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Thursday, April 25

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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

 
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Meghan / March 29, 2007 12:51 PM

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 / March 30, 2007 10:20 PM

Hope you liked it!

Ruth / April 3, 2007 8:54 AM

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

Jackie / April 10, 2007 5:46 AM

Yum! The Nile is great! Wonderful photos.

JOE / May 1, 2007 11:09 AM

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

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Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

The State of Food Writing

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...
Read this feature »

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Drive-Thru is the food and drink section of Gapers Block, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. More...
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