. And I'm so glad I actually listened. It is located in the strip mall with a lot of shared parking however, the businesses that share this trip, Malk are really rather popular so finding parking can be a little bit tricky. The benefit those at all the parking is free. I will see the menu is quite extensive whether you want a bowl or a smoothie or something else. I did opt for a bowl and so did my friend as you can see from the pictures. I have to say everything was super delicious very generous, considering the price and because there was a promotion it was really very generous. I'm glad I wasn't hunting for any particular ingredient as it was listed on the very detailed menu and so I would definitely be coming back here again because it is super fresh very friendly and fast.

Smoothie bowl was very delicious! The server was nice. Efficient service, convenient location. I…read morewill be definitely be coming back again soon . Thanks!!

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34 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Cherry O.

Elite 26

2362

669

3914

3 years ago

We stumbled upon this hidden gem while originally planning to dine at the Indian restaurant next door. The stark contrast in popularity, with A Thousand Tales bustling and the neighboring restaurant empty, prompted us to change our plans, and we were absolutely delighted by our last-minute decision. The bakery and restaurant were both buzzing with patrons. The complimentary bread for the table was the highlight - incredibly soft and pillowy, we couldn't get enough. For appetizers, we savored the Tales Salad, a delightful mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cheese, oranges, walnuts, carrots, and pomegranate, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. The Falafel with hummus was equally enjoyable. Moving on to the entrees, the Iskender, featuring sliced beef shawarma over buttery bread, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt, was beautifully presented by our server who melted butter table side to top the sliced beef dish. The Chicken Shishkabobs were flavorful and moist, winning our hearts as the standout dish. A must try! The Chicken Ali Nazik, grilled chicken shish served over charcoal-roasted mashed eggplants with yogurt and garlic sauce, was a unique and tasty experience. After our satisfying meal, we transitioned to the cozy bakery cafe side, overwhelmed by the variety of pastries. Desserts were the perfect ending. The pistachio chocolate cake with strawberries was a must-try for those who appreciate cakes that aren't overly sweet; it was perfect and surprisingly light. The honey cake, while a bit too sweet for my taste, would delight honey enthusiasts, especially when paired with a cup of tea. Complimentary pistachio cookie balls accompanied our tea, a delightful surprise. Without a doubt, this experience deserves a 5-star rating. A true culinary gem! read more

Muhammad A.

1 year ago

A Thousand Tales is a Turkish gem that consistently delivers on flavor, ambiance, and hospitality. It's halal, beautifully decorated, and has that perfect balance of upscale yet warm -- ideal for a family outing, a cozy dinner with friends, or a date night that feels a bit more special. I've tried almost everything on the menu, and I keep coming back for more. The Beyti Kabob is a standout -- tender ground beef and lamb wrapped in flatbread, topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, yogurt, and a sprinkle of pistachios. It's bold, savory, and satisfying. The Adana Kabob packs a spicy punch, while the Lahmacun is thin, crisp, and full of fresh herb flavor. The Pide with Soujuk is another favorite -- hearty, well-seasoned, and baked to perfection. On the dessert side, their rice pudding is so addictive -- creamy, lightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. The kunafa? Hands down one of the closest I've had to the real deal in Turkey -- crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside, with the perfect syrupy finish. The macarons were fresh and good quality, though nothing that wowed me. The baklava, however, is a must -- flaky, rich, and clearly made in-house with care. Service is always kind and patient, the space is clean, and they do a great job at making you feel welcome without rushing the experience. Prices are on the higher end, but the quality and presentation match it. If you're looking to dive into Turkish cuisine or impress someone with a solid recommendation -- this is it. read more

Muhammed A.

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in a Mediterranean culinary escapade at 'A Thousand Tales', where the fusion of flavors, colors, and textures left me utterly captivated. This hidden gem has perfected the art of crafting a Mediterranean-inspired brunch that is both a feast for the senses and a journey for the soul. As a lover of Mediterranean cuisine, I was excited to explore the brunch offerings at this restaurant. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and welcoming ambiance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable experience. The soft hues and earthy decor transported me to the shores of the Mediterranean, creating an inviting atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The Mediterranean brunch menu at 'A Thousand Tales' is a true testament to the region's culinary richness. Each dish is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and artistic presentation. The variety of options ensured that every palate would find something to relish, whether you're a fan of savory or sweet indulgences. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Mediterranean-style dishes, which celebrated the essence of the region. From the velvety hummus with a drizzle of olive oil to the perfectly grilled vegetables that retained their natural sweetness, every bite felt like a journey through the Mediterranean countryside. The attention to detail and authenticity in each dish was truly commendable. read more

Sal H.

