Best quality falafel for 35 years! I've been buying lunch from Sam's Falafel occasionally for the past 24 years, since I started working in Downtown Manhattan. The truck stayed at the same plaza - before 9/11, after 9/11, after COVID, and beyond. It's amazing how for all these years they have consistently maintained the high quality of their food. Unlike other food trucks that offer falafel as just one of many items, Sam's Falafel focuses on falafel only, and along with perfectly matching complements they master it to delicious perfection. Portions are generous with about seven falafel balls served with hummus, tahini, salad, pita chips, fried eggplant, stuffed grape leaves, caramelized onions, pickled hot peppers, and of course, pita bread. At first glance, the portion looks too large for one person to finish. However, it tastes so good that it disappears quickly and easily. For all these years, there's been a long line to Sam's Falafel food truck at lunchtime, and that speaks for itself. At this point, Sam's Falafel is a legend, and could easily be considered one of Downtown Manhattan's culinary attractions. I highly recommend trying the Sam's Falafel platter if you like Middle Eastern cuisine and are up for a hearty, fulfilling lunch in Downtown Manhattan. read more

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Stopped by earlier today a order a falafel platter w/ salad, lots of crispy falafel, thin but delicious hummus, crispy chips, stewed eggplant, banana pepper + 2 pita pockets on the side + got it spicy aka with red sauce drizzled on top! Huge portion and only $11 -- located in Zucotti Park where you'll see a lot of food carts. I gotta ask for more banana peppers next tiiiime It's owned and run by a man named Sam who has been feeding the masses since 1990 and was so friendly. Clearly loves what he does and I love him for that too because my lunch was great and just what I needed. Quick service, packed well, and included utensils + napkins. Hours are Monday - Saturday 9AM - 4PM read more

Sam's Falafel - Sam's Falafel Platter - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

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First time at Sam's cart . I was craving a Falafel and a co-worker said "only one place to go for a Falafel around here (fini district) - that's Sam's". couldn't be a better recommendation - easily best (in the pita pocket like it's supposed to be) I've had in NYC. There were a couple of "nicer" looking trucks lined up next to Sam's cart that sold a variety of Greek dishes - don't be fooled! Stick with Sam's Falafel cart! read more

.......Great food. Family run small business. Fresh and good portions. Excellent salads. ..............

Lovely people at the stand. Falafel was good and combo was excellent value. I *think* I prefer Rainbow falafel at Union sq, but this was certainly well worth the money and I would recommend it! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel combo - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Only solid cart in the area. Friendly, yummy, quick, and good value. I've gotten the sandwiches and plates and both were very good.

I noticed how each element enhanced the others. Quality dishes. Remarkably good service team. The restaurant has the right location. Every menu choice I've made has been rewarding. This restaurant has me planning my next visit. read more

I get their falafel sandwich every time I'm nearby. Or even make a pit stop when I have cravings. They're really tasty. Make sure they include the fried pita chips in the bag, they forgot it once and I was really sad. The sandwich is now $8. Let them know if you want it spicy. The only issue is, I can't figure out their schedule, I went at times during normal hours and they weren't there. read more

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I'm a vegetarian who does not love falafel. I've just never had great falafel--until Sam's. We were stopped in the financial district on the lunch break during a city bus tour. So glad I chose the falafel combo from Sam's! It was life changing! The falafel was moist and delicious; the eggplant, onions, sauce, etc. were perfect accompaniments. Highly recommend! My only regret is that I live in San Diego and will spend the rest of my days wistfully comparing all other (mediocre at best) falafel to Sam's. read more

Writing this review as I'm eating my order! I ordered the Falafel Combo Platter because I skipped breakfast and was starving by lunch time. The food was delicious. The hummus and hot sauce that went over the falafel, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pita chips, etc. were amazing. The falafel themselves were soft on the inside with a slight crunch on the outside. The meal comes with a pita bread for you to dip into the sauces or build your own falafel sandwich. Service is quick. I think about 6-7 people were in front of me and after about 10 minutes, I was getting my order taken. Will definitely be making this food stand my regular lunch place! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel Combo Platter $9.00 - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Sam's Falafel is an vegetarian falafel spot in NYC! For just $7 you get a giant sandwich with freshly fried falafel, delicious eggplant, lettuce, tomato, tahini and hot sauce. It was reaaaally good and a great way to refuel during sightseeing! Such a unique find, an all vegetarian food cart :) Will definitely be back the next time I'm in the area! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel sandwich, a tad messy but SOOO good! - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

