Ali Baba Cafe & Hookah Bar

Went in for lunch on a weekday and they were not that busy, but that didnt stop them for taking longer than I would have expected. The food however was good. I had shwarma and taboli with fresh pita bread. The food had an authentic taste and I will go back, but you have to plan for the wait.

Great if sometimes quirky place for lunch. Try the lunch specials - they are a good deal for downtown.
The spicy gyro has become a must have dish for my co-workers and me. The salad is decent. Fries for some of my friends.
Service can be slow or fast - it depends who you get.
It gets very crowded at lunch and the back room while perhaps authentic from a middle eastern perspective is low seating and low tables. Awkward for Midwesterners. But if you have a large group you will get to experience it.
Bottom line it is on the weekly lunch rotation and not many make that list.

PS. The spicy gyro is nicely balanced and not super spicy.

From reading reviews it sure looks like the food is best served there rather than carried out.

Came with a party of 5 and left full and happy. Ordered spicy gyro which was two whole pita gyros. The meat was seasoned and delicious but it was greasy; It was a bit heavy for lunch but pretty awesome for $10+tip.  The only bad part is you take the smell home in your clothes and hair.