Top 12 Halal Restaurants In Downtown Chicago, Illinois - Updated 2024

halal restaurants in downtown chicago
Shaimaa
Shaimaa 
Updated
| 5 min read

Home to different ethnicities, Chicago has around half a million Muslims and three million Jewish citizens. Yet, Muslims and Jews are not the only ones eating only halal, there are a wide majority of other people who prefer halal meat over the other. Accordingly, halal serving places are highly sought after in Chicago. If you’re looking for a place to stay near these top restaurants, the hotels with free parking available in the downtown area are great picks. Some quaint homes such as Airbnb vacation rentals are also awesome gateways for halal foodies. If you feel that finding a good halal joint in this part of the state is quite a chore, we got you! Read on for our list of the top halal restaurants in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

1. Oasis Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Oasis Cafe on Friday, June 12, 2015

Nestled discreetly behind a jewelry store on Wabash Avenue, Oasis Cafe is a hidden gem for halal food enthusiasts. This certified all-halal food joint offers a delectable fusion of Mediterranean, Moroccan, and healthy cuisines to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The menu is a tantalizing journey through delectable options, including mouthwatering shawarma, flavorful falafel, and succulent kababs, along with a variety of fun vegetarian choices.

Oasis Cafe’s top picks, the savory spinach pie, and the refreshing tabouleh salad, are nothing short of culinary delights. With delivery, pick-up services, and catering for events and parties, this cafe ensures that authentic, halal flavors are accessible and convenient for all.

So the next time you visit Millenium Park, which is a great thing to do in the downtown area, be sure to recharge with a hearty meal at Oasis Cafe. These two locations are just 3 minutes apart!

Oasis Cafe

Address: 21 N Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602

Website: Oasis Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

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2. The Halal Guys

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

An iconic establishment open since 1990, The Halal Guys has been satisfying Chicago’s cravings for authentic American halal cuisine. As its name suggests, there’s no doubt about the halal authenticity here. Their menu boasts a delightful range of options, from flavorful chicken and gyro platters to mouthwatering falafel, all crafted with halal-certified meats.

Whether dining in or seeking delivery, The Halal Guys are at your service daily, ensuring you can enjoy their delectable offerings whenever that halal craving strikes. It’s a trusted go-to spot for a quick, delicious halal meal in the heart of downtown Chicago.

The Halal Guys

Address: 172 N Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601

Website: The Halal Guys

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30am - 9:30pm; Fri 10:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 11am - 10:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 10pm

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3. Cairo Kebab


At the heart of Chicago city, specifically at Lincoln park awaits a delightful experience of fusion, color mix, and Mediterranean aroma at Cairo Kabab. The place is 100 percent Egyptian and offers halal food. “Baba” Saleh the legendary Chef of Cairo Kabab successfully transferred his Mediterranean experience to his customers. With endless tasty choices, the decision indeed is challenging. Once you reach, you must try their lentil soup, baba ghanoush, Egyptian salad, falafel, the very special stuffed grape leaves, kebab, chicken and beef shawarma, koshari and the amazing baklava for dessert. The place has a variety of vegetarian options to suit different dietary preferences.

Cairo Kebab

Address: 1524 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Website: Cairo Kebab

Opening hours: 10am -10pm (daily)

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4. Philly Bros

Posted by Philly Bros on Thursday, 18 April 2019

Established in 2015, Philly Bros’ owner infused the most-desired classic American sandwiches with his touch of Philly flavor and presented Chicago with an irresistible mix. The beef is perfectly cooked, the chicken is tender and the fries are home cut. They are famous for their Philly Cheesesteak, chicken tenders, shawarma, and chicken wings. Their use of garlic bread levels the whole experience up. Don’t forget to order their delicious fried Oreos and homemade fries. The prices are a little higher compared to other places but it is definitely value for money.

Philly Bros

Address: 734 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60614

Website: Philly Bros

Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)

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5. Chicago Halal


A mix of American and Mediterranean food is served at Chicago Halal right on Lincoln Avenue. A takeout restaurant that is famous for its hospitality and good food Chicago Halal is famous for its delicious Mediterranean mix of chicken, beef, rice, and tahini, as well as Philly sandwiches. Its gyro plate is a must-try, and don’t forget to treat yourself to the tasty baklava too.

Chicago Halal

Address: 2233 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60614

Website: Chicago Halal

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 1am, Thu - Sat: 11am - 4am

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6. I-Cafe Sukur's Place


Ever tried a Turkish delight? Turkish coffee? Turkish food? If you haven’t, you need to indulge in one of such delightful experiences. And if you happened to be in Chicago then Cafe Sukur’s should be on your list. The place is famous for its hummus, lentil soup, and lahmacun, a thin crust topped with a spiced mixture of minced beef and lamb, onion, green and red peppers, baked fresh and served with tomato, onion, parsley, and lemon. The lahmacun is like burgers for Americans, so it is a must-try. In addition, there is tasty dolma which is stuffed vegetables, kebab, korma plate, and the delicious Turkish donner, the Turkish version of shawarma. For desserts, you have plenty of confusing options, you have the baklava and kazandibi, and a Turkish rice pudding among others. The place delivers too.

