Kabul House
4949 Oakton St, Skokie, IL, 60077
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Address :
4949 Oakton St
Skokie, IL, 60077 - Phone (847) 674-3830
- Website https://kabulhouse.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Karis F.
I eat at Kabul House almost every week (close to work) and it's always the same wonderful experience - delicious food and great service at a very fair price. If you are heading there for lunch, they have several lunch specials that aren't listed on the current menu. My regular is the vegetarian special (even though I'm not a vegetarian), but everything I've had is really good. And the beef mantoo dumplings are amazing! Every customer I've brought here for a business lunch has loved it, too. They are always pleasantly surprised at the culinary offerings of Skokie!
(5)Shahrukh H.
Really fun place. Love Fresh Food. Enjoyed every bits and pieces of it. Even though I didn't got the window table but it was enjoyable experience. Love the authentic black tea, Almond Harrisa, Three Combo Platter. Loved it. Will go next time pretty soon and going to try new stuff.
(5)Chitown C.
Don't even know where to start. This place is amazing. From the amazing soup to the insanely tender and moist Murgh kabobs, Kabul House is the best. We take all of our family when in town and they can't believe how good it is. Oh, the Afghan rice is insane. The service is impeccable and BYOB! Do yourself a favor and hit this place up.
(5)Bill I.
I am literally sitting in this place right now and having the exact same experience as a reviewer that was in here last night. Service is taking FOREVER. Complimentary soup (already prepared) too 20 mins after a 15 min wait to order drinks. BK (before kids) we would have bounced but it's like packing for an ascent of K2 with the two of them, so here we wait. That said, food is pretty darn good. Worth the wait? I guess, if you don't have anywhere to be....at all. Ever.
(2)Jon N.
Good food, service has been on the decline for some time now. The place is full, hire more people!
(3)Ryan M.
Please relocate to wicker park!!! I don't make it to Skokie often but when I saw Kabul House had 4.5 stars I had to try it. I am generally a fan of middle eastern so I was excited to try afghani. I asked the waiter to recommend a few of the more authentic dishes and we ended up with the matook and qorma sabzee. Both we full of flavor and excellent. The sauce served with the matook was also excellent. The staff was also very friendly and attentive.
(5)Bart S.
I am going to jump in and also give this place 5 stars, which I don't think I ever did before on any review, reason being, it was just so different, unlike anything I have had before. Plus, it was GREAT! The staff was terrific, the service unbeatable and it was priced right, it was also, BYOB which is great, especially if you know that before going there. Food choices were all intererting , we had a large group and were able to sample much of the menu. Lots of raves in other reviews for the Lentil Soup, they also offered a Vegetable Soup too which was also A+ Here is my suggestion, if you are looking for something different, go to the Kabul House. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(5)Steve R.
It's my wife's birthday, and our son is joining us for dinner. I had made a reservation at a new bistro in the city, but J*** said she wanted to try something ethnic. D*** says "Hey, I know this very interesting Afghan restaurant from which I've gotten delivery food, and it is really good." So we look on the web, see the menu, and said, hey, we have to try this place. I called the restaurant to make a reservation, and was told that reservations are taken for parties of 6 or more, but they thought there should be no problem for Sunday evening. The Kabul House is located at the southwest corner of Niles Ave. and Oakton St. in Skokie, in an attractive new building. We arrived at about 7 pm, and the restaurant was full, with one couple waiting for a table. There are booths along windows facing both Niles and Oakton, and tables comprise the rest of the seating. Afghan music played softly in the background. We started with Aurshak, a thin doughed dumpling filled with scallions and leeks, and topped with a meat and tomato sauce, with a yogurt mint sauce adjacent to the dumplings. Mantoo was very similar, but with ground beef mixed with spices, carrots and onions in the dumplings, but plated in the same way. We also had Boranee Baunjan, a mix of eggplant tomatoes and garlic that is similar to the Indian Baigan Bharta in taste and appearance. All 3 appetizers were excellent. Entrees came with soup. I had the Aush-Rishta, a thick combination of chickpeas, lentils, red kidney beans in a puree with a few noodles that tasted wonderful. I tried the tomato lentil soup that J*** and D*** had, which was very good as well. For entrees, we had Murgh, 2 skewers of broiled chicken done perfectly, with a tandoor red exterior and moist interior. Koubideh, 2 skewers of ground beef with afghan spices, was also delicious. For the 3rd entrée, we had Kabuli Palau, pieces of lamb shank meat, covered with Afghan rice (carrots, raisins, cumin and other seasonings). The rice also was served at the sides of the meat in the other 2 entrees. I enjoyed the Palau, but not as much as the other two entrees. The lamb had mutton overtones, with a fatty consistency often found in braised lamb shank, and although worthwhile, I would try other menu offerings first. Rice accompanies most of the entrees, but of the 3 rice choices, afghan, white saffron or dill-lima bean, I would pick the Afghan for its wonderful flavor. We will definitely return to Kabul House and try more of their excellent preparations. They also have a takeout restaurant on Devon Avenue with some sandwich options as well.
(4)Minhee K.
My boyfriend has told me this place is better than noon o kabob, so today I decided to try it. We ordered an appetizer of mantoo, which by the way are scrumptious little ground beef dumplings that were perfectly Al dente. For our entrées we ordered two murgh (chicken kabobs) dinners with half dill and half afghan rice. The flavor of the murgh is amazing, and the juices just flowed out when I cut into it. The long grained rice was fluffy and just a perfect starch pairing with the chicken. The 10% off your entire meal for checking in was worth it. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 3 Service: 4 Came here with my gf for lunch 2 weeks ago. 1. Aush-Rishta soup yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Good. 2. Lentil soup Pretty good. 3. Mantoo, 6 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. ~Pretty good. 4. Murghone two skewers 14 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Juicy delicious lightly marinated chicken, cooked on an open fire. ~Pretty good. Chicken was cooked nicely, and I liked the seasoned rice. 5. Qabili Palau 14 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Tender chunks of seasoned lamb cooked served under a heap of seasoned rice that is garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins ~Okay. A ton of seasoned rice. Service was good. There is street parking and a garage next door. Overall, a good lunch, but fell short of what I typically give 4 stars to. Check in on Yelp and get 10% off.
(3)Najam Q.
Very flavorful food. The best thing I had was the beef ravioli dish (can't remember what it was called). Definitely a wait if you show up during peak hours but staff and service was exceptional.
(4)Michelle F.
Well yelp helped us find this place and it was fantastic! We had the triple kabob and spinach and lamb dishes and both were fabulous! The Afghan rice and soups were also wonderful! We will definitely be going back here!
(5)Peter P.
I grew up in Skokie and never made it to their Dempster location before it closed. Then on a return trip to visit family, I noticed that had reopened at a much better location in downtown Skokie. I took that as a sign and ventured inside. All the reviews I read said i must have the murgh. Boy, were they right! Amazingly tender and flavorful. Also the lentil soup was probably in the top 3 lentil soups I have ever had. Service is friendly and attentive. This is usually what you get with family-owned and operated businesses. I can't believe it took me this long to visit Kabul House. Everytime I come up to visit my family, a trip to Kabul House will be in the offing.
(4)D. P.
I absolutely love Kabul House. Everything on the menu is delicious! It's a great place to go with carnivores and vegetarians/vegans, because they have a fantastic vegetarian plate with an interesting array of vegetables., but they also have a wonderful selection of kebabs. The baby pumpkin is my favorite! The prices are reasonable and the quality is consistently excellent. I have been here many times and with different people each time. Everybody enjoyed it and wanted to come back.
(5)Omar B.
We drove all the way from Michigan to try this restaurant. Service was excellent. The place is immaculately clean. Food was good. It wasn't the best but maybe because we just returned from Afghanistan. We ordered the bolani, kabob combo and mast-wa badrang which is the yogurt sauce with cucumbers. Kabob and rice were cooked wonderfully and the soup was great. The tea was really good & the ice cream was amazing. Definitely worth the trip. 4 stars because the Bolani wasn't made with real dough. It was filo dough I believe and a lot of it. Also lacked salt.
(4)Matt R.
So, this Kabul location is back open. And it's not just good. It's Amazing. Service was nice, quick and polite, and the decor + the music is good. I always welcome truly cultural things in a cultural location - after all, I'm not looking to go get Americanized cultural food. I want the real deal! Kabul's style, is awesome. First, the Aushak is really good, and unique It's somewhat like a spinach ravioli, but not quite. We had it with the Bulanee, which was also fantastic!. If you're a fan of okra, Kabul House has you covered with their Bulanee(I am). Looks like I missed mentioning the soups that come with the dinner. The soups have chickpeas in them and taste very unique. I've never had a taste like that come out of a soup, and it was still excellent. Of notice is that every single item ordered comes out in an artful manner. It's not just "food on a plate"...the way everything is laid including the sauces out factors in the plate shape and shows why this place was worth praise by channel 11 among other things. This is my first time eating afghan food, so the change in seasonings was well - the pumpkin Chalua my partner had was awesome as well as the Eggplant one I had. There was not one bad thing about the entire meal - good waitstaff service, good food, and fast service. There's not too much I can say other than that this place was worth a try. 2 appetizers, 2 teas, 2 meals and the bill didn't even break $50 with tip. That's a pretty darn good deal to me. They did make a small slipup and gave us one of the dinners with the appetizer instead of both appetizers, but no they apologized and no harm there. I'll be coming back again, for certain.
(5)Kristina K.
This place is EXCELLENT...the food was absolutely to die for! The service and ambiance was fantastic!
(5)Jen O.
Went here for Christmas Eve dinner and it made for a great holiday feast. I really enjoyed the traditional lentil soup they serve everyone as an appetizer, the mantoo, the lamb & chicken kebobs, and the afghani rice. Also, since they don't serve alcohol they let you BYOB.
(5)Beth B.
When this place is good it's absolutely outstanding. However there has been some real inconsistency and if you happen to come on the wrong day, the service may be painfully slow, the soup way too watered down or way too spicy. What's really worse than a horrible restaurant thats horrible all the time, is a restaurant where the food CAN be outstanding but you do not know from each time if it's going to be great or a bad experience. I just wish they could get it together as I am more reluctant to come here with people I want to impress or when I have limited time to wait for very slow service.
(3)Andrew S.
Kabul house just barely garners 5*s in my book. The food is really good and the fact that they deliver all the way to Evanston is fantastic. Dining in the environment is clean and i love that they offer Byob since they obviously wouldnt serve alcohol there. The cooks are Afghan and it shows, all the kabobs and shawerma dishes are on point and the Afghan rice is delectable. its slightly expensive but quite worth it for something you will rarely find anywhere else. Im not a huge fan of their yogurt sauce but that may just be me, ask for it on the side just in case. * there is some sort of green sauce they serve with the entrees, im not sure what its called but ask for exxxxtra because itll change your life, for the better lol.
(5)April W.
Lately I have been trying places off the beaten path. Getting bored with reviewers on here that review the same old, same old hip and trendy places. YES yelpers, we know all the places on Randolph Street are all great (I myself am guilty of this). So tonight I decided to try one of the restaurants I have been wanting to try in my hood. Boy am I glad I did. I cannot even explain each and every dish to you, but truly encourage you to just go and try it. Delicious tender meats, amazing herb infused rice with different yet familiar seasoning. Amazing appetizers and best yet it is BYOB. The service was also great. It has been a long time that I have been to a restaurant where they were not trying to hard except to deliver delicious and thoughtful food cooked from the heart. Two things to warn you, this place is small and crowded at times, so even if you make a reservation be prepared to wait (believe me, wait, it is worth it). Also, you will leave her with your clothes smelling like the food, which is only a bad thing if you are going somewhere after. I also wouldn't recommend the dill rice if you are on a date as mine had it all in the teeth LOL. What I ate was: Appetizer Mantoo and Bulanee, both were outstanding Salad Chopped Apple, Fresh, perfect balance of flavor, great dressing Main Courses Murgh and the lamb one with Afghan rice the other with dill, I know the chicken is rated best in the city and it was great but the lamb was unreal! So great. Dessert Firnee and the Afghan Ice Cream. I did not personally love the firnee but it was as I imagine, perfectly prepared. The ice cream was amazing with a hint of rosewater and I enjoyed the crunch of the pistachio. All in all it was a great experience. Topped off by having great service from a lovely hostess. Run here quick before it is on the news or Check Please and you can't get in.
(5)Liz S.
We have ordered delivery from here several times, but last night finally had dinner at the Skokie location. All I can say is everyone must mantoo!! Those things are the bomb dot com - little dumplings of the most delicious filling and spice. The service was very good, and the place is cute. Unfortunately I did not check Yelp before we went (yes shame on me) so I didn't realize it was BYOB. Next time I'll be sure to bring some vino for my mantoo. We also had the chicken kabob and the lamb kabuli palau - both were very good, the lamb was the better of the two. The seasoned rice with carrot and raisin is soooo good!!! Very happy to see that this grubhub favorite is also a nice destination for a dinner out. And remember, you must mantoo!
(5)T K.
Wow - this was really good. The service was outstanding. The food was spot on. Only complaint - it was pretty smokey (from the kitchen) in the establishment by the time we left - but we really enjoyed our meal and couldn't decide whose dish was better. We had the salmon, lamb stew, and chicken kabobs. Wonderful. The custard dessert - to die for!
(5)Darrell M.
I had lentil soup and mantoo plate for lunch. They were both great. I also really enjoyed the black tea with cardamom, which hit the spot on a chilly afternoon. Service was good and put up with our at times clueless and/or demanding party. I'd go back for sure. Yum.
(4)Michael L.
This place is great. I feared it might have been over rated but had to go try it out. Went on a Friday night for my wife's birthday. Service was great as the servers and owner(?) were very helpful in making our selection since it was our first time trying Afghan food. We took their recommendation of doing family style and sharing so we can try everything and it everything we got was great. My favorite dishes were the chicken kabob and the bulanee appetizer. Don't pass up on the bulanee if you are a bread person!
(5)Roslyn P.
We love Kabul House. Now we won't be able to get a table as it will be so popular. Congratulations Kabul House. We have been fans and followers to all locations since they were located in a tiny store front in Evanston. The food is outstanding and the service is wonderful;. RP
(5)Ijeoma O.
What a great experience! I was traveling and not feeling well, so when I saw that there was Afghan food nearby, I grabbed a cab for some comforting dinner. I told the server that I didn't eat meat, so he recommended a delicious pasta. It came with soup, but he accidentally brought the wrong one, so he gave me an extra soup. I've had a fair amount of Afghan food in the past - and both the soup and pasta were very good. He also brought me some rice and a delicious pudding on the house! The bill for the entire meal (soup, bread, pasta, rice, pudding, and tea) was $15! I gave a pretty big tip because it was honestly some of the best service I've ever received at a restaurant. The server even gave me a bunch of suggestions on different Chicago attractions to see while I was in town. I'll definitely stop here every time I'm in Chicago.
(5)Sofia B.
Food is always great and served to perfection. Staff is well mannered, polite and informative. Just found out this place is BYOB!!! Will definitely be back again and again. Recommend.
(5)Saba K.
Authentic afghani food... Been to the one on Devon Kabul house express but this one is much better. The size of the restaurant is a little small, so you may have to wait to be seated on a busy evening. Overall the quality of food and the service was great!
(4)Jiyoun B.
An afghan restaurant in downtown Skokie? Yes. An amzaing afghan restaurant in downtown Skokie. Food here is good. This is not just another Mediterranean place. Unexpected sweetness from the dried fruit in the rice really complements the grilled meats. I went to a very famous afghan restaurant in DC. Kabul House is classier and tastier. I even liked their lentil soup. I HATE lentil soup. I stole a slurp from my poor husbands soup spoons. I had to be reminded the rest of our food order is on its way. Definitely go here! Oh so good.
(5)Teri D.
WOW!! Amazing and different but delicious. I had the lamb on spinach with Afghan rice (forgot the name of the dish LOL) and it was truly inspiring. I don't know if it was perfectly cooked according to Afghan standards but I loved it. The lamb was tender and delicious with perfect seasonings. I expected the food to be spicier here--a lot spicier, but I wasn't unhappy with the warm tongue tingle. My friend Carol had the Afghan ravioli which was delicious and beautifully presented. I've never had Afghan food before, but I'll definitely be having it again! It was so good! The basil and mint iced tea was to die for--so good that Carol bought some on the way out! It's places like this that make my Chicago visits so memorable! UPDATE 12/6/14 Made a return visit 12/6/14 and OMFG it was just as good as I remembered. I had the chicken kabobs with the Afghan rice which was TO DIE FOR. The "Firnee" made in house with rosewater was interesting but I wouldn't order it again. It had a weird perfume taste which I'm sure is the rosewater but I didn't care much for it. If you like rosewater then it would probably be divine but it wasn't my cup of chai. EVERYTHING else was absolutely fabulous and I am looking forward to going there again next week, it was outstanding. Service was attentive and our server was very pleasant and made a terrific meal even better.
(5)Brooklyn Barry B.
Started out with the Mantoo and the Aushak which was awesome. Then for the main dish we ordered the Kabuli Palau which is sweet succulent lamb and the chicken Kabobs with the Afhgan rice. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME and it's BYOB.
(5)Bharat W.
Kabul House is one of the best restaurants I have gone to. Sure, there are places like Liebertad in the neighborhood that have contemporary menus and places like Pita Inn that have cult like following. Here is why Kabul House is top notch: Decor- a simple, pleasant decor that feels intimate. Servers - friendliest staff that are genuinely accommodating and want you to have a good dinning experience. Food- perfectly cooked, hearty traditional Afghani food that tastes spectacular. The montoo, the bulanee, are stellar appetizers. The aushak, qorma sabzee, and murg chalau are fantastic. Their chicken is cooked to heavenly tenderness, one of the fewest places I order chicken as a reason. Bottom line, this is what a great perfectionist family restaurant should look like. 5 out of 5, keep it up Kabul House.
(5)Sayeed S.
Had Kabul veggie dishes last night and they were great. Had the Kabuli Rice, Bulani Bread, Veggie Sampler, and Mint Chutney. The rice was great as usual. There seemed to be an item missing - the eggplant appetizer. Somehow we got the Bulani Bread instead of the Burani. I guess that's what happens when they have such similar names! This was a major disappointment as that is our favorite dish, but the Bulani thankfully turned out to be vegetarian and it was great so it made up for the disasspointment (to a certain degree). The Mint Chutney felt like it had no salt at all. Wouldn't recommend that.
(4)Theresa F.
I live in Chicago but will definitely be going out of my way to come back! I was here with a group of 25 for a birthday party. The service was still phenomenal - they were quick and really polite! Food was even better!!!
(5)Tammy L.
I should qualify this by saying that I haven't been to Kabul House in a long time, since before they moved to this location. And I see that my standard order, the vegetarian platter, has changed slightly because it used to have a different vegetable in place of the cauliflower. But I'm guessing one thing hasn't changed: these people can cook. This was one of my favorite places to eat while I was going to Northwestern up north, and I so wish they'd open a location in the city. The people are always friendly, the food is delicious (loooove the rice), and it's a good value. I can't wait to visit this newer location sometime soon. If you can get to it easily, consider yourself lucky. I miss Kabul House a lot!
(5)Spencer H.
Service was great! Food was amazing! Very delicious meats. Come here for a great middle eastern meal!
(5)Ali Z.
My all-time favorite restaurant in Chicago! All the 5-star reviews don't lie, the food here is nothing short of phenomenal. I've been following this restaurant since their first location at Dempster to their short lived spot in Elk Grove Village and now to the downtown Skokie and Devon locations. During that time I've tried nearly everything on the menu and I can't recall anything being less than delicious. Ok, I'm not crazy about the puffy bread they serve with some dishes but hey no one's perfect. Where do I start? The tomato lentil and aush soups are delicious and come free with entrees. Love the mantoo and aushak, which are dumplings filled with beef, scallions, and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce and mint. The vegetable dishes are delectable especially the kaddo, a sweet and savory spiced pumpkin dish. I recommend ordering the vegetarian platter to sample all of the different vegetables. Meat and rice are the star here and don't disappoint. The chicken kabobs are the juiciest I've ever tasted. The national Afghan dish, Qabuli Pulow is done to perfection with tender pieces of lamb buried beneath seasoned rice, carrots, and raisins. I've eaten at numerous Afghan joints in DC and NY, and nothing comes close to Kabul House. The only thing I wish is they served chappli kabab but for that, you'll have to head to their Devon location. Highly recommended!
(5)Ronson S.
The food here Is phenomenal. We had great service and the food was just amazing. Lentil soup and the chicken plate was great so I recommend that. Employees were just great also.
(5)Melissa M.
My husband and I have a long-term project of eating at a restaurant for every country in the world. To check Afghanistan off our list, we dined tonight at Kabul House in Skokie. This is one of the best meals that I've had so far as part of our project. The food was really, really good. I don't know how authentic it was compared to food you'd get in Afghanistan or it if was "Americanized" for our palate, but I thought the food was delicious and incredibly flavorful. We ordered an appetizer and two entrees and we offered complimentary soup. They offer two soups, so we decided to each order one so we could try them both. I first got the Aush -Rishta which the describe as the "best soup you'll ever have." I chuckle at those claims...but in this case...it might not just be propaganda! I have been trying to make soups myself over the winter...and this is exactly what I'm trying to get to. It had a thicker base and noodles..not wide noodles, like egg noodles, but noodles like you'd get in a can of campbell's chicken noodle soup. But it also had chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans...so it was a great dish if you're looking for fiber! They say it has cilantro, parsely and garlic...all which i recognized, but then also "fenugreek" which I'm unfamiliar with. I'm going to have to look it up because it must have been what gave it the unique flavor. My husband had the tomato-lentil soup. It was excellent as well, but I really liked the Aush-Rishta much better. I'm going to look up a recipe for this b/c I want to eat it all winter!! We ordered Mantoo for an appetizer. We've found every cuisine has their own version of a dumpling (dumplings, ravioli, kishka, etc) and so this seemed to be the one for this cuisine. It was filled with seasoned meat with a lovely tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. I like to limit my intake of red meat and was worried that the meat sauce might be too much with a meat filling, but it was not. And the cool yogurt sauce on top complimented the dumpling very well. Finally, we got to our entrees. I ordered the Qorba Sabzee which was a lamb stew on sauteed spinach. The lamb was cooked like brisket and was extremely tender and full of flavor. The menu described that it was cooked with onions and garlic, but there was something more which gave it a very different flavor (to my tame American palate). As a side, it came with white rice, but I requested the Afghan rice instead. It was a long-grain brown rice with carrots and raisins. Very nutty flavor in the rice that I like in a brown rice. I'm going to shred carrots from now on for all my rice. Yum! I only ate half of it (given we already had a soup and appetizer) so I'm excited to show it off at work tomorrow for lunch! My husband ordered the Kabuli Palau which is boneless lamb shank that also seemed to be cooked like brisket under the afghan rice...which included the carmelized carrot strips and raisins. It was quite similar to mine just without the spinach...so I was really pleased that I ordered mine. No dessert or tea....although I would loved to try the tea at some point. In terms of decor, very clean and modern. It had ethnic decorations, but they were limited and not too obtrusive. My one criticism would be that they had two TVs over the bar that I found distracting...not that they were loud, I just became distracted by them and was tempted to watch what they had. I think this is a nice enough restaurant that they should not have TVs...no one was sitting at the bar...but perhaps they do a good bar business later in the evening. I would have preferred no televisions (or at least a seat where I could not see the televisions). But this an extremely minor criticism of what was an incredible experience. Seeking out and having dining experiences like this is precisely why we came up with our "Dining around the world" project....some experiences are good...some are not so good....but every once in a while you stumble across a dining experience you really love and want the world to know about! Street parking..and we were there on a Sunday evening and there were no issues. I'm not sure what it would be like any other night of the week, but we didn't have a problem. Oh...and we also love restaurants that provide you with a pitcher of water....I drink a lot of water so I hate to have to get a bus boy's attention every time I need a refill. This way we can refill our glasses ourselves and they just have to monitor if we need a new pitcher...which they did...we had a newly filled pitcher within seconds of finishing our first one. That's just a thing we personally enjoy at restaurants.
(5)Jacqueline S.
I love the fresh and delicious food! You really can't beat the amazing flavors and the homemade taste (in a good way - not like if I made it). Our favorite are the qabili palau with the amazing tender lamb covered in the tasty raisin rice. The mantoo was amazing! It's like homemade ravioli filled with lentils and other amazing veggies and flavors. My boyfriend had the combination kabob (chicken and ground beef) - I really liked the chicken and he really liked the ground beef. The staff was really great and I love the atmosphere and that they are open late.
(5)Katy O.
We came here before heading over to the Gorilla Tango Theater to see our friend in a show. I didn't know much about Kabul House, other than the fact that it had good reviews (although duh, I now see that Antaash U. has been here). From the moment we walked in we received excellent service and attention. This is a very inviting restaurant and everyone wants to make sure you have a great time. We started with a delicious meat-ravioli type appetizer. It was delicious. I had lentil soup (my meal came with it) and it was delicious. I ordered the murgh kabob for my entree and while it wasn't anything amazing, it was delicious. We also ordered a dessert that was almost like a pudding. It was different and I'm glad we tried it, but it wasn't something I'd order again. I would definiltey make the drive up to Skokie to come back here, it was such a great dining experience and there are so many other items on the menu I need to try! PS- it is BYOB!
(4)Jocelyn H.
This place was amazing. The food was fresh, the service was friendly, professional, and knowledgable. I never considered Afghanistan cuisine as being something that stood out as delicious to me but this place made me a lover of Afghan food. We visited on a Sunday afternoon with very little experience with the cuisine and our waiter was happy to navigate us thru the menu and recommend some yummy apps and entrees. The atmosphere was quiet and clean. I wish it were closer to my home downtown but I will definitely be making the trip back to Skokie fr this meal. It sounds like it is a popular weekend night spot so I would be interested to visit for dinner. I would recommend this to any one and every one. Loved it.
(5)International S.
I ordered the chicken Kabob and trust me it tasted way better in Chicago than it could ever be in Kabul. Their service was fast and fabolous. The interiors look inviting and less intimidating, trust me Chicago has lots of restaurants but few that offer real taste. I love thier complimentary rice, it was in total beat with the raisin and saffron. It was a lovely to view meal, with all the jazzy colors. It automatically tuned me in, I was going in wireless. I felt every part of this great ethinic cuisine and most importantly it brought me closer to their national origin. They are amongst the vast underappreciated restaurants in Chicago. I hope they remain as dedicated as they are currently with their service, because Kabul House is a sure winner from judgement.
(5)Jen Z.
Simply one of the best ethnic restaurants I have ever been too. Kabul House has the most tender kabobs you will ever have, incredible appetizers, and DELICIOUS mint tea. My only quibble is the service, which can sometimes be a little pokey. But the great food and nice servers make up for it. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
(5)Johnny T.
"Human. It's entirely possible that I am eating human," I thought as I devoured my food with barely time enough to breathe. I've *never* had chicken that tasted as rich, succulent, flavorful, and decadent as the chicken at Kabul House. Never. Which led me to my perfectly logical conclusion: I was eating people. Let me back up. I have long said that if Yanyao N leads you to a place, you need to eat there immediately. She knows her stuff and if the food is good enough for her to rave over, you need to get there as fast as you can. I waited until one of my best friends in the world made her way to Chicago to venture up north to Skokie and see what was going on at the KH. For a Friday night, it wasn't too busy and we were able to get a table in just a few minutes. From the time we sat until the time we left, we were waited on, greeted, talked to, and made to feel like guests in a home. I can't say enough about the top-notch service at work at the KH. The owners didn't take our presence for granted and went out of their way to make us feel at ease. Knowing it was our first time and my friend is a vegetarian, we were led to apps that we could share and would blow our tastebuds away. We started with the Vegetarian Aushak and the Boranee Baunja (eggplant, tomato sauce, yogurt, and mint). Delectable. Even if you were eating beef from the time you could crawl, do not shy away from the vegetarian offerings. I did not know plants could be so flavorful and filling. Our meals came with soup (the lentil is even better than described; if you don't get it, you are missing out on life) and I was wondering where I would put all the food, when the owner came by our table with a complimentary Bulanee, just so we could try it. O.M.Geee! Ridic. Stupid. Crazy. This dish will make you wanna scream, it's so good. Potatoes, scallions and leeks, folded into thin bread and then FRIED!!! Areyoukiddingme? The yogurt mint sauce is the perfect accompaniment to such a sinfully delicious option. And I didn't even mention the sweet black tea I gulped down by the gallon. Keep in mind, dear reader: this is all lead-up to the main event. I ordered the murgh. After all, it's what brought me here in the first place. Now, read my opening sentence. I don't know how the folks at KH prepare this chicken, but it's divine. The dish comes with bell peppers, garlic and tomato and served with rice (plain or seasoned) that comes with a veggie spread. I chose the dill rice (hallelujah!) and kadu (pumpkin; sweet AND savory). And, oh yeah: the plateS were roughly the size of a football field. We (my friend and I) sat in a booth for four and from all the food on our table, you would have thought there *were* four people eating. There's a reason why KH was on the Bib Gourmand list, folks. This is exquisitely good dining for everyday prices. The service, atmosphere, food, quantity, and price all add up to make KH one of Chicagoland's crown jewels. The longer you go without eating there is the longer you go without experiencing real joy. It's true. This was one of my happiest culinary finds of the year. I know it will be one of yours as well. I know it.
(5)Daniel P.
Awesome place!! Great Apps the Montoo was great along side the lentil soup!! The kabobs were tasty as well. Service was great too
(5)Anthony C.
Wow is all I can say. And I'm kicking myself for not trying Kabul House sooner. We live very close and my wife and I have been talking about stopping at the newer location on Oakton since it opened a couple of years ago but we only got around to it last Friday night. The place is clean and comfortable, with large booths by all the windows and linen tableclothes and napkins. The server was outstanding. Not familiar with Afghan food the waiter explained the menu and was very patient with all our questions. But the food stole the show! We started with the mantoo, steamed dumplings with seasoned beef topped with a tomato and yogurt sauce. The plating and presentation were almost as perfect as the flavors that exploded in our mouths. For entrees I had the lamb kabobs and my wife the murgh chicken kabobs. The marinade used for the chicken was mild yet so flavorful, and the chicken was so tender that it melted in your mouth. The Afghan balsmati rice was by far the best rice I have ever eaten, cooked with a little bit of honey, brown sugar, raisins and carmelized carrots. For dessert I had the homemade baklava and my wife had an amazing custard with fruit and flavored with rose water. BYOB sealed the deal for a 5 star dining experience and we look forward to many more wonderful meals at this amazing restaurant.
(5)Anil V.
The food is tasty. I opted for a take away so i cannot say much about their service
(4)Keith H.
my wife and i had an overdue 'date night' over thanksgiving break and discovered this place. the food and service were absolutely outstanding! it's not a bargain basement type of restaurant but for their comfortable atmosphere and incredible eating experience, absolutely worth the price!
(5)Rocio K.
I am vegan. The waiter who served us was very knowledgeable about the menu that will accommodate my preferences. The vegetarian platter (made vegan for me) was delicious to the point that my 2 year old was eating more veggies than usual! My husband had the chicken kabob that was the best that he had ever taste. There were two side sauces that were out of this world.
(5)Gary C.
Afghan restaurant? What the heck??! I'm familiar with the area and have driven past Kabul House a number of times. It took a post-work meal to get me into Kabul House. There were a total of six of us dining and only two have dined at KH before...the rest of us were not sure what to expect. And that's when we order almost everything on the menu...literally. Dish after dish after delish dish came out of the KH kitchen and we loved every bit of it. Not gonna lie, I wish we ordered more (yes, I'm a fatty). The flavors were very familiar, so if that's what is turning you off to Afghan food, don't worry. Staff, like the food, was on point. Service team checked on us frequently and answered the numerous questions we had about menu and culture. Could it be? Downtown Skompton is the place to be? I'm excited..
(5)Reine H.
Fantastic, that's all I can say. I've been meaning to give Kabul House a go for a while now and finally got around to it. The experience was beyond exceptional. The atmosphere was wonderful. The decor is great, it gives you a sincerely ethnic feel. The music was a perfect fit. It's comfortable and (more importantly) clean. The service was on point! Everyone was friendly, and very attentive to customers' needs. They were also very informative and patient, and were regularly checking in. The food was great! Everything was tasty and fresh, cooked to perfection. I fell in love with the dumplings (manto, I believe?) and the vegetable-noodle soup. Phenomenal. The pumpkin appetizer was worth a try, and the chicken was superb. Definitely head over to Kabul House. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Ajay S.
Went here with a group of family and friends. I found the atmosphere to be ok, but there was like this burning smell that bothered me a bit. I found the food to be just ok.
(2)Susan B.
We came here based on the yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Everything from the appetizer to dessert was outstanding. The service was excellent as well. I think you can order anything on the menu and not be disappointed.
(5)KingPush R.
What a wonderful experience. I went with a coupon that I unfortunately couldn't use, the server politely explained this to me and was genuinely contrite about the inconvenience. He even offered a free appetizer to compensate. Genuine class. The meal came out quick, (we were hungry so this was appreciated) and had a great range of flavors. The tea was good, whether in hot or cold form. Our bill came to around $35 with appetizers (one being free) drinks and desert. Not bad. Incredible food, impeccable service, reasonable price. I need more stars!
(5)Marcee W.
Given our current political/military situation in Afghanistan, I never gave this restaurant a second thought until I was looking for a place centrally located where a number of friends could easily meet. So glad I changed my mind! Service was very efficient and food was delicious! The lamb stew (qabili palau) was incredibly tender and the rice with carrots and raisins added just the right hint of sweetness. I'd also recommend the kabobs. We tried the marinated chicken (murgh), ground beef (koubideh) and ground chicken (murgh koubideh) and although they were all very good, the murgh koubideh was especially tender and flavorful without being spicy. The Afghan pudding dessert reminded me of a lemony yogurt with ground pistachios and the baklawa was deliciously sticky. I will definitely return.
(4)Cal S.
Outstanding Food, very Authentic, and delicious. Reasonably prices, Great Staff. Had the Lamb it was so tender you only needed your fork! Rose pedal Ice cream out of this world! love it being in the Local flair. A must do on the to do list!
(5)Shailesh J.
My friends talked a lot about kabul express so thought of trying it for week end lunch .. Drived almost 22 miles to get to skokie....22 miles for normal weekend lunch phew.... well was it worth it ... i can say ummmm may be ...well the food was average..not mindblowing to drive 22 miles !....We ordered Murgh Koubideh..its minced chicken kabob ....i think it should have been a little bit more spicier...the sauce that came with the dish was quite exceptional ....i forgot to ask the name of the sauce....but wow that was quite good... We called them 20 minutes before we reached there and placed the order..As per them they generally donot take orders on phone unless its a to go order ... I will try this place again if I am in the nearby area.. overall a better place ...ambience and taste wise...
(3)Alexander G.
Exciting to find afghan restarant here
(5)Jeff F.
Solid, homemade, high quality = a real treat, limited vegetarian options, but everything we had with a success -- appetizer Aushak -- Afghan-Ravioli with homemade past was stellar
(4)Hadi Z.
Ive been going there almost once a week with a friend when am in that area. great service and foood if delicious !!!!!
(5)Omar K.
Excellent Kabobs, Excellent Service, Excellent Prices. This was a pleasant surprise during my trip to Chicago. I ate here by default based on time frame I had and location that I was currently at. I was so impressed with my experience that I went back again the next day for dinner. I've eaten at hundreds of Persian and Arabic restaurants and I can safely say that Afghans make the best Kabobs. Their Murg Chicken Koobideh and their Beef Koobideh were right on. Bursting with flavor, juicy, tender. The Afghan carrot rice was sweet and tasty and complimented the Kabobs superbly. The lentil soup was solid, but I have had better.
(5)Dmitri G.
Food - delicious! Tender lamb, yummy dumplings, perfectly seasoned lentil soup that reminded me of my childhoo, and so on. the spicing they mix are amazing if a bit on the salty side, but I like food that is less salty. the carrots sprinkled on the rice that comes with the lamb and raisins were yummy. What is really nice is the endless black tea with cardamom. Service - polite and timely Prices - I spent about $20 for lunch, including the tea Ambience - was quiet on a Saturday afternoon, TV's above the bar, and rugs handing on the walls - I think exactly what you'll find if you actually go to Kabul, but I could be wrong. Would go again absolutely!
(5)JJ S.
Delicious authentic food. Aush Rishta is so tasty and hearty. My favorite items are from the appetizer menu: Aushak and Gulpi. My husband loves the Murgh chicken!!! I am only giving it 4 stars simply because they have poor ventilation in the restaurant and therefore you leave smelling intensely of food.
(4)Sandeep M.
Good kababs, we had to wait for a while for the food to arrive but it was worth it.
(4)Joshua N.
Just Kadu It! Make sure that you start out with the house specialty pumpkin dish. It is warm and savory and will convert even the staunchest of gourd haters. Take 'Yao for example - won't touch a pumpkin pie, not even just as a vehicle for Cool Whip, but she would never skip this dish. Starting your meal with the kadu will reset your expectations of Afghan food and show you that what might sound simple on the menu is actually going to surprise you with some densely layered and well balanced flavors. Do you Mantoo? Kabul House offers two different dumpling appetizers that are definitely in your best interest to order, mantoo and aushak. One is beef and the other leek; both are amazing. They are served drizzled with oil and an amazing yogurt sauce. The good news is that you don't have to decide which to try - they will do a combination with two of each if you ask. That was a hot tip from our super friendly server. Take the Aush-Rishta Challenge. Most entrees come with your choice of either the lentil-tomato or the aush-rishta soup. While they are both excellent, I think that the aush-rishta is the more unique of the two. It is a vegetable noodle soup with a little dab of the yogurt sauce, which you are helplessly addicted to already if you took my advice on the dumplings. Sorry about that. The menu says that is there simply to "excite your taste buds". We both know better than that, now. Murgh, it's what's for dinner. You should be nice and softened up by now. It is time for Kabul House to throw the haymaker. You drove all the way to Skokie; here's why. The fire roasted and seasoned chicken kabobs, simply known as Murgh, are the best kabobs you will ever have. They are the clear winner in the greatest chicken ever contest, non-fried category. This chicken will restore your faith in chicken if, like me, you hate what chicken has become in this land - a dried up mess of bland white meat. Kabul House remembers a time when chicken was actually a desirable thing to eat. Order it with the seasoned rice, which I don't even know where to begin describing. A Murgh is a terrible thing to waste. For three dollars more, you can order a second skewer. You probably shouldn't be able to finish it, but it heats up nicely and you are definitely going to want an encore later. Mm...Mm... Murgh!
(5)Carson T.
It was my first afghan food experience and it was perfect.The service is great,great atmosphere,and food was delicious. I'll be back.
(5)Mac P.
Food -- bread = great, tomato-lentil soup=very good, aushak=OK, Mantoo=great, Bulanee=very good, Boranee = great, lamb kebob=good Atmosphere -- Nice that there are booths, that there is some attention to silverwear and serving plates. Not the typical Chicago-land ethnic food place in that it feels airy, spick and span and very light. Service - Attentive and fast, not intrusive, nice. Value -- Prices are quite fair, $7 for appetizers and $13 for entrees. Several of the menu items listed as "great", along with the clean laid back atmosphere at decent prices will keep me coming back
(4)Penny L.
Best chicken kabobs in Chicagoland. Read four and five star reviews. Worthy of Michelin Bib Gourmand.
(4)Aurore L.
My first Afghani meal was also my first meal in NYC. It was in December 2001, and New Yorkers were experiencing an unhealthy fascination for Afghanistan. That was the craze around town; Jerry Seinfeld was not totally wrong after all. He was a few years too early. I went there with a professor of mine who had driven me from Connecticut. I remember eating like a pig, finishing my plate and his, and apologizing for such a gluttonous behavior. He replied: "Women who eat are sexy". (I was soon to discover how true that was. He was pretty sexy too). I guess I waited almost ten years to renew with the experience, academic adventure aside. The setting was quite different and the quiet streets of Skokie replaced the hustle of bustle of Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan but the meal was just as memorable as its 10-year old predecessor. Two words for you: CHICKEN KEBAB (or Murgh). Let me tell you that you never had such heavenly chicken in your life. No, I promise. Forget the "no chicken" rule and order it; it's life changing. It's not only tender - it's soft. You feel like you are biting into a cloud of the moistest, most flavorful piece of chicken ever. The meat is marinated in yogurt and spices then grilled on skewers. Sounds simple; it's ma-gic. Served with dill rice and grilled vegetables it's simply perfect. Or you can go the lamb road and get qabili palau. Tender pieces of baby sheep piled under a fragrant mountain of rice, carrots, raisins and spices - this is also Afghanistan's national dish. Generous, exotic and delicious. End your meal with a glass or two of the strong home-made tea, forget all your misconceptions about the country and enjoy. Service is pleasant, decor is inspiring and really - the food is simply delightful. Go, Go, Go!!
(5)Chicagogirl L.
Perfect all around!
(5)William C.
I went today had a wonderful lunch special with some kind of dumpling appetizer and Afghan vegetable soup. The service was excellent and the food had just very unique and wonderful flavors. A must go if you are out in Skokie for dinner or lunch.
(5)Svitlana P.
Kabul is excellent as always. Food and service are stellar. And getting 10% off for checking in on Yelp is highly appreciated!
(5)Peter K.
If your looking for something new then this is the place to be. It's a fairly new place on Oakton and niles center and they've been open for just over a year now. I dont remember the name of the plate I got, but it was great. One skewer of mouth watering kabob and rice was the trick. The inside has been modeled really nice and the crowd they draw in is clearly to the reputation of food. This is a great place to have in Skokie, especially by work.
(5)K P.
Kabul house was on Armitage, Kabul House was on Dempster....and I was sad that I could not find it. One day I was driving down Oakton and Viola!!!!! I found her.... I have loved the place since 2001 and my love for it has not waned. The warm family-owned establishment is one of my top favorites in the Chicagoland area..
(5)Jennifer W.
I highly recommend Kabul House for its fresh ingredients, unique flavors, and authentic Afghan cuisine. The food is excellent, and the ambiance is pleasant and relaxing. The vegetarian options are limited which is the main reason I go here infrequently. The vegetarian dishes include: fresh leek and scallion ravioli served with yogurt mint sauce, and a combination platter including sauteed spinach, eggplant, cauliflower, and pumpkin served with seasoned rice (carrots and raisins). They also serve two outstanding vegetarian soups: vegetable noodle and lentil. The staff members are very friendly and accommodating. I recommend reservations for Saturday night, and if you drink wine, it's BYOB.
(5)MTML D.
I have to say that this a great place for Skokie. I have been wanting to try this place since it is basically minutes from my house. If Skokie adds more quality restaurants downtown and not chain restaurants, the downtown area might breathe life again. My wife and i came here on a Friday night because we could not get into Yolo. Not that Kabul was second best because we flipped a coin to see which one we would try first and it was Yolo. Anyway we are glad we came. Everything we had was great. I don't even know how to pronounce what the hell we had except that it had chicken kabobs that were juicy, flavorful, and tender. Also the seasoned rice was some of the best rice I have ever had and I don't even like rice that much. My wife had a lamb dish with spinach that was really good also. Basically I will stop talking so people can just go try the place.
(5)Melissa H.
If you have not been to this restaurant yet, go here immediately. I had never eaten Afghan cuisine before eating at this restaurant a few days ago -- I have really been missing out. I was there at lunch time and the place was pretty quiet, short of a large family gathering at one end of the restaurant. The service was great, though we did wait a bit for our food to come out. However once it finally did it was AMAZING. The vegetarian combo plate is absolutely fantastic. My fiance got a lamb kabob that he said was also spectacular.
(5)Ali A.
I must of been not paying attention when I rated this place... So here is my rate update. It's a must go.
(4)Kasia K.
I ordered the lamb with rice and carrot and raisins. Comes with a soup, I ordered lentil. All was very delicious. it had that home cooked feel to it, but yet was very classy. I ordered tea and the waiter comes with a pretty tea pot refilling throughout the dining experience. Overall the food, staff, and feel was excellent. Very easy to enjoy the food and atmosphere there. Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)D M.
The shrimps are huge! Also, try the ice cream that they have. Very interesting flavors I have never ever have. Yummy.
(5)Sue K.
great food and great service. i would recommend the chicken and vegetable soup.
(4)Emily D.
5 star food, 1star service. My husband and I wanted to try Afgan food and after reading the reviews settled on Kabul House. While we had no complaints on food, they were severely understaffed.
(4)G R.
Very enjoyable, I usually don't sit down and review a place the same night I dine there unless I really was satisfied with the whole experience, from greeting in, food, service and the goodbye when leaving. Tonight was one of those experiences, soon as we walked in the door we were greeted with a friendly hello and seated immediately. Right after we were asked if we wanted hot tea, which sounded like a good idea on a February night. We had the Kadu for an appetizer, it's a pumpkin dish with some spices. We polished that off. Our entrees were delicious, I had the Murgh Chalau it's Chicken sauteed in garlic and onion in a most flavor packed tomato base, my husband had the Mahi and my mother-inlaw had the Qabili Palau which is lamb served under rice with carrots and raisins. Portions are generous and since everything was so good we ate heartily so much so that there was no room for dessert. Speaking for myself, when it comes to dessert, I have a sweet tooth and always leave room and usually take home a doggie bag. Well not tonight, there was not a piece of chicken to be found on my plate. At the end of the meal, we settled our check and lingered a bit over some more hot tea, there was no pressure to move along. The place itself is clean, bright and decorated beautifully without being cluttered. I left ahead of my party to get the car and was wished a good evening with a very warm we hope to see you again, to which I replied you will. Thank you Kabul House for a most pleasant dining experience.
(5)Nancy S.
So so so good. I was blown away with flavors. Ordered vegetarian platter. If all veggie food tasted like this I would never eat meat again. Go, eat, enjoy. The service was prompt and super friendly too!!
(5)Hannah P.
First time here and it was great. FOOD & SERVICE was fantastic and it's BYOB.
(5)Brennan M.
Tasty. Friendly. Comfortable. I was in town for work and wanted to have a nice dinner. I stumbled upon Kabul House via Yelp and was not disappointed. The food was incredibly flavorful, with inventive ingredient combinations-- the presentation was aesthetically pleasing as well. The staff was also very helpful and was happy to answer questions and share recommendations. I encourage everyone to visit this restaurant.
(5)Lenny G.
Overpriced and really mediocre Afghan food. There are better Afghan restaurants in the city.
(3)elizabeth r.
We sometimes get food from here and it never been a disappointment , all the dishes are excellent .
(4)Katie P.
We went to dinner here recently and we were not disappointed. We ordered the pumpkin and eggplant appetizers, quorma sabzee, and a mantoo/aushak combo. Everything was delicious. We will be back- and next time we will know to bring alcohol (the restaurant is BYOB).
(5)Lydia S.
Kabul House is excellent. The staff is friendly and informative, the food is DELICIOUS and beautifully presented, and the ambiance is warm. I've been here twice, and have walked away so pleased both times. Kabul House is byob, so bring your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy!
(4)Mark G.
Went to dinner to Kabul House on a Thursday evening after about 5 years since we went to the original one in east Skokie. Why did we wait so long? The food was delicious and well prepared. Daniel, our waiter could not have been better.
(4)Cari O.
The service was phenomenal from the hostess to waiter to bus boy. Everyone was very kind and welcoming. The decor was also very nice, clean and pleasing. It was our first time having afghan food and our server offered great advice on what to order. Everything was delicious!!! We started with the pumpkin appetizer and it was to die for. I had the seasoned beef dumplings and they were awesome!! Definitely am going back!
(5)Rick C.
Yeah, I'm going five star. We had gone to Kabul house like forever ago when it was on Dempster. Back then, we had the Mantoo appetizer and it stuck with us for years. I dropped one of the mantoo dumplings on the floor back then and my wife still gives me crap about it to this day. I'm, as she would call me, a "waster." I was pleased to see that Mantoo was still on the menu here and just as tasty as we remembered. We also tried the Aushak which was also pretty comparable in taste. For our entrees, we tried the Qabili Palau, which is lamb with a sweet rice dish full of raisins and carrots. Really tasty. My wife went with the Beef Chalau, which is like a slow cooked, stewed beef. Both were good, homey, comfort dishes. On top pf the food being good, the service was fantastic. They made us feel very welcome and seemed to take pride in what they were serving. Glad to have another good restaurant relatively close by.
