Today, I finally understood what it meant to be an Arab woman at an Arab restaurant. As my friends and I sat down, we noticed everyone around us was served quickly and waiters were very responsive to their requests. We were given water with no cups, waitress left the restaurant and it took 30 minutes to find a replacement for our table ONLY, and no one acknowledged us or bothered to look out way. Best part: when the problem was addressed to another waiter, the response was "why do you need to be checked on - are you dying?". It later came to our attention that the only difference between our table and the ones surrounding us were a male presence. So ladies, if you want to enjoy a nice meal with peace and equality, this isn't the place. read more

Their lamb chops and mixed grill were divine! The hummus was silky and the baba g rich and nourishing. I only have one complaint: their tabouleh salad was too sour! I think they overdid the lemon juice! Other than that, we had a fantastic experience overall! Shukran, Al-Bawadi! read more

I love this place ! Everything is always fresh and seasoned to perfection . I'm always trying different places and none compare. I always regret trying new places because none come close to the food at this spot . I highly recommend the restaurant ! You won't regret it . read more

It's not often that I am wowed and impressed in a way that has me beaming from ear to ear like a schoolgirl. I was not expecting much besides some decent grub, and we received quite a bit more than that! Firstly, as we stepped up to the door, I was a little disgruntled to see somebody on the other side blocking the way. Double tee eff, I thought to myself...was it that packed? Nay, for at that very moment the door swung open to reveal a smiling worker who was waiting for us to offer his hospitality. And not only that, but he was dressed like a true pimp! I'm not sure of the names, but he was decked out in Middle-Eastern attire..with that cool sheik-esque head wrap and all! As we walked in, we observed that all the dudes working there followed suit. The inside reminds me of an ancient Persian palace of sorts, decorated nicely with huge ceilings. The staff was extremely nice and helpful, perhaps one of the nicest service staffs I've ever witnessed. Annnnd, boom, we were seated! No sooner than we were, a man came by with a garnish plate, and his buddy whisked around on the other side to bring fresh hot pita. A few minutes later the server came to answer questions and take our order...then a really cool older dude looking like a grand sheik sauntered on by offering to pour us small cups of turkish coffee. It was soooo tasty! I ordered the mix grill, preferring to get a general taste of what they have. I was not disappointed, though in retrospect I wish I could have asked to see if they could have made my beef slightly more rare. Other than that, I could not improve much. The workers were attentive and polite, taking away dirty dishes before they could accumulate. We shall return! read more

Fantastic, fresh middle eastern food. Great place. Hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, pigeon, salmon, lamb. So good!

Great atmosphere beautiful area friendly people but the food taste plan to me when it came to me I won't go back.

This place has some of the best Middle Eastern Food In Chicago Period!! You must try their famous Mixed Grill With Their GARLIC Sauce.... Delicious I must say lol . Not over priced but worth every dollar! read more

Delicious!!!! I ordered the Al Bawadi mixed plate and it was humongous!!! I will definitely be eating it for dinner tonight!!! 3 different kinds of kabobs plus a medium sized container of babaganous (sp?), a half container of rice, 4 pieces of pita bread, and a small container of vegetables in olive oil. I was full after 3 pieces of each kabob!!! Everything was delicious!!! read more

The food is authentic and absolutely delicious! We usually get a mixed meat platter and hummus/baba ghanouj with pita as an appetizer. The customer service is wonderful - all of the workers there are so kind. This is my favorite place to take guests for authentic, tasty Mediterranean food. read more

Kind of pricey for some rice and kabab. Next time I'll have the daily special Mlookhyeh, which is kind of like a spinach stew.

The Bawadi wings are my favorite! They're very tasty and my shawarma plate was also very delicious! The garlic sauce and tahini sauce was spot on and they give an awesome atmosphere! We drive 3.5 hours and whenever we're in the area we have to stop by and at least get some wings!! read more

Wow!!!! What a great experience, atmosphere and food were excellent. We tried another middle eastern restaurant (Salaam) a few days ago and had a horrible experience. Definitely glad we braved the snow storm before our flight to check out Al Bawadi. As soon as we were seated we had a plate of traditional pickles and hot, fresh pita bread. Like all the other recommendations the mixed grill was very tasty, seasoned just right and cooked to perfection, make sure to ask for some of the garlic sauce sauce to go with it. Both the hummus and baba ganoush were perfectly authentic. The atmosphere was just like a traditional restaurant in the middle east, lovely Arabic background music, even featuring the waiter in traditional dress serving Arabic coffee from an old fashioned pot. The prices a little steep but the mixed grill plate was definitely enough for two, both the kefta kabob sandwich and the shawarna were generous sizes and could probably be split between two children or for smaller appetites. We will definitely return on our next trip to Chicago!!!! read more

Al Bawadi Grill - Corner booth - Mediterranean Near Me - Bridgeview, Illinois

Fabulous every time I've been. It's always crowded so prepare to wait especially later in the evening

