(3 forks)
614 W. Diversey Pkwy.
773-327-6300
aladdinseatery.com
Hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.
Credit cards: A, M, V
Noise factor: Conversation friendly
Delivery: Yes
First impressions
Sandwiched between Panera Bread and Chipotle cafes, Aladdin’s has a tough act in competing for customers. But the decor helps, with bold walls of eggplant-, pumpkin- and gold-colored stripes, plus mirrors and handsome maplewood tables and chairs. The ceiling draws the eye, too, with stylized hanging discs resembling floating citrus slices.
On the plate
Healthful Middle Eastern is the menu mantra at Aladdin’s, which is part of a 16-unit chain. The menu is huge, and choosing between the 13 appetizers, 8 soups, 12 salads, 11 dinner plates, 9 “pockets,” 20 rolled pitas and 9 “pitza pitas” can be daunting. Many of the items are vegetarian. Oh, and did we mention the not-on-the-menu and not-so-healthful selections of cakes (chocolate, fruit-filled and carrot), baklava, cookies and brownies displayed as you walk in?
At your service
The staff is friendly, speedy and very willing to explain the complex menu. Our takeout order on one visit was filled quickly and was well packed.
Second helpings
A fine winter starter: the vegetarian lentil soup with chard and potatoes. The “chicken shawarma rolled” is basically a wrap in thin pita bread with tomatoes, onions and a tahini sauce; the chicken has a nice charbroiled flavor. Similarly cooked chicken pieces (but with more seasoning) are the main feature of the “hummos” chicken plate. The lemony hummus makes a bed on the bottom of the plate, then gets topped by chicken, tomatoes and parsley. Pita bread comes on the side. A Mediterranean beef fafta plate features torpedo-shaped ground beef, generously seasoned with onions, parsley and spices. Added to the plate: an excellent white rice/vermicelli pilaf topped with pine nuts, almonds and garlic. Diners have a choice of a rich, pungent garlic sauce or a thin but flavorful tahini sauce to drizzle over the beef. The baklava, available in different shapes, is decent, but might have tasted fresher. The peanut butter brownie is huge, sweet and rich.
Take a pass
Aladdin’s makes its falafel with chickpeas and fava beans, according to the menu, but the three fried balls (with parsley and other seasonings) were too dry in the one pocket we tried. Plus, the whole sandwich was precarious, with too much lettuce and tomato, all stuffed into the too-thin-to-support-it pita bread.
Thirst quenchers
Raw juice smoothies are big here and blended with a choice of freshly squeezed juices such as mango, guava, celery and coconut. Teapots come with a choice of 15 teas. BYOB is OK.
Price range
Appetizers and soups, $2.65-$4.95; salads, rolls, “pitzas” and sandwiches, $4.75-$7.95; main courses, $7.45-$8.95; desserts, $1.05-$3.95; drinks, $1.25-$2.95.
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Reviews are based on anonymous visits by Tribune Co. staff members. The meals are paid for by the Tribune.
Ratings key: 4 forks, don’t miss it; 3 forks, one of the best; 2 forks, very good; 1 fork, good
