A preface: after four years of ardent vegetarianism, I am a tried and true falafel fanatic. Seriously love the stuff - even when it's bad. So it surprised me that the falafel at Taza was... well... decent at best. At worst it was dry and somewhat bland. Not horrible, but the boxed kind I fry at home tastes much better half the time (i.e. when I don't burn it, which is often). I still ate and enjoyed my sandwich, but there's better falafel to be had in this city, and with much shorter lunch lines. read more

I've been meaning to review Taza for a while now since this summer I was on the hunt for the best falafel place in the loop. It's my job to find stores for our empty retail spaces, and I had my heart set on a Middle Eastern restaurant. After trying many different places, Taza was by far my favorite, and the most authentic (sadly it didn't work out). Their falafel was perfect, not dry at all. I also loved the chicken schwarma. I couldn't decide on which rice to try, so Ahmed the owner had me try both and both were great. Because he knew it was my first time he brought me a little cup of coffee and baklava afterwards, so nice! The coffee had a great flavor and when I inquired he told me they add cardamom to it. The only negative is that the interior is in major need of an upgrade. Even just a fresh coat of paint and some new tables/chairs might bring in people who may pass it by just looking in. I dig little hole in the wall places as long as the food is good and it's not dirty gross. I'll definitely be back! read more

I have walked by this place time and time again-- and not once have I had the desire to go in. But I was bored and restless yesterday, I needed someplace new to try for lunch, and all these other Yelp reviews could not be ignored. Keep in mind that I generally feel that fast-casual Middle Eastern places in the Loop either suck or are over-priced, which explains my reluctance to even try Taza without the backing of 98 others. But I got over myself and came in yesterday . . . and ordered the combo plate (just to get an overall feel for the food). The guy at the register was super nice and even threw in a falafel (which, ironically, I don't tend to like). I quickly walked my styrofoam box back to work and proceeded to try this acclaimed food. All I'm going to say is that I ate everything. Even the falafel. That's some seriously good Middle Eastern food. Seriously. read more

Haven't been here in forever! Mary T. said it best, "When you work in the Loop, anything outside of a 2-3 block radius from your office may as well be in another state" so true! Luckily a meeting brought me over this way so I had the opportunity to enjoy the delicious Taza once again. Still love the falafel, hummus and pita. I noticed that the staff seemed to be exactly the same as when I was last there over a year ago. Quick, efficient, cheap. Great words when the lunch hour isn't necessarily leisure hour. read more

I'm in the process of trying not to go here every day for lunch, because I find it a little embarrassing that they know me as the falafel monster. Still, best. falafel. ever. My gourmet falafel sandwich: a super soft pita spread with hummus, three pieces of deliciously crunchy, grease-free falafel arranged in a triangle and squished, lettuce, tahini salad mix, tomatoes. It's a little pita pocket of heaven. I've heard that the Gyros and Chicken Schwarma are good too. I wouldn't know, I can't get over the falafel. And less than 6 bucks. read more

The food: fricking delicious. The gyros plate and shawerma are the best I've ever had, anywhere. I never knew how fresh falafel could taste until I had it here (green, hooray!). They definitely don't skimp on the portions, either. Only thing I'm not much of a fan of is the dressing they use for the salad, but salad is for wusses anyways, amirite? The people: awesome. Everyone behind the counter is really friendly and goes out of their way to make sure you enjoy the food. Hell, after 2 or 3 trips here they even remember your face. And for the stereotype factor, the all-arabic staff seems to add some authenticity. The price: cheap and yay. $5 for a sandwich? $6ish for a plate? I can eat here on lunch break and still afford to drown myself in booze after I get out of work. Perfect! read more

I didn't like Mediterranean or Middle Eastern food until I had Taza. Nuff Said. (btw... they will do catered lunches. VERY reasonable $$ and they'll throw in some extras. By far the most popular office lunch ever.) read more

Easily my favorite lunch spot when I'm in the Loop. I have been more times than I can remember and they always impress. The falafel, gyro, shawarma, hummus, and dessert keep bringing me back and that turkey looks fantastic every time. As a business owner I can appreciate seeing the owner working the line with all of the other guys. They seem to really enjoy what they do, even when I show up at 3pm looking for food. One suggestion for anyones first time, stand in back and read the menu before you get in line. It is a quick order kind of place. Thanks guys! read more

Came here for lunch with my husband today. I got the chicken/falafel special plate and my husband had the combo special. Each meal was 10.85. It comes with your choice of dill rice or lentil rice, then hummus and cucumber/tomato salad and pita. The chicken was juicy and I liked that the spicy sauce actually had some heat. The rice was fluffy and light. My husband's dill rice was tastier than the lentil rice so I know that for next time. The hummus was also nice. The falafel were kind of hard and very dense. They were not light and crispy. The outer shell was a bit hard. The pita was also cold and not freshly made. However, it was a good value and seemed more authentic than places like Roti/Nesh/etc. Although, I do prefer the warm pitas and falafels at Roti/Nesh/etc. I do appreciate that it seems family owned and there seem to be a lot of regulars who know the owner well. read more

I go to Taza on a weekly basis because their food is just that damn good. My favorite: the combo deluxe with gyro and turkey (you get to pick white, dark or mixed -- I usually go with dark). The combo deluxe comes with rice, salad and yogurt. Humungous portions, great flavor and all for just $6.95 plux tax. The staff is ridiculously friendly and the owner will often offer you with a free falafel ball with your meal. He claims it's "the best falafel in town" -- I'm not sure if I entirely agree with that but they are pretty good and definitely better than what you'd get at any other Middle Eastern place in the Loop. The only downside is that word has quickly gotten out about how awesome Taza is so now the lines are literally out the door. Definitely still worth the wait though. Also, they don't have a ton of seating so your best bet is to get your food to go. But go check it out -- you won't be disappointed! read more

6 years later, it's time to write an update! Taza is still awesome. Prices have gone up a bit, but $6 for a delicous falafel sandwich is still a great bargain. And they are so friendly! There are often samples of falafel and pita chips on the counter. The other day, there was a girl in front of me who wasn't ordering anything (she was there with a friend who was getting food) and the guy gave her a falafel ball wrapped in foil to enjoy while she waited. The line can get long, but it moves pretty fast. Even faster if you pay with cash. Still a gem! So glad that I now work nearby and can get my falafel fix whenever I want :) read more

The falafel and fries were amazing! I want to try the shawarma as I don't think the gyro was their speciality, but it was still alright. Definitely will be returning. read more

I go to Taza once every few weeks and I'm a big fan. I usually get their Falafel plate and it does not disappoint. For around $7, you get a lot of food. The falafels are perfectly crisp and are pretty good. I do wish they had a little more seasoning to them..but that's just a small complaint. The hummos is tasty and the Jerusalem salad is awesome and very fresh. The plate definitely fills me up. I give this place 4-stars for good food, quick service and one of the best, if not the best falafel in the loop. read more

Not terrible, but not great either. Maybe my expectations for this place were too high, but I definitely didn't experience an abundance of flavor here like everyone else did. Are there other places with better hummus? Yes. Are there other places with better falafel? Yes. Are there other places with better pitas? Yes. Are there other places with better Jerusalem salad? Yes. To me this does not a 4.5 star place make. Would I go back? Probably not, there's other places in the area with similar food that are better. read more

I got more food than I could probably eat in a normal day for $11. I got the chicken schwerma, which was very tasty. Their hummus was smooth and creamy. I even liked their dill rice, and my last experience with said rice (Reza's) was decidedly yucky, so this was a nice surprise. The pitas were warm, irregular and perfect. I even got a little piece of baklava. The people there were very friendly, and I know it's a small thing, but they didn't just sling the food into the container, either - they actually took their time with it, as though they cared a little. Nice. I must admit, going in I was a bit hesitant; I was a falafel virgin. But my, my, my, I am now a falafel whore. And at 40c a pop, I'm a cheap whore, too! Fabulous! read more