(5)Jen M.
I went here for the second time with friends, and had a really good dining experience both times. I enjoyed the lentil soup (the one with tomato) and the Afgan rice is very good. Also, the freshly-baked bread was a nice touch. Very generous portion sizes and I can get a couple of meals out of my leftovers.
(5)Alma P.
I have never had baklava that melted in my mouth... but this was the best! Excellent food all around, nice atmosphere. I look forward to going back again with friends! I enjoy it when restaurants (like Kabul House) have appetizers that are smaller servings of their entrees, it's a good way to try new things, share, and if you're watching you food intake... you know what I mean... :-D
(5)ron h.
Best food in town. Kabul is definitely an experience everyone should try at least once. Amazing food and service that can't be beat.
(5)Smita K.
I am regular at this place and it is delectably terrific. I am sure just writing a review is going to get my mouth to water...let me see...the appetizer noodle soup, the succulent and well cooked meat, delicately flavored rice, the amazing variety of vegetarian starters and finally the in house ice cream which just sealed the deal for me. And their Afghan ice tea is a must try..very refreshing with mint and basil. I loved the Aushak and the Qabli Pulao...waiting to try out the vegetarian platter. The owner is a great host and treats you like a guest visiting his home. One of my treasured finds thanks to yelp..this place is a gem.
(5)Tricia W.
If you are a vegetarian, I'd highly recommend. The afghani ravioli was delicious, reminded me a little of pierogi but with amazing middle eastern spice. Everything I had was delicious. The service was amazing. I ordered the vegetarian platter and the server said he'd give me a little extra pumpkin and it turns out they made an extra so he brought out an entire serving. The tea is really good. If you like cardamom this is the place to go. I don't spend a lot of time in Skokie, but I'm likely to head up there just to eat at Kabul.
(5)Hannah K.
The food was great! The tomato lentil soup was outstanding! I loved the appetizer that was recommended by the waiter (refer to photos) I got the 3 combo plate with dill rice! It was divine! I highly recommend this place to anyone trying afghan food for the first time!
(5)Dan F.
Kabul House is AWESOME! I was deployed to Afghanistan and developeed a real taste for Afghan food. Kabul House delivers authentic Afghan food that is sure to please everyone. I visted their old Elk Grove Village Location regularly and was disappointed when it closed. I am very pleased that it has reopened so close to home. The new location in downtown Skokie is really nice. It is very bright, and has an upscale feel to it. The food is better than ever. I have never had anything there that I didn't like. I have nothing but good things to say about the Mantoo and Qabili Palau. Hopefully they will also make the Bolone available. I loved it in Afghanistan and look forward to having some here. The service is very attentive and friendly too. I highly recommend this as a nice place to eat. For those who are unfamiliar with Afghan food, it is similar to Greek, Indian, and Middle-Eastern food. If you like any of these, you will like Afghan. These cultures all influence the food as it was the gateway on the Silk route centuries ago. Enough history - just eat there and enjoy!
(5)K R.
mmmmmmmmm....pumpkiiiiiinnnn...mmmmmmm...yummmmmm.
(5)Hitendra P.
Enjoyed the food! The Kebobs were perfect and very tasty. The mild fragrance of dill rice complemented the Kebobs very well. The walnut baklava was yummy. Daniel - our server - was attentive and has very pleasant personality. The manager was attentive too. Overall a great experience. Will visit again!
(4)Jon L.
Anything you order here is good, but I wish they'd use less salt!
(4)Dennis J.
The lunch special is the best thing to happen in Skokie since Pita Inn's! I got the lamb kebab - it was delicious and exotic but still approachable. The seasoned rice was just okay. The menu said it came with vegetables ... but there was only half a tomato so that was a bit of a disappointment. The lentil soup that was part of the special was excellent. And if you want to take your meal to 11, get the ice cream. It's made in house and complements the meal wonderfully.
(4)Molly S.
I absolutely love this place. LOVE. I've been going to Kabul House for like 8 years or something, starting back when it was on Dempster. I guess they moved out to Elk Grove Village for a while, but now they're back in Skokie at a location on Oakton. The new space is obviously meant to be a little more modern. I kind of miss the little VIP rooms with the curtains and the rugs on the wall and the fake tile roof to be honest, but the new dining room is very warm and attractive. The place is also very clean, and that's not usually something I notice. Here's the breakdown: You get free soup with your entree, and you can choose between lentil and vegetable. I chose lentil. It's really good, and they give you some delicious bread to sop it up with. As always, we ordered Mantoo to start. These things are little packets of amazeballs. Dumplings filled with deliciously seasoned ground beef and topped with meat sauce and yogurt. For my entree, I ordered the Three Kabob Combination, which devotees of Kabul House will remember used to be called the Super Combo Special. They should really go back to calling it the Super Combo Special, just saying. 3 pieces of lamb, 3 pieces of chicken, and a full skewer of Koubideh, which is very similar to kifta (heavily spiced ground beef). All are delicious. The lamb can have some gristle sometimes, but it's still really good. The Koubideh is incredibly flavorful - just be aware that your breath will smell of garlic for awhile! The chicken is sooo delicious. It's tender and moist, unlike a lot of chicken kabobs I've had. This is definitely enough food for 2 meals, especially if you have soup and an appetizer. I only wish the plate came with more veggies. As a previous reviewer noted, you just get one small piece of green pepper, a wedge of onion, and a wedge of tomato. You can choose white rice, dill rice, or seasoned rice. Do yourself a favor and get the seasoned rice. Just trust me. It's amazing. It's got carrots and raisins in it. I know it sounds odd, but it's SO EFFING GOOD. For dessert we split the Firnee, which is a milk pudding/custard flavored with rose and pistachios. LOVE. It's also a pretty sizable portion, so it was more than enough to share. If you've ever had Arab ice cream, this tastes very similar (and they do have Afghan ice cream on the menu, but they were out of it tonight). The Afghan iced tea is really good too. The service was friendly and attentive. The two front-of-house guys were great. I got out of there for around $31 with tax and tip (just my portion). Not bad for soup and bread, shared appetizer, entree, shared dessert, and an iced tea. BUT, if you want a real deal, go for the lunch special. $7.50 for soup and a kabob with rice (or a vegetarian plate). You can only choose chicken, Koubideh (seasoned ground beef), or Murgh Koubideh (seasoned ground chicken), but all are good. Please go here. Don't let them leave town again! (But don't pack the place when I want a table!)
(5)Mary F.
The pumpkin is delish! The food was great and the service was pretty good. I used the yelp coupon which was nice. Score! I'd return for sure.
(4)Lauren K.
Love this place. I had never been to an Afghan restaurant before and this was amazing. The lentil/tomato soup for a starter was incredible, and the murgh chicken kabob and murgh chalau (kind of a sauteed chicken stew with onions, garlic in a creamy tomato sauce with chickpeas) and basmati rice - all delicious. Nice to have this kind of place in the burbs, but still close to the city!
(5)Matt T.
Kabul House is good. Really good. I missed out on my opportunity to go to KH years ago when they were located on Dempster just west of McCormick. They closed down in a now defunct strip mall to move a bit west, but for some reason the new spot new came to fruition. My guess is the economy had something to do with it. So, I just realized KH re-opened downtown Skokie in a failed sub shop on Oakton. I was excited by the stellar reviews on Yelp and I owed my mom a mother's day dinner. The place is nicely decorated with items reminiscent of Afghanistan (note: the food here is Afghani, duh), with nice comfortable booths. The restaurant is very quiet and they are two large flat screens on the walls with the sound off. I don't see the point of having the flat screens but this sis 2011 in America, everyone needs a TV at all times, apparently. So, we heard about the Kadu (Sweet baby pumpkin cooked in our special spices topped with homemade yogurt sauce), which was just outstanding and one of the best things I've tasted in a while. Soft are buttery with a hint of cinnamon topped with cool yogurt sauce. I suggest putting the kadu on some of the freshly baked bread, so good. I can't wait to try Kadu again. I would go there just for this app. I also wanted to try the tomato-lentil soup which I heard was fantastic. Luckily, each ordered entree comes with soup. My mom got the veggie which was decent, not something I'd order again but the lentil soup was ridiculous. I liked the tomato base they used - which gave the soup a nice creamy texture. The soup had a nice kick to it. For my entree I got the Qabil Palau which was fantastic. Tender chunks of seasoned lamb served under a heap of seasoned rice garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins. I was looking for a bit more flavor out of the rice but still very good. The lamb was really tasty, although there were more small pieces then chunks. My mom got the combo kabob plate with white rice and veggies. The kabobs were 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer Koubideh. All three meats were great - well seasoned and tender. One disappointment was that for veggies all you got was a small piece of grilled green pepper, tomato and onion on the side. One minor disappointment was the wait time for our entrees. The app and soup came out very fast but the entrees seemed to take forever. We were there around 6:30 on a Thursday night and the place was not too busy. I'm not sure what was taking so long but I hope it was just an aberration. I did overhear the server apologizing profusely to the table behind us for making a mistake. He offered free food in the interim while the entree was being re-prepared. What I did like as well was the owner walking around asking how people were enjoying their food. We skipped desert but next time I will definitely try the homemade ice cream with rosewater, pistachio and cardamon. I bet it's a refreshing end to a good meal. All in all, well executed and very tasty meal with lots of choices. I'll be back soon!
(4)Faraz S.
Seriously, I've never had such good Afghan food in my life! I Service is why I go to restaurants and they definitely have it there! Skokie's best restaurant, hands down!
(5)Antaash U.
10% off your bill if you check in on Yelp! Yippeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to give this place 10 stars. No joke. The food blew me away. Before I even start with the food, I need to back up to the very beginning. My four friends and I showed up on a Saturday night at 7:30 without reservations. STUPID. STUPID. STUPID. The place was packed (good indication of what the food is going to be like). No problem said the gracious hostess. She said that if we were willing to wait 15-20 minutes, she would have a table ready for us. Since we drove all the way from the West Loop, we were going to wait. The wait was a little longer than anticipated but once we sat down, everything was uphill from there. Because Afghan food was an unchartered territory for almost everyone in our party, the hostess was more than happy to make recommendations for us. We chose the: 1. Mantoo: Steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. 2. Bulanee: Fresh leeks, scallions and spiced potatoes stuffed in thin dough and pan fried. Served with a side of yogurt mint sauce. 3. Salata: Traditional salad of fresh diced tomatoes, red-onions, parsley tossed in lemon juice and mint. 4. An eggplant special that was served with yogurt and dill. 5. Aush-Rishta: Homemade rich noodles and vegetable afghan soup topped with a touch of yogurt to excite your taste buds. 6. Tomato Lentil Soup: Afghan lentil soup cooked in a base of fresh tomatoes and spices. We each tried the soup we didn't order, which actually came with our entrees. Both were delicous and we guzzled every last drop even though it was 90 degrees outside. While we waited for our appetizers, we sipped on their house iced tea with basil and mint. WOW!! We gulped glass after glass of this down. It was so refreshing! For our entrees, we ordered: 1. Three Kabob Combination: 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer Koubideh. 2. Lamb Kabob: Boneless leg of lamb, cubed and marinated in exotic spices to insure tenderness & flavor. 3. Murgh Kabob: Juicy delicious lightly marinated chicken, cooked on an open fire. The kabobs were beautifully seasoned, juicy and grilled to perfection. Unfortunately there were out of the Qabili Palau and Dill Rice. No bother, I know I am going back to Kabul House. Soon. Very Soon!
(5)Helen S.
I've never had Afgan food, but hey I'm open minded. We started with complimentary soups - I had the lentil soup and my bf had the Aush-Rishta. Both were good but we both liked the lentil more. They also gave us bread, which was super pillowy and warm, and it went great when dipped in soup. For apps, we ordered the mantoo, which are basically Afghan dumplings that are stuffed with ground beef and covered in yogurt and some other sauces. Good too. Bear in mind that we weren't hungry to begin with, so I was already quite satisfied at this point before the monster entree platters arrived at our tables. I ordered the Qabili Palau for my main. This was very average and had way too much rice. I barely touched it and brought most of it home, as I primarily nibbled on my bfs order of chicken kabobs, which were godly as it had some of the moistest chicken I've ever had. Unfortunately, I didn't order his dish, so I can't give this place a better rating at the moment, but maybe I will if I return and get the chicken (all to myself). I foresee myself eating leftovers for quite some time.
(3)Nitin K.
As a foodie from India, I've sampled my share of great 'frontier' (Afghanistan and south central Asia) cuisine. Kabul House was a great find and a great place for dinner. All the dishes were adequately spiced and salted, portions were large, and service was courteous. I highly recommend this appetizer to begin with: Mantoo (spiced beef dumplings with a tomato and yogurt sauce on top). You can't stop eating them, trust me! If you like biryani and pulao (pilaf), then you must try the Afghani Pulao, with a distinct regional flavor - dry fruits and lamb..win! The murgh (chicken) and the lamb kabab skewers are highly recommended as entrees. They were cooked just right and well marinated. They were served with a tangy chuntey. For dessert, I highly recommended the Afghan Ice Cream. It's homemade with rose water, pistachios, and cardamom. Brilliant way to end your glorious meal! Go to this place! Period! Worth it!
(5)Dhruv P.
Went here recently for lunch and the meal was great. This location use to be Billy's Sandwich shop and for the longest time, the storefront was empty promising that Kabul House will be there soon. Kabul House existed before and this was their new location. I have never been to the original, but this one was well done inside. It was not as cheesy as some ethnic restaurants tends to be; the ambiance was simple but classy. We sat down and were given bread, which was fresh. During lunch, they have 4-5 specials. I got the vegetarian special. It came with a large portion of rice, lentil soup (with a great greek yogurt on top), and 4 types of dishes in smaller portions - eggplant, okra, pumpkin, spinach, which taken as whole, was quite a large meal for me. Broken down, the eggplant, the okra and pumpkin dishes were delicious, but keep in mind that the pumpkin is a bit on the sweeter side. The spinach was a bit too salty for my taste, but not inedible. I left with a full stomach and the prices were very reasonable. The waiter was also nice and accommodating.
(4)Jane M.
Best. Food. Evar. Mantoo is made of unicorns. Ok, it's made with beef. Pasture raised, local, ethically farmed beef. I love supporting a business that supports sustainable agriculture. But beyond my social conscience, the food is unbelievable, and the service is awesome. I've had several of their dishes so far and everything has been amazing. Very fresh and authentic. A word of advice though. Skip the delivery. I know, it's tempting to not leave your house. But like most small places that don't keep their own driver on staff, they are forced to go through a third party delivery service and like most third party delivery services, they suck. Food is always late and cold when we have it delivered. The food is still so awesome that I don't care, but it's so much better hot and served with cup after cup of that delicious tea and some pistachio and rose water custard for desert. So go in person or pick up for the best experience.
(5)Annie P.
I had never ordered food like this before and WHOA NELLY am I glad I did. It may have been the best delivery of my life. No joke. I feel like I won the Fatty Olympics. The lamb is unbelievably tender. The bolani with leeks with spicy and delicious - unlike anything else I've had. And they cater! 4 courses for $15 a person? Yes please. The 5th star is for the service. Kind, knowledgable, eager to please. Exactly my definition of excellence.
(5)Still W.
I love this place! Ive always had a good meal here. Service is also good. The secret is out so try to avoid the rush so you can get a table.
(5)Kevin Y.
I had my first experience with Afghan food yesterday, and it was quite a delicious one. Going off the reviews I figured Kabul House was worth a visit, and it was. Ordered the murgh, koubideh, and mantoo. The murgh was seasoned deliciously and was very juicy and tender. The best dish amongst the three that I had ordered. The koubideh was pretty good as well, perfectly cooked with just a hint of pink the center. As for the mantoo, it was tasty, but I would personally skip on it next time. The rice that accompanied the murgh and koubideh was delicious. It has carrots and raisins in it, so if you're one of the people who doesn't like raisins, it might not be your thing. Prices and portions were just right. I had food leftover and didn't hurt my wallet. Will definitely be coming back in the future.
(4)Yousuf a.
Amazing food!!
(5)Freddie F.
I had seen the sign for Kabul House on Dempster for years and never had gone in. Then they closed. It looked like they were going to open at a new location on Dempster (just west of previous one), and it never materialized. Then, we saw a couple signs in the window of a location on Oakton, in downtown Skokie, for Kabul House! I had never had Afghani food before, but I have had lots of food from that part of the world (indian, turkish, nepalese, etc), so I had an idea what it would be like. The location is great, in downtown Skokie. Hopefully, this will usher in even more restaurants, since that area is kind of dead (but I do love Tub Tim Thai!). Parking isn't bad, whatever you can find on the street. The decor is nice, and it should since it's all new! They did have a problem with their hood in the kitchen while I was there. The place filled with smoke, so they had to prop the front-door open for a bit. No big deal, but after I left I wreaaaked of smoke/food. First I got a cup of hot tea. It had a bit of honey in it, I think. Tasted pretty good. I got the Koubideh lunch special. There were only three choices on their lunch menu, I expected a bit more. It came with a couple small triangles of pita (could have given a bit more), soup, one koubideh kabob, and rice. The soup was a pretty tasty Aush-Rishta (noodle soup with some beans, chickpeas, and a tiny bit of yogurt on top). When the waiter brought the koubideh, he also brought a small bowl of chutney with the warning, "this batch came out very spicy". It tasted soooo good. Spicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of mint in it. The koubideh was good, but maybe could have been charred/grilled a bit more on the outside. The rice was well seasoned and included some raisins and carrots (maybe pickled or candied, hard to tell). All in all, a really great lunch. The staff was really nice. The bus-boy asked me how I was enjoying everything each time he stopped by, which seemed unusual, but really nice. I'm definitely adding this place to my rotation of lunch spots in Skokie, it's great.
(5)Suha F.
I can't believe I haven't been to this place sooner. Tried it for the first time and now I think I am addicted. I went with my family and I think we tried 90% of the menu and we loved everything that came to our table. The lentil soup, mantoo & the ground chicken kabobs were some of my favorites. Besides great food, the service was great & the place was nice n clean. I'm excited to go back again & again & again....
(5)Christine K.
I used to be a regular at Kabul House when it was located on Dempster and McCormick. One day, I went there for dinner AND IT WAS CLOSED! It was devastating, absolutely devastating. I remember sitting in my car, not knowing where to eat (or even wanting to eat because I was so sad!) Now, Kabul House is back in town with a vengeance. It is even better than I remember it! Everything I've had here is amazing. I would especially recommend the pumpkin appetizer, and also the dumpling appetizer (mantoo). The yogurt on these and other dishes is a wonderful, creamy accompaniment that compliments the complex flavors spectacularly. I would also recommend the kabobs and the lamb/rice dish. Many of the main courses come with a green chutney that is savory and tart and all-around delicious. It goes well on everything. Everything! Go to Kabul House. Today. I'm sure you won't be sorry.
(5)Xaxa H.
4 stars ONLY because they have items on the menu that aren't available until dinner service, considering this, they should have 2 menus. Aside from that, the food was amazing and the service was excellent! I love Afghani food, and this is the best I've had...the Aushak appetizer was SO delicious and the vegetarian choices were excellent! My favorites on the vegetarian platter were the okra and the eggplant = outstanding! Oh, and don't miss the lentil soup! The rosewater and pistachio ice cream was off the charts delish. I would recommend this place if you're in the mood for Middle Eastern...great ambiance and love the Middle Eastern music...definitely check out Kabul House!
(4)C S.
Yummy! Apple salad was deeee-lish!! Sweet and sour with a delectable assortment of flavors all mixed in, along with an assortment of various textures - smooth cheese to crunchy walnuts
(5)Deepak N.
Top notch service, food & ambiance. Really has to be experienced to enjoy. I ate here once for lunch and enjoyed all aspects of the dining experience. Try it!
(5)Otto A.
The lentil soup was definitely great, a bit spicy and the consistency was perfect, full flavor. The kabob combo was ok. The chicken was mostly dark meat, not a big fan, the lamb was passable, a bit over cooked, the beef was better if covered with the tasty green chili sauce. Rice was rice. The veggies were wilted looking and appeared to have not been anywhere near a grill. Flatbread was okay, however it lacked any unique and/or remarkable flavor. Service was friendly yet rushed as there were only two servers covering some 12-15 tables.
(2)Tanya S.
Great food, great price . Had tomatoe soup and veggie plate with rice, does not sound like much but I was so full ! I will be back for sure.
(5)Frances B.
Went to Kabul House for the first time last night with three girlfriends. I was picturing an old building, dimly lit, with lots of rugs, but instead it was in a modern newer building, brightly lit (but not too bright). We sampled many items from the menu, and followed the server's recommendations. It was great! The staff and food were wonderful-I will definitely be back again!! It is BYOB, so be sure to bring your own.
(4)Nicole V.
We were out shopping near Old Orchard and after a few hours we found ourselves really hungry. After pulling up the Yelp app to figure out our options...we saw how highly Kabul House was rated. Off we went. When we arrived it was really busy. Luckily we were only two, so they had a small table available for us. As we were being seated the hostess offered us hot tea, which I agreed to. The tea arrived soon after and it was absolutely delicious! Very interesting and fresh herbs with a wonderful flavor. Our waiter came and greeted us and asked if we had any questions. We talked to him a bit about which items are some of the favorites on the menu. We decided to go with the Mantoo appetizer...WOW! It was so delicious, little steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. They have it as an entree as well and I would not hesitate to order it that way in a future visit. For our entrees I went with the Qabili Palau, which has pieces of seasoned lamb served under seasoned rice that is topped with sweet carrot strips & raisins. So tasty! My honey went with the three kabob combination; 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer koubideh. I tried those as well and all were very delicious. We ended with the homemade Afghan ice cream made with rosewater, cardamom & pistachio. Our bill was under $40 and everything we ate was quite good. I highly recommend stopping here if you are ever in the area. I have a feeling we will be making special trips up that way just so we can stop in!
(5)Luis B.
Best Afgan food around. Try the mantoo and the braised pumpkin.
(5)Katie M.
can we say authentic afghani food? We love their koubideh, vegetarian plate (baby pumpkin is awesome!!), and both vegi and non vegi aushak. bc it is quality -its worth the price.
(4)lesley h.
Great great place, everything was delicious! Loved the lentil soup and the bulanee. had the vegetable platter, which was a fabulous surprise. Didn't think I could love the seasoned pumpkin as much as I did. Spotlessly clean and our waiter could not have been more friendly and attentive. Will be back soon.
(5)Annie M.
Went with a group for lunch, and we all enjoyed our food immensely. The service seemed a little shaky, out waiter may have been new, but it twas great overall!!
(4)Paul K.
KH is one of my favorite restaurants in the Skokie area. They're downtown, so you have to find a place to park, but I've never had a problem. The place is modern, clean and is usually busy, but I've never had to wait too long for a table. The staff is very friendly, and the prices are reasonable. I alternate between the Qabili Palau, which is a tender lamb and rice dish, and the Murgh Chalau, which is a sauteed chicken dish. Both are excellent. They give you a soup with dinner, and they also have this delicious green sauce that I think tastes amazing with the lamb. I've never had an issues here, and basically it's just a well-run restaurant that gets 5 stars from me for having truly delicious, unique food.
(5)Larry F.
I was happy to see that this place had re-opened. I gather it is now being managed by the son of the owners who ran the place on Dempster. The new location in downtown Skokie is bright and clean. It is more modern and very comfortable with a mix of booths and tables. The menu is varied and has meat and some vegetarian options. We started with very hot and hearty tomato-lentil soup which was a little too salty for my taste, but it went well with the warm flat bread. As an entre, I had a vegetarian aushak, which is similar to a pot sticker filled with leeks and scallions and a lightly-minted yogurt sauce. It was very filling and quite delicious. My wife had the vegetarian combination plate which tasted better than it looked. My 10-year old son was very happy with a lamb kabob with white rice. We finished with a nice but slightly dry baklavah. The service was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was happy to make suggestions and explain the food items. All in all, it was a very good experience and I hope this place does well in the new location.
(4)D G.
Phenomenal! Ordered carry out for lunch thru GrubHub. I've never had Afghan food before, so I blindly ordered the vegetarian plate lunch special with Afghan seasoned rice and aush rishta soup, also ordered baklava. I arrived at GrubHub's estimated pick up time and my food was not quite ready, so they sat me down at a table and gave me a cup of tea, which I thought was hospitable and charming and wonderful. I mean really, that's awesome because mostly when you get carry out you have to sit on an awkwardly placed, drafty bench somewhere and wait, without tea. The soup was delicious, just delicious. The lunch included a savory pumpkin mash (I'm sure there's a better name for that but I don't know what it is), sautéed spinach, cauliflower in a tomato sauce and eggplant. All 4 dishes were very tasty. The rice was good, I expected more flavor because it was so colorful, but it was good. I knocked off a star because the baklava, while tasty, was a bit hard to eat because there were several pieces of pistachio shell in the mix, rather hard on the teeth. This will not keep me from going back though, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and look forward to eating here again.
(4)A S.
This place is a little gem. Went in for lunch today and was seriously floored by firstly the food, then the service and ambiance. We ordered the lamb and chicken skewers entree each with seasoned rice. Simply amazing. Full of delicious flavor, tender...so yummy. The bulanee we had for appetizer was just the right start to the meal, crispy yet melt in your mouth. I can go on and on everything we had was just delicious. I can't wait to go back and try other dishes on the menu. Great service and a tastefully decorated restaurant further sealed the deal. Thank you Kabul House for a great meal experience!
(5)Nita U.
Kabul House is awesome. I love the mantoo. It is the most delicious kabobs in Chicago. I have been going there since they were located on Dempster. I would highly recommend it. I also love the combination kabobs, the best of everything. The Afghani rice is also good with raisins and carrots.
(5)Jean Z.
This brightly decorated, simple place has a food lover in the kitchen. The meals are perfectly seasoned, chicken is very tender. The ravioli was so good and the rice was fragrant and delicious. Oh and the SOUPS! YUM! Very glad to meet this new restaurant. There were about 8 nationalities in here on Valentines night. I think I found our new favorite place to eaT
(5)aden e.
Superb! Everything was perfectly seasoned, rich and strongly spiced but not overpowering. We got chicken kebabs, dumplings and a veggie plate - Each dish tasted completely different and even the rice was flavorful. The meat was extremely tender also. Equal attention given to all the dishes. And the dumplings, oh the dumplings! Great service as well. Don't forget to ask for the house made hot sauce.
(5)Anne G.
The Afghan national dish Kabuli Palau was so delicious we are going again and taking family with us. I'm eager to repeat Palau and have the Aush-e Rishta and Gulpi. Also repeat the Kadu. In fact, I want to try everything on the menu!
(5)Katie A.
Lordy this place is awesome. When they closed down a few years ago (the Dempster location), I almost cried. I'd drive by on occasion, hoping for a sign that said, "Reopening Soon", but never saw one. When it finally did reopen, I went as soon as I could. Thankfully, the quality was just as good as it was before, and the new location is very cute. Everything I've had there is great. The appetizer soup is fantastic. My favorites are the mantu and the vegetarian sampler platter, because it includes that delicious pumpkin stuff. Wow. If I could, I would eat it every day.
(5)Amanda O.
Had my friend's surprise birthday party and just like the last time, everything was GREAT! I had been talking for months about this place to a few friends who were all up for trying it and thank goodness, Kabul House lived up to all the hype I had created. They were super accommodating with holding the b.day balloons which I dropped off earlier that afternoon and set aside a table for us. My boyfriend even liked what I took home to him and he's a super picky, all-american eater.
(5)Helen A.
Yum! Who knew Afghan food was so delish? not at all your normal middle eastern place, much more saucy, more veggie, more spicy, more appetizers (and they are all good!). Also more greasy -1. Don't ask me to repeat the names of my favs...but give it a try. Lunch is very budget friendly-for around $7 you get soup-the yummy lentil unlike others I've tried- with yummy warm flat bread (I should know the name of this yummy bread) and an entree of your choice and most importantly the vibe is relaxed, so you don't feel like you're at subway or Pita Inn. There is also an interesting spice on the table, don't know what it is buy put it in your soup-its not spicy but earthy and tasty. I'm giving away too much. Enjoy!
(4)MaSHa K.
It breaks my heart to write a bad review for a place that was my favorite for over 10 years, I followed this restaurant from a location to a location, I had nothing but good things to say about Kabul house, but on July 31, 2013 I felt like a was a little kid that just found out that there is no Santa......My best friend took me there to celebrate my birthday, there were maybe about 6 more people dining at the restaurant at that time. The minute I walked in, I didn't see any familiar faces, except for one waiter who used to work there in Elk Grove and then came here, everyone else was new. Our waiter seemed nice at first, the appetizers came and went, we were sitting waiting for the rest of the food, after waiting for about 40 minutes, I asked how much longer it would take, since I never had to wait this long and I ALWAYS get the same dish, the waiter said about 15 more minutes and then came back to tell us in so many words that it hasn't been made yet.............I indicated that we were in a rush when we initially placed our order...after about another 30 minutes dinner finally came, we placed an order for an additional appetizer to go and after waiting for 10 minutes, we had to take rest of our dinners to go, since we didn't have time to finish it.........the additional appetizer was still not made........after asking the waiter about it, we got the same answer as we got about our dinner, in so many words, he forgot to place the order, but this time he remembered later and placed it a few minutes ago..........I had NEVER been so mad and upset, maybe because this had been my favorite spot for so many years, I changed many boyfriends, lovers, but this place was always great, the food was great, service was great, and now it broke my heart......the portions got much smaller, the prices went up again, it seemed that my soup and entrée was missing some of the usual spices and the service was just HORRIBLE.........I truly want to believe that it was a one time incident and that the restaurant didn't change owners, but it's been over a month and I still have no desire to eat there.........the wound is still fresh......
(1)Greg H.
Check this place out! This is the first Afghan restaurant I've been to and everything from the appetizer, the soup, entrees and service consistently exceed all of my expectations. Their lentil soup is amazing, the mantoo appetizer is to die for, and the Murgh Koubideh has the most amazing flavors that it's hard to believe chicken on a bed of rice could taste so good!
(5)Sylvia D.
Welre so delighted kabul is back in town youlll love everyting about the new locaion on Oakton in downtown Skokie.best of all the terrific food,friendly and prtty decor and warmth of this family run retaurant .letls recommend the wonderfulsoup.great pumpkin dish, appetizers,vegetarian plates, kabobs. Itls still BYOB, and the placeis more charming but as friendly as before. Great food.
(5)Dheeraj R.
I am not sure what the big deal is. The meat was undercooked, and bland. Not a good place for kids. Don't have kids menu. Don't have plastic cups.
(3)Syed L.
Kabul House was a wonderful experience. It was my first time trying Afghani food and it was wonderful! I feel like it was a mix of Middle Eastern Food and Indian food. The restaurant is very nice on the inside, I asked the owner who designed it and he responded that his son did. I was shocked. It was as if a professional designed the restaurant. The owner was very nice and provided us with a free appetizer. The food was very good and service was good and i highly recommend Kabul house.
(5)Keith H.
Another Skokie gem, Kabul House is the perfect place to be introduced to and get hooked on Afghani cuisine. This is definitely one of my top 5 middle-eastern restaurants in the entire nation. The Kabuli Palau is to die for! I've taken multiple friends / groups of friends and everyone loves this place. Great food (most tender chicken kabobs, murgh, I've ever eaten) and attentive friendly service makes this place a staple for me. On top of that, it's BYOB. Awesome sauce. The staff is really friendly and I typically get take out from here. The ambience is ok and since they moved from Dempster some time ago their prices have risen. Overall the food is great and their rice is amazing! Very consistent quality. Also not sure if I come here during weird hours but have never seen it packed or even semi full but least parking is a breeze in the area
(5)john B.
Had a good dinner there while touring colleges with my daughter. Wait staff was very friendiy Food was tasty. Chicken kebab and ground beef kebob were both flavorful. Order them with the Afghan rice -- yellow(ish) rice with carrots and raisins. The stuffed was fine, but even with the yogurt sauce, it was a little tasteless (large portion, though, and very filling). The Moot dumplings were also nice and flavorful. I would have iiked to try some other items, but my dining companion doesn't like lamb, which makes up a lot of the menu. The basil-mint iced tea was delicious -- definitely order that. I don't love restaurants that don't take reservations (they said they only take them for parties of 6 or more), but the wait for a table (it's a smallish restaurant) wasn't bad -- maybe 10 mins. I always take it as a good sign if a restaurant inspires me to try to make the same dishes at home. Kabul House was such a place. It is a good place to eat. Recommended.
(4)Aswinikumar A.
Every bite of the food i tasted in this restaurant was mouth watering and delicious. With a scarce of Kabul food in the states, this place helps me tick off my bucket list to try and taste various cuisines, knowing that i have limited options being a vegetarian. Their rice pilaf or biriyani as they call is sweet and has a very different aroma than what you might get in Hyderabad. Seasoned with saffron flakes on the top, this was served with a few deep sauteed caramelized onions with a side of the mint flavored yogurt. Their potato bread was exceptional, something that we have never tasted (although we expected it to look & taste like Aloo Paratha, an Indian wheat bread stuffed with spicy potato mix). Thanks to the ambiance, this places makes it a perfect spot to host your loved ones or friends.
(4)Masood Q.
This is the best place for Afghan food PERIOD!! I am willing to put up their Mantu against any other afghan restaurant in the country or any of their dishes for that matter. The service is great and the owner is especially friendly. Being Afghan myself, it's hard enough finding native cuisine let alone it being comparable to "how momma makes it". This is a place I take all my friends when Afghan food is desired!
(5)Joani O.
We had a wonderful dine in experience here the other night. After choosing our table, we were warmly greeted by our server and offered complimentary soup. We had one of each; my daughter loving the aush while I enjoyed the lentil. The bread was a wonderful accompaniment which we loved dipping into the soups. We again had the Mantoo appetizer which was not only beautifully presented, but just as delicious as the last time we had it. We ordered the chicken kabobs and the combination plate, which was 1/2 chicken kabab, 1/2 beef, and a lamb kabob, and we both had our favorite dill rice. (They offer 3 kinds). The chicken is tender and juicy and definitely lives up to its reputation, and the other meats and vegetables were flavorful and grilled perfectly as well. The restroom had just been cleaned, which was nice, and the dining room is not large, but was tidy and is tastefully decorated. The Afghan music was upbeat and lender to the experience. The best part was the friendly, attentive service. Despite the fact that our server mentioned that he was new, he paced our courses just right, kept our water glasses filled, and checked on us several times without being annoying. We never felt rushed. It was a lovely dinner, deserving of 5 stars, and we'll definitely be back.
(5)Howard L.
Looks like it's been 4 years already since our last visit. This place is still as good and as popular as ever. Service is ok but slightly slow (also as always it seems). The menu looks like it has been shrunken down a little, but I can't pinpoint exactly where as our favorites are still there. Our party enjoyed murgh kabobs, combo chicken/lamb/sirloin kabobs, and their signature kabuli palau. Appetizers included kadu (pumpkin), boranee banjan (eggplant), and mantoo (dumplings). Tonight was another of Skokie's summertime 20% off Wednesday nights.
(5)Riya A.
I've had this place a few dozen times and I have to say. Holy crap this place is consistently good, the bread is phenomenal, the soup leaves me drooling and everything else. Take my advice and try this place out! Get the montoo it is literally the best thing I've ever eaten in my life. And the costumer service is a 10/10. The place is cheap to considering everything it offers. So glad this place is in downtown Skokie.
(5)Michele H.
I work just down the street so I decided to give these guys a try when Grub Hub suggested them. I ordered the Koubidrh Lunch with Afghan Rice and its sooo good. I don't know what the side sauce is, but its great! I'm not a fan of raisins except in cookies usually but this is really good! And it's affordable. A huge amount of rice and some meat and its just...omg soo good! They have lunch specials listed on Grub Hub. I definitely want to try other things here.
(5)Velina I.
Clean dining room, polite, friendly and knowledgeable staff, who suggested great food and beverages.
(5)Lauren K.
Woahhhhhh there, Kabul House, you just blew my mind!!! Afghani food is no joke! I've broadened my horizons past so much of this bland American food - my new love (which has actually been the case for a while now) is ethnic food with flavors as exotic and expansive as are the colors of the wind. Now, when my stomach starts to moan and groan my first notion is not for a simple ole burger, but rather it gargles for the tastiness of Indian, Mediterranean and now Afghani food!!! If you haven't tried Afghani food then you need to. Do you like chicken? Do you like steak? Do you like meat in general? I may not be a psychic, but I do know that you most likely answered 'yes' to at least one of those! If you did answer 'yes' then you have absolutely no excuse for not eating at Kabul House. I'd heard that their chicken is supposedly some of the best and most tender in greater Chicago...well, this sparked my interest since I love chicken every way, every day. My fiance and I got a combo to split between the two of us and in the combo comes this delightful chicken. The most amazing smell wafted up and around me as the combo was placed before me; it looked phenomenal and smelled even better. I honestly wish that Yankee candle would create an Afghani cuisine smelling candle - it would be burning in my kitchen 24/7. Besides the looks and the smell of this deliciousness, it was just mind-blowingly good..great..awesome...earth-shattering...just mm mmm good. The chicken and all of the meat being served were so incredibly juicy! Besides the entree, we also got the Ausch soup with bread and it's a great starter! I slurped and slurped it until it was sadly all gone! It had so many spices in it and I could have sworn there was some nutmeg or cinnamon in it, but no worries - the soup wasn't spicy at all in case you were wondering. Oh my goodness, I almost forgot about the mantoo! They are dumplings of sorts, but I don't even have words to describe how awesome these dumplings are. You will just have to take my word on that. Hands down, Afghani food will provide you with plenty of protein, flavor and satisfaction. This would have been a five-star experience except that our service progressively got very bad as our dinner went on. When we first arrived our server was very prompt, but he steadily became slower and less attentive as the meal went on. It wasn't extremely busy in the restaurant so I don't see a legitimate cause as to why the service suffered from such decrements. When we asked for the bill at the end of our entree it took 45 minutes and repeated requests for us to finally receive the bill. Thankfully we didn't have anywhere else to go and we were able to keep ourselves pre-occupied with looking up apartments on Zillow.com but it's a little uncalled for that we had to wait so long. Despite this, everything else about Kabul House was top-notch and when I'm in the Skokie area I will definitely be trekking back here to get some damn good food.
(4)Against T.
Overall very good and a nice place with friendly service. The kabuli pulauo was a little too sweet - as was the firnee - but the boneless lamb shank that came with it was very good. The lamb that came with the kabob platter though was stiff and dry. The mantoo wasn't as good as it sounded - it tasted more like ravioli. But the chicken items were very good - soft and flavorful. And the yogurt sauce was perfect
(4)Kelly L.
Food was amazing! Unique flavors-not the typical Middle Eastern flavors. The service was great, too.
(5)AJ M.
I haven't seen many Afghan restaurants before, but Im glad this one in is so close to home. Been coming here for years and the food has always been exceptional. This is a small clean little restaurant in heart of downtown Skokie. The Mantoo is a MUST TRY. Its prb my favorite thing on the menu. Think of a cross of dumpling, ravioli, or pierogi mixed with an amazing sauce, beef and chickpeas. The Kabuli rice is great as well,savory and sweet combo with the raisins. But the star of the show is the meats. All the meats, whether its the kabobs, lamb, chicken are all cooked perfectly, moist and packed with flavor. Service is always top notch. Deff one of Skokie's finest restaurants if not best, and a must try!
(5)Hashim Q.
Kabul house is a gift from God. The Murgh and mantoo are so tasty I want to scream. Any meat dish you order at Kabul house is guaranteed to be seasoned to perfection and MOIST. Excellent excellent excellent idk what else I can say. I absolutely love this place. One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I make it a priority to take all of my friends and family from out of town to Kabul house as soon as they land at ORD. Kind of out there in Skokie but worth the drive. Oh and the service is always exceptional.
(5)Francis F.
So we went here on a cold tuesday night and didn't make a reservation with two small groups ahead of us. It wasn't packed but it took about 20 mins to get us seated. They give complimentary soup and bread which was nice and warm while waiting. Food was delicious! we got murgh, combo plate, mantoo dumpling, aushak and beef chalau.
(4)Wasim M.
When the owner is not around the service is not all that food was brought to us cold
(2)Jenny N.
My family and I absolutely love Kabul House! We've been there a number of times for lunch and dinner and not once have we been disappointed. The service is great, friendly, and attentive. Everything on the menu is delicious and flavorful. During weekends, I would recommend calling ahead to make reservations since it typically gets crazy packed -- sometimes about an hour wait. I would stray away from ordering for delivery only because they use a third party for their deliveries and sometimes it takes longer than you'd want, especially if you just live only a mile away. I would really agree this is one of Skokie's Gems!
(5)Caroline D.
I had decent food here the first time -- it was pretty oily and small portions (even for a lunch special) but it was fine. This time I got carryout. Still really oily food and packed in a totally nonsensical way (lightest, most crushable thing on the bottom; leaky heavy things on top), way overpriced for what you get. I won't be back.
(2)Sidekick K.
Tried this place two times it was simple and fresh ; great tasting rice and meat. Will visit this place every time I carve for Indian ; this place serves better food than the countless Indian restaurants They have a limited menu but it seems good...much cleaner than any Indian restaurants ; yelper's you will like this place ;great for take out or eat in
(4)Anthony M.
AFGHAN-TASTIC Have you ever had Afghan food? No! Me neither until we walked in here the other day. I've been telling everyone I know about how good this place is, I just needed to sit down and write this review for all to read. We decided to go here during the middle of Chiberia's freezing cold snowstorm. We luckily found a street spot and when we got out of the car, we smelled the most amazing food ever. I hoped in my heart that these amazing smells were coming from the Kabul House. When we walked in the front door we knew we were in the right place. It smelled just as delicious as it did outside. I must say thank you to our fantastic waiter Dushan. He answered all of our questions and was very helpful during our whole meal. Thanks again for making our first experience with Afghan food a memorable one. On a side note there's a 10% off final bill with a Yelp check in...score!!! We decided to start out our meal with the Mantoo appetizer. It was 4 steamed dumplings that are filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots & onions. Then it is topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. I must say it was out of this world. We were so upset we only got the order of 4. Dushan had suggested we get the meal because it had 7. We should have listened. We will never make that mistake again. Next came the soups. First I had the Aush-Rishta soup which is made with chickpeas, lentil, red kidney beans, noodles with fenugreek, parsley, cilantro and garlic. The menu says "it is the best soup you will ever have" and the menu speaks the truth. The flavors and the spices were just fantastic. I went home and searched for a recipe to make this at home because it was that good. Next I had the Tomato Yellow Lentil Soup. This time the menu says, "Everyone who tries this soup calls it the best they've had!" This menu just doesn't lie! They have two soups here and both are just amazing. I'm so glad that both are on the menu. I recommend you just get both. You'll be happy you did. For the main courses we got the Murgh or Chicken Kabob. There were choices of 1 or 2 skewers. We went with the 2. The spices were similar to a Tandoori chicken. The pieces were very juicy, charbroiled & boneless. They use dark meat here and it is just yummy. If they had used white meat, then it might have been dry. We also had a choice of rice and went with the Afghan rice which was really tasty. It was covered in carrots and raisins. I was going to get the Chicken Chalau but Dushan talked us out of it. He suggested we go with the Beef Chalau because we had already ordered the Chicken Murgh. He wanted us to mix it up a little. He's fun like that. I am really happy I did because it was the most amazing bowl of food. Imagine the most delicious stew and stew is never good unless it's the Afghan version of stew. Yum! It contained small pieces of shredded beef sautéed in kidney beans, onion, garlic in a tomato base. The flavors were fantastic. It also came with a plate of white basmati rice. This place makes really good tasty rice. Dushan brought me out a bowl of cilantro chutney and it was so good. I put it on my rice per his suggestion. I've had this sauce at other middle eastern places but never one that tasted this amazing. There is nothing like a good house made sauce. This place cares about the food they serve. I read in the menu that they only use organic grass fed meats including organic produce and fruit too. I love that and it is great to know where the food your putting in your body came from. You can taste the quality from the first bite all the way to the last bite. It is unusually to find a restaurant that keeps getting better with every bite. Typically you can always find something that isn't great but not here. The delicious food train keeps rolling and getting yummier with every dish. We were so full, when Dushan decided to finish us off. He brought out a treat for our little one. He delivered a bowl of Firnee which is Afghan pudding that is made with milk, rose fragrance and pistachios. There is also fresh organic seasonal berries on top. He also gave us 3 spoons. I think he wanted to see us fight it out. Ha! Dushan also offered to get us some tea but we honestly couldn't eat or drink anything else. We needed the bill and probably a bed too. This place served up the perfect comfort food on a freezing cold January day. Our family had never had Afghan food until we walked into the Kabul House. Our little one ate everything and has an incredible palate. I do not know many little kids that would be open minded enough to try different looking food. It makes me proud. This was a fun way as a family to experience another culture through there food. Thanks to the Kabul House for going above and beyond our expectations. We had the most amazing meal and we can not wait to come back again.
(5)Steve A.
I'm new to Afghan cuisine, but I can't imagine how it can get much better than this. I wanted to try as many dishes as possible, so I designed my meal around the vegetarian sampler dinner, because it included several items that are also on the appetizer menu. The eggplant, pumpkin and spinach were all delicious, but my favorite was the cauliflower, which was rich and exotically spiced. Dinner came with lentil soup, which had a nice balance. I also tried the cucumber salad, which was mixed with yoghurt and dill, and went well with several other dishes. But the real show stopper was the mantoo. These are like little raviolis, filled with a meat and lentil mixture that is rich, exotic, and incredibly complex. I scarfed down every bit. Kabul House is a cheerful corner restaurant with a modern interior. Service was very friendly and efficient. It's BYOB, but the have a lovely mint iced tea that I found to be a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
(5)Eric G.
A friend of mine recommended this place as a nice diversion from the everyday. I was game as I've never had Afghan food before. We went a little before 5pm. It was just before the dinner crowd so not a lot of folks. The host greeted us promptly and we had a great seat by the windows. Overall I was really impressed with the layout. Everything look nice and modern, the space very inviting. The service was outstanding. For the appetizer we split the Mantoo. I'm really not a dumpling person but I found these flavorful. I would order these as an entree alone. I equally enjoyed the main dish, their national dish of Kabuli Palau. Again the combination of the lamb, rice, carrots, raisins, and seasonings were tasty. We ended the evening with the Walnut Baklawa. I love the flaky, nutty sweetness of the dessert. They have a few more desserts I would definitely like to try down the line. By the time dessert rolled by, the dinner crowd began to dominate. Quite a few folks were waiting for tables to open up. So Kabul House definitely is on the buzz cloud. I will definitely return again.
(5)Zubia S.
Absolutely loved the food here. I've been to a number of Afghan restaurants and this is one of the best. Great service, great lighting inside due to the numerous windows, ethnic decor, clean restrooms, make it all the better. We had the buhlanee which was nice and crispy, I think they couldn't have added more stuffing because it tasted more like bread than anything. We ordered the beef koubedeh which was nice and juicy, the Afghan rice was just as flavorful. We also devoured the gluten free murgh, grilled chicken cut up into pieces (father is GF). For dessert, we had the icecream and the rice pudding with berries and pistachios, both equally satiating.
(5)Shahzad A.
The taste of the food is still good. This restaurant used to be an amazing place but things have changed now. The taste is still good but it bothers me that when you order chicken the meat is full of fat. They do not use white meat for anything. Here is something to think about; if the chicken chunks are full of fat and are not clean how bad is the meat that is minced?!
(2)Jake L.
Good food good ambience. Servers are friendly and courteous. We ordered the eggplant appetizer the manto and the meat platter. Both appetizers were great. Meats taste good but they were really chewy. They need to take the fat off more. Rest i had good experience. I would come back again later.
(4)Adria H.
