Nothing I love more than a local, independent BYOB with great food. We've been meaning to try this place for a while, although it felt a little like we were cheating on our Olive Branch due to the similarities between Turkish & Syrian food (to us.) Portions are huge. We ordered 4 apps expecting they'd be small and they were insanely big and we took more than half our food home. Everything was fresh, nicely spiced and very generously portioned. Despite 4 apps (EVERY SINGLE app is priced $5.75 on the menu. Ha.), 1 doner kebab, 1 mixed dinner platter, and baklava to take home we barely broke $55. Neighborhood and exterior won't win any awards as has been mentioned before, but if you're local you know it's not really a bad area, just poor. Love that it's a family business. Can't wait to go back. read more

I am going to echo a lot of what has already been said. We were passing through Allentown headed back home. My wife got onto Yelp and found this place and we decided that Turkish food for lunch sounded great. As has been previously stated, don't be turned off by the neighborhood or the appearance. Once inside, it is comfortable, although not luxurious. The food, however, it fabulous! The Shepherd Salad is superb - I got mine without feta, while my wife had the feta. We both agreed the feta was probably too much, but it was tasty. We also got the appetizer sampler and everything was quite good. She had the Chicken Pita, while I had the Gyro. Both were really good and more than enough. In fact, I took 1/2 of mine with me for the ride home. Got 2 Turkish coffees to go. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. In fact my wife left her purse on the table and they ran out to give it to us as we were driving away. Will definitely be one of our stops when we're back in the area. If we lived closed, we would be regulars! As usual, Yelp reviews were very helpful and accurate. read more

Get dessert! I thought the best part of the dinner was going to be the super tasty kabobs or the surprisingly spicy pepper. Nah man, I'll admit, the mains were super tasty but the only things you need to remember are: coconut cake and rice pudding. This isn't a game. Make some room. Otherwise the Turkish tea complimented everything well and the service was amazing (I love when they leave a pitcher of water). I'm excited to go back if I ever get the chance. read more

It's family owned and everyone who works there is very friendly and accommodating. As soon as you walk in, there's a little grocery store and deli. As you walk toward the back, it's a restaurant! There's a lot of great appetizers to pick from, but my favorite is the hummus and salad plate. For the entree, I order the beef plate. The food is high quality at a very affordable price. It's by far, then best hummus I've ever had. Haven't found a hummus as good -- no joke! read more

I've eaten at Aci Halal two times and both times I was very impressed. What brought me to this restaurant was the excellent reviews on this site. This is only the second time that I've posted a review on yelp; however, the quality of the food and the unique experience definitely warrant my praise and hence this review. The review that I read prior to going to the restaurant highlighted the modest appearance of the restaurant and encouraged others not to judge it by appearance alone. This review was spot on - and a gentle reminder to me of the importance to reserve judgment and also the important role that diversity of culture has played in making America "the melting pot" and the "land of opportunity." Here are just a few reasons why I enjoyed the food and the experience of Aci Halal: -- The quality of the food is amazing. -- The portions are very generous and the prices are very reasonable. One serving can easily stretch into two (or three) meals for me. -- The service is prompt and very attentive. -- Both times I've gone there, I've been greeted with a warm smile, had a great meal, and left with a true sense of the family's gratitude for my patronage. Thank you everyone at Aci Halal; keep up the good work! Christian read more

This place is quite good. I got a lamb/chicken kebab combo and was very pleased with it. It was about $14 (a bit more than I expected), and came with a grilled tomato, pepper, shredded lettuce, all on a bed of rice. The turkish coffee was good too, and we also tried the fried feta in philo dough which was quite tasty (6 rolls for $5.25). Overall I thought the menu was a bit pricier than it should be (most of the entrees are around $17), but the food was good. I personally prefer my food a little more flavorful, but it was still pretty good, and nothing was dry. The service is a little slow, and we got our bread after almost all our lunch was finished, but we didn't mind since the food was fresh and warm. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual and clean. read more

