Well, this review is more for the vegetarian food (didn't even try the falafels) so not sure how representative of the full menu it is... Had the Greek Salad, which was 80% lettuce and 20% combo of cucumber-tomato-feta. Not really what I was hoping for! My friend had the grapeleaves and didn't enjoy them much either... Maybe it's just more of a meat place and do a much better job there? Not good-tasting for vegetarians though, even though the menu is vegetarian-friendly! read more

I hate to leave this review, because I really don't want more people to know about this place. I've been coming here for a few months now. On my first visit, I ordered a falafel sandwich and was so satisfied that I've not yet once veered from this tradition. At least once a week, I visit Oasis Cafe for a falafel sandwich. With this order, I can eat in the Loop for under five dollars. Yes, read that again. Eat in the Loop for under five dollars. The other dishes look delicious. The kabob plates, in particular, are huge, healthy, and tasty-looking. But all I really need is a handful of falafel goodness to keep me going for the rest of the day, and to keep some greenbacks in my wallet. The location only helps this restaurant. I love ducking into this jewelry mall, with only the intention of ordering a sandwich. It feels like I'm on to a secret that only a few hundred other people know. Also, the food is great and, for the most part, the service has been top-notch. Nothing fancy, mind you -- you are ordering at a counter and taking your own food to a table via plastic tray. But, they are efficient and quick and move people through the long line as fast as possible. Hooray for Oasis Cafe! read more

Yup - it's true - you enter via a jewellery store. Glad I read that in a review here on Yelp - and glad other Yelpers pointed the way. It's basically a little hole-in-the wall, at the back of a jewellery "mall". They seem to have daily specials, and a regular menu. Decor leaves something to be desired. I'd give it a 3.5 if 1/2 stars were allowed... Staff are efficient and nice - however they have a constant stream of customers, so don't expect them to stop and actually chat - no time! Prices are reasonable, and servings are good. Food is tastey. We ate everything. :-) I had a variety plate with Kefta, hubby had Shwarma sandwhich. It was wonderful to eat some Medditaranean food, something that is sadly missing from the area we live in. Would I recommend: Yes Would I return: Yes read more

Excellent jewel in the loop, it's in the middle of Wabash but you would never know it. Tucked in the back of a jewelry shop, with a small sign in front. By far the best grab and go Middle eastern fair in the loop, Chicken falafel with tomatoes, hummus and cumbers is a steady meal for me. One that hasn't changed much in the years i've been a customer. x read more

Really good find. It is located in a jewelry store. Thank goodness a guys was passing out falafel in front. Just a simple little place that was pretty crowded. I had the mixed chic platter with falafel. Rice hummus and excellent potato bread. Very nice portions. The lady running the front was very friendly. I'll be back. Highly recommended for those who don't care about ambiance. read more

This review is way overdue. I work in the area so this has become one of my go to spots. It's a bit hard to find the first time if you don't know where it is. But they do have a signs posted outside. It's a bit strange that you have to go through a Jewelry store and walk to the back are for the cafe. This place is pretty fast service, they have a good system going on. You stand in line pay grab your food, grab the utensils and get out within a few mins. There are a few seats to sit and gets a bit busy during the lunch rush. I've tried the Chicken Kebab,Wabash Combo and the kebab sandwich. Everything I've tried so far has been pretty decent. My only problem was with the sandwich because it is super hard to eat without making a mess. But the food is still pretty good. This is a solid spot to go to if you want to get something quick. read more

Located in the back of a slightly depressing jewelry mall, Oasis Cafe has doled put generous portions of Mediterranean food for years. The combination plates are my favorite as I enjoy getting to sample from across the menu. read more

Ahhh... how did I find you Oasis!! Lurking inside a jewelry shop, It is the most precious possession this shop owns. I went here alone for lunch, just before closing hours and later sat like a queen with my generous feast. The server sensed my indecisiveness over picking the combo with baba ganoush or falafel that he ended up giving me both for no extra charge.. So kind!! Day made! The rice, pita, kebab's everything was of remarkable quality & taste... I also got a pack of baklava in the end and it was very good. Having had a great experience I took couple of my friends here on St Patrick's day.. when the munchies kicked in. All of them seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. Good for my vegetarian friends as well. Highly highly recommend!! I didn't have much expectations but it ended up being a treat. read more

