Authentic Middle Eastern eats, especially famed falafel sandwiches & shawarma. A beloved, no-frills spot for delicious and affordable flavors.
Mamoun's Falafel is a long-standing institution in Greenwich Village, renowned for serving up delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. For years, it's been a go-to spot for flavorful falafel sandwiches and shawarma, with many New Yorkers holding a nostalgic fondness for its affordable prices and late-night availability. The falafel itself is a star, often described as perfectly seasoned and satisfying, complemented by tasty sides like pickled vegetables and pita chips. While some lament the price increases over the years, many still find it a great value for the quality and taste. It's a no-frills, cash-only (usually) kind of place perfect for a quick, hearty, and authentic bite.
Mamoun's Falafel is celebrated for its classic Middle Eastern fare, particularly its falafel sandwiches and shawarma. Many customers rave about the authenticity and taste of the falafel, with some considering it the best in the city. The pickled vegetables and pita chips served as sides are also frequently recommended. While generally praised for being affordable, some patrons feel the prices have risen, and a few have expressed disappointment with ingredient quality, citing large tomato chunks and plain lettuce as examples. The restaurant also offers unique drinks like mango and tamarind iced beverages, as well as mint lemonade.
"The falafel is highly recommended, with many praising its authenticity. The shawarma, particularly with tehini sauce and spicy, is also highlighted as exceptional. Sides like pickled vegetables and pita chips are must-tries."
Overall, customer sentiment towards Mamoun's Falafel is largely positive, with many praising its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, affordability, and convenient location, especially for late-night eats. Some reviewers specifically highlight the quality of the falafel itself and the accompanying sides like pickled vegetables and pita chips. However, there are a few dissenting opinions, with some customers finding the prices have increased and the quality has diminished compared to the past, with one user even calling it 'mid' and criticizing ingredient quality.
Important Note
Some customers feel the prices have increased and the quality has declined compared to previous years. One reviewer described the falafel as 'mid' with subpar ingredients.
"The user expresses disbelief at someone preferring Mamoun's, implying a negative view of Mamoun's."
Negative"The user states a preference for Mamoun's over OMG Shawarma."
Positive"User recommended Mamoun's mint lemonade."
Neutral"Mamoun's Falafel offers mango and tamarind iced drinks."
Neutral"A user suggests Mamoun's Falafel as another food option located in the same area as Bleecker Street and John's."
Neutral"Mamoun’s Falafel is listed as an example of a place for cheaper eats in NYC. It is suggested as a budget-friendly dining option in a comment with multiple recommendations."
Positive"The author recommends Mamoun's specifically for grab & go sandwiches."
Positive"The author comments that Mamoun's Falafel is 'not really even cheap anymore', disputing a common perception about its price."
Neutral"The author highly praises Mamoun's shawarma with tehini sauce and spicy, stating it's exceptionally good ('fire emoji') and that 'nothing else comes close'."
Positive"In defense of Mamoun's Falafel, the author appreciates its affordability, noting you can get a good lunch like the falafel pita for around $8. They also state that the falafel itself is 'pretty good' for them."
Positive"The author asserts that Mamoun's Falafel offers the closest experience to authentic Middle Eastern falafel they've had in the US, specifically noting its Lebanese style is comparable to falafel in Israel. They describe Mamoun's as 'legit, authentic, and awesome'."
Positive"The author strongly criticizes Mamoun's Falafel, calling it a 'mid' pita/falafel place with subpar ingredients like large tomato chunks and plain lettuce. They believe its popularity stems from NYU student nostalgia and its (former) cheapness, and that many other places are better."
Negative"The author expresses strong affection ('Omg I love') for Mamoun's Falafel. They recall it being incredibly satisfying during late-night visits after bars in their younger years."
Positive"The author highly recommends Mamoun's Falafel, stating it's the closest to authentic Middle Eastern food ('the real deal'). They also highlight the pickled veg and pita chip sides as must-haves with the meal."
Positive"The author simply suggests Mamoun's as an option for stuffed pita sandwiches."
Neutral"The author suggests Mamoun's Falafel as an option for pita sandwiches, after also praising Taboonette."
Neutral"Mamoun's Falafel was their go-to tasty cheap eats in grad school."
Positive"A commenter recommended Mamoun's as a food option for getting some falafel."
Positive"The commenter recommends Mamoun’s Falafel on MacDougal Street for late-night falafel."
Positive"Falafel sandwich is good, but not for $7."
Negative"Mamouns still has affordable items."
Positive"User misses when falafel sandwiches at Mamouns were $3."
Positive"Included in a list of recommended spots in LES/East Village/Chinatown for a food crawl."
Neutral"Recommended as part of a MacDougal Street food crawl the commenter used to do and would do again."
Positive"User recommends to buy falafels from Mamouns and freeze any you don consume. They give tahineh sauce on the side."
Positive"Mamoun’s on St Mark’s has indoor seating and a slightly bigger menu"
Neutral"Take out Mamoun's Falafel, lovely and inexpensive."
Positive