Second time going to this place and it is really a hidden gem, Amazingly accommodating on both occasions for Vegans a lot of options. We had a little bit of everything; the Red Lentil rolls,shepard salad, falafels,Hummus with pita bread which is vegan (they showed us the bag of ingredients.), A eggplant dish with roasted peppers that tasted similar to eggplant parm not fried very delicious! I cannot recommend this place enough something for everyone one our meat eating family was equally as satisfied. Homemade very fresh super friendly 10 out of 10 ! *Only hop skip and a jump away from Vegan Treats Bakery to boot for a terrific finish of great desserts ; ) read more

My favorite dining place in Allentown. The best Turkish food to be found with a friendly atmosphere. The lunch specials come with soup. Bread, and hot tea in beautiful tea cups. The doner kebab is my favorite followed closely by the chicken kebab. I always leave feeling warmed from the inside out. read more

The food was good, but overall I wasn't so impressed with this place. True, the portions are huge. But the meal I had didn't really stand out to me. I like the fact that it's in a grocery store. The food seemed sort of standard. The appetizers tasted pretty generic and the rice had a sort of greasiness to it. The meat was nicely spiced though. I will say that the service was really good. We had an issue with separate checks that the waitress was really helpful with. But other than that, I wasn't blown away. read more

Went to dinner here with a large group of friends and loved it. Having been to Turkey, I would say the food here tastes pretty authentic. We couldn't decide what appetizers to try, so we ordered the combination platter. I was expecting a bigger size given the price, so I was a little disappointed. However, it was probably a good way to try everything, and it was all so delicious (including the bread that came with it). For my main, I ordered one of the lamb kebabs which was also excellent. It can be a little pricey if you order an appetizer and an entree. In terms of value for money, the pitas are probably the best. My friend's falafel wrap was huge (and a crazy good price, around $6). I will be back soon to try that, as well as some more of the appetizers... read more

I love this restaurant. The food - Finger lickin' good. Their kababs (yes, all 28 kinds) are amazing, the bread is fresh, and their hummus and babaganoush is to die for. The Turkish cofee is pretty darn good. The portions are fantastic, and prices are reasonable for being as meat and wonder laden as they are. The service - These guys are super friendly, and have no issues with having a great conversation with their guests. They have great recommendations if you're not sure what to order. They're fast and efficient. An added bonus - they have a great sense of humor. The ambience - It is no fancy schmancy steakhouse, but they are clean, well lit, and the tables are decently spaced out. There is an attached grocery store, and butcher shop, but that is not as scary as it sounds. Indeed, their food tastes so good because the meat is fresh. While you wait for your bill, walk around the little store, and I dare you to buy something you have no idea how to use! Now, stop reading this review, and go to Aci Halal. read more

Aci Halal is a small market with a restaurant to the side. The restaurant is casual but nicely arranged and decorated with a simple classy style. We visited during our stay in Allentown. While perhaps not the best middle-eastern food I've had, the food is quite good. I had a lamb kebob pita sandwich, the wife a gyro. Their gyro meat was very good. Real meat, not the more common processed gyro meat. We also had the red lentil soup. Went very well as a dip for the complimentary bread. Well worth the $2. We also enjoyed some appetizers. Falafel, Sigara Boregi (filo dough with feta inside). Very tasty, I've had this dish three times. The first in New Haven,CT where it was to die for. Once in Ocean City, MD where it was "okay". Aci's fit somewhere in the middle. The third appetizer was the standout dish for the evening. Mercimek Kofte, a red lentil/cracked wheat spice patty. When these came out they were far from what I expected. Don't ask me why. But they weren't what I was in the mood for. I was craving fried. These were like mashed lentil balls. They looked heavy and thick. Instead they were delectable. Simple but with a subtle flavors. I recommend trying this entry. Lastly, the service. Our waiter was very attentive. Answered our questions. Checked up on us He brought us out a pitcher of water (a very touch that pleases my wife, she hates waiting for refills of water). When we finished the pitcher a new one appeared. I've been to a lot fancier restaurants that did not do half as well on the service. Good job Aci Halal "Oh don't forget to try the Turkish Coffee." (Delicius, but be warned it's served in a small cup like espresso) read more