My family chose this restaurant this evening to taste Afghan food for our first time, and to ensure we had vegetarian options for everyone in our family. I did not read any of the other reviews before coming here, but I am compelled to write a review based solely on how rudely we were treated. My family of 6 met at the restaurant at 6pm, I arrived a little earlier at 5:45. Now mind you the restaurant probably seats a total of 45 people and only 6 tables had people at them. The "greeter" greeted me and asked if I had a reservation. (This being our first time, we didn't know we needed one.) So I said I'm not sure we did, her response was "Well all of our tables are reserved. So I could seat you at a table for 6 now but I'd need you out in under an hour and a half. Otherwise you'll just have to wait." Now I have no problem with a business managing their demand as efficiently as possible because obviously they are a tiny space, with the kitchen basically on your back while you eat. But my issue is with outright rude attitude towards a brand new customer. There is a thing called tact and customer service and she was extremely deficient in both. I did not want to stay but my mom did, so we stayed. Then once I informed this lady that we'd like to opt for the table now. She repeated "OK...but I'm gonna need you out no later than 7:15 because I'm gonna need my table." She moved us from the table of 6 I first sat down at and said "That's not your table. We are going to put you elsewhere". We waited ten minutes and had to ask for our server. Then when he came he was initially very friendly. Then the greeter spoke to him and his entire demeanor towards us changed. We waited for the bill at the end for at least 15 minutes. The table of 2 next to us came in behind us and also had to chase down a bus boy to get their check. The food was surprisingly tasty. But this experience left a horrible taste in my mouth. Had it been my choice I would have NEVER eaten there after being "greeted" so disrespectfully. But I know for sure I won't be back and wouldn't recommend this place to anyone else either.
(1)Cris G.
A gem in Skokie downtown ... I can't believe I've been passing this place for a year and haven't tried to walk in.. place is very clean ..staff are very friendly and attentive .. the food ?.oh I would wanna taste everytime .. the Murgh chicken and Aushak are heaven and the pumpkin appetizer .. well seasoned food and not oily at all .. I love everything here !!
(5)Pam D.
Delicious Afghan food. Highlights included the mantoo appetizer, the lamb and the bread, OMG, the bread was amazing. They also give you this delightfully tasty green sauce to add to the food. Wonderful! The service was spot on. The waiter was attentive and helpful without being pesty. The restaurant is clean and spacious and inviting. Well worth a visit!
(5)Elizabeth W.
Service is AMAZING. Food is AMAZING. My mind is blown at how well all these complex flavors worked together. I had the chicken kabob and the recommended soup. FANTASTIC. We even got the soup complementary! Oh, and it's BYOB. Our server was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fancy (but not stuffy fancy). Will definitely be back!!!
(5)Jacob J.
It's wild to me how many Michelin rated restaurants are now available in Skokie, IL! Which should mean that it's wise for you to bookmark these places and create a chance to stop by while it's still hot shit. And let's remember a very important detail here.. parking is regulated by Skokie meters which still accept nickels and dimes to purchase time. Unlike Chicago's costly and unwise choice of using LAZ parking. In the realm of Mediterranean & Middle eastern cuisine, if that is of interest, this is a worthy venture. If having a chance to stop in during a weekday, I insist trying their lunch special. Get the plate with succulent chicken kabobs, Afghan rice and grilled veggies. It's a grand feast that won't break the bank. The Afghan rice is Basmati rice topped with caramelized carrot strips and raisins. The colors will entice you and the taste will leave you wanting. Another entree served with Afghan rice is the Kabuli Palau where the tasteful addition to the wonderful rice are tender morsels of braised lamb shank. Very tasty. Whenever I go back, it's my usual choice. The food is very good and there aren't many items that would turn you off to Afghan cuisine. Instead, perhaps turn you on to trying other Middle Eastern cuisines. Service is alright. Depending on whom is serving that day, you'll typically get a good, warm welcome and exit greeting. Some servers fill the space with small talk and recommendations and others are shyer about it. Check out the two hundred plus photos to get a feel for the place. Quaint & cozy to suit a date night or entertaining of a group. Don't wait.
(5)Laura K.
I've been here twice now, most recently this past Tuesday night. We waited a little bit for a table (maybe 10 minutes) but this was no big deal. The guy seating us happily allowed us to sit at a different table then he was originally sitting us at with no issue. The food here is amazing, especially their house soup (Aush-Rishta) and their chicken kabob (Murgh) with their special Afghan rice. Our waiter threw in our soups for free due to our short wait and also treated us with their yummy pudding with fresh strawberries and blueberries on top. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Rafal P.
Wow is what I can say about this place. It's clean. Great atmosphere. Amazing kind staff. Food is so so.good. Great place will be back for sure
(5)Jeff B.
Kabul House is one of my favorite restaurants in Skokie! Everything we've ever ordered has been delicious and the service is top-notch.
(5)Mamoon W.
After reading reviews on Yelp, I gave this place a try. Even though it was about 10 miles from my hotel. Initially, I wanted to pick up food, and bring it to the hotel room with me. So I made a phone call for pick up. But by the time I arrived at the restaurant, I was starving and requested the person behind the counter that I would like to eat at the restaurant. I was given a table, and I went to use the restroom. As I came out in few minutes, very cold food was awaiting me on the table. I wanted to speak to someone to ask for water and have the food be warmed up. Basically, I was sitting abandoned in a corner. Even though the servers were around other tables but not taking the time to look and ask if I needed anything. So, I went to the counter and asked that my food to be warmed up and if someone would give me water. Overall, not a positive experience. Up my star, as the management reached out and offered a 2nd try. It was a nice gesture.
(3)Lavelle V.
Seeking something Ethnic (different from the standard American), Organic, & Vegetarian -- discovered Heaven! Cannot rave enough! Amazing Afghani fare - delightful Staff (including our incredible Server, Hector), great energy and ambiance. An on-the-house cup of Cardamom & Jasmine Tea .. & Cardamom, Honey & Pistachio home-made Ice Cream .. (I am an Integrative Nutritionist and was discussing the benefits of Cardamom, and bam!- another manifestation of abundance!: Thank you greatly, Sir!)!! .. My Partner and I were so in love!- we may even cater our next office party with Kabul's delicious Middle Eastern food. Enjoy. :-)
(5)Melissa A.
LOVE this place! I've been here twice so far and both experiences were great. Everyone here is welcoming and makes you feel like you're part of the family. The first time I came here, we had to wait for a table since we came on a Friday or Saturday. The last time I came, this past week, we were seated right away since we came at a later time on a weekday. They gave my friend and I each a complimentary soup (lentil and veggie) along with warm bread. The bread was soft, dense, and perfectly accompanied the soup. I preferred the lentil soup more than the veggie since it was creamy and tomato based. As for our entrees, I had the "Three Kabob Combination" which came with 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer of lamb, and 1 skewer of Koubideh (ground sirloin), side of your choice of rice, and grilled veggies for $16.50. I really enjoyed the chicken and koubideh since both were so tender and seasoned to perfection. I wouldn't recommend ordering the lamb since it was somewhat chewy and didn't taste like much. My friend had the Murgh chicken kabob and she loved it as well. Portions are pretty big for the price and I usually have leftovers. Our server was really sweet and checked on us the right amount, enough to show he cared but without being overbearing. I highly recommend checking Kabul House out if you want to try some bomb Afghan food in the burbs!
(5)Jenny Z.
Went here with my mom for dinner one night. It was our first time trying Afghan food, and we loved it! Service was a little slow to start off with (it took a while and some confusion to get seated, even as people who came in behind us were being helped), but it improved a lot as the night went on. I think they were pleased by how much we obviously enjoyed our meal, haha. The food was delicious and filling, although a little pricey. Each entree came with soup and bread, which was nice. My chicken kabob was absolutely amazing. So juicy, flavorful, and filling. Definitely recommend! Overall, very pleased with my dining experience here! I'll be back again!
(5)Nadia N.
Mantoo was amazing for appetizer and both soups were great... It comes for free with each meal u order.... The shredded lamb was amazing so delicious and my fiancé had the votes the beast chicken kabob... Amazing! Another great thing I loved was BYOB!!!!! Love this place and the staff was so nice !!!! We went on a Saturday night at 7 and I couldn't ask for a better place to go to downtown Skokie! Was nothing to complain about
(5)Michael D.
Truly amazing food. My wife and 7 year old son are not adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, but they both loved Kabul House. You can't go wrong with Aush-Rista Soup and the Mantoo dumplings. I crave both.
(5)Elina S.
I came here a few weeks ago with my family and overall had a nice time and enjoyed the food. Before I talk about all the yummy food this place has to offer, I must say that we were extremely disappointed with the fumes coming from the kitchen and they were pretty bad that all our eyes were in pain by the end of the dinner and we couldn't wait to get outside. They really need to fix this ventilation system because otherwise they have great service and fantastic food. Here are all the yummies that we tried: Mantoo appetizer: Steamed dumplings that are filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots & onions then topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. This was very yummy and definitely worth trying here if you want something authentic. Bulanee: Fresh leeks, scallions and spiced potatoes stuffed in thin dough and pan fried. Served with a side of our yogurt-mint sauce. This was okay, not my favorite item on the menu. Kabuli Palau:This is the national dish of Afghanistan which is named after the city of Kabul. Tender pieces of boneless braised lamb shank that is served underneath seasoned rice which is then topped with caramelized carrot strips & raisins. This was amazing, the lamb was the most tender lamb I've ever had and the rice was super tasty with all the carrots and raisins. A must try here. Murgh chicken kabob: I'm not a chicken lover, but this was amazing as well, one of the best cooked chicken kabobs I've ever had, filled with flavor and we definitely got two skewers of that to try with their afghani rice. My parents tried the beef kabobs which they thought were a little on the chewy side so I wouldn't recommend those and stick to the chicken and the lamb dish. Overall, I'd be excited to come back, but unfortunately due to the lack of ventilation, I cant' enjoy yummy food if my eyes are in pain. They need to fix that. The atmosphere itself is nice and pretty packed on a Saturday night so I would make reservations especially with larger parties.
(3)Ana W.
VERY good food but so-so service at best. I recently visited this restaurant in the middle of the day (after the lunch rush and there were very few customers inside). The waiters were twice as interested in watching a motor bike race than attending to the clients. Very annoying.
(3)Samantha S.
The service was very accommodating and I'm impressed with the beautiful food presentation. I definitely will come back !
(5)Anna S.
My take out food filled my car, nose and even my mouth with the most tempting smell. The food was just perfect. Full of taste. Also, while I waited for it to be done, I ordered a pop. I was told to forget it and served a tea. It was very nice gesture and a great way to promote. Nice, quick service too.
(5)FARUKH H.
The food is delicious and the service is great. If you want great Afghan food this place is it.Went a couple of months ago with my friends and just kept craving the chicken and afghan rice. I like the little touch of raisins on the rice.
(5)Decius A.
The food here was very good. I got the lamb kabob and my wife had the dish the restaurant called the 'signature dish of Afghanistan' - Kabul something or other. It was tasty. The service was reasonably good and I think we had our food within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering. However I do need to note that we made reservations with OpenTable and the restaurant told us they don't actually receive those. I'm not sure why they are on OpenTable then. It turned out we didn't need reservations, fortunately.
(4)Yohini S.
This was probably the best dining experience that I have had in a long time. We decided quite randomly to visit this restaurant to try Afghan food. And I am so glad we decided to try it! :) We went around 4.30pm and got seated right away. We initially thought about ordering Bulanee and then went back to our waitor to change our order to a soup. He knew it was our first visit so he decided give us two different soups on the house. So we got Tomato Lentil and Aush-Rishta soups with bread. We really enjoyed the soups but I preferred Aush-Rishta more than the Lentil soup. Our waitor came back to warn us that more food is coming so not to eat the bread! (I was so glad he warned because we got so much food!!!) A minute later, we got Bulanee with Yogurt mint sauce and it was delicious. I would so love to have this Bulanee on a cold/rainy day with a good cup of chai. It was absolutely divine but again we decided not to finish it so we can have some appetite for entree. For our entree, we got the vegetarian sample platter and Aushak (Afghan Ravioli). Again it was amazingly delicious. It had a little bit of extra oil but tasted amazing. The platter came with eggplant, spinach, pumpkin and cauliflower - along with some spicy Afghan rice. My husband cleaned his plate and finished the pumpkin dish as well. He loved it so much. Service was amazing and food was heavenly. I can't wait to take my friends there soon. Wonderful experience and highly recommended.
(5)Nancy H.
I've been coming here maybe 1-2 times a year, and I still rate this restaurant very highly for the food, service, and atmosphere (note: they have large, clean bathrooms!). Revisited recently with a friend who has never been here, and our friendly server gave us the Afghan pudding dessert on the house, and it was really good if you're into milk puddings (light) & rose water! One new entree I tried was the salmon, which was perfectly cooked. I rarely order fish at a restaurant because it's usually overcooked, but they got it right. They still offer free choice of soup and bread (the lentil soup is my fave), which can easily fill you up - but a great value in my book!
(5)Konnie A.
Kabul House is amazing! As a Skokie Resident I love going here. I find it a treat and consider it "spoiling myself" with food that is how tasty their meals are. I really enjoy the veggy patter, it has a sample of all the veggie dishes and I'm not even a vegetarian. Their afghan rice is wonderfully flavorful and I could eat it by the pound. Their cardamom tea is also wonderful and warms you up. It tastes great with food if you want to drink it during your meal. It also works as a wonderful dessert if you just want something nice and calming after your very filling meal.
(5)Bing N.
A dinner date enjoyed with good Afgan food. Will surely come back. Lamb was so tender and chicken kabob so tasty. Worth your money and serving size is just enough.
(5)Zee X.
Word of Warning: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they only take reservations of six or more. Parties under that amount are walk-in-only. There is also online ordering and pickup via GrubHub, if you don't like the wait. Best Appetizer: Mantoo Best Entree: Murgh with Afghan Rice Best "Mediterranean" place in Skokie--hands down. (Better than Pita Inn!) The only con: Veeerrrryyy slow service. But the food is worth the wait.
(4)V. H.
Delicious food, great variety, and excellent service. Definitely would recommend! Everything is seasoned to perfection and nothing is over cooked
(5)I S.
Had the delicious salmon salad and vegetable platter along with soup. Pumpkin was very sweet and a nice dessert. The green spice sauce was nice over the rice. Very good service
(4)Ali S.
Great , delicious food. I have been here many times and they have never let me down till now. My favorite entree here is the murgh chicken and mantu. The murgh is well done, served with veggies and rice. I have been to a few Mediterranean restaurant and by far this restaurant dies a great job in food and service. The tea is nice too, it's just the way it should be. I have a habit of having tea after my lunch or dinner and this just makes it great. Also I like how they serve you soup before your meal on the house. And the soup is not just an ordinary soup its traditional one. So they aren't just giving you a cheap soup. I took my wife here couple of times and she loves it as well. I would totally recommend this place to a person who is looking to have a nice, delicious meal in a great environment.
(5)Marla I.
The food here is really tasty. I've had the Mantoo and the Beef Chalau, both really good. The tomato lentil soup is very good as well. But my favorite thing here is the pistachio ice cream, it is absolutely delicious. I've been here a few times and will definitely continue coming.
(5)Sergey N.
5* experience all around. Food was very tasty, service was flawless, and the price was right. Meats combo was just delicious and complementary soups were a pleasant surprise. They accepted 10% off yelp check in deal with no issues which I felt should be offset by extra tip. :) Will definitely come back if I'm in the area.
(5)Ryan P.
I was able to set up a reservation for me and 5 others which was great. Not one person had something they complained about and everything was extremely good. The dumplings were delicious, but the Chicken Skewer was out of this world. Best part is this place is BYOB with no corkage fee. I will definitely be back here, even though I don't live in the city. Thanks for the awesome experience!
(5)Matt P.
Excellent food overall. Loved the soup and all the meat dishes. I was not expecting it to be as good as it is. Each time has met or exceeded expectations.
(5)Chris M.
I was finally able to make it out to the quaint little city center of Skokie to try some Afghan food for the first time ever. My only regret is I wish we could have all sat down for the entire dining experience. However, my 1 1/2 yr old was acting up big time in the car, so I was forced to call ahead and order take out instead. There's not much to say about the food that hasn't already been said. Food is very freshly prepared and well seasoned. Afghan food reminds me of a cross btw Mediterranean and Indian food, and wouldn't ya know the country pretty much lies in btw these two areas. This was especially true of the chicken murgh (kabobs). They were prepared like a skewer at Pita Inn, except the flavors were more of the Indian variety. It came with a cilantro sauce that was definitely Mediterranean, as it reminded me a bit of Italian dressing. The Mantoo dumplings were excellent, although I wish it was a bit of a bigger portion. We tried two soups, the Aush-Rishta and Tomato Lentil and both were EXCELLENT!! Then we had the chicken murgh (2 skewers) and the beef chilau. Overall, a terrific meal and I can't wait to come back and dine in the dining room.
(4)Raechel S.
Been to this establishment several times and each time that I have eaten there, the food and service is more than good. It is excellent! I always ask for the server Gerber who greets us with a smile and remembers us by name. He not only tells us about each dish but suggests certain items and we are NEVER let down. Great food and service each and every time. A must..
(5)Tresa M.
Super dee duper tasty!!! I got the mantoo for an appetizer and the chicken kabob. Mantoo is this little dumpling with meat inside and yogurt sauce drizzled on top....Let me tell you how fricken delicious this was to me. Chicken kabob was delicious as well with the afghan rice. Very tasty, only thing was the price was a little high. They're byob.
(5)David M.
Best middle eastern food at an incredibly reasonable price! I had: Aush (pronounced aawsh) - which if you are not from the Middle East or never had middle eastern friend is an awesome soup! (My mom makes hers a little thicker by this very good) Combo kabob platter- chicken , lamb and steak koubedeh (which means "crushed" but basically ground steak) with rice all of which were excellent and perfectly seasoned, he brought out a green sauce which was a little spivey and made everything even better! All of this and a soda which $20! Service was excellent! If you are in Skokie area and do not come here you are missing out!
(5)Layla J.
YUM and completely satisfying! Portions are big enough to share dishes. We started off with lentil soup and We had the (chicken kabobs) and the ground beef dumplings that literally burst flavors into your mouth. Bottomless tea and good company.
(5)Owais R.
The food was excellent, but the service is below par. I would give this place a five star rating if their service improves.
(3)DeAnna P.
The service can be a bit slow here, but it is worth the wait! The Beef Chalau is fantastic. It is small pieces of beef sautéed in kidney beans, onion, garlic & tomato base served with a plate of white basmati rice. Basically a cross between Afghan pot roast and chili. Make sure to add the crushed pomegranate leaves to give a bit of tartness to the dish. Save room for dessert. Their rosewater ice cream is not to be missed. Skip the almond honey cake. It is ok, but a bit dry. The ice cream is so much better! Wash everything down with an iced basil-mint tea. I cannot remember if the menu notes that it is sweetened, so be warned. It is very sweet, but the basil and mint temper the sweetness nicely.
(4)July H.
Excellent, fast, attentive service. The food is delicious and unique. It's also reasonably priced. I ordered a lamb stew with spinach dish that comes with rice and soup for only $13. But you'll have to find street parking once you're here.
(5)Paul A.
Great food and costumer service. Thanks to Gerber for keeping my credit card which I accidentally forgot to take with me.
(5)Elif T.
It is clean, the service is fast and everybody is smiling! The taste of the food is amazing. What else you would ask!!!
(5)Steve V.
The best combination of environment, service, warmth, quality of food and prices. Need better ventilation (exhaust in the kitchen) . Went to the concert after dined and all cloths smelled. But definitely will come back again.
(5)S C.
The place is decent. The service is very nice and manager and servers are very friendly and come to you promptly. They also gave us complimentary soup. The food arrived in time. Freshly made and very tasty. I suggest highly you try Mantoo (beef), it is my favorite appetizer and it was so delicious. The Murgh (chicken) kabob were delicious with Afghan rice. I don't like raisins so I asked them not to put them on my rice and they made sure of it. Very satisfying food and great service. I would definitely suggest this place for Afghan food.
(5)Matthew N.
This place is fantastic. I admit I wondered just how much I was going to like Afghan food (Let's face it, it's a little off the beaten path), but I absolutely love this place. They have this potato bread that I can't stop eating, and they have this ravioli-like stuff that is so good. Honestly, I don't know what the heck it's called or how the heck to say it. But whether it's the soup, the meat, the bread, or the rice, you'll be glad you stopped into this fantastic restaurant.
(5)Gino W.
When the location in the Dempster-McCormick area closed, I was a bit put off. Then I found out that there was this new location on Oakton. Noting that some restaurants have a tendency to upgrade their restaurant and compromise the food, I was slightly hesitant. Then I gave in. Aush-rishta. Boranee baunjan. Mantoo. Murgh chalau. They retained the authenticity of the food. Yes! The food, of course, is not the ubiquitous brand of Middle Eastern fare: humus, babaganoush, pita bread, etc. I am reminded of something crossed between Pakistani, Indian, and Iranian food. All of it is outstanding. The aush-rishta (soup) was flavourful without being heavy-handed with salt. The boranee baunjan is now my favourite eggplant dish. The mantoo left me stary-eyed. And the murgh chalau gives Indian murgh makhani a run for its money. The service is fantastic and the price falls well below what you'd expect for such a bloom in taste. I shall return. Count on it.
(5)Jean N.
The kabobs were really flavorful and tender. The complimentary soups on Sunday were also very flavorful. Really enjoyed my experience there and the great service.
(4)Paddu P.
I loveeee this place! I'm going to say right off the bat, that sometimes the service is a little slow. As in getting a server, check etc. BUT this place's fooddddd is worth the trouble. Here's what YOU need to try, Manto, Boulani, lentil soup and the 3 combination entree platter to get a bite of everything! Lastly save a little space for the traditional Firni. This place will NOT disappoint!!!
(4)Shosh S.
What a pleasant eating experience! I made reservations because I was going with a group of friends on a saturday night and I heard that it could get quite crowded. The restaurant was very easy to work with when I had to change the number of people the day of and they even called prior to the reservation time to ensure they still had the correct number. Upon sitting down we tried to start off by ordering drinks, but the server informed us that they were BYOB. The server was very helpful and informed us of a store only a block away in which we could run out and grab wine. It was an easy solution and in 5 minutes we had a few bottles of wine ready for our dinner. For starters we ordered their soup and salad. I had the lentil soup and wish that it never ended! It was so good that I would go back for just the soup alone. As they brought out the main course, the waiter informed me that my dish was taking a bit longer and so he gave me a spinach and eggplant dish to munch on while I waited (practically half of the vegetarian dish option). The spinach dish was very good! My friend who had the full vegetarian dish said the baby pumpkin part was her favorite. My food arrived not too long later and I had the Ashuk which were kind of a ravioli with scallions and leeks. There were quite tasty, especially with a delicious yogurt sauce served on it. Overall the service was amazing and the food was delicious and extremely filling!
(5)L E.
We are here right now on a Saturday night and there is a 35 minute wait. There are 5 open tables but reserved. So, be sure to make RESERVATIONS!!
(3)Debbie W.
A family favorite! My neice and nephew love this place, so last week they had a day off school and we went for lunch. We ordered the mantoo lunch special and the vegetable soup. It was wonderful, as always. The dumplings are are tender pillows filled with nicely spiced meat and vegetables. The portion size was perfect for lunch. The service was good.
(5)David P.
This is a great place, probably more like 4.5 stars. I don't give out 5 stars that easily. I have had many great meals here. I like the fact that it's BYOB. I like the service, they are always very friendly. I most like the food, it's delicious! The Mantoo appetizer is excellent. It's basically a well seasoned ground beef wrapped in a wonton skin, steamed like a dumpling, then topped with a yogurt and spicy green sauce. It's so good!!! I also really like the chicken kabobs and the braised lamb dish mixed with the Afghan rice with the raisins. If you are anywhere near Skokie, this is a must try!
(4)Ushna A.
The chicken kabob is to die for..... It's delicious, not dry... Absolutely tastey!!!! Flavorful!!!!! The Mexican server is so awesome.. He gives you the best treatment.. Great Resturant to take family and friends
(4)Mutale H.
My first time at Kabul House and I love it. We went there for our anniversary lunch. The food was delicious and fresh, and the staff helpful and friendly. As someone who only eats plant based food, and is particular about the kind of food I eat, I was so happy to find something on the menu without stressing. They have several vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options. I got the lentil soup and vegetarian platter, and I loved every bite.
(5)Fayeza M.
Ridiculously delicious. This place has authentic Afghan food that keeps you wanting to come back for more. The meat is succulent and cooked to absolute perfection. My husband and I are frequent visitors. We usually skip appetizers because the entrees are huge. Our favorites are the combination platter, murgh platter or beef koubideh with the Afghan rice that's topped with raisins. For dessert try the Firnee, it really refreshes the palate after a heavy meal!
(5)Jasmine L.
I came here twice now. I really enjoyed their food. I had the Aushak the most recent time I was there and i thought it was the perfect portion. Loved the mint yogurt sauce on top of it. They also give you complimentary soup for dinner which was tasty and different.And I went on a weekend night as well as a weekday night and both nights, it was busy for their respective nights. The weekend night, I had to wait about a half hour to get a table. The weekday, I didn't have to wait but it was pretty packed. Overall, I would go there again. There are more dishes I would love to try.
(4)arpan s.
Great lunch specials and service. Sometimes I call ahead because the wait takes too long. Gete chicken ground lunch special w afghani rice all the time. Two soup choices. Both are good and taste similar to each other. Def worth a try. Beef and lamb lunch specials are great too. And unground chicken. $7.50. Long waits. Supportive staff.
(5)Peter T.
It's one of those places where most "reviewers" are not going to be able to find fault; nor will your average customer who walks in off the street. Affable hosts, prompt service, delicious food, artfully presented, and a fair price. That's the story at Kabul House on Oakton Street in Skokie. A soothing atmosphere with linen tablecloths and napkins is the perfect setting to sample a wide variety of the cuisine of Afghanistan. The restaurant has been around for quite some time, but has been in various locations around the North Shore; the Skokie location is the newest and nicest. They bill themselves as "Chicago's only authentic Afghani restaurant". I have no way of knowing if that is true or not, of course, but I do know the food is spot on to other Afghan dining experiences I have had outside of the US. We opened the experience with hot cardamom tea all around, which was both delicious and palate cleansing; on to lentil soup, with was hot, thick, with just a hint of spice. For appetizers, we shared the "Mantoo", steamed dumplings stuffed with seasoned ground beef and plated very attractively with a tomato based sauce and yogurt, and split the vegetarian platter entrée as another starter, a plate of sautéed spinach , eggplant, cauliflower, and pumpkin. If you're a regular reader, you know how much I enjoy dumplings in any form, and the same goes for cooked spinach. For my entrée, I opted for the Koubideh, seasoned ground beef skewers or kabobs (yes, I seek out hamburgers in any shape!) , with grilled vegetables. All entrees come with a choice of three styles of rice, a seasoned version, plain white, or dill. I went with the dill, enjoyed it very much. The other diners in the party enjoyed the shrimp kabobs, and the chicken kabob entrees. I generally pass on dessert, but my companions raved about the rosewater and cardamom ice cream, made in-house. Tea, two appetizers, three entrees, two desserts, two coffee, less than fifty bucks. I generally don't look at other reviews on line, but I was curious about how Kabul House fared, because my experience was so divine; I wasn't surprised that the majority of reviews I saw paralleled my own experience. This family deserves your business, and all the success that life in the free world promises. I'm happy to have had the experience of dining here.
(4)Tracy S.
Amazing food and helpful waitstaff. First Afghan food experience and it was delicious!
(5)Sana B.
Oh. My. God. This place is amazing! Their mantoo is the best I've had. They have this sauce that I can't stop thinking about. Their iced green tea is a perfect refresher. Their service is unmatched on Oakton St in tbe food industry. Totally worth the price. Must try! I'm there at least twice a month.
(5)Julie S.
Great Afghan food in Skokie area! Friendly staff. My favorite is chicken and afghan rice.
(5)Boris S.
This restaurant in nice place of Skokie. Clean inside. The service was really good. We ordered: Mantoo was very good Bulanee with potatoes in thin dough taste was OK Soups Aush-Rishta and Tomato Lentil Soup was average. Murgh (Chicken Kabob) was amazing! Three Kabob Combinations: Chicken very good, lamb - not chewable, Koubideh (Ground Sirloin) not exceptional. We complained that it was a bit smoke and hard to breathe because they don't have good ventilation from the kitchen. We can't stay longer.
(3)Angela S.
What more can I say, other than my food and lunch experience here was perfectly divine. After reading the amazing reviews on Yelp, I was more than excited to experience Afghan food for the first time. I honestly had no idea what to expect...surprises can be a very good thing and especially in this case. As soon as we opened the door and walked in, the aroma of wonderful seasonings drew us in. The music set the scene, and overall the space was inviting and immaculate! We were immediately greeted by our server who set up a table for us. Because I spent some time reading the reviews and looking at the menu, I wasn't lost when it came time to order. I went right for the Murgh Chicken (chicken kabob) with dill rice. All I knew about the Murgh is that everyone says it's amazing, and they were right! Tender bites of chicken that will melt in your mouth marinated in a very light tomato-based marinade. The dill rice was cooked to perfection, not dry or too sticky, but light and fluffy and beyond flavorful. My husband had the Tomato Lentil Soup accompanied by a side of veges and dill rice. We actually ended up sharing the soup, because he insisted (and I gladly accepted). What I liked most about it was how light instead of hearty I expected it to be, and seasoned but not salty. Served with a basket of fresh, warm pita-like bread, we used extra pieces to scoop up our remaining soup and sauce from the chicken. He also ordered an extra side of veges and an order of dill rice. He's not a big eater, so I was beyond thrilled to see him enjoying every last bite. When our server asked us if we wanted dessert, my husband said, "even though I'm stuffed, if I wanted anything for dessert it would be another bowl of soup!" Service here is definitely worth mentioning. One thing in particular that I noticed, and greatly appreciated, is that our server gave us just the right amount of time to taste our food before checking to see if everything was okay. He left us to enjoy our meal and enjoy our date too! Upon leaving, I felt like I got just the right amount of food and was not stuffed. And, I forgot to mention that our bill with tip came out to be about $15! Overall, there is nothing I can say about this place other than Kabul House deserves my 5 stars.
(5)Marjans B.
I bin there a first time. Stop by noon break. All is really good tasted , whatever i v get. Highly recommended that place. Hard to find something better of this place.
(5)T Mir S.
I m from Afghanistan, so I never really go out for afghani food. But this place is amazing. For appetizer try the bulanee. You cannot go wrong with any of the entrees. I usually do one of the combination plates with dill rice or kabuli Palau. And for dessert you have to try the afghan ice cream.
(5)Christina S.
My first Afghan experience and it simply can't get any better than this. 10 dishes, all stellar? Who ARE these people?? To have tried so many different items with each one fantastic- not just ok, or average- but each one spectacular? I mean, when was the last time that happened to you? For me, that is rare. I don't know if there are many Afghan restaurants out there; I've never really investigated that. But I do know that should I ever run into another one in my travels, Kabul House is my new standard by which all others will be measured. In fact, make that for any restaurant. Kabul House just upped the ante. Take note all other restaurants. You just got served. ;) From the moment we walked in, it felt warm, inviting, friendly, calm and smelled amazing. I really liked the beautiful simplicity of this restaurant, it's design and decor. It just made us feel at home. Having done my Yelp due diligence, I knew we would be ordering the Aushak as an appetizer, and these leek/scallion filled dumplings did not disappoint. Light, delicate and flavorful. Only thing that will stop us from ordering again would be trying the Mantoo appetizer next visit. And there will be many visits over our lifetime. This is the kind of restaurant that creates such delicious, unique dishes that you question your ability to ever move away. Really, it's such a great place. Our entrees each came with soup. We loved our soups, each swearing ours was better than the other's, but in truth, both were great. I ordered the vegetarian platter which came with 4 different veggie concoctions, including spinach with garlic and lentils, roasted cauliflower with tomato, an eggplant blend, and cooked pumpkin with honey. Not a bad item in the bunch. This also came with a huge side plate of Afghan rice. So for $12 I got a bowl of soup, plate of rice, 4 veggie dishes, not to mention the complimentary flat bread-- and everything had great flavor and texture and nothing overly spicy, if even at all. Oh, the cilantro chutney was quite spicy but it was sooo yummy. My husband ordered the 3 kabob combo entree, and I'm telling you, at least in our experience, the chicken kabob (murgh) was cooked PERFECTLY. Super flavorful and juicy. Perfect texture and perfectly grilled meats which means they have their technique mastered. I've never had more flavorful grilled chicken. The other two kabobs were also fantastic but to me, the chicken was the star. Oh and the basil-mint sweet tea is such a lovely departure from the usual suspects. I had a hard time deciding between that and the hot cardamom tea, but I will be trying that next time since we will definitely be back to enjoy it again, as well as one the desserts- mostly likely the bread pudding or the cardamom, rose water, homemade ice cream. We also enjoyed our server. He was perfect: nice and friendly but not overly so, prompt, attentive, made excellent recommendations, and answered the many questions we had about the cuisine. And he had a cool, calm and confident vibe going on. But look, the point in going comes down to the food. This food feels light (not heavy with oil or butter), and is made by talented people who really know what they are doing- and take pride in doing so. All this awesomeness also came with a 10% discount via the Yelp Check-in. Our appetizer, two large entrees, including 2 bowls of soup, flat bread baskets, and two drinks came to a mere $40 plus tip ($44 before yelp discount). Worthy every penny and more. Kabul House is well worth the trip across town or the suburbs. I wish I had gone sooner. It is by far the best restaurant I've been to in some time- and that's saying something since I've been seriously Yelpercizing lately! And quite affordable period, but more so considering the entire experience. If you are timid about new cuisine, this is a wonderful place to start. Our experience was simply perfect, and we will be finding excuses to be in the area just to visit the restaurant again. And boy, do I have the place to take out-of-town guests!! Score! (Note to the tea lovers: They sell a small bag of house tea leaves for $5. I wonder if it might be the same tea they serve. )
(5)Candice G.
Kabul House is a restaurant I've had on my 'to-do' list for literal years now. Of all the things I've managed to procrastinate on and put off without rhyme or reason, this is by far the most regrettable. Honestly, everything was so unbelievably outstanding that now that I've had it, I don't know how I was able to fake it through life pretending I was happy without ever having these inimitable Afghani flavors hit my lips. I'd attempted to eat at Kabul House several years ago but when I arrived I found a strip mall with blacked-out windows and a paper sign on the no-longer-inhabited storefront explaining that they were in the process of moving to a different location and were currently closed. Bust... BUT worth the wait and then some as over time Kabul House has found a way to perfect the unique suburban Bib Gourmand dining experience. Having been named one of Michelin's 2013 Chicago-area Bib Gourmands as well as being praised the likes of the always-outstanding Yanyao N and legendary Johnny T, I knew I'd be in good hands making the minor trek out here from the western 'burbs on a weekday night. We arrived about an hour and a half before closing time and were able to snag one of the two open tables this very hoppin' Skokie hot spot. We were greeted by a beautiful woman with the warmest. most welcoming smile I'd ever seen. She got us promptly set up at a booth along their windows and not too long after that I was already in a heated internal struggle with myself about what to order. Was there a way I could get everything and not look crazy? Or more importantly, did I even care if looked crazy? My answer: No. My dining partner's reply: Let's not go crazy. You don't need to OD on Afghani. I promise we can come back. And from there, without even tasting a single bite, we knew we'd back based on the aroma in the air and array of options for vegetarian/pescatarians like ourselves. I think in general, there's a negative connotation when the word 'Afghanistan' is used, and the media doesn't do the greatest job in bringing uplifting news from foreign countries to the attention of the masses, and while there might not be anyone out there who would avoid patronizing a place because of what they've heard about about a place in the news, I figured it was worth saying in case their was someone who fit that profile, or even for someone like, sayyy, my mother, who doesn't have an open mind when it comes to food that isn't basic Italian, German, Mexican, Chinese take-out, or American fast food, that denying Kabul House a shot because you're unfamiliar with the cuisine and not sure what to expect, would be doing a great injustice to yourself. I, too, wasn't exactly sure what to expect as far as flavors, but I was truly blown away by what I experienced. I think in my head I'd convinced myself that Afghani food would be like a mixture of light, fresh Mediterranean-fare and heavier, creamier Indian-fare, but clearly I'd just made all that up since Kabul House was NOTHING like that. Never have I ever tried any cuisine quite like this, but at the same time, nothing was all that foreign tasting with the except of my cardamom hot tea, which was superb, by the way. If I had to choose a favorite of everything we ordered I might implode. It would be an impossible task and frankly, I can't commit to answering a question of that magnitude at this time so I'll leave all the Sophie's Choice-ing up to Meryl and just leave with the labeled photos of all our dishes as a guideline while strongly urging you to do what I did not and get EVERYTHING. Kadu it!
(5)Jessica P.
I came here on a Friday evening around 7:30PM to celebrate a friend's birthday. We couldn't make reservations because it has to be for a group of 6 or more; however, we were still seated immediately..The waitress or owner was very friendly and kindly provided us first timers with some food recommendations as well.. *one thing I did noticed upon entering the restaurant was that my eyes became really dry/irritated. it might be due to the smoke from the charbroiled entrees..only people with sensitive eyes would notice i guess.. Food: Mantoo ($6.95):comes with 4 pieces of steamed dumplings filled generously with ground beef, onions and spices, and topped w/ tomato meat sauce and yogurt. The portions are small, but good enough since the entree will fill you up. The mantoo tasted ok - I would prefer to order Mantoo over the Aushak. Aushak ($6.95): comes with 4 pieces of Afghan ravioli with leeks & scallions, served on yogurt-mint topped with tomato meat sauce. The presentation of both the Mantoo and Aushak are very similar, yet they do taste different. The Aushak just tasted ok to me. Boranee Baunjan ($6.95): 2 generous pieces that look similar to Pita Bread..It is eggplant seasoned with spices, then baked with fresh tomatoes, served on yogurt garlic mint sauce. I really really really recommend that everyone tries this appetizer as it is delicious and the yogurt garlic mint sauce complements the the Baunjan. MUST TRY! for the eggplant haters.. it doesn't even taste like eggplant, tastes like potatoes!! Murgh & Koubideh ($12.75): comes with one skewer of charboiled chicken kabob and one skewer of charbroiled group beef kabob and your choice of rice & soup. The food is definitely more than enough for one person or for big eaters, enough food to fill them up. I enjoyed the chicken kabob the most because it was cooked perfectly. Shrimp Kabob: comes with exactly 5 average sized shrimps and rice..delicious as well. Qabili Palau ($13.95): tender chunks of seasoned lamb served under a heap of seasoned rice that is garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins. The sweet carrot strips & raisins tastes good with the rice! I am not a huge fan of lamb dishes besides eating gyros at Greek Town..so the dish was just alright to me. It does come with a green hot sauce which is very spicy but tastes great w/ the rice. Lentil soup (comes with entree/combination): the lentil soup was light and tasted great! try it! :) Food Portion: we came with a group of 4 females and 1 male and shared 3 appetizers and 1 entree, 3 appetizers, 3 kabob dishes (each entree/kabob dish comes with soup)..we were content with the amount of food that came out and had some leftover rices at the end of our meals.. Atmosphere: a lot of older retired couples and couples in their 30s-40s seem to come here..all age groups .. Customer Service: the owner/co-owner lady and waiters were very nice! I would like to try other Afghan restaurants first..
(3)Asavari G.
Great afghani food! Lots of traditional dishes that you don't see at other afghani restaurants.
(5)Mariam K.
Amazing food and service. Even if the food was bad (which it wasn't, at all!) I would come back because of the exceptional customer service Daniel offered us. Some of the items we ordered were: Mantoo (ground beef dumpling) Aushak (vegetarian dumplings) Murgh Kabuli Palau Koubideh Everything was scrumptious! All the entrees came with white rice, dill rice, or afghan rice. My favorite, of course, was the afghan rice... I'm not a fan of raisins and carrots, however the rice is amazing. Just found out they cater as well... I'll definitely be catering from here next time!
(5)Crystal H.
The food was perfection.. I ordered the Murgh kabob and it was amazing.. Perfect seasoning and oh so juicy.. The afghan rice was the bomb the sweet taste that the raisins and carrots gave was perfect.. Hubby ordered koubideh and it was really good too and the hot sauce that they gave us complements the dishes.. My mother-in-law ordered lamb cant say much coz i don't eat lamb.. The only downside of the restaurant was the service coz when we first entered no one even greeted us we noticed they were busy and after we approached one server we were told that it will be 5 minutes after few minutes we saw few people left but still after 20 minutes we were still waiting to be seated that is when we decided to ask if we are still going to have a table or not.. Thats the only time we were seated.. Finally coz we were really starving.. Anyways, they were nice though to give us soup on the house because of our waiting.. But overall i will be back for the amazing Murgh!! Hopefully the service will be better on our next visit..
(4)Jessica O.
Very good cooking, great customer service... it's a solid place. The bread is good, I love their tea and I'm a vegetarian so I'm limited to what I can order, but the vegetarian plate is very good as is their soup. That soup is what makes winter bearable.
(4)Jahanzeb H.
had the chicken, beef and lamb combo with Afghan rice. Meat was cooked to perfection, Afghan rice was really nice. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to try something different.
(5)dan p.
many times over the years i have walked past this corner in downtown skokie, lost in thoughts or music. eventually my nose and mind became aware of some delicious smelling meats and food emanating from somewhere. ah, there it is. kabul house, always crowded with customers sitting in front of good looking plates of food. as a person on a budget, i tend to favor those places that let me be waiter and busboy: places where one orders at the counter and picks up ones food. i reserve sit downs for dates with friends and family. so finally, i had a willing dining partner and in we went. first off, kabul house is not cheap in your pita inn sort of way. once you understand that, its time to dive in to the menu. i had a lunch version of the aushak, basically a ravioli with leeks, scallions and a mint yogurt sauce spread over the top. quite delicious. my friend had the chicken kebob plate and loved it. the chicken was tender and the rice was delicious. the warm flatbread with yummy and we dipped it into the curry relish served on the side. my main issue was with the aushak, which was listed under entrees but at six tiny raviolis was certainly more like an appetizer. i was only filled up by asking the waiter for more bread. he clearly was not happy with my request. i resent spending money and leaving hungry. the bill was 25$ between the two of us for what i consider a small amount of food. nice ambiance and flavorful food are the pluses here. plan on spending a bit of money to leave sated. and maybe the waiter was having a bad day. but there are too many other gustatory choices in the area to ever justify eating here again.
(3)Alex S.
I love kabob restaurants and have eaten at many of them. The food here is average at best but the service was bad. 1. Waited 10+ minutes for water. Had 2 out of 3 glasses brought out. Asked for 3rd glass twice and waited another 10 minutes. 2. Eggplant appetizer was brought out but again we had to wait 10 minutes for silverware and bread. 3. The waitress had her fingers all over in our plates when bringing food to our table. 4. The waitress consistently kept ignoring or forgetting any requests that we had. Unfortunately there was lack of customer service and professionalism. I would try another restaurant before returning here in the future.
(2)Calin D.
I visited Kabul House back when they were on Dempster, and was happy to learn they moved to Oakton in Skokie. The brothers here server up excellent traditional fare, and I've never left the place hungry. The BYOB always leads me to pair their food with red wine, and the atmosphere here is quiet and classy. The spices they sprinkle on simple things like rice and soup add a nice touch to an already excellent meal, and I never feel like I've spent too much when I leave. It's good!
(4)Jose B.
went here a while ago when my wife and i were in skokie and couldnt find a place to eat at. They were quiet so our food was out like.... IMMEDIATELY. It was definitley tasty and well cooked. Havent been back in a while but hoping to go back soon and try it again.
(4)Hannah D.
Great Afghan food in Skokie! Simple, beautiful decor, prompt (but a bit awkward) service, delicious food, big portions, wide menu, good prices. Qabili Palau: full on flavor and TENDER meat Murgh: so flavorful and tender and not dry at all. Spiced to perfection. Afghan rice: again, flavorful. Cumin plays up the sweetness of the raisin and carrots. Aush rishta soup: great texture, but a bit bland Tomato lentil soup: the better of the two, but still not out of this world Stick to the kabobs and eat family style.
(4)Josh B.
Worth the drive. On vacation wkend in the city and decided to take a risk and Uber up to Skokie from dwntown. After 29 years of waiting for authentic Afghan food, the meal was amazing. Family of four with two and a friend under 8 years old loved the food. The mantoo, chicken kabobs (Murgh) and Kabuli palau were hits with all. The rose/pistachio ice cream as well. Although somewhat smoky as others have noted, the dinner was hit.
(5)Theresa K.
Phenomenal food, great service, and comfortable atmosphere! Vegetarians will love this place - they cook very tasty vegetarian options. The veggie platter dinner comes with mind boggling good pumpkin, eggplant, cauliflower, spinach, and rice. The appetizer, Ashank, are dumplings cooked and topped in an incredible sauce. Food is accompanied by choice of soup (lentil or minestrone) and delicious bread. I had no idea Afghan food was so delightful. I'm happy to have discovered this wonderful spot. BYOB.
(5)Susanna K.
Warm service, light-filled space, comfortable and private seating arrangements, excellent food with subtle, well-balanced flavor. We went for early dinner about 4:30 on a weekday. We were welcomed and seated right away. Gerber was our waiter and he was a sweetheart. We told him it was our first time, so he took some time to explain about the restaurant's owners, history, and the Afghan palate. He went through and explained the menu and made recommendations that were really helpful. Since we wanted to try a bite of everything, he offered to bring out plates and serve dishes family style. He then brought out complimentary soup. Both the tomato lentil and the Aush-Rishta were good, but we preferred the latter. Gerber then permitted us to combine two kinds of appetizers in one plate instead of getting two larger appetizers. We chose the Aushak (leek and scallion) and Mantoo (spiced ground beef) dumplings, which were both excellent. For us, the Aushak edged out the Mantoo slightly (but we're not usually beef eaters, so I understand why it would have its fans). The yogurt mint sauce was heavenly --- subtle, tangy, minty, fresh. We also tried the murgh (chicken kabob skewers), which are highly recommended. Again, well-seasoned, balanced combinations of spices, not spicy hot. The pomegranate-glazed salmon was also very good, though it tasted just slightly fishy. It came with a salsa-like sauce that was very good as well. Entrees were served with Afghan rice which includes carrots and raisins --- and is also delicious. Flavors are more subtle than Indian or Middle Eastern food, but they are also more balanced and engaging to the mind. Service was excellent. Water refilled, plates brought and taken back seamlessly. I asked many questions about the food and Gerber was kind enough to answer all of them! We were seated next to a large window so it felt very spacious even though the restaurant is a little small. Overall, this was a wonderful experience. Recommended.
(5)Minay T.
We got the combination and vegetable platter with the lentil tomato soup and vegetable soup. It was delicious!!! We are walking distance to the restaurant and heard good reviews from our neighbors. I've been wanting to try it but because our kids would not eat anything on the menu, it took us a while to try it. We were glad that we finally did. Their food was fresh and tasty. We will definitely be back on a date night. I love meditteranean food.
(5)Jennie E.
Referred to this place by a fellow Yelper (that you Christina S.). I was not disappointed. I had the mantoo, mixed kabob plate and the soup that came with the meal and I have to say everything was so flavorful and fresh! While the menu is small, they really know what they are doing when it comes to what they do have to offer! The portions are generous and the staff friendly, patient and helpful. This is a BYOB establishment so don't forget to BYO if that is how you like to have you Afgan food, as I do with a little red wine.
(4)Sarah H.
Made a reservation in advance and still waited 15 minutes to be seated. But that doesn't matter because the food is ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean awesome. Beyond awesome. We were a group of 9 so we ordered a variety of dishes and got them family style. We had: Afghan eggplant* Dumplings* Lentil soup and another soup that I can't remember Chicken skewers* Kabuli Pulao Lamb skewers Firnee Afghan tea(?)* I starred the ones i really liked. My family liked the lamb skewers but i thought they weren't tender enough. Everyone (except me) really liked the pulao as well. Ambience was nice, staff was courteous. Unfortunately it's a 45 minute drive for me so unable to go as often as I'd like. Something the restaurant can improve on: the exhaust system in the kitchen. Our table was by the kitchen and everyone's eyes were burning from the smoke.