9 months ago

We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience at A Thousand Tails in Mount Prospect! From start to finish, everything was exceptional. Our waitress, Elzura, did an amazing job taking care of us--she was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything came out perfectly. She truly added to the experience with her outstanding service. For food, we started with the mixed appetizer plate, which came with six different appetizers. Each one was flavorful and fresh, offering a great variety to share at the table. For our main dish, we ordered the Tails Grill mixed combination plate, which was phenomenal. It came with a generous selection of perfectly grilled meats, rice, bulgur, roasted vegetables, and a side of creamy yogurt sauce. Everything was seasoned beautifully, tender, and cooked to perfection. The portions were generous, the presentation was excellent, and the flavors were some of the best we've had in the area. Whether you're coming for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant delivers both quality food and top-notch service. Highly recommend A Thousand Tails--and if you're lucky enough to have Elzura as your server, you'll be in great hands! read more

Eldarbek K.

Elite 23

353

212

3 years ago

I recently dined at A Thousand Tales Restaurant / Bakery & Cafe, and it was a mixed experience. The restaurant section offers authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, which is a delightful culinary journey. However, a recurring disappointment was the inconsistency in menu availability. On multiple visits, not all menu items were accessible, which was disappointing. The restaurant tends to get quite crowded during dinner hours, and it appears that the servers could use some extra help to manage the rush efficiently. This sometimes resulted in longer waiting times and less attentive service. On the bright side, the Bakery & Cafe section offers a cozy atmosphere. They serve a variety of Turkish delights alongside well-known desserts and sandwiches. The coffees and teas are expertly crafted and make for a perfect companion to your meal or snack. One drawback is their closing time. While the kitchen might close as per schedule, it's not the most pleasant experience to be asked to leave when you're still enjoying your time. It would be better if they allowed customers to finish their meals at their own pace. read more

Ivana M.

127

2 years ago

Step into A Thousand Tales, a restaurant that exudes elegance and a passion for culinary excellence. Their bakery and cafe showcase a deep commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, made evident in their scratch cooking and additive-free approach. The bakery offers customized cakes for special occasions and an array of visually stunning desserts that live up to their tantalizing names. Our experience was one of exceptional service and attention to detail, with dishes that were as flavorful as they were beautifully presented. Thanks to Sue, our server, we enjoyed a celebration that exceeded our expectations and left us with memories to cherish. #chicagofood #bakery #desserts #Turkishrestaurant #chicagoeats #foodie #chicagofoodauthority #chicagogram #chicagofoodscene #eaterchicago #eeeeeats #likefoodchicago #chicagofoodmag #chicagorestaurants #chicagofoodgoals #fabfoodchicago #infatuationchi #foodstagram #chicagofoodies #instafood #healthyfood read more

Christina L.

Elite 26

157

760

1 year ago

I went here for a New Year's buffet and to celebrate my birthday, and it was an amazing experience. There was a great variety of food to choose from, with turkeys rotating on spigots right in front of you, such a cool touch. The fresh fruit and bread were highlights, but the lentil soup? Absolutely delicious! The meats were all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I decided to try the yogurt drink, which was okay, but the real stand out was their fresh lemonade. The kids had a blast with the chocolate fountain, dipping fresh fruit, definitely a fun activity for them. The staff was incredibly helpful, explaining everything on the buffet and even suggesting additional items we could order, which were also included in the buffet price. The service was top-notch and really made the experience even better. I had a great time and would definitely go back. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a filling, flavorful, and unique dining experience. read more

Stanislav L.

1 year ago

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The coffee was fantastic - rich, smooth, and just the right temperature. It really hit the spot! As for the pastries, they were absolutely delicious, especially the Turkish treats. Fresh and perfectly flaky, they paired wonderfully with the coffee. The server was kind enough to warm up my chocolate treat, which made it even more indulgent and satisfying. Small touches like that really made the experience feel special. What I loved most was the seating - there was plenty of it, with a nice mix of traditional chairs and cozy spots that made it feel like the perfect place to relax for a bit. Whether you're looking to sit back and enjoy your drink or just need a quick break, this place has you covered. If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend stopping by. It's a hidden gem for anyone who enjoys good coffee and tasty treats in a comfortable setting. read more

Hamid R.

2 years ago

My recent visit to a Thousand Tales was nothing short of a disaster from start to finish. Despite its promising location and seemingly inviting atmosphere, the actual dining experience was profoundly disappointing. The portions served were shockingly small, leaving us more hungry than satisfied. To make matters worse, the food was of poor quality and lacked any semblance of freshness or flavor. Each dish was bland, under-seasoned, and left much to be desired in terms of taste. Furthermore, the food was not cooked well--some items were overcooked and dry, while others were undercooked and unappetizing. The worst part of the whole experience was how expensive everything was. The food wasn't very good, and there wasn't much of it either. So, paying so much money for it felt like we were being cheated. It made us feel really disappointed and unhappy, both about the food and the price. read more

Y S.

