Haddad's Restaurant

I had the best experience I have ever had at any restaurant ever here. The food was amazing. I highly recommend any of the kebabs, the meat is delicious and very juicy. The tabouli and hummus were also very good, but the best part about this place is the hospitality of the owners! They were very attentive and kind with other customers and they talked with me very extensively. It was hard to walk away and not feel like part of the family! I would recommend going out of your way to visit Peoria just to come to this restaurant! I wish I had the option to give more than 5 stars.

Wife and I moved here a couple years ago from the Seattle area where there is a much smaller presence. Haddad's was a wonderful family owned business with great food. It is what you think of when you think of "Mom & Pop" family restaurant where the owner is there making good food and treating you well. We had a nice chat with a couple from Bloomington that make a point to come there once a month or so and with the owner's daughter who was down from Chicago. What was expected to just be a nice casual lunch between the 2 of us became a great conversation and learning experience about food in the region and the family and business. The food was great, the love of people equally as great as the food! At about 6 miles from home.... we will surely be back. :)

One the best falafel sandwich I've ever had. Full of flavor and very fresh tasting. Also very generous with how much was in it. I also had the stuffed grape leaves which were served with a ton of parsley and tomato (delicious). The owners here are super sweet and I could tell they cook with a lot of love. Will definitely be back.

What a great little spot. Everything was made fresh and full of love and you can tell. Flavors were blended beautifully and vibrant yet nothing overpowering, seasoning was on point. The sweet lady making everything by hand and serving the customers and bussing the tables was just glowing with a love for her restaurant and to share her amazing food with the world. This place should have a line around the block waiting for a seat.

Visiting family in Peoria, Pekin area. We found this authentic Lebanese restaurant that has the best home cooked feel! I ordered to go for a group of 4. The cabbage rolls!!! The tabouli!!! Hummus!! Everything was delicious! Let me add, wether you like spinach or not, please try their spinach pie. It is not a dessert pie, it is a bread dough filled with love. Top off the meal with traditional baklava for dessert. My taste buds are crying out for more, It was just what I needed. The couple that greeted me felt like family.! Next time I'm in town, Haddad's will definitely be a meal stop. Try it out! It is a hidden gem on Main Street!

This is easily the best Mediterranean in the entire central Illinois region–maybe even the best in the state. The food is fresh and delicious, and the owners are incredibly friendly. Haddad’s catered a small party and really came through. Everyone wanted to know where the food was from. Even “picky eaters” went back for seconds.

I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant! The food is beyond amazing (get the falafel!) and the owners are warm and friendly. We ended up staying and chatting well after we were done with the meal. Everything is made from scratch and the recipes have been perfected over decades. Delish. Become a regular here—your belly will thank you for it!

Lovely little Lebanese restaurant near Bradley University in Peoria--wish we had known about this place sooner (it's so tiny it is easy to miss driving by). Friendly proprietors (the gentlemen has a fun sense of humor and both he and his wife[?] are nice to chat with), delicious food, and a casual atmosphere. Seems like many folk get quick take-out from them. I ordered the chicken kabob, which was generous in portion and tasty. The pita bread, hummus, and tabbouleh (sp?) were nice. Entrees are reasonably priced as well. Hope to visit them again when we're in Peoria.

This place deserves more than 5 stars! One of the best kebabs I had in a while- wow. This is a small restaurant in Peoria, on a bot so busy street. There are street parking spots available right in front, but they also have an actually free parking lot behind the building. I was there for lunch. I was greeted by with sweet lady and I ordered "Amir's favorite" which was Hummus, pita, Tabbouleh, two kofta kebabs, and two beef kebabs. All these for only $15- it is mind blowing! So reasonable yet the traste and quality are of 5 star restaurant! This is a gem. I am sad i live 3 hours away. I was on a road trip. If I do the same trip next year I'd definitely stop here again.

Strolled over to Haddad's and were greeted by warmth, and a cheery table next to a window. The smells of bubbling stews, fresh herbs, and roasting meats drove us to scrutinize the menu, and we chose the Lebanese combo with a side of moutabal to split beteeen us. I felt like I was being deeply nourished in both body and soul by this food and will be dreaming about those tender, meaty green beans, deeply browned gyro, savory, fat rice, and the freshest tabouli, until next time.

