Mid-East Cafe and Restaurant — Restaurant in Akron

I went there to get food, but the experience was very bad. The person serving the food appeared to be under the influence of something—he could barely keep his eyes open. As I was ordering, I noticed him using his bare hands to scoop tomatoes and salad from the containers. His nails were filthy, making the entire situation extremely unhygienic and unappetizing.

I’ve eaten there several times before, and this has never happened. Before completing my order, I decided to cancel it. The next day, I called to report the issue, but I’m certain I didn’t speak to the actual boss, as I know him personally. The person who answered claimed to be the boss and hung up on me as I began explaining my concern.

I’m posting this here in the hope that the real boss sees it and takes appropriate action. This needs to be addressed for the sake of customers’ health and safety.

Update: Just found out after reading reviews that the company is under new management now. The old boss is no longer there and this explains everything. The person I spoke to on the phone turned out to be the actual boss, and it was clear he didn’t care about what had happened. I left a Google review to share my experience, and his response was absolutely ridiculous. Instead of addressing the complaint, he made up stories to make me look bad, completely ignoring the issue at hand. This kind of behavior speaks volumes about the direction of this business. It’s disappointing and truly sad to see such a lack of accountability.

I guess it’s one way to respond to google reviews as a shady business owner. I’ll be here in a few years when the business is no more. It’s very difficult to hide your cook that is high and serving food with...

I 1st had food from this place when I ordered from one of the food delivery apps. The restaurant itself was an old bar on the University of Akron Strip, which is now a distant memory. I have to tell you that if I had to order from here based on driving up to the restaurant that it would likely never happen. The street is under construction, which makes it difficult to access. The place needs some brightening. The outside needs some TLC. The inside was under-lit and dim. It was very bar like, but even then it's old time 70's bar like. The food that I have had from here is really good and hold a strong value on quality and portions for the price. The New York City chicken dish is a treat. There is a ton of chicken. The chicken is grilled to perfection and well seasoned. There are onions, lettuce, tomatoes and seasoned rice, with a yogurt sauce drizzle. I was amazed by it the 1st time that I ordered, but then (I believe) someone substituted mayo for the yogurt sauce on the second time that I ordered and destroyed the balance. I didn't order for several years. I saw a food channel that covered the food trucks in NYC that served the Halal Chicken and it made me recall this place. Another thing that is missing is the ability to add or change meat from the food delivery apps. If I wanted to add or substitute Gyro meat on my Halal bowl I should be able to get it for a fee. Pictured are the NYC Chicken(darker photo) and the...

The food was bland. Who ever took over this restaurant is definitely not middle eastern and doesn’t know how to cook with middle eastern spices. The food has zero taste. Where is the cumin? The roasted geera? Like those are the most important seasonings in middle eastern food. There was none. The chicken is supposed to be seasoned with paprika as well. The chicken was white. Smh

EDIT: This is not a fake review.. as the owner says. I stepped in to buy food. Even though I’m from Brooklyn, it’s called a plane and newsflash people can TRAVEL. I have attached two photos to prove I purchased food there. Fake review where? Spam where? As the other reviews confirm the owner making it seem like these reviews have no credibility by making false claims against genuine customers. It really says a lot about this business.

All the negative reviews you see are true. I find it weird that as the owner you check your business cameras to figure out who is leaving the reviews. As you have confirmed in your replies to other customers.

If you are advertising New York Style halal food on your menu, and a native New Yorker comes into your restaurant and buys it, best believe it better taste like New York style halal food.

There was no bar be que sauce, no hot sauce, and no pita bread. New York style halal food, the meat is cooked on a...