The wait for Halal Guys finally ended officially on 8/22/15! Opening day was very long as expected. My girlfriend and I came around 2:30 PM and waited.. an hour and a half for food! Big thanks to security who threw out a guy heckling for money. I do wish I came a little bit earlier though as they were giving out free bags! I did not expect too much after an incredible hype in NYC. It was an "experience" waiting in line for chicken and rice similar to the food cart, and the food came out as quickly as possible. I had the regular plate with chicken and gyro. I personally preferred the gyro, but my girlfriend enjoyed the chicken more. I also should have asked for more white sauce! The red sauce is especially hot as marketed, and I could only have a few drops of it before calling it quits. Overall, it was very tasty! I do not know if I would drive down to the gold coast, find free parking somewhere (!!) and wait in line that long again, but I will definitely be open to eating it again once they open the four other planned locations, hopefully in the suburbs! read more

Great food for a good price. One downside right now is the line is super long and takes forever to get to the front. Over time hopefully it will die down or efficiency will improve. I have been their twice now and the first time was the first week it opened and it took over a hour to get our food. The second time wasn't too bad, about 15 mins or so. The mix of gyro and chicken is usually my go to item and it tasted exactly the same as the cart in NYC. One down side is that they do not let you pour your own which sauce or hot sauce. Overall, pretty damn good food!! All they need to do now is just need to open later at night for all the people want a late night snack after the bar =) Happy munching! Their baklava is very good IMO!! read more

We dropped by when we were in the area because of all the hype that was going around. Some of the people in my group had it in New York and only had good things to say about it. It's a small place where you go to the register and order what you want. Then you move down the line and wait for the food. There really is no place to sit and eat inside so it's more of a carry out joint. The line wasn't long when we went so that was good. We got a few of the chicken/gyro combos with some of the white sauce and the hot sauce. The hot sauce was extremely spicy. I am talking about burn a hole in your soul spicy. I can take spicy, but this was just too spicy. I wish someone had warned me of it. Just one hot sauce packet made my meal inedible. I'll probably come back and try it again, but without the hot sauce. I'll update my review when that time comes. read more

RayRay and Brando were AMAZING. ABSOLUTELY GREAT GUYS. AMAZING FOOD EVEN BETTER SERVICE. 10/10 would recommend. Thanks RayRay and Brando, you're the reason i'm coming back and sending friends read more

Visited the new Chicago location this past weekend and it definitely didn't disappoint! The wait was about 25 minutes (the line stretched just past the Jimmy John's next door for reference)! Ordered the gyro/chicken platter along with a side of pita and hummus. The platter is a LOT of food so beware! Meat was very tender and tasty. The rice was surprising good as well with a lot of flavor. Definitely order the white sauce (and go heavy on it) - the red sauce is very hot so I'd suggest getting the packet on the side for the first time. read more

I always hear people talking about Halal Guys and finally decided to give it a try for the first time - got two regular chicken platters with everything in it (lettuce, tomato, rice, pita) and the white sauce on the side. My boyfriend and I loved it!! Decent-sized portions, great food, and fast service. I don't know how people eat inside at the stand-up table though since it's such a small space. Also side note: the orange things aren't carrots...it's rice. We thought they were carrots until we were about halfway done with the platters. P.S. Hi Steve! :) Was looking for you when I went read more

Literally some of the worst food that I've ever had in my entire life. Not the worst Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food. Just the worst food period. Ordered the large combo platter and ate about 1/4 of it and threw the rest away. The chicken is dry, yet somehow slippery at the same time. Not even sure how to describe the gyros. Spongy? Doesn't look like gyros, doesn't taste like gyros. Certainly doesn't seem to be actual meat. They're out of their damn minds calling it a "salad" when it's a handful of tomatoes and some shredded iceberg lettuce that belongs on a Whopper. Pita was stale and tasted like it was shipped from 4 states away. The famous white sauce is flat out nasty. Do yourself a favor and check out the ingredients: it's just oil. Not even olive oil, but canola oil. Gross. The lone highlight was the rice that didn't completely suck. Do yourself a favor and head over to Five Faces for legit food. read more