This place is a lot of people's favorite restaurant for large portions of very good food at really fair prices. My husband and I share the mezza appetizer for our meal with a basket of bread, and leave satisfied without cleaning the plate. The bread is fresh, hot and flat-ish. Amazing. This is a great place for people who are visiting the nearby America on Wheels museum, if they want a little local international flavor. read more

Great service! Very generous in food quantities, and the food is delicious. They provide a variety of different dishes, and will change things up to meet your needs. Everything is freshly cooked. I love their soups, chicken kebabs, and the rice pudding is off the chain! The restaurant also has a small grocery/meat store attached to it which is convenient. read more

Wonderful family restaurant. Come in and plan to stay awhile as they have a slower paced vibe. I lived in Turkey for 7 years and some of my favorite authentic Turkish dishes are prepared right here at Aci Halal's in Allentown. You can't go wrong with the lamb. I strongly recommend you order the Cigara Borek (cheese rolled in filo dough and lightly fried) and choban salata (shepherds salad). We have both EVERY visit and try to save room for the main course. If the owner's wife makes the baklava YOU MUST GET IT! Incomparable! Better than ANYPLACE I've ever eaten it including thousands of meals in Turkey. If these folks had a higher end location in Bethlehem or the west side of Allentown they would be making money hand over fist. Everyone we've ever sent there thanks us for the recommendation. read more

Food is so delicious!! We usually order baba ganoush,then two chicken plate/lamp chop plate. Best Halal food I've ever have

This was such a delightful lunch I had today with a friend who suggested this restaurant and one I will always return to each time I'll be visiting family from out the state. I'm not into rice but the pita bread is a great compliment to the appetizers we ordered and so many tasty choices. The food was delicious, the service was good and the atmosphere friendly!!! read more

great place for take out! The eggplant dish is excellent, very fresh and flavorful. It's served cold but I heated it and liked it even more that way. The labneh has dill which I'm not used to but it was very good. read more

Aci Halal - Eggplant - Turkish Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Great restaurant with excellent food at a reasonable price. My girlfriend and I had dinner here last Friday and it was excellent, we started with the shepherds salad and baba ganoush which were both delicious. The shepherds salad is a lot like an Israeli salad with feta cheese. We split the kabob sampler which was also amazing. To finish we had Turkish coffee and baklava, which topped off a great meal. I can not recommend the restaurant enough. Try it today! read more

Sometimes you eat places that makes you feel like you are eating in someone's home - this was one of those moments. Literally felt like I was eating a home cooked meal, was so satisfying in terms of portion size, pricing and variety. Don't let the outside / decor fool you. This is the place in Allentown to go for authentic Turkish food. I have traveled to Turkey and this is by far the closest experience I have ever had here in the states to the same type of food taste. Food was incredible, really tasty, savory, great flavor and menu variety. The best part is that the meat and generally all of their products are super fresh because this is a halal butcher shop / grocery store as well. Ample parking, easy to get to location, super friendly owners, very reasonable pricing. It was a bit confusing when you walk in because you enter on the grocery store side - then as you walk over to the right it is this very comfy dining area. Would highly highly recommend if you are in the area - truly worth a pit spot. PROS - Outstanding food quality ( homestyle Turkish food ), great menu variety, great pricing, ample parking, super friendly owners, butcher shop / grocery store ensures you are getting freshest food, easy to get too CONS - Outdated decor ( inside / out ) : hopefully in future they update, but nonetheless place felt very homely TIPS - Try a combo meat platter (i.e. chicken chops, kebabs) so you get the full savoriness, also for digestion they have great barley drinks read more