I have visited Albawadi numerous times, My family usually order mixed grill platter all the time, but this time last sunday i went again with my family celebrating our sons graduation, service was good girls at the reception were very polite but food serving quantity was significantly change as grill mixed platter have shawerma pieces in it this time nothing like that and there quantity was less read more

My Saudi homestay "son" and friend of 4 years brought my family and I here for Mother's Day 2013. It was well worth the 3+ hour drive from Indianapolis. He told us the food is "Jordanian style", at least what he ordered us, the mixed grill meats platter for 14 people. He also ordered a bunch of different dips. We are used to eating Saudi food, and this was similar but different. Spice mix in the rice and condiments are different. One thing I have learned is that "Middle Eastern" food can be very different from one place to another. A lot of Americans expect it to all be like Greek or maybe Lebanese. It isn't. It seems like people from Greece to Qatar to Egypt to Iraq all make dolmas, but they can be drastically different--not bad, but just not what you were expecting. The food here is very, very good. My son says Jordanian food is considered gourmet in the rest of the Middle East. He's eaten in Jordan, Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq and other areas there, and he says this food would be considered very good in Jordan itself. There were plenty of both people of European American and Arabs descent eating there when we were there. We kind of tipped the scales a bit with our party of 14. The service is likewise excellent. Tradition is you must drink the first two cups of coffee or tea you are offered, and then you may refuse. Most of their American guests won't know this. Do this and they will notice you favorably, and thank them with "shukrun". Everyone loves an attempt to speak their language. And if you do eat in the style of the country (everyone from the same platter, with their hands), you will notice many others doing the same. It's a fun place to take kids to introduce kids to a bit of authentic Arab culture. We plan on coming back as soon as we have a free weekend and run out of essential Arab grocery items. We stock up on things when we're there. read more

I've gone to all the restaurants in the area and none of them measure up to quality of the food and service!! Keep up the great service.love the on sight fresh kenafa. read more

Al bawadi cant be beat for authentic middle eastern food. I go here often ordering to go but it was my boyfriends first time eating here and our first time eating in. The wait staff was extremely attentive amazing even thought we came at 10:57 on a Saturday and they closed at 12, we never felt rushed. The environment cozy almost like being in a home the music is nice, nice crowd background noise. Good for couples and families. Food was amazing as usual. I got the shrimp kabob my boyfriend got the shrimp scampi together we got the samosas which were delicious and bite size. The Arabic coffee was so aromatic and rich I absolutely loved it I got the small since it was my 1st time getting it but I wished soon after that I got a larger size. I totally recommend it. Good for family and friends and those new to middle eastern food. They have a lot of variety, good for pescatarians, vegetarians and meat eaters all the same, every one will find something that they will enjoy. Go once and you will be going back again. read more

Wow, this place blew me away. We tried multiple items on the menu and everything was wonderful, especially the rice. That may have been the best price I've ever personally tasted Read the service was wonderful and make sure you try their signature dessert. read more

This was probably the most horrible experience my family and I have had. Ordered the chicken and meat platters, chicken shawarma sandwich and ribeye kabob. Upon eating our food, food was tasteless, meat was dry and the topper was a piece of hair in my wife's food. Told the waitress and she asked where it came from? Came from the sauce for sandwich!!. She took the plate and said she would remove the item from our bill, that's great but what about the hair that was in the sauce that you're serving everyone, to which she brushed it off and did nothing about it. Never sent over the manager after we asked to speak with them! Horrible customer service, horrible food! Will never eat here again!!! read more

The food is very good full of flavor the cuts of meat are extremely tender, and the service is outstanding I will definatly be coming back. The portions were very large and well presented. As everyone writes when you pull up you smell the wood burning bbqs and begin salivating over whats coming next. read more

Great place for middle eastern food. Everything was great from the food to service. Put it up there with middle eastern from Dearborn michigan. read more

Had dinner here with the family in a beautiful tent-like setting with wonderful music. The Lamb Kabobs and almond rice was amazing! A bit pricey but the kabob dinner was large enough to be shared by two if appetizers are purchased. Great atmosphere and the service was fine. read more

Excellent service, great decor, and delicious food. I can't wait to return and sample some more entrees. We tried so many items there wasnt enough room on the table, and they were all good. Especially liked the sausage, mixed grill, samosas, and mint tea. read more

I live right down the street and was hesitant to give it a try, now I'm there at least once a week. The shwarma wraps are excellent.

