Middle East Bakery & Grocery has served Andersonville since 1981, started by Hisham Khalifeh to bring breads, spices, and simple foods from his homeland to the neighborhood. What began as a small shop has grown into two connected operations: a grocery and deli on Foster Avenue, and a separate grill a few blocks away on Clark Street.
The grocery carries dry goods and imported items from the Middle East, Turkey, and Persia, along with a deli counter of pickled vegetables, cheeses, and olives, plus handmade pies and breads baked in a brick oven. The grill operates on its own, preparing kabobs, rice, salads, and wraps to order throughout the day, with falafel and shawarma drawing particular praise from regulars.
Opinions on the restaurant side's seasoning and consistency vary, but the grocery and deli have long held a steadier reputation as a neighborhood staple for Middle Eastern pantry staples and prepared foods.
The grocery carries dry goods and imported items from the Middle East, Turkey, and Persia, along with a deli counter of pickled vegetables, cheeses, and olives, plus handmade pies and breads baked in a brick oven. The grill operates on its own, preparing kabobs, rice, salads, and wraps to order throughout the day, with falafel and shawarma drawing particular praise from regulars.
Opinions on the restaurant side's seasoning and consistency vary, but the grocery and deli have long held a steadier reputation as a neighborhood staple for Middle Eastern pantry staples and prepared foods.