I-Cafe Sukur's Place

Address: 1814 W Irving Park Rd Chicago, IL 60613

Website: I-Cafe Sukur’s Place

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

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7. Usmania Chinese Restaurant

Posted by Usmania Chinese on Thursday, 11 February 2016

Chinese food is favorite to many, yet, it’s not always easy to find a halal Chinese restaurant nearby. Chicago’s Usmania Chinese Restaurant might just be the place you have been looking for. It is a halal serving restaurant offering savory Chinese chicken and beef. Besides, the place is famous for its generous portions, tasty dishes, and high-quality food which justifies the bit higher prices. If you ever go there make sure to try their orange chicken, Manchurian chicken, beef fried rice, Mongolian beef, Hakka noddles, and crab rangoon.

Usmania Chinese Restaurant

Address: 2253 W Devon Ave Chicago, IL 60659

Website: Usmania Chinese Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Tue)

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8. Wazwan

Posted by Wazwan on Tuesday, 12 November 2019

On the hunt for a halal burger in Chicago? Wazwan restaurant can quench your carvings! The place specializes in a fusion of American and South-Asian flavors, which are combined together in a delicious burger bun. Wazwan serves a whole list of satisfying beef and chicken burgers that turn every bite into an unforgettable experience. From the most famous Wazwanimal burger to chicken sando, nihari momo, and nori fries, Wazwan is a place you will be going back to.

Wazwan

Address: 111 N Aberdeen St Chicago, IL 60607

Website: Wazwan

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm, Sun: 11am - 9pm

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9. Tabaq Restaurant


Ever heard of biryani? It is a must-try Eastern dish. A biryani can never be a biryani without meat or chicken on top of it. And for some, this could be a fix as halal biryani is hard to find. Tabaq made it possible by serving one of the best halal biryanis in Chicago. Both its special chicken biryani and special mutton biryani are food for the soul. In addition to their biryani, Tabaq is also famous for its chicken curry, Chicken kabob, chicken tikka, and frontier chicken. The place is a simple takeout not suitable for a fancy dinner with a buffet option as well as a regular menu, but it is indeed one of the best Indian food-serving halal places in town.

Tabaq Restaurant

Address: 1245 N Clybourn St Chicago, IL 60610

Website: Tabaq Restaurant

Opening hours: 12am - 12am (daily)

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10. Asada Mexican Grill

No meat Friday ? Try our Fish Taco Special !

Posted by Asada Mexican Grill on Friday, 27 February 2015

Asda Mexican Grill serves an authentic mix of halal Mexican food in Chicago. It’s a small cozy place to mark a good day. Asada offers appetizing tacos and burritos. Some must-try items off their menu are beef tacos, barbacoa tacos, steak burritos, chicken burritos, and Asada Bowls, the place is also popular for its very good customer service. Most orders come with free chips and salsa too. So, if you are ever around Chicago, make sure to reward your senses by stopping by.

Asada Mexican Grill

Address: 180 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60606

Website: Asada Mexican Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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11. Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

"THIS IS MY FAVORITE PLACE IN CHICAGO. The food is perfection, affordable & so healthy. If you are in wicker park it...

Posted by Rumi Middle Eastern Grill on Friday, 28 December 2018

Elegant, colorful, juicy, and satisfying are the first words that come to mind when you visit Rumi Middle Eastern Grill. Every dish is a Mediterranean story on its own. Famous for its flavorsome and varieties, the halal Mediterranean eatery is hard to resist.

This fancy halal restaurant in Chicago has a long list of savory dishes, from falafel, Shawarma pitas, chicken or beef shawarma, gyros, to hummus, and baklava. In addition, you can order their all-meat platter and have a bite from each item. And for orders above USD 15, you get treated to free baklavas, another good reason to visit.

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

Address: 1534 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60622

Website: Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm, Sun: 11am - 9pm

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12. Slim's

Have you tried our signature Elote yet? Trust me when I say this..... Life changing!!! Your favorite street Elote in a...

Posted by Slim's Chicago on Friday, 15 February 2019

“Whether you come alone, with a friend, or bring the family…you’ll go home happy” is a promise made by Slim’s restaurant to its customers. A traditional American cuisine that is not very complicated, Slim’s is happiness in a bun. A halal restaurant serving the best burgers, hot dogs, chicken pitas, chicken dog, and fried mushrooms in the neighborhood. With its quality food, friendly atmosphere and very good service, Slim’s does fulfill its promise.

Slim's

Address: 2020 W Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60618

Website: Slim’s

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

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Reward your senses in Chicago

Halal
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mohd Fazlin Mohd ... used under CC BY 2.0

Halal options are not easily available, but there might be some very good eateries that are worth the search. Whether it’s Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Turkish, or even traditional American food, Chicago has some good halal eateries around. Traditional restaurants are usually a bit less expensive but these places to eat in downtown Chicago specializing in halal food offer good value for money. A wide variety of chicken and beef options cooked and served in a warm and hospitable ambiance are not to be missed.

While you’re in the area, pop in one of the top kosher restaurants and rooftop bars as well for more dining options.

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Frequently asked questions about halal restaurants in downtown Chicago


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shaimaa is a computer engineer with eleven years of management experience in different sectors. She was the co-founder of a youth development activity that designed experiential learning camps all...Read more

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