I'm so glad they're in Chicago now. I got the half chicken half lamb platter to share with my fiancé and we were both stuffed. The white sauce is so so excellent. This is a to-go place so do not be surprised when you get there. My only complaint is I asked for extra white AND hot sauce on the side and they made me wait 20 extra minutes for just the hot sauce, then when they finally decided to give me some, the guy only have me 1 little packet. I didn't pay extra for you to give me 1 packet, and I know how spicy it is so don't try to tell me that's "enough". Also, the tiny packets are right in front of their face so you made me wait extra to hand me a single packet? I made sure to go back and get 2 more of course but my advice to management is please stop being so cheap. read more

Sadly, not as good as it was in New York. I was really excited about having some chicken and rice again since I moved to SF 4 years ago... especially after a night out. We were literally around the corner at Shenanigans and then didn't know this was right there. It's only open late on Fridays and Saturdays, so we didn't get to go back until our last day of the trip. Alas, the brick and mortar version is more expensive and less delicious. Don't get me wrong, it's still yummy, but it lacks the greasy goodness that I remembered. Also, did I mention it got more expensive? read more

Let me first start off by saying I was never good at physics. Newton's law is still a pretty foreign concept, ever after years of science in High School and College. However, after my recent experience at Halal Guys, everything-Physics just made sense. To provide context, I had the combo platter (gyro and chicken meat) with extra white sauce and hot sauce... Newton's 3rd Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. I was amazed at how amazing the food tasted and how fast I had devoured it. Looking at the to-go-wrapped platter, the food didn't look all THAT appealing. But knowing the craze and rave compliments of the place, I knew not to judge a book by its cover. WITH THE WHITE SAUCE, THE FOOD WAS AS DELICIOUS AS THE HYPE. And it went down fast and smooth... sadly it did not leave in the same manner. Upon its exit, the food was explosive and sporadic. And as fast as the food went down, it was roughly the same pace it came out, but left a lingering effect that made me too afraid to leave the house (as I have a public bathroom phobia). Regardless, it was worth the damage to my stomach and toilet, and I will definitely eat there again. All in all, it was just another Friday. Lessons learned, and more toilet paper consumed. read more

I am a frequent customer of halal guys and drop by this place at least 3 times per week. I would say for the food quality it's pretty decent compared to New York, the lines had gotten shorter (average 5 min wait) since the launch (average 40 min wait). What's really disappointing is that now they STOPPED serving their seasoned fries, which is one of the reasons why I drop by this place on a weekly basis, and they only sell the crinkle fries from now on. Their reason was: Oh, we have to follow what the New York branch sells. I was given a different reason when I asked about the fries previously, I was told that the seasoned fries ran out and now they are switching to crinkle fries. I would love to give them 5 stars, but until they bring back the seasoned fries, I may consider heading back. Oh, and they don't provide plastic spoons anymore (I asked the staff about it and the response was a WE DO NOT PROVIDE spoons anymore). Only plastic folks available, which is really annoying when eating it with rice. TLDR: BRING BACK THE SEASONED FRIES! read more

Is it similar to something you might make throwing together leftovers in your fridge when your hungry late at night? Yes. Is it still ridiculously delicious? Yes. Taken separately, there's nothing particularly extraordinary about the ingredients, but taken together as a whole, it is somehow culinary magic. The cool white sauce is the perfect balance to the dragon-fire hot sauce. One gripe is that the jalapeño add on would work a lot a better if it was fresh jalapeños instead of pickled. Perfect comfort food. Something everyone needs to try. If you haven't checked it off your bucket list, don't wait. read more

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It's pretty tasty if you can eat your food soon after you pick it up. It's also reasonably priced, which always makes it a good backup. Would recommend the chicken + Falafel regular platter. Add the spicy sauce for the full experience. read more

Lots of Debbie Downers on Yelp. Halal Guys is delicious, whether it's 20 degrees at 4AM on the streets of NYC or dinner time in Chicago. First time I went it was out of the cart in NY and I asked for extra white and hot sauce based on a friends recommendation. Long story short, my bowels took the better part of a week to feel normal again and that person is no longer a friend. I strongly recommend the gyro platter (no tomato) with extra white sauce and hot sauce ON THE SIDE. WARNING: They will give you the white sauce in packets (for to go orders at least). The back of the packet has the nutrition facts. DO. NOT. LOOK. It's white and it's a sauce. We all know the numbers aren't in our favor. Side note, the baklava is tasty. read more