I love everything about this place (especially its location) I get the lamb kabob platter every time and it has everything I could possibly want & super generous portion. The lamb has a lovely char but stays moist. Maybe the pita could be warmer but that feels like asking a lot from these guys who crank out orders super fast and up to par! Lentil soup was savory n texture on point and tabouleh is true to its name. read more

Oasis Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is seriously a hidden gem for lunch; it's in the back of a jewelry store. I, being the basic individual that I am, would never have even thought to stop by if I just passed this spot while walking but a coworker shared this awesome place with me. There's always an Oasis Cafe sign placed outside the jewelry store during the day so you can find the place. Walk in and beeline to the back of the store where delicious food awaits. There's a daily special item each day and all days are good! My usual go-to is the mixed combo chicken though. It's 3 pieces of falafel AND chicken shawarma, rice, tomato and cucumber salad, and hummus with pita. It's a ton of food for like under $8!! I usually get two meals out of it. The place has some seating so you can dine in. It's always busy during lunch but these guys are great and the line moves super fast. Definitely check this place out if your in the area!! read more

I have heard about Oasis for years but finally decided to try it out. It lives up to the hype and more. Amazing, crispy-yet-moist falafel is the star of their lineup for me but their chicken shawarma and kefta is delicious as well. Make sure you ask for the special garlic sauce with your order! It's unreal. I have started catering office parties with a tray of 50 falafel and they get eaten up every time. Truly a hidden gem on jewelers row. read more

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There are so many lunch options in the loop but this was definitely the walk from my office. This does not compare to Roti or Naf Naf grill in my opinion even though they are good. You can tell that everything is prepared fresh in front of you and they don't make too much in bulk. It was hard to find Oasis Cafe because there is construction on Wabash so thankfully they had a sign out front. It is in the back of a jewelry store which was strange because the vendors are eyeing you like a hawk hoping that you will want to buy something on the way to lunch. They have interesting lunch specials like kushari which most middle eastern restaurants in the loop don't serve but very yummy. I got the falafel plate which came with 6 crispy and not greasy falafel, jerusalem salad, a heap of creamy hummus and a pita for $8.11 with tax. That is a great deal in the loop for all that food. I would of taken a picture but it was so yummy I completely blanked but I will next time which will be soon. Definitely worth a try and lots of seating. read more

Delicious food and great price! I ordered the chicken couscous and the mixed plate both were great.

DO NOT COME HERE. This place is mine. Its hummus is meant only for gods. Its perfect Mediterranean pickles, shawarma, and pita are reserved for a lucky few. read more

Eh, decent. I was expecting better based on the reviews but I thought it was just ok.

There are so many better fast casual food options in the loop for the same price. Food was extremely bland and dry. I would rather eat the jewelry from the store you have to walk through to get here then eat here again. By far the worst lunch I've had in Chicago. read more

Woohoo! As good as it gets!! That's right, yelp, your cheesy rating header took the words right outta my mouth. I LOVE HELLA RANDOM PLACES LIKE THIS!! First off, it's located at the back of a Jewerly Mart circa 1973 that is actually bussling and thriving and kinda reminds me of the Jefferson's, even though I never really watched that show, so that's awesome. You can get blasted by bling AND contemplate your future rings needs?! WIN! Of course, I'm far too socially-conscious and morally superior to wear those blood diamonds (boo! hiss!), but don't let such concerns weigh you down (gurl, is that a PINK diamond?!?! a la J Lo and Ben 2003? that's what i'm talkin' about!!). Next, the food is actually DELICIOUS! what, what! no air, no light, no windows, no cross-ventilation, and your food is still the bomb?! YOU WIN, Oasis Cafe!! YOU WIN! I had the falafel sandwich and while not quite as tasty as Taza's, it's pretty damn close and that Tahini sauce is some kinda wonderful and that hot sauce is like whoa. so....GO! whatcha waitin' for willis?! (shit! i'm getting all my shows mixed up! is that the robot girl?!) read more

The place is located insider jewelry store kinda odd place for it to be but the staff are super friendly, food is made fresh, and price is cheap for a major concern h. My lamb and hummus salad costed me less than 10 bucks including a tax. It's really w 4/5 place because location is hidden but I'll go ahead n give them 5/5 to help their ratings and business. Gotta support good quality halal food read more

