What a hidden gem!!! I loved everything about Balkan Taste-the service, ambiance and food. All excellent. The server I had was very nice, and made a great suggestion for one of the daily specials-pork tenderloin with Kaymac. I've never heard of that before (which was the reason to visit Balkan Taste-a new adventure in food!) kaymac was described as the top of the milk, and it reminded me of butter. But better! He also brought me a side of kaymac to have with my bread, and I knew I'd love the pork dish. It was indeed a home run, the sauce was super tasty. Also had beet salad , and a cream puff for dessert. I inhaled the cream puff too!!! I enjoyed the authentic/family atmosphere, and will surely be back. I'm picky about my food (I LOVE the "good stuff") everything I had tonight was outstanding. Thanks for an excellent meal and making me feel like a welcomed guest!! read more

Balkan Taste - Bread with side of kaymac, beet salad, pork kaymac with mashed potatoes. Excellent! - Modern European Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Heard that Chicagoland had the largest Serbian population in the US, so on a whim a friend and I picked a place to experience our first Balkan food. Went to Balkan Taste and we got their beef special and their pork tenderloin special. The spicy kajmak sauce on the tenderloin went so well with the way they grilled it, and the beef was hearty and delicious. Plenty of lepinja was served and it went so well with everything! Enough food for the next meal as well. Would definitely go again and try the standard fare. read more

Balkan Taste - Beef special - Modern European Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

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This place is darling, the food was truly delicious, the chicken had a really nice smoky flavor to it. The homemade bread was too good. Super friendly, highly recommend this spot. read more

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When I ordered their Pljeskavica with melted kaymak sauce, my server suggested it to me as my first European meal. Basically, it's a big patty with chopped parsley, green onions, and dried crushed pepper on top. This golden pool sauce covered the patty. Although it appears simple, it was amazing. It was incredibly enjoyable for me. read more

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Odlicna domaca kuhinja na dobroj lokaciji. Uvek prijano osoblje, velike porcije. Razumne cene u odnosu na ostala balkanska mesta.

Excellent. Stopped on a whim. Food us good, service is excellent. Tired of the mass produced garbage being served in 99 % of restaurants. This is the place for a pleasant change. read more

Nice small place, locally owned. Great fresh food made on site. Ask the waiter for the specials can't go wrong. Be sure and save room for dessert, made here and too die for. Typical European service just enough to check on your but not pester you. read more

Well I discovered this restaurant on my way home from work this past Thursday as I was eating at my Bulgarian restaurant that I'm familiar with called Sophia grill. Well I made it as a bucket list to try and I am glad I did this because I was looking for something different and Eastern European cuisine is always interesting coming from eating to much of the popular ethnic food that I was getting tired of. One thing I noticed with these Eastern European restaurants as they don't give water when dining in. Anyways wanted something different than my usual popular mainstream ethic food and this was it. Well in comparison to Bulgarian they had much more variety. I started with the Balkan Serbian beef soup in which they also give bread and it was uniquely delicious well to me. It wasn't tomato base it was much more savory and gravy with the herbs in which you eat it with bread. The next dish was the Serbian Balkan sausage just called "Cevapcici with Kaymak" and it was also tasty too if not uniquely delicious. They put onions underneath as garnish and light spices. Ordered some mixed vegetables which was a good choice. It was zucchini and the sweet peppers and paprika that was grilled very delicious and savory. I also ordered another smoothie like drink both in strawberry first and in blueberry as a beverage to say don't give water. I like the blueberry more but the strawberry was good too since there's not too many blueberry beverages. I ended it up with the Balkan cake which was also delicious too in regards to the flavor it was like a cheesecake texture with strawberries and graham cracker bread as the base. After my low calorie diet for a month and a week in March I definitely will come back here and try some of the other specials they also have Balkan hamburgers Serbian style but I shall see next to Beef Stew with Mash Potatoes. Four out of five stars because they don't serve water. If they do it's bottle water and I did not want to pay. Somewhat expensive dinner at $50 I ordered worth of food alone but overall it was delicious read more

