Sands of Sahara Birmingham — Restaurant in Birmingham

As an older person of Middle Eastern descent, I was excited to see a restaurant that appeared to celebrate my culture. Unfortunately, my experience at this place was deeply disappointing and felt like a blatant example of cultural appropriation. This establishment is not a Middle Eastern restaurant, it’s a poorly executed attempt at a nightclub, complete with high-priced entry fees and VIP sections. Paying to get in just to have a meal? Ridiculous. The atmosphere is more suited to a loud, club scene, with hardcore rap music blasting rather than any authentic Middle Eastern music. It was comical to see belly dancers performing to rap music, an art form they clearly are making a mockery of. To make matters worse, the menu features pork, which is completely out of step with Middle Eastern customs. Instead of honoring the beauty of the culture they’re trying to represent, the owners seem to be using it as a marketing gimmick to create a "different" experience at the expense of authenticity and respect. If you’re looking for another overpriced hookah bar that desperately wants to be a nightclub, this is the place for you. But if you’re hoping for a genuine cultural experience, you’ll be sorely disappointed. I won’t...

Pros: The atmosphere of the place was nice. The Dj was definitely on crowd control, very engaging. They had a belly dancer that comes out for additional entertainment. Cons: There was a cover charge that I didn't expect by it being considered a restaurant as well. The music is very loud. There are no prices on the menu for the appetizers/food only for the alcoholic beverages. I asked a waitress how much items were, she said she did not know. I took a chance and ordered wings, they came out looking as if they were boiled, she said they were fried. I had to send them back. I informed my waitress, I do not drink alcohol, could she recommend or have the bartender create a mocktail. I was charged the same price for the mocktail as the regular drinks containing 2 or 3 alcohols. Highly disappointed, I basically paid $20 for a cup of juice. Plus the cover charge, it's not a place where I will return, but I do believe in giving any place a try...

I was really excited to take my wife here as she loves mediterranean food. This place is far from that. BEAWARE, this is not a family-friendly place. No where was it advertised or in pictures do you see half naked ladies. The food was good. I had the salmon, but the food options were not Mediterranean. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE DRINKS WAY overpriced with hardly any alcohol. I literally drank 5 drinks, and so did my wife we felt absolutely nothing. We are not really drinkers, and we drink every now and then, but it was TRASH save your money. All the ladies that were there, which was about 6 to 8, were on their phone the whole entire time sitting around the bar. This place is more of a club. WARNING ⚠️ ⚠️ do not drink your family if you...