Taste of Lebanon: Andersonville Lunch Staple Since ‘96

Taste of Lebanon fits the description of many generationally-loved Chicago staples: Good prices, better food, small menu and nothing fancy. Manned by Ali Faraj, Taste of Lebanon is a no-frills, family-owned restaurant in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, serving up shawarma and falafel to hungry neighbors for decades. Taste of Lebanon was opened by Faraj’s father in 1996, after trying his hand at numerous business ventures. Since then, the eatery has consistently served Lebanese street food out of a small-menu, fast-paced kitchen on West Foster Avenue. This is what his Chicago sounds like.

This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia.