Seemor
Bis Bas Mediterranean Grill (Gramercy)BWorth Trying
119 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
· Mediterranean restaurant, Halal restaurant, Lebanese restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (450 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Flavor-packed Lebanese bowls and pitas with generous portions and fast, friendly counter service; great student deals but some complaints about portion variability and occasional cold or stale items.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Bis Bas Mediterranean Grill delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional service warmth and strong food quality, particularly shawarma and house-made sauces. However, inconsistent execution—cold items, portion variability, occasional pricing disputes—prevents higher grades, while modest destination appeal keeps it a local favorite rather than a must-visit destination. Generous portions and student-friendly value make it worth trying for casual Mediterranean cravings.
Restaurant Summary
Bright, student-friendly energy meets clean, modern counter-service ease. Diners praise generous portions, quick help building bowls, and warm staff who often add little extras. One guest said the toum was "so addictive," while another loved the relaxed and stylish room for casual meals. The cooking skews classic Lebanese-Mediterranean with a build-your-own format: shawarma, tawook, falafel, and fried cauliflower over greens or rice, layered with hummus, pickles, and tahini. The culinary approach leans elevated comfort rather than avant-garde, ideal for those who want bold spices, fresh salads, and satisfying sauces without fuss. Families do well here: shareable bowls, pitas, and fries make it kid-friendly, and a simple pita or rice bowl suits cautious eaters. Vegan and gluten-free options (notably cauliflower and falafel) make mixed-diet groups easy to accommodate.
At a Glance
- Friendly staff guide first-timers and keep service fast
- Strong value with student discounts and generous portions
- Portion size can vary; a few half-empty bowl reports
- Occasional cold or stale items noted, especially via delivery
- Some disputes about posted vs charged prices at checkout
What Sets It Apart
- customizable_Levantine_bowls
- student_discount_value
- vegan_and_gluten_free_core_items
What People Love
- Bold shawarma flavors and creamy toum
- Customizable bowls with fresh veggie sides
- Genuinely kind, upbeat staff interactions
- Student discounts that stretch the budget
- Clean, roomy space for fast-casual dining
Points of Concern
- Portion variability: several claims of half-empty bowls during rushes
- Temperature issues: a few bowls served cold or delivery arriving stale
- Order accuracy: occasional delivery mix-ups (bases swapped, missing items)
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff shout-outs, marketing phrasing), though overall risk appears moderate
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$21-27 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose Chicken Shawarma or Tawook bowls for best value ($14.99-15.99)
- Add Zaatar Fries ($4.99) and Baklava ($4.49) to round out a full meal
Perfect For
- Quick lunch between classes or meetings
- Affordable, filling weeknight dinner
- Mixed-diet groups needing halal, vegan, or gluten-free options
- Casual solo bite with Wi-Fi and seating
Location Insights
Area: Busy Gramercy/Flatiron corridor with students, office workers, and commuters; daytime hustle, casual dining focus.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic along 23rd Street; typical Midtown South environment.
Nearby: Near offices, schools, and transit on 23rd Street; convenient for lunch, quick dinners, and student crowds.
GramercyGramercy is a quiet, upscale neighborhood known for its historic brownstones, the exclusive Gramercy Park, and a refined dining scene featuring a mix of trendy restaurants and classic New York establishments. The area attracts a sophisticated crowd seeking a balance between vibrant city life and residential calm.
NoMadNoMad (North of Madison Square Park) is a dynamic sub-area known for its boutique hotels, innovative dining options, and a lively nightlife scene. It has become a hotspot for foodies and those looking for contemporary, upscale dining experiences in a stylish urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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