Oasis Cafe - Lamb salad with humus and pitta bread - Mediterranean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came back around noon on a Wednesday and did not have to wait any longer than a couple minutes to make my order, which was the chicken mixed combination. I got the kifta mixed combination last time. I received my food in less than 2 minutes! Anyways, the food was great and the rice was definitely softer this time around compared to my last visit. The hummus, vegetable salad, pita, and falafel were exactly as I remembered! The chicken wasn't that moist, but it was not that dry either. If the chicken was a bit more moist, I would give this 4.5 stars (even though I can't due to integer ratings only). I still love the value and amount of food you get for $10 and nothing changed in terms of... I will definitely come back again! read more

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And the award for the "Best Cheap Lunch Spot with Flair" goes to Oasis Cafe! I've had Oasis' takeout menu on my menu caddy here at work for months now (somebody must've passed it out to me as I was walking by). However, I have never ventured in until today...and I am so glad I did!!! The falafel with the tahini sauce was the best I've had in the city so far and the grape leaves actually had flavor to it. I just want to say thanks for sharing your tastes with us Oasis; I'll be back tomorrow and I'm sure many more times to come!! read more

It seems kind of shady that you have to walk to the back of a jewelery store to get to this place, but it's worth it. I would feel less comfortable buying jewelery in the back of a falafel stand. The falafel was good, and made fresh as I waited. There were lots of veggie items on the menu as well as a few meat dishes. There are a few tables next to the stand so you can watch people trying on pinkie rings or asking how much they can get for a slightly used engagement ring. read more

Returning here for lunch, I realized I hadn't been here since my last gig in the Loop in 2001. Through much of the 80's and 90's I frequented the Oasis Cafe because it was convenient, a great value, and just pleasingly odd in its location in the back end of a long jewelry mall. I suppose a restaurant in a mall is not odd, but winding your way back to this delicious, friendly and bright spot is something like a weird dream. The set up is really like a fast food joint, and their food is really fast, unless as I discovered in my last visit, if you order hot tea. That turned into kind of an ordeal, and a good "Big Gulp" serving of hot tea which practically lasted me all afternoon. But I digress from my love of Oasis.The menu is a wonderful combination of, well, combinations, as in plates of deliciously fresh Middle Eastern treats like falafel plates, shawarma, and couscous. Sandwiches, too. Salads like Greek and Lebanese, and many excellent vegetarian offerings. Over the years, I have sampled most of the menu offerings and I was never disappointed. You could eat here everyday, never spend more than ten smackers, and get enough food for your main meal of the day. I had the Chicken Shawarma ($5.49) today. It was filled with tender chicken, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes and a tasty sauce. Very good tongue shui, I must say. This is truly a little hidden gem and one of my top five favorite Loop lunch spots. Rarely crowded and always a good deal. read more

I've only been to this place twice, and incidentally, almost exactly a year apart. Don't expect a fancy restaurant, plenty of seating, or anything you might refer to as "ambience". Although, you do have to walk through a diamond shop, right down an aisle of goods to get to.. falafel? For some reason, I like this. Like I'm heading to a hidden speakeasy, except for hummus and tahini. Okay, I'm going to type this in caps, for the people who skim paragraphs for caps, because I don't want anyone to miss this part of my review: THESE ARE THE BEST FALAFEL SANDWICHES IN CHICAGO. I lived in the Middle East up until last year, meaning 20-something years, so I can vouch for these as being pretty damn good. Great for a quick "fast-food" lunch on days I'm too lazy to cook, and/or if I'm craving a taste of home. Also, they're pretty big sandwiches. The first time I visited the shop, it seemed that the owners were behind the counter. I'd just moved to Chicago so hearing a little bit of Arabic was also worth the visit for me. Anyway, delicious falafel, check it out next time you need to grab a Loop lunch in a hurry. read more

I no longer work on the row (everyone KNOWS Steve Quick Jeweler is THE jeweler to go to!!) but I still frequent Oasis Cafe when I am conducting bidness in the area. The Hummos with Meat plate is my go-to order at this joint. The hummos (you say hummos, I say hummus, lets call the whole thing off..) has a nice nutty/tahini flavor and the chicken has a wonderfully complex taste. A piece of pita and some cucumber and tomato (you say tomato, I say...uh..sorry..just kidding) round out the plate for some serious lunching. The jewelry booths that line the walk back to the cafe are interesting to say the least. I mean, who buys jewelry at these places? They remind me of mall kiosks, but I digress, and you know where to go if you need jewels anyway, right? Promote yourself much, Sarah B.? ;) Anywho, all you need to know is that hidden deep in the dark depths of a shady jewelry mall is some seriously delicious Mediterranean grub. Good grub that is convenient and cheap. Go! read more

