Mamoun’s at St. Marks
Posted on Oct 17 in Dine In, Featured, Take Outby ShanMasalaPrint
Cheap eats are always a big hit for everyone on the go and sometimes nothing is better than having a little sandwich at late night when everything else is closed. Fortunately, living in New York there’s always a place in the middle of the night where I can go and get some good food.
A few days ago, I was hanging with a friend of mine and we were just talking about life and really getting to know each other better (yes, it was one of those talks). As usual, I had been running around all day and was hungry, since we were in the East Village about to meet up with some friends, I knew I was gonna go to to “Mamoun’s” for a falafel.
Mamoun’s is a very popular place for Middle Eastern food, the specialty being their falafel (which are now priced at $2.50). There are two locations currently, the original one which is on MacDougal St. on the West Side and the more recent one on St. Marks Place (8th Street between 3rd Ave and Ave A in the East Village) which happens to always be buzzing with activity. The area is noted for having many restaurants and shops tucked into every corner; with everything from yakitori joints to tattoo parlors, jewelry stands, pizza shops, yoga studios, indie music vendors, and much more. It’s a great place for people to watch and get some really yummy and affordable food.
While, I could have easily gone to the original Mamouns shop in Greenwich Village, I think it was only fair that I checked this place out since I never went to it. I can honestly say that this location is pretty much the same as the other location on MacDougal Street: It features the same menu, the same setup and even the same seating (not too roomy at all). However, at only $2.50, this falafel sandwich is quite a bargain. The sandwich itself is big, but didn’t seem to have much falafel in it. The falafel pita contains some salad items, and there’s probably around three falafel balls in it. They are flattened and sliced up, so it’s difficult to tell how many you get, but it’s quite delicious. Other than the falafel, they have a very delicious chicken sandwich (which I personally would get with hummus). The chicken has a great charred flavor and is normally very tender and moist. If chicken isn’t your thing, then have the Sharwarma. It one of the best available in the city and has a meaty-salty flavor. Now, the only issue is that a few trusted brothers have brought to my attention that the ownership has changed and the meats aren’t halal anymore, however speaking to the brother at the shop he did confirm to me it was halal, so as prescribed, I will take his word for it. Lastly, Mamoun’s is known for the various awards it has won over years and it’s definitely a great spot to have a quick and cheap bite.
Pictures
Recommendations
- Falafel Sandwich
- Chicken-Kebab with Hummus
- Shawarma with hot sauce
- In the cold months, get the burning hot green tea!
Rating
- Food: 4.0 – Good sandwiches, great hummus and pipping not tea
- Value: 5.0 – $2.50 for a falafel sandwiches, you cant be that!
- Service: 4.0 – service with a smile, so no complaints
- Lota-Pani: 3.5 - clean as expected to be; no restrooms
- Decor: 2.5 – wooden benches and outside seating was it!
Overall
Halal Rating
- Verbal halal verification by staff
- Trusted people state otherwise
Location
22 St. Marks Place New York, NY 10003
Contact
Phone: (212) 387-7747
Website: http://www.mamouns.com/
13 Comments
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Sameer Ahmed: Hi have u tried Chinese Mirch in Framingham, they ...
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ShanMasala: No sorry no recipes yet. I'll post them up when I ...
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Sheuly: I love this restaurant and their food. I always go...
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pssst...don't drink the koolaid: good review, but you left it @ only falafels, but ...
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HungryMuslim is the first community based website celebrating food enthusiasm through blogs, reviews and feedback focused for the typical everyday Muslim. 
Mamoun’s is definitely a great place to eat. their Kafta Kebab is probably the best meat sandwich i would recommend and the reason for that is because of the round disc of meat in the sandwich, every bite has meat in it as opposed to the chicken or the shwarma ones where you might get more salad and less or no meat with each bite. Another thing to be aware of is that the shwarma is prepared with slices of meat as well as fat (yes FAT) so you will be tasting quite a bit of fat when you bite into that sandwich, unless thats your thing. I know its not mine so i stay away from that particular item on the menu.
ShanMasala, was it not you that told me that Mamoun’s halal verification was highly questionable?
if the head of a mosque tells you its no longer halal due to ownership changing hands, but the guy at the counter does the halal issue is questionable!
which is why I only give it 1 moon;
Click here for a explanation
Looks interesting, I’m going to check this place out!
this place was really good!
I just had it tonight, the chicken with hummus was the best.
I only wish, I tired it sooner!
The Chicken Kofta sandwich with their special firey hot sauce is finger lickin’ delicious!
so who was the imam that said it isnt Halal?
Brother Abdul from the Islamic Center on 1st Ave advised me about this after I made a reference to go there one night. However, I am still giving them the benefit because a muslim brother serving me said so.
Thanks for the response. I was thinking that it would be the Imam from the 1st ave masjid since thats the one closest to the st marks location.
Mamoun’s is a great place for cheap quick tasty food. I usually just get the felafel sandwich for $2.50, but last time I went I was thinking of getting some meat. I asked the guy behind the counter if they were halaal. He smiled and said “Na’am.” I got a lamb kebab sandwich, which was surprisingly juicy and flavorful.
I recommend going for my St. Marks Place Triple Threat: a Felafel sandwich from Mamoun’s, a one dollar slice from “Dollar Pizza” (Two Brothers), and a “real deal” yogurt from Red Mango. They’re all right on that block.