Haddads sent a food truck to the Parks on Tap Detweiller Park on Aug 7th. The food was low quality, it could have been better. I ordered a gyro. I assumed it would be made like those I get at Khouri's on University for $9. It cost $10. It held a proper amount of meat and large pieces of onion, no tzatziki sauce, no tomato. When I picked it up to take a bite, I noticed the meat was not hot, the pita immediately tore like a piece of cheap sandwich bread. It was hard to eat after that. It was not worth $10. I learned a lesson. When buying at a food wagon from a place you have never been to, don't assume that the food is put together the same way. Some places are worth the price, others aren't. My friends all tried different items, and there were no compliments on their choices. One had a pork chop that was the thinnest I have seen and another had a brat but wanted toppings which were not available. They also felt that the price was to high for the low quality. Trust us, we will never eat Haddads again.

My wife found this excellent little restaurant with about 20 seats that's a great place for Lebanese food. The owner is very nice and all the food we had was fantastic. My wife had the Lebanese plate and I had the Beirut plate. Both were very good with very unique cabbage rolls and green beans. Hers had great gyro meat and mine had a very good beef/lamb kabob. Both of our meals felt as though we were eating something that the owner had made in her home kitchen just for us, so delicious and enjoyable that we are looking forward to the next time we can stop in for a meal. The owner is delightful to talk with and takes very good care of you. Be sure to stop in here and have a wonderful time!

Spent a few days in Peoria, a friend I know that grew up here recommended I try Haddad for a gyro. It's a small restaurant on Main Street that serves Mediterranean food. Inside seating for about 8, a quiet neighborhood spot. I ordered the gyro sandwich. The food was prepared and ready in 5 minutes. I prefer the meat sliced from the rotisserie and grilled. The meat was pre-cut. It was tasty, well seasoned and tender. Appreciated the recommendation.

Small but well appointed and clean dining room. The owners are very nice people who make you feel welcome and seem to really care about your experience. The food was excellent. I got the Lebanese combo and my wife ordered the Beirut special. The hummus was tasty and everything on the combination plates was top notch. The service was second to none. If we're near Peoria again, will definitely stop!

We've been going to Haddad's since they were on Main Street next to the Varsity Theater ... around 1982. They have made us feel like much more than customers ... they've made us feel like family. Their food is second to none. We love going to restaurants we cannot emulate at home. Their new remodel is absolutely beautiful, especially the old photos of Tony and his extended family. Haddad's has been our favorite for a long, long time!

Authentic, delicious and fast. Came there on a Friday night and even though it is small was seated no problem. The entrees come with home made hummus and parsley salad that is so full of flavor with homemade pita. I had the chicken Kabobs and they were juicy and flavorful. Recommend for take out as the restaurant is small.

Great food. Great price Family owned restaurant I've been coming here for years Great gyros sandwiches and affordable specials

Honestly got off a plane in a rough mood, just like a long day of travel and I came here and after a week of take out, this place gave a meal that tasted like an ACTUAL home cooked meal. It made my entire night better and I will be coming back for sure

Definitely a delicious spot to stop for Mediterannean food!! The owners are super-sweet and the food is outstanding!!

All of my experiences at Haddad's have been wonderful! It is family owned and operated, with phenomenal customer service. They have helped me find vegan options on their menu and adjusted dishes for my diet. Perfect place for sit down or carryout! Clean and tidy, with on-street parking.

Lovely couple, amazing food!! They always serve you with a great smile and their service is unmatched in the area!

I'm writing about Haddad's Restaurant on Main St. and University.. The food is excellent...they are accommodating, kind, gracious and above all the food is fantastic,,,,and above all very "CLEAN"... I would highly recommend everyone to try it.. you won't regret it. Sincerely, Barb Rafool Patterson Peoria illinois

Very good, large portions of great food for a decent price. Great family owned business with great service

I read through the reviews here and I would say that they are accurate for the most part. This is an excellent family-run restaurant with many typical choices for a Lebanese menu. I lived close to a Lebanese community for 10 years and am very accustomed to the cuisine. The cuisine at Haddad's is completely consistent with what I have eaten in the urban environment, and the quality is fantastic for the price. I have tried a couple things here, but the one thing I keep coming back for is their gyro. It's only $4 and they throw it together quick enough for me to just grab it to go on my way to the library. Not too greasy, and the tahini is smooth, vegetables always fresh. The only thing I see people knocking the establishment for is their decor. Well c'mon people, the place isn't exactly shooting through the roof with business. The local clientele seem much more engrossed with the Mcdonald's across the street. What do you want from this Lebanese family trying to carve it out in Central Illinois? It's a must visit destination for this city, in my opinion. 4 stars.