Have you ever wanted falafel and a gold watch? How about chicken kabob and diamond earrings? You can have this and more at Oasis. The small food counter is located at the back of a jewelry store. This is a truly unique Chicago experience. The falafel, lamb kabob, chicken shwarma, and hummus are all quite good. I've never sampled anything from the jewelry store, however. read more

Yum, Yum, YUM. I don't know about the rest of you, but most days I'd much rather pack some leftovers or a tasty sammie for lunch than spend $10 at one of the Loop's poor excuses for a lunch place. With a few exceptions. Enter Oasis Cafe. Located at the back of the Jewelry Mart on Wabash, you'd hardly know it existed (unless, like moi, your husband-to-be loves watches and works across the street). We popped in yesterday to get some food to-go and dine in Millenium Park since it was such a gorgeous day. For $17 we got a TON of food. I had the veggie combo, which included: hummus, baba ganoush, 3 generous sized falafel balls, pita, stuffed grape leaves and salad. I'd venture to say one of the best falafel in the city. Nick got the shish kebab combo, which also came with hummus and baba ganoush and pita. The meat was well seasoned and tasty, and the accompanying rice had a nice cinnamon-spice taste to it. Wash it down with a diet Coke and some baklava and you have yourself a fantastic lunch for 2, all for $17. I will definitely return to Oasis Cafe for more Middle-Eastern goodness in the Loop. Spice up your lunch hour a little and check it out! read more

This is my favorite secret Chicago lunch. They have the best falafel I've ever had outside of Israel, which is an annoying pretentious thing to say but who cares, it's true. The food is super fast, their entrees are enormous, and again, I can't say it enough, their falafel sandwich is KILLER. Plus, it's in the back of a jewelry store, so you get to look at diamonds on your way in. One star off bc it's really a lunch place for people who work in the city, and never seems to be open when I am downtown on weekends or evenings. read more

A great place to grab an authentic bite! As others have mentioned, it's tucked literally into the back of a jewelry shop (don't worry, there's a sign for it outside so you don't need to wander through every jeweler on the block). The menu's got all the traditional options for Mediterranean you could ask for, and the food comes out lightning fast! Don't expect upscale anything, but it's simple and simply delicious. Great for a bite after checking out Cloud Gate! read more

Tasty Mediterranean hidden gem in the Loop. A work lunch takeout standby in the Financial District. Fresh shwarma, falafel and hummus. Cheap pricing. read more

So I got the falafel sandwich (urged by my bf and fellow yelpers) and a soda for $6.00! I couldn't believe how cheap it was, especially since I've been paying close to $10 for lunch here in the loop. I liked the sandwich and the hot sauce that came with it. I'm really interested in trying their other sandwiches since I'm not a HUGE falafel fan. I'm giving it three stars for now since the sandwich was good, but not my favorite. I will change it once I taste something else if necessary :) If you're looking for something filling, healthy (at least that's what I'm telling myself), and cheap-Oasis Cafe just be a perfect fit! Oh, and my sandwich was ready just as I was finished putting my money into my wallet. It's fast and cheap-who could ask for more? **UPDATE: I added the Hummos to my sandwich and it was delicious! It was way more filling and tender this way. The only downside is that my pita started falling apart towards the end of the sandwich. Bummer. read more

I remember when I was a kid and there were a few mom and pop places in the Loop. They are mainly gone. That is sad as you know what you are getting at Jmmy John's, but it means a lack of diversity in food. I mean how can there be that many Subways in the Loop? That said, this has become my favorite place to eat in the Loop. I mean I love this place! I have never had anything that I did not like. I am very big on the Shish ka bab sandwich now. I prefer the lamb. It is not made in advance, there is about a 7 minute wait. Isn't it great to wait for something that is being made and not microwaved! Okay, I have had it with the tomatoes and cucumbers which is great, but one day they put roasted peppers on it and it was just incredible! I just noticed they have sugar free Baclava, can that even exist? Seriously, it's less than eating at the wretched Panda Express or Mc Donalds and I suspect this may even be healthy! read more