(5)Michael M.
Great food. I've yet to order anything from this place that was not top notch. Highly recommended.
(5)Erick R.
Food is consecutively good. Chicken always moist and rice never dry. Customer service is always good and helpful and always have a recommendation for you if u don't know what to get.
(5)Zain Q.
One of the better middle eastern restaurants around Chicago. If not the best, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Food is amazing, it's afghan
(5)Parker W.
How did I never try this place earlier????? I've worked nearby on the Illinois Science and Technology campus for several years (pre-dating Kabul House's arrival on Oakton I think) and it always seemed a little too nice to go just for lunch. Little did I know there's a *very affordable* lunch menu and also.... LITTLE DID I KNOW IT'S INCREDIBLE!!! Definitely one of the best restaurants at which I've ever eaten!!!! Seriously, eat here.
(5)Brennan A.
The only bad thing about this place is how smoky the air is inside of the restaurant. The food is fantastic.
(5)Jai R.
The food is authentic and delicious. When you have a craving for something different but you know you want well seasoned meat and rice go here !! The service is beyond exceptional . I felt welcomed for sure. A must try spot.
(5)A. K.
OMG. This place is so freakin mouth-wateringly delicious!!!! Went here for my birthday...had murgh and beef koubideh combo with dill rice, and appetizers were mantoo. The mantoo is soo soo good! You are missing out if you don't eat here...it is mind-blowingly delicious, fresh awesome food! The service is prompt and polite...the restaurant is clean and has a cozy feel. I'm in love with it. Dinner for 2 was $40...we were STUFFED at the end. It is amazing food.
(5)Joey B.
I need to explore North Shore more, but this place is the hot spot for whenever I am in the area. This place resonates within my memories for having some of the best Chicken I have ever had. Atmosphere: The place overall had a very clean look with nothing too culturally extravagant. It had small cultural set pieces that were really charming. Really nice feel and I think I would recommend it for dates. The tables are also positioned very well so intimate conversations are possible. Service: The staff is fantastic in accommodating people. Everyone was so friendly and warm when we walked through the door. The hospitality had a family feel to it over professional which made me feel at ease. The waiter never leaves you hanging and is pretty good at reading tables. Food: I tried not to get full off of the amazing appetizers... I really enjoyed the warm pita bread and yogurt. The baby pumpkin Kadu and the Chicken Kabobs were my favorite. I didn't know chicken that juicy and succulent existed! By the god! I swear Zeus hurled a lighting bolt at a chicken to make that! I get hungry whenever I am near North Shore. I have never thought chicken could be that good with the perfect amount of seasoning every time. Do yourself a favor and get two skewers of this divine bird! Overall, I would say this place would be a perfect place for a hot date or an intimate group outing. Atmosphere, Service, and Food really blend well to make this place a hidden jewel when it comes to restaurants. I always look forward to the experience and divine Chicken that Kabul House provides.
(5)Ashouraita K.
This place is great and I love their vegetarian options. I had the Aush-Rishta soup and my boyfriend had the tomato-lentil soup. The Aush-Rishta was beauty in the form of soup on my taste buds. Does that make sense? I don't know, but it was amazing. I tried some of the other soup, but I preferred the Aush-Rishta soup and I think my boyfriend did as well. We ordered the vegetarian platter, which consists of eggplant, spinach, baby pumpkin, and cauliflower. I loved all of the different flavours and seasoning, but some of it was a bit too salty for my taste. It was really good otherwise. I also fell in love with their iced basil-mint tea. As a tea lover, I've somehow never thought of putting basil in my tea before and it was wonderful. The service was really good. Our waiter was a bit shy and awkward, but I'm a very shy person and I don't mind because I completely understand. They had forgotten to add the soups to our receipt and they told us that it was on the house when we brought it up. Their food is also very reasonably priced.
(4)Cal H.
Looking for great middle eastern and have a date ? Check this place out. Very clean with great service...doing a great Job. Love the one on Devon as well
(5)Gerry T.
Came here for Yelp night a few months ago and we were able to sample just about every appetizer and main dish. Yelp and Angela!, thank you for a wonderful night and for selecting Kabul House. I enjoyed the baby eggplant and mantoo (beef dumplings). The yogurt and green sauce (I know that's not too descriptive) were a great combo on everything. The beef and variety of rice was also flavorful and new to me. I've been to Reza's and Pita Inn many times but this place serves a unique, fresh flavor. Such delicate combinations from a country that's beyond reach for many travelers. But take heart, come here to Kabul house for a taste of Afghanistan.
(5)Hannah H.
Kabul House used to be located on Dempster, but they moved to the downtown Skokie area. I saw them on 'Check, Please!' years ago, and had this restaurant on my 'to-eat' list for a long time. It was a Friday evening, and the place was bustling - we had about a 10 minute wait, which wasn't all that bad. A basket of bread came out, and we started off with a bowl of Aush-Rishta (which had chickpeas, lentil, red kidney beans, noodles with fenugreek, parsley, cilantro and garlic - it is like an Afghan version of minestrone), and a bowl of Tomato Lentil Soup Yellow (which contained split lentils and it was tomato-based and a bit more heartier). My friend and I shared the Murgh, which were charbroiled boneless pieces of chicken that were extremely juicy and flavorful - probably one of the best kabobs I've had. Usually, I go for beef kabobs and stay away from the chicken (since they seem to be dry and/or bland); however, Kabul's was very tasty. You can have either 1 or 2 skewers. The side of the Afghan rice was okay (I think Cherry Blossom in Sterling is actually more tastier). We also shared a plate of Mantoo, which were steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots, and onions, topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. These were so tasty and delicate, and I loved the sauces on top. Our waiter was a little absent-minded (maybe the owner's son?) as we also ordered the Kadu (the sweet baby pumpkin appetizer dish), but he never wrote it down and so it never came out :( We were a little disappointed as we were looking forward to that dish. There was another really friendly waiter (with the glasses), and overall, the restaurant was friendly and very clean/modern. Definitely a good solid place for some good chicken kabobs and Afghan dumplings! Parking can be found around the area. +Murgh kabobs :D +Mantoo - steamed dumplings +hit-or-miss service
(3)Jen W.
Oh My Gosh! I cannot sing the praises of Kabul House enough. The food here was absolutely to die for. Even now, writing this review my mouth is watering. I had never eaten Afghan food before, but after this experience I will again. I had the dinner size mantoo dumplings. They were tender, flavorful, light and filling all at the same time. The cucumber mint sauce was fresh, not too heavy, and tangy. I tried a sampling of my co-workers entries and they were all wonderful. Service was great. They made accommodations for 18 of us, we were served in a timely manner and the quality did not suffer. I only regret I live 140 miles away so I can't return on a regular basis.
(5)Anjum G.
Chicken kabob and murgh kibboudeh were absolutely delish. Mantoo is spot on as well. I've been here almost 5 times now and the food has been consistently good. Im glad I finally have a goto spot in Skokie! Ps: their Afghan tea and conplimentary soup and bread make for a nice complete meal :)
(5)Annie T.
Really excellent dining experience! Even when overwhelmed with a large amount of diners creating a very long wait, these folks handled it well. The food is outstanding! Lentil Soup is great! I have food allergy issues and they are always kind, guide me well, making me a special version of their delicious chicken. Beautiful atmosphere. Unique, delicious, and special.
(5)Edward B.
Stopped here after a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden with my girlfriend. She's not the most adventurous of eaters, but I basically forced the issue since I've wanted to try this place for a long while. The 5 stars says enough. Great service and wonderful food. We had the Kabuli Palau and the Vegetarian Platter, both with plentiful Afghan rice. We also had Afghan Ice Cream and Firnee for dessert. I had the Iced Sweet Basil Mint tea as well (LOVED this - need to make it at home). All was excellent - I could go into details about describing each dish, but their menu does that well. My girlfriend loved it, since the food was very flavorful without being spicy. I'm not sure I'll be making special trips here, but when up North, Kabul House will be at the top of the list to revisit.
(5)Freddie L.
Awesome food, excellent customer service. High quality food that is healthy. Very nice dine in area. The wait time was not too long. Clean bathroom. Affordable prices. Free parking is easy to find. Food portion is good. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Mariam S.
As the five star rating says "good as it can get." The food is delicious. They have a very small menu which is fine to me as they do a great job on everything they serve. My personal favorites; mantoo, murg kabob, murg chulau, beef chulao. The soup is on the house and is pretty good! Exceptional customer service. I have never been disappointed, I have been to this place several times. They are always very welcoming. Also the ambience and atmosphere is very decent. Sometimes you can have some difficulty finding parking, so be prepared for that. I do wish they had some good desert items though. And I don't know why they gave us tea on the house last time!
(5)Adam K.
Pretty good, was expecting to get blown away, but it was just OK for me. Kabob was supposed to be made of ground sirloin, tasted like ground beef. Service was excellent and attentive. Soup was very good, lamb was very good. Long wait times, made people around us salty, and staring at us while we ate, made me uncomfortable. Decent prices though. The lamb would make me return. Underwhelmed overall, but I will round up.
(4)Diablo L.
Delicious food, had the awesome chicken kabob with afghan rice, chicken was juicy and tender , full of flavor, a must try,good service and prices...
(5)Claudia S.
the food is really good and tasty ,palce nice and clean
(5)Elizabeth J.
People who say that the suburbs are only filled with chain restaurants don't know jack! Kabul House is as authentic as they come and so, so good. Ain't nothing "chain restaurant" about it....can you tell I have a chip on my shoulder about my lovely suburban life!? Honestly, the rice and the vegetarian sampler are my favorites...and I'm not a vegetarian. Full of flavor, but not spicy hot. We will frequently stop by and just order a side of the rice to go with dinner at home. It's so simple, but we have yet to be able to duplicate it's amazingness at home. Staff are lovely. Service speed is perfect. So happy!
(5)Y H.
Giving this place 4 stars because now that I've been here multiple times, I will say there have been instances where the food was just not as good as it can be. Maybe it was a different chef? They also didn't have Koubideh available one of the times we came for dinner here, which was disappointing for some ppl in my group Anyways, when the food is done right (most of the time) it's pretty freakin delicious! Mantu Entree: 7 pieces of awesomeness Chicken kabob: AMAZING, so fresh, juicy and tender. Will always order at least one of this entree Koubideh: not big red meat person, but I actually really enjoyed this. It was cooked well and very flavorful. Lamb Entree: too chewy, good but probably not something I will consistently order from here Combination platter: again the chicken and beef parts were great, but lamb was chewy. Kaboulih pulao entree: the day we ordered it, it wasn't that great and so we never ordered it again Pista, raspberry and chocolate flour less cakes: if this place was closer I would come just to eat these cakes. They were awesome and it just depends on personal preference which flavor you want. I'll be back!
(4)Reeder J.
Place was awesome. Best lamb dish I've ever had probably. Highly recommend checking it out. BYOB as well. Service was phenomenal and had an authentic feel. Can definitely see why this place was Michelin reccomended.
(5)Diane M.
For several years now I've found myself driving the distance to eat at Kabul. I don't live in Skokie but will gladly make the trek when I get the urge. It's worth the drive people. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Their food is stellar. From the hot tea with cardamom to the rose water/pistachio custard, and everything in between! Their chicken is some of the most tender chicken anywhere. Service is great and the decor is fab. Everything I've tried there is brilliant. The flavor profile of each dish is wonderfully thought out. A total treat to the senses. The only gripe I have is that it's often cold inside due to the amount windows. If they could just turn up the heat a few degrees I'd probably never want to leave. I could conceivably eat myself into a coma. Great food. Absolutely worth the drive. But don't go there on Mondays. You'll be sad to seed the closed sign on the door.
(5)Amna A.
A personal fav. Enjoy the mantoo dumplings type dish. Ask for more yogurt on it though, only then it tastes even better. The kabuli pulao is ok. The murgh skewer and murgh koubideh are the best. Mast e badrang yogurt and aush rishta soup are super! The best Afghan cuisine in the Chicagoland area.... unless I'm missing out on something else
(3)Susan G.
Tasty Food. BYOB. I'm no expert on Afghan cuisine, but I really enjoyed my meal here. Dined here with 3 others and we started with a couple orders of the pumpkin dumplings and the potato dumpling appetizers. Our meals all came with soup and I had the tomato lentil soup which was wonderful. Our entrees included the chicken, ground beef, and lamb kabobs. Portions are very generous and so we all ended up taking leftovers home. For dessert we ordered two of the custard desserts which reminded me a bit of tapioca with fruit and almonds. They do not serve alcohol here, but you can BYOB as they have wine glasses and corkscrews. Cost of our meal per person including tax and tip was about $30.
(4)Anne S.
I came here last Monday for a Yelp elite event, and everything was fantastic. I decided that I would bring my family here to try it. Then I won a $40 gift certificate. On Saturday we were in Skokie with friends, and I convinced them to come here. Everyone loved it! We started with the kadu and gulpi. They were both wonderful. I love the gulpi. I could eat 2 or 3 of those myself! I had the lentil soup, and I was disapointed. Online people say this is the best lentil soup ever, but this is nowhere near as good as my favorite lentil soup (Cedars in Hyde Park). Next time I would get the vegetable soup. Since we didn't have lunch until 3 we were all starving. Two people got the murgh, one got the lamb, and I got the murgh chalau. Everything was good, but I think the murgh chalau was the best, the the murgh, then the lamb. I just kept eatting long after I was full because everything tasted so good. We finished everything, and were very full on the ride back into the city. This place is BYOB. It's not super cheap, but it is really damn good.
(5)Taylor M.
I was in the area and saw that Kabul House had amazing ratings on Yelp, so I started reading the reviews and saw that everyone on of my friends that had dined her (including 3 community managers and a Yelptern) had given them 5 stars. It was then I knew I had to try Kabul House! The experience definitely lived up to its reviews. We arrived for an early dinner at about 5 pm and were told that their specialty soup would not be ready which was a bummer. But at least I know everything is going to be fresh! Forgive me, this was my first Afghan dining experience, so I am not sure about the names of the dishes. For an appetizer we ordered the ravioli like dish. This was incredible and next time I will be ordering the entrée version of this for my dinner. For dinner, I had the lamb over spinach which I also loved. It came with lentil soup which I added the pomegranate seasoning too. The seasoning was different, but made the soup even better. The service was super friendly and everything was prompt! I am so happy my Yelp friends pointed me in the right direction here!
(5)Jimmy M.
Nice Ambience good food very good service, loved the fact that they give complementary soup and bread , it was a nice experience will go again
(5)Ted C.
I've had Afghan food before, from their old location in Queens, made from some Afghan friends and well, there a few more times. Bib Gourmand or not, Afghan food is very close to comfort food to me. Mantoo, not only reminds me of my grandma's dumplings, but it also was like a small bit of home plus tomato sauce! Kabul house has some pretty good dishes but it's got 4 different kinds of kabob which are, good, but it's a part of Persian, Levantine and Turkish and Greek cuisine, nothing super Afghan about it. Shrimp kabob? If I showed a shrimp to an Afghan in Mehtar Lam I don't think any of them would know what the hell it was. Definitely not something I would have eaten there. However, the Palau is pretty good it's pretty authentic, if fancy. I like the food, I guess I'm just wistful for some Biryani or Haft Mae'wa and it's not something I can find here.
(4)Sara M.
5 out of 5 always! We've dined here a few times already and each time is just as great as the first time. This time it was different for me as I'm observing lent and could only have vegetarian platters. Being the meat lover I am, I was worried I wouldn't be full. The vegeterian platter exceeded my expectations with taste and quantity! It was delicious and I was quite full after. The waiters are all very nice and serve you quickly.
(5)Rob F.
I have always been a fan of Afghan food and this place is top notch. All of the entrees, soups, and appetizers I have tried here have interesting with unique spices which add flavor without being "spicey". The service is also great. Everyone I have brought here has been amazed by it. If you have haven't tried this place, you will be pleasantly surprised -- its much better than your typical middle eastern restaurant.
(5)Ed A.
The flavors are mild and just don't punch enough flavor in the food. It's just not my bag My brother liked his order but, as I said, he likes this kind of southeast Asian food I will stick with the more Middle Eastern stuffed grape leaves, cucumber salad, beef kebab, hummus offerings.
(2)Jack P.
That is the most tender white meat I have ever eaten, bar none. Of course I came with great expectations, and they certainly were met food-wise. A friend and I shared the Manloo "ravioli" appetizer, the chicken kebab, and the vegetarian platter. And a couple bowls of the lentil and chick pea soups. And the cardamom tea. I kept checking the succulent grilled chicken pieces because they were so tender, I thought may not have been done in the center. And there's nothing more disturbing than chicken sushi. But it was all perfectly cooked, and obviously fresh or Halal meat. The portions here are generous, and I cleaned my plate like a good boy. The service was OK, and really nothing special. I can't help comparing it with the prior Kabul House which was located in a mall I believe still on Oakton in Skokie, where the owner came around and it had that Check Please like you are dining at his home kind or warm hospitality. The current place has more of a stark and functional appeal but certainly nothing memorable or especially inviting. The prices are OK, but with the variety of Middle Eastern available closer to home, with equally good food and lower prices, like Salam, I probably would not make the special trip out here. I would definitely return in a minute were I famished and in downtown Skokie. But I'd like to see if they have those same tender bites of chicken at their "Express" location on Devon. I could see trying that location. Really a 3.5 for me based upon a first visit.
(3)Ann N.
I drove in 3 hours and made sure to stop by here. I got in on a busy Saturday night, and asked to be seated (just me). FANTASTIC SERVICE. Host and servers never once made me feel hurried, made sure I was comfortable and even have complimentary soup because it was my first time. I got a table too - I felt bad because I was taking away the space of a larger party but I was never made to feel bad throughout the whole experience. I tried the lamb specialty and the pumpkin appetizer. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the whole dish was delicious. The pumpkin I didn't expect to be that good - highly recommended. I will definitely go here again.
(5)Hina Q.
HALAL! Even though this place is a bit far from home we decided to give it a try since a lot of people and fellow yelpers gave such great reviews. This place is a bit small so there was a waiting period for us on a Saturday night for about 20 minutes. Once we were seated the staff came by apologized for the wait and gave us complimentary soups. We ordered our food and ended up waiting around 40 minutes for our food to come out. The staff came by and apologized many times because they knew the food was taking long and it was because they were short staffed. Food comes out, smelled great, and the taste was amazing! The food was cooked to perfection with succulent taste. The portions were also pretty good. At the end of the dinner we were deciding on whether to get dessert or not but once again, the staff came through and brought us complimentary dessert for the late food. This place really cares about the customers because it shows when they do the small things as giving complimentary desserts or appetizers and also apologizing continuously for their mistakes. GREAT FOOD!! MUST TRY!!
(4)Susan C.
This was my first visit to Kabul House with my husband & son. My son had been here before and recommended it. I couldn't have been happier with my meal, the service, the presentation, everything was spot on. I ordered the single lamb kabob which came with rice (I chose dill rice) and a few vegetables & soup. The one kabob was plentiful and the rice portion very generous. The soup (chicken noodle) had an exotic flavor and was divine. I tasted the lentil soup & that will be my next choice of soups. We also shared the beef dumpling appetizer which was very tasty and nicely spiced. My husband had a Belly card so we got a free drink and my son did a Yelp check-in and got an additional 10% off the check. Will definitely be returning soon.
(5)Michelle K.
I really enjoy Kabul House for their food! The restaurant is bright and clean. The dishes are flavorful. I love their vegetarian plate. The spices in the pumpkin and the spinach are differnent. Their Afghan dumplings are really mouth watering. The service can be a little haphazard but they mean well and certainly will try and accomodate your needs.
(4)Jay H.
BYO is NOT permitted at this Devon location as of March 2013. The counter person said that they did not want to offend residents. I do not fully understand this policy, but I respect their choice. The Skokie location is a nicer and busier place, allows BYO, and is only 10 minutes northwest of this Devon location.
(4)Jerry L.
We just came back from dining at the Kabul House. We had a party of 10 people including one vegan . All ordered different items off the menu. Everyone really liked there meals including the vegan person. The service was really good also. Very accommodating .
(5)Hannah R.
This was our first Afghan experience! A friend had recently been here with a yelp event and she was raving about how good it was. We had to try it for ourselves! Our meals came with a choice of either the Tomato-Lentil or the Aush-Rishta soup. I had the Aush-Rishta and it was delicious. It was brought out with bread. Seeming there were four of us we decided to share the Kadu and Gulpee appetizers. Both were equally amazing. The Kadu was very sweet (sautéed baby pumpkin) and the Gulpee (cauliflower cooked in a tomato base sauce) was a little spicy. The place is very clean and the tables all have white linen table cloths with paper over the top. Each table is brought a carafe of water and even the napkins are of good quality - large and almost material like. The entrees arrived almost immediately after the appetizers were finished. I had to the Murgh and my husband had the lamb. The chicken was so delicious and tender. He's lamb was also good but I still think the Murgh is the best! There also bring out a yummy spicy sauce which was so good with the rice and meat. You also have a choice of either the white, Afghan or Dill Rice. I tried both the Dill and Afghan and they were both really good. One of our friends also tried the Murgh and loved it and the other had the Murgh Chalau, which was more of the soup/stew. We were all extremely impressed with Kabul House, from the moment we walked in, it inviting, clean and friendly not to mention it smelt amazing! The place had a homely feeling especially considering there were quite a few large groups (who looked like regulars). There was a bulls game on and a one table in particular all the women were sitting around talking and eating and the young children were all engaged with the large screen t.v. behind the bar. There was no a scrap left! We all ate way too much but everything just tasted to good! Even though we live south of the city we will be back and will definitely recommend it to others! Our bill was around $75.00 ( 4 people, a soup each, 2 shared apps and an entrée each)
(5)Gaurav B.
really long wait ... Servers are extremely wierd and rude. we were told to pack in 5 people on table of 4 ... Food was above average ... kebabs and afgani rice were good ... soups were extremely bland ..... i dont know if we will go there again..
(4)Jerry C.
I've been here 3 or 4 times not including the express location. The waiter Matthew was awesome and very helpful. The issue I had this last time that I went was wait time. They sat us down and 20 minutes later they realized that we hadn't been helped yet. We finally ordered and another 35 minutes passed by and we got our burnt appetizers. Another 45 minutes pass by and we get our cold food and one plate was missing a kabob. Matthew gets the manager and he was very nice and apologetic. The manager says he will get us new orders and he did, he was very accommodating. We quickly get our new plates which were warmer not exactly hot. I think he just reheated but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.I would give them another try because it wasn't Matthew's fault and the food is generally good.
(3)Negin J.
The Ash Reshteh was my favorite, and the best. Murgh and Qabili polo were also really good. The only thing I did not like was the mousse cake but who goes to an Afghan restaurant for a mousse cake? My mistake! The waiters were friendly, polite and fast. We will go back there soon!
(5)Garry W.
I've only been to one other Afghani restaurant in my life (D.C), so when I spotted this one from the reviews, I wondered if it would be as good. Crowded on a Sunday night, the hospitality that Afghani's are famous for was on display throughout the evening. The host worked hard to squeeze me in and was friendly and gracious. The waiter was incredibly helpful in annotating the menu and made great suggestions. Soup is served complimentary and I chose the vegetable noodle soup - great start. Chose the spinach appetizer and it was complex and delicious with great variety of textures. Entre was the 3 kabobs of chicken, lamb, and ground beef, served with afghani rice and vegetables. The chicken pieces were moist and delicious, unlike most kabobs that are dry. Love the spiced rice with carrots and raisins too. Too much meat to finish, but all delectable. The server was awesome and knew I was a novice to his cuisine and brought me an afghani cardamom custard with fresh berries - it would have been my first choice anyway and it was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal and impeccable service. A glass of Malbec would have made it even better, but they don't serve alcohol- you can BYOB if you know in advance. Will most assuredly return on my next visit to a north Chicago suburb. One of my most memorable business meals ever!
(5)Mario G.
The staff are always nice and the beef chulia is amazing!! The sauce that comes with must be made with Crack cause I'm addicted!!
(5)Marcia J.
A lovely discovery! Excellent, very fresh food, very clean restaurant and restrooms, very attentive service New flavors at a really affordable price The soups are delicious and the bread thick and yeasty. We will be going there again. Also, BYOB.
(5)Kimberly R.
The food was fantastic! I have never tried Afghan food before, so wasn't sure what to expect. So happy we decided to try it out. Arrived around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday and was seated right away. Went on yelp beforehand to decide what to order. We spilt an order of Mantoo as an appetizer and I had the Murgh Kabobs for my main dish. Both were perfectly seasoned and had good portions. My fiance had the Kabuli palau and it was also excellent. Definitely plan on coming back in the future!
(5)John V.
I walked into a place that was cold and uncomfortable. The booth we wanted to sit in was not cleaned up, so we sat in a booth with a table that was not level. Received the vegetable soup, although I did order the lentil, but no big deal. However it was warm, not hot. The main course took longer than expected. Again warm not hot. The lamb meat was full of cartilage and arteries, unchewable. looked to me like a bunch of guys running around in black uniforms with no management present. I value my appetite immensely. I shall never ever return.
(1)Andrew L.
Always top quality Afghani-Persian food. You won't go wrong here.
(4)Jessica K.
Delicious. Nice environment. Choices for vegans non-veg alike. The only thing is that the wait can be super long if you show up on a weekend.
(5)Anya A.
Good food and amazing portion sizes. You also get complementary soup with your meal! Popular spot and fills up most nights. The vegetarian platter is good as are the chicken kabobs.
(4)Jessica A.
Delicious! We got a dumpling appetizer that was so unique and flavorful. We got two lamb entrees that were equally good. Service was excellent!
(5)J S.
Pleasantly surprised and exceeded my expectation w friendly n professional staff. Not my usual type of a place to try, but i am so glad i did. Will try other items on the menu this week.
(5)Beth R.
My husband and I like a good suburban adventure. Recently our wanderlust took us north and west to Skokie for some Afghani food, and let me tell you, it will take us back again. I peeped the online menu in advance because I, the sometime vegetarian, needed to make sure I wasn't walking into a den of meat. More like a den-of-good-things-that-are-not-all-meat-but-then-Âagain-the-chicken-I-tried-was-really-good. We started with two soups, and they were both really good. I love a lentil soup, and theirs included tomato but not in a way that was overwhelming. I also tried the vegetable soup and liked it as well, though the online menu tells me it has chickpeas and noodles, but I don't recall those. And I would recall chickpeas (the unforgettable bean). I erred on the vegetarian side and tried the sampler platter. It was four items, arranged clockwise from low-to-high on the sweetness scale (with 10:00 being super-duper sweet). Spinach, cauliflower, eggplant and pumpkin: all great tastes that taste great together, though they were all cooked within an inch of their lives. I think the texture and nutritional content would improve with less time in the pan. My husband had a sampler as well, and shared a couple bites of his chicken (murgh) kabob. Wowsers. It was fantastic chicken - moist and not charry. I'll be seeing you again, chicken named murgh. I could take or leave the bread next time, and the rice is nothing to write home about (then again, I wouldn't know what to write home about rice). I believe there was a mix-up with ours as well (ordered dill, got white) but it was no big whoop. But word to the wise for the raisin-averse: the Afghan seasoned rice contains carrots and raisins. The service was friendly and efficient, and they advertise their considerable awards and accolades. They are, don't you know, a (Michelin) Bib Gourmand restaurant. I don't need that kind of recommendation, but I'm glad the word got out and I hope food-lovers keep the roof on Kabul House for a long time.
(4)Vedran A.
Fantastic place from start to finish. Excellent service and experience. Ordered the Aash soup and it is must try. Bold and rich, definitely a fine creation. The Aushak Dumplings are solid, full of flavor. A fine starter and something worth trying. I also had the chicken kabob plate and the meat was done exceptionally well. Marinated in richness, cooked to perfection. The vegetarian platter is a great mix of all the things you want to try. A true sampling plate. This place is priced reasonably and worth the try. Look forward to eating here again.
(4)Ryan K.
Unfortunately, I don't have much time to review this place so I hope I can do it justice. Amazing food. I've never had Afghan food before today, and if this is any reflection on the average Afghani meal, I will absolutely seek it out more often. The service here is prompt, professional, and warm; much warmer than the temperature at which they keep the thermostat. Of course, I did have a window seat. The food was served piping hot and was the most delicious I had during my Chicagoland trip. In fact, the food was so great, I ordered a second entrée just to sample more. Mantoo dumplings were preceeded by the lentil soup; many reviews rave about both and the menu claims the soup to be the best you'll ever have. Apparently the owner of this place has never met my grandmother. It was pretty damn good, though. My second plate is the signature dish: chicken kabobs. Very, very nice. The waiter just brought me two sauces to try over the 12-hour marinated chicken and he's absolutely right about how unbelievable the flavors meld together. Eat here!
(5)Anon M.
I had an extremely horrible experience here two days ago. I even filed a complaint under the comments box on Kabul House's website. I didnt want to air my grievances on Yelp, because I felt it best to directly address it with the restaurant. But, since my complaint was never addressed...I'd like to say to the owners please check the comments left on your website. I dont wish to bad-mouth your business publicly, its best that you read my reviews on there, and address them for future customers and clientele. Thank you!
(2)Tessa C.
So good! I had no idea what Afghan food was, but if this is any indication, it's delicious. The environment is nice, but be prepared to smell like what you ate after you leave.
(4)George J.
I love Afghan food! It's very hard to find Afghan restraurants especially good ones, but I found it. The food and the service here was great! The food was very flavorful and cooked to perfection my favorites were the Murgh Koubideh, Koubideh, the eggplant, and their yougurt with the green sauce. My friend had their chicken kabob plate and he loved it, the chicken was tender, juicy and full of flavor. I highly recommend this place if you're a fan of Afghan food and if you havne't had Afghan food you're missing out this is the place to try it!
(4)Tricia D.
This is one of those places that makes me wonder why it took me so long to come here. (Scratching head.) Props to Kabul House for a 2012 Bib Gourmand award! It's easy to see why they earned those accolades. Food is reasonably priced, generously portioned, and hits the spot! Each entree comes with lentil or vegetable noodle soup and warm, pita-like bread (great for dipping!). I tried the beef chalau entree, which had tender pieces of beef sauteed in onion, tomato, and garlic with a bed of seasoned (carrots and raisins) rice. The only lowlights of the meal: we couldn't order the eggplant appetizer because it couldn't be prepared in time (?? I was confused by the waiter's wording), and the food could have been served hotter. Overall, my first experience with Afghan food: excellent!
(4)David R.
Wow, everyone was right. What amazingly fantastic food! Gosh, where to begin? Well, at the beginning, I guess. My wife and I ordered both of the soups and swapped them back and forth. Both the tomato-lentil and the aush-rishta (vegetable and noodle) were delicious, but I give the slight edge to the latter. Despite the recommendations of the waiter plus various reviewers in favor of the mantoo dumplings, I chose the aushak appetizer. I might try the mantoo another time, but I can't imagine visiting Kabul House in the future without ordering the aushak again. In a meal full of incredible flavors, this was my favorite item. So, so, so, so delicious. I mopped up the leftover sauce with the table bread. For trying a new cuisine, the variety of the kabob combination platter appealed to me. This was another great choice. The lamb was merely very good, while the murgh (marinated chicken) and koubideh (seasoned ground beef) were outstanding. The waiter brought a little dish of green relish to the table, and of course that stuff was just as awesome as the rest of the food. I didn't catch what it was made of; I detected perhaps chiles and cilantro, but in any case it was bright and lively and paired up brilliantly with the lamb and beef. I also sampled liberally from my wife's vegetarian platter: sabzee (spinach), gulpi (cauliflower), boranee baunjan (eggplant), and kadu (pumpkin). While I liked all four, the spinach and cauliflower were my favorites, and I feel that the pumpkin was so sweet that it should be on the dessert menu. So basically that is about ten awesome things to eat in a single meal. This is really a 4.5. My only complaints are relatively minor: first, I found both the seasoned rice and the dill rice to be pretty bland; and second, one of my three pieces of lamb was full of gristle. Quibbles aside, I really loved this place and plan to return again and again. If it's as good the second time as the first, they will easily earn that fifth star.
(4)Monique U.
I just had the most amazing lunch at Kabul House. I'm going to focus on the food because that is what is most important! Our group of 9 had amazing service! Our server kept pouring us the most delicious cardamom tea! We tried the Mantoo, Aushak, Boranee Baunjan, and Bulanee appetizers. The flavors were amazing and the food wasn't greasy! I had the Kabuli Palau as my main dish and i loved every bite. Can I talk about the bread? like, woah, it was so delicious! My plate was filled so i took 1/2 of it home for lunch tomorrow. For dessert I got the home made Afghan Ice Cream which is made with Rose water, cardamom and pistachio. I was licking the plate! I tried my friend's baklava and i noticed it was very crisp, filled with tons of nuts and not dripping in honey, which was a nice change. The desserts weren't too sweet and i loved them that way. Sometimes desserts can be too sugary and sickly. This wasn't the case at all, and I wanted to take the icecream home! Our waiter gave us complimentary desserts as well (Firnee) which was like a creme brulee topped with fruit and nuts. Holy mother of awesomeness I can't wait to go back! IT's BYOB too. I am going back for dinner ASAP!!
(5)Miss D.
We live over the Kabul House so we have the opportunity to eat here often. It is everything people say it is. my favorite dishes are: Murgh Chalau, Vegeterian Plate & the Lunch Only seasoned Salmon Salad...THAT is delicious. The Sabzee is fabulous as is the lentil soup. I love it. I come here when I'm sick for the soup!! makes me feel so much better. The owners are nice guys and they deliver. It's always busy and it's always delicious. NEVER a bad meal here.
(5)Roxanne A.
I will forever be grateful to Ehow C., Grubhub, and the GH credit Ehow had. It was thanks to that colliding of forces that introduced me to the lovely delicious savory of Afghan food and Kabul House. Everything is so delicious and if I lived closer, maybe I wouldn't eat every meal here like it was my last meal. I stuff myself with my three go-to dishes. Again, everything is very good, but I dream of these particular dishes and just typing this is making my mouth water. -Bulanee This is everything I love about scallion pancakes and nan bread put together. It's so good and nicely pan-fried. Between all the flavors, it often hard to order just one. The pumpkin is my favorite. -Mantoo This is a cross between a dumpling and a ravioli. It's filled with ground beef and veggies. The tomato/mint sauce brings it home and is delicious by itself, but together with the dumpling, it is amazing. -Kabuli Palau Oh, I love you from your seasoned rice to your caramelized carrots and raisins to your hidden treasure of oh so tender lamb buried underneath. The meat and rice play off each other's flavor and texture so well. The service here is pretty great too.
(5)Sumayeh S.
Best food, plus best customer service..... people that work there are so friendly , I can't say enough about them ....
(5)Mirza B.
Many years ago, in a not so far land, I distinctly remember eating this scrumptuous concoction called "Mantoo" It blew my mind, it was amaazing. Unfortunately, this outfit that made this closed and for years I wandered the barren wilderness hoping to seek gratification in the emptiness in other cuisines. But, nay, not anymore. I rediscovered that Kabul House has reopened. In a better location. Same owner, same chef. Same food. Interior decor is airy, high ceilings, cleaning lighting and overall modern vibe. The service was awesome. It was my first time at this location so the waiter brought me soup on the house, the soup was decadent. If you are going to order one thing and just one thing....order mantoo....no questions asked, an amazing dish. Kinda a hybrid between a ravioli, and dumpling, it is delicious. The dish will haunt your memories for days to come. Also have the mixed platter. The rise is luxoriously moist and the meat, well grilled and tasty. There are not many afghan restaurants out there, but this one is definitely one of the better ones. I will definitely be returning.
(5)M S.
Wonderful food, wonderful family owned. They truly care abut their great quality food and you, their customers. We've been eating at their various locations for 20 years. The not-so-good aspect to this newer location is: the addition of 2 flat screen TVs behind the food prep area dominating the side booths; the close proximity of bathrooms to tables on the front side (no curtain to block the view from some tables directly into the men's); and often these days there will be large parties in the small space next to the booths. You literally have exuberant partiers so close you can barely converse never mind get the attention of one of 2 maybe 3 servers. There is barely room to move to your booth behind the chairs at these long tables. Service lags at these busy times! SO: 5 stars for food and caring; 1 star for bathrooms too close to tables and party time.
(3)Tuki C.
Great place. Service was excellent, and food was really good. The chicken kabobs are amazing, and the lentil soup was excellent as well. We went on a Saturday night, 7:30 pm, two people, without reservations, and we only had to wait for like 5 minutes. After our meal, they brought us a nice tea with honey. Great experience overall.
(5)Kim M.
Great meal, served creatively by friendly and professional staff. Excellent value!
(5)Chika S.
BYOB. I was a fan of their old Dempster location but now I am an apostle! Delicious and unexpectedly gracious service. We were a big group with young kids, food allergies, asking for extra this and that and a zillion questions... they were very patient and accommodating. Intense flavors and generous salt in their seasonings (not spicy, just intense) TRY THE LENTIL SOUP... really delicious and unique.
(5)Rania F.
I have always enjoyed the food at this restaurant but during our last visit the service was extremely disappointing. We came in for an early dinner and had four small children and 4 adults. We picked this time to avoid the evening rush and get the kids fed and comfortable. The hostess led us to the smallest table you could imagine. She managed to squeeze two high chairs on one end and two regular chairs for the older children on the other. I voiced my concern several times and pointed out that there were multiple empty tables that we're available to accommodate our group of 8 sitting at a 4 seater table. She said they were expecting a party of twenty so I decided to just sit and try to enjoy the dinner. There was absolutely no elbow room and no room for our plates. The children were touching the hot plates and none of us were able to eat comfortably. They also messed up our order and forgot to bring out the appetizer. Their only saving grace this time was the food. Delicious as usual. I was super annoyed with her and FYI the party of 20 never showed up during the hour + we were there.
(3)Richard F.
We picked this place based on its Yelp rating, and drove up from La Grange where I was visiting family. The place was packed and we had to wait about an hour for a table. We spent part of that time walking around old downtown Skokie. They will take reservations for parties of six or more. None of my party of five had ever eaten Afghan food before, so we each ordered something different and shared. The food was very different, but very palatable. The presentation was quite nice. The ambiance of the restaurant was quite pleasant with Afghan music in the background. The clientele appeared to be about 75% Afghan or Middle Eastern, so we assumed the food to be pretty authentic. We all agreed that this was a restaurant to which we would return, even with the 45 minute ride from La Grange. I give this restaurant four stars, but it is an easy four plus!
(4)Ali H.
I've been to kabul house for lunch a few times and find it to be a reliable and consistently good meal for an affordable price. If I remember correctly, the hot tea was a little pricey (for being mass-produced hot tea and all), but the food was reasonable. We've had all the vegetarian appetizers as well as the soups and the vegetarian lunch special plate. Loved both soups. Probably my favorite part. The veggie platter is also yummy and includes a variety of different dishes (pumpkin, eggplant, spinach, etc). Definitely check it out! The lunch special is a good deal.
(4)Jason T.
Let me start out by qualifying this review - this was my first foray into Afghan cuisine, I have never eaten at another Afghan restaurant. So now that my disclaimer is out of the way, let me begin to sing the praises of this place: I had an amazing meal here, and I definitely will be back. The food was fantastic. I went during lunchtime and had the lunch special - 7.50 for the koubideh special - a sizeable koubideh kabob with a side of seasoned rice and a bowl of lentil soup. The lentil soup came first and was great, full of spice and flavor, not too hot, and just the right amount so as to be not too filling for a starter. It was great to mop up with the bread on the table, and It whet my appetite for the next item, the Mantoo - a type of beef dumpling with various garnishes and a yogurt type sauce. The dumplings were warm, but not too hot inside as some dumplings can be, and delicious. Moderately hearty for an appetizer, they give you 4 per order and 1.5 was just enough for me. The seasoning of the beef inside was excellent, can't quite put my finger on what spices were used but I loved it. Then my main dish immediately followed, the aforementioned koubideh. The portion of meat was pretty generous, and the taste was excellent. Again, a plethora of spices, and cooked very well - it was still juicy but not greasy, very warm but didn't burn my mouth. The ambience and service here were also top notch. The dining area had plenty of room and my work colleagues and I were able to easily get a table for the 6 of us at lunch time. Everything was clean (bathroom included) and the lighting and open air felt welcome and inviting. Our waiter was prompt and attentive - refilling my drink no less than 3 times whenever it was empty. He was also very helpful in answering questions some of us had about the menu and food. Overall I think this place is great and a pretty solid value as well - total for my meal, appetizer and a drink with tip was about 15. I will be back.
(4)Pallavi B.
I LOVE THE FOOD HERE. Their appetizers are to die for and they have best chicken everything in the world. And don't leave without trying their raisin and glazed carrot seasoned rice. Yummm.
(5)Mariam A.
I've never had Afghani food before and Kabul House is amazing! The place is very nicely set up, love the decor! The owner and staff is verryy friendly and homely. We had a nice chit chat with the owner and gave us appetizers on the house. Me and my friend are plain sort of people, but we tried out the appetizer with the ravioli filled with scallion and meat dumpligns and it was really good! We loved it. We ordered the chicken kabob skewer, murg chicken and lamb skewer. The murgh chicken was delicious! Everything was presented very well. We also ordered the Murgh Chawal, it was really good we loved it! It's not pricy at all and we had a very good experience. 5 starts for Kabul House! We'll definitely be coming again.
(5)Jessica E.
This place is amazing. The vegetarian options are great even if there are only a couple. The desserts are great which famously tends to not be the case at foreign restaurants. Finally, the atmosphere makes you nervous about the check but it's actually very reasonably priced.
(5)Shawn B.
We enjoyed the old Kabul House despite a decor that was literally crumbling around us. After the lengthy hiatus, I had concluded that the food probably wasn't as good as I remembered. We tried the new location and it was fantastic. Everything we had was great. The kabobs - chicken and lamb - were juicy and flavorful. The vegetarians were very happy with the sampler (the pumpkin deserves special note). Even the rice is noteworthy. The new decor is very nice and the service was very attentive. None of this seems to have resulted in a meaningful price increase - they might have added a buck or two to each entree, but I'm not sure and I don't care. And it's still BYO.
(5)Alexandra S.
Change is good...at least in the case of Kabul House. I was bummed when the old location closed and had little faith we'd see a new location. I was wrong. The Kabul House is back and better than before. A snazzy new location in downtown Skokie is a major upgrade. Bright colors and light make you really see what you are eating. And the eating is good. In fact as good or even better than before. The vegetarian Ashak dumplings were delightful. The mixed grill a flavorful treat. The side veggies delicious. The restaurant is still working out the kinks from a recent opening but service is friendly. So happy this restaurant is back. Overall a big YUM!
(4)Farhan S.
Scrumptious is shouting "eat me!" It is delicious, delectable, mouthwatering, tasty, delightful, gorgeous, lip smacking, yummy, wonderful in taste and aroma; It's never unappetizing, unappealing, or tasteless. ALWAYS GOOD...SERVICE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE.
(5)Donna S.
The food is amazing and the service is excellent! From start to finish, a treat!
(5)Jenson J.
Great location!! excellent food and service! got the chicken kabob and lamb quibili pulao! Will go many times more!!
(5)Ed H.
Good food, good service and very nice and clean establishment!! chicken murgh kabok and montu is amazing!!!
(5)Judy S.
After walking into Kabul with a confirmed reservation via emial, the manager told us their web reservation system was not working. He actually argued with us, even though we showed him the confirmation on our iPhone. We decided to wait for a table, which turned into 30 minutes. Appetizers were good, though service was slow. We gave our orders for entrees which took a very long time to arrive, basically because the orders were never put in. When they did arrive, they were average. The owner was apologetic and offered us free tea and dessert. I don't think that was enough compensation for a nearly three hour dining experience filled with way too much waiting and mistakes.
(2)Carmen G.
I've been trying to find a great vegetarian place and this is the best!! They didn't have any okra but eggplant was good. Definitely coming back.
(5)David R.
We were driving in the car and couldn't decide on dinner. I used my Yelp app and found this place. I have never had Afghani food prior to this meal. It was amazing. I will be going back.
(4)hani b.
Food is great. Service is great. Prices are great. BYOB is always good if you want to stay on a budget. We had aushuk (ravioli) and mantoo (dumplings) and both were awesome.
(5)santino b.
I have eaten at Kabul House a few time and always enjoyed the delicious food. My favorite is the combo and the Bolani..
(5)Dina Y.
Amaziiiing food! Fresh quality! Delish flavor! I'm craving this food twice a week and I'm not happy until I get it. This place does NOT have one flaw. Everything on the menu is exotic and spiced and seasoned to perfection! A must try is the Murgh, Bulanee, Mantu and their homemade ice cream! Their chicken is phenomenal and will set your new standards, it melts in your mouth and is cooked to perfection! I promise, you won't taste anything as delish as this food. Every time I eat here, I am more satisfied than the last time. Their servers are the nicest and friendliest! The owners are always ready to serve you with a smile and are very attentive! They never forget a customers face! Always in a good mood and greeting all customers! The restaurant style is very cozy, the lighting is perfect, the decorations are very cultured but not overly done!! Perfection! Can't wait to come back in a few days. Yum!
(5)John F.
An absolute delight. Courteous, helpful service, wonderful food. Has charged to the top of my favorite places.
(5)Lela B.
this is my favorite new restaurant right now. i liked it on dempster before but now it is even better. i love their vegetarian combo entree- you get spinach, eggplant, pumpkin and cauliflower. a nice change from the regular indian restaurant options. i'll be coming here a lot in the future.
(5)Yanyao N.
Drop everything you are doing RIGHT NOW and get yourself over to Skokie immediately. I promise you will be really glad you did. Plus, the shiny new Oakton Yellow Line stop is open, right down the street from Kabul House. NO EXCUSES! And hooray for there being more than 2 stops on the Yellow Line! Following these instructions and you will have one of the best meals ever: - Start with the mandoo and aushak as your appetizers. They are basically Afghan dumplings/ravioli. If you ask nicely enough, they will let you make a combo appetizer plate of 2 aushak and 2 mandoo, so you can sample them both. Your other option is to order normally and have 4 of each, which (trust me) won't be difficult to eat. - While their other menu items are all really, really delicious, everyone needs to order the Murgh (chicken kabobs) for their first time here. Once you do, you probably won't ever order anything else. Seriously. Read all the reviews. Everyone is gaga for this chicken. I have ranted and raved about this chicken and my dear friends that trust my opinion actually drove to Skokie (bless your city living hearts!) and now they too, rant and rave about the chicken. I usually despise chicken at restaurants. But this murgh is MAGICAL. It is moist, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. I do not kid when I say, this is THE best chicken I have ever had. Truly. Go ahead, do the double kabob. You'll thank me later. - Another insider tip: ask them to do 1/2 dill rice and 1/2 seasoned rice with your chicken. (Don't be that person who orders the plain rice. Otherwise, I will call you Blandy McBlanderson). - Each entree order comes with a free soup! Both are vegetarian - the tomato lentil and the aush-rishta. Both are awesome. - The hot tea is divine. I think they add cardamon to it. So, did we get that? MANDOO, AUSHAK, MURGH MURGH MURGH. And please, be super nice to the staff. They are my friends (well, I'm not sure if they remember me, but I like them a lot!). Always so warm and inviting, and they genuinely love hearing that you love their food. They take a lot of pride in it, and it really shows. Also, they do catering! So, should you want to have a party at your house with THE BEST CHICKEN IN THE WORLD, you should give them a call. I've only ordered catering once in my entire life, and it was from Kabul House, and it was glorious. (Yay #400! Kabul House totally deserves it!)
(5)Jill W.
Wow! I heard this place was great but was blown away by how delicious and reasonably priced it is. The service was also impeccable and so friendly. They even brought us a complimentary dessert. I enjoyed our meal so much I can't wait to come back and try other things on the menu. I also got to take home a good amount of leftovers and they were even better the next day. Get the beef ravioli app, you won't be disappointed. The veggie platter was also excellent! Highly recommend Kabul House!!
