The food was good but service was slow since they only had 1 server. And they served everything on paper goods. Maybe this is better as a takeout place.
I use to come here very often during college. But recently there have been new hires that changed the experience I get here. The last two times I was never greeted or offered a menu within 30 min of entering. When complained for service (nights that were not busy) there was not even an apology from the waitresses. Once my order was in I had to wait another 45min. Now if you have been here before, you know that 45min is beyond what any wait time would be. Others were served before me and I can’t help but have a terrible reason as to why that is. Very disappointed that it is not the same here.
If you've read any of my past reviews, you may remember that I am 1/64 Middle Eastern. I only say this because I feel that this genetic gift means that I can spot good Middle Eastern with a more discerning pallet than most. But I had gotten to the point where I had pretty much tried ALL the Middle Eastern dining options in my "safe zone" area. But then my kid went to college in New HavenHELLO NEW DINING OPTIONS!
One of my wife's co-workers has suggested that the ONLY place to do Middle Eastern in New Haven was Mamoun's. We have so little experience with the New Haven food scene, we didn't even question or discuss it; basically it was "next time we're in New Haven, we're going there!"
The "next time" ended up being a Friday night around 6:30pm. We had just picked up our son from school and decided to stop there on the way home. 4 of us total including the daughter. We were glad to see parking available behind the building, and downtown New Haven on a Friday night is basically "nuts to butts" as far as parking. It's a small lot, but it worked!
Walked ourselves inside and were seated promptly. The place isn't huge, and there was a pretty good sized party already there. But we surmised that they get busier later and also do a lot of take out, there were plenty of seats available. And let me just say, if the smell in this place doesn't make you ravenously hungry, you might not have a digestive system.
Waitress came over promptly and took our order, which consistent of 2 falafel sandwiches, and 2 Meat combo plates. We also went ahead and got a hummus appetizer becausewhen in Rome right????
Food came out promptly, all served on paper plates and drinks in paper cupand we freaking loved that. Divey, but quaint and genuine. And I'll say this: the food here was nothing like I've had near me. I mean, the flavors were similar, the building blocks the same kinda, but it was different. Super fresh meat, tangy hummus that was some of the best we've had. Even the pitas tasted fresh and homemade and NOT out of a bag. I mean, we devoured, everything, in about 10 minutes. The most startling thing was, I actually am NOT a big fan of the Falafel, just never liked it when the family ordered it at the local joints. But yeah, LOVED them hear, inhaled 3 of them like a champ.
Family agreed unanimously that this had to be a regular stop from now on. If you're anywhere within 30 minutes of this place, and you want to get in touch with your inner Middle Easternerthis is a must try.
Great falafel! Consistently fantastic food, though the restaurant business always super packed so I generally choose to take it to go. It's a must when I'm in New Haven, and the late hours are great for an after concert meal. The tea is great too, though it is always hotter than the sun somehow so use caution. Highly recommended
If you have ever been to New Haven and not gone to Mamouns then you don't know what you are missing. I have spent so many late nights and I mean LATE!!! The place closes at 3am!!!!! I used to live right down the street for years and I love going here for some Falafel or a Meat combo. To drink (not on the menu) order a "Blackberry/Lemonade" WOW! Desserts are also the best. All of them!!!!! :)
I really like this place. It's very quick and food taste really good. You should visit once. I like the lamb dishes very much and bakhlawa too.
لو كان يوجد اقل من نجمة واحدة لوضعتها.
خدمة سيئة واخلاقهم صفر وخصوصاً الولد السمين لايحمل اي اخلاق في تعامله مع الزبائن. من اسوء التجارب.
If there is less than one star, I would choose it because they are not respectful and they are not polite. Especially the fat guy he has no morality when he deals with the customer. It's the worst experience ever in the states.
Fantastic fresh clean. All 4 of our entrees were terrific and the spinach rolls are especially delicious. Great late hours I'll be back plenty
This is a classic New Haven Connecticut stable and their food cannot be duplicated anywhere else. They have things on the menu that are not even in their New York City stores at this place in New Haven. Always a good crowd and fast service and the best thing is there falafels are under $4 each.
And I have never been to another falafel place where they tasted so good. There is a local falafel Place in my hometown which is 30 minutes from New Haven and still this tastes like fast food compared to Mamoun's.
You must try it.
Love the casual and earthy atmosphere. The food is great. Sat outside enjoyed grape leaves and hookah with family. Definitely a unique place.
Wonderful food, cheap, good portions, always open. Just wish it wasn't cash only, but that's more of a nuicence than a detractor to this place
Food was delicious and came out quickly! Everyone there is very kind and it's great to support a local restaurant.
Not impressed. Their Falafal are always burnt tasting. Used to be great but now? Pass.
Did takeout.not impressed at all. The chicken kabob platter was not worth it. Chicken was crunchy and was placed over a bed of iceberg lettuce and tomato swimming in tahini sauce, no rice included. I did buy a side of rice which was oddly spiced and had way to many onions. Not worth it at all!
This is an excellent restaurant with a superb wine list and sophisticated menu. Reservations do seem appropriate as the evening we went it was full. Lovely staff that is attentive without being overbearing. Martinis were dry and they had the specialty Bourbon we like.