Steve’s Shish Kabab

Strange. That’s my description if I were to only use one word to describe my experience here. Thankfully, I can say as much as I want about Steve’s, so here I go. I made the trek to this very out of the way location considering I am a city dweller. I was ok doing so because all I have ever heard is how amazing Steve’s is and that if I really want authentic Middle Eastern food, then this is the place to go without having to take an overseas plane ride. Because I love Middle Eastern food so much, I decided to take the plunge.
When we got to Steve’s, I knew that I wasn’t visiting an establishment that was going to make ambiance a part of their dining experience because it was a simple family owned restaurant, which I was really ok with. But service is something I just can’t compromise on and that’s where Steve’s fell short.
When we arrived, we placed our order. We wanted to start with the falafel that came with hummus, I chose the Combination platter, because it would allow me to try the shish and kifta kabab and my boyfriend chose the stuffed lamb, which he loves there and was on the special’s menu for the night (and why I was talked into going there). About 5 minutes after placing, the young waitress came to the table and apologetically informed me that they no longer had the stuffed lamb, which was STILL on the special’s menu board! Since my bf was washing his hands, I had to break the bad news to him. But he was a good sport and ordered a different type of lamb.
While we were there, there was only one other couple in the restaurant, so it was not busy by any means. That’s why I couldn’t figure out why our food was taking so long! Also, our table wasn’t properly set. There were two of us in the party, yet only one set of silverware. I also had to ask for the lemon I wanted for my water at least three times. But, I didn’t let that get to me because we just helped ourselves to the silverware on the next table. Anyway, almost 40 minutes later, our entrees arrived, but where were our falafels? At that point we were so hungry that we didn’t even bother to inquire thinking that the waitress must have missed the item when we ordered.
I had really high expectations when I took my first bite. I expected to swoon, have my eyes roll to the back of my head and salivate in anticipation of my next bite. NONE OF THAT HAPPENED! I was taken aback by the flavor in the kifta kabob and not in a good way. I love spice and do no shy away from it. But this particular kifta had a bite that was most unpleasant to the pallet. I actually ended up not even eating that. The shish kabob was forgettable to say the least. It was bland in comparison to the kifta. Both kabobs were served on a bed of parboiled rice with this tomato sauce concoction on top. It too was bland and very under salted. I am very aware that Middle Eastern food is most conservative on spice and they don’t use much heat in their meals, which I can appreciate from time to time. This however, was not like what I have tasted in the past. Even my bf’s lamb was a little disappointing. It was fattier that I would have liked but tender and flavorful as discerned by my two bites.
I was so disappointed by my meal that I actually started to feel upset that I had made a 45 minute drive to eat something I had to force down my throat. The only thing that saved me from getting up and finding the nearest fast-​food restaurant were my falafels, which finally made their appearance at the end of our meal! The waitress asked if we still wanted them!!! I was still so hungry that I accepted them. Though they came out ridiculously late, they are the only reason I am even giving Steve’s two stars instead of one. They were DELICIOUS. They were crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and seasoned to perfection.
Needless to say I am never going back to Steve’s. There are plenty of places in the city where I can get wonderful Middle Eastern food and better service, and that’s where I will be going from now on.

Strange experience. I loved Steve’s when it was on 63^rd, but I think this must be a totally different Steve. We went for a shawrma sandwich, and although my husband and I were the only customers in the place, it took the waitress several minutes to come out and tell us that they were out of shawrma. So, we tried the kifta sandwich and the chicken sandwich. Both were very good, but we ordered the «super» sandwiches that were supposed to include hummus and Arabian salad for $ 2 extra. The waitress had brought out a small relish tray with the sandwiches, but when we reminded her we wanted «super», she ambled back to the kitchen and eventually returned with a small plate of hummus for each of us. No extra pita – I guess we were supposed to eat the hummus with a spoon. And no Arabian salad was forthcoming. It would have been cheaper to order a side of hummus to split. The dinner prices are in the $ 12 range, but I would hesitate to order anything from that menu without verifying, up front, what it includes. Oh well.

First off I have to make it clear that I love the food at Steve’s. I’ve eaten in the restaurant 3 times and enjoyed it very much. Tonight we carried out. I called and placed my order at 5:40 and they told me 20 minutes. I arrived at 6:05 and was told they were running behind. I noticed a sign hanging up on the register saying ‘NO CREDIT’. I questioned the young girl working the register and she confirmed ‘cash only’. Left and went to the cash station and returned at 6:20. Paid for my order with cash and they didn’t have any change in the register so they shorted themselves 3 dollars. I sat and waited another 10 minutes when the young girl took down the ‘no credit sign’. Mind you, there was no one in the restaurant. not one person. Nor did anyone come in and pick up carry out. Well, finally at 6:45 my order was ready. Only 65 minutes after I placed it! Frustrating! But I have to say it was deeeelicious!!!

This place is really a hole in the wall Arabic restaurant! Very lowkey! I ordered a beef shawarma sandwich and let me tell you .it felt like I was sinking my teeth into an Arabic style In-​n-​Out burger. super fresh.super good. I took one star off because they didnt have any more beef shawarma! All in all great place.

Best Mid Eastern food in the Chicago area, hands down!
Pick up orders can take a while, even though you a promised an earlier time.

Excellent food and very polite and helpful service, though a bit slow. Quaint and nicely decorated interior with a family running the place, so it feels very welcoming. As a warning, it’s run by a Muslim family, so if that bothers you than watch out, although it made no difference to me.

One of the best Middle-​Eastern restaurants on the Southside. Agree, the Chicken Tika is out of this world. The flavor explodes in your mouth, flavors I’ve never had before. Same goes for the Tea. Wait staff is excellent. Restaurant is small, but never had to wait for a seat. If you are afraid to try Middle-​Eastern start with Steve’s. Left overs taste even better. You’ll be hooked!

Favorite place to eat! Must have chicken tika and tea! Service is friendly food is fantastic! More than enough also bring some home can’t go wrong here

I hope Steve’s was better when it was near Midway! The hummus was excellent, but that was about it. The lentil soup was watery, the pickled olives, etc. were bland and lacking zing, and the falafel sandwich practically had an entire head of lettuce in it. The prices are kinda high, too.