Its ok. Not very Authentic. When one says Mediterranean, first thing comes to my mind is Hummus, Pita, Fattoush and Falafel. I got all that in my visit. :) Hummus - 6 out of 10, the beans or probly not roasted enough. Pita - 6/10, it tasted good but not fresh. Fattouch - the crispy pita was missing. Falafel - Cold Reading all these good reviews I am guessing the chef was working at the cart which they have across the street. I have been in several restaurants in Dearborn, Michigan on a regular basis. so this place is below standards in my opinion.

THE MEAT INSIDE THEM GYROS BE AMAZING its so tastey and the texture is just right and the sauce and a few other things BUT pita bread is so so i've had better im just not a fan however the gyro meat definitely tops khouri's and some that i've even had in chicago! owner is super friendly and nice

Best gyro in town! Usually visit their food cart on the Courthouse Plaza during summer months, but today stopped in for lunch. Small restaurant space but clean and comfortable. One lady working - kind & efficient. Had my order out within 3 minutes. Gyro, Pepsi & 4 homemade baklava (to take back to coworkers) - $13.

I went with others to order from the outside Haddad's CART for the first time, I had heard really good things about it. Unfortunately it didn't live up to all the hype. I noticed the order in front of me that the hummus had regular oil, instead of olive oil placed on it. The pita bread was store bought not made there at the store across the street. I have to say the staff outside hands were very dirty and I told them I did not want the sandwich after seeing their food service skills. They looked at me as if I wanted the sandwich for a dollar. Not sure if I would want anyone going here with a low immune system. Please push this CART down the road. Very disappointing.

Had their Haddad delight pita pocket sandwich! This was at one of their cart locations during lunch downtown. This was so tasty, I loved it!! The line was long and got me alittle late for work but wished the location was closer!!

The food is good, the service is great. I absolutely love the Lebanese coffee. This isn't the run of the mill gyro place either. It doesn't remind me of the normal places, as there gyro's are made differently, not just slopped with tzatziki or onion, but with their own ingredients. Definitely a place I enjoy, and would recommend.

On day a few weeks ago, the Lebanese guy on my team at work was jonzing for some Lebanese food. The man was feeling a little home sick, and I was getting tired at eating at the usual franchise restaurants. So I told him "Abdullah, I will drive up to fifty miles to find some Mediterranean food, I should be done with my work by six." Lucky for me, Haddad's Restaurant was only a five minute drive from the office. It was on the way to the only Indian Restaurant, I was surprised I had missed it every single time. As far as decor goes, the place wasn't in top notch condition. The place is old, the menus were worn out, and the foam was popping out of the cushions in the corner booths. When I went for dinner, there was one guy running the place, he was the owner, the cook, the cashier and server. He has been in the restaurant business in Peoria for about twenty years or so; his restaurant was run by family. He said he didn't want outsider hands contaminating the food. As for the food, he's been around for a while so he's doing something right, the food was good - but nothing mind blowing. I left satisfied. I had a lamb shishkabob, a gyro, a little bit of rice, pitas and a lot of hummus. The meat was a little dry, but I'll probably be adding this place to my restaurant rotation.

Amazing chicken shwarma gyros. They have won several awards, including best in Peoria. Small, small place....seats only about 10. Friendly owners/staff. Authentic as it gets, all the way around!

Decent Lebanese food near Bradley University. You walk into Haddad's and it's pretty clear that they haven't remodeled since sometime in the 70's. The bathrooms are also kind of gross, so I'd avoid them if possible. The food is pretty good, and you get a lot of it. I had the Beirut Special - hummus & pita and a small tabouleh salad to start out, and then a plate full of seasoned meat, green beans, rice, and cabbage rolls. The green beans and cabbage rolls were the highlight - perfectly seasoned. The meat was ok, but a tad overdone for my taste. It's kind of near Bradley, so it's worth a trip if you're in the area. I don't think I'd go out of my way for it. And I definitely wouldn't go too late at night - the neighborhood it's in is kind of sketchy.

