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    A Thousand Tales

    4.4 (352 reviews)
    ModerateTurkish, Bakeries, Cafes
    Open 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

    A Thousand Tales Reservations

    Order A Thousand Tales Takeout or Delivery

    A Thousand Tales Photos

    A THOUSAND TALES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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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.

    Tales Grill
    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!!!!

    Bread (starter)
    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!

    Freshly made pesto pasta.
    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.

    Front side
    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 !!!

    Grilled meatballs
    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:)

    Pistachio Cheesecake

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful authentic Turkish food, pastries and baked goods. I will highly recommend,

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    3 years ago

    The food is amazing! They also have a separate bakery which is cozy and the desserts are decadent.

    Business owner information

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    Mert Ş.

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    3 years ago

    Excellent service, great tasting turkish food, indulging deserts! Would love to come back to taste their breakfast as well!

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    3 years ago

    Excellent Turkish restaurant and service is great,we enjoyed with some kebab and lamb meet in the pot

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    4 years ago

    I was the best breakfast I have ever had in Us. I felt like I'm in Turkey. I love the decorations and plates, everything was fresh,love it

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    4 years ago

    Stopped here on a road trip and was so surprised, they have suchhhh a good bakery!!!! The baklava is perfect.

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    4 years ago

    Amazing food! Amazing service from Abdul. Will definitely be back. Check out the Ali nazik

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    3 years ago

    excellent food. the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night. large portions. Beautiful setting

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    Page 9 of 9

    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.

    Can you just order to go?

    Yes

    View All 4 Questions

    Khepri Kitchen Plus Coffee

    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
    Inside
    Khepri Kitchen Plus Coffee
    Gifts

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    Gifts
    BrewSmart Beverage

    BrewSmart Beverage

    3.2
    (5 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    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

    Photos
    De Jong Duke bean to cup brewer. Great for offices of 100 people or more! Available at no charge to your place of business.
    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.
    Seattle's Best c-store set up.
    Lavazza single cup brewers with fresh milk fridge. Cafe styled drinks for 15-20% less than Keurig!

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

    Aladdin Kitchen and Market

    4.3
    (46 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Aladdin is another wesome turkish place to dine in. Foods are so authentic and so delicious. The…read moremenu 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:)

    Food was very good. I had a chicken kebab and my husband had the beyti kabab. If I rated based on…read morejust food, it would be 4.5! I was a quite disappointed because we went on Saturday at 6:30pm and they were completely out of all pide, ezme, haydari, and the pickles so the menu was pretty limited. We ended up ordering fries as an appetizer since that's all they had. The entrees also said they come with bulgar and rice but we did not have any bulgar on our dish..it also said we should have roasted peppers and onions, which were not on our dish either. I assume they were out of all of those? We really wanted hummus but it was not on the menu. When we finished our meal, we noticed the table behind us had hummus... it would have been nice to know they had hummus. Also, we really wanted to try the manti but did not see it on the menu. At the end of the meal, my husband wanted a coffee and the waitress said there was no coffee and the machine was broke. Service was ok. Waitress forgot our drink. Not very attentive. Dining area is small but cute. They are planning to expand the dining area so there really isn't much of a market anymore. Prices are pretty high in comparison to most Turkish/middle eastern restaurants. They do give you yummy bread and Babaganoush. I want to try it again in hopes that other menu items are available.

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    Aladdin Kitchen and Market
    Aladdin Kitchen and Market
    Aladdin Kitchen and Market

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    A Thousand Tales - turkish - Updated July 2026

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