4 years ago

An amazing restaurant befitting a trendy city like Chicago! There's a large variety of options, from kebabs of all kinds - such as Beyti, Adana, Iskender, and Ali Nazik - to meals baked inside of terracotta pots, to several kinds of salads and soups. They also do not skimp on the portions at all; you get your fill every time. The breakfast is delicious as well! I had the traditional Mediterranean breakfast plate, and everything was fresh and high quality. Also, interestingly enough, they have a breakfast buffet on weekends, so I was able to get a lot of good food for a very fair price. You can even build your own custom omelettes that the chef prepares right in front of you, which is a cool and unique perk. All in all, this is the best Mediterranean restaurant I have ever eaten at, and I plan on coming here for my meals whenever I return to the area. read more

Erkinai K.

3 years ago

Our rehearsal dinner at A Thousand Tales was nothing short of exceptional, and I want to express our gratitude, especially to the restaurant manager. The attention to detail for our invited guests was outstanding. The private room they provided created an intimate atmosphere, allowing us to enjoy our evening without any disruptions. Special thanks to the restaurant manager for ensuring everything ran smoothly. What impressed us even more was the flexibility they offered. We were able to personalize the menu and have our preferred music played throughout the dinner, creating a truly customized experience for everyone. A Thousand Tales made our rehearsal dinner not just a meal but a memorable event, and we're grateful for their efforts in making it so. Highly recommended for those seeking a thoughtful and accommodating venue for their special events! read more

Rumeysa S.

4 years ago

A little gem that's perfect for every occasion whether it be a quick bite and coffee at the bakery, a customizable cake order, or a 3 course meal at the restaurant. All foods and drinks are not only fresh, but made from scratch. Tons of imported ingredients for only the finest cuisine and experience. Personally, the cherry on top is the terracotta (testi/kremit) beef, lamb and/or chicken. The atmosphere is calm and delightful. Extremely clean surfaces and silverware. The servers are quick, kind and accommodating. The chefs have years of professional experience. Calling any and all picky eaters-- you won't be disappointed. read more

Altyn A.

3 years ago

Yo, A Thousand Tales is the real deal for Middle Eastern grub. Walked in, and bam, the place feels like a slice of the Middle East. Tried the Turkish Pizza- crunchy goodness, and the Pide? Man, it's like a flavor explosion wrapped in that soft bread. What hooked me is how they keep it real with the Middle Eastern taste. It ain't just eating; it's like taking a food trip to the streets back home. If you're into that Middle Eastern flavor or just craving a legit experience, hit up A Thousand Tales. It's the spot for a tasty Middle Eastern vibe! read more

Айсалкын К.

3 years ago

A Thousand Tales in Chicago is incredibly kid-friendly. The warm atmosphere and accommodating staff make it a great choice for families with children. The diverse menu offers options that cater to the younger taste buds, ensuring a delightful dining experience for the whole family. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual night out, A Thousand Tales provides a family-friendly setting that's both enjoyable and welcoming. Highly recommended for those looking for a kid-friendly restaurant with a positive vibe! read more

Tameem A.

3 years ago

Starting off, the food was excellent in terms of quality and flavor; they nailed everything from the kebabs to the lamb chops. Our experience wouldn't have been complete without our server, Ayse, who went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. If there was a mistake, she fixed it instantly, so if she's your server, you know you're in good hands. The ambiance was a bit noisy, but it didn't detract from our overall experience. Overall, I would rate this dining experience a 9.5/10. read more

Mert ş.

2 years ago

It is a great Turkish restaurant. All foods are delicious. We were served for family dinner ( 8 people) all of us said waoov at the end of the night. Server Kenan was amazing stuff, he did his best to tell us about foods. He also mentioned the ambiance of the restaurant they pick up all stones from Turkey. We will come back for breakfast. They have an open buffet all you can eat breakfast every weekend. read more

Enes C.

4 years ago

First impression is that there is an amazing interior design; the lights, walls, and flooring is beautiful. Ambiance is great, service is outstanding, and the food is fresh with a wide variety of options from a unique mediternean Turkish menu. Would highly recommend for someone if they're looking to celebrate a birthday with friends, have a family lunch or dinner, or take a special someone on a date. read more

LuzMarie Laura T.

3 years ago

I love this cute little place--even the name is charming! Serving my favorite Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish twist, this one is well worth the drive. Excellent service, and each dish was delicious. Loved the Turkish coffee, and the desserts at the next door bakery are to die for! I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, and I'll most certainly be coming here again to enjoy the superb food! read more

Yunus Emre O.

3 years ago

Recently dined at A Thousand Tales, an upscale and fancy restaurant in Chicago, offering a delightful mix of Halal and Turkish cuisine. The fine dining experience was superb, with each dish presenting a burst of flavors. The staff's attentive service added to the overall enjoyment. A perfect choice for those seeking an upscale and memorable dining experience in the suburb of Chicago! read more

Kyle B.

2 years ago

Good food and nice experience. Shawarma is good and Their Lamoujin is great. Their deserts look great, but they bind you by taking 3 pieces of the same desert per order, rather than having an option of sampler plate of 3 different kinds. The waiters seemed to be too rigid and surprised when we asked for such. A more customer service oriented staff would have been more accommodative. read more

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