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What a pleasant surprise. And unassuming restaurant in a strip plaza that turned out to be quite nice. Nicely decorated with a Serbian flair. I had the Serbian sausages served over onions with a cream cheese. Deliriously spiced and beatifully grilled. My friend had the goulash over a mashed potatoes. The taste was quite good. I started my dinner with the beet salad which was quite tasty. My friend had the Mediterranean salad that was pretty spectacular. I highly recommend this place. All fresh made and reasonably priced. The server was also quite good. read more

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My first time eating Serbian food. Excellent service and Food! Their homemade bread was very good and came with an Urnebas spread that was the texture of cream cheese and oh so good. We had the Pork Skewers, Pork Chop and Sausages. All very tasty and would order again. The Salad with Feta was outstanding. The cheese was creamy and excellent in flavor, not like a store bought Feta. We split the Balkan Cake which was delicious. We will return. read more

Seriously, this is one of the best restaurants for food that we have visited. If you put this food in an upscale restaurant with white linen tablecloth's and fine china you could charge twice the price! I can't wait to go back to try some of the other food items, especially this loaded mixed platter I saw brought out for another guest. If you're a vegetarian, go someplace else. They love their meat. They will be opening up a bakery next-door soon. read more

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Extremely great Serbian restaurant with amazing serbian burgers. Staff is extremely friendly, service is great and nice atmosphere!

Food was delicious salad recommendation was appreciated and enhanced the food selection Food service was exceptional attentive and informative every dish we had was a new experience and one that we will be looking forward to experiencing more in the future this is definitely a restaurant that I recommend the ambience was comfortable and relaxed read more

I am from out of state and this place caught my attention. What a wonderful find. I was excited to try something different and I was not let down. Great food! Great service! And oh my god, don't skip the homemade desert! read more

WOW! My family and I enjoyed a wonderful meal here. Everything was so delicious. The punjena pljeskavica was probably the best thing I've eaten all year!! Already planning our next lunch there read more

We were here twice. And this is some cheap version of Serbian and Balkan cuisine. Some of the waitresses smell sooooo bad that I wanted to puke. We came here bc of recommendations of some friends. Yes I understand that taste is different but if something is bad is bad. And that's it. We tried salads, pie, grilled meat , bread, coffe. And we had some take out. None of us didn't like it. Meat was cheap and too burned. Almost tasteless. If we consider that you can not find original kajmak spread, the most similar you can find in middle Eastern shops. However bread was ok. Our friend explained that lot of people goes there and just chill spend time. And that's how it looked. It is not my cup of tea for shure. read more

Great place with traditional Serbian cuisine. Various Serbian specialties in one place. Mixed meat and kebabs are great. Praise also for the sopska salad which is always fresh. Staff very friendly. read more

My husband and I stopped in for dinner tonight and I can't wait to go back again. This restaurant is owned and operated by Serbian born Bojan Bojanovic. The restaurant is open M-Sat, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and closed on Sunday. The atmosphere is laid back and family friendly. The food is all homemade with several daily specials. We both tried the Gourmet Pleskavica, a grilled 12oz. burger stuffed with prosciutto and Gouda, served with grilled onions and topped with a creamy kajmak cheese spread. My husband had the spicy version sprinkled with red pepper flakes and said it was just right. I chose the non-spicy option. Our portions were just the right size for two hungry people, both juicy and moist. We also ordered two Shopska salads which was a combination of cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and dressing sprinkled with mild feta cheese. Two Perriers and a fresh, soft homemade bread completed our delicious meal. Our server, Nemanja, surprised us with a Princess cream puff to share, which was a light, delicious end to a great meal. Balkan Taste was easy to find and has plenty of parking. The prices are very reasonable and the menu options offer a nice variety. We've found another place we'll be visiting again, sooner than later. Hope to try out their breakfast options, as well as several other Serbian dishes. read more

Multi-cultural experience through Food. Who doesn't like a glob of kajmak (sort of butter)? Serbian Burger is a patty version of Turkish kebab with onions. Patty was a bit hard, a cultural preference, but well-seasoned. Macedonian influence in Nescafé that is called Frappe when iced with Hershey chocolate syrup that becomes American. LOL A lighter coffee compared to it's modern Greek descendants. It's a good thing the BREAD was served on the side as I normally don't eat the bun in a burger. Packed the bread to-go for breakfast. Love the BREAD - when lightly toasted, crunch in every crumb! My second BEZE TORTE (they call it cake) is exactly the same from Chicago's Jewel store (no idea which location makes it). I'm assured this BEZE is made on Balkan premises. ;) Nothing special about the Side of Fries. Skip it! Try the Mash instead. DESSERT selection is based in the fridge, NOT the menu. :-) read more

