Abu Omar Halal - Arlington, TX — Restaurant in Arlington

Just a bit of back story first...I'm a college educated single mom who has recently taken up door dashing as a side hustle, mostly to pay for my son's 16th birthday that has just passed. Today, I had a pick up for an order at this place and my son was riding with me. He says, "Mom, tell me if it smells good in there!!" When I walked in and met Rami, I told him I was there to pick up my dash and that it DID, in fact, SMELL DELICIOUS!!!! Rami was so kind to me and with the biggest smile asked me if I wanted to try some. Of course I exclaimed a loud YESSSS!! He began to create an absolute masterpiece of a salad piled high with three meats, corn, onions, tomatoes, and was even gracious enough to not add anything spicy as I don't do good with that. There must have been five times meat to lettuce ratio!!!! He topped it off with the mostly heavenly dressing that likened an avocado lime flavor. My son was absolutely over the moon and made the obvious observation that this was no "taste" of this places amazing dish, but a full meal that he and I shared in the car and had enough for leftovers to share when we got home. If the amazingly crafted food doesn't get you in here, come on in here for one of the kindest doses of humanity I've had the pleasure of interacting with in ages, and tell my guy Rami that cool gal from door...

Flavor? Never heard of it.

Ordered the family-size meal — 4 falafel sandwiches, fries, and what they generously called a portion of boiled veggies (more like a spoonful of sadness). The sandwiches? Utterly flavorless. Like, did someone forget the spices? Or the salt? Or the taste?

It came with one tiny garlic sauce — for four sandwiches. Cute. Asked for spicy sandwiches — got bland wraps of disappointment. Went back to ask for actual spicy sauce and was told that would be extra. Because clearly, after paying a good chunk for a family meal, sauce should cost more. Makes sense.

And the “spicy” sauce? Not spicy. At all. Went back again hoping for some heat — still no flavor, just more regret.

Waited 25 minutes for this joyless feast because there was only one person handling everything during lunch hour. Efficiency at its finest.

Told the guy at the counter the food had no taste and got a “I’ll let management know” with the energy of someone who’s already clocked out mentally. Stellar customer service.

Bottom line: if you’re craving falafel with the excitement level of cardboard and love paying extra for basic condiments, this is your place. Otherwise, maybe just eat literally...

FOOD INSTAGRAM: @northtx.gemz •••• 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: I had no idea there was multiple locations across the US! They are well known for their phenomenal Arab food provided in a fast casual setting. 🍒 THE VIBE: very casual place! It lowkey reminded me of subway the way the inside looked 😂 maybe it was an old subway. 🍒 PRICE: ~$12 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! •••• Overall Rating: 10/10 another great recommendation from @papreechaat ! I wanted a quick and fulfilling lunch and decided to stop by here and was not disappointed. I ordered from the app because for first time customers you get a discount! When I went it seemed like they were busy with to-go orders they actually didn’t make my order in time but the guy working made sure my food was hot and fresh and it still came out great! The lamb gyro was juicy and flavorful. There’s no nasty game-y taste you can get from goat/lamb. The sauce inside of the wrap was perfectly portioned and wasn’t soggy at all. Everything was perfect. The fries were piping hot and crispy! Their garlic sauce is amazing. I will say the spicy tahini sauce is alright! Definitely check this out. I’m coming back to try their chicken...