Maoz

I saw Maoz mentioned a couple of times several years ago, but wanted to check in to see if anybody else has eaten at the Maoz in the Rosemont outlet mall, and if so, if you thought it was as amazing as I did.

I knew nothing of Maoz, and was simply offered a sample of their falafel, as is typical in mall food courts. What was not typical was the fact that the falafel stopped me dead in my tracks and I pivoted immediately to the line to order a falafel sandwich.

I absolutely loved this sandwich, and have made up excuses to buy my wife something just to go eat a falafel sandwich here.

5220 Fashion Outlet Way
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-678-8834

Looks like it was founded by an Israeli couple living in Amsterdam back in 1991. The Rosemont location is the first in the Chicago area.

They seem to expand by the franchise model, but the restaurants are keeping to vegetarian items only. If it weren't for the yogurt sauce, they could easily market themselves as vegan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maoz_Vegetarian

I work in the area and tried their falafel sandwich once and I agree that the falafel was very impressive. I recall the pita itself being a bit old, but I've been meaning to get back to give it another shot.

I work in Rosemont and often stop here to eat because it is SO GOOD.

I always get the falafel salad which is a bowl with a little lettuce, a ton of falafel and any of about 10 different salad type toppings they offer (of which I usually get all of them). The toppings are anything from pickled baby beets to pickles to lightly fried broccoli and cauliflower (my fave). Then there are a few types of salsas- I always get the cilantro salsa on top. At the end are self serve sauces- tahini, yogurt and garlic- all very tasty.

I can't comment on any of the other menu items, although the menu is small. I have never added hummus or any of their "premium" toppings but they are available.

I recommend it to anyone who likes falafel as theirs is very well done and the quality of the other ingredients puts it over the top.

I've only eaten at Maoz in Amsterdam, but they were the best cheap eats I found by far there. I think I ate there 3 times in the day and a half in Amsterdam. Has anyone eaten at the Amsterdam and U.S. locations who can give a comparison?

Are there any other falafel joints in the Chicago area that have a topping bar like that? I thought it was a genius idea.

I haven't been to Maoz so can't offer a comparison but Falafill has a salad/condiment bar.

Ive eaten at Maoz in NYC, where several chains of the same name operate. Not sure if it is the same thing, but the falafel is atrocious IMHO.