Falafe-licious!!!! Ok the gourmet falafel is probably the best $5 sandwich you can buy! The freshness and the flavors were just damn great...Every single bite was properly distributed w/ the ingredients and I enjoyed it all. The best part was hands down the falafel! I read reviews prior to eating and I read that they are very moist and soft? Ummmm...Get yo mind out of the gutta you are sick! haha. But yes the falafel were both! They were prob top 3 that Ive ever had!! Would like to get my hands on that family secret recipe. Muhahaha! Anyways great pita sammy!! I also decided to try the baklava who wouldnt for a nice mini size for $1. Its right before you walk to the register, those items by the register always get me! lol It will get you too promise!! lol Anyways, just like any other baklava very sweet and good, def not dry. Good stuff! And there you have it TA-DAAAAA! Or in this review.....TA-ZAAAAAA! :) read more

I need a cigarette. I just finished my Moroccan chicken plate in the privacy of my own office and glad no one had to witness me devour this. They have the best falafel I've ever had. Yet as a huge fan of falafel, I can't stay away from the meat plates: turkey, gyro, or Moroccan chicken on Mondays. Everything is so flavorful and fresh. Turkey salads are a great balance of richness and healthy. Lentil soup can't be beat on a chilly afternoon. The staff is friendly and the falafel samples while waiting in line are a brilliant touch. Only downfall: my company moved offices and I can't visit as often as before. Best lunch in The Loop easily. read more

Just not too impressed. I went here for lunch since it's right across the street from where I work and had such positive reviews. I ordered the falafel sandwich and a side of hummus. The total came to a little more than $6.50. The falafel sandwich just didn't have much taste - even with the tahini sauce. The hummus was average - nothing spectacular and sometimes I can get better in a grocery store (harsh I know). On a positive note, the service was great and the prices are decent. And I've had their desserts before - pretty dang good. Maybe I didn't order the right stuff? I'll give it a shot again another time since it's so close, but can't say that it'll be anytime soon. ***Based on a recent visit to Taza, I'm upgrading the stars to 4 stars. Why you may ask? Well, the owner remembered my review and gave me some free falafel balls to try - in addition to my meal. That is one sure sign that he cares! And, yes, the food had more flavor! I'll be back ;-) read more

I'm very confused by all the four and five star reviews. I'm on Lisa H's side with the two stars. Have people never had good Mediterranean food before? How about Arabic? Look, I didn't hate Taza at all. The guys were super friendly and really seemed to want to tell me as much about their food as they could. The problem is, aside from the dill rice, it's just, well meh. They were our most recent Fooda restaurant where they bring food to our apartment building for people to purchase. The Chicken Kabob dishes were $12 and it came with the dill rice, two small pieces of chicken breast, Jerusalem salad, and some hummus. I actually made it sound like way more than it actually is. The chicken is tender, but completely bland. They put an optional hot sauce (which was good) on it to try and spice it up, but it give it enough flavor to make it worthwhile. The same goes for the hummus. Super bland. The guy let us try some falafel which was decent, though I'm not a falafel fan outside of Sultan's Market anyways. If they were cheaper, maybe around $8 for the main dishes, I think I'd bump the review to three stars, but no more. As they stand, definitely a let down. read more

The best 43 cents I've ever spent was on a piece of falafel here. At least, I think it was 43 cents. But I also have a -9 prescription and may have misread. In any event, Pita Inn is my favorite falafel. And I've been on an endless search to find something comparable in the city. I think I finally have. Falafel is an artform and I take personal offense when it isn't mastered. Taza's was outstanding. It was crisp, well-seasoned, and moist without being too oily. I only had one piece. I'm desperately hoping it wasn't a fluke. Also had the chicken shawerma sandwich. It trumped other loop spots. Appreciated that it was quality meat with no fat or gamey bites. Which never happens. But it was definitely on the bland side. That $5 could have been better spent on 11.6 falafel... read more

Keep it up! Went there for lunch today and was asked what kind of rice I wanted with my chicken shwarma plate - lentil or basmati. I told them whichever they recommended. So the owner says give her the lentil, but put some basmati on the side so she can decide which she likes better for the next visit. Nice! Not only does that make me want to come back for that next visit, I got to try more tastes. ... And I like the lentil better :) read more

Awesome Amazing falafil balls, tasty chicken, great hommus, to die for baklawa. YUMMY The owner or manager was super friendly and asked us how our lunch was during the busy rush ... He just took time to ackowledge his patrons. It was genuinely nice for a quick lunch! (btw the spellings are how Taza spells it!) 2/22/07 went back today for lunch and had kababs that were great and my boyfriend had the special, stuffed red or yellow bell peppers with spinach, broccoli, and feta and it was again amazing! read more

