Reem Alsham — Restaurant in Paterson

Food is good, but the service is preferential and you may get the short end of the stick if you look a certain way? 🤔 I went in there, ordered a mixed combo (beef and a chicken shawarma about $20) and then a white police officer behind me orders the same exact thing as me. When the food was ready after about 10 minutes, I was sidestepped as they told the officer that his food was ready and handed him his order while I was literally standing in their line of sight. Then I had to wait nearly an additional 7 more minutes. I couldn't tell if this was a racial situation because they are Syrian (light skinned) in a predominantly dark-skinned Arab hub, but the irony is that I'm not even Arab/Muslim. I'm a Hispanic that I suppose can pass as for being a brown Middle Easterner. And I'm aware that there are tensions amongst certain communities even within a cultural hub as I can confirm that some Hispanic groups dislike others yet own and run restaurants in the same neighborhoods. Regardless, my rational assessment is that there was some reason they blatantly and shamelessly decided to disrespect a patient paying customer in such a manner. It wasn't an accident or a misunderstanding. I read the room and noticed that their staff all had nonchalant unwelcoming attitude when I was giving my order, but they didn't keep the same energy when the police man placed his order. That experience left a poor taste in my mouth despite the food actually tasting good. I never desired to be collateral to whatever politics...

Up there with one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had.

Came across this place on Google while shopping in the area. Decided to order online and do pick up. I ordered at around 8:45 or 9pm (their hours are until 10pm). I complete my order and head over within 3-4 mins. I get there and I’m surprised to see the lights are mostly off, but the open sign is still on. It is max 9:10pm. I get to the door and pull and it’s locked. I see two guys in the back doing something so I start knocking. I’m met with some super aggressive looks and they wave me off.

How rude can you be lol??? I ordered food at your restaurant and already paid you the money. Don’t **ing wave me off. At this point the guy comes to the window and I show him an order confirmation on my phone through the glass. Dude just brings out a white container and hands it over. He was so unnecessarily aggressive through this encounter. He walks back in and locks the door, so I go back to my car.

The food is cold and it’s the wrong order. I decided not to go back since these guys clearly weren’t in the mood to do their job. Why lock the door nearly an hour before close and then get mad when someone shows up since you didn’t turn off online ordering?

Most insane food ordering experience. I probably won’t be coming back unless I just want the feeling of someone being mad at me for giving them business.

Would not recommend and will not be coming back. Also, be careful they might beat you up if you show up when it’s near...

It is difficult to choose from so many dining places for lunch on Main St., Patterson. We decided to try this recently open place.

This place gives me a good impression by providing hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes on every table. There is also an open basin for hand washing. It gives you the peace of mind when Covid is still a concern.

We ordered two sandwiches, one platter and an Ayran. The portion of food is good and tasty. The rice of the platter is brown, not yellow as in other places.

Parking can be challenging, but is true for every restaurant on Main St. Be prepared to park on side streets and take a short walk.

Before leaving, I was surprised and glad to find a bidet installed in the restroom. This is the only small dining place that I know of with such thoughtfulness for patrons.

The only complaint that I have is the wait time for getting my food. It took a little bit longer than I expected. They have a good number of to-go orders, so people dining in like me, usually are not in a hurry, would have to wait a bit.

Overall speaking, I can see the owner Mohammed has put his heart into making this place comfortable and welcoming.

Will I come...