(5)Seamus M.
Great food at a great price! It will be hard to find better value at such low prices anywhere around Chicago. The Aash Soup had a good flavor profile but was only $1.50. The Chicken Kabob lived up to the hype their own menu created, it was perfectly spiced and cooked, it taste great with or without the accompanying sauce it comes with. I also ordered a green tea and walked out paying less than $11 total. Not bad!
(5)David S.
I went to Kabul on the Sunday before Labor Day and it was busy. This is a quaint little place with modern decor and a very fragrant kitchen. My wife complained that it was a bit smokey and hard to breathe, but I thought it was ok. First off, this was my first Afghan meal so I trusted Yelp to order right. We had the combo kebab dinner, the lentil soup, onion & cilantro salad. They ran out of their beef dumplings so we went with the vegetarian dumplings app. Food was good. but here's the scenario that made this place great. They mistakenly brought us a full order of the dumplings (we ordered the appetizer). I didn't mind because they were tasty and assumed they messed up. They noticed when it came to bill time and still only charged us for the app. Not only that, they offered us a free dessert to apologize for the mistake we benefited from. On top of that we had a Yelp 10% coupon for checking in. Triple Score. These guys are classy...or they knew that I'd Yelp about it :)
(4)Jay S.
I'm a beef lover, but I come here for their murgh chicken. It's the most tender, juicy, flavorful chicken I've ever had. Try it, you won't be disappointed! Service is impeccable and their bathrooms are very clean!
(5)A. V.
Every time I visit, I fall in love with this place all over again! The staff is friendly and welcoming. The food is amazing! Do yourself a favor - be sure to get the Afghan rice - it's delicious. And my husband cannot possibly eat here without getting an order of kadu, which is the pumpkin topped with yogurt sauce. I usually order the vegetarian platter or the koubideh dinner. They are both consistently excellent! I brought a friend here a few weeks ago and she had a shrimp special, which she raved about all night. You will not be disappointed by Kabul House!
(5)Asya K.
I took my bf to check out the place as it was one of my favorites while I lived in Skokie. He loved every single thing we tried. The staff was super accommodating and polite even though we walked in a few minutes before closing time ( I had an old menu in the car and their hours had changed). The soups are delicious, so good that I went and bought red lentils in attempt to make something close to what we tasted. Their lamb dishes are outstanding and so are their skewers. I wish I still lived in Skokie in order to eat their more often!
(5)Jeff E.
Ordered the lamb kabab. It was good not great. I have had better street kababs than this place. The Afgan rice was yummy but there were a lot of hard pieces of rice. if your going on lunch and have limited time order ahead. also if you do not want to smell like kabab all day get your food to go.
(3)Linda L.
I went there for the first time today. I checked the reviews and saw some recommendations. The lentil soup came with any order of the entree. Some people have said that it was great, but it wasn't really that tasty to me. It was eatable. I ordered Mantoo, beef dumplings i guess. And yesss, it was really delicious. I loved it. My friend order Kabuli Palau, lamb with rice. Hmmm it wasn't really really good but it wasn't bad either. The rice was a bit sweet. Anyway, I was happy with Mantoo. I'll try something new if I go there next time.
(4)Alexa H.
I have never eaten Afghan food before, but if it really is as good as Kabul makes it, I want to eat it every night. Sure, it was awkward when the host seating us mistook spray paint in a bag (purchased to paint a bed frame) for a "beverage" (it's BYOB). But after that, everything was lovely. It's a comfy, warm place. Our server described everything in great detail and it all sounded amazing. We started with the kadu--a pumpkin dish he didn't describe but should have. This is better than pumpkin pie or any other pumpkin item you've ever eaten. It's sweet, salty, oily and comes with amazing sauce. We ordered two main courses -Aushuk--a large portion of leek & scallion dumplings you can also get as an appetizer. Well cooked oniony greens in tender dumpling outsides. -Kabuli Palau--unbelievable lamb shank served with Afghan rice. These came with soup and the waiter made sure we got to taste both of their soups. Everything comes with yogurt mint sauce and a spicy sauce that it like the best acidic, green Mexican salsa mixed with sweet tamarind chutney. I wanted to put it on everything. If you're in Chicago, get on the train now. It's close to the Oakton stop of the yellow Line which means it's barely outside of the city. Trust me, I've eaten at a lot of places in Chicago and this one is worth the trip outside the city.
(5)C B.
4 stars for service.....which was not good at all....but 5 stars for food! yummy! What stood out the most and i have often cravings for it is the Rosewater ice cream! omg! nothing like it!! if you're going to come here, it is a must try!
(4)Sadaf G.
Love this place!! Never had a bad experience here, the staff is so friendly and accommodating and the owners are super nice as well! Some of our favorites are, Beef Koubideh Mantoo (Favorite hands down best appetizer on the menu) Kabuli Palau (so delicious) Chicken Kabob I called the restaurant tonight and the manager told me they offering carry out only because of a private party. I called back after work and the man said that they closed their kitchen because of the private party and wouldn't be able to do carry out orders either (this was two hours later). I told him I just wanted 2 orders of Kabuli Palau and the man was so nice and accommodating. he told me he would be able to get that for me and to come by in 10 minutes. I love small business's for this reason, this place is definitely one of my favorites in Skokie! I've also catered from them for parties of 50 and they delivered the food right on time and it was perfect!!
(5)Ehow C.
Oh man. I ordered delivery for my roommate and me through Grubhub, and this was probably the most fantastic food I've had delivered. By the way, kudos to the delivery guy. Super friendly, and he even walked up to my apartment door. The mantoo and bulanee appetizers were pretty tasty. The mantoo were beef Chinese dumplings from another mother, with a delicious spicy yogurt sauce. The bulanee are like naan, but thicker with a delicious filling. My roommate and I made the mistake of ordering two entrees and eating them separately. If there's one thing you need to remember, it's that they give you tremendous portions. She ordered the qabili palau, which had such tender lamb. My murgh kabob was absolutely delicious. The chicken was so, so, so flavorful tender, it was killing me softly with its words. The veggies also were grilled perfectly, and the rice with raisins and carrots bring a needed sweetness to tremendous savoriness. Basically, order here. I haven't dined here, but I'm sure it's just fantastic, given how much care they've put into my delivery order. You won't regret it.
(5)Josh B.
I just waited 30 minutes for a table and they gave our table to two people that came in 20 minutes after our party of two. That couple didn't even have a reservation. They never took our name, just said we had 2 couples in front of us. The late 30s aged couple that took our spot were called out by name. Apparently we were described as "young couple." No attempt to find us. Unprofessional and I don't forgive them despite their half hearted apology and assurance we'd get the "next" table. Too hungry for their excuses. Not coming back.
(1)Matt M.
Wow! Even better tasting than your "express" on Devon! And now with improved access on the yellow line?!!? Damn, I'll have me some of your delicious lentil soup and delcious dishes that line your menu. Clean, friendly, located in a great spot! I have not had a lot of Afghani food in my day, but if its all this good, I don't know what the hell took me so long!!
(5)Yav A.
Great Lunch Specials!!! Recommendations: Afghan Bread Lentil Soup Aush Raita Soup Beef Koubideh Chicken Kabob Bulanee with Potatoes
(5)Kangana G.
We found this gem by accident - we were at the mall in Skokie and wanted to find a place to eat. I've eaten Afghan food before (Helmand in Boston and Baltimore) and this place might even be better, if less fancy that those restaurants. We've now been twice and already have plans to go again, even though we live in downtown Chicago. My husband is crazy about their kebabs and I LOVE everything vegetarian they make, especially the ravioli. And oh, the afghan rice! I would eat it as it is (and I do!) Special mention to their Phirni - a lightly sweet, yogurt-based dessert that is seriously unbelievably good. I don't exaggerate when I say that it might be one of the best things I've ever eaten. IT IS SO GOOD! Excellent service, amazing food, affordable prices. Highly recommend!
(5)Jon L.
Anything you order here is good, but I wish they'd use less salt!
(4)Howard L.
Looks like it's been 4 years already since our last visit. This place is still as good and as popular as ever. Service is ok but slightly slow (also as always it seems). The menu looks like it has been shrunken down a little, but I can't pinpoint exactly where as our favorites are still there. Our party enjoyed murgh kabobs, combo chicken/lamb/sirloin kabobs, and their signature kabuli palau. Appetizers included kadu (pumpkin), boranee banjan (eggplant), and mantoo (dumplings). Tonight was another of Skokie's summertime 20% off Wednesday nights.
(5)Riya A.
I've had this place a few dozen times and I have to say. Holy crap this place is consistently good, the bread is phenomenal, the soup leaves me drooling and everything else. Take my advice and try this place out! Get the montoo it is literally the best thing I've ever eaten in my life. And the costumer service is a 10/10. The place is cheap to considering everything it offers. So glad this place is in downtown Skokie.
(5)Michele H.
I work just down the street so I decided to give these guys a try when Grub Hub suggested them. I ordered the Koubidrh Lunch with Afghan Rice and its sooo good. I don't know what the side sauce is, but its great! I'm not a fan of raisins except in cookies usually but this is really good! And it's affordable. A huge amount of rice and some meat and its just...omg soo good! They have lunch specials listed on Grub Hub. I definitely want to try other things here.
(5)Velina I.
Clean dining room, polite, friendly and knowledgeable staff, who suggested great food and beverages.
(5)Lavelle V.
Seeking something Ethnic (different from the standard American), Organic, & Vegetarian -- discovered Heaven! Cannot rave enough! Amazing Afghani fare - delightful Staff (including our incredible Server, Hector), great energy and ambiance. An on-the-house cup of Cardamom & Jasmine Tea .. & Cardamom, Honey & Pistachio home-made Ice Cream .. (I am an Integrative Nutritionist and was discussing the benefits of Cardamom, and bam!- another manifestation of abundance!: Thank you greatly, Sir!)!! .. My Partner and I were so in love!- we may even cater our next office party with Kabul's delicious Middle Eastern food. Enjoy. :-)
(5)Shahzad A.
The taste of the food is still good. This restaurant used to be an amazing place but things have changed now. The taste is still good but it bothers me that when you order chicken the meat is full of fat. They do not use white meat for anything. Here is something to think about; if the chicken chunks are full of fat and are not clean how bad is the meat that is minced?!
(2)Jake L.
Good food good ambience. Servers are friendly and courteous. We ordered the eggplant appetizer the manto and the meat platter. Both appetizers were great. Meats taste good but they were really chewy. They need to take the fat off more. Rest i had good experience. I would come back again later.
(4)Keith H.
Another Skokie gem, Kabul House is the perfect place to be introduced to and get hooked on Afghani cuisine. This is definitely one of my top 5 middle-eastern restaurants in the entire nation. The Kabuli Palau is to die for! I've taken multiple friends / groups of friends and everyone loves this place. Great food (most tender chicken kabobs, murgh, I've ever eaten) and attentive friendly service makes this place a staple for me. On top of that, it's BYOB. Awesome sauce. The staff is really friendly and I typically get take out from here. The ambience is ok and since they moved from Dempster some time ago their prices have risen. Overall the food is great and their rice is amazing! Very consistent quality. Also not sure if I come here during weird hours but have never seen it packed or even semi full but least parking is a breeze in the area
(5)john B.
Had a good dinner there while touring colleges with my daughter. Wait staff was very friendiy Food was tasty. Chicken kebab and ground beef kebob were both flavorful. Order them with the Afghan rice -- yellow(ish) rice with carrots and raisins. The stuffed was fine, but even with the yogurt sauce, it was a little tasteless (large portion, though, and very filling). The Moot dumplings were also nice and flavorful. I would have iiked to try some other items, but my dining companion doesn't like lamb, which makes up a lot of the menu. The basil-mint iced tea was delicious -- definitely order that. I don't love restaurants that don't take reservations (they said they only take them for parties of 6 or more), but the wait for a table (it's a smallish restaurant) wasn't bad -- maybe 10 mins. I always take it as a good sign if a restaurant inspires me to try to make the same dishes at home. Kabul House was such a place. It is a good place to eat. Recommended.
(4)Aswinikumar A.
Every bite of the food i tasted in this restaurant was mouth watering and delicious. With a scarce of Kabul food in the states, this place helps me tick off my bucket list to try and taste various cuisines, knowing that i have limited options being a vegetarian. Their rice pilaf or biriyani as they call is sweet and has a very different aroma than what you might get in Hyderabad. Seasoned with saffron flakes on the top, this was served with a few deep sauteed caramelized onions with a side of the mint flavored yogurt. Their potato bread was exceptional, something that we have never tasted (although we expected it to look & taste like Aloo Paratha, an Indian wheat bread stuffed with spicy potato mix). Thanks to the ambiance, this places makes it a perfect spot to host your loved ones or friends.
(4)Masood Q.
This is the best place for Afghan food PERIOD!! I am willing to put up their Mantu against any other afghan restaurant in the country or any of their dishes for that matter. The service is great and the owner is especially friendly. Being Afghan myself, it's hard enough finding native cuisine let alone it being comparable to "how momma makes it". This is a place I take all my friends when Afghan food is desired!
(5)Joani O.
We had a wonderful dine in experience here the other night. After choosing our table, we were warmly greeted by our server and offered complimentary soup. We had one of each; my daughter loving the aush while I enjoyed the lentil. The bread was a wonderful accompaniment which we loved dipping into the soups. We again had the Mantoo appetizer which was not only beautifully presented, but just as delicious as the last time we had it. We ordered the chicken kabobs and the combination plate, which was 1/2 chicken kabab, 1/2 beef, and a lamb kabob, and we both had our favorite dill rice. (They offer 3 kinds). The chicken is tender and juicy and definitely lives up to its reputation, and the other meats and vegetables were flavorful and grilled perfectly as well. The restroom had just been cleaned, which was nice, and the dining room is not large, but was tidy and is tastefully decorated. The Afghan music was upbeat and lender to the experience. The best part was the friendly, attentive service. Despite the fact that our server mentioned that he was new, he paced our courses just right, kept our water glasses filled, and checked on us several times without being annoying. We never felt rushed. It was a lovely dinner, deserving of 5 stars, and we'll definitely be back.
(5)Lauren K.
Woahhhhhh there, Kabul House, you just blew my mind!!! Afghani food is no joke! I've broadened my horizons past so much of this bland American food - my new love (which has actually been the case for a while now) is ethnic food with flavors as exotic and expansive as are the colors of the wind. Now, when my stomach starts to moan and groan my first notion is not for a simple ole burger, but rather it gargles for the tastiness of Indian, Mediterranean and now Afghani food!!! If you haven't tried Afghani food then you need to. Do you like chicken? Do you like steak? Do you like meat in general? I may not be a psychic, but I do know that you most likely answered 'yes' to at least one of those! If you did answer 'yes' then you have absolutely no excuse for not eating at Kabul House. I'd heard that their chicken is supposedly some of the best and most tender in greater Chicago...well, this sparked my interest since I love chicken every way, every day. My fiance and I got a combo to split between the two of us and in the combo comes this delightful chicken. The most amazing smell wafted up and around me as the combo was placed before me; it looked phenomenal and smelled even better. I honestly wish that Yankee candle would create an Afghani cuisine smelling candle - it would be burning in my kitchen 24/7. Besides the looks and the smell of this deliciousness, it was just mind-blowingly good..great..awesome...earth-shattering...just mm mmm good. The chicken and all of the meat being served were so incredibly juicy! Besides the entree, we also got the Ausch soup with bread and it's a great starter! I slurped and slurped it until it was sadly all gone! It had so many spices in it and I could have sworn there was some nutmeg or cinnamon in it, but no worries - the soup wasn't spicy at all in case you were wondering. Oh my goodness, I almost forgot about the mantoo! They are dumplings of sorts, but I don't even have words to describe how awesome these dumplings are. You will just have to take my word on that. Hands down, Afghani food will provide you with plenty of protein, flavor and satisfaction. This would have been a five-star experience except that our service progressively got very bad as our dinner went on. When we first arrived our server was very prompt, but he steadily became slower and less attentive as the meal went on. It wasn't extremely busy in the restaurant so I don't see a legitimate cause as to why the service suffered from such decrements. When we asked for the bill at the end of our entree it took 45 minutes and repeated requests for us to finally receive the bill. Thankfully we didn't have anywhere else to go and we were able to keep ourselves pre-occupied with looking up apartments on Zillow.com but it's a little uncalled for that we had to wait so long. Despite this, everything else about Kabul House was top-notch and when I'm in the Skokie area I will definitely be trekking back here to get some damn good food.
(4)Against T.
Overall very good and a nice place with friendly service. The kabuli pulauo was a little too sweet - as was the firnee - but the boneless lamb shank that came with it was very good. The lamb that came with the kabob platter though was stiff and dry. The mantoo wasn't as good as it sounded - it tasted more like ravioli. But the chicken items were very good - soft and flavorful. And the yogurt sauce was perfect
(4)Kelly L.
Food was amazing! Unique flavors-not the typical Middle Eastern flavors. The service was great, too.
(5)AJ M.
I haven't seen many Afghan restaurants before, but Im glad this one in is so close to home. Been coming here for years and the food has always been exceptional. This is a small clean little restaurant in heart of downtown Skokie. The Mantoo is a MUST TRY. Its prb my favorite thing on the menu. Think of a cross of dumpling, ravioli, or pierogi mixed with an amazing sauce, beef and chickpeas. The Kabuli rice is great as well,savory and sweet combo with the raisins. But the star of the show is the meats. All the meats, whether its the kabobs, lamb, chicken are all cooked perfectly, moist and packed with flavor. Service is always top notch. Deff one of Skokie's finest restaurants if not best, and a must try!
(5)Hashim Q.
Kabul house is a gift from God. The Murgh and mantoo are so tasty I want to scream. Any meat dish you order at Kabul house is guaranteed to be seasoned to perfection and MOIST. Excellent excellent excellent idk what else I can say. I absolutely love this place. One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I make it a priority to take all of my friends and family from out of town to Kabul house as soon as they land at ORD. Kind of out there in Skokie but worth the drive. Oh and the service is always exceptional.
(5)Francis F.
So we went here on a cold tuesday night and didn't make a reservation with two small groups ahead of us. It wasn't packed but it took about 20 mins to get us seated. They give complimentary soup and bread which was nice and warm while waiting. Food was delicious! we got murgh, combo plate, mantoo dumpling, aushak and beef chalau.
(4)Wasim M.
When the owner is not around the service is not all that food was brought to us cold
(2)Jenny N.
My family and I absolutely love Kabul House! We've been there a number of times for lunch and dinner and not once have we been disappointed. The service is great, friendly, and attentive. Everything on the menu is delicious and flavorful. During weekends, I would recommend calling ahead to make reservations since it typically gets crazy packed -- sometimes about an hour wait. I would stray away from ordering for delivery only because they use a third party for their deliveries and sometimes it takes longer than you'd want, especially if you just live only a mile away. I would really agree this is one of Skokie's Gems!
(5)Caroline D.
I had decent food here the first time -- it was pretty oily and small portions (even for a lunch special) but it was fine. This time I got carryout. Still really oily food and packed in a totally nonsensical way (lightest, most crushable thing on the bottom; leaky heavy things on top), way overpriced for what you get. I won't be back.
(2)Sidekick K.
Tried this place two times it was simple and fresh ; great tasting rice and meat. Will visit this place every time I carve for Indian ; this place serves better food than the countless Indian restaurants They have a limited menu but it seems good...much cleaner than any Indian restaurants ; yelper's you will like this place ;great for take out or eat in
(4)Steve A.
I'm new to Afghan cuisine, but I can't imagine how it can get much better than this. I wanted to try as many dishes as possible, so I designed my meal around the vegetarian sampler dinner, because it included several items that are also on the appetizer menu. The eggplant, pumpkin and spinach were all delicious, but my favorite was the cauliflower, which was rich and exotically spiced. Dinner came with lentil soup, which had a nice balance. I also tried the cucumber salad, which was mixed with yoghurt and dill, and went well with several other dishes. But the real show stopper was the mantoo. These are like little raviolis, filled with a meat and lentil mixture that is rich, exotic, and incredibly complex. I scarfed down every bit. Kabul House is a cheerful corner restaurant with a modern interior. Service was very friendly and efficient. It's BYOB, but the have a lovely mint iced tea that I found to be a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
(5)Eric G.
A friend of mine recommended this place as a nice diversion from the everyday. I was game as I've never had Afghan food before. We went a little before 5pm. It was just before the dinner crowd so not a lot of folks. The host greeted us promptly and we had a great seat by the windows. Overall I was really impressed with the layout. Everything look nice and modern, the space very inviting. The service was outstanding. For the appetizer we split the Mantoo. I'm really not a dumpling person but I found these flavorful. I would order these as an entree alone. I equally enjoyed the main dish, their national dish of Kabuli Palau. Again the combination of the lamb, rice, carrots, raisins, and seasonings were tasty. We ended the evening with the Walnut Baklawa. I love the flaky, nutty sweetness of the dessert. They have a few more desserts I would definitely like to try down the line. By the time dessert rolled by, the dinner crowd began to dominate. Quite a few folks were waiting for tables to open up. So Kabul House definitely is on the buzz cloud. I will definitely return again.
(5)Elizabeth W.
Service is AMAZING. Food is AMAZING. My mind is blown at how well all these complex flavors worked together. I had the chicken kabob and the recommended soup. FANTASTIC. We even got the soup complementary! Oh, and it's BYOB. Our server was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and fancy (but not stuffy fancy). Will definitely be back!!!
(5)Zubia S.
Absolutely loved the food here. I've been to a number of Afghan restaurants and this is one of the best. Great service, great lighting inside due to the numerous windows, ethnic decor, clean restrooms, make it all the better. We had the buhlanee which was nice and crispy, I think they couldn't have added more stuffing because it tasted more like bread than anything. We ordered the beef koubedeh which was nice and juicy, the Afghan rice was just as flavorful. We also devoured the gluten free murgh, grilled chicken cut up into pieces (father is GF). For dessert, we had the icecream and the rice pudding with berries and pistachios, both equally satiating.
(5)Adria H.
My family chose this restaurant this evening to taste Afghan food for our first time, and to ensure we had vegetarian options for everyone in our family. I did not read any of the other reviews before coming here, but I am compelled to write a review based solely on how rudely we were treated. My family of 6 met at the restaurant at 6pm, I arrived a little earlier at 5:45. Now mind you the restaurant probably seats a total of 45 people and only 6 tables had people at them. The "greeter" greeted me and asked if I had a reservation. (This being our first time, we didn't know we needed one.) So I said I'm not sure we did, her response was "Well all of our tables are reserved. So I could seat you at a table for 6 now but I'd need you out in under an hour and a half. Otherwise you'll just have to wait." Now I have no problem with a business managing their demand as efficiently as possible because obviously they are a tiny space, with the kitchen basically on your back while you eat. But my issue is with outright rude attitude towards a brand new customer. There is a thing called tact and customer service and she was extremely deficient in both. I did not want to stay but my mom did, so we stayed. Then once I informed this lady that we'd like to opt for the table now. She repeated "OK...but I'm gonna need you out no later than 7:15 because I'm gonna need my table." She moved us from the table of 6 I first sat down at and said "That's not your table. We are going to put you elsewhere". We waited ten minutes and had to ask for our server. Then when he came he was initially very friendly. Then the greeter spoke to him and his entire demeanor towards us changed. We waited for the bill at the end for at least 15 minutes. The table of 2 next to us came in behind us and also had to chase down a bus boy to get their check. The food was surprisingly tasty. But this experience left a horrible taste in my mouth. Had it been my choice I would have NEVER eaten there after being "greeted" so disrespectfully. But I know for sure I won't be back and wouldn't recommend this place to anyone else either.
(1)Cris G.
A gem in Skokie downtown ... I can't believe I've been passing this place for a year and haven't tried to walk in.. place is very clean ..staff are very friendly and attentive .. the food ?.oh I would wanna taste everytime .. the Murgh chicken and Aushak are heaven and the pumpkin appetizer .. well seasoned food and not oily at all .. I love everything here !!
(5)Pam D.
Delicious Afghan food. Highlights included the mantoo appetizer, the lamb and the bread, OMG, the bread was amazing. They also give you this delightfully tasty green sauce to add to the food. Wonderful! The service was spot on. The waiter was attentive and helpful without being pesty. The restaurant is clean and spacious and inviting. Well worth a visit!
(5)Samantha S.
The service was very accommodating and I'm impressed with the beautiful food presentation. I definitely will come back !
(5)Anna S.
My take out food filled my car, nose and even my mouth with the most tempting smell. The food was just perfect. Full of taste. Also, while I waited for it to be done, I ordered a pop. I was told to forget it and served a tea. It was very nice gesture and a great way to promote. Nice, quick service too.
(5)Jacob J.
It's wild to me how many Michelin rated restaurants are now available in Skokie, IL! Which should mean that it's wise for you to bookmark these places and create a chance to stop by while it's still hot shit. And let's remember a very important detail here.. parking is regulated by Skokie meters which still accept nickels and dimes to purchase time. Unlike Chicago's costly and unwise choice of using LAZ parking. In the realm of Mediterranean & Middle eastern cuisine, if that is of interest, this is a worthy venture. If having a chance to stop in during a weekday, I insist trying their lunch special. Get the plate with succulent chicken kabobs, Afghan rice and grilled veggies. It's a grand feast that won't break the bank. The Afghan rice is Basmati rice topped with caramelized carrot strips and raisins. The colors will entice you and the taste will leave you wanting. Another entree served with Afghan rice is the Kabuli Palau where the tasteful addition to the wonderful rice are tender morsels of braised lamb shank. Very tasty. Whenever I go back, it's my usual choice. The food is very good and there aren't many items that would turn you off to Afghan cuisine. Instead, perhaps turn you on to trying other Middle Eastern cuisines. Service is alright. Depending on whom is serving that day, you'll typically get a good, warm welcome and exit greeting. Some servers fill the space with small talk and recommendations and others are shyer about it. Check out the two hundred plus photos to get a feel for the place. Quaint & cozy to suit a date night or entertaining of a group. Don't wait.
(5)Laura K.
I've been here twice now, most recently this past Tuesday night. We waited a little bit for a table (maybe 10 minutes) but this was no big deal. The guy seating us happily allowed us to sit at a different table then he was originally sitting us at with no issue. The food here is amazing, especially their house soup (Aush-Rishta) and their chicken kabob (Murgh) with their special Afghan rice. Our waiter threw in our soups for free due to our short wait and also treated us with their yummy pudding with fresh strawberries and blueberries on top. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Rafal P.
Wow is what I can say about this place. It's clean. Great atmosphere. Amazing kind staff. Food is so so.good. Great place will be back for sure
(5)Jeff B.
Kabul House is one of my favorite restaurants in Skokie! Everything we've ever ordered has been delicious and the service is top-notch.
(5)Mamoon W.
After reading reviews on Yelp, I gave this place a try. Even though it was about 10 miles from my hotel. Initially, I wanted to pick up food, and bring it to the hotel room with me. So I made a phone call for pick up. But by the time I arrived at the restaurant, I was starving and requested the person behind the counter that I would like to eat at the restaurant. I was given a table, and I went to use the restroom. As I came out in few minutes, very cold food was awaiting me on the table. I wanted to speak to someone to ask for water and have the food be warmed up. Basically, I was sitting abandoned in a corner. Even though the servers were around other tables but not taking the time to look and ask if I needed anything. So, I went to the counter and asked that my food to be warmed up and if someone would give me water. Overall, not a positive experience. Up my star, as the management reached out and offered a 2nd try. It was a nice gesture.
(3)Melissa A.
LOVE this place! I've been here twice so far and both experiences were great. Everyone here is welcoming and makes you feel like you're part of the family. The first time I came here, we had to wait for a table since we came on a Friday or Saturday. The last time I came, this past week, we were seated right away since we came at a later time on a weekday. They gave my friend and I each a complimentary soup (lentil and veggie) along with warm bread. The bread was soft, dense, and perfectly accompanied the soup. I preferred the lentil soup more than the veggie since it was creamy and tomato based. As for our entrees, I had the "Three Kabob Combination" which came with 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer of lamb, and 1 skewer of Koubideh (ground sirloin), side of your choice of rice, and grilled veggies for $16.50. I really enjoyed the chicken and koubideh since both were so tender and seasoned to perfection. I wouldn't recommend ordering the lamb since it was somewhat chewy and didn't taste like much. My friend had the Murgh chicken kabob and she loved it as well. Portions are pretty big for the price and I usually have leftovers. Our server was really sweet and checked on us the right amount, enough to show he cared but without being overbearing. I highly recommend checking Kabul House out if you want to try some bomb Afghan food in the burbs!
(5)Elina S.
I came here a few weeks ago with my family and overall had a nice time and enjoyed the food. Before I talk about all the yummy food this place has to offer, I must say that we were extremely disappointed with the fumes coming from the kitchen and they were pretty bad that all our eyes were in pain by the end of the dinner and we couldn't wait to get outside. They really need to fix this ventilation system because otherwise they have great service and fantastic food. Here are all the yummies that we tried: Mantoo appetizer: Steamed dumplings that are filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots & onions then topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. This was very yummy and definitely worth trying here if you want something authentic. Bulanee: Fresh leeks, scallions and spiced potatoes stuffed in thin dough and pan fried. Served with a side of our yogurt-mint sauce. This was okay, not my favorite item on the menu. Kabuli Palau:This is the national dish of Afghanistan which is named after the city of Kabul. Tender pieces of boneless braised lamb shank that is served underneath seasoned rice which is then topped with caramelized carrot strips & raisins. This was amazing, the lamb was the most tender lamb I've ever had and the rice was super tasty with all the carrots and raisins. A must try here. Murgh chicken kabob: I'm not a chicken lover, but this was amazing as well, one of the best cooked chicken kabobs I've ever had, filled with flavor and we definitely got two skewers of that to try with their afghani rice. My parents tried the beef kabobs which they thought were a little on the chewy side so I wouldn't recommend those and stick to the chicken and the lamb dish. Overall, I'd be excited to come back, but unfortunately due to the lack of ventilation, I cant' enjoy yummy food if my eyes are in pain. They need to fix that. The atmosphere itself is nice and pretty packed on a Saturday night so I would make reservations especially with larger parties.
(3)Ana W.
VERY good food but so-so service at best. I recently visited this restaurant in the middle of the day (after the lunch rush and there were very few customers inside). The waiters were twice as interested in watching a motor bike race than attending to the clients. Very annoying.
(3)FARUKH H.
The food is delicious and the service is great. If you want great Afghan food this place is it.Went a couple of months ago with my friends and just kept craving the chicken and afghan rice. I like the little touch of raisins on the rice.
(5)Jenny Z.
Went here with my mom for dinner one night. It was our first time trying Afghan food, and we loved it! Service was a little slow to start off with (it took a while and some confusion to get seated, even as people who came in behind us were being helped), but it improved a lot as the night went on. I think they were pleased by how much we obviously enjoyed our meal, haha. The food was delicious and filling, although a little pricey. Each entree came with soup and bread, which was nice. My chicken kabob was absolutely amazing. So juicy, flavorful, and filling. Definitely recommend! Overall, very pleased with my dining experience here! I'll be back again!
(5)Nadia N.
Mantoo was amazing for appetizer and both soups were great... It comes for free with each meal u order.... The shredded lamb was amazing so delicious and my fiancé had the votes the beast chicken kabob... Amazing! Another great thing I loved was BYOB!!!!! Love this place and the staff was so nice !!!! We went on a Saturday night at 7 and I couldn't ask for a better place to go to downtown Skokie! Was nothing to complain about
(5)Michael D.
Truly amazing food. My wife and 7 year old son are not adventurous when it comes to trying new foods, but they both loved Kabul House. You can't go wrong with Aush-Rista Soup and the Mantoo dumplings. I crave both.
(5)Anthony M.
AFGHAN-TASTIC Have you ever had Afghan food? No! Me neither until we walked in here the other day. I've been telling everyone I know about how good this place is, I just needed to sit down and write this review for all to read. We decided to go here during the middle of Chiberia's freezing cold snowstorm. We luckily found a street spot and when we got out of the car, we smelled the most amazing food ever. I hoped in my heart that these amazing smells were coming from the Kabul House. When we walked in the front door we knew we were in the right place. It smelled just as delicious as it did outside. I must say thank you to our fantastic waiter Dushan. He answered all of our questions and was very helpful during our whole meal. Thanks again for making our first experience with Afghan food a memorable one. On a side note there's a 10% off final bill with a Yelp check in...score!!! We decided to start out our meal with the Mantoo appetizer. It was 4 steamed dumplings that are filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots & onions. Then it is topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. I must say it was out of this world. We were so upset we only got the order of 4. Dushan had suggested we get the meal because it had 7. We should have listened. We will never make that mistake again. Next came the soups. First I had the Aush-Rishta soup which is made with chickpeas, lentil, red kidney beans, noodles with fenugreek, parsley, cilantro and garlic. The menu says "it is the best soup you will ever have" and the menu speaks the truth. The flavors and the spices were just fantastic. I went home and searched for a recipe to make this at home because it was that good. Next I had the Tomato Yellow Lentil Soup. This time the menu says, "Everyone who tries this soup calls it the best they've had!" This menu just doesn't lie! They have two soups here and both are just amazing. I'm so glad that both are on the menu. I recommend you just get both. You'll be happy you did. For the main courses we got the Murgh or Chicken Kabob. There were choices of 1 or 2 skewers. We went with the 2. The spices were similar to a Tandoori chicken. The pieces were very juicy, charbroiled & boneless. They use dark meat here and it is just yummy. If they had used white meat, then it might have been dry. We also had a choice of rice and went with the Afghan rice which was really tasty. It was covered in carrots and raisins. I was going to get the Chicken Chalau but Dushan talked us out of it. He suggested we go with the Beef Chalau because we had already ordered the Chicken Murgh. He wanted us to mix it up a little. He's fun like that. I am really happy I did because it was the most amazing bowl of food. Imagine the most delicious stew and stew is never good unless it's the Afghan version of stew. Yum! It contained small pieces of shredded beef sautéed in kidney beans, onion, garlic in a tomato base. The flavors were fantastic. It also came with a plate of white basmati rice. This place makes really good tasty rice. Dushan brought me out a bowl of cilantro chutney and it was so good. I put it on my rice per his suggestion. I've had this sauce at other middle eastern places but never one that tasted this amazing. There is nothing like a good house made sauce. This place cares about the food they serve. I read in the menu that they only use organic grass fed meats including organic produce and fruit too. I love that and it is great to know where the food your putting in your body came from. You can taste the quality from the first bite all the way to the last bite. It is unusually to find a restaurant that keeps getting better with every bite. Typically you can always find something that isn't great but not here. The delicious food train keeps rolling and getting yummier with every dish. We were so full, when Dushan decided to finish us off. He brought out a treat for our little one. He delivered a bowl of Firnee which is Afghan pudding that is made with milk, rose fragrance and pistachios. There is also fresh organic seasonal berries on top. He also gave us 3 spoons. I think he wanted to see us fight it out. Ha! Dushan also offered to get us some tea but we honestly couldn't eat or drink anything else. We needed the bill and probably a bed too. This place served up the perfect comfort food on a freezing cold January day. Our family had never had Afghan food until we walked into the Kabul House. Our little one ate everything and has an incredible palate. I do not know many little kids that would be open minded enough to try different looking food. It makes me proud. This was a fun way as a family to experience another culture through there food. Thanks to the Kabul House for going above and beyond our expectations. We had the most amazing meal and we can not wait to come back again.
(5)Decius A.
The food here was very good. I got the lamb kabob and my wife had the dish the restaurant called the 'signature dish of Afghanistan' - Kabul something or other. It was tasty. The service was reasonably good and I think we had our food within 10 to 15 minutes of ordering. However I do need to note that we made reservations with OpenTable and the restaurant told us they don't actually receive those. I'm not sure why they are on OpenTable then. It turned out we didn't need reservations, fortunately.
(4)V. H.
Delicious food, great variety, and excellent service. Definitely would recommend! Everything is seasoned to perfection and nothing is over cooked
(5)I S.
Had the delicious salmon salad and vegetable platter along with soup. Pumpkin was very sweet and a nice dessert. The green spice sauce was nice over the rice. Very good service
(4)Yohini S.
This was probably the best dining experience that I have had in a long time. We decided quite randomly to visit this restaurant to try Afghan food. And I am so glad we decided to try it! :) We went around 4.30pm and got seated right away. We initially thought about ordering Bulanee and then went back to our waitor to change our order to a soup. He knew it was our first visit so he decided give us two different soups on the house. So we got Tomato Lentil and Aush-Rishta soups with bread. We really enjoyed the soups but I preferred Aush-Rishta more than the Lentil soup. Our waitor came back to warn us that more food is coming so not to eat the bread! (I was so glad he warned because we got so much food!!!) A minute later, we got Bulanee with Yogurt mint sauce and it was delicious. I would so love to have this Bulanee on a cold/rainy day with a good cup of chai. It was absolutely divine but again we decided not to finish it so we can have some appetite for entree. For our entree, we got the vegetarian sample platter and Aushak (Afghan Ravioli). Again it was amazingly delicious. It had a little bit of extra oil but tasted amazing. The platter came with eggplant, spinach, pumpkin and cauliflower - along with some spicy Afghan rice. My husband cleaned his plate and finished the pumpkin dish as well. He loved it so much. Service was amazing and food was heavenly. I can't wait to take my friends there soon. Wonderful experience and highly recommended.
(5)Nancy H.
I've been coming here maybe 1-2 times a year, and I still rate this restaurant very highly for the food, service, and atmosphere (note: they have large, clean bathrooms!). Revisited recently with a friend who has never been here, and our friendly server gave us the Afghan pudding dessert on the house, and it was really good if you're into milk puddings (light) & rose water! One new entree I tried was the salmon, which was perfectly cooked. I rarely order fish at a restaurant because it's usually overcooked, but they got it right. They still offer free choice of soup and bread (the lentil soup is my fave), which can easily fill you up - but a great value in my book!
(5)Konnie A.
Kabul House is amazing! As a Skokie Resident I love going here. I find it a treat and consider it "spoiling myself" with food that is how tasty their meals are. I really enjoy the veggy patter, it has a sample of all the veggie dishes and I'm not even a vegetarian. Their afghan rice is wonderfully flavorful and I could eat it by the pound. Their cardamom tea is also wonderful and warms you up. It tastes great with food if you want to drink it during your meal. It also works as a wonderful dessert if you just want something nice and calming after your very filling meal.
(5)Bing N.
A dinner date enjoyed with good Afgan food. Will surely come back. Lamb was so tender and chicken kabob so tasty. Worth your money and serving size is just enough.
(5)Zee X.
Word of Warning: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they only take reservations of six or more. Parties under that amount are walk-in-only. There is also online ordering and pickup via GrubHub, if you don't like the wait. Best Appetizer: Mantoo Best Entree: Murgh with Afghan Rice Best "Mediterranean" place in Skokie--hands down. (Better than Pita Inn!) The only con: Veeerrrryyy slow service. But the food is worth the wait.
(4)Ali S.
Great , delicious food. I have been here many times and they have never let me down till now. My favorite entree here is the murgh chicken and mantu. The murgh is well done, served with veggies and rice. I have been to a few Mediterranean restaurant and by far this restaurant dies a great job in food and service. The tea is nice too, it's just the way it should be. I have a habit of having tea after my lunch or dinner and this just makes it great. Also I like how they serve you soup before your meal on the house. And the soup is not just an ordinary soup its traditional one. So they aren't just giving you a cheap soup. I took my wife here couple of times and she loves it as well. I would totally recommend this place to a person who is looking to have a nice, delicious meal in a great environment.
(5)Marla I.
The food here is really tasty. I've had the Mantoo and the Beef Chalau, both really good. The tomato lentil soup is very good as well. But my favorite thing here is the pistachio ice cream, it is absolutely delicious. I've been here a few times and will definitely continue coming.
(5)Sergey N.
5* experience all around. Food was very tasty, service was flawless, and the price was right. Meats combo was just delicious and complementary soups were a pleasant surprise. They accepted 10% off yelp check in deal with no issues which I felt should be offset by extra tip. :) Will definitely come back if I'm in the area.
(5)Chris M.
I was finally able to make it out to the quaint little city center of Skokie to try some Afghan food for the first time ever. My only regret is I wish we could have all sat down for the entire dining experience. However, my 1 1/2 yr old was acting up big time in the car, so I was forced to call ahead and order take out instead. There's not much to say about the food that hasn't already been said. Food is very freshly prepared and well seasoned. Afghan food reminds me of a cross btw Mediterranean and Indian food, and wouldn't ya know the country pretty much lies in btw these two areas. This was especially true of the chicken murgh (kabobs). They were prepared like a skewer at Pita Inn, except the flavors were more of the Indian variety. It came with a cilantro sauce that was definitely Mediterranean, as it reminded me a bit of Italian dressing. The Mantoo dumplings were excellent, although I wish it was a bit of a bigger portion. We tried two soups, the Aush-Rishta and Tomato Lentil and both were EXCELLENT!! Then we had the chicken murgh (2 skewers) and the beef chilau. Overall, a terrific meal and I can't wait to come back and dine in the dining room.
(4)Raechel S.
Been to this establishment several times and each time that I have eaten there, the food and service is more than good. It is excellent! I always ask for the server Gerber who greets us with a smile and remembers us by name. He not only tells us about each dish but suggests certain items and we are NEVER let down. Great food and service each and every time. A must..
(5)Tresa M.
Super dee duper tasty!!! I got the mantoo for an appetizer and the chicken kabob. Mantoo is this little dumpling with meat inside and yogurt sauce drizzled on top....Let me tell you how fricken delicious this was to me. Chicken kabob was delicious as well with the afghan rice. Very tasty, only thing was the price was a little high. They're byob.
(5)David M.
Best middle eastern food at an incredibly reasonable price! I had: Aush (pronounced aawsh) - which if you are not from the Middle East or never had middle eastern friend is an awesome soup! (My mom makes hers a little thicker by this very good) Combo kabob platter- chicken , lamb and steak koubedeh (which means "crushed" but basically ground steak) with rice all of which were excellent and perfectly seasoned, he brought out a green sauce which was a little spivey and made everything even better! All of this and a soda which $20! Service was excellent! If you are in Skokie area and do not come here you are missing out!
(5)Layla J.
YUM and completely satisfying! Portions are big enough to share dishes. We started off with lentil soup and We had the (chicken kabobs) and the ground beef dumplings that literally burst flavors into your mouth. Bottomless tea and good company.
(5)Owais R.
The food was excellent, but the service is below par. I would give this place a five star rating if their service improves.
(3)Ryan P.
I was able to set up a reservation for me and 5 others which was great. Not one person had something they complained about and everything was extremely good. The dumplings were delicious, but the Chicken Skewer was out of this world. Best part is this place is BYOB with no corkage fee. I will definitely be back here, even though I don't live in the city. Thanks for the awesome experience!
(5)Matt P.
Excellent food overall. Loved the soup and all the meat dishes. I was not expecting it to be as good as it is. Each time has met or exceeded expectations.
(5)DeAnna P.
The service can be a bit slow here, but it is worth the wait! The Beef Chalau is fantastic. It is small pieces of beef sautéed in kidney beans, onion, garlic & tomato base served with a plate of white basmati rice. Basically a cross between Afghan pot roast and chili. Make sure to add the crushed pomegranate leaves to give a bit of tartness to the dish. Save room for dessert. Their rosewater ice cream is not to be missed. Skip the almond honey cake. It is ok, but a bit dry. The ice cream is so much better! Wash everything down with an iced basil-mint tea. I cannot remember if the menu notes that it is sweetened, so be warned. It is very sweet, but the basil and mint temper the sweetness nicely.
(4)July H.
Excellent, fast, attentive service. The food is delicious and unique. It's also reasonably priced. I ordered a lamb stew with spinach dish that comes with rice and soup for only $13. But you'll have to find street parking once you're here.
(5)Paul A.
Great food and costumer service. Thanks to Gerber for keeping my credit card which I accidentally forgot to take with me.
(5)Elif T.
It is clean, the service is fast and everybody is smiling! The taste of the food is amazing. What else you would ask!!!
(5)Steve V.
The best combination of environment, service, warmth, quality of food and prices. Need better ventilation (exhaust in the kitchen) . Went to the concert after dined and all cloths smelled. But definitely will come back again.
(5)S C.
The place is decent. The service is very nice and manager and servers are very friendly and come to you promptly. They also gave us complimentary soup. The food arrived in time. Freshly made and very tasty. I suggest highly you try Mantoo (beef), it is my favorite appetizer and it was so delicious. The Murgh (chicken) kabob were delicious with Afghan rice. I don't like raisins so I asked them not to put them on my rice and they made sure of it. Very satisfying food and great service. I would definitely suggest this place for Afghan food.
(5)Matthew N.
This place is fantastic. I admit I wondered just how much I was going to like Afghan food (Let's face it, it's a little off the beaten path), but I absolutely love this place. They have this potato bread that I can't stop eating, and they have this ravioli-like stuff that is so good. Honestly, I don't know what the heck it's called or how the heck to say it. But whether it's the soup, the meat, the bread, or the rice, you'll be glad you stopped into this fantastic restaurant.
(5)Gino W.
When the location in the Dempster-McCormick area closed, I was a bit put off. Then I found out that there was this new location on Oakton. Noting that some restaurants have a tendency to upgrade their restaurant and compromise the food, I was slightly hesitant. Then I gave in. Aush-rishta. Boranee baunjan. Mantoo. Murgh chalau. They retained the authenticity of the food. Yes! The food, of course, is not the ubiquitous brand of Middle Eastern fare: humus, babaganoush, pita bread, etc. I am reminded of something crossed between Pakistani, Indian, and Iranian food. All of it is outstanding. The aush-rishta (soup) was flavourful without being heavy-handed with salt. The boranee baunjan is now my favourite eggplant dish. The mantoo left me stary-eyed. And the murgh chalau gives Indian murgh makhani a run for its money. The service is fantastic and the price falls well below what you'd expect for such a bloom in taste. I shall return. Count on it.
(5)Jean N.
The kabobs were really flavorful and tender. The complimentary soups on Sunday were also very flavorful. Really enjoyed my experience there and the great service.
(4)Paddu P.
I loveeee this place! I'm going to say right off the bat, that sometimes the service is a little slow. As in getting a server, check etc. BUT this place's fooddddd is worth the trouble. Here's what YOU need to try, Manto, Boulani, lentil soup and the 3 combination entree platter to get a bite of everything! Lastly save a little space for the traditional Firni. This place will NOT disappoint!!!
(4)Shosh S.
What a pleasant eating experience! I made reservations because I was going with a group of friends on a saturday night and I heard that it could get quite crowded. The restaurant was very easy to work with when I had to change the number of people the day of and they even called prior to the reservation time to ensure they still had the correct number. Upon sitting down we tried to start off by ordering drinks, but the server informed us that they were BYOB. The server was very helpful and informed us of a store only a block away in which we could run out and grab wine. It was an easy solution and in 5 minutes we had a few bottles of wine ready for our dinner. For starters we ordered their soup and salad. I had the lentil soup and wish that it never ended! It was so good that I would go back for just the soup alone. As they brought out the main course, the waiter informed me that my dish was taking a bit longer and so he gave me a spinach and eggplant dish to munch on while I waited (practically half of the vegetarian dish option). The spinach dish was very good! My friend who had the full vegetarian dish said the baby pumpkin part was her favorite. My food arrived not too long later and I had the Ashuk which were kind of a ravioli with scallions and leeks. There were quite tasty, especially with a delicious yogurt sauce served on it. Overall the service was amazing and the food was delicious and extremely filling!
(5)L E.
We are here right now on a Saturday night and there is a 35 minute wait. There are 5 open tables but reserved. So, be sure to make RESERVATIONS!!
(3)Debbie W.
A family favorite! My neice and nephew love this place, so last week they had a day off school and we went for lunch. We ordered the mantoo lunch special and the vegetable soup. It was wonderful, as always. The dumplings are are tender pillows filled with nicely spiced meat and vegetables. The portion size was perfect for lunch. The service was good.