I had called on Tuesday, May 21st and made a reservation for Iftar for Saturday, May 25th. I received a confirmation for my reservation from a staff member via telephone call Friday, May 24th. Upon on arriving at the restaurant, we were told they do not have us down for a reservation. I showed the staff member the call log on my phone, showing my initial call and the confirmation call. Their response was simply, "I'm sorry, we are full". So after fasting all day and driving over an hour, we were turned away without any resolution. We will not return. read more

I was in a short trip to Chicago and heard about the place for the good food. The food is absolutely delicious and fresh. The service is great along with the price. I would def. come back again. read more

There is a reason people come far and wide to try the food here! We came in during a busy time, but were quickly seated and attended to. The hosts and wait staff were very sweet! The entire restaurant was full of families or parties, but never felt overwhelming. The food was divine! The closest to authentic Turkish/Middle Eastern cuisine you could possibly get. The portions are generous, perfect for sharing. The meat is seasoned beautiful with rich delicate spices and then grilled to perfection! After the meal a nice warm cup of Turkish tea is offered by the staff, perfect end to an incredible meal! read more

The hummus is very fresh & very delicious. You can tell it is homemade. The falafel are a must to get. I haven't had a bad meal here yet. I brought my son here who was 1 1/2 years old at the time and he had the chicken tenders which were tasty. read more

Simply amazing. All the staff is dressed in what appears to be traditional attire and everyone is super friendly and accommodating. They start you off with what appears to be a Middle Eastern take of a relish tray that was quite tasty. A group of 4 of us got the mixed grill platter. It came with 3 dips, a large salad, plenty of pitas, and an enormous amount of meat on a bed of 2 different types of rice. Everything tasted so fresh and was piping hot. The total with tax was $85 and honestly it was worth every penny. Cannot wait to go back. read more

I've got to dock a star now. I was just in again with my mother, the food was good but the service was seriously sub par. I think they have some new waitresses working, not sure but they need to be retrained. You don't bring the dinner for one member of a party of two 10 minutes before the other person's food is finished.... and you don't come to the table 16 times in the 2 minutes after handing the check over to take it back. Wait until we put it on the edge of the table. Other than that the food was still good, the atmosphere was alright but the service really put me off. read more

Low cost, high quality, this and Fatoosh are the best Arabic restaurants in the Chicago area. Not much to add other than that. I enjoyed most everything on the menu. read more

Oh so great! We have to drive about 45 minutes to get here but it makes us feel like we are back home in Dearborn, Michigan. The food is excellent and the portions are large! I always get the mixed platter. A little of all my favs. I wish they would build one in the suburbs. Enjoy! read more

The mixed grill platter is delicious. Very moist meats, yummy rice and the garlic sauce is amazing. Chicken shawarma didn't seem traditional... The bread was different and the fries were heavily seasoned. Still decent. Service is atrocious. We were a party of 7 and we only got three glasses of water and utensils. Had to beg several times to get waters and utensils for everyone. The wait time for food is long as well. Water refills were slow/non-existent. read more

Great middle eastern food. If you have a group the meat platter will definitely satisfy. I usually order the mixed grill and my fiancé gets the chicken tawook - order the muthawama too, goes great with everything. Nice big portions and attentive service. I always leave happy. read more

An amazing restaurant with wonderful people. A friend suggested coming for the Ramadan buffet and said 'it's a must- definitely one an experience and one of my fav places', and she was right! Don't be shocked by the alarming amount of smoke coming from the restaurant- it's just a sign of good food :) The people are wonderful and work with you; I'd suggest making reservations days ahead; the day of, the restaurant will contact you to confirm your reservation. Upon arrival you'll find a huge parking lot surrounding the restaurant with an outdoor white tent for more seating arrangements. All the tables are set up per party with dates, baba ghanouj, hummus, salad, cucumber yogurt, and a side of freshly baked pita bread. There's soup and juice served with an open buffet dinner. The staff does a great job keeping the place clean and re-stocking the food trays. After dinner, tea and Arabic coffee is served while they set up for dessert. The restaurant normally closes out around 9:30! All-in-all, one amazing experience I wouldn't doubt repeating. The buffet is $25/person and 10% tip is automatically added to the check (we paid more because they definitely deserved it). read more

I have been here several times now. The food is very good except it gets a bit chewy when cold, which is probably normal for meat. The ambience is nice and the staff are friendly. It's a very nice place for a business get together as well as family. read more

I tried this place because I was in the area and remembered it from Check Please. This is Mediterranean food that is truly a cut above the rest. It is a can't miss if you live in or happen to be in the area. The portions are huge and priced right. The flavor, freshness and quality go without saying. read more

I came here for the first time after driving past this place for years. I have heard good reviews, but I wanted to see for myself. Not sharing the ethnic background of the style of restaurant made it more of a surprise for what to expect. I was so impressed by the food. The food was so tasteful and well prepared that it put a smile on my face. I'm glad I took the time to stop in, and I encourage others to do the same. read more

Good food but horrible service. It took a waiter more than 20mins to ask what I wanted. No one ever came back and asked how the food was and I had to get up to ask for the check. Would not recommend. It's like you're a annoying them if you need something read more

Still sitting here as I write this. Foods great, service sucks. I've been wiping my hands on the same dirty napkin that came wrapped around my utensils. The girls seem to have time to walk around and make conversation or serve tables with larger groups (most likely more important people) but not to give others what they need. The people next to my table are thinking the same. Whatever. In the end, it's their tip, and a bad review for what could be a five star restaurant... if it weren't situated in an old Taco Bell in a gem like Bridgeview. read more