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Do not go to this place!!! What kind of restaurant owner scratches his butt while you're cooking? This isn't out of his pants, his hand was inside his pants. I tried to kindly tell him to wrap my bread after he wash his hands, he didn't, he scratched his ass again and again. He brought the bread with his bare hand and said do you like this, do you want this? Next thing you know, I tried to walk out of the restaurant, the restaurant owner kicked me in the leg hard!? I was hurt. I was in the hurry to go home and I had to leave. Nobody wants mr scratching butts in their food. read more

I was here with a group of 10 a few days ago. I ordered the pork chop it had a delicious smoky flavor. The waiter was attentive to everyone. The reason I did not give 5 stars is when the bill came I was shown the price on a tablet that had every diners order on it. I didn't get time to study it. I paid cash, gave the waiter $60 and asked for $10 back. He returned with my change and a paper receipt. When I looked at it later I realized the tip had already been added in the total. Had they given separate checks to begin with instead of showing us our share on a tablet it would have been noted. He ended up getting a $16 tip on a $33 check. I know this is partly my fault, but printed separate checks would have been helpful read more

Pleasant atmosphere, friendly service, and outstanding food. Don't miss this experience.

I would give them a zero if I could. Went there with my husband. I left before he did and went next door to meet a friend for dessert. Once gone, they over-served him alcohol to the point he couldn't even walk and tried to drive. I had to fight him for the keys. I should have called the cops but they were closed by the time I saw him. I will never go here again. Horrible people. Absolutely horrible. This place needs to be investigated. Money is no reason to allow someone to purchase so much alcohol they can't stand up straight. If he would have driven home and killed someone that wouldn't just be on him it would be on them too! read more

Nice place to chill, great food, n good music. Can't go wrong with any of the menu options.

LOVE this place! The food is soooo good! Cevapi, Serbian Burger, pork skewers, and the meat combination plate are all excellent! Also like the cabbage salad. It's like a vinegar cole slaw. The espressos are excellent, as are the Serbian brandy selection. read more

Really a fan of Serbian food. Better than the standard fare. Great place to eat. Try the Red Beet Salad. It was awesome!

This was a pleasant surprise to find this restaurant. Very clean, wait staff super friendly and helpful (Nancy was SO helpful selecting entrees and extremely nice). The bread was warm and fresh. The Ajvar was good for an added kick ask for crushed red pepper. The Sopska Salata is a must have. The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion with feta cheese so good. The Cevapcici 10 had a nice taste and texture. The beef stew and mashed potatoes was delicious. The Stuffed Pljeskavica was very good the spread that comes with it enhances the flavor. The Smoked sausages wrapped in bacon served with refried beans was very flavorful. I highly recommend this entree if you like spice. All desserts here are homemade and delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be back. read more

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So, I went for the first time last Wednesday and went back again today. Both times, i sat outside, so havent been inside the restaurant. I am not Balkan at all, but since covid, have been doing research for a future vacation there. As such, thanks to almost two years of youtube, I actually knew what everything on the menu was...the first time I went (last week) I was going to get the plaskavicja, but the waitress insisted I get the lamb that was on special. I am glad I did as it was outstanding. I also had a shopska salad. I am not a big tomato guy at all, but it was fantastic!!!! Tomato, red onion, cucumber, a little vinegar and balkan feta....i was blown away!!! Today, i was able to go back and get the plaskavicja.....it was super good and was dripping in kaymak....excellent, but I think I overdoes on the kaymak and my arteries need some drano...cannot say enough good things about this place!!!! read more

