Cristina R.
Yelp
This Lebanese place is family owned and operated. And it shows. For the better and for the worse.
Every time I've been, things have been passable but not perfect. I keep going back because the food is comforting and different than other options in the area. I'm a sucker for convenience (it's literally steps from my house) and supporting local businesses. But maybe I should spend my money in better ways. Lebanese food is generally pretty good, so in this regard Barada's got that going for it. But I don't feel like it goes above and beyond in terms of flavor or experience.
Even after the renovation, the small space's atmosphere is a tad off. The lighting just a tad bright, so I don't get that romantic Middle Eastern vibe. The tables just a tad close, so I can easily eavesdrop on our neighbors' conversations. And this makes me just a tad uncomfortable.
I've gotten the Bazella which was a comforting blend of lamb, carrots, potatoes, and peas in a tomato-based sauce with rice. It's a solid meal for a dreary day, but my friend and I were both surprised to find the flavor a bit bland. Cue the salt and pepper. I've also ordered the lamb kebab pita roll-up which is tender, flavorful lamb with lettuce, tomato and tahini in a warm pita. The sandwich is long and good, but pretty basic, and for the $13 price tag I'm tempted to just walk a few blocks down to Greek Corner for a similar, cheaper dish. The roll-up also comes with a side, and we opted for the cup of lentil soup to warm us up. This broth, full of beans and greens with a few chunks of potato, was good because it was warm, but was again surprisingly bland. The salt and pepper didn't help too much.
The baklava was tasty but again overpriced. It was a bit dry and crumbly, but not in a bad way (better than it being soggy, in my opinion) and was very nutty since it contained both walnuts and pistachos. Good to share for a few bites of post-meal sweetness (it's not a true Middle Eastern meal without baklava!), but I'm not craving another.
The owner is personable and welcoming, and I love that he is very present and involved in his resturant's operations. However, a $15 credit card limit (before tax and tip) is high. And surprising when your meal was $13 because you were trying to be frugal. And just plain inconvenient. Who carries around $15 worth of cash these days? But considering this place's prices, you won't have to worry because your bill will most likely be more than that. See, there's always a bright side.