This is a great place if you're looking for take out gyros in this neighborhood. Things you need to know going in: -it's a limited menu, but it's so good. -almost no seating. Basically have to get your food to go. A couple tips: -Chicken is good, but the lamb is so much better. Get the lamb. -White sauce is fantastic. Always ask for extra white sauce. read more

The best time to go here is at least 1030am on a Wednesday to be first in line! Although I've never been to this place in NYC, I was curious by all the hype it received when they came here to Chicago! Unfortunately they didn't let people in till 1120am despite 11am they said they'd open. Price was affordable for the portion. We tried platter-added protein of gyro and chicken for more meat and even tried the platter with falafel. Sure get the white sauce, and try the hot sauce,but those arent compeling reasons enough for me to wait hours in line like many have been doing! Oh buy your beverage because with that hot sauce you'll have to wash it down with something-complimentary water cups not offered... read more

The Halal Guys - Platter-added protein of gyro and chicken with that special white sauce - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Everything tasted great until I found several hairs in the combo bowl I ordered. Threw the rest out- definitely would not recommend. Only gave the second star because the two bites I had before I found the hairs were good. read more

I absolutely love to eat here!! Best gyro in the city! Ordering over the phone is a pain and got me to change my mind multiple times bc they will put you on the longer hold then att customer service or just not pick up at all. But if you go in and order in the store,you won't regret it! Gyro platter all day every day :)))) read more

This is a 4.75 star! They pretty much nailed it. The chicken was just a teeeeensy bit less moist than nyc's, but still bomb as hell. I think they should just have the sauce for us to squeeze on ourselves. I had to get up a few times to ask the guy if i can have more white sauce. Other than that, so happy I can finally get my Halal Guys fix. read more

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Gyro, chicken, falafel, pita, rice, lettuce, and tomatoes. I just named the few ingredients that make The Halal Guys hype real. This location is fairly new, but still extremely busy nonetheless. I came here at 8:30 pm, and the line was out the door. However, since the menu is small, the line moved quickly. I ordered the large chicken platter which comes with rice, lettuce, tomatoes, and pita. Onions and green peppers are extras at no additional cost. However, jalapenos cost extra. The large platters come with 2 white sauce packets and 1 red sauce packet. We also ordered fries, and of course, a baklava. I like how the whole restaurant is run like an assembly line. The last worker ensures that what you ordered is what you will leave with. He even lets you see the finished masterpiece before packaging it. We asked for green peppers and onions at the cash register. They forgot to do it, so he told the person behind him to add some for us. Great service, but there are still some flaws. They need to become faster and more efficient. Communication needs to be worked on. As for the actual food, it was downright delicious. The tomatoes and lettuce were crisp fresh. The pita was soft. The chicken was moist and tender. The rice was full of flavor. The white sauce is like crack. The hot sauce is super spicy. Everything goes perfectly together. The fries were just okay. The way they are boxed makes them so soggy. I opened the container two minutes after leaving the place. The fries were all stuck together, and not crispy at all. The baklava was good, but super oily. It was also a struggle to cut into smaller pieces. I will definitely be back! read more

The last time I had chicken and rice was 8 years ago in New York. It was an experience in itself because you would go in a cold, cold fall night and grab a flimsy foil container full of food and find any ledge in the streets of Manhattan looking for a place to sit and enjoy that delicious white sauce. Such fond memories. Surprisingly, my experience in Chicago was eerily similar! Halal Guys is located in the Near North part of town where parking is notoriously bad. The restaurant is really small with no actual places to sit down--only a counter where you can stand and eat and stare at all the people either going to and returning from their yoga class. There might be a line when you go, but it moves fast. The menu is very small, so you won't have a hard time choosing and you know they stick to the good stuff. I got the chicken and gyro platter with white sauce on top to relive my fond NYC memory. It comes with rice, a good amount of chicken and gyro meat, lettuce, tomato, white sauce, and a couple slices of pita. The meat was tender and very good but the white sauce makes the meal. It really rich and creamy. There is an option to get red sauce on top but don't be ridiculous. I got red sauce on the side and tried some, HOOOOTTTTT. Good pepper taste, but man protect yourself from this stuff. I rubbed some in my eye and I swore I was going to have to go on Amazon to find an eye patch for my soon-to-be-useless eye. The meal was surprisingly filling and satisfying. Definitely worth a try if you've never had. People are always going to say the one in NYC is better, but you're in Chicago and this still will hit the spot. read more

