Al Manakeesh — Restaurant in Stickney Township

I had an extremely disappointing experience at Al Manakeesh. I ordered a simple manaeesh with cheese, and it took an excessive 30 minutes to arrive. During that time, I had to repeatedly approach the counter to inquire about my order. When the manaeesh finally arrived, it was cold, undercooked, and lacked the crispiness I had specifically requested. The dough was pale and almost raw.

After expressing my dissatisfaction with the manaeesh, the staff member picked it up with his gloves and casually dismissed my request for it to be crispy, stating, “Well, it’s good for us.” To make matters worse, these were the same gloves he had been using for a variety of unsanitary tasks: handling his cellphone, wiping tables, opening and closing drawers, operating the cash register, and even handling cash. The lack of hygiene was appalling.

I was taken aback by the dismissive attitude, especially considering that as paying customers, our requests and preferences should be respected. The fact that the staff member seemed more concerned with his own preferences than with fulfilling a basic customer request was unacceptable.

We drove 40 minutes to this restaurant, excited to try the food, only to be severely disappointed. The combination of poor service, substandard food, and unprofessional, unhygienic behavior from the staff has ensured that I will not be returning to this establishment. I strongly advise others to avoid this restaurant if they value their time,...

If you’re craving a taste of the Middle East, look no further than Al Manakeesh. This cozy spot serves up some of the best Palestinian-style pizza pies you’ll ever have. Manakeesh, a staple in Palestinian cuisine, is the star of the show here, and it’s done to perfection.

The dough is perfectly baked, soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, creating the ideal base for the variety of delicious toppings they offer. Whether you’re a fan of the classic za’atar with its earthy thyme and olive oil blend or prefer something heartier like the minced meat with onions and spices, Al Manakeesh has something to satisfy every palate.

One of the standout dishes is their cheese manakeesh, which oozes with a blend of traditional Middle Eastern cheeses. The flavors are rich and comforting, bringing a slice of home to those familiar with these tastes and a delightful discovery for newcomers.

The atmosphere at Al Manakeesh is warm and inviting, with friendly staff who are more than happy to guide you through the menu. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

If you’re in the mood for something beyond the usual pizza fare and want to explore authentic Palestinian flavors, Al Manakeesh is a must-visit. The delicious food, welcoming ambiance, and reasonable prices make it a true gem.

THEY ALSO HAVE EXCELLENT COFFEE!! I tried their Spanish Ice Latte, and it was great!...

Despite the promising menu and cultural appeal, my recent experience at Al Manakeesh left much to be desired. The food lacked freshness and depth of flavor. The manakeesh dough, which should be soft and slightly crisp, was dense and dry, suggesting it had either been pre-cooked or left out too long before serving. Toppings, particularly the za’atar and cheese blend, were unevenly spread and lacked the bold taste one would expect from authentic Levantine cuisine.

Moreover, the meat options were under-seasoned and overcooked, resulting in a tough texture that detracted from the dish’s appeal. Even the accompanying sides, such as hummus and pickles, felt like an afterthought—bland and store-bought in quality.

Overall, the experience did not reflect the richness or vibrancy typically associated with Middle Eastern street food. With some attention to freshness, seasoning, and preparation consistency, Al Manakeesh could significantly improve. As it stands, however, the food fails to justify the hype...