Oasis Cafe
Mediterranean restaurant · Loop
21 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
Highlights
Mediterranean takeaway inside a jewelry store. Falafel & kebabs.
Mediterranean takeaway inside a jewelry store. Falafel & kebabs.
"We’re sometimes skeptical of the idea of a “hidden gem” when it comes to restaurants. If a place serves good food, then people are going to find it. How do you even hide a restaurant? Answer: behind a bunch of literal gems. Welcome to Oasis Cafe. Jeweler’s Row is a historic stretch of Wabash in the Loop. It’s an area where there are a lot of jewelry stores, plus huge jewelry wholesalers and manufacturers out of sight in old spaces like the Mallers Building. But we’re not here to tell you how to ice yourself out and spend all the money you don’t have. We’re just here to tell you there’s a little Mediterranean cafe hiding in the back of one of these stores. photo credit: Sandy Noto Oasis Cafe might hold the record for the most random place in town. Take note of the little sign out front on Wabash before walking into what appears to be a jewelry store. But look further, past all the watches and necklaces that will have you wondering who buys this stuff, and you’ll see Oasis Cafe. The food is simple and cheap Mediterranean like falafel, shish kebab, and plenty of hummus and baba ganouj for less than $10. And it’s also pretty good. There are a couple of tables if you want to sit and it’s also easy to carry out. Pop in for a quick lunch or grab an early dinner before they close at 5:30. Maybe even buy some diamond earrings on your way out. Who knows what kind of hidden gems you’ll find. Food Rundown Falafel A falafel sandwich is our go-to move here, and should likely be your go-to as well. This is a straightforward falafel option. Hummus Appetizer Enjoying that falafel? Get some hummus and pita on the side. You'll feel like you're living on the edge. Lentil Soup Perhaps you'd rather have a soup on the side? Again, the world is full of possibilities, and we endorse this soup. Mixed Combination If you want a little bit of everything, go for a combination plate. You get falafel, hummus, and a choice of meat served over rice." - Sam Faye
"Oasis Café is a hidden food gem aptly tucked away inside a jewelry bazaar. All the way at the back. (Look for the glowing neon sign). Service is surprisingly fast. Chicken shawarma plates, kebabs, and lamb pita sandwiches are a must. Also the vegetarian options. You may consider asking for extra pita to clean up the tahini aftermath of any sandwich. The tabbouleh salad is a refreshing favorite. If you walk away from the sweet baklava, it’s okay because you’ll be back." - IA Collaborative
"We wouldn’t normally use the phrase "hidden gem," but considering that Oasis is located in the back of a jewelry mall in the Loop, this Mediterranean spot is the exception. After walking past cases of diamonds and gold necklaces, the mall opens up into an ordering counter and a two-floor, food court-esque dining area where you can lose yourself in pita stuffed with hummus and crispy falafel, or a large rice platter topped with smoky pieces of chicken, lamb, beef, or, all of the above. Make sure to get their housemade hot sauce involved, too." - john ringor
"Oasis Cafe is great for that very specific moment when you’re searching for the perfect engagement ring, but need a lunch break. This casual Mediterranean spot is located in the back of Wabash Jewelers Mall, so after perusing a vast selection of gemstones and wedding bands, you can immediately enjoy a pita pocket full of airy falafel and silky hummus. If jewelry shopping has worked up an appetite, they also have rice platters with toppings like lamb and beef kefta or grilled marinated chicken breast." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"For decades, downtown workers have rushed to the Wabash Jewelers Mall to get their watches fixed and… some of the best falafel in the Loop? Yes, Oasis Cafe is a genuine hidden gem, found in the back of the store. A quick-serve restaurant with all the staples — kebobs, hummus, baba ganouj — with a few seats for customers to dine in. It’s a unique experience and an affordable one for Downtown Chicago." - Sam Nelson
