Hala Cafe — Restaurant in Texas

Where to begin?! We went for dinner and sat outside where they kept it nice and warm. The atmosphere was so welcoming and we were spaced enough to enjoy one anothers company without being on top of other tables. Usually restaurants try to pack in as many people as they can. There is a lot of thoughtfulness in the seating and ambience. The owner, Khaled, was AMAZING! He spent a great bit of time with us discussing how they prepare the food with only the finest ingredients as well as the health benefits of some of the spices they use. He is a chef and has mastered creating dishes that are both healthy, delicious, and at a great price. He made us some delicious tea from his own blend of spices and fresh mint leaves. Their mint lemonade is my new favorite drink and the mango smoothie is fresh. Everything is put together with such thoughtfulness and with the customer in mind. Our server was very friendly and had incredible manners and answered all our questions. They also don't rush you through your meal. It didn't even feel like we were eating out. For recommendations: the chicken shawarma plate was incredible. They use a basil-based salad dressing for the salad and a garlic toom to dip the shawarma in. Also, complimentary hummus and naan. I've just found my favorite...

I can't say enough good about this place. This is a hidden gem in San Antonio. It's the best food I've had in this city. The atmosphere is very nice. The indoor seating is pleasant but the outdoor area is just gorgeous. It would be perfect for an evening or nighttime dinner. They have really nice outdoor lighting. Next, the service is beyond exceptional. The owner was friendly and helpful. Because it was our first time there we weren't sure what to order. I asked him what his favorites were and he offered to put a special meal together for us. We happily accepted. We enjoyed an appetizer plate that was half baba ghanoush and half hummus served with a lovely flat bread. We had the tastiest salad ever. It was dressed with a very original basil dressing that was unlike anything I've ever tasted and SO good. We then shared 4 generous skewers of meat- 2 were beef, one was lamb and one was chicken. The chicken had the most delicious flavor of lemon and curry. The lamb is the best I've ever had and left me craving it all week. Last we had baklava for dessert. It was divine! If I could give this place 100 stars I would. It's tucked away and not easily noticed, but you don't want to miss it! Once you try it you'll want to go back...

Absolutely THE BEST lamb I've ever had!!! Highly recommend Halas Café! Family and friends have been going there for a while and I finally joined them, I was really missing out! I went on July 2, 2021 for their 1 year anniversary celebration. I had the Tikka Lamb plate and it was phenomenal. The Hummus is the best-ever and so fresh. The salad was delicious and combined well with everything. As I mentioned I went during their anniversary celebration and I'll tell you now that the service goes above and beyond. I was told by my friends that the atmosphere is not usually so busy and more intimate in nature, but the anniversary celebration brought everyone out in support. There was a large crowd in attendance for the celebration and though it seems that the service would suffer under such circumstances--it did NOT suffer at all. The staff went above and beyond not only to accommodate everyone, they also did it with a friendly smile. They had belly-dancers and live singing which was beautiful, the singer has a great voice! Got everyone moving! The Hookah service is also fantastic. We had the James Mix and it was great. I can't say enough good things about Halas Café. Highly recommend you go...