Seemor
Taste of Lebanon RestaurantBWorth Trying
1509 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
· Lebanese restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (1078 reviews)
Takeout
Ultra-affordable Lebanese counter spot with stellar lentil soup, quick friendly service, and cash-only quirk; great for fast, flavorful wraps though a minority report bland or inconsistent meats.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Taste of Lebanon delivers reliable neighborhood dining through strong food quality—particularly the celebrated lentil soup and falafel—paired with exceptional service attentiveness and remarkable speed. However, inconsistent execution on meat dishes and modest space comfort prevent a higher grade. The outstanding value and loyal following make it a solid casual dining choice, though not a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels no-frills and bustling, a tiny counter spot where lunch lines move fast and locals swap nods with the clerk. A regular summed it up: "Best food for the money" and the lentil soup comfort gets called out again and again. Expect cash only, quick handoffs, and generous extras like pita or sauces. The cooking leans classic Lebanese comfort—falafel, shawarma, hummus, baba—delivered hot and fast rather than showy. The culinary approach is traditional and value-driven: familiar flavors over flash. Most praise the shawarma and falafel, though a small but vocal group finds some meats bland or dry, so set expectations to casual not destination fine dining. Families do fine here: kids can nibble fries, pita, and mild hummus, or share a falafel wrap. There is no kids menu, seating is limited, and it is cash only, but prices are gentle and portions forgiving—good for a quick, low-stress bite.
At a Glance
- Outstanding value with wraps and combos under $8
- Lentil soup widely loved and comforting
- Fast, friendly counter service with neighborhood vibe
- Cash only; limited seating and no restroom reported
- Inconsistent feedback on meat flavor (some dry/bland reports)
What Sets It Apart
- legendary_lentil_soup_value
- cash_only_old_school_vibe
- vegetarian_vegan_depth_at_low_prices
What People Love
- The cozy, comforting lentil soup with lemon squeeze
- Crispy falafel and creamy dips
- Lightning-fast service and friendly counter staff
- Prices that feel like a throwback
Points of Concern
- Cash-only policy can catch newcomers off guard
- Limited seating; lines during lunch rush
- Occasional reports of bland or dry shawarma meats
- One-off safety complaint about soup; many others report clean conditions
- Review patterns show minor marketing-like hype in a few posts; overall authenticity remains strong
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$10-$16 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair Lentil Soup ($2.79) with a Falafel Wrap ($3.99-$4.99) for a filling sub-$10 meal
- Vegetarian Combo ($6.49-$7.49) offers best sampler value with pita included
- Add Garlic Sauce ($0.59 side) to elevate chicken or beef wraps
Perfect For
- Quick weekday lunch near Andersonville
- Budget-friendly vegetarian meal
- Solo grab-and-go before errands
- Casual takeout on busy nights
Location Insights
Area: Lively mixed-residential corridor near Andersonville; casual neighborhood eats with steady daytime foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked by locals; typical urban awareness advised in evenings.
Nearby: Near Clark/Broadway retail strips; CTA buses on Foster; Red Line about a 10-15 minute walk.
EdgewaterEdgewater is a lakeside neighborhood with a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere. It features a mix of historic buildings and newer developments, with a dining scene that includes casual eateries, ethnic restaurants, and trendy cafes. The area is known for its accessibility to the lakefront and a generally safe, family-friendly environment.
AndersonvilleAndersonville is a distinct commercial district within Edgewater known for its strong Swedish heritage, independent shops, and a vibrant dining scene featuring diverse cuisines and locally owned restaurants. It has a welcoming, inclusive vibe with a focus on community events and artisanal food offerings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–17:00
Tuesday11:00–17:00
Wednesday11:00–17:00
Thursday11:00–17:00
Friday11:00–17:00
Saturday11:00–16:00
Sunday
Available: Takeout
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