No-frills Mediterranean staple for hearty gyros, falafel & shawarma, plus Turkish coffee.
"There are a bunch of falafel spots in the University District. There are even two different places on the same street that are both called Aladdin’s. But, Aladdin’s Gyro-Cery is the only one you need. Their falafel is super crispy, and we could drink their tahini dipping sauce by the gallon. Service is really fast too, so it works well for takeout, and if you want to add a plate of feta fries and hang out, there’s a back area with couches and tables too." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"There’s so many things to love about Aladdin’s Gyro-cery: the punny name, the super-late hours (open until 2:30 a.m. on weekends!), the colorful tapestry-bedecked tent room in the back, the interesting beverage options (e.g., blackcurrant-based Vimto soda), and of course, the prices. The best menu item comes in at a luxe $12.41: the lamb shawarma. Wrapped in lavash that’s slathered with hummus AND tahini before all the beautiful roasted lamb is added, this thing’s just dripping with sumac-infused olive oil and lamb fat and pickle brine and tomato juice, making shiny, delicious puddles all over the tray. Better get some fries, too, to soak those puddles up." - Meg van Huygen, Eater Staff
"There’s no shortage of solid gyro/falafel/shawarma joints on the Ave, but Aladdin Gyro-Cery stands out for turning up the decadence dial. The gyro here is heady with a hit of curry powder, the lamb shawarma wrap is a glorious mashup of meat and plant fats (lamb! sumac olive oil! hummus! tahini!) brightened with pickles, and the plant-based menu items aren’t mere “options,” but stand alone. The Aladdin veggie roll — falafel and fried cauliflower stuffed in a grilled pita, topped with cucumbers, parsley, pickles, tomatoes, and choice of hummus or baba ganoush — might be just the thing for herbivores and carnivores alike. And it’s all available ‘til at least 2 a.m., 2:30 a.m. on weekends." - Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff
"Open until 2am Sunday-Wednesday, 2:30am Thursday, 3:30am Friday-Saturday If you want an excellent gyro or plate of falafel, and don’t mind being surrounded by college folks who just came from Jake’s house party (we heard that there were two kegs and the volleyball team showed up), go to Aladdin Gyro-Cery in the University District. The feta fries are great too—and you might see a sophomore in the corner alone eating them with a spoon." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"There are a bunch of falafel spots in the University District. There are even two different places on the same street that are both called Aladdin’s. But Aladdin Gyro-Cery is the only one you need. Their falafel is super crispy, flavorful, and we could drink their tahini dipping sauce by the gallon. Service is really fast too, so it works well for takeout, and if you want to add a plate of feta fries and hang out, there’s a back area with couches and tables too. " - Aimee Rizzo