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I've been to NYC twice. The first time I was here I was told to get Falafel here. I did and let me tell you, the food is AMAZING! It is so fresh and clean and delicious. The guys running the stand at Liberty and Trinity and polite and can help you decide what to get. The 2nd time in NYC I had to get it again and was still impressed! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel combo plate. - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Great falafel sandwich! Filled very generously and the pita chips made for a nice a crunchy addition to the meal

It's not too often, especially in New York City that you can say you got the best, biggest and cheapest option but that's what you get when you come to this cart. I got a falafel pita with everything. He automatically adds eggplant so let him know if you don't want it. Just a wonderful super stuffed meal that will set you back only five dollars! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel sandwich the size of a small child $5. - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Quick and Delicious are the only 2 words that matter in NYC at lunch time. This stand only exists to serve the lunch time crowd. I tried to stop by at 4pm one day and they were gone. Don't be deterred by a line of people 10 deep, the guys will cycle through it in 3-5 minutes. They're efficient like that. The falafels are large and amazing, plus they're only $5. You can't beat that price per value. On busy days they also drop a few freshly fried pita chips in your bag for you to snack on during that walk back to the office. Don't waste your time at the other carts. This one has the long line for a reason. Enjoy. read more

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Very tasty falafel and friendly staff. At $10 for the platter and $8 for a sandwich solo, you can't go wrong. Will definitely be back!

Your on your way walking down Broadway to the Staten Island Ferry, just north of The New York Stock Exchange...it's 1pm and your hungry....just to your right is a nice small park "Zuccotti Park"...you see Food Trucks...one in particular has a long line of hungry wall street tycoons..."It's Sam's Falafel Stand"...you quickly jump to the end of this food truck savy crowd...you wait...then before you know it...Sam is handing you a Falafel platter, filled to the brim with pita, tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, banana peppers, tomatoes, grilled onions, grilled eggplant, a small salad and lots of freshly made juicy falafel balls. You sit on marble stoops and benches...in this beautiful small quaint park, rubbing elbows with these tycoons...eating the most delicious falafel sandwich (you create with your food palate..:). Each bite is so scrumptiously good. Lesson: when your in a foreign land, follow the local crowd...:) A most memorable delicious experience. Thanks for reading. Avram Baba-Ghanoush read more

One of the best falafel I've had in my life! Love this place, amazing food, huge portion for great price, I'd highly recommend to try and visit Sam's falafel read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Pretty good falafel. I came here for lunch a for weeks ago. Its in zuccotti park, near my favorite halal cart. I got the combo platter. It is listed as it comes with falafel, hummus, babaganoush, fried eggplant, salad, sauce, and pita. It came with most of that, but the fried eggplant and salad was replaced with fried piece of bread or basically chips, and some banana peppers. Overall, this falafel rivals others I've had in the past. I wasn't a fan of the extras that came with them, but could have been an off day. If you're a fan of falafel and in the area, definitely check this cart out. read more

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Fresh, good, cheap and fast. Love Sam's. Can't really do better for $6 (and healthier)

Excellent falafel, excellent combo platter for $9. I'll only finish about half and the other will be lunch tomorrow. Soda is just $1. read more

Sam's Falafel - Combo platter. - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Thank you Sam's! So much has changed downtown since 2020, but I was so excited to see that Sam's is back! The sandwich and the platter options are such a steal for the price. The flavor is exactly like I remember it - which is a good thing. Crispy fresh falafel with yummy pita to hold in the pile of toppings - grilled onion and eggplant, tasty hummus, and if you are daring - hot sauce. The platter still has the delicious fresh green pepper on top. Sam's team is friendly, and often in bright colored shirts - hard to miss. Even though I appreciated getting my food in a rush, I miss that long line (which always moved really quickly). I cannot wait to see more folks down here enjoying Sam's again. They are a neighborhood institution. Many of the independent places seem to have closed, and we are left down here with many big name food options. If you have a chance, definitely choose to put money into the small businesses here who are still rebuilding! read more