(5)David P.
This is a great place, probably more like 4.5 stars. I don't give out 5 stars that easily. I have had many great meals here. I like the fact that it's BYOB. I like the service, they are always very friendly. I most like the food, it's delicious! The Mantoo appetizer is excellent. It's basically a well seasoned ground beef wrapped in a wonton skin, steamed like a dumpling, then topped with a yogurt and spicy green sauce. It's so good!!! I also really like the chicken kabobs and the braised lamb dish mixed with the Afghan rice with the raisins. If you are anywhere near Skokie, this is a must try!
(4)Ushna A.
The chicken kabob is to die for..... It's delicious, not dry... Absolutely tastey!!!! Flavorful!!!!! The Mexican server is so awesome.. He gives you the best treatment.. Great Resturant to take family and friends
(4)Mutale H.
My first time at Kabul House and I love it. We went there for our anniversary lunch. The food was delicious and fresh, and the staff helpful and friendly. As someone who only eats plant based food, and is particular about the kind of food I eat, I was so happy to find something on the menu without stressing. They have several vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options. I got the lentil soup and vegetarian platter, and I loved every bite.
(5)Peter T.
It's one of those places where most "reviewers" are not going to be able to find fault; nor will your average customer who walks in off the street. Affable hosts, prompt service, delicious food, artfully presented, and a fair price. That's the story at Kabul House on Oakton Street in Skokie. A soothing atmosphere with linen tablecloths and napkins is the perfect setting to sample a wide variety of the cuisine of Afghanistan. The restaurant has been around for quite some time, but has been in various locations around the North Shore; the Skokie location is the newest and nicest. They bill themselves as "Chicago's only authentic Afghani restaurant". I have no way of knowing if that is true or not, of course, but I do know the food is spot on to other Afghan dining experiences I have had outside of the US. We opened the experience with hot cardamom tea all around, which was both delicious and palate cleansing; on to lentil soup, with was hot, thick, with just a hint of spice. For appetizers, we shared the "Mantoo", steamed dumplings stuffed with seasoned ground beef and plated very attractively with a tomato based sauce and yogurt, and split the vegetarian platter entrée as another starter, a plate of sautéed spinach , eggplant, cauliflower, and pumpkin. If you're a regular reader, you know how much I enjoy dumplings in any form, and the same goes for cooked spinach. For my entrée, I opted for the Koubideh, seasoned ground beef skewers or kabobs (yes, I seek out hamburgers in any shape!) , with grilled vegetables. All entrees come with a choice of three styles of rice, a seasoned version, plain white, or dill. I went with the dill, enjoyed it very much. The other diners in the party enjoyed the shrimp kabobs, and the chicken kabob entrees. I generally pass on dessert, but my companions raved about the rosewater and cardamom ice cream, made in-house. Tea, two appetizers, three entrees, two desserts, two coffee, less than fifty bucks. I generally don't look at other reviews on line, but I was curious about how Kabul House fared, because my experience was so divine; I wasn't surprised that the majority of reviews I saw paralleled my own experience. This family deserves your business, and all the success that life in the free world promises. I'm happy to have had the experience of dining here.
(4)Tracy S.
Amazing food and helpful waitstaff. First Afghan food experience and it was delicious!
(5)Sana B.
Oh. My. God. This place is amazing! Their mantoo is the best I've had. They have this sauce that I can't stop thinking about. Their iced green tea is a perfect refresher. Their service is unmatched on Oakton St in tbe food industry. Totally worth the price. Must try! I'm there at least twice a month.
(5)Julie S.
Great Afghan food in Skokie area! Friendly staff. My favorite is chicken and afghan rice.
(5)Boris S.
This restaurant in nice place of Skokie. Clean inside. The service was really good. We ordered: Mantoo was very good Bulanee with potatoes in thin dough taste was OK Soups Aush-Rishta and Tomato Lentil Soup was average. Murgh (Chicken Kabob) was amazing! Three Kabob Combinations: Chicken very good, lamb - not chewable, Koubideh (Ground Sirloin) not exceptional. We complained that it was a bit smoke and hard to breathe because they don't have good ventilation from the kitchen. We can't stay longer.
(3)Fayeza M.
Ridiculously delicious. This place has authentic Afghan food that keeps you wanting to come back for more. The meat is succulent and cooked to absolute perfection. My husband and I are frequent visitors. We usually skip appetizers because the entrees are huge. Our favorites are the combination platter, murgh platter or beef koubideh with the Afghan rice that's topped with raisins. For dessert try the Firnee, it really refreshes the palate after a heavy meal!
(5)Angela S.
What more can I say, other than my food and lunch experience here was perfectly divine. After reading the amazing reviews on Yelp, I was more than excited to experience Afghan food for the first time. I honestly had no idea what to expect...surprises can be a very good thing and especially in this case. As soon as we opened the door and walked in, the aroma of wonderful seasonings drew us in. The music set the scene, and overall the space was inviting and immaculate! We were immediately greeted by our server who set up a table for us. Because I spent some time reading the reviews and looking at the menu, I wasn't lost when it came time to order. I went right for the Murgh Chicken (chicken kabob) with dill rice. All I knew about the Murgh is that everyone says it's amazing, and they were right! Tender bites of chicken that will melt in your mouth marinated in a very light tomato-based marinade. The dill rice was cooked to perfection, not dry or too sticky, but light and fluffy and beyond flavorful. My husband had the Tomato Lentil Soup accompanied by a side of veges and dill rice. We actually ended up sharing the soup, because he insisted (and I gladly accepted). What I liked most about it was how light instead of hearty I expected it to be, and seasoned but not salty. Served with a basket of fresh, warm pita-like bread, we used extra pieces to scoop up our remaining soup and sauce from the chicken. He also ordered an extra side of veges and an order of dill rice. He's not a big eater, so I was beyond thrilled to see him enjoying every last bite. When our server asked us if we wanted dessert, my husband said, "even though I'm stuffed, if I wanted anything for dessert it would be another bowl of soup!" Service here is definitely worth mentioning. One thing in particular that I noticed, and greatly appreciated, is that our server gave us just the right amount of time to taste our food before checking to see if everything was okay. He left us to enjoy our meal and enjoy our date too! Upon leaving, I felt like I got just the right amount of food and was not stuffed. And, I forgot to mention that our bill with tip came out to be about $15! Overall, there is nothing I can say about this place other than Kabul House deserves my 5 stars.
(5)Marjans B.
I bin there a first time. Stop by noon break. All is really good tasted , whatever i v get. Highly recommended that place. Hard to find something better of this place.
(5)T Mir S.
I m from Afghanistan, so I never really go out for afghani food. But this place is amazing. For appetizer try the bulanee. You cannot go wrong with any of the entrees. I usually do one of the combination plates with dill rice or kabuli Palau. And for dessert you have to try the afghan ice cream.
(5)Christina S.
My first Afghan experience and it simply can't get any better than this. 10 dishes, all stellar? Who ARE these people?? To have tried so many different items with each one fantastic- not just ok, or average- but each one spectacular? I mean, when was the last time that happened to you? For me, that is rare. I don't know if there are many Afghan restaurants out there; I've never really investigated that. But I do know that should I ever run into another one in my travels, Kabul House is my new standard by which all others will be measured. In fact, make that for any restaurant. Kabul House just upped the ante. Take note all other restaurants. You just got served. ;) From the moment we walked in, it felt warm, inviting, friendly, calm and smelled amazing. I really liked the beautiful simplicity of this restaurant, it's design and decor. It just made us feel at home. Having done my Yelp due diligence, I knew we would be ordering the Aushak as an appetizer, and these leek/scallion filled dumplings did not disappoint. Light, delicate and flavorful. Only thing that will stop us from ordering again would be trying the Mantoo appetizer next visit. And there will be many visits over our lifetime. This is the kind of restaurant that creates such delicious, unique dishes that you question your ability to ever move away. Really, it's such a great place. Our entrees each came with soup. We loved our soups, each swearing ours was better than the other's, but in truth, both were great. I ordered the vegetarian platter which came with 4 different veggie concoctions, including spinach with garlic and lentils, roasted cauliflower with tomato, an eggplant blend, and cooked pumpkin with honey. Not a bad item in the bunch. This also came with a huge side plate of Afghan rice. So for $12 I got a bowl of soup, plate of rice, 4 veggie dishes, not to mention the complimentary flat bread-- and everything had great flavor and texture and nothing overly spicy, if even at all. Oh, the cilantro chutney was quite spicy but it was sooo yummy. My husband ordered the 3 kabob combo entree, and I'm telling you, at least in our experience, the chicken kabob (murgh) was cooked PERFECTLY. Super flavorful and juicy. Perfect texture and perfectly grilled meats which means they have their technique mastered. I've never had more flavorful grilled chicken. The other two kabobs were also fantastic but to me, the chicken was the star. Oh and the basil-mint sweet tea is such a lovely departure from the usual suspects. I had a hard time deciding between that and the hot cardamom tea, but I will be trying that next time since we will definitely be back to enjoy it again, as well as one the desserts- mostly likely the bread pudding or the cardamom, rose water, homemade ice cream. We also enjoyed our server. He was perfect: nice and friendly but not overly so, prompt, attentive, made excellent recommendations, and answered the many questions we had about the cuisine. And he had a cool, calm and confident vibe going on. But look, the point in going comes down to the food. This food feels light (not heavy with oil or butter), and is made by talented people who really know what they are doing- and take pride in doing so. All this awesomeness also came with a 10% discount via the Yelp Check-in. Our appetizer, two large entrees, including 2 bowls of soup, flat bread baskets, and two drinks came to a mere $40 plus tip ($44 before yelp discount). Worthy every penny and more. Kabul House is well worth the trip across town or the suburbs. I wish I had gone sooner. It is by far the best restaurant I've been to in some time- and that's saying something since I've been seriously Yelpercizing lately! And quite affordable period, but more so considering the entire experience. If you are timid about new cuisine, this is a wonderful place to start. Our experience was simply perfect, and we will be finding excuses to be in the area just to visit the restaurant again. And boy, do I have the place to take out-of-town guests!! Score! (Note to the tea lovers: They sell a small bag of house tea leaves for $5. I wonder if it might be the same tea they serve. )
(5)Candice G.
Kabul House is a restaurant I've had on my 'to-do' list for literal years now. Of all the things I've managed to procrastinate on and put off without rhyme or reason, this is by far the most regrettable. Honestly, everything was so unbelievably outstanding that now that I've had it, I don't know how I was able to fake it through life pretending I was happy without ever having these inimitable Afghani flavors hit my lips. I'd attempted to eat at Kabul House several years ago but when I arrived I found a strip mall with blacked-out windows and a paper sign on the no-longer-inhabited storefront explaining that they were in the process of moving to a different location and were currently closed. Bust... BUT worth the wait and then some as over time Kabul House has found a way to perfect the unique suburban Bib Gourmand dining experience. Having been named one of Michelin's 2013 Chicago-area Bib Gourmands as well as being praised the likes of the always-outstanding Yanyao N and legendary Johnny T, I knew I'd be in good hands making the minor trek out here from the western 'burbs on a weekday night. We arrived about an hour and a half before closing time and were able to snag one of the two open tables this very hoppin' Skokie hot spot. We were greeted by a beautiful woman with the warmest. most welcoming smile I'd ever seen. She got us promptly set up at a booth along their windows and not too long after that I was already in a heated internal struggle with myself about what to order. Was there a way I could get everything and not look crazy? Or more importantly, did I even care if looked crazy? My answer: No. My dining partner's reply: Let's not go crazy. You don't need to OD on Afghani. I promise we can come back. And from there, without even tasting a single bite, we knew we'd back based on the aroma in the air and array of options for vegetarian/pescatarians like ourselves. I think in general, there's a negative connotation when the word 'Afghanistan' is used, and the media doesn't do the greatest job in bringing uplifting news from foreign countries to the attention of the masses, and while there might not be anyone out there who would avoid patronizing a place because of what they've heard about about a place in the news, I figured it was worth saying in case their was someone who fit that profile, or even for someone like, sayyy, my mother, who doesn't have an open mind when it comes to food that isn't basic Italian, German, Mexican, Chinese take-out, or American fast food, that denying Kabul House a shot because you're unfamiliar with the cuisine and not sure what to expect, would be doing a great injustice to yourself. I, too, wasn't exactly sure what to expect as far as flavors, but I was truly blown away by what I experienced. I think in my head I'd convinced myself that Afghani food would be like a mixture of light, fresh Mediterranean-fare and heavier, creamier Indian-fare, but clearly I'd just made all that up since Kabul House was NOTHING like that. Never have I ever tried any cuisine quite like this, but at the same time, nothing was all that foreign tasting with the except of my cardamom hot tea, which was superb, by the way. If I had to choose a favorite of everything we ordered I might implode. It would be an impossible task and frankly, I can't commit to answering a question of that magnitude at this time so I'll leave all the Sophie's Choice-ing up to Meryl and just leave with the labeled photos of all our dishes as a guideline while strongly urging you to do what I did not and get EVERYTHING. Kadu it!
(5)Jessica P.
I came here on a Friday evening around 7:30PM to celebrate a friend's birthday. We couldn't make reservations because it has to be for a group of 6 or more; however, we were still seated immediately..The waitress or owner was very friendly and kindly provided us first timers with some food recommendations as well.. *one thing I did noticed upon entering the restaurant was that my eyes became really dry/irritated. it might be due to the smoke from the charbroiled entrees..only people with sensitive eyes would notice i guess.. Food: Mantoo ($6.95):comes with 4 pieces of steamed dumplings filled generously with ground beef, onions and spices, and topped w/ tomato meat sauce and yogurt. The portions are small, but good enough since the entree will fill you up. The mantoo tasted ok - I would prefer to order Mantoo over the Aushak. Aushak ($6.95): comes with 4 pieces of Afghan ravioli with leeks & scallions, served on yogurt-mint topped with tomato meat sauce. The presentation of both the Mantoo and Aushak are very similar, yet they do taste different. The Aushak just tasted ok to me. Boranee Baunjan ($6.95): 2 generous pieces that look similar to Pita Bread..It is eggplant seasoned with spices, then baked with fresh tomatoes, served on yogurt garlic mint sauce. I really really really recommend that everyone tries this appetizer as it is delicious and the yogurt garlic mint sauce complements the the Baunjan. MUST TRY! for the eggplant haters.. it doesn't even taste like eggplant, tastes like potatoes!! Murgh & Koubideh ($12.75): comes with one skewer of charboiled chicken kabob and one skewer of charbroiled group beef kabob and your choice of rice & soup. The food is definitely more than enough for one person or for big eaters, enough food to fill them up. I enjoyed the chicken kabob the most because it was cooked perfectly. Shrimp Kabob: comes with exactly 5 average sized shrimps and rice..delicious as well. Qabili Palau ($13.95): tender chunks of seasoned lamb served under a heap of seasoned rice that is garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins. The sweet carrot strips & raisins tastes good with the rice! I am not a huge fan of lamb dishes besides eating gyros at Greek Town..so the dish was just alright to me. It does come with a green hot sauce which is very spicy but tastes great w/ the rice. Lentil soup (comes with entree/combination): the lentil soup was light and tasted great! try it! :) Food Portion: we came with a group of 4 females and 1 male and shared 3 appetizers and 1 entree, 3 appetizers, 3 kabob dishes (each entree/kabob dish comes with soup)..we were content with the amount of food that came out and had some leftover rices at the end of our meals.. Atmosphere: a lot of older retired couples and couples in their 30s-40s seem to come here..all age groups .. Customer Service: the owner/co-owner lady and waiters were very nice! I would like to try other Afghan restaurants first..
(3)Asavari G.
Great afghani food! Lots of traditional dishes that you don't see at other afghani restaurants.
(5)Mariam K.
Amazing food and service. Even if the food was bad (which it wasn't, at all!) I would come back because of the exceptional customer service Daniel offered us. Some of the items we ordered were: Mantoo (ground beef dumpling) Aushak (vegetarian dumplings) Murgh Kabuli Palau Koubideh Everything was scrumptious! All the entrees came with white rice, dill rice, or afghan rice. My favorite, of course, was the afghan rice... I'm not a fan of raisins and carrots, however the rice is amazing. Just found out they cater as well... I'll definitely be catering from here next time!
(5)Crystal H.
The food was perfection.. I ordered the Murgh kabob and it was amazing.. Perfect seasoning and oh so juicy.. The afghan rice was the bomb the sweet taste that the raisins and carrots gave was perfect.. Hubby ordered koubideh and it was really good too and the hot sauce that they gave us complements the dishes.. My mother-in-law ordered lamb cant say much coz i don't eat lamb.. The only downside of the restaurant was the service coz when we first entered no one even greeted us we noticed they were busy and after we approached one server we were told that it will be 5 minutes after few minutes we saw few people left but still after 20 minutes we were still waiting to be seated that is when we decided to ask if we are still going to have a table or not.. Thats the only time we were seated.. Finally coz we were really starving.. Anyways, they were nice though to give us soup on the house because of our waiting.. But overall i will be back for the amazing Murgh!! Hopefully the service will be better on our next visit..
(4)Jessica O.
Very good cooking, great customer service... it's a solid place. The bread is good, I love their tea and I'm a vegetarian so I'm limited to what I can order, but the vegetarian plate is very good as is their soup. That soup is what makes winter bearable.
(4)Jahanzeb H.
had the chicken, beef and lamb combo with Afghan rice. Meat was cooked to perfection, Afghan rice was really nice. I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to try something different.
(5)dan p.
many times over the years i have walked past this corner in downtown skokie, lost in thoughts or music. eventually my nose and mind became aware of some delicious smelling meats and food emanating from somewhere. ah, there it is. kabul house, always crowded with customers sitting in front of good looking plates of food. as a person on a budget, i tend to favor those places that let me be waiter and busboy: places where one orders at the counter and picks up ones food. i reserve sit downs for dates with friends and family. so finally, i had a willing dining partner and in we went. first off, kabul house is not cheap in your pita inn sort of way. once you understand that, its time to dive in to the menu. i had a lunch version of the aushak, basically a ravioli with leeks, scallions and a mint yogurt sauce spread over the top. quite delicious. my friend had the chicken kebob plate and loved it. the chicken was tender and the rice was delicious. the warm flatbread with yummy and we dipped it into the curry relish served on the side. my main issue was with the aushak, which was listed under entrees but at six tiny raviolis was certainly more like an appetizer. i was only filled up by asking the waiter for more bread. he clearly was not happy with my request. i resent spending money and leaving hungry. the bill was 25$ between the two of us for what i consider a small amount of food. nice ambiance and flavorful food are the pluses here. plan on spending a bit of money to leave sated. and maybe the waiter was having a bad day. but there are too many other gustatory choices in the area to ever justify eating here again.
(3)Jasmine L.
I came here twice now. I really enjoyed their food. I had the Aushak the most recent time I was there and i thought it was the perfect portion. Loved the mint yogurt sauce on top of it. They also give you complimentary soup for dinner which was tasty and different.And I went on a weekend night as well as a weekday night and both nights, it was busy for their respective nights. The weekend night, I had to wait about a half hour to get a table. The weekday, I didn't have to wait but it was pretty packed. Overall, I would go there again. There are more dishes I would love to try.
(4)arpan s.
Great lunch specials and service. Sometimes I call ahead because the wait takes too long. Gete chicken ground lunch special w afghani rice all the time. Two soup choices. Both are good and taste similar to each other. Def worth a try. Beef and lamb lunch specials are great too. And unground chicken. $7.50. Long waits. Supportive staff.
(5)Alex S.
I love kabob restaurants and have eaten at many of them. The food here is average at best but the service was bad. 1. Waited 10+ minutes for water. Had 2 out of 3 glasses brought out. Asked for 3rd glass twice and waited another 10 minutes. 2. Eggplant appetizer was brought out but again we had to wait 10 minutes for silverware and bread. 3. The waitress had her fingers all over in our plates when bringing food to our table. 4. The waitress consistently kept ignoring or forgetting any requests that we had. Unfortunately there was lack of customer service and professionalism. I would try another restaurant before returning here in the future.
(2)Calin D.
I visited Kabul House back when they were on Dempster, and was happy to learn they moved to Oakton in Skokie. The brothers here server up excellent traditional fare, and I've never left the place hungry. The BYOB always leads me to pair their food with red wine, and the atmosphere here is quiet and classy. The spices they sprinkle on simple things like rice and soup add a nice touch to an already excellent meal, and I never feel like I've spent too much when I leave. It's good!
(4)Jose B.
went here a while ago when my wife and i were in skokie and couldnt find a place to eat at. They were quiet so our food was out like.... IMMEDIATELY. It was definitley tasty and well cooked. Havent been back in a while but hoping to go back soon and try it again.
(4)Hannah D.
Great Afghan food in Skokie! Simple, beautiful decor, prompt (but a bit awkward) service, delicious food, big portions, wide menu, good prices. Qabili Palau: full on flavor and TENDER meat Murgh: so flavorful and tender and not dry at all. Spiced to perfection. Afghan rice: again, flavorful. Cumin plays up the sweetness of the raisin and carrots. Aush rishta soup: great texture, but a bit bland Tomato lentil soup: the better of the two, but still not out of this world Stick to the kabobs and eat family style.
(4)Susanna K.
Warm service, light-filled space, comfortable and private seating arrangements, excellent food with subtle, well-balanced flavor. We went for early dinner about 4:30 on a weekday. We were welcomed and seated right away. Gerber was our waiter and he was a sweetheart. We told him it was our first time, so he took some time to explain about the restaurant's owners, history, and the Afghan palate. He went through and explained the menu and made recommendations that were really helpful. Since we wanted to try a bite of everything, he offered to bring out plates and serve dishes family style. He then brought out complimentary soup. Both the tomato lentil and the Aush-Rishta were good, but we preferred the latter. Gerber then permitted us to combine two kinds of appetizers in one plate instead of getting two larger appetizers. We chose the Aushak (leek and scallion) and Mantoo (spiced ground beef) dumplings, which were both excellent. For us, the Aushak edged out the Mantoo slightly (but we're not usually beef eaters, so I understand why it would have its fans). The yogurt mint sauce was heavenly --- subtle, tangy, minty, fresh. We also tried the murgh (chicken kabob skewers), which are highly recommended. Again, well-seasoned, balanced combinations of spices, not spicy hot. The pomegranate-glazed salmon was also very good, though it tasted just slightly fishy. It came with a salsa-like sauce that was very good as well. Entrees were served with Afghan rice which includes carrots and raisins --- and is also delicious. Flavors are more subtle than Indian or Middle Eastern food, but they are also more balanced and engaging to the mind. Service was excellent. Water refilled, plates brought and taken back seamlessly. I asked many questions about the food and Gerber was kind enough to answer all of them! We were seated next to a large window so it felt very spacious even though the restaurant is a little small. Overall, this was a wonderful experience. Recommended.
(5)Minay T.
We got the combination and vegetable platter with the lentil tomato soup and vegetable soup. It was delicious!!! We are walking distance to the restaurant and heard good reviews from our neighbors. I've been wanting to try it but because our kids would not eat anything on the menu, it took us a while to try it. We were glad that we finally did. Their food was fresh and tasty. We will definitely be back on a date night. I love meditteranean food.
(5)Jennie E.
Referred to this place by a fellow Yelper (that you Christina S.). I was not disappointed. I had the mantoo, mixed kabob plate and the soup that came with the meal and I have to say everything was so flavorful and fresh! While the menu is small, they really know what they are doing when it comes to what they do have to offer! The portions are generous and the staff friendly, patient and helpful. This is a BYOB establishment so don't forget to BYO if that is how you like to have you Afgan food, as I do with a little red wine.
(4)Sarah H.
Made a reservation in advance and still waited 15 minutes to be seated. But that doesn't matter because the food is ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean awesome. Beyond awesome. We were a group of 9 so we ordered a variety of dishes and got them family style. We had: Afghan eggplant* Dumplings* Lentil soup and another soup that I can't remember Chicken skewers* Kabuli Pulao Lamb skewers Firnee Afghan tea(?)* I starred the ones i really liked. My family liked the lamb skewers but i thought they weren't tender enough. Everyone (except me) really liked the pulao as well. Ambience was nice, staff was courteous. Unfortunately it's a 45 minute drive for me so unable to go as often as I'd like. Something the restaurant can improve on: the exhaust system in the kitchen. Our table was by the kitchen and everyone's eyes were burning from the smoke.
(5)Michael M.
Great food. I've yet to order anything from this place that was not top notch. Highly recommended.
(5)Erick R.
Food is consecutively good. Chicken always moist and rice never dry. Customer service is always good and helpful and always have a recommendation for you if u don't know what to get.
(5)Zain Q.
One of the better middle eastern restaurants around Chicago. If not the best, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Food is amazing, it's afghan
(5)Parker W.
How did I never try this place earlier????? I've worked nearby on the Illinois Science and Technology campus for several years (pre-dating Kabul House's arrival on Oakton I think) and it always seemed a little too nice to go just for lunch. Little did I know there's a *very affordable* lunch menu and also.... LITTLE DID I KNOW IT'S INCREDIBLE!!! Definitely one of the best restaurants at which I've ever eaten!!!! Seriously, eat here.
(5)Brennan A.
The only bad thing about this place is how smoky the air is inside of the restaurant. The food is fantastic.
(5)Jai R.
The food is authentic and delicious. When you have a craving for something different but you know you want well seasoned meat and rice go here !! The service is beyond exceptional . I felt welcomed for sure. A must try spot.
(5)A. K.
OMG. This place is so freakin mouth-wateringly delicious!!!! Went here for my birthday...had murgh and beef koubideh combo with dill rice, and appetizers were mantoo. The mantoo is soo soo good! You are missing out if you don't eat here...it is mind-blowingly delicious, fresh awesome food! The service is prompt and polite...the restaurant is clean and has a cozy feel. I'm in love with it. Dinner for 2 was $40...we were STUFFED at the end. It is amazing food.
(5)Joey B.
I need to explore North Shore more, but this place is the hot spot for whenever I am in the area. This place resonates within my memories for having some of the best Chicken I have ever had. Atmosphere: The place overall had a very clean look with nothing too culturally extravagant. It had small cultural set pieces that were really charming. Really nice feel and I think I would recommend it for dates. The tables are also positioned very well so intimate conversations are possible. Service: The staff is fantastic in accommodating people. Everyone was so friendly and warm when we walked through the door. The hospitality had a family feel to it over professional which made me feel at ease. The waiter never leaves you hanging and is pretty good at reading tables. Food: I tried not to get full off of the amazing appetizers... I really enjoyed the warm pita bread and yogurt. The baby pumpkin Kadu and the Chicken Kabobs were my favorite. I didn't know chicken that juicy and succulent existed! By the god! I swear Zeus hurled a lighting bolt at a chicken to make that! I get hungry whenever I am near North Shore. I have never thought chicken could be that good with the perfect amount of seasoning every time. Do yourself a favor and get two skewers of this divine bird! Overall, I would say this place would be a perfect place for a hot date or an intimate group outing. Atmosphere, Service, and Food really blend well to make this place a hidden jewel when it comes to restaurants. I always look forward to the experience and divine Chicken that Kabul House provides.
(5)Ashouraita K.
This place is great and I love their vegetarian options. I had the Aush-Rishta soup and my boyfriend had the tomato-lentil soup. The Aush-Rishta was beauty in the form of soup on my taste buds. Does that make sense? I don't know, but it was amazing. I tried some of the other soup, but I preferred the Aush-Rishta soup and I think my boyfriend did as well. We ordered the vegetarian platter, which consists of eggplant, spinach, baby pumpkin, and cauliflower. I loved all of the different flavours and seasoning, but some of it was a bit too salty for my taste. It was really good otherwise. I also fell in love with their iced basil-mint tea. As a tea lover, I've somehow never thought of putting basil in my tea before and it was wonderful. The service was really good. Our waiter was a bit shy and awkward, but I'm a very shy person and I don't mind because I completely understand. They had forgotten to add the soups to our receipt and they told us that it was on the house when we brought it up. Their food is also very reasonably priced.
(4)Cal H.
Looking for great middle eastern and have a date ? Check this place out. Very clean with great service...doing a great Job. Love the one on Devon as well
(5)Gerry T.
Came here for Yelp night a few months ago and we were able to sample just about every appetizer and main dish. Yelp and Angela!, thank you for a wonderful night and for selecting Kabul House. I enjoyed the baby eggplant and mantoo (beef dumplings). The yogurt and green sauce (I know that's not too descriptive) were a great combo on everything. The beef and variety of rice was also flavorful and new to me. I've been to Reza's and Pita Inn many times but this place serves a unique, fresh flavor. Such delicate combinations from a country that's beyond reach for many travelers. But take heart, come here to Kabul house for a taste of Afghanistan.
(5)Josh B.
Worth the drive. On vacation wkend in the city and decided to take a risk and Uber up to Skokie from dwntown. After 29 years of waiting for authentic Afghan food, the meal was amazing. Family of four with two and a friend under 8 years old loved the food. The mantoo, chicken kabobs (Murgh) and Kabuli palau were hits with all. The rose/pistachio ice cream as well. Although somewhat smoky as others have noted, the dinner was hit.
(5)Hannah H.
Kabul House used to be located on Dempster, but they moved to the downtown Skokie area. I saw them on 'Check, Please!' years ago, and had this restaurant on my 'to-eat' list for a long time. It was a Friday evening, and the place was bustling - we had about a 10 minute wait, which wasn't all that bad. A basket of bread came out, and we started off with a bowl of Aush-Rishta (which had chickpeas, lentil, red kidney beans, noodles with fenugreek, parsley, cilantro and garlic - it is like an Afghan version of minestrone), and a bowl of Tomato Lentil Soup Yellow (which contained split lentils and it was tomato-based and a bit more heartier). My friend and I shared the Murgh, which were charbroiled boneless pieces of chicken that were extremely juicy and flavorful - probably one of the best kabobs I've had. Usually, I go for beef kabobs and stay away from the chicken (since they seem to be dry and/or bland); however, Kabul's was very tasty. You can have either 1 or 2 skewers. The side of the Afghan rice was okay (I think Cherry Blossom in Sterling is actually more tastier). We also shared a plate of Mantoo, which were steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground beef, shredded carrots, and onions, topped with a tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. These were so tasty and delicate, and I loved the sauces on top. Our waiter was a little absent-minded (maybe the owner's son?) as we also ordered the Kadu (the sweet baby pumpkin appetizer dish), but he never wrote it down and so it never came out :( We were a little disappointed as we were looking forward to that dish. There was another really friendly waiter (with the glasses), and overall, the restaurant was friendly and very clean/modern. Definitely a good solid place for some good chicken kabobs and Afghan dumplings! Parking can be found around the area. +Murgh kabobs :D +Mantoo - steamed dumplings +hit-or-miss service
(3)MaSHa K.
It breaks my heart to write a bad review for a place that was my favorite for over 10 years, I followed this restaurant from a location to a location, I had nothing but good things to say about Kabul house, but on July 31, 2013 I felt like a was a little kid that just found out that there is no Santa......My best friend took me there to celebrate my birthday, there were maybe about 6 more people dining at the restaurant at that time. The minute I walked in, I didn't see any familiar faces, except for one waiter who used to work there in Elk Grove and then came here, everyone else was new. Our waiter seemed nice at first, the appetizers came and went, we were sitting waiting for the rest of the food, after waiting for about 40 minutes, I asked how much longer it would take, since I never had to wait this long and I ALWAYS get the same dish, the waiter said about 15 more minutes and then came back to tell us in so many words that it hasn't been made yet.............I indicated that we were in a rush when we initially placed our order...after about another 30 minutes dinner finally came, we placed an order for an additional appetizer to go and after waiting for 10 minutes, we had to take rest of our dinners to go, since we didn't have time to finish it.........the additional appetizer was still not made........after asking the waiter about it, we got the same answer as we got about our dinner, in so many words, he forgot to place the order, but this time he remembered later and placed it a few minutes ago..........I had NEVER been so mad and upset, maybe because this had been my favorite spot for so many years, I changed many boyfriends, lovers, but this place was always great, the food was great, service was great, and now it broke my heart......the portions got much smaller, the prices went up again, it seemed that my soup and entrée was missing some of the usual spices and the service was just HORRIBLE.........I truly want to believe that it was a one time incident and that the restaurant didn't change owners, but it's been over a month and I still have no desire to eat there.........the wound is still fresh......
(1)Greg H.
Check this place out! This is the first Afghan restaurant I've been to and everything from the appetizer, the soup, entrees and service consistently exceed all of my expectations. Their lentil soup is amazing, the mantoo appetizer is to die for, and the Murgh Koubideh has the most amazing flavors that it's hard to believe chicken on a bed of rice could taste so good!
(5)Sylvia D.
Welre so delighted kabul is back in town youlll love everyting about the new locaion on Oakton in downtown Skokie.best of all the terrific food,friendly and prtty decor and warmth of this family run retaurant .letls recommend the wonderfulsoup.great pumpkin dish, appetizers,vegetarian plates, kabobs. Itls still BYOB, and the placeis more charming but as friendly as before. Great food.
(5)Dheeraj R.
I am not sure what the big deal is. The meat was undercooked, and bland. Not a good place for kids. Don't have kids menu. Don't have plastic cups.
(3)Syed L.
Kabul House was a wonderful experience. It was my first time trying Afghani food and it was wonderful! I feel like it was a mix of Middle Eastern Food and Indian food. The restaurant is very nice on the inside, I asked the owner who designed it and he responded that his son did. I was shocked. It was as if a professional designed the restaurant. The owner was very nice and provided us with a free appetizer. The food was very good and service was good and i highly recommend Kabul house.
(5)Mirza B.
Many years ago, in a not so far land, I distinctly remember eating this scrumptuous concoction called "Mantoo" It blew my mind, it was amaazing. Unfortunately, this outfit that made this closed and for years I wandered the barren wilderness hoping to seek gratification in the emptiness in other cuisines. But, nay, not anymore. I rediscovered that Kabul House has reopened. In a better location. Same owner, same chef. Same food. Interior decor is airy, high ceilings, cleaning lighting and overall modern vibe. The service was awesome. It was my first time at this location so the waiter brought me soup on the house, the soup was decadent. If you are going to order one thing and just one thing....order mantoo....no questions asked, an amazing dish. Kinda a hybrid between a ravioli, and dumpling, it is delicious. The dish will haunt your memories for days to come. Also have the mixed platter. The rise is luxoriously moist and the meat, well grilled and tasty. There are not many afghan restaurants out there, but this one is definitely one of the better ones. I will definitely be returning.
(5)M S.
Wonderful food, wonderful family owned. They truly care abut their great quality food and you, their customers. We've been eating at their various locations for 20 years. The not-so-good aspect to this newer location is: the addition of 2 flat screen TVs behind the food prep area dominating the side booths; the close proximity of bathrooms to tables on the front side (no curtain to block the view from some tables directly into the men's); and often these days there will be large parties in the small space next to the booths. You literally have exuberant partiers so close you can barely converse never mind get the attention of one of 2 maybe 3 servers. There is barely room to move to your booth behind the chairs at these long tables. Service lags at these busy times! SO: 5 stars for food and caring; 1 star for bathrooms too close to tables and party time.
(3)Tuki C.
Great place. Service was excellent, and food was really good. The chicken kabobs are amazing, and the lentil soup was excellent as well. We went on a Saturday night, 7:30 pm, two people, without reservations, and we only had to wait for like 5 minutes. After our meal, they brought us a nice tea with honey. Great experience overall.
(5)Kim M.
Great meal, served creatively by friendly and professional staff. Excellent value!
(5)Chika S.
BYOB. I was a fan of their old Dempster location but now I am an apostle! Delicious and unexpectedly gracious service. We were a big group with young kids, food allergies, asking for extra this and that and a zillion questions... they were very patient and accommodating. Intense flavors and generous salt in their seasonings (not spicy, just intense) TRY THE LENTIL SOUP... really delicious and unique.
(5)Lydia S.
Kabul House is excellent. The staff is friendly and informative, the food is DELICIOUS and beautifully presented, and the ambiance is warm. I've been here twice, and have walked away so pleased both times. Kabul House is byob, so bring your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy!
(4)D M.
The shrimps are huge! Also, try the ice cream that they have. Very interesting flavors I have never ever have. Yummy.
(5)Sue K.
great food and great service. i would recommend the chicken and vegetable soup.
(4)Emily D.
5 star food, 1star service. My husband and I wanted to try Afgan food and after reading the reviews settled on Kabul House. While we had no complaints on food, they were severely understaffed.
(4)Mark G.
Went to dinner to Kabul House on a Thursday evening after about 5 years since we went to the original one in east Skokie. Why did we wait so long? The food was delicious and well prepared. Daniel, our waiter could not have been better.
(4)Cari O.
The service was phenomenal from the hostess to waiter to bus boy. Everyone was very kind and welcoming. The decor was also very nice, clean and pleasing. It was our first time having afghan food and our server offered great advice on what to order. Everything was delicious!!! We started with the pumpkin appetizer and it was to die for. I had the seasoned beef dumplings and they were awesome!! Definitely am going back!
(5)Rick C.
Yeah, I'm going five star. We had gone to Kabul house like forever ago when it was on Dempster. Back then, we had the Mantoo appetizer and it stuck with us for years. I dropped one of the mantoo dumplings on the floor back then and my wife still gives me crap about it to this day. I'm, as she would call me, a "waster." I was pleased to see that Mantoo was still on the menu here and just as tasty as we remembered. We also tried the Aushak which was also pretty comparable in taste. For our entrees, we tried the Qabili Palau, which is lamb with a sweet rice dish full of raisins and carrots. Really tasty. My wife went with the Beef Chalau, which is like a slow cooked, stewed beef. Both were good, homey, comfort dishes. On top pf the food being good, the service was fantastic. They made us feel very welcome and seemed to take pride in what they were serving. Glad to have another good restaurant relatively close by.
(5)Jen M.
I went here for the second time with friends, and had a really good dining experience both times. I enjoyed the lentil soup (the one with tomato) and the Afgan rice is very good. Also, the freshly-baked bread was a nice touch. Very generous portion sizes and I can get a couple of meals out of my leftovers.
(5)Alma P.
I have never had baklava that melted in my mouth... but this was the best! Excellent food all around, nice atmosphere. I look forward to going back again with friends! I enjoy it when restaurants (like Kabul House) have appetizers that are smaller servings of their entrees, it's a good way to try new things, share, and if you're watching you food intake... you know what I mean... :-D
(5)ron h.
Best food in town. Kabul is definitely an experience everyone should try at least once. Amazing food and service that can't be beat.
(5)Donna S.
The food is amazing and the service is excellent! From start to finish, a treat!
(5)Jenson J.
Great location!! excellent food and service! got the chicken kabob and lamb quibili pulao! Will go many times more!!
(5)Ed H.
Good food, good service and very nice and clean establishment!! chicken murgh kabok and montu is amazing!!!
(5)Judy S.
After walking into Kabul with a confirmed reservation via emial, the manager told us their web reservation system was not working. He actually argued with us, even though we showed him the confirmation on our iPhone. We decided to wait for a table, which turned into 30 minutes. Appetizers were good, though service was slow. We gave our orders for entrees which took a very long time to arrive, basically because the orders were never put in. When they did arrive, they were average. The owner was apologetic and offered us free tea and dessert. I don't think that was enough compensation for a nearly three hour dining experience filled with way too much waiting and mistakes.
(2)Carmen G.
I've been trying to find a great vegetarian place and this is the best!! They didn't have any okra but eggplant was good. Definitely coming back.
(5)David R.
We were driving in the car and couldn't decide on dinner. I used my Yelp app and found this place. I have never had Afghani food prior to this meal. It was amazing. I will be going back.
(4)hani b.
Food is great. Service is great. Prices are great. BYOB is always good if you want to stay on a budget. We had aushuk (ravioli) and mantoo (dumplings) and both were awesome.
(5)santino b.
I have eaten at Kabul House a few time and always enjoyed the delicious food. My favorite is the combo and the Bolani..
(5)Dina Y.
Amaziiiing food! Fresh quality! Delish flavor! I'm craving this food twice a week and I'm not happy until I get it. This place does NOT have one flaw. Everything on the menu is exotic and spiced and seasoned to perfection! A must try is the Murgh, Bulanee, Mantu and their homemade ice cream! Their chicken is phenomenal and will set your new standards, it melts in your mouth and is cooked to perfection! I promise, you won't taste anything as delish as this food. Every time I eat here, I am more satisfied than the last time. Their servers are the nicest and friendliest! The owners are always ready to serve you with a smile and are very attentive! They never forget a customers face! Always in a good mood and greeting all customers! The restaurant style is very cozy, the lighting is perfect, the decorations are very cultured but not overly done!! Perfection! Can't wait to come back in a few days. Yum!
(5)John F.
An absolute delight. Courteous, helpful service, wonderful food. Has charged to the top of my favorite places.
(5)Lela B.
this is my favorite new restaurant right now. i liked it on dempster before but now it is even better. i love their vegetarian combo entree- you get spinach, eggplant, pumpkin and cauliflower. a nice change from the regular indian restaurant options. i'll be coming here a lot in the future.
(5)Rania F.
I have always enjoyed the food at this restaurant but during our last visit the service was extremely disappointing. We came in for an early dinner and had four small children and 4 adults. We picked this time to avoid the evening rush and get the kids fed and comfortable. The hostess led us to the smallest table you could imagine. She managed to squeeze two high chairs on one end and two regular chairs for the older children on the other. I voiced my concern several times and pointed out that there were multiple empty tables that we're available to accommodate our group of 8 sitting at a 4 seater table. She said they were expecting a party of twenty so I decided to just sit and try to enjoy the dinner. There was absolutely no elbow room and no room for our plates. The children were touching the hot plates and none of us were able to eat comfortably. They also messed up our order and forgot to bring out the appetizer. Their only saving grace this time was the food. Delicious as usual. I was super annoyed with her and FYI the party of 20 never showed up during the hour + we were there.
(3)Richard F.
We picked this place based on its Yelp rating, and drove up from La Grange where I was visiting family. The place was packed and we had to wait about an hour for a table. We spent part of that time walking around old downtown Skokie. They will take reservations for parties of six or more. None of my party of five had ever eaten Afghan food before, so we each ordered something different and shared. The food was very different, but very palatable. The presentation was quite nice. The ambiance of the restaurant was quite pleasant with Afghan music in the background. The clientele appeared to be about 75% Afghan or Middle Eastern, so we assumed the food to be pretty authentic. We all agreed that this was a restaurant to which we would return, even with the 45 minute ride from La Grange. I give this restaurant four stars, but it is an easy four plus!
(4)Ali H.
I've been to kabul house for lunch a few times and find it to be a reliable and consistently good meal for an affordable price. If I remember correctly, the hot tea was a little pricey (for being mass-produced hot tea and all), but the food was reasonable. We've had all the vegetarian appetizers as well as the soups and the vegetarian lunch special plate. Loved both soups. Probably my favorite part. The veggie platter is also yummy and includes a variety of different dishes (pumpkin, eggplant, spinach, etc). Definitely check it out! The lunch special is a good deal.
(4)Jason T.
Let me start out by qualifying this review - this was my first foray into Afghan cuisine, I have never eaten at another Afghan restaurant. So now that my disclaimer is out of the way, let me begin to sing the praises of this place: I had an amazing meal here, and I definitely will be back. The food was fantastic. I went during lunchtime and had the lunch special - 7.50 for the koubideh special - a sizeable koubideh kabob with a side of seasoned rice and a bowl of lentil soup. The lentil soup came first and was great, full of spice and flavor, not too hot, and just the right amount so as to be not too filling for a starter. It was great to mop up with the bread on the table, and It whet my appetite for the next item, the Mantoo - a type of beef dumpling with various garnishes and a yogurt type sauce. The dumplings were warm, but not too hot inside as some dumplings can be, and delicious. Moderately hearty for an appetizer, they give you 4 per order and 1.5 was just enough for me. The seasoning of the beef inside was excellent, can't quite put my finger on what spices were used but I loved it. Then my main dish immediately followed, the aforementioned koubideh. The portion of meat was pretty generous, and the taste was excellent. Again, a plethora of spices, and cooked very well - it was still juicy but not greasy, very warm but didn't burn my mouth. The ambience and service here were also top notch. The dining area had plenty of room and my work colleagues and I were able to easily get a table for the 6 of us at lunch time. Everything was clean (bathroom included) and the lighting and open air felt welcome and inviting. Our waiter was prompt and attentive - refilling my drink no less than 3 times whenever it was empty. He was also very helpful in answering questions some of us had about the menu and food. Overall I think this place is great and a pretty solid value as well - total for my meal, appetizer and a drink with tip was about 15. I will be back.
(4)Pallavi B.
I LOVE THE FOOD HERE. Their appetizers are to die for and they have best chicken everything in the world. And don't leave without trying their raisin and glazed carrot seasoned rice. Yummm.
(5)Mariam A.
I've never had Afghani food before and Kabul House is amazing! The place is very nicely set up, love the decor! The owner and staff is verryy friendly and homely. We had a nice chit chat with the owner and gave us appetizers on the house. Me and my friend are plain sort of people, but we tried out the appetizer with the ravioli filled with scallion and meat dumpligns and it was really good! We loved it. We ordered the chicken kabob skewer, murg chicken and lamb skewer. The murgh chicken was delicious! Everything was presented very well. We also ordered the Murgh Chawal, it was really good we loved it! It's not pricy at all and we had a very good experience. 5 starts for Kabul House! We'll definitely be coming again.
(5)Jessica E.
This place is amazing. The vegetarian options are great even if there are only a couple. The desserts are great which famously tends to not be the case at foreign restaurants. Finally, the atmosphere makes you nervous about the check but it's actually very reasonably priced.
(5)Shawn B.
We enjoyed the old Kabul House despite a decor that was literally crumbling around us. After the lengthy hiatus, I had concluded that the food probably wasn't as good as I remembered. We tried the new location and it was fantastic. Everything we had was great. The kabobs - chicken and lamb - were juicy and flavorful. The vegetarians were very happy with the sampler (the pumpkin deserves special note). Even the rice is noteworthy. The new decor is very nice and the service was very attentive. None of this seems to have resulted in a meaningful price increase - they might have added a buck or two to each entree, but I'm not sure and I don't care. And it's still BYO.
(5)Alexandra S.
Change is good...at least in the case of Kabul House. I was bummed when the old location closed and had little faith we'd see a new location. I was wrong. The Kabul House is back and better than before. A snazzy new location in downtown Skokie is a major upgrade. Bright colors and light make you really see what you are eating. And the eating is good. In fact as good or even better than before. The vegetarian Ashak dumplings were delightful. The mixed grill a flavorful treat. The side veggies delicious. The restaurant is still working out the kinks from a recent opening but service is friendly. So happy this restaurant is back. Overall a big YUM!
(4)Farhan S.
Scrumptious is shouting "eat me!" It is delicious, delectable, mouthwatering, tasty, delightful, gorgeous, lip smacking, yummy, wonderful in taste and aroma; It's never unappetizing, unappealing, or tasteless. ALWAYS GOOD...SERVICE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE.
(5)Diablo L.
Delicious food, had the awesome chicken kabob with afghan rice, chicken was juicy and tender , full of flavor, a must try,good service and prices...
(5)Claudia S.
the food is really good and tasty ,palce nice and clean
(5)Elizabeth J.
People who say that the suburbs are only filled with chain restaurants don't know jack! Kabul House is as authentic as they come and so, so good. Ain't nothing "chain restaurant" about it....can you tell I have a chip on my shoulder about my lovely suburban life!? Honestly, the rice and the vegetarian sampler are my favorites...and I'm not a vegetarian. Full of flavor, but not spicy hot. We will frequently stop by and just order a side of the rice to go with dinner at home. It's so simple, but we have yet to be able to duplicate it's amazingness at home. Staff are lovely. Service speed is perfect. So happy!
(5)Annie T.
Really excellent dining experience! Even when overwhelmed with a large amount of diners creating a very long wait, these folks handled it well. The food is outstanding! Lentil Soup is great! I have food allergy issues and they are always kind, guide me well, making me a special version of their delicious chicken. Beautiful atmosphere. Unique, delicious, and special.