My parents took me here for my birthday, and we really enjoyed the place. While it's not in the greatest of neighborhoods, they have their own parking lot, and I didn't feel unsafe at all. When you walk into the restaurant, you first go through a Turkish grocery store--it was fun taking a look at all the imported food while they prepared our table. The staff was really friendly and helpful; they didn't have any open tables when we got there, but they moved things around and made space for us. The waiter quickly brought out a basket of some really delicious bread. I ordered the combo Sis Kebab and Tavuk Kebab, and it was all very tasty. It came with a large portion of rice as well as a grilled tomato and small lettuce/onion salad. Everything was excellent. Afterwards, we tried a desert, though I can't remember the name. It had pistachios, shredded Filo dough, walnuts, and syrup, and while I wasn't a huge fan, my parents both liked it. I'd definitely love to go back here and try some of their other food. The prices, while not cheap, were certainly reasonable, and the portions were large. read more

Went here twice this past summer for dinner. The place is located on a street corner with a huge parking lot. Half of the building is a Turkish grocery and the other half is a restaurant. Within the two times I've been there I've gotten the Sigara Boregi for an appetizer, and kebab combo platters. The Sigara Boregi is fantastic it's fried filo filled with parsley and feta cheese (think a mozzarella stick...but slightly different). The kebab platters are served with rice, a griled tomato, and a grilled pepper. The kebab platters I had were lamb and beef. The meat was very tender, juicy, and flavorful. I wish I could describe more but it's been a while since I have been here. I would go back, but just haven't gotten around to it. Since this is the only Turkish restaurant in the area (that I know of), I'm giving it a 5. read more

My husband and I ate lunch here a couple weeks ago. It was good, but not as good as we have had. After reading through reviews, I would like to go back and try some different things to get a better idea of the food. For our meal he got the Donner kabob and a Turkish soda and I got the falafel sandwich and iced tea. This was his first sandwich like this, so he had nothing to compare it to. His opinion on it was "good, but prefer other sandwiches." My falafel was good, but I found it difficult to eat. We had no napkins and nobody came around to check on us. I didn't really enjoy having falafel on my face. It appeared that regulars got better service. This doesn't happen at the middle eastern restaurant we usually eat at, so that is one big strike. The bread looked and and I really wanted to try it, so I might be back, probably for takeout. read more

Absolutely wonderful! I ate the kebab lunch, with lentil soup and I was impressed by the freshness of ingredients. The service was great as well. I will be coming here again, next time I am in the area. read more

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Stopped in on a trip to the Casino, took an Uber, the restaurant is adjacent to a small grocery store that offers Turkish/Middle Eastern items. The Restaurant is cozy, seems like family run where mom is cooking, and the daughter is serving, service was good and the food even better. After our meals my wife and I walked the neighborhood, seemed like a part of town I would not visit after dark. Would surely go back again to try some of the other dishes. read more

So...we were planning to go somewhere else but we didn't have a reservation...but you know what, it was a blessing in disguise because we ended up here again! This was the food I was craving and when I could not verbalize what I was hungry for. I didn't even have to read my 2+ yo yelp review to know exactly what to order. Iskender and the salad we got last time! My husband ordered a combination of chicken and lamb dishes as well as the lentil soup. Everything was delicious! Took home leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Our microwave is broken so if I somehow forget to take it with me to work, I bet it'll be awesome cold too! Will be back again (hopefully less than 2 years from now!) read more

I too was wary of the looks of the place, but was pleased by the good odors pervading through it. The food is a definitely worth a try. Admittedly I know little about Turkish food, but that's why I feel comfortable recommending it. As a novice looking to try something new, I was pleased by the new experience. I had the feta roll-ups (can't remember the name, but the staff suggested it), they were flavorful and zesty. Then had the chicken kabob platter, which came with tasty bread. I left satisfied, with a doggy bag. Reasonably priced, so it is worth a chance read more

Been coming here for many years and the food is always great. Service is awesome and the family who runs the establishment are all so friendly and caring. Case in point; when we were younger, we used to eat more than we do now and hardly ever had leftovers. Fast forward a few years and we eat more moderately and ask for a to-go box. Mama pokes her head out of the kitchen and asks us if we don't like it! HA! In reality, the mixed appetizer plate makes a great breakfast the next day! This is a great place for lunch or dinner and you could bring the whole family. The small adjoining shop is a great place to stock up on a few groceries while you're there and I always get sucked into the Turkish TV shows that are playing, even though I don't speak a word! If you want a friendly atmosphere and authentic Turkish food, this is the place to go! read more

Great food. Great service. The filo dough stuffed with feta and parsley are to die for. read more

Aci Halal - Turkish Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

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I have to post a review for this local family owned restaurant which does nothing wrong except run out of their magnificent Donner Kebab. Family owned, service can be overwhelmed if too many come in at once. Such is life. The restaurant is Halal, very clean and strict in sanitation, very respectful to all diners. They gladly allow BYOB which is a plus for meat eaters in PA with its sorry liquor laws. Vegetables and sides, even the ubiquitous rice (standard on platters) and french fries are enjoyable. Value here is tremendous, the one restaurant I miss after moving from this area. read more

Complete waste of my time. I spent 32minutes waiting for my otder. They had 3 other customers sitting down to eat .That were already there. I ordered 2 lousey sandwiches and had to wait unreasonable amount of time only to find out that my order was messed up. He comes out with one tiny I might add sandwich and all he has that he heard me say 1. He didn't offer anything or try to correct the situation he just looked at me like I was going to just go on my merry way. It's dirty, cluttered looking and overall pretty ghetto looking inside .I would have never thought to order there until I thought it would be nice to try something new. Huge inconvenience as I was on a time crunch and a sandwich short so I didn't even get to eat. read more

The best Mediterranean restaurant in Allentown. I would highly recommend everyone to come and try

Aci Halal is fantastic. I enjoy the market as well as their dining space, though I usually do takeout. I really love their pita wraps. The falafel is grilled to perfection, and the sauces are incredible. Their eggplant dishes blew me away. I love the Lebne with the dill and nuts. Sooo good. read more

Aci Halal is a great Turkish restaurant located on 2nd street in Allentown. It's one of the few Turkish restaurants I have ever been to. Turkish food is very similar to Middle Eastern and Greek and expect a lot of the usual suspects such as kebabs, gyros, etc. This is my favorite Turkish restaurant int he valley though I'm not sure if that is saying much considering it is probably he only one. Food The food here is great. Everything is homemade. For appetizers I recommend the Sigara Boregi which are deep fried filo dough filled with feta and the Sheppard's Salad. For dinner go with any of the kebabs you really can't go wrong. You can choose to have the kebabs served over rice or this bread drowning in yogurt which is just as good but a bit more filling. For lunch go with any of the wraps the Gyro and the Tavuk are the best. They are only $5 and quite filling. The sauce they put on is great as well. Regardless of when you are there make sure to leave room for dessert because it is homemade and delicious. I recommend the coconut cake (if they aren't out of it), baklava, or the rice pudding. For drinks get the Cola Turka which is like a much better version of Coke or get a turkish coffee. Alcohol is BYOB which is always a plus. Atmosphere This is the only thing I'm not too crazy about at this place. The atmosphere is quite odd you have to walk through a grocery store to get to the seating area. It almost feels as if you are entering a secret place. The decorations are very sparse minus a large flat screen featuring Turkish Tv and a painting. Location The location has a lot of parking on a private lot which is nice. The area of town isn't one of the greatest but you shouldn't have any problems. Service The service is generally good but sometimes just decent. Most the employees are family members. Price The price is very reasonable considering how large the portions are. I can almost guarantee you will go home with some leftovers in hand. Overall Great Food, Large Portions, Homemade Everything, Fair Prices read more

Great food and great service. This half grocery half restaurant was a delicious surprise!