Location! Good food from a non-chain restaurant in the middle of downtown for a decent price is hard to come by--Oasis delivers with some delicious hummus and falafel. The fact that it's in the back of jewelry store makes it feel like a "hidden gem". Har, har. Yes, I went there. You should go there too. read more

Oasis, where have you been all my life?! The food here is simply delicious! And served quickly! I always get the mixed combination lunch special: falafel, hummus, and your choice of either chicken or kifta (kifta is lamb or beef or a mix of both). It is served with tahini sauce to dip the falafel, and pita, which is sliced so you can make a pita pocket or just dip it into things like I do. My experience at Oasis usually goes something like this: Dip pita into Hummus: Did I just grunt? Pop Falafel in my mouth: Close my eyes and sigh. Bite into Kifta: Begin humming and swaying side to side. And the best thing is, when you walk in you will see a really, really long line. Dont' leave! They work that line like it's nobody's business. I've never been served food this quickly - not even at McDonald's. This is super fast and super good food! read more

As part of a field trip to the Art Institute today, I took a group of students from North Park University to eat at Oasis Cafe. Despite the fact they were in a lunch rush and not all of my students were there at the same time, resulting in two different lunch orders, the staff were very patient and generous at what must have been a very busy time for them. On top of it all, the food was delicious, and I really hope to go there again sometime when I'm not having to be mama bird to a bunch of well-behaved but young little chicks! Thank you, Oasis! read more

If you work in the loop, you should put Oasis on your list of places to experience at least once. You can't beat the ambiance of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine in the back of a jewelry store. There was plenty of seating even during the lunch rush, and our food came out nearly immediately. The line was fast too. We could have gotten in and out in just 5 minutes, but instead we decided to eat and watch people shop for rings, necklaces, and expensive watches. I wonder if it cheapens the jewelry shopping experience when you have people feeding their face and watching you peruse gold and silver encased whatevers. The food, however, was less than memorable. I got the daily special, a Moroccan spiced chicken and rice plate with sides of hummus and some falafel. Big portions but bland flavors. There are a lot of Mediterranean options in the loop, and while Oasis had the unusual jewels and falafel bedfellows that got me through the door, I'll go elsewhere for more flavorful stuff in the future - unless, of course, my appetite draws me in for those huge portions again. read more

Apparently this place has moved around a bit. BUt just so you know it is at the back of the hilarious Wabash Jewelers Mall. And it is 21 N. Wabash not 17 S. Wabash or whatever Yelp has it listed as. I got the shis kebab platter and it was super awesome! Great job! The meat was tender and not too chewy. The rice, beans and humus were all great enhancers. The pita bread was light and fluffy. I got tons of food for about $6.50. MMMMmmmm! I will definitely be back! I want to go Thursday fir the Wabash Combo platter... read more

It deserves 4 stars because the prices are cheap, portions are large, the jewelry store location is cool and the service was friendly. But honestly, I thought the food was just alright. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate and while the chicken is worth going back for, the hummus, pita and rice are not. The lentil soup was warm and satisfying, and when I return I will order it along with the tabouleh salad, only because I have had my fair share and I'd like to compare. I hear their falafel is awesome, but unfortunately I have never been a fan, so I probably won't be trying it. If you want to do lunch in the loop, check it out; it's an experience, just not necessarily the best Mediterranean food. read more

Moved to the 17 S Wabash food court due to renovations at the jewelers' mall; part of the attraction for me was the offbeat location amidst the bazaar of jewels. Tasty, quick food and pleasant service. The menu ventures a little further afield than the usual Lebanese with Moroccan chicken, moussaka, and foul. The competition (Haifa on Wells, that place at the State of Illinois bldg) seems cheaper and generally has better vegetarian fare, but nothing beats Sultan's Market. (FWIW, another Middle Eastern place recently opened, hermit crab-like, in its old Jewelers' Mall location.) read more

Hummus is a must very creamy and nice flavors. Greek salad was great with good salad dressing. Low expectations but high results. read more

Absolutely no pretense, absolutely fantastic food. I got their special of the day and loved everything on my plate. The portions were perfect and the price was pretty good for the location. Go get yourself a nice guido pinky ring and then treat yourself to falafel. read more