Best falafels ever! I loved my gourmet falafel sandwich. The toppings were fresh, the hummus was creamy, and the falafels were crispy on the outside but crumbly & moist on the inside. When I got to the ends of my pita sandwich i was trying to save a bit of falafel left so that my last several bites wouldn't be just pita bread, hummus, & salad, but imagine my surprise when I discovered one last falafel stuffed at the bottom of the pita! I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS! read more

Totally fresh Mediterranean food at reasonable prices. Portions are generous and super delicious. The menu has a wide assortment of items. Will definitely return. read more

GiveForward's office is around the corner, so I stop by here and La Cocina a lot...it's always a dilemma for me...which delicious spot to choose. More often than not, I go with Taza. The food is fresh, not greasy, and the perfect value. The falafel is the best I've had in Chicago, but you have to ask for extra sauce if you get the combo plate. The delicious rice greedily eats up the sauce before you can spread it all over you falafel :( Overall, one of my favorite loop spots! read more

This being the 219th review of Taza in the year of our Lord, what else is there to say about Taza? I mean, 219 reviews later and Taza has an average rating of 4 stars! Taza has the best falafel I've had in my life. It's big, perfectly crispy on the outside, and lasts long. I opted for the falafel plate in hopes for some dill rice, but it ended up being deconstructed falafel sandwich - which was fine with me. It also came with a side of red sauce which, duh, was hot sauce! I'll remember that next time I decide to dunk and roll my falafel ball in it. I'll definitely be back for a plate with some meat and dill rice. I was kind of disappointed that they didn't have carrot juice, but the owner completely made up for it by calling me a "sweetie." See? Compliments work! read more

Came here for lunch one day and got the Chicken shawarma sandwich and 3 falafel special. It came to like $8 which is still pretty good for a downtown lunch special. It was huge and delish! The wait seemed long from the outside, but it went pretty quickly! read more

Awe-some! Great place! I broke my falafel cherry here! I loved it soo much. I wasnt going to order it, but they offered a free sample as I stood in line, and once I tried it, I knew I wanted it. I ordered that, along with the Lentil Soup and the dolmeh. Which was great. The line was long, but moved quickly. It was worth waiting the 5 or so minutes to get the order in, because the food comes up really quick. My only complaint was that the lentil soup was a little bland. It seemed like it could have used a little more salt. I think it had none. Other then that, I can't wait to go back and try more stuff! read more

Taza and its surrounding restaurants were smack dab in the middle of our work buildings, so my best friend and I came here a couple of times for our weekly lunch date. Taza is a tiny little cafe that makes really great, cheap lunch food! I've tried both the gyro and falafel sandwich, and both are deeelish. The falafel here is amazing- I don't know how they make it differently from other restaurants, but it is crispy and delicious on the outside and smooth and almost creamy on the inside. The food is fresh and delicious and you can get a quality lunch here for under $7! read more

I wanted to do a quick compare/contrast review featuring Taza and my old standby, Haifa. So I will. The turkey product at Haifa is superior, but only because the particular bird I saw at Taza yesterday was way overcooked. Haifa also has a sign warning of the dangers of tryptophan.* My chicken shawarma deal was pretty tasty, and the dill rice was a slight upgrade over the rice at Haifa, even if it is less moist (I love that word). The salad that goes in one of those smaller sections of the perfunctory styrofoam containers, however, must have been a mistake. There was a strong un-tasty-ness about it, and I couldn't bring myself to take bite two. The Jerusalem salad at Taza isn't so hot either; Haifa must have some secret Israeli recipe or something. One angle that Taza is a clear winner on is the presentation and friendliness of the staff. Both locations are pretty tiny, but the people behind the glass at Taza are pleasant, informative, and keep their areas clean. I feel like I need a tetanus shot when I eat at Haifa. Plus, the guys at Taza encouraged me to try new things, going so far as giving me samples so I can diversify my Mediterranean food portfolio next time. Fix the salads and you've got 5 stars. Oh, and for the record, I have no idea what "good" jerusalem salad tastes like. Every time I've had the stuff, I've been in one of these fast-food lunch situations. For all I know Taza's is the most faithful to the I'm-sure-ancient recipe and my palate is for shit. *no such sign exists. read more