I was the only person inside - all the rest (smokers?) were at outside tables. I got the Sopska salad and the Smoked (aka Andouille) sausages. The food was very good and it came with 2 large pieces of delicious bread, that's baked by the restaurant. I took about half my meal home. Service was pleasant and friendly although my food came with fries rather than the mash I'd ordered - it was swiftly corrected. They also turned down the volume of the rock music that was playing per my request. Since the door was open, some cigarette smoke from the outside tables drifted into the indoor space to give you that authentic European feel! I'd go back. read more

I don't think any review I do will give this place justice...you will have to go check out this hidden gem for yourself! We attended an engagement dinner there and everything was outstanding from the hospitality to the home cooked meals! Chef Bojan was so sweet and personable, you can taste the passion he has for cooking in his dishes. There was so much food I'm sure I will forget to mention something. The Sopska salad was a huge hit! It's light, refreshing and the flavors are spot on! I love beets so the Cvekla (red beer salad) was another favorite. Stuffed cabbage rolls, chicken salad (I'm not sure what the Serbian names are) are all dishes I would recommend! I'm not sure how they make there fresh bread...but they were delish! Save room for dessert! Chef Bojan's mom makes all the desserts fresh in house! We had Betez Cake (I just know it had hazelnut pudding) it was out of this world. This is a true family restaurant where you can enjoy an authentic home cooked Serbian meal. Love, love, love! Will be back again! PS...this little gem also has a full bar :) And you can do take out! read more

I had the cake and the coffee It was very very good! The service was excellent. I can't wait to come back and get the food. I have been sitting and watching it go by. Looks great! read more

This was a nice change of pace. We had just left a warehouse sale in the area and were looking for a place for lunch and I found this place on the Yelp map. Mom and I both love cevapcici, so I figured why not. We also had the beet salad. I was expecting more horseradish in it for some reason, but it was still good. 10 cevapcici to an order was not bad - but no sides with it. Only bottled non-alcoholic beverages if you are not drinking from the bar. Waitress was polite in answering my mom's questions. It took some time to get the check even after she brought the container for mom to box up her leftovers, but maybe that is because people hang around to watch soccer on the tv? read more

Great food and atmosphere! We all enjoyed our food, but the special of the day (roasted rolled pork) was the best dish. Will definitely stop back for cappuccinos and food! read more

Balkan Taste - Modern European Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

went here the first time , thought is was suppose to be special. I didn't know what to order, so the server showed me a picture of a plate with 3 courses, . I ordered it to go, so they wrapped it nice to stay for warmth. When I got to my hotel , it was 9 sausages on a big bun! Wheres the rest??? never again!!! read more

We went yesterday to this restaurant. The food was fantastic. This service was excellent. We asked our server for his recommendations and he was stop on. I highly recommend this place you won't be disappointed. read more

Great Shopska salad , daily specials ,everything is made fresh . Try cevapi with Ajvar (pepper and eggplant ) spread , mixed meat plate ,home pizza . Huge selection of home made desserts. They served fresh espresso and cappuccino. Can't wait to go back... read more

This cafe/restaurant just opened. My first impression is of good hearty Serbian food that can be preceded (or followed) by a great espresso. Try the traditional "Cevapcici"--small skinless all-beef links that are tender and perfectly seasoned and grilled. Looking forward to my next visit, so I can continue my Balkan adventure. read more

Authentic, good quality food and a friendly environment. Buffet will ensure you find something that you enjoy.

Nice, open, airy, clean, modern, great waiter, "stuffed pepper" special was so good I am getting another one to go, I specifically thanked their cook. My new fav place, I will definitely be back and bring family and friends. read more

Balkan Taste - Nice, modern, with home cooked meals. - Modern European Near Me - Mount Prospect, Illinois

The server/cashier was very patient with us as we looked at the menu and discussed what to order. On his recommendation, my friend and I ordered 1 order of cevapcici (comes with 10 tender, perfectly seasoned beef links, chopped onions, a delicious creamy white spread, and ample super fresh bread) to split and 2 of the sopska salatas (cucumbers, sliced onions, and tomatoes seasoned with oil and topped with super fresh, tender feta). Everything was so amazing! We talked about how we didn't even feel like we were in the US; the ingredients here are so fresh and tasty! I can't say enough positive things about this place. On top of the amazing food, they have solid cappuccinos to finish your meal. Can't wait to come back! read more