If you need that late-night crave, I guess this hits the spot. I understand this isn't anywhere near New York's quality, but I assume its the result opening into a chain. It's unfortunate to say, but to the person who said fly over to New York... Really...? Everyone has their own opinion but that doesn't mean you should explode it to everyone else. Staffs are friendly but service isn't great. After the cashier convinced me to get fries, of course I don't get them. WTH...... I STILL DON'T KNOW HOW IT TASTE LIKE. NOOO. read more

This place is awesome. Same great taste as New York. The best thing on their menu is the chicken and rice. Make sure you ask for extra white sauce! Their white sauce is a secret recipe. The hot sauce is way too hot avoid it. read more

Check everything before you leave. Stood in line in the cold to try this place, took the food home....not a single packet of sauce in the the bags! So, suffice to say it was mediocre. I don't doubt the rave reviews here...just can't say I've actually tried it. read more

We did try them when we came here a few days ago. The food was less than expected to be honest. It might have been due to the fact that we came in a little later at night, but the chicken wasn't all grilled properly. The staff were very nice and friendly! Price was good. read more

Having experienced the OG NY version, I can't help but frown at this Halal guys and question whether it really is a single $ on yelp or whether it should really be $$. I normally go all chicken platter - it's served with rice, some greens, and tomatoes. They also throw a few slices of pita on the side. Now the white sauce and red sauce - my advice is to get it ON THE SIDE. Surprisingly, neither are high in calorie but make your food taste frickn amazing. There is almost never a line (opposed to the crazy line at opening) and sometimes I wonder how they stay open. With five faces at a fraction of the price down the street, it's a tossup on where to go to get dinner..or more honestly, fulfill your drunchie munchies. read more

Does not meet New York standards but is still great in a drunken stupor. If you are looking for an amazing experience that you heard rumors from the Far East...Coast, sorry but this is not the place you were looking for. If you want the legend, you have to go to New York. This is not the chicken and rice that I remember it to be. However, add a star if you are buzzed and have a craving. It makes all the difference. By itself without a buzz, 2 stars...in buzzed state, 4 stars... 2+4=6 ... 6/2 ... = 3 star review! #drunkyelping read more

Not really sure what the hype over this place is about. I've never been to the one in NYC so I can't compare but I didn't find this place to be all that special. I went to the preview, was about the 10th person in line and waited almost an hour total. Not bad. I got the combo, lamb and chicken I beleive with the white and red sauce both on the side. I don't beleive they charged me extra for it, but maybe I didn't notice. I like my hot sauce HOT, but this was almost can't feel your tongue I'm losing the flavor of everything HOT. Not my liking. They do give you a generous portion of food I will say that, but with these long lines and slow service I doubt I'll be rushing back anytime soon. read more

Good but not great. Came here around 7 on a Sunday. Waited in line for about 20 minutes. I got the chicken plate and it was good. Plenty of meat and veggies. I don't think it's worth waiting in line for, but I would visit again when the hype dies down a bit. Also, the shop is very small. There are no seats, so it's pretty much a to-go place. My food was a little cold by the time I got home, so be prepared to either microwave or have lukewarm food. read more

I've never been to the NY version but was super excited when this opened up in Chicago to try it out. The set up is a small take out only place, no place to sit and eat. There was a small line but it moved fairly quickly. I got a regular platter with gyro and chicken. I got both of the sauces on the side. It's a decent amount of food for around $9. I think my issue with Halal Guys is I did not like the sauce which judging by the reviews is what really makes this place special to people. To me it just tasted like mayonnaise with a little extra flavoring. I liked the spicy sauce but beware, it is HOT. Use cautiously. Overall I was underwhelmed and likely will not be back. read more