Just around the corner from Allentown's Greyhound station, Aci Kebab will probably be my pre- and post-travel go-to. This first time, I got an Adana Pita -- seasoned minced lamb with bell peppers, served with whatever the Turks call tzatziki sauce. The meat is ridiculously fresh, due to the attached Halal butcher shop. I also tried what the server called "Turkish Sprite," which tastes just like bubble gum (without being nauseatingly sweet). What will keep me coming back, really, is probably the service even more than the food. The Turkish staff is friendly & more than happy to answer questions... even lots & lots of questions. About the food, the beverages, the items in the precious little grocery shop, the butchering, how long they've been in America, how many languages they speak, what they miss most there & appreciate most here. And they are pleased to make recommendations when asked! They have take-out, and they DO accept credit cards without a minimum purchase requirement. read more

The only Turkish gig in town as far as I know. I was sent here by my adventurous eating boss. The place did not disappoint. My husband described the place as a large deli/grocery in the front and a decent sized casual restaurant in the back. We got hummus, which was eh, but our sandwiches were large and tasty. Total bill was less than $15. Not bad for dinner. read more

Went here because Vanessa W recommended it! and she was CORRECT - The place did not disappoint. If you can brave the looks on the outside, and I recommend that you do, the inside is TOP NOTCH - delicious, interesting and very inexpensive. My wife and I splurged and got 5 appetizers and each one excellent. We ate our fill and left with enough for another full meal at home. The restaurant is BYO so we shared a bottle of wine, had a feast and the bill was $25 for two (including a $1 per head corkage fee). I have spent $50 to $75 and not been as pleased. read more

Whenever I am in Allentown, a visit to Aci Halal is mandatory. The place could not be more unassuming, a small Turkish grocery store and butcher shop in a defunct gas station, with a small restaurant in the back. This is strictly a family enterprise, with mom (and grand mom) cooking lovely versions of Turkish meze and other standards of Turkish cuisine (like various kebabs with pilaf) and dad making sure that the quality of the meats is excellent. Even though the portions are very generous, I cannot stop ordering all my favorites from the appetizer list: the refreshing "shepherds salad" made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and sprinkled with feta, the aptly named Imam Bayildi (the Imam fainted), eggplant stuffed with sautéed peppers, onions, tomatoes, pine nuts and spices, cooked in a generous pool of olive oil. The two typical yogurt dishes are both stand outs and should not be missed: Tarator Lebni, thick and full of garlic and walnuts, and the lighter Cacik, with cucumber and garlic. Babaganush is smoky and intense, the humus and tabule vibrant and addictive. I love the olives and the peynir (big blocks of feta), and the yaprak (stuffed grape leaves) here have nothing in common with the soggy tubes one often gets in restaurants, but are instead fresh and redolent with spices and currants. All these plates are accompanied by lots of freshly toasted Turkish bread. It is tempting to stuff yourself with these delights (and I always do) but it is also worthwhile to try the meats. A good way is to order the Karisik Izgara - a generous kebab combination featuring both charcoal grilled ground lamb and tender marinated cubes of lamb, as well as chicken and spicy meat patties (Izgara Kofte) that look like a mixture between meat balls and burgers. There are the usual desserts, all home made. I like the Kadayif (shredded filo with walnuts), the rice pudding, and a custard dish called Kazandibi. A salty yogurt drink (Ayran) goes well with all of these dishes, but one can bring along beer or wine. Service can be a bit slow but is friendly and eager to please, and prices are inexpensive given the quality and quantity of the food (all of it makes great left-overs at home). I really don't understand why there is not a line out the door for this restaurant (some Allentown acquaintances mumble something about "location") because Aci Halal is a real treasure. I only wish there were a Turkish restaurant like it in Philadelphia. read more

I just grabbed a Gyro there, the portions were very generous. Although the taste did not WoW me.