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. However, finding a good halal restaurant is a quest that might not always render success. There are a couple of important factors that one must consider before rating a place as a favorite. So, if you happen to be one of those people facing some challenges in finding a good halal joint, here is our list for the top halal restaurants in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near these top restaurants, check out the best vacation rentals and hotels with free parking available in downtown Chicago.
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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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4. 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)
5. 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)
6. Wazwan
Posted by Wazwan on Tuesday, 12 November 2019
A halal burger is a wish come true at Wazwan restaurant. A fusion of American and South-Asian flavors 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
7. 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)
8. Asada Mexican Grill
No meat Friday ? Try our Fish Taco Special !
Posted by Asada Mexican Grill on Friday, 27 February 2015
Asda Mexican Grill is an authentic mix of halal Mexican food. A small cozy place to mark a good day. Asada serves very good tacos and burritos. Known for their special beef tacos, barbacoa tacos, steak burrito, chicken burrito, and Asada Bowls, the place is also popular for their 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)
9. 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. Located Milwaukee, Rumi Grill has a long list of savory dishes, from falafel or Shawarma pitas, chicken or beef shawarma, gyros, hummus, to its 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
10. 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)
Reward your senses in Chicago

Halal options are not easily available, but there might be some very good eateries that are worth the search. Whether its Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Turkish or even traditional American food, Chicago has some good halal eateries around. Usually, a bit overpriced than traditional non-halal restaurants but most of the halal restaurants offer a very 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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