New to the area and stopped in on a Friday night to this very un-assuming little spot. To be honest, I didn't expect much based on my first impression of the place, but what it lacks in interior design and refinery it more than makes up for in food quality, taste and presentation. I had a vegetarian sample and my wife had a gyro with fries. Both were top notch and were pretty tough critics when it comes to Mediterranean food. The staff also recommended their baklava and a Lebanese coffee to finish the meal and they really hit the spot. The baklava is a bit drier than the other versions I've had that are usually soaked in a sweet syrup, but I kind of liked that because I could taste more of the pastry that way. Don't leave here without getting a Lebanese coffee. Small and potent, it's just the right amount to finish your meal. All in we spent less than $25 for dinner, and it was great. Pretty rare to find that good of a deal these days.

Decent food but nothing I'm running back for. I've been there three times with friends who like it and I'm still not sure what the draw is. First impression: you better like tahini! The tahini sauce on their gyros takes some getting use to but it's not bad. My objection to the food is not the meat or the flavor but the quality and portion sizes. The pitas are the store bought thin kind that don't taste very good and are served cold. Their hummus... good but for the price you should get more pita (decent when toasted). As for the decor and the bathrooms... yikes. The place is dated which is fine but the bathrooms are just gross. Also, the food is served on mismatched Corelle that just seems wrong for a restaurant. Service is also kind of slow - only six of us were there and we never got refills on our drinks. Overall, if you don't have a car it's a decent, cheap alternative to Center Court or One World.

Family-owned restaurant serving authentic and totally delicious Lebanese food. The owner and her daughter were super friendly. I ordered the Lebanes plate and loved it. The tabbouleh, pita, and shawarma were to die for. Highly recommend this hidden gem!

Haddads has been in Peoria for decades. Their food carts have popped up all over the place from by the Courthouse to OSF. Good lemon shake-ups and their gyros are good. Their gyros are unique because the meat, sauce, and vegetables are packed into a pita pocket. They are not amazing and if you like your gyro meat more shaved, then you will like it more. I have tried other items off their menu but I'm not really impressed. Food is slightly above average and worth a try.

Excellent Lebanese family restaurant. Treated us as though they've known us for years. Food was great & reasonably priced. Highly recommend the Haddad Special!

My sister loves this place but I can't figure out why... I ordered the special which came with two beef and two kifta kabobs. The beef were fine, but the kifta was incredibly bland. Perhaps most upsetting, the pita was painfully stale, verging on crunchy! My mother seemed to like the falafel pretty well, and my sister ordered a lemonade drink that she liked. Perhaps we simply ordered the wrong things, but I doubt I'll be back to find out.

Wow! First, comparing this to a chain like Pita Inn....really? Get over yourself. Go to McDonald's when you want a hamburger. I am from Chicago and I am a huge foodie. Haddad's is dated, however look where they are located, how many people here actually enjoy eating ethnic food. The clientele is a lot of regular's. The service and food is fine. The family is nice. Don't judge by appearances. I have been to plenty of holes in the wall for excellent food, and would do it a million times over. Good for you Haddad's for sticking to some form of authenticity and not trying to "Americanize" ethnic food. I applaud you!

Delicious chicken curry platter. Huge food portions, very friendly owner. It is fast becoming my go to place for my meals.

Delicious and so cheap! $8.95 for a big platter of Lebanese food (got the kofta platter), a salad and humus. And the proprietress also gave us a free dessert. It's a hole in the wall and nothing special in decor, but those kinds of places are often gems. Worth driving 80 miles from Champaign, because we do not have a good Middle Eastern restaurant in our otherwise lovely town :))

Been there a few times. The food is decent. A solid 3.5 stars. I have the gyro, soups, and salads there. A good spot for lunch.

The food is incredible! They make everything fresh and quickly, too. Never too long of a wait for this neighborhood gem! They're been around forever and the food never loses quality. Try the Gyros or falafel- they don't disappoint.

Best falafel sandwhich I have ever had! The owners are so kind to us and all customers and make each visit so wonderful!

I give the food here four stars. Ordered the falafel platter, and it was spectacular. Pita was fresh and humus perfect texture/flavor. Skip the iced tea, as it was more like water than tea. Will definitely dine in again!

