Arabian Nights Cafe — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

I hate to leave a one star because I love Middle Eastern food, culture, people. Love love everything about it.

This was terrible. I'm lost for words. After a closer look at rating and reviews, the high marks were given pre Covid.

I ordered lamb plate....it was not lamb. I honestly don't know what it was. Husband ordered chicken shwarma..unseasoned chicken. Rice and Salad pre-made. Little saffron, rice reheated. Salad was turning old.

We were hungry so we ate some of it and boxed up the rest to throw out. Didn't want to be disrespectful, complain, during this season.

Different culture, try not to be the ungrateful American.

I just can't tell the community to support this establishment because it is really bad. Keeping fingers crossed we don't fall sick.

Contrary to the owners reply, this is absolutely incorrect. There were only 2 gentlemen in the establishment our waiter and the guy in back reheating food. The pita bread was also heated but Luke warm. It was God awful.

NOTHING WAS FRESH AT ALL. Hummus store bought. The falafel were ok but definitely not the hearts pictured in prior posts/ reviews.

This occurred 12/9 last night. The business was slow for a Friday, now I understand why, 1 young college age student and us. The shwarma was not thin, stacked, on rotisserie. Boiled chicken that was seasoned with no taste paprika. The few fried frozen French fries on our plate is what we ate off of it.

I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings but, it's not about me or the owner, it's about the food that is served in this establishment. Something told me to turn around and leave before we entered. We has been wanting to visit for so long and the reviews were so good.

Please go to Denver for Middle Eastern Halal food

Notice in the owners response, no offer to make it up, I'm all about second chances.

BTW the 2 week ago reviews weren't posted last night. Suspect 🤔

Will probably stop by and ask...

Let me tell you about a magical place called Arabian Nights Cafe. Here, humble little chickpeas are transformed into smooth and creamy hummus. Falafel arrive at your table crisp on the outside and some how smooth and moist on the inside, bursting with the flavor of herbs and sesame seeds. The shawarma is comprised of carefully marinated meat, warm with spices and alight with flavor. Soft pita, quickly heated on a grill, arrives as an accompaniment to your meal of wonder. Rice, colored yellow and orange by the spices cooked into it, adds a whole new layer of excitement. This was once a small restaurant located at Academy and Jamboree, right near a dollar tree. Tragically, one day it was found to be closed. The cries of lament could be heard across the city, or at least in my own kitchen. Then a few weeks ago a miracle occurred. A small store front at Academy and Flintridge was lit up with the cafe’s sign. Beckoning weary drivers on Academy, like an oasis on the horizon. The cafe is much humbler than it was. Paper plates and a smaller menu speak to these harder times. However, the food has not lost any of its magic. As you sit in the cafe, you may hear cries of joy from desperate seekers of delicious food. “We found you!” They rejoice as they enter the tiny shop, warm aromas greeting them, bringing memories of the culinary delights they have partaken of in the past. The owner greets each new customer as an honored guest. Except we are the ones who should be honored. A faraway culture has come to our fair city in the mountains. Gifting us with foods that have enticed pallets for as long as the sands have shifted in the desert. No magic carpet is needed to find this place, just a willingness to navigate the confusing parking lot by...

Current favorite restaurant in town with delicious food, casual atmosphere and welcoming service - I cannot recommend enough!

The shawarma sandwiches are a favorite go-to, though the plates are equally lovely. The makdous (baby eggplant stuffed with walnuts and sun-dried tomatoes) is also a favorite, as is the okra stew and the lamb ribs. The baklava is glorious too (real pistachios and honey, people!)

There are no dish descriptions on the menu so dare to be adventurous, or have your phone handy and look up the dishes. If you generally like middle eastern food, you will not be disappointed as this place is tended by a lovely Iraki man, who understands the meaning of service. One time he could see I was feeling chilly and he brought us some cardamom tea on the house - how cute is that?! Also, touché because I fell in love with that tea and get it almost every time. It’s also served in really pretty tea ware, which just makes for a nice experience, especially if you’re a tea-lover.

Water is not free though, water bottles are sold for $1, which is absolutely not a huge deal for me, but it may be for some. He offers other interesting drinks like hibiscus and rose water, so try those too.

I’ve been there at least a dozen times and we’ve never had a problem besides minor inconsistencies with seasoning (sometimes he can get carried away with the powder seasoning which is a tiny bit spicy). Overall, really great place, I’m so glad we spotted it while driving down academy, and I’d so encourage you to support this...