An Ode to Taza Oh, Taza, you complete me. With warm pita and plenty of meat your chicken schawarma sandwich can't be beat. And while in line you were so neat letting me nibble delicious falafel treat. With reasonable prices, happiness abounds. I'm sure that I'll see you whenever I'm downtown. Ok, so I hate to dork out (wait, that's a lie, I always dork out) but this place is great for lunch in the loop. Mmmm. read more

After a super "meh" experience with Pita Express, I had decided I would just stick with Olive as my Mediterranean lunch spot of choice during the work week. Well, a colleague encouraged me to join her at Taza, and I'm glad she did. I'd passed this place a million times and I can't believe now that it took me so long to try it. Long story short, I had one of the best Mediterranean lunches in weeks. Taza has its spice and seasoning game to a science. The folks at Pita Express should take notes. My falafel sandwich from Taza was outstanding. The hummus is fresh and delicious. I'm super picky about my tabbouleh salad and theirs was just right for me. If you're in the City Hall/Thompson Center area, Taza and Olive are the quick, reasonably priced Mediterranean standouts! read more

Everything here is ridiculously fresh and tasty. The baklava is the best that I have ever had. So light and crisp. The service is impeccable. Every time I order the owner (I think) makes fresh falafel and is just incredibly personable. Love having this small business in the Loop. read more

I stumbled upon Taza Cafe while wandering around The Loop and absolutely loved the food! The chicken and gyro were delicious, as was the hummus and falafel. Excellent customer service too! Overall a great spot to eat! read more

My co-worker and I tried this fair out the other day based on Yelp reviews and damn it was good! I had the Gyro Plate and the lamb could not be more tender and moist, which is rare! The pita was so light and fluffy. If you do not want to stand in line at Perry's walk north and there is an excellent surprise awaiting you. Also, the service could not be faster, in and out time: 7 minutes. read more

I like to consider myself a falafel connoisseur. I work in NYC Midtown Monday - Thursday and then I'm back in the Loop on Friday. I have sampled many Falafel karts and countless hole-in-the-wall establishments hunting for the holy grail of gourmet falafel sandwiches. Taza has 'em all beat. The owner behind the counter makes everyone feel like they have walked into his own personal kitchen. This guy enjoys making his authentic food and watching his customer enjoy the always present free falafel treats. This establishment is a gem in the loop which I hope never leaves. read more

YUM! Great falafel and hummus sandwich. Amazing. The gyro meat is also seasoned so well. It tastes different than any other gyro I've had. Very unique. They also have free samples of items sitting out to try while your order is being made. The place is small and I think it is only open for lunch, but it's worth a short wait in line, especially if you work downtown. I'd go here once a week if I did! Great place and cheap! read more

Crunchy on the outside, moist in the middle...I could eat their falafel till my belly is fala-FULL!! Soooo good. Really. Some of the best I've ever had. We went there for lunch today and the guy behind the counter hooked the three of us up with 2 falafel balls each and two plates of baklava! Totally dug the chicken schwarma salad...and they gave me a few hunks of feta and olives extra too, for $free.99. Now that's delicious!! The baklava was awesome...but it tasted like cheese. Don't ask..just try. read more

One of the best places to get lunch during work in the loop. Hands. Down. The employees and owner are so friendly here and always have smiles on their faces when you order. At first, I admit, I was a little conceited and thought it was because I'm a girl and they were flirting, but turns out everyone gets that level of service with a smile. My coworkers and I try to get down to this place often. Everything is good, but I always order the gyro salad - which is a lot of salad and meat for the price (about $7). Sometimes they throw in a falafel if they're having a good day. Seriously though, I've never had anything bad here. Also note that I have been to meditteranean countries and Taza is very authentic compared to quick falafel/schwarma shops there. Best in class for loop lunch! read more

Just went here with my buddy that works in the merch mart. Family owned joint so you know it's gonna be gas and good service. I got the gyros plate it was like $12 and I couldn't finish a decent amount of it, very good quality meat rice and vegetables. Perfect lunch spot if your look for quick Mediterranean food. read more