AWESOME Falafal platter! For $6, you can't beat a huge serving of Falafal mixed with other veggies. The platter comes with about 12 giant falafals, a side of baba ganoush with pita bread and a salad. It is absolutely one of the more filling lunches I've ever had in the FiDi....and did I say only $6?! The falafal is very well made, nothing to complain about. It's not burnt and full of the usual falafal flavor. (I've yet to try the falafal sandwich, but I read the rave reviews about it too.) Just keep in mind that like most of the Zuccotti Park food carts to get here early, approx. at 12pm. This food cart possibly the longest line I've seen out of all of the carts here so be prepared to wait if you get here 1:00. The line does move quick though since there's 2 guys that work this cart, but if you're starving and don't want to wait then be here on time and enjoy the platter! read more

Sam's Falafel - Line at 1pm on a weekday - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

This is falafel cart is a little tricky to find, but look out for the big green Sam's Falafel sign because there's a lot of food trucks and carts in the area. They only have two options: the pita sandwich or the mixed combo plate which is almost identical to the sandwich, but you get one stuffed grape leaf. The sandwich is $4 which is a steal because the sandwich is massive! The plate is $6 and was kind of a small portion compared to the sandwich (and the size of the takeaway container), but you do get a hefty amount of falafel, so you better like it. I had 9 pieces, but other reviews have quoted 12 pieces, so portions are dished out randomly. The falafel was pretty good with just the right amount of crisp outside, yet soft inside. I thought the other accouterments like the lettuce, onions, and eggplant were all dished out a bit light though. If I came back, I would definitely get the sandwich though! At $4, it's the perfect, tasty and filling lunch! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel plate - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

I travelled 30mins for this and was worth it. Sooo good. Fried pita was good too. I got sandwich but got plate to take home. read more

Sam's Falafel - a view of a city street - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

The stand is situated btwn Broadway and Trinity Place (becomes Church Street). Price of Falafel Sandwich increased by 50 cents, but still a good value. I counted 5 falafel pieces in my 'wich, some lettuce, few chunks of eggplants & tomato chunks, a small ladle of tahini, a squirt of hot sauce in a sandwich pocket. It's one of the only vegan entrees that I eat! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Sam's Falafel is like a hidden treasure in the financial district. Got a ginormous sandwich for only 7 dollar and first of all the sandwich itself was delicious. The sandwich contained eggplant, falafels, tomatoes, basically anything you would expect from a falafel sandwich. All in all, this is a place you should definitely visit if you're nearby! read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel Sandwich - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Delicious as always! Falafel salad platter and a soda... $6... Enough said, no? So good! read more

Sam's Falafel - $6 falafel and salad platter - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Friendly service, delicious and large portions. No doubt will ad this to a regular lunch spotj

Even at a quarter to 2 when the lunch crowd has long been satiated into food coma and likely contemplating what's for dinner... Sam's still garners a line. It's cheap, fast and very very good. For $5 they fill a pita pocket to the brim with 3-4 giant falafel balls that are crispy and soft, moist and juicy on the inside. I know- how does falafels even get juicy? Piled will hummusy sauce, lettuce tomatoes and cayenne hot sauce with a few Uber crispy pita chips on the side... you won't miss the meat. In fact, you'd be stuffed. It's one of the best, if not the best falafel I've had and I'm only just beginning to develop a thing for chickpeas. Good for my wallet not so good for my waistline as the cart is literally 80 feet from my workplace. read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

Working in FiDi is rough with extremely limited affordable and healthy(ish) lunch options. Luckily these falafel sandwiches are always an easy choice for only $5 they are tasty and filling. The staff are always quick and friendly and you can sit anywhere to enjoy them! Personally It's a plus that there's no plastic waste if you get the pita sandwich option and tell them no fork. Otherwise you can get the platter that comes in plastic takeout container. Great to see they're still there after a year of the pandemic. read more

Kind staff and generous portions at this humble staple of Zuccotti Park. What many hipster food trucks aspire to with ostentatious fusions and outside-of-the-box secret ingredients, Sam's accomplishes in its simplicity. If you're in the Financial District and want falafel, or are short on cash (I had exactly $7), come here. read more

