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Drive-Thru

Restaurant Tue Mar 27 2007

The Nile

the owner
The proprietor of The Nile

People always recommend Cedars (or Cedars of Lebanon as it was previously known -- that's a story for another post) as the best spot for middle eastern in Hyde Park, but I've always liked The Nile even better. It's a much cheaper and less ambitious restaurant, but the hummus is the best I can remember having anywhere, and the sandwiches are both delicious and massive.

The Nile is located on 55th street in a strip of smallish, inexpensive ethnic restaurants (some of which, eg Snail Thai, are quite good as well). It may be a little out of the way if you're not in or around Hyde Park, but it's also situated quite close to Lake Shore Drive.

nile exterior
The Nile's not-so-shiny exterior

If you're like me, you'll go there after work in the afternoon and there will be one waitress working the whole restaurant -- which is fine, because there'll only be one or two other folks there. She'll think you're odd when you order way more appetizers than you can possibly eat (everything is so cheap), but she'll bring them out, one by one, spinach pies, baba ghanoush, hummos, lentil soup, various salads, along with some pita bread (which unfortunately isn't vegan). Then when your falafel or chicken shawarma sandwich shows up you'll end up having to take it home.

the nile's famous hummus
The Nile's famous hummus

spinach pie
Spinach pie, with lemon

falafel sandwich
An overstuffed falafel sandiwch at The Nile

- Paul

Comments

Meghan Thu Mar 29 2007, 12:51PM +

Yum! I go to school a mere block away and was really in the need for someone to tell me what's good and within walking distance.

I'm actually going to go to lunch there right now.

paul Fri Mar 30 2007, 10:20PM +

Hope you liked it!

Ruth Tue Apr 03 2007, 8:54AM +

I have traveled blocks out of my way for the Nile's ($2!) lentil soup. Absolutely delicious with pita and lemon (both included).

Jackie Tue Apr 10 2007, 5:46AM +

Yum! The Nile is great! Wonderful photos.

JOE Tue May 01 2007, 11:09AM +

what is it that makes the pita "not vegan"?

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