I LOVE YOU HALAL GUYS. You satisfy (almost) all my needs on a late Saturday night. Please stay open later. Not sure how this place has 3.5 stars. I'd swim Ina pool of the white sauce if I could. Food is so tasty, and staff is great. Joseph is the MAN. Ben and Jalen are chillers too. Love cracking jokes and always fist-bump you if you've cracked a good one yourself. Pro tips: 1) mix up the food with all the white sauce before you eat it, and you'll realize they actually put the perfect amount on. 2) Only add a couple drops of the hot sauce. It is SO spicy. Like seriously if you just spread it all over you will not be able to eat it. Have seen people throw it out after accidentally putting too much on. read more

Ordered through uber eats! Very well packaged to go! Gyro platter- Meat was tender and moist, and lettuce, green pepper, and tomatoes were fresh. Red sauce is dangerous, and I love eating super spicy! This location is much better than the one near LA, for sure. read more

Went here on a Monday at 2pm specifically because we didn't want to encounter any lines. The place: It's small. Think take out counter with another counter to eat your food standing up. (This eating counter can comfortably accommodate 5 persons.) Another yelper posted a picture with what looked like tables for seating -- they don't have that anymore as of late September FYI. We were a little disappointed by this but hey, they started out as a food cart in NYC so I guess I have to have that experience right? There is a sign on their door that says health codes require that their front door be closed so you have to wait in line outside. The food: Good food and great for the price! I got the small platter of chicken and gyro and hubby got the sandwich. Gyro was tastier than the chicken but the chicken is tasty on its own. Their portions are satisfying. WHITE SAUCE - on the side or get it with it? READ THIS: The white sauce tastes more like a saucy mayo instead of a garlic sauce that I expect with mediterranean food so if you want your food to be coated in mayo and you like that taste, go ahead and get it with your food. If you're like me and you like actually appreciating the taste of the food, get it on the side and add it to your taste. RED SAUCE - super hot and yummy. Get it on the side seriously. My hubby loves habaneros and he was happy with just 3/4 of a red sauce packet. Do you need extra white sauce? Small platter comes with 1 white and 1 red packet. Large comes with 2 white and 1 red. I honestly think you don't need any more than what they give but again -- if you want to swim in mayo then get extra. :) (See pic for size of the packets) Is it worth trying? Yes. Will I go back? Yes. Will I wait in line for more than 10 minutes for their food? No, unless I have an extreme craving that MUST be satisfied. read more

The Halal Guys - Pic showing the size of the white (2 fl oz) and red sauce (0.5 fl oz) packets on top of lid for small platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Writing this reviews 20 min after I visited this location. No idea who helped me tonight, but they were the funniest, kindest people! Thanks so much for letting me hang and making my night! read more

This was pretty damn good!. Beware the red sauce may be to spicy for some. ProTip: I placed an order through Postmates and skipped the line. Free $10.00 delivery credit if you use code: rzia5 when signing up! Get the app here: bit.ly/1hRSGkD read more

The worst chicken and rice I've ever had. I'm originally from NYC area so my standards for it is pretty high. However the food was cold and rice wasn't cooked. The rice was rock hard. I barely had couple bites and had to throw it out. I'll never order from here again. read more

Extremely disappointing! Waited so long to try the food here after all the hype this place received in news. The quality and quantity of meat were both awful. Would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Shoutout to halal guys for dealing with drunk crowds at 3am. Shoutout for being open and serving greasy tasty drunk food that late also. Line was pretty long for such a time in the night, and wait for the defrosting of the meat wasn't so fun either- but I'm glad I got to try the famous halal guys from New York. The gyro and falafel combo platter was delicious at the time, especially covered in the signature sauces, but boy did my stomach hate me the next morning. I honestly think I liked my friend's chicken sandwich better too. An experience I will not forget for sure. Maybe try not to eat the entire thing in one sitting (even a small), but it's definitely worth a try! read more

Great price for the amount of food you get, and very tasty. I now know what New York friends were always bragging about--the sauces are the best. Will definitely keep this in the lunch rotation. read more

Ordered for a fast lunch. Smooth ordering experience and pickup. Don't really like their bowls -- upset stomach afterwards. Not even sure what animal the meat came from. read more