I was really excited to find Lebanese food in Peoria! Overall, the experience left me wanting more. Don't let the decor discourage you because the food is great! I had the Kofta Kebabs with Hummus and Tabbouleh. The tabbouleh was almost as good as my Mum's (which is pretty authentic) and the hummus was flavorful. But the real treat was the kebabs which were perfectly seasoned and not at all dry. It's a great family run atmosphere as I was served by the daughter, rung up by the mother and then I saw the grandmother in the kitchen right before I left! Read a few reviews about the street carts so I will have to check that out next time!

Best gyros anywhere. Not a fancy place by any means but very good food. Chris have tabouli and a yogurt sauce that set them apart. Recently had gyros in Greektown (Chicago) that weren't as tasty. Also recommend the lemon shake ups.

Very small place but the food was amazing. First time eating a lot of the food that we got and I loved all of it. Will be going back soon! If you've never been at least give it a chance!

Oh my goodness this food was amazingly good. Hot, freshly cooked and beautifully seasoned. had the Lebanese coffee, something a friend made for me in the past, and it was perfect. The people there were wonderful! I plan on being a frequent patron and **highly** recommend it.

We love Haddads!!! We have been going there for the last 7 years and it has not changed for the day we first went there! Everything there is amazing! When I go there I get the Lebanese combo and it has such amazing flavor! The restraint is not very big but it is full of delicious food! Tony (the owner) is 78 and is an amazing guy and has always been friendly! Probably my favorite place to go in Peoria

Best Mediterranean restaurant in Peoria. They've been at for awhile and have been around so long for a reason. Their home-brewed iced tea paired with one of their gyros will cure even the worst hangovers

Love the chicken kabobs and baklava! Must try their baklava. And the owners are really sweet

I grew up in Peoria and this was, and remains, a big favorite of mine. I'm in Chicago these days but when I'm back in Peoria I try to stop by. The Beruit Special and the Lebaneese Combo Dish are regular orders of mine. The cabbage rolls are great, the seasoned green beans are good, the lamb is flavorful, the hummus is great. It's really cheap too considering how much you get. The place is prettty old and run down...this is at least the second location for Haddads, and the previous one wasn't any different. But don't worry because the food is a good value and the people are friendly.

Having lived over seas in the Middle-East for over a decade, I was home-sick for some of the food that I had grown to love over the years. I have eaten at Lebanese restaurants in Chicago, New York, the suburbs, etc. and hoped to find a place that I could go to here in Peoria to get the same type of food and flavor that I had grown accustomed to. As my wife and I walked into Haddads, we saw the pictures on the walls of maps of Lebanon, saw the family sitting at one of the tables, nice plants, but very modest in appearances. A store front venue. The woman who greeted us was very nice, welcoming us in, and showed us to our table and menu, bringing us our drinks within seconds of arriving. Looking at the menu, there was a modest assortment of different things to order, with combination specials that were very reasonably priced. To my great delight, I saw as one of the side items "kibeh", which is one of my favorite things in the world to eat. We both ordered the "Beirut Special" with a side of "Baba-Ganush" (eggplant spread) and one order of "kibeh" (what is supposed to be ground beef or lamb, stuffed and fried with wonderful seasoning" The food: The humus was standard affair, as was the baba-ganush. The Tabuleh was mostly parsley chopped up with lemon juice where the bulgur wheat was not to be found. The most disappointing part was the Kibeh, where rather than a wonderful ball of fried meat stuffed, it was a flat piece of what looked like meatloaf, and tasted about the same. The main course had kefta kabob (ground beef with herbs and seasoning rapped around a skewer. This in fact was very tasty, moist, and good flavor. It was served over a bed of rice with a wonderful sauce that we both enjoyed. With it came stuffed cabbage which was good, as well as a stuffed potato which they could have done much better with. The biggest disappointment on the main course plate was a heaping portion of green beans that were straight from a can, and the canned flavor permeated everything else on the plate. All in all, it was a mediocre meal at best, but I will go back there once more to try there falafel and shawarma sandwiches to see if perhaps they are better at making those.

Excellent food, very delicious and fresh. I have lived in the middle east as a kid and trust me this food at haddad's is authentic.

We really enjoy this place. It is family run and the elementary age son may take your drink order with utmost pride. The food is simple and inexpensive. While sitting in the booths in need of repair you will feel great as you peer across the street and see the McDonald's drive-through sending out orders for the same price with 1% the nutritional value or charm.