(5)Y H.
Giving this place 4 stars because now that I've been here multiple times, I will say there have been instances where the food was just not as good as it can be. Maybe it was a different chef? They also didn't have Koubideh available one of the times we came for dinner here, which was disappointing for some ppl in my group Anyways, when the food is done right (most of the time) it's pretty freakin delicious! Mantu Entree: 7 pieces of awesomeness Chicken kabob: AMAZING, so fresh, juicy and tender. Will always order at least one of this entree Koubideh: not big red meat person, but I actually really enjoyed this. It was cooked well and very flavorful. Lamb Entree: too chewy, good but probably not something I will consistently order from here Combination platter: again the chicken and beef parts were great, but lamb was chewy. Kaboulih pulao entree: the day we ordered it, it wasn't that great and so we never ordered it again Pista, raspberry and chocolate flour less cakes: if this place was closer I would come just to eat these cakes. They were awesome and it just depends on personal preference which flavor you want. I'll be back!
(4)Reeder J.
Place was awesome. Best lamb dish I've ever had probably. Highly recommend checking it out. BYOB as well. Service was phenomenal and had an authentic feel. Can definitely see why this place was Michelin reccomended.
(5)Diane M.
For several years now I've found myself driving the distance to eat at Kabul. I don't live in Skokie but will gladly make the trek when I get the urge. It's worth the drive people. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Their food is stellar. From the hot tea with cardamom to the rose water/pistachio custard, and everything in between! Their chicken is some of the most tender chicken anywhere. Service is great and the decor is fab. Everything I've tried there is brilliant. The flavor profile of each dish is wonderfully thought out. A total treat to the senses. The only gripe I have is that it's often cold inside due to the amount windows. If they could just turn up the heat a few degrees I'd probably never want to leave. I could conceivably eat myself into a coma. Great food. Absolutely worth the drive. But don't go there on Mondays. You'll be sad to seed the closed sign on the door.
(5)Amna A.
A personal fav. Enjoy the mantoo dumplings type dish. Ask for more yogurt on it though, only then it tastes even better. The kabuli pulao is ok. The murgh skewer and murgh koubideh are the best. Mast e badrang yogurt and aush rishta soup are super! The best Afghan cuisine in the Chicagoland area.... unless I'm missing out on something else
(3)Susan G.
Tasty Food. BYOB. I'm no expert on Afghan cuisine, but I really enjoyed my meal here. Dined here with 3 others and we started with a couple orders of the pumpkin dumplings and the potato dumpling appetizers. Our meals all came with soup and I had the tomato lentil soup which was wonderful. Our entrees included the chicken, ground beef, and lamb kabobs. Portions are very generous and so we all ended up taking leftovers home. For dessert we ordered two of the custard desserts which reminded me a bit of tapioca with fruit and almonds. They do not serve alcohol here, but you can BYOB as they have wine glasses and corkscrews. Cost of our meal per person including tax and tip was about $30.
(4)Anne S.
I came here last Monday for a Yelp elite event, and everything was fantastic. I decided that I would bring my family here to try it. Then I won a $40 gift certificate. On Saturday we were in Skokie with friends, and I convinced them to come here. Everyone loved it! We started with the kadu and gulpi. They were both wonderful. I love the gulpi. I could eat 2 or 3 of those myself! I had the lentil soup, and I was disapointed. Online people say this is the best lentil soup ever, but this is nowhere near as good as my favorite lentil soup (Cedars in Hyde Park). Next time I would get the vegetable soup. Since we didn't have lunch until 3 we were all starving. Two people got the murgh, one got the lamb, and I got the murgh chalau. Everything was good, but I think the murgh chalau was the best, the the murgh, then the lamb. I just kept eatting long after I was full because everything tasted so good. We finished everything, and were very full on the ride back into the city. This place is BYOB. It's not super cheap, but it is really damn good.
(5)Jen W.
Oh My Gosh! I cannot sing the praises of Kabul House enough. The food here was absolutely to die for. Even now, writing this review my mouth is watering. I had never eaten Afghan food before, but after this experience I will again. I had the dinner size mantoo dumplings. They were tender, flavorful, light and filling all at the same time. The cucumber mint sauce was fresh, not too heavy, and tangy. I tried a sampling of my co-workers entries and they were all wonderful. Service was great. They made accommodations for 18 of us, we were served in a timely manner and the quality did not suffer. I only regret I live 140 miles away so I can't return on a regular basis.
(5)Anjum G.
Chicken kabob and murgh kibboudeh were absolutely delish. Mantoo is spot on as well. I've been here almost 5 times now and the food has been consistently good. Im glad I finally have a goto spot in Skokie! Ps: their Afghan tea and conplimentary soup and bread make for a nice complete meal :)
(5)Edward B.
Stopped here after a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden with my girlfriend. She's not the most adventurous of eaters, but I basically forced the issue since I've wanted to try this place for a long while. The 5 stars says enough. Great service and wonderful food. We had the Kabuli Palau and the Vegetarian Platter, both with plentiful Afghan rice. We also had Afghan Ice Cream and Firnee for dessert. I had the Iced Sweet Basil Mint tea as well (LOVED this - need to make it at home). All was excellent - I could go into details about describing each dish, but their menu does that well. My girlfriend loved it, since the food was very flavorful without being spicy. I'm not sure I'll be making special trips here, but when up North, Kabul House will be at the top of the list to revisit.
(5)Freddie L.
Awesome food, excellent customer service. High quality food that is healthy. Very nice dine in area. The wait time was not too long. Clean bathroom. Affordable prices. Free parking is easy to find. Food portion is good. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Mariam S.
As the five star rating says "good as it can get." The food is delicious. They have a very small menu which is fine to me as they do a great job on everything they serve. My personal favorites; mantoo, murg kabob, murg chulau, beef chulao. The soup is on the house and is pretty good! Exceptional customer service. I have never been disappointed, I have been to this place several times. They are always very welcoming. Also the ambience and atmosphere is very decent. Sometimes you can have some difficulty finding parking, so be prepared for that. I do wish they had some good desert items though. And I don't know why they gave us tea on the house last time!
(5)Adam K.
Pretty good, was expecting to get blown away, but it was just OK for me. Kabob was supposed to be made of ground sirloin, tasted like ground beef. Service was excellent and attentive. Soup was very good, lamb was very good. Long wait times, made people around us salty, and staring at us while we ate, made me uncomfortable. Decent prices though. The lamb would make me return. Underwhelmed overall, but I will round up.
(4)Taylor M.
I was in the area and saw that Kabul House had amazing ratings on Yelp, so I started reading the reviews and saw that everyone on of my friends that had dined her (including 3 community managers and a Yelptern) had given them 5 stars. It was then I knew I had to try Kabul House! The experience definitely lived up to its reviews. We arrived for an early dinner at about 5 pm and were told that their specialty soup would not be ready which was a bummer. But at least I know everything is going to be fresh! Forgive me, this was my first Afghan dining experience, so I am not sure about the names of the dishes. For an appetizer we ordered the ravioli like dish. This was incredible and next time I will be ordering the entrée version of this for my dinner. For dinner, I had the lamb over spinach which I also loved. It came with lentil soup which I added the pomegranate seasoning too. The seasoning was different, but made the soup even better. The service was super friendly and everything was prompt! I am so happy my Yelp friends pointed me in the right direction here!
(5)Jimmy M.
Nice Ambience good food very good service, loved the fact that they give complementary soup and bread , it was a nice experience will go again
(5)Ted C.
I've had Afghan food before, from their old location in Queens, made from some Afghan friends and well, there a few more times. Bib Gourmand or not, Afghan food is very close to comfort food to me. Mantoo, not only reminds me of my grandma's dumplings, but it also was like a small bit of home plus tomato sauce! Kabul house has some pretty good dishes but it's got 4 different kinds of kabob which are, good, but it's a part of Persian, Levantine and Turkish and Greek cuisine, nothing super Afghan about it. Shrimp kabob? If I showed a shrimp to an Afghan in Mehtar Lam I don't think any of them would know what the hell it was. Definitely not something I would have eaten there. However, the Palau is pretty good it's pretty authentic, if fancy. I like the food, I guess I'm just wistful for some Biryani or Haft Mae'wa and it's not something I can find here.
(4)Theresa K.
Phenomenal food, great service, and comfortable atmosphere! Vegetarians will love this place - they cook very tasty vegetarian options. The veggie platter dinner comes with mind boggling good pumpkin, eggplant, cauliflower, spinach, and rice. The appetizer, Ashank, are dumplings cooked and topped in an incredible sauce. Food is accompanied by choice of soup (lentil or minestrone) and delicious bread. I had no idea Afghan food was so delightful. I'm happy to have discovered this wonderful spot. BYOB.
(5)Sara M.
5 out of 5 always! We've dined here a few times already and each time is just as great as the first time. This time it was different for me as I'm observing lent and could only have vegetarian platters. Being the meat lover I am, I was worried I wouldn't be full. The vegeterian platter exceeded my expectations with taste and quantity! It was delicious and I was quite full after. The waiters are all very nice and serve you quickly.
(5)Rob F.
I have always been a fan of Afghan food and this place is top notch. All of the entrees, soups, and appetizers I have tried here have interesting with unique spices which add flavor without being "spicey". The service is also great. Everyone I have brought here has been amazed by it. If you have haven't tried this place, you will be pleasantly surprised -- its much better than your typical middle eastern restaurant.
(5)Ed A.
The flavors are mild and just don't punch enough flavor in the food. It's just not my bag My brother liked his order but, as I said, he likes this kind of southeast Asian food I will stick with the more Middle Eastern stuffed grape leaves, cucumber salad, beef kebab, hummus offerings.
(2)Jack P.
That is the most tender white meat I have ever eaten, bar none. Of course I came with great expectations, and they certainly were met food-wise. A friend and I shared the Manloo "ravioli" appetizer, the chicken kebab, and the vegetarian platter. And a couple bowls of the lentil and chick pea soups. And the cardamom tea. I kept checking the succulent grilled chicken pieces because they were so tender, I thought may not have been done in the center. And there's nothing more disturbing than chicken sushi. But it was all perfectly cooked, and obviously fresh or Halal meat. The portions here are generous, and I cleaned my plate like a good boy. The service was OK, and really nothing special. I can't help comparing it with the prior Kabul House which was located in a mall I believe still on Oakton in Skokie, where the owner came around and it had that Check Please like you are dining at his home kind or warm hospitality. The current place has more of a stark and functional appeal but certainly nothing memorable or especially inviting. The prices are OK, but with the variety of Middle Eastern available closer to home, with equally good food and lower prices, like Salam, I probably would not make the special trip out here. I would definitely return in a minute were I famished and in downtown Skokie. But I'd like to see if they have those same tender bites of chicken at their "Express" location on Devon. I could see trying that location. Really a 3.5 for me based upon a first visit.
(3)Ann N.
I drove in 3 hours and made sure to stop by here. I got in on a busy Saturday night, and asked to be seated (just me). FANTASTIC SERVICE. Host and servers never once made me feel hurried, made sure I was comfortable and even have complimentary soup because it was my first time. I got a table too - I felt bad because I was taking away the space of a larger party but I was never made to feel bad throughout the whole experience. I tried the lamb specialty and the pumpkin appetizer. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the whole dish was delicious. The pumpkin I didn't expect to be that good - highly recommended. I will definitely go here again.
(5)Hina Q.
HALAL! Even though this place is a bit far from home we decided to give it a try since a lot of people and fellow yelpers gave such great reviews. This place is a bit small so there was a waiting period for us on a Saturday night for about 20 minutes. Once we were seated the staff came by apologized for the wait and gave us complimentary soups. We ordered our food and ended up waiting around 40 minutes for our food to come out. The staff came by and apologized many times because they knew the food was taking long and it was because they were short staffed. Food comes out, smelled great, and the taste was amazing! The food was cooked to perfection with succulent taste. The portions were also pretty good. At the end of the dinner we were deciding on whether to get dessert or not but once again, the staff came through and brought us complimentary dessert for the late food. This place really cares about the customers because it shows when they do the small things as giving complimentary desserts or appetizers and also apologizing continuously for their mistakes. GREAT FOOD!! MUST TRY!!
(4)Susan C.
This was my first visit to Kabul House with my husband & son. My son had been here before and recommended it. I couldn't have been happier with my meal, the service, the presentation, everything was spot on. I ordered the single lamb kabob which came with rice (I chose dill rice) and a few vegetables & soup. The one kabob was plentiful and the rice portion very generous. The soup (chicken noodle) had an exotic flavor and was divine. I tasted the lentil soup & that will be my next choice of soups. We also shared the beef dumpling appetizer which was very tasty and nicely spiced. My husband had a Belly card so we got a free drink and my son did a Yelp check-in and got an additional 10% off the check. Will definitely be returning soon.
(5)Michelle K.
I really enjoy Kabul House for their food! The restaurant is bright and clean. The dishes are flavorful. I love their vegetarian plate. The spices in the pumpkin and the spinach are differnent. Their Afghan dumplings are really mouth watering. The service can be a little haphazard but they mean well and certainly will try and accomodate your needs.
(4)Jay H.
BYO is NOT permitted at this Devon location as of March 2013. The counter person said that they did not want to offend residents. I do not fully understand this policy, but I respect their choice. The Skokie location is a nicer and busier place, allows BYO, and is only 10 minutes northwest of this Devon location.
(4)Hannah R.
This was our first Afghan experience! A friend had recently been here with a yelp event and she was raving about how good it was. We had to try it for ourselves! Our meals came with a choice of either the Tomato-Lentil or the Aush-Rishta soup. I had the Aush-Rishta and it was delicious. It was brought out with bread. Seeming there were four of us we decided to share the Kadu and Gulpee appetizers. Both were equally amazing. The Kadu was very sweet (sautéed baby pumpkin) and the Gulpee (cauliflower cooked in a tomato base sauce) was a little spicy. The place is very clean and the tables all have white linen table cloths with paper over the top. Each table is brought a carafe of water and even the napkins are of good quality - large and almost material like. The entrees arrived almost immediately after the appetizers were finished. I had to the Murgh and my husband had the lamb. The chicken was so delicious and tender. He's lamb was also good but I still think the Murgh is the best! There also bring out a yummy spicy sauce which was so good with the rice and meat. You also have a choice of either the white, Afghan or Dill Rice. I tried both the Dill and Afghan and they were both really good. One of our friends also tried the Murgh and loved it and the other had the Murgh Chalau, which was more of the soup/stew. We were all extremely impressed with Kabul House, from the moment we walked in, it inviting, clean and friendly not to mention it smelt amazing! The place had a homely feeling especially considering there were quite a few large groups (who looked like regulars). There was a bulls game on and a one table in particular all the women were sitting around talking and eating and the young children were all engaged with the large screen t.v. behind the bar. There was no a scrap left! We all ate way too much but everything just tasted to good! Even though we live south of the city we will be back and will definitely recommend it to others! Our bill was around $75.00 ( 4 people, a soup each, 2 shared apps and an entrée each)
(5)Gaurav B.
really long wait ... Servers are extremely wierd and rude. we were told to pack in 5 people on table of 4 ... Food was above average ... kebabs and afgani rice were good ... soups were extremely bland ..... i dont know if we will go there again..
(4)Jerry C.
I've been here 3 or 4 times not including the express location. The waiter Matthew was awesome and very helpful. The issue I had this last time that I went was wait time. They sat us down and 20 minutes later they realized that we hadn't been helped yet. We finally ordered and another 35 minutes passed by and we got our burnt appetizers. Another 45 minutes pass by and we get our cold food and one plate was missing a kabob. Matthew gets the manager and he was very nice and apologetic. The manager says he will get us new orders and he did, he was very accommodating. We quickly get our new plates which were warmer not exactly hot. I think he just reheated but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.I would give them another try because it wasn't Matthew's fault and the food is generally good.
(3)Negin J.
The Ash Reshteh was my favorite, and the best. Murgh and Qabili polo were also really good. The only thing I did not like was the mousse cake but who goes to an Afghan restaurant for a mousse cake? My mistake! The waiters were friendly, polite and fast. We will go back there soon!
(5)Jerry L.
We just came back from dining at the Kabul House. We had a party of 10 people including one vegan . All ordered different items off the menu. Everyone really liked there meals including the vegan person. The service was really good also. Very accommodating .
(5)Garry W.
I've only been to one other Afghani restaurant in my life (D.C), so when I spotted this one from the reviews, I wondered if it would be as good. Crowded on a Sunday night, the hospitality that Afghani's are famous for was on display throughout the evening. The host worked hard to squeeze me in and was friendly and gracious. The waiter was incredibly helpful in annotating the menu and made great suggestions. Soup is served complimentary and I chose the vegetable noodle soup - great start. Chose the spinach appetizer and it was complex and delicious with great variety of textures. Entre was the 3 kabobs of chicken, lamb, and ground beef, served with afghani rice and vegetables. The chicken pieces were moist and delicious, unlike most kabobs that are dry. Love the spiced rice with carrots and raisins too. Too much meat to finish, but all delectable. The server was awesome and knew I was a novice to his cuisine and brought me an afghani cardamom custard with fresh berries - it would have been my first choice anyway and it was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal and impeccable service. A glass of Malbec would have made it even better, but they don't serve alcohol- you can BYOB if you know in advance. Will most assuredly return on my next visit to a north Chicago suburb. One of my most memorable business meals ever!
(5)Mario G.
The staff are always nice and the beef chulia is amazing!! The sauce that comes with must be made with Crack cause I'm addicted!!
(5)Marcia J.
A lovely discovery! Excellent, very fresh food, very clean restaurant and restrooms, very attentive service New flavors at a really affordable price The soups are delicious and the bread thick and yeasty. We will be going there again. Also, BYOB.
(5)Kimberly R.
The food was fantastic! I have never tried Afghan food before, so wasn't sure what to expect. So happy we decided to try it out. Arrived around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday and was seated right away. Went on yelp beforehand to decide what to order. We spilt an order of Mantoo as an appetizer and I had the Murgh Kabobs for my main dish. Both were perfectly seasoned and had good portions. My fiance had the Kabuli palau and it was also excellent. Definitely plan on coming back in the future!
(5)John V.
I walked into a place that was cold and uncomfortable. The booth we wanted to sit in was not cleaned up, so we sat in a booth with a table that was not level. Received the vegetable soup, although I did order the lentil, but no big deal. However it was warm, not hot. The main course took longer than expected. Again warm not hot. The lamb meat was full of cartilage and arteries, unchewable. looked to me like a bunch of guys running around in black uniforms with no management present. I value my appetite immensely. I shall never ever return.
(1)Andrew L.
Always top quality Afghani-Persian food. You won't go wrong here.
(4)Jessica K.
Delicious. Nice environment. Choices for vegans non-veg alike. The only thing is that the wait can be super long if you show up on a weekend.
(5)Anya A.
Good food and amazing portion sizes. You also get complementary soup with your meal! Popular spot and fills up most nights. The vegetarian platter is good as are the chicken kabobs.
(4)Jessica A.
Delicious! We got a dumpling appetizer that was so unique and flavorful. We got two lamb entrees that were equally good. Service was excellent!
(5)J S.
Pleasantly surprised and exceeded my expectation w friendly n professional staff. Not my usual type of a place to try, but i am so glad i did. Will try other items on the menu this week.
(5)Anon M.
I had an extremely horrible experience here two days ago. I even filed a complaint under the comments box on Kabul House's website. I didnt want to air my grievances on Yelp, because I felt it best to directly address it with the restaurant. But, since my complaint was never addressed...I'd like to say to the owners please check the comments left on your website. I dont wish to bad-mouth your business publicly, its best that you read my reviews on there, and address them for future customers and clientele. Thank you!
(2)Tessa C.
So good! I had no idea what Afghan food was, but if this is any indication, it's delicious. The environment is nice, but be prepared to smell like what you ate after you leave.
(4)Beth R.
My husband and I like a good suburban adventure. Recently our wanderlust took us north and west to Skokie for some Afghani food, and let me tell you, it will take us back again. I peeped the online menu in advance because I, the sometime vegetarian, needed to make sure I wasn't walking into a den of meat. More like a den-of-good-things-that-are-not-all-meat-but-then-Âagain-the-chicken-I-tried-was-really-good. We started with two soups, and they were both really good. I love a lentil soup, and theirs included tomato but not in a way that was overwhelming. I also tried the vegetable soup and liked it as well, though the online menu tells me it has chickpeas and noodles, but I don't recall those. And I would recall chickpeas (the unforgettable bean). I erred on the vegetarian side and tried the sampler platter. It was four items, arranged clockwise from low-to-high on the sweetness scale (with 10:00 being super-duper sweet). Spinach, cauliflower, eggplant and pumpkin: all great tastes that taste great together, though they were all cooked within an inch of their lives. I think the texture and nutritional content would improve with less time in the pan. My husband had a sampler as well, and shared a couple bites of his chicken (murgh) kabob. Wowsers. It was fantastic chicken - moist and not charry. I'll be seeing you again, chicken named murgh. I could take or leave the bread next time, and the rice is nothing to write home about (then again, I wouldn't know what to write home about rice). I believe there was a mix-up with ours as well (ordered dill, got white) but it was no big whoop. But word to the wise for the raisin-averse: the Afghan seasoned rice contains carrots and raisins. The service was friendly and efficient, and they advertise their considerable awards and accolades. They are, don't you know, a (Michelin) Bib Gourmand restaurant. I don't need that kind of recommendation, but I'm glad the word got out and I hope food-lovers keep the roof on Kabul House for a long time.
(4)Vedran A.
Fantastic place from start to finish. Excellent service and experience. Ordered the Aash soup and it is must try. Bold and rich, definitely a fine creation. The Aushak Dumplings are solid, full of flavor. A fine starter and something worth trying. I also had the chicken kabob plate and the meat was done exceptionally well. Marinated in richness, cooked to perfection. The vegetarian platter is a great mix of all the things you want to try. A true sampling plate. This place is priced reasonably and worth the try. Look forward to eating here again.
(4)Ryan K.
Unfortunately, I don't have much time to review this place so I hope I can do it justice. Amazing food. I've never had Afghan food before today, and if this is any reflection on the average Afghani meal, I will absolutely seek it out more often. The service here is prompt, professional, and warm; much warmer than the temperature at which they keep the thermostat. Of course, I did have a window seat. The food was served piping hot and was the most delicious I had during my Chicagoland trip. In fact, the food was so great, I ordered a second entrée just to sample more. Mantoo dumplings were preceeded by the lentil soup; many reviews rave about both and the menu claims the soup to be the best you'll ever have. Apparently the owner of this place has never met my grandmother. It was pretty damn good, though. My second plate is the signature dish: chicken kabobs. Very, very nice. The waiter just brought me two sauces to try over the 12-hour marinated chicken and he's absolutely right about how unbelievable the flavors meld together. Eat here!
(5)George J.
I love Afghan food! It's very hard to find Afghan restraurants especially good ones, but I found it. The food and the service here was great! The food was very flavorful and cooked to perfection my favorites were the Murgh Koubideh, Koubideh, the eggplant, and their yougurt with the green sauce. My friend had their chicken kabob plate and he loved it, the chicken was tender, juicy and full of flavor. I highly recommend this place if you're a fan of Afghan food and if you havne't had Afghan food you're missing out this is the place to try it!
(4)Tricia D.
This is one of those places that makes me wonder why it took me so long to come here. (Scratching head.) Props to Kabul House for a 2012 Bib Gourmand award! It's easy to see why they earned those accolades. Food is reasonably priced, generously portioned, and hits the spot! Each entree comes with lentil or vegetable noodle soup and warm, pita-like bread (great for dipping!). I tried the beef chalau entree, which had tender pieces of beef sauteed in onion, tomato, and garlic with a bed of seasoned (carrots and raisins) rice. The only lowlights of the meal: we couldn't order the eggplant appetizer because it couldn't be prepared in time (?? I was confused by the waiter's wording), and the food could have been served hotter. Overall, my first experience with Afghan food: excellent!
(4)David R.
Wow, everyone was right. What amazingly fantastic food! Gosh, where to begin? Well, at the beginning, I guess. My wife and I ordered both of the soups and swapped them back and forth. Both the tomato-lentil and the aush-rishta (vegetable and noodle) were delicious, but I give the slight edge to the latter. Despite the recommendations of the waiter plus various reviewers in favor of the mantoo dumplings, I chose the aushak appetizer. I might try the mantoo another time, but I can't imagine visiting Kabul House in the future without ordering the aushak again. In a meal full of incredible flavors, this was my favorite item. So, so, so, so delicious. I mopped up the leftover sauce with the table bread. For trying a new cuisine, the variety of the kabob combination platter appealed to me. This was another great choice. The lamb was merely very good, while the murgh (marinated chicken) and koubideh (seasoned ground beef) were outstanding. The waiter brought a little dish of green relish to the table, and of course that stuff was just as awesome as the rest of the food. I didn't catch what it was made of; I detected perhaps chiles and cilantro, but in any case it was bright and lively and paired up brilliantly with the lamb and beef. I also sampled liberally from my wife's vegetarian platter: sabzee (spinach), gulpi (cauliflower), boranee baunjan (eggplant), and kadu (pumpkin). While I liked all four, the spinach and cauliflower were my favorites, and I feel that the pumpkin was so sweet that it should be on the dessert menu. So basically that is about ten awesome things to eat in a single meal. This is really a 4.5. My only complaints are relatively minor: first, I found both the seasoned rice and the dill rice to be pretty bland; and second, one of my three pieces of lamb was full of gristle. Quibbles aside, I really loved this place and plan to return again and again. If it's as good the second time as the first, they will easily earn that fifth star.
(4)Monique U.
I just had the most amazing lunch at Kabul House. I'm going to focus on the food because that is what is most important! Our group of 9 had amazing service! Our server kept pouring us the most delicious cardamom tea! We tried the Mantoo, Aushak, Boranee Baunjan, and Bulanee appetizers. The flavors were amazing and the food wasn't greasy! I had the Kabuli Palau as my main dish and i loved every bite. Can I talk about the bread? like, woah, it was so delicious! My plate was filled so i took 1/2 of it home for lunch tomorrow. For dessert I got the home made Afghan Ice Cream which is made with Rose water, cardamom and pistachio. I was licking the plate! I tried my friend's baklava and i noticed it was very crisp, filled with tons of nuts and not dripping in honey, which was a nice change. The desserts weren't too sweet and i loved them that way. Sometimes desserts can be too sugary and sickly. This wasn't the case at all, and I wanted to take the icecream home! Our waiter gave us complimentary desserts as well (Firnee) which was like a creme brulee topped with fruit and nuts. Holy mother of awesomeness I can't wait to go back! IT's BYOB too. I am going back for dinner ASAP!!
(5)Miss D.
We live over the Kabul House so we have the opportunity to eat here often. It is everything people say it is. my favorite dishes are: Murgh Chalau, Vegeterian Plate & the Lunch Only seasoned Salmon Salad...THAT is delicious. The Sabzee is fabulous as is the lentil soup. I love it. I come here when I'm sick for the soup!! makes me feel so much better. The owners are nice guys and they deliver. It's always busy and it's always delicious. NEVER a bad meal here.
(5)Roxanne A.
I will forever be grateful to Ehow C., Grubhub, and the GH credit Ehow had. It was thanks to that colliding of forces that introduced me to the lovely delicious savory of Afghan food and Kabul House. Everything is so delicious and if I lived closer, maybe I wouldn't eat every meal here like it was my last meal. I stuff myself with my three go-to dishes. Again, everything is very good, but I dream of these particular dishes and just typing this is making my mouth water. -Bulanee This is everything I love about scallion pancakes and nan bread put together. It's so good and nicely pan-fried. Between all the flavors, it often hard to order just one. The pumpkin is my favorite. -Mantoo This is a cross between a dumpling and a ravioli. It's filled with ground beef and veggies. The tomato/mint sauce brings it home and is delicious by itself, but together with the dumpling, it is amazing. -Kabuli Palau Oh, I love you from your seasoned rice to your caramelized carrots and raisins to your hidden treasure of oh so tender lamb buried underneath. The meat and rice play off each other's flavor and texture so well. The service here is pretty great too.
(5)Sumayeh S.
Best food, plus best customer service..... people that work there are so friendly , I can't say enough about them ....
(5)Yanyao N.
Drop everything you are doing RIGHT NOW and get yourself over to Skokie immediately. I promise you will be really glad you did. Plus, the shiny new Oakton Yellow Line stop is open, right down the street from Kabul House. NO EXCUSES! And hooray for there being more than 2 stops on the Yellow Line! Following these instructions and you will have one of the best meals ever: - Start with the mandoo and aushak as your appetizers. They are basically Afghan dumplings/ravioli. If you ask nicely enough, they will let you make a combo appetizer plate of 2 aushak and 2 mandoo, so you can sample them both. Your other option is to order normally and have 4 of each, which (trust me) won't be difficult to eat. - While their other menu items are all really, really delicious, everyone needs to order the Murgh (chicken kabobs) for their first time here. Once you do, you probably won't ever order anything else. Seriously. Read all the reviews. Everyone is gaga for this chicken. I have ranted and raved about this chicken and my dear friends that trust my opinion actually drove to Skokie (bless your city living hearts!) and now they too, rant and rave about the chicken. I usually despise chicken at restaurants. But this murgh is MAGICAL. It is moist, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. I do not kid when I say, this is THE best chicken I have ever had. Truly. Go ahead, do the double kabob. You'll thank me later. - Another insider tip: ask them to do 1/2 dill rice and 1/2 seasoned rice with your chicken. (Don't be that person who orders the plain rice. Otherwise, I will call you Blandy McBlanderson). - Each entree order comes with a free soup! Both are vegetarian - the tomato lentil and the aush-rishta. Both are awesome. - The hot tea is divine. I think they add cardamon to it. So, did we get that? MANDOO, AUSHAK, MURGH MURGH MURGH. And please, be super nice to the staff. They are my friends (well, I'm not sure if they remember me, but I like them a lot!). Always so warm and inviting, and they genuinely love hearing that you love their food. They take a lot of pride in it, and it really shows. Also, they do catering! So, should you want to have a party at your house with THE BEST CHICKEN IN THE WORLD, you should give them a call. I've only ordered catering once in my entire life, and it was from Kabul House, and it was glorious. (Yay #400! Kabul House totally deserves it!)
(5)Jill W.
Wow! I heard this place was great but was blown away by how delicious and reasonably priced it is. The service was also impeccable and so friendly. They even brought us a complimentary dessert. I enjoyed our meal so much I can't wait to come back and try other things on the menu. I also got to take home a good amount of leftovers and they were even better the next day. Get the beef ravioli app, you won't be disappointed. The veggie platter was also excellent! Highly recommend Kabul House!!
(5)Seamus M.
Great food at a great price! It will be hard to find better value at such low prices anywhere around Chicago. The Aash Soup had a good flavor profile but was only $1.50. The Chicken Kabob lived up to the hype their own menu created, it was perfectly spiced and cooked, it taste great with or without the accompanying sauce it comes with. I also ordered a green tea and walked out paying less than $11 total. Not bad!
(5)David S.
I went to Kabul on the Sunday before Labor Day and it was busy. This is a quaint little place with modern decor and a very fragrant kitchen. My wife complained that it was a bit smokey and hard to breathe, but I thought it was ok. First off, this was my first Afghan meal so I trusted Yelp to order right. We had the combo kebab dinner, the lentil soup, onion & cilantro salad. They ran out of their beef dumplings so we went with the vegetarian dumplings app. Food was good. but here's the scenario that made this place great. They mistakenly brought us a full order of the dumplings (we ordered the appetizer). I didn't mind because they were tasty and assumed they messed up. They noticed when it came to bill time and still only charged us for the app. Not only that, they offered us a free dessert to apologize for the mistake we benefited from. On top of that we had a Yelp 10% coupon for checking in. Triple Score. These guys are classy...or they knew that I'd Yelp about it :)
(4)Jay S.
I'm a beef lover, but I come here for their murgh chicken. It's the most tender, juicy, flavorful chicken I've ever had. Try it, you won't be disappointed! Service is impeccable and their bathrooms are very clean!
(5)A. V.
Every time I visit, I fall in love with this place all over again! The staff is friendly and welcoming. The food is amazing! Do yourself a favor - be sure to get the Afghan rice - it's delicious. And my husband cannot possibly eat here without getting an order of kadu, which is the pumpkin topped with yogurt sauce. I usually order the vegetarian platter or the koubideh dinner. They are both consistently excellent! I brought a friend here a few weeks ago and she had a shrimp special, which she raved about all night. You will not be disappointed by Kabul House!
(5)Asya K.
I took my bf to check out the place as it was one of my favorites while I lived in Skokie. He loved every single thing we tried. The staff was super accommodating and polite even though we walked in a few minutes before closing time ( I had an old menu in the car and their hours had changed). The soups are delicious, so good that I went and bought red lentils in attempt to make something close to what we tasted. Their lamb dishes are outstanding and so are their skewers. I wish I still lived in Skokie in order to eat their more often!
(5)Jeff E.
Ordered the lamb kabab. It was good not great. I have had better street kababs than this place. The Afgan rice was yummy but there were a lot of hard pieces of rice. if your going on lunch and have limited time order ahead. also if you do not want to smell like kabab all day get your food to go.
(3)Linda L.
I went there for the first time today. I checked the reviews and saw some recommendations. The lentil soup came with any order of the entree. Some people have said that it was great, but it wasn't really that tasty to me. It was eatable. I ordered Mantoo, beef dumplings i guess. And yesss, it was really delicious. I loved it. My friend order Kabuli Palau, lamb with rice. Hmmm it wasn't really really good but it wasn't bad either. The rice was a bit sweet. Anyway, I was happy with Mantoo. I'll try something new if I go there next time.
(4)Alexa H.
I have never eaten Afghan food before, but if it really is as good as Kabul makes it, I want to eat it every night. Sure, it was awkward when the host seating us mistook spray paint in a bag (purchased to paint a bed frame) for a "beverage" (it's BYOB). But after that, everything was lovely. It's a comfy, warm place. Our server described everything in great detail and it all sounded amazing. We started with the kadu--a pumpkin dish he didn't describe but should have. This is better than pumpkin pie or any other pumpkin item you've ever eaten. It's sweet, salty, oily and comes with amazing sauce. We ordered two main courses -Aushuk--a large portion of leek & scallion dumplings you can also get as an appetizer. Well cooked oniony greens in tender dumpling outsides. -Kabuli Palau--unbelievable lamb shank served with Afghan rice. These came with soup and the waiter made sure we got to taste both of their soups. Everything comes with yogurt mint sauce and a spicy sauce that it like the best acidic, green Mexican salsa mixed with sweet tamarind chutney. I wanted to put it on everything. If you're in Chicago, get on the train now. It's close to the Oakton stop of the yellow Line which means it's barely outside of the city. Trust me, I've eaten at a lot of places in Chicago and this one is worth the trip outside the city.
(5)C B.
4 stars for service.....which was not good at all....but 5 stars for food! yummy! What stood out the most and i have often cravings for it is the Rosewater ice cream! omg! nothing like it!! if you're going to come here, it is a must try!
(4)Sadaf G.
Love this place!! Never had a bad experience here, the staff is so friendly and accommodating and the owners are super nice as well! Some of our favorites are, Beef Koubideh Mantoo (Favorite hands down best appetizer on the menu) Kabuli Palau (so delicious) Chicken Kabob I called the restaurant tonight and the manager told me they offering carry out only because of a private party. I called back after work and the man said that they closed their kitchen because of the private party and wouldn't be able to do carry out orders either (this was two hours later). I told him I just wanted 2 orders of Kabuli Palau and the man was so nice and accommodating. he told me he would be able to get that for me and to come by in 10 minutes. I love small business's for this reason, this place is definitely one of my favorites in Skokie! I've also catered from them for parties of 50 and they delivered the food right on time and it was perfect!!
(5)Matt M.
Wow! Even better tasting than your "express" on Devon! And now with improved access on the yellow line?!!? Damn, I'll have me some of your delicious lentil soup and delcious dishes that line your menu. Clean, friendly, located in a great spot! I have not had a lot of Afghani food in my day, but if its all this good, I don't know what the hell took me so long!!
(5)Yav A.
Great Lunch Specials!!! Recommendations: Afghan Bread Lentil Soup Aush Raita Soup Beef Koubideh Chicken Kabob Bulanee with Potatoes
(5)Ehow C.
Oh man. I ordered delivery for my roommate and me through Grubhub, and this was probably the most fantastic food I've had delivered. By the way, kudos to the delivery guy. Super friendly, and he even walked up to my apartment door. The mantoo and bulanee appetizers were pretty tasty. The mantoo were beef Chinese dumplings from another mother, with a delicious spicy yogurt sauce. The bulanee are like naan, but thicker with a delicious filling. My roommate and I made the mistake of ordering two entrees and eating them separately. If there's one thing you need to remember, it's that they give you tremendous portions. She ordered the qabili palau, which had such tender lamb. My murgh kabob was absolutely delicious. The chicken was so, so, so flavorful tender, it was killing me softly with its words. The veggies also were grilled perfectly, and the rice with raisins and carrots bring a needed sweetness to tremendous savoriness. Basically, order here. I haven't dined here, but I'm sure it's just fantastic, given how much care they've put into my delivery order. You won't regret it.
(5)Josh B.
I just waited 30 minutes for a table and they gave our table to two people that came in 20 minutes after our party of two. That couple didn't even have a reservation. They never took our name, just said we had 2 couples in front of us. The late 30s aged couple that took our spot were called out by name. Apparently we were described as "young couple." No attempt to find us. Unprofessional and I don't forgive them despite their half hearted apology and assurance we'd get the "next" table. Too hungry for their excuses. Not coming back.
(1)Kangana G.
We found this gem by accident - we were at the mall in Skokie and wanted to find a place to eat. I've eaten Afghan food before (Helmand in Boston and Baltimore) and this place might even be better, if less fancy that those restaurants. We've now been twice and already have plans to go again, even though we live in downtown Chicago. My husband is crazy about their kebabs and I LOVE everything vegetarian they make, especially the ravioli. And oh, the afghan rice! I would eat it as it is (and I do!) Special mention to their Phirni - a lightly sweet, yogurt-based dessert that is seriously unbelievably good. I don't exaggerate when I say that it might be one of the best things I've ever eaten. IT IS SO GOOD! Excellent service, amazing food, affordable prices. Highly recommend!
(5)Nitin K.
As a foodie from India, I've sampled my share of great 'frontier' (Afghanistan and south central Asia) cuisine. Kabul House was a great find and a great place for dinner. All the dishes were adequately spiced and salted, portions were large, and service was courteous. I highly recommend this appetizer to begin with: Mantoo (spiced beef dumplings with a tomato and yogurt sauce on top). You can't stop eating them, trust me! If you like biryani and pulao (pilaf), then you must try the Afghani Pulao, with a distinct regional flavor - dry fruits and lamb..win! The murgh (chicken) and the lamb kabab skewers are highly recommended as entrees. They were cooked just right and well marinated. They were served with a tangy chuntey. For dessert, I highly recommended the Afghan Ice Cream. It's homemade with rose water, pistachios, and cardamom. Brilliant way to end your glorious meal! Go to this place! Period! Worth it!
(5)Antaash U.
10% off your bill if you check in on Yelp! Yippeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to give this place 10 stars. No joke. The food blew me away. Before I even start with the food, I need to back up to the very beginning. My four friends and I showed up on a Saturday night at 7:30 without reservations. STUPID. STUPID. STUPID. The place was packed (good indication of what the food is going to be like). No problem said the gracious hostess. She said that if we were willing to wait 15-20 minutes, she would have a table ready for us. Since we drove all the way from the West Loop, we were going to wait. The wait was a little longer than anticipated but once we sat down, everything was uphill from there. Because Afghan food was an unchartered territory for almost everyone in our party, the hostess was more than happy to make recommendations for us. We chose the: 1. Mantoo: Steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. 2. Bulanee: Fresh leeks, scallions and spiced potatoes stuffed in thin dough and pan fried. Served with a side of yogurt mint sauce. 3. Salata: Traditional salad of fresh diced tomatoes, red-onions, parsley tossed in lemon juice and mint. 4. An eggplant special that was served with yogurt and dill. 5. Aush-Rishta: Homemade rich noodles and vegetable afghan soup topped with a touch of yogurt to excite your taste buds. 6. Tomato Lentil Soup: Afghan lentil soup cooked in a base of fresh tomatoes and spices. We each tried the soup we didn't order, which actually came with our entrees. Both were delicous and we guzzled every last drop even though it was 90 degrees outside. While we waited for our appetizers, we sipped on their house iced tea with basil and mint. WOW!! We gulped glass after glass of this down. It was so refreshing! For our entrees, we ordered: 1. Three Kabob Combination: 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer Koubideh. 2. Lamb Kabob: Boneless leg of lamb, cubed and marinated in exotic spices to insure tenderness & flavor. 3. Murgh Kabob: Juicy delicious lightly marinated chicken, cooked on an open fire. The kabobs were beautifully seasoned, juicy and grilled to perfection. Unfortunately there were out of the Qabili Palau and Dill Rice. No bother, I know I am going back to Kabul House. Soon. Very Soon!
(5)Helen S.
I've never had Afgan food, but hey I'm open minded. We started with complimentary soups - I had the lentil soup and my bf had the Aush-Rishta. Both were good but we both liked the lentil more. They also gave us bread, which was super pillowy and warm, and it went great when dipped in soup. For apps, we ordered the mantoo, which are basically Afghan dumplings that are stuffed with ground beef and covered in yogurt and some other sauces. Good too. Bear in mind that we weren't hungry to begin with, so I was already quite satisfied at this point before the monster entree platters arrived at our tables. I ordered the Qabili Palau for my main. This was very average and had way too much rice. I barely touched it and brought most of it home, as I primarily nibbled on my bfs order of chicken kabobs, which were godly as it had some of the moistest chicken I've ever had. Unfortunately, I didn't order his dish, so I can't give this place a better rating at the moment, but maybe I will if I return and get the chicken (all to myself). I foresee myself eating leftovers for quite some time.
(3)Dhruv P.
Went here recently for lunch and the meal was great. This location use to be Billy's Sandwich shop and for the longest time, the storefront was empty promising that Kabul House will be there soon. Kabul House existed before and this was their new location. I have never been to the original, but this one was well done inside. It was not as cheesy as some ethnic restaurants tends to be; the ambiance was simple but classy. We sat down and were given bread, which was fresh. During lunch, they have 4-5 specials. I got the vegetarian special. It came with a large portion of rice, lentil soup (with a great greek yogurt on top), and 4 types of dishes in smaller portions - eggplant, okra, pumpkin, spinach, which taken as whole, was quite a large meal for me. Broken down, the eggplant, the okra and pumpkin dishes were delicious, but keep in mind that the pumpkin is a bit on the sweeter side. The spinach was a bit too salty for my taste, but not inedible. I left with a full stomach and the prices were very reasonable. The waiter was also nice and accommodating.
(4)Jane M.
Best. Food. Evar. Mantoo is made of unicorns. Ok, it's made with beef. Pasture raised, local, ethically farmed beef. I love supporting a business that supports sustainable agriculture. But beyond my social conscience, the food is unbelievable, and the service is awesome. I've had several of their dishes so far and everything has been amazing. Very fresh and authentic. A word of advice though. Skip the delivery. I know, it's tempting to not leave your house. But like most small places that don't keep their own driver on staff, they are forced to go through a third party delivery service and like most third party delivery services, they suck. Food is always late and cold when we have it delivered. The food is still so awesome that I don't care, but it's so much better hot and served with cup after cup of that delicious tea and some pistachio and rose water custard for desert. So go in person or pick up for the best experience.
(5)Annie P.
I had never ordered food like this before and WHOA NELLY am I glad I did. It may have been the best delivery of my life. No joke. I feel like I won the Fatty Olympics. The lamb is unbelievably tender. The bolani with leeks with spicy and delicious - unlike anything else I've had. And they cater! 4 courses for $15 a person? Yes please. The 5th star is for the service. Kind, knowledgable, eager to please. Exactly my definition of excellence.
(5)Still W.
I love this place! Ive always had a good meal here. Service is also good. The secret is out so try to avoid the rush so you can get a table.
(5)Ryan M.
Please relocate to wicker park!!! I don't make it to Skokie often but when I saw Kabul House had 4.5 stars I had to try it. I am generally a fan of middle eastern so I was excited to try afghani. I asked the waiter to recommend a few of the more authentic dishes and we ended up with the matook and qorma sabzee. Both we full of flavor and excellent. The sauce served with the matook was also excellent. The staff was also very friendly and attentive.
(5)Steve R.
It's my wife's birthday, and our son is joining us for dinner. I had made a reservation at a new bistro in the city, but J*** said she wanted to try something ethnic. D*** says "Hey, I know this very interesting Afghan restaurant from which I've gotten delivery food, and it is really good." So we look on the web, see the menu, and said, hey, we have to try this place. I called the restaurant to make a reservation, and was told that reservations are taken for parties of 6 or more, but they thought there should be no problem for Sunday evening. The Kabul House is located at the southwest corner of Niles Ave. and Oakton St. in Skokie, in an attractive new building. We arrived at about 7 pm, and the restaurant was full, with one couple waiting for a table. There are booths along windows facing both Niles and Oakton, and tables comprise the rest of the seating. Afghan music played softly in the background. We started with Aurshak, a thin doughed dumpling filled with scallions and leeks, and topped with a meat and tomato sauce, with a yogurt mint sauce adjacent to the dumplings. Mantoo was very similar, but with ground beef mixed with spices, carrots and onions in the dumplings, but plated in the same way. We also had Boranee Baunjan, a mix of eggplant tomatoes and garlic that is similar to the Indian Baigan Bharta in taste and appearance. All 3 appetizers were excellent. Entrees came with soup. I had the Aush-Rishta, a thick combination of chickpeas, lentils, red kidney beans in a puree with a few noodles that tasted wonderful. I tried the tomato lentil soup that J*** and D*** had, which was very good as well. For entrees, we had Murgh, 2 skewers of broiled chicken done perfectly, with a tandoor red exterior and moist interior. Koubideh, 2 skewers of ground beef with afghan spices, was also delicious. For the 3rd entrée, we had Kabuli Palau, pieces of lamb shank meat, covered with Afghan rice (carrots, raisins, cumin and other seasonings). The rice also was served at the sides of the meat in the other 2 entrees. I enjoyed the Palau, but not as much as the other two entrees. The lamb had mutton overtones, with a fatty consistency often found in braised lamb shank, and although worthwhile, I would try other menu offerings first. Rice accompanies most of the entrees, but of the 3 rice choices, afghan, white saffron or dill-lima bean, I would pick the Afghan for its wonderful flavor. We will definitely return to Kabul House and try more of their excellent preparations. They also have a takeout restaurant on Devon Avenue with some sandwich options as well.
(4)Minhee K.
My boyfriend has told me this place is better than noon o kabob, so today I decided to try it. We ordered an appetizer of mantoo, which by the way are scrumptious little ground beef dumplings that were perfectly Al dente. For our entrées we ordered two murgh (chicken kabobs) dinners with half dill and half afghan rice. The flavor of the murgh is amazing, and the juices just flowed out when I cut into it. The long grained rice was fluffy and just a perfect starch pairing with the chicken. The 10% off your entire meal for checking in was worth it. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)Bart S.
I am going to jump in and also give this place 5 stars, which I don't think I ever did before on any review, reason being, it was just so different, unlike anything I have had before. Plus, it was GREAT! The staff was terrific, the service unbeatable and it was priced right, it was also, BYOB which is great, especially if you know that before going there. Food choices were all intererting , we had a large group and were able to sample much of the menu. Lots of raves in other reviews for the Lentil Soup, they also offered a Vegetable Soup too which was also A+ Here is my suggestion, if you are looking for something different, go to the Kabul House. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(5)Karis F.
I eat at Kabul House almost every week (close to work) and it's always the same wonderful experience - delicious food and great service at a very fair price. If you are heading there for lunch, they have several lunch specials that aren't listed on the current menu. My regular is the vegetarian special (even though I'm not a vegetarian), but everything I've had is really good. And the beef mantoo dumplings are amazing! Every customer I've brought here for a business lunch has loved it, too. They are always pleasantly surprised at the culinary offerings of Skokie!
(5)David L.
Food: 3 Decor: 3 Service: 4 Came here with my gf for lunch 2 weeks ago. 1. Aush-Rishta soup yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Good. 2. Lentil soup Pretty good. 3. Mantoo, 6 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. ~Pretty good. 4. Murghone two skewers 14 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Juicy delicious lightly marinated chicken, cooked on an open fire. ~Pretty good. Chicken was cooked nicely, and I liked the seasoned rice. 5. Qabili Palau 14 yelp.com/biz_photos/0b6A… Tender chunks of seasoned lamb cooked served under a heap of seasoned rice that is garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins ~Okay. A ton of seasoned rice. Service was good. There is street parking and a garage next door. Overall, a good lunch, but fell short of what I typically give 4 stars to. Check in on Yelp and get 10% off.
(3)Najam Q.
Very flavorful food. The best thing I had was the beef ravioli dish (can't remember what it was called). Definitely a wait if you show up during peak hours but staff and service was exceptional.
(4)Michelle F.
Well yelp helped us find this place and it was fantastic! We had the triple kabob and spinach and lamb dishes and both were fabulous! The Afghan rice and soups were also wonderful! We will definitely be going back here!
(5)Peter P.
I grew up in Skokie and never made it to their Dempster location before it closed. Then on a return trip to visit family, I noticed that had reopened at a much better location in downtown Skokie. I took that as a sign and ventured inside. All the reviews I read said i must have the murgh. Boy, were they right! Amazingly tender and flavorful. Also the lentil soup was probably in the top 3 lentil soups I have ever had. Service is friendly and attentive. This is usually what you get with family-owned and operated businesses. I can't believe it took me this long to visit Kabul House. Everytime I come up to visit my family, a trip to Kabul House will be in the offing.
(4)Matt R.
So, this Kabul location is back open. And it's not just good. It's Amazing. Service was nice, quick and polite, and the decor + the music is good. I always welcome truly cultural things in a cultural location - after all, I'm not looking to go get Americanized cultural food. I want the real deal! Kabul's style, is awesome. First, the Aushak is really good, and unique It's somewhat like a spinach ravioli, but not quite. We had it with the Bulanee, which was also fantastic!. If you're a fan of okra, Kabul House has you covered with their Bulanee(I am). Looks like I missed mentioning the soups that come with the dinner. The soups have chickpeas in them and taste very unique. I've never had a taste like that come out of a soup, and it was still excellent. Of notice is that every single item ordered comes out in an artful manner. It's not just "food on a plate"...the way everything is laid including the sauces out factors in the plate shape and shows why this place was worth praise by channel 11 among other things. This is my first time eating afghan food, so the change in seasonings was well - the pumpkin Chalua my partner had was awesome as well as the Eggplant one I had. There was not one bad thing about the entire meal - good waitstaff service, good food, and fast service. There's not too much I can say other than that this place was worth a try. 2 appetizers, 2 teas, 2 meals and the bill didn't even break $50 with tip. That's a pretty darn good deal to me. They did make a small slipup and gave us one of the dinners with the appetizer instead of both appetizers, but no they apologized and no harm there. I'll be coming back again, for certain.
(5)Kristina K.
This place is EXCELLENT...the food was absolutely to die for! The service and ambiance was fantastic!
(5)Jen O.
Went here for Christmas Eve dinner and it made for a great holiday feast. I really enjoyed the traditional lentil soup they serve everyone as an appetizer, the mantoo, the lamb & chicken kebobs, and the afghani rice. Also, since they don't serve alcohol they let you BYOB.
(5)Beth B.
When this place is good it's absolutely outstanding. However there has been some real inconsistency and if you happen to come on the wrong day, the service may be painfully slow, the soup way too watered down or way too spicy. What's really worse than a horrible restaurant thats horrible all the time, is a restaurant where the food CAN be outstanding but you do not know from each time if it's going to be great or a bad experience. I just wish they could get it together as I am more reluctant to come here with people I want to impress or when I have limited time to wait for very slow service.
(3)Andrew S.
Kabul house just barely garners 5*s in my book. The food is really good and the fact that they deliver all the way to Evanston is fantastic. Dining in the environment is clean and i love that they offer Byob since they obviously wouldnt serve alcohol there. The cooks are Afghan and it shows, all the kabobs and shawerma dishes are on point and the Afghan rice is delectable. its slightly expensive but quite worth it for something you will rarely find anywhere else. Im not a huge fan of their yogurt sauce but that may just be me, ask for it on the side just in case. * there is some sort of green sauce they serve with the entrees, im not sure what its called but ask for exxxxtra because itll change your life, for the better lol.
(5)D. P.
I absolutely love Kabul House. Everything on the menu is delicious! It's a great place to go with carnivores and vegetarians/vegans, because they have a fantastic vegetarian plate with an interesting array of vegetables., but they also have a wonderful selection of kebabs. The baby pumpkin is my favorite! The prices are reasonable and the quality is consistently excellent. I have been here many times and with different people each time. Everybody enjoyed it and wanted to come back.
(5)Omar B.
We drove all the way from Michigan to try this restaurant. Service was excellent. The place is immaculately clean. Food was good. It wasn't the best but maybe because we just returned from Afghanistan. We ordered the bolani, kabob combo and mast-wa badrang which is the yogurt sauce with cucumbers. Kabob and rice were cooked wonderfully and the soup was great. The tea was really good & the ice cream was amazing. Definitely worth the trip. 4 stars because the Bolani wasn't made with real dough. It was filo dough I believe and a lot of it. Also lacked salt.
(4)April W.
Lately I have been trying places off the beaten path. Getting bored with reviewers on here that review the same old, same old hip and trendy places. YES yelpers, we know all the places on Randolph Street are all great (I myself am guilty of this). So tonight I decided to try one of the restaurants I have been wanting to try in my hood. Boy am I glad I did. I cannot even explain each and every dish to you, but truly encourage you to just go and try it. Delicious tender meats, amazing herb infused rice with different yet familiar seasoning. Amazing appetizers and best yet it is BYOB. The service was also great. It has been a long time that I have been to a restaurant where they were not trying to hard except to deliver delicious and thoughtful food cooked from the heart. Two things to warn you, this place is small and crowded at times, so even if you make a reservation be prepared to wait (believe me, wait, it is worth it). Also, you will leave her with your clothes smelling like the food, which is only a bad thing if you are going somewhere after. I also wouldn't recommend the dill rice if you are on a date as mine had it all in the teeth LOL. What I ate was: Appetizer Mantoo and Bulanee, both were outstanding Salad Chopped Apple, Fresh, perfect balance of flavor, great dressing Main Courses Murgh and the lamb one with Afghan rice the other with dill, I know the chicken is rated best in the city and it was great but the lamb was unreal! So great. Dessert Firnee and the Afghan Ice Cream. I did not personally love the firnee but it was as I imagine, perfectly prepared. The ice cream was amazing with a hint of rosewater and I enjoyed the crunch of the pistachio. All in all it was a great experience. Topped off by having great service from a lovely hostess. Run here quick before it is on the news or Check Please and you can't get in.
(5)Liz S.
We have ordered delivery from here several times, but last night finally had dinner at the Skokie location. All I can say is everyone must mantoo!! Those things are the bomb dot com - little dumplings of the most delicious filling and spice. The service was very good, and the place is cute. Unfortunately I did not check Yelp before we went (yes shame on me) so I didn't realize it was BYOB. Next time I'll be sure to bring some vino for my mantoo. We also had the chicken kabob and the lamb kabuli palau - both were very good, the lamb was the better of the two. The seasoned rice with carrot and raisin is soooo good!!! Very happy to see that this grubhub favorite is also a nice destination for a dinner out. And remember, you must mantoo!
(5)T K.
Wow - this was really good. The service was outstanding. The food was spot on. Only complaint - it was pretty smokey (from the kitchen) in the establishment by the time we left - but we really enjoyed our meal and couldn't decide whose dish was better. We had the salmon, lamb stew, and chicken kabobs. Wonderful. The custard dessert - to die for!
(5)Darrell M.
I had lentil soup and mantoo plate for lunch. They were both great. I also really enjoyed the black tea with cardamom, which hit the spot on a chilly afternoon. Service was good and put up with our at times clueless and/or demanding party. I'd go back for sure. Yum.
(4)Shahrukh H.
Really fun place. Love Fresh Food. Enjoyed every bits and pieces of it. Even though I didn't got the window table but it was enjoyable experience. Love the authentic black tea, Almond Harrisa, Three Combo Platter. Loved it. Will go next time pretty soon and going to try new stuff.
(5)Chitown C.
Don't even know where to start. This place is amazing. From the amazing soup to the insanely tender and moist Murgh kabobs, Kabul House is the best. We take all of our family when in town and they can't believe how good it is. Oh, the Afghan rice is insane. The service is impeccable and BYOB! Do yourself a favor and hit this place up.
(5)Bill I.
I am literally sitting in this place right now and having the exact same experience as a reviewer that was in here last night. Service is taking FOREVER. Complimentary soup (already prepared) too 20 mins after a 15 min wait to order drinks. BK (before kids) we would have bounced but it's like packing for an ascent of K2 with the two of them, so here we wait. That said, food is pretty darn good. Worth the wait? I guess, if you don't have anywhere to be....at all. Ever.
(2)Jon N.
Good food, service has been on the decline for some time now. The place is full, hire more people!
(3)Michael L.
This place is great. I feared it might have been over rated but had to go try it out. Went on a Friday night for my wife's birthday. Service was great as the servers and owner(?) were very helpful in making our selection since it was our first time trying Afghan food. We took their recommendation of doing family style and sharing so we can try everything and it everything we got was great. My favorite dishes were the chicken kabob and the bulanee appetizer. Don't pass up on the bulanee if you are a bread person!
(5)Roslyn P.
We love Kabul House. Now we won't be able to get a table as it will be so popular. Congratulations Kabul House. We have been fans and followers to all locations since they were located in a tiny store front in Evanston. The food is outstanding and the service is wonderful;. RP
(5)Ijeoma O.
What a great experience! I was traveling and not feeling well, so when I saw that there was Afghan food nearby, I grabbed a cab for some comforting dinner. I told the server that I didn't eat meat, so he recommended a delicious pasta. It came with soup, but he accidentally brought the wrong one, so he gave me an extra soup. I've had a fair amount of Afghan food in the past - and both the soup and pasta were very good. He also brought me some rice and a delicious pudding on the house! The bill for the entire meal (soup, bread, pasta, rice, pudding, and tea) was $15! I gave a pretty big tip because it was honestly some of the best service I've ever received at a restaurant. The server even gave me a bunch of suggestions on different Chicago attractions to see while I was in town. I'll definitely stop here every time I'm in Chicago.
(5)Sofia B.
Food is always great and served to perfection. Staff is well mannered, polite and informative. Just found out this place is BYOB!!! Will definitely be back again and again. Recommend.
(5)Saba K.
Authentic afghani food... Been to the one on Devon Kabul house express but this one is much better. The size of the restaurant is a little small, so you may have to wait to be seated on a busy evening. Overall the quality of food and the service was great!
(4)Teri D.
WOW!! Amazing and different but delicious. I had the lamb on spinach with Afghan rice (forgot the name of the dish LOL) and it was truly inspiring. I don't know if it was perfectly cooked according to Afghan standards but I loved it. The lamb was tender and delicious with perfect seasonings. I expected the food to be spicier here--a lot spicier, but I wasn't unhappy with the warm tongue tingle. My friend Carol had the Afghan ravioli which was delicious and beautifully presented. I've never had Afghan food before, but I'll definitely be having it again! It was so good! The basil and mint iced tea was to die for--so good that Carol bought some on the way out! It's places like this that make my Chicago visits so memorable! UPDATE 12/6/14 Made a return visit 12/6/14 and OMFG it was just as good as I remembered. I had the chicken kabobs with the Afghan rice which was TO DIE FOR. The "Firnee" made in house with rosewater was interesting but I wouldn't order it again. It had a weird perfume taste which I'm sure is the rosewater but I didn't care much for it. If you like rosewater then it would probably be divine but it wasn't my cup of chai. EVERYTHING else was absolutely fabulous and I am looking forward to going there again next week, it was outstanding. Service was attentive and our server was very pleasant and made a terrific meal even better.
(5)Brooklyn Barry B.
Started out with the Mantoo and the Aushak which was awesome. Then for the main dish we ordered the Kabuli Palau which is sweet succulent lamb and the chicken Kabobs with the Afhgan rice. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME and it's BYOB.
(5)Bharat W.
Kabul House is one of the best restaurants I have gone to. Sure, there are places like Liebertad in the neighborhood that have contemporary menus and places like Pita Inn that have cult like following. Here is why Kabul House is top notch: Decor- a simple, pleasant decor that feels intimate. Servers - friendliest staff that are genuinely accommodating and want you to have a good dinning experience. Food- perfectly cooked, hearty traditional Afghani food that tastes spectacular. The montoo, the bulanee, are stellar appetizers. The aushak, qorma sabzee, and murg chalau are fantastic. Their chicken is cooked to heavenly tenderness, one of the fewest places I order chicken as a reason. Bottom line, this is what a great perfectionist family restaurant should look like. 5 out of 5, keep it up Kabul House.
(5)Sayeed S.
Had Kabul veggie dishes last night and they were great. Had the Kabuli Rice, Bulani Bread, Veggie Sampler, and Mint Chutney. The rice was great as usual. There seemed to be an item missing - the eggplant appetizer. Somehow we got the Bulani Bread instead of the Burani. I guess that's what happens when they have such similar names! This was a major disappointment as that is our favorite dish, but the Bulani thankfully turned out to be vegetarian and it was great so it made up for the disasspointment (to a certain degree). The Mint Chutney felt like it had no salt at all. Wouldn't recommend that.
(4)Theresa F.
I live in Chicago but will definitely be going out of my way to come back! I was here with a group of 25 for a birthday party. The service was still phenomenal - they were quick and really polite! Food was even better!!!
(5)Tammy L.
I should qualify this by saying that I haven't been to Kabul House in a long time, since before they moved to this location. And I see that my standard order, the vegetarian platter, has changed slightly because it used to have a different vegetable in place of the cauliflower. But I'm guessing one thing hasn't changed: these people can cook. This was one of my favorite places to eat while I was going to Northwestern up north, and I so wish they'd open a location in the city. The people are always friendly, the food is delicious (loooove the rice), and it's a good value. I can't wait to visit this newer location sometime soon. If you can get to it easily, consider yourself lucky. I miss Kabul House a lot!
(5)Spencer H.
Service was great! Food was amazing! Very delicious meats. Come here for a great middle eastern meal!
(5)Keith H.
my wife and i had an overdue 'date night' over thanksgiving break and discovered this place. the food and service were absolutely outstanding! it's not a bargain basement type of restaurant but for their comfortable atmosphere and incredible eating experience, absolutely worth the price!
(5)Rocio K.
I am vegan. The waiter who served us was very knowledgeable about the menu that will accommodate my preferences. The vegetarian platter (made vegan for me) was delicious to the point that my 2 year old was eating more veggies than usual! My husband had the chicken kabob that was the best that he had ever taste. There were two side sauces that were out of this world.
(5)Ali Z.
My all-time favorite restaurant in Chicago! All the 5-star reviews don't lie, the food here is nothing short of phenomenal. I've been following this restaurant since their first location at Dempster to their short lived spot in Elk Grove Village and now to the downtown Skokie and Devon locations. During that time I've tried nearly everything on the menu and I can't recall anything being less than delicious. Ok, I'm not crazy about the puffy bread they serve with some dishes but hey no one's perfect. Where do I start? The tomato lentil and aush soups are delicious and come free with entrees. Love the mantoo and aushak, which are dumplings filled with beef, scallions, and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce and mint. The vegetable dishes are delectable especially the kaddo, a sweet and savory spiced pumpkin dish. I recommend ordering the vegetarian platter to sample all of the different vegetables. Meat and rice are the star here and don't disappoint. The chicken kabobs are the juiciest I've ever tasted. The national Afghan dish, Qabuli Pulow is done to perfection with tender pieces of lamb buried beneath seasoned rice, carrots, and raisins. I've eaten at numerous Afghan joints in DC and NY, and nothing comes close to Kabul House. The only thing I wish is they served chappli kabab but for that, you'll have to head to their Devon location. Highly recommended!
(5)Ronson S.
The food here Is phenomenal. We had great service and the food was just amazing. Lentil soup and the chicken plate was great so I recommend that. Employees were just great also.
(5)Melissa M.
My husband and I have a long-term project of eating at a restaurant for every country in the world. To check Afghanistan off our list, we dined tonight at Kabul House in Skokie. This is one of the best meals that I've had so far as part of our project. The food was really, really good. I don't know how authentic it was compared to food you'd get in Afghanistan or it if was "Americanized" for our palate, but I thought the food was delicious and incredibly flavorful. We ordered an appetizer and two entrees and we offered complimentary soup. They offer two soups, so we decided to each order one so we could try them both. I first got the Aush -Rishta which the describe as the "best soup you'll ever have." I chuckle at those claims...but in this case...it might not just be propaganda! I have been trying to make soups myself over the winter...and this is exactly what I'm trying to get to. It had a thicker base and noodles..not wide noodles, like egg noodles, but noodles like you'd get in a can of campbell's chicken noodle soup. But it also had chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans...so it was a great dish if you're looking for fiber! They say it has cilantro, parsely and garlic...all which i recognized, but then also "fenugreek" which I'm unfamiliar with. I'm going to have to look it up because it must have been what gave it the unique flavor. My husband had the tomato-lentil soup. It was excellent as well, but I really liked the Aush-Rishta much better. I'm going to look up a recipe for this b/c I want to eat it all winter!! We ordered Mantoo for an appetizer. We've found every cuisine has their own version of a dumpling (dumplings, ravioli, kishka, etc) and so this seemed to be the one for this cuisine. It was filled with seasoned meat with a lovely tomato meat sauce and yogurt mint sauce. I like to limit my intake of red meat and was worried that the meat sauce might be too much with a meat filling, but it was not. And the cool yogurt sauce on top complimented the dumpling very well. Finally, we got to our entrees. I ordered the Qorba Sabzee which was a lamb stew on sauteed spinach. The lamb was cooked like brisket and was extremely tender and full of flavor. The menu described that it was cooked with onions and garlic, but there was something more which gave it a very different flavor (to my tame American palate). As a side, it came with white rice, but I requested the Afghan rice instead. It was a long-grain brown rice with carrots and raisins. Very nutty flavor in the rice that I like in a brown rice. I'm going to shred carrots from now on for all my rice. Yum! I only ate half of it (given we already had a soup and appetizer) so I'm excited to show it off at work tomorrow for lunch! My husband ordered the Kabuli Palau which is boneless lamb shank that also seemed to be cooked like brisket under the afghan rice...which included the carmelized carrot strips and raisins. It was quite similar to mine just without the spinach...so I was really pleased that I ordered mine. No dessert or tea....although I would loved to try the tea at some point. In terms of decor, very clean and modern. It had ethnic decorations, but they were limited and not too obtrusive. My one criticism would be that they had two TVs over the bar that I found distracting...not that they were loud, I just became distracted by them and was tempted to watch what they had. I think this is a nice enough restaurant that they should not have TVs...no one was sitting at the bar...but perhaps they do a good bar business later in the evening. I would have preferred no televisions (or at least a seat where I could not see the televisions). But this an extremely minor criticism of what was an incredible experience. Seeking out and having dining experiences like this is precisely why we came up with our "Dining around the world" project....some experiences are good...some are not so good....but every once in a while you stumble across a dining experience you really love and want the world to know about! Street parking..and we were there on a Sunday evening and there were no issues. I'm not sure what it would be like any other night of the week, but we didn't have a problem. Oh...and we also love restaurants that provide you with a pitcher of water....I drink a lot of water so I hate to have to get a bus boy's attention every time I need a refill. This way we can refill our glasses ourselves and they just have to monitor if we need a new pitcher...which they did...we had a newly filled pitcher within seconds of finishing our first one. That's just a thing we personally enjoy at restaurants.
(5)Jacqueline S.
I love the fresh and delicious food! You really can't beat the amazing flavors and the homemade taste (in a good way - not like if I made it). Our favorite are the qabili palau with the amazing tender lamb covered in the tasty raisin rice. The mantoo was amazing! It's like homemade ravioli filled with lentils and other amazing veggies and flavors. My boyfriend had the combination kabob (chicken and ground beef) - I really liked the chicken and he really liked the ground beef. The staff was really great and I love the atmosphere and that they are open late.
(5)Katy O.
We came here before heading over to the Gorilla Tango Theater to see our friend in a show. I didn't know much about Kabul House, other than the fact that it had good reviews (although duh, I now see that Antaash U. has been here). From the moment we walked in we received excellent service and attention. This is a very inviting restaurant and everyone wants to make sure you have a great time. We started with a delicious meat-ravioli type appetizer. It was delicious. I had lentil soup (my meal came with it) and it was delicious. I ordered the murgh kabob for my entree and while it wasn't anything amazing, it was delicious. We also ordered a dessert that was almost like a pudding. It was different and I'm glad we tried it, but it wasn't something I'd order again. I would definiltey make the drive up to Skokie to come back here, it was such a great dining experience and there are so many other items on the menu I need to try! PS- it is BYOB!
(4)Jocelyn H.
This place was amazing. The food was fresh, the service was friendly, professional, and knowledgable. I never considered Afghanistan cuisine as being something that stood out as delicious to me but this place made me a lover of Afghan food. We visited on a Sunday afternoon with very little experience with the cuisine and our waiter was happy to navigate us thru the menu and recommend some yummy apps and entrees. The atmosphere was quiet and clean. I wish it were closer to my home downtown but I will definitely be making the trip back to Skokie fr this meal. It sounds like it is a popular weekend night spot so I would be interested to visit for dinner. I would recommend this to any one and every one. Loved it.
(5)International S.
I ordered the chicken Kabob and trust me it tasted way better in Chicago than it could ever be in Kabul. Their service was fast and fabolous. The interiors look inviting and less intimidating, trust me Chicago has lots of restaurants but few that offer real taste. I love thier complimentary rice, it was in total beat with the raisin and saffron. It was a lovely to view meal, with all the jazzy colors. It automatically tuned me in, I was going in wireless. I felt every part of this great ethinic cuisine and most importantly it brought me closer to their national origin. They are amongst the vast underappreciated restaurants in Chicago. I hope they remain as dedicated as they are currently with their service, because Kabul House is a sure winner from judgement.
(5)Jen Z.
Simply one of the best ethnic restaurants I have ever been too. Kabul House has the most tender kabobs you will ever have, incredible appetizers, and DELICIOUS mint tea. My only quibble is the service, which can sometimes be a little pokey. But the great food and nice servers make up for it. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
(5)Anthony C.
Wow is all I can say. And I'm kicking myself for not trying Kabul House sooner. We live very close and my wife and I have been talking about stopping at the newer location on Oakton since it opened a couple of years ago but we only got around to it last Friday night. The place is clean and comfortable, with large booths by all the windows and linen tableclothes and napkins. The server was outstanding. Not familiar with Afghan food the waiter explained the menu and was very patient with all our questions. But the food stole the show! We started with the mantoo, steamed dumplings with seasoned beef topped with a tomato and yogurt sauce. The plating and presentation were almost as perfect as the flavors that exploded in our mouths. For entrees I had the lamb kabobs and my wife the murgh chicken kabobs. The marinade used for the chicken was mild yet so flavorful, and the chicken was so tender that it melted in your mouth. The Afghan balsmati rice was by far the best rice I have ever eaten, cooked with a little bit of honey, brown sugar, raisins and carmelized carrots. For dessert I had the homemade baklava and my wife had an amazing custard with fruit and flavored with rose water. BYOB sealed the deal for a 5 star dining experience and we look forward to many more wonderful meals at this amazing restaurant.
(5)Anil V.
The food is tasty. I opted for a take away so i cannot say much about their service
(4)Johnny T.
"Human. It's entirely possible that I am eating human," I thought as I devoured my food with barely time enough to breathe. I've *never* had chicken that tasted as rich, succulent, flavorful, and decadent as the chicken at Kabul House. Never. Which led me to my perfectly logical conclusion: I was eating people. Let me back up. I have long said that if Yanyao N leads you to a place, you need to eat there immediately. She knows her stuff and if the food is good enough for her to rave over, you need to get there as fast as you can. I waited until one of my best friends in the world made her way to Chicago to venture up north to Skokie and see what was going on at the KH. For a Friday night, it wasn't too busy and we were able to get a table in just a few minutes. From the time we sat until the time we left, we were waited on, greeted, talked to, and made to feel like guests in a home. I can't say enough about the top-notch service at work at the KH. The owners didn't take our presence for granted and went out of their way to make us feel at ease. Knowing it was our first time and my friend is a vegetarian, we were led to apps that we could share and would blow our tastebuds away. We started with the Vegetarian Aushak and the Boranee Baunja (eggplant, tomato sauce, yogurt, and mint). Delectable. Even if you were eating beef from the time you could crawl, do not shy away from the vegetarian offerings. I did not know plants could be so flavorful and filling. Our meals came with soup (the lentil is even better than described; if you don't get it, you are missing out on life) and I was wondering where I would put all the food, when the owner came by our table with a complimentary Bulanee, just so we could try it. O.M.Geee! Ridic. Stupid. Crazy. This dish will make you wanna scream, it's so good. Potatoes, scallions and leeks, folded into thin bread and then FRIED!!! Areyoukiddingme? The yogurt mint sauce is the perfect accompaniment to such a sinfully delicious option. And I didn't even mention the sweet black tea I gulped down by the gallon. Keep in mind, dear reader: this is all lead-up to the main event. I ordered the murgh. After all, it's what brought me here in the first place. Now, read my opening sentence. I don't know how the folks at KH prepare this chicken, but it's divine. The dish comes with bell peppers, garlic and tomato and served with rice (plain or seasoned) that comes with a veggie spread. I chose the dill rice (hallelujah!) and kadu (pumpkin; sweet AND savory). And, oh yeah: the plateS were roughly the size of a football field. We (my friend and I) sat in a booth for four and from all the food on our table, you would have thought there *were* four people eating. There's a reason why KH was on the Bib Gourmand list, folks. This is exquisitely good dining for everyday prices. The service, atmosphere, food, quantity, and price all add up to make KH one of Chicagoland's crown jewels. The longer you go without eating there is the longer you go without experiencing real joy. It's true. This was one of my happiest culinary finds of the year. I know it will be one of yours as well. I know it.
(5)Daniel P.
Awesome place!! Great Apps the Montoo was great along side the lentil soup!! The kabobs were tasty as well. Service was great too
(5)Gary C.
Afghan restaurant? What the heck??! I'm familiar with the area and have driven past Kabul House a number of times. It took a post-work meal to get me into Kabul House. There were a total of six of us dining and only two have dined at KH before...the rest of us were not sure what to expect. And that's when we order almost everything on the menu...literally. Dish after dish after delish dish came out of the KH kitchen and we loved every bit of it. Not gonna lie, I wish we ordered more (yes, I'm a fatty). The flavors were very familiar, so if that's what is turning you off to Afghan food, don't worry. Staff, like the food, was on point. Service team checked on us frequently and answered the numerous questions we had about menu and culture. Could it be? Downtown Skompton is the place to be? I'm excited..
(5)Jiyoun B.
An afghan restaurant in downtown Skokie? Yes. An amzaing afghan restaurant in downtown Skokie. Food here is good. This is not just another Mediterranean place. Unexpected sweetness from the dried fruit in the rice really complements the grilled meats. I went to a very famous afghan restaurant in DC. Kabul House is classier and tastier. I even liked their lentil soup. I HATE lentil soup. I stole a slurp from my poor husbands soup spoons. I had to be reminded the rest of our food order is on its way. Definitely go here! Oh so good.
(5)Reine H.
Fantastic, that's all I can say. I've been meaning to give Kabul House a go for a while now and finally got around to it. The experience was beyond exceptional. The atmosphere was wonderful. The decor is great, it gives you a sincerely ethnic feel. The music was a perfect fit. It's comfortable and (more importantly) clean. The service was on point! Everyone was friendly, and very attentive to customers' needs. They were also very informative and patient, and were regularly checking in. The food was great! Everything was tasty and fresh, cooked to perfection. I fell in love with the dumplings (manto, I believe?) and the vegetable-noodle soup. Phenomenal. The pumpkin appetizer was worth a try, and the chicken was superb. Definitely head over to Kabul House. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Ajay S.
Went here with a group of family and friends. I found the atmosphere to be ok, but there was like this burning smell that bothered me a bit. I found the food to be just ok.
(2)Susan B.
We came here based on the yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Everything from the appetizer to dessert was outstanding. The service was excellent as well. I think you can order anything on the menu and not be disappointed.
(5)KingPush R.
What a wonderful experience. I went with a coupon that I unfortunately couldn't use, the server politely explained this to me and was genuinely contrite about the inconvenience. He even offered a free appetizer to compensate. Genuine class. The meal came out quick, (we were hungry so this was appreciated) and had a great range of flavors. The tea was good, whether in hot or cold form. Our bill came to around $35 with appetizers (one being free) drinks and desert. Not bad. Incredible food, impeccable service, reasonable price. I need more stars!
(5)Marcee W.
Given our current political/military situation in Afghanistan, I never gave this restaurant a second thought until I was looking for a place centrally located where a number of friends could easily meet. So glad I changed my mind! Service was very efficient and food was delicious! The lamb stew (qabili palau) was incredibly tender and the rice with carrots and raisins added just the right hint of sweetness. I'd also recommend the kabobs. We tried the marinated chicken (murgh), ground beef (koubideh) and ground chicken (murgh koubideh) and although they were all very good, the murgh koubideh was especially tender and flavorful without being spicy. The Afghan pudding dessert reminded me of a lemony yogurt with ground pistachios and the baklawa was deliciously sticky. I will definitely return.
(4)Cal S.
Outstanding Food, very Authentic, and delicious. Reasonably prices, Great Staff. Had the Lamb it was so tender you only needed your fork! Rose pedal Ice cream out of this world! love it being in the Local flair. A must do on the to do list!
(5)Shailesh J.
My friends talked a lot about kabul express so thought of trying it for week end lunch .. Drived almost 22 miles to get to skokie....22 miles for normal weekend lunch phew.... well was it worth it ... i can say ummmm may be ...well the food was average..not mindblowing to drive 22 miles !....We ordered Murgh Koubideh..its minced chicken kabob ....i think it should have been a little bit more spicier...the sauce that came with the dish was quite exceptional ....i forgot to ask the name of the sauce....but wow that was quite good... We called them 20 minutes before we reached there and placed the order..As per them they generally donot take orders on phone unless its a to go order ... I will try this place again if I am in the nearby area.. overall a better place ...ambience and taste wise...
(3)Alexander G.
Exciting to find afghan restarant here
(5)Jeff F.
Solid, homemade, high quality = a real treat, limited vegetarian options, but everything we had with a success -- appetizer Aushak -- Afghan-Ravioli with homemade past was stellar
(4)Hadi Z.
Ive been going there almost once a week with a friend when am in that area. great service and foood if delicious !!!!!
(5)Omar K.
Excellent Kabobs, Excellent Service, Excellent Prices. This was a pleasant surprise during my trip to Chicago. I ate here by default based on time frame I had and location that I was currently at. I was so impressed with my experience that I went back again the next day for dinner. I've eaten at hundreds of Persian and Arabic restaurants and I can safely say that Afghans make the best Kabobs. Their Murg Chicken Koobideh and their Beef Koobideh were right on. Bursting with flavor, juicy, tender. The Afghan carrot rice was sweet and tasty and complimented the Kabobs superbly. The lentil soup was solid, but I have had better.
(5)Dmitri G.
Food - delicious! Tender lamb, yummy dumplings, perfectly seasoned lentil soup that reminded me of my childhoo, and so on. the spicing they mix are amazing if a bit on the salty side, but I like food that is less salty. the carrots sprinkled on the rice that comes with the lamb and raisins were yummy. What is really nice is the endless black tea with cardamom. Service - polite and timely Prices - I spent about $20 for lunch, including the tea Ambience - was quiet on a Saturday afternoon, TV's above the bar, and rugs handing on the walls - I think exactly what you'll find if you actually go to Kabul, but I could be wrong. Would go again absolutely!
(5)Joshua N.
Just Kadu It! Make sure that you start out with the house specialty pumpkin dish. It is warm and savory and will convert even the staunchest of gourd haters. Take 'Yao for example - won't touch a pumpkin pie, not even just as a vehicle for Cool Whip, but she would never skip this dish. Starting your meal with the kadu will reset your expectations of Afghan food and show you that what might sound simple on the menu is actually going to surprise you with some densely layered and well balanced flavors. Do you Mantoo? Kabul House offers two different dumpling appetizers that are definitely in your best interest to order, mantoo and aushak. One is beef and the other leek; both are amazing. They are served drizzled with oil and an amazing yogurt sauce. The good news is that you don't have to decide which to try - they will do a combination with two of each if you ask. That was a hot tip from our super friendly server. Take the Aush-Rishta Challenge. Most entrees come with your choice of either the lentil-tomato or the aush-rishta soup. While they are both excellent, I think that the aush-rishta is the more unique of the two. It is a vegetable noodle soup with a little dab of the yogurt sauce, which you are helplessly addicted to already if you took my advice on the dumplings. Sorry about that. The menu says that is there simply to "excite your taste buds". We both know better than that, now. Murgh, it's what's for dinner. You should be nice and softened up by now. It is time for Kabul House to throw the haymaker. You drove all the way to Skokie; here's why. The fire roasted and seasoned chicken kabobs, simply known as Murgh, are the best kabobs you will ever have. They are the clear winner in the greatest chicken ever contest, non-fried category. This chicken will restore your faith in chicken if, like me, you hate what chicken has become in this land - a dried up mess of bland white meat. Kabul House remembers a time when chicken was actually a desirable thing to eat. Order it with the seasoned rice, which I don't even know where to begin describing. A Murgh is a terrible thing to waste. For three dollars more, you can order a second skewer. You probably shouldn't be able to finish it, but it heats up nicely and you are definitely going to want an encore later. Mm...Mm... Murgh!
(5)JJ S.
Delicious authentic food. Aush Rishta is so tasty and hearty. My favorite items are from the appetizer menu: Aushak and Gulpi. My husband loves the Murgh chicken!!! I am only giving it 4 stars simply because they have poor ventilation in the restaurant and therefore you leave smelling intensely of food.
(4)Sandeep M.
Good kababs, we had to wait for a while for the food to arrive but it was worth it.
(4)Aurore L.
My first Afghani meal was also my first meal in NYC. It was in December 2001, and New Yorkers were experiencing an unhealthy fascination for Afghanistan. That was the craze around town; Jerry Seinfeld was not totally wrong after all. He was a few years too early. I went there with a professor of mine who had driven me from Connecticut. I remember eating like a pig, finishing my plate and his, and apologizing for such a gluttonous behavior. He replied: "Women who eat are sexy". (I was soon to discover how true that was. He was pretty sexy too). I guess I waited almost ten years to renew with the experience, academic adventure aside. The setting was quite different and the quiet streets of Skokie replaced the hustle of bustle of Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan but the meal was just as memorable as its 10-year old predecessor. Two words for you: CHICKEN KEBAB (or Murgh). Let me tell you that you never had such heavenly chicken in your life. No, I promise. Forget the "no chicken" rule and order it; it's life changing. It's not only tender - it's soft. You feel like you are biting into a cloud of the moistest, most flavorful piece of chicken ever. The meat is marinated in yogurt and spices then grilled on skewers. Sounds simple; it's ma-gic. Served with dill rice and grilled vegetables it's simply perfect. Or you can go the lamb road and get qabili palau. Tender pieces of baby sheep piled under a fragrant mountain of rice, carrots, raisins and spices - this is also Afghanistan's national dish. Generous, exotic and delicious. End your meal with a glass or two of the strong home-made tea, forget all your misconceptions about the country and enjoy. Service is pleasant, decor is inspiring and really - the food is simply delightful. Go, Go, Go!!
(5)Chicagogirl L.
Perfect all around!
(5)William C.
I went today had a wonderful lunch special with some kind of dumpling appetizer and Afghan vegetable soup. The service was excellent and the food had just very unique and wonderful flavors. A must go if you are out in Skokie for dinner or lunch.
(5)Svitlana P.
Kabul is excellent as always. Food and service are stellar. And getting 10% off for checking in on Yelp is highly appreciated!
(5)Peter K.
If your looking for something new then this is the place to be. It's a fairly new place on Oakton and niles center and they've been open for just over a year now. I dont remember the name of the plate I got, but it was great. One skewer of mouth watering kabob and rice was the trick. The inside has been modeled really nice and the crowd they draw in is clearly to the reputation of food. This is a great place to have in Skokie, especially by work.
(5)K P.
Kabul house was on Armitage, Kabul House was on Dempster....and I was sad that I could not find it. One day I was driving down Oakton and Viola!!!!! I found her.... I have loved the place since 2001 and my love for it has not waned. The warm family-owned establishment is one of my top favorites in the Chicagoland area..
(5)Carson T.
It was my first afghan food experience and it was perfect.The service is great,great atmosphere,and food was delicious. I'll be back.
(5)Mac P.
Food -- bread = great, tomato-lentil soup=very good, aushak=OK, Mantoo=great, Bulanee=very good, Boranee = great, lamb kebob=good Atmosphere -- Nice that there are booths, that there is some attention to silverwear and serving plates. Not the typical Chicago-land ethnic food place in that it feels airy, spick and span and very light. Service - Attentive and fast, not intrusive, nice. Value -- Prices are quite fair, $7 for appetizers and $13 for entrees. Several of the menu items listed as "great", along with the clean laid back atmosphere at decent prices will keep me coming back
(4)Penny L.
Best chicken kabobs in Chicagoland. Read four and five star reviews. Worthy of Michelin Bib Gourmand.
(4)Jennifer W.
I highly recommend Kabul House for its fresh ingredients, unique flavors, and authentic Afghan cuisine. The food is excellent, and the ambiance is pleasant and relaxing. The vegetarian options are limited which is the main reason I go here infrequently. The vegetarian dishes include: fresh leek and scallion ravioli served with yogurt mint sauce, and a combination platter including sauteed spinach, eggplant, cauliflower, and pumpkin served with seasoned rice (carrots and raisins). They also serve two outstanding vegetarian soups: vegetable noodle and lentil. The staff members are very friendly and accommodating. I recommend reservations for Saturday night, and if you drink wine, it's BYOB.
(5)MTML D.
I have to say that this a great place for Skokie. I have been wanting to try this place since it is basically minutes from my house. If Skokie adds more quality restaurants downtown and not chain restaurants, the downtown area might breathe life again. My wife and i came here on a Friday night because we could not get into Yolo. Not that Kabul was second best because we flipped a coin to see which one we would try first and it was Yolo. Anyway we are glad we came. Everything we had was great. I don't even know how to pronounce what the hell we had except that it had chicken kabobs that were juicy, flavorful, and tender. Also the seasoned rice was some of the best rice I have ever had and I don't even like rice that much. My wife had a lamb dish with spinach that was really good also. Basically I will stop talking so people can just go try the place.
(5)Melissa H.
If you have not been to this restaurant yet, go here immediately. I had never eaten Afghan cuisine before eating at this restaurant a few days ago -- I have really been missing out. I was there at lunch time and the place was pretty quiet, short of a large family gathering at one end of the restaurant. The service was great, though we did wait a bit for our food to come out. However once it finally did it was AMAZING. The vegetarian combo plate is absolutely fantastic. My fiance got a lamb kabob that he said was also spectacular.
(5)Ali A.
I must of been not paying attention when I rated this place... So here is my rate update. It's a must go.
(4)Kasia K.
I ordered the lamb with rice and carrot and raisins. Comes with a soup, I ordered lentil. All was very delicious. it had that home cooked feel to it, but yet was very classy. I ordered tea and the waiter comes with a pretty tea pot refilling throughout the dining experience. Overall the food, staff, and feel was excellent. Very easy to enjoy the food and atmosphere there. Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)G R.
Very enjoyable, I usually don't sit down and review a place the same night I dine there unless I really was satisfied with the whole experience, from greeting in, food, service and the goodbye when leaving. Tonight was one of those experiences, soon as we walked in the door we were greeted with a friendly hello and seated immediately. Right after we were asked if we wanted hot tea, which sounded like a good idea on a February night. We had the Kadu for an appetizer, it's a pumpkin dish with some spices. We polished that off. Our entrees were delicious, I had the Murgh Chalau it's Chicken sauteed in garlic and onion in a most flavor packed tomato base, my husband had the Mahi and my mother-inlaw had the Qabili Palau which is lamb served under rice with carrots and raisins. Portions are generous and since everything was so good we ate heartily so much so that there was no room for dessert. Speaking for myself, when it comes to dessert, I have a sweet tooth and always leave room and usually take home a doggie bag. Well not tonight, there was not a piece of chicken to be found on my plate. At the end of the meal, we settled our check and lingered a bit over some more hot tea, there was no pressure to move along. The place itself is clean, bright and decorated beautifully without being cluttered. I left ahead of my party to get the car and was wished a good evening with a very warm we hope to see you again, to which I replied you will. Thank you Kabul House for a most pleasant dining experience.
(5)Nancy S.
So so so good. I was blown away with flavors. Ordered vegetarian platter. If all veggie food tasted like this I would never eat meat again. Go, eat, enjoy. The service was prompt and super friendly too!!
(5)Hannah P.
First time here and it was great. FOOD & SERVICE was fantastic and it's BYOB.
(5)Brennan M.
Tasty. Friendly. Comfortable. I was in town for work and wanted to have a nice dinner. I stumbled upon Kabul House via Yelp and was not disappointed. The food was incredibly flavorful, with inventive ingredient combinations-- the presentation was aesthetically pleasing as well. The staff was also very helpful and was happy to answer questions and share recommendations. I encourage everyone to visit this restaurant.
(5)Lenny G.
Overpriced and really mediocre Afghan food. There are better Afghan restaurants in the city.
(3)elizabeth r.
We sometimes get food from here and it never been a disappointment , all the dishes are excellent .
(4)Katie P.
We went to dinner here recently and we were not disappointed. We ordered the pumpkin and eggplant appetizers, quorma sabzee, and a mantoo/aushak combo. Everything was delicious. We will be back- and next time we will know to bring alcohol (the restaurant is BYOB).
(5)Smita K.
I am regular at this place and it is delectably terrific. I am sure just writing a review is going to get my mouth to water...let me see...the appetizer noodle soup, the succulent and well cooked meat, delicately flavored rice, the amazing variety of vegetarian starters and finally the in house ice cream which just sealed the deal for me. And their Afghan ice tea is a must try..very refreshing with mint and basil. I loved the Aushak and the Qabli Pulao...waiting to try out the vegetarian platter. The owner is a great host and treats you like a guest visiting his home. One of my treasured finds thanks to yelp..this place is a gem.
(5)Tricia W.
If you are a vegetarian, I'd highly recommend. The afghani ravioli was delicious, reminded me a little of pierogi but with amazing middle eastern spice. Everything I had was delicious. The service was amazing. I ordered the vegetarian platter and the server said he'd give me a little extra pumpkin and it turns out they made an extra so he brought out an entire serving. The tea is really good. If you like cardamom this is the place to go. I don't spend a lot of time in Skokie, but I'm likely to head up there just to eat at Kabul.
(5)Hannah K.
The food was great! The tomato lentil soup was outstanding! I loved the appetizer that was recommended by the waiter (refer to photos) I got the 3 combo plate with dill rice! It was divine! I highly recommend this place to anyone trying afghan food for the first time!
(5)Dan F.
Kabul House is AWESOME! I was deployed to Afghanistan and developeed a real taste for Afghan food. Kabul House delivers authentic Afghan food that is sure to please everyone. I visted their old Elk Grove Village Location regularly and was disappointed when it closed. I am very pleased that it has reopened so close to home. The new location in downtown Skokie is really nice. It is very bright, and has an upscale feel to it. The food is better than ever. I have never had anything there that I didn't like. I have nothing but good things to say about the Mantoo and Qabili Palau. Hopefully they will also make the Bolone available. I loved it in Afghanistan and look forward to having some here. The service is very attentive and friendly too. I highly recommend this as a nice place to eat. For those who are unfamiliar with Afghan food, it is similar to Greek, Indian, and Middle-Eastern food. If you like any of these, you will like Afghan. These cultures all influence the food as it was the gateway on the Silk route centuries ago. Enough history - just eat there and enjoy!
(5)K R.
mmmmmmmmm....pumpkiiiiiinnnn...mmmmmmm...yummmmmm.
(5)Hitendra P.
Enjoyed the food! The Kebobs were perfect and very tasty. The mild fragrance of dill rice complemented the Kebobs very well. The walnut baklava was yummy. Daniel - our server - was attentive and has very pleasant personality. The manager was attentive too. Overall a great experience. Will visit again!
(4)Molly S.
I absolutely love this place. LOVE. I've been going to Kabul House for like 8 years or something, starting back when it was on Dempster. I guess they moved out to Elk Grove Village for a while, but now they're back in Skokie at a location on Oakton. The new space is obviously meant to be a little more modern. I kind of miss the little VIP rooms with the curtains and the rugs on the wall and the fake tile roof to be honest, but the new dining room is very warm and attractive. The place is also very clean, and that's not usually something I notice. Here's the breakdown: You get free soup with your entree, and you can choose between lentil and vegetable. I chose lentil. It's really good, and they give you some delicious bread to sop it up with. As always, we ordered Mantoo to start. These things are little packets of amazeballs. Dumplings filled with deliciously seasoned ground beef and topped with meat sauce and yogurt. For my entree, I ordered the Three Kabob Combination, which devotees of Kabul House will remember used to be called the Super Combo Special. They should really go back to calling it the Super Combo Special, just saying. 3 pieces of lamb, 3 pieces of chicken, and a full skewer of Koubideh, which is very similar to kifta (heavily spiced ground beef). All are delicious. The lamb can have some gristle sometimes, but it's still really good. The Koubideh is incredibly flavorful - just be aware that your breath will smell of garlic for awhile! The chicken is sooo delicious. It's tender and moist, unlike a lot of chicken kabobs I've had. This is definitely enough food for 2 meals, especially if you have soup and an appetizer. I only wish the plate came with more veggies. As a previous reviewer noted, you just get one small piece of green pepper, a wedge of onion, and a wedge of tomato. You can choose white rice, dill rice, or seasoned rice. Do yourself a favor and get the seasoned rice. Just trust me. It's amazing. It's got carrots and raisins in it. I know it sounds odd, but it's SO EFFING GOOD. For dessert we split the Firnee, which is a milk pudding/custard flavored with rose and pistachios. LOVE. It's also a pretty sizable portion, so it was more than enough to share. If you've ever had Arab ice cream, this tastes very similar (and they do have Afghan ice cream on the menu, but they were out of it tonight). The Afghan iced tea is really good too. The service was friendly and attentive. The two front-of-house guys were great. I got out of there for around $31 with tax and tip (just my portion). Not bad for soup and bread, shared appetizer, entree, shared dessert, and an iced tea. BUT, if you want a real deal, go for the lunch special. $7.50 for soup and a kabob with rice (or a vegetarian plate). You can only choose chicken, Koubideh (seasoned ground beef), or Murgh Koubideh (seasoned ground chicken), but all are good. Please go here. Don't let them leave town again! (But don't pack the place when I want a table!)
(5)Mary F.
The pumpkin is delish! The food was great and the service was pretty good. I used the yelp coupon which was nice. Score! I'd return for sure.
(4)Lauren K.
Love this place. I had never been to an Afghan restaurant before and this was amazing. The lentil/tomato soup for a starter was incredible, and the murgh chicken kabob and murgh chalau (kind of a sauteed chicken stew with onions, garlic in a creamy tomato sauce with chickpeas) and basmati rice - all delicious. Nice to have this kind of place in the burbs, but still close to the city!
(5)Matt T.