Even meat lovers like myself love this stand. You get so much for such a great deal and it's delicious. I normally get the sandwich for $5 and ask for it to be spicy. They stuff it with falafel, babaganoush, eggplant. Lettuce And sauces. It's messy.... I normally eat that with a fork and knife haha. This is definitely a place I'll come to again read more

Best falafel cart that I know of. It's a gem with freshly cooked falafel in a sandwich for a really reasonable price. Used to go there with office mates. Now I go for my family. My kids love the "waffle sandwiches". And the fried pita strips. Sam is a really good guy as well. read more

I just went to the food stand with the longest line. It was Sam's! The line moved very quickly and before no time I had falafel sandwich and a soda in hand. $7 total! I don't know if it was Sam running the joint, but I was actually given too much change. Don't worry, I gave it back! The sandwich was huge, messy, and good. I opted for the hot sauce, but it wasn't very spicy. I thought I was getting a snack--this was no snack! I couldn't eat dinner that night! read more

Great place to get lunch in downtown Manhattan without burning your wallet. I have to admit that for $6, you get a platter of hot, steaming falafel served with a variety of other sides and sauces, with the guys operating it very cool. When you eat it immediately, it tastes good with the falafel and with the other condiments, including hummus, babaghanoush, and tahini. Plus, the salad, hot peppers, stuffed grape leaf and hot sauce complement nicely to the falafel, which includes a pita. This all was good in nature, only thing was they could put more hot sauce or provide some utensils to scoop fillings inside the pita. Overall, if I am too lazy to walk 20 minutes to Chinatown, this would be one of my options for lunch. read more

Sam's Falafel - Falafel platter (falafel, hummus, tahini, fried eggplant, hot peppers, stuffed grape leaves, salad, fried pita chips) - Falafel Near Me - New York, New York

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Hands down a delicious and inexpensive stand if looking for a very good place to eat. The falafel sandwich was delicious. Very tasty. I recommend this place. read more

Yes! great Falafels. This was the perfect option for us who were visiting the 9/11 memorial and ready for lunch. So simple, all vegetarian. You can't beat the price either. We were wondering why there was a line at Sam's and not the other carts, but once we were done with our lunch, we understood. He's been doing this for 30 years!! And he has it down. Don't waist your time looking for an overprice restaurant if Sam's cart is around. read more

Went here for lunch for the first time. What a hidden gem. Don't be fooled by the newer food carts right to it. Sam's Falafel is the real deal. Got the $6 falafel sandwich. What a great deal! Came with fried eggplant and some very tasty falafel. Will be back next time. read more

Sam's Falafel Stand (properly named because, unlike the generic halal carts or trucks surrounding it, this bare-bones operation lacks a window between the grill/food prep area and the customer) was a major supplier of healthy vegetarian food to the Occupy Wall St. protesters in Zucotti Park: http://www.chow.com/digest/93395/no-lobsters-just-occupies-for-wall-street-protestors/ http://www.observer.com/2011/10/30-portraits-from-occupy-wall-street-the-outsiders/#slide4. However, Sam himself, although a supporter of the movement in theory, found that in practice, the physical occupation of Zucotti Park made it difficult for his regular customer base to reach him: http://communityrelations.nycga.net/2011/11/08/libertysquare-street-cart-vendors-speak-out/. Now that Zucotti Park has been cleared out, the regulars, tourists, and newly converted devotees like me can enjoy a straight path to this stand of wonders. I decided to order the platter for purposes of direct comparison with what I had tried at Alan's falafel cart on the other side of Broadway. Sams' combo platter comes with two soft, fresh pita pockets, a huge helping of freshly fried and perfectly crispy great balls of falafel (enough to make two sandwiches with if you choose to stuff each pita with various parts of this platter and still have extras on the side), creamy hummus, chunky babaganoush, two of the best grape leaves I've ever had, sauteed onions, a generous portion of fresh salad, three pepperoncinis, Tahini, AND crispy pita chips. This platter, which retails for a mere $6 (or $5 in my case because I went late in the day and received a special, one-time discount) knocked the socks off of Alan's as well as Alfanoose's, which costs roughly triple the price if you factor in all the additional sides Sam's packs in the container. Never again will I pay $12 for the vegetarian combo platter with only two sides at Alfanoose just for the privilege of being able to sit at a table. There are free seats available in the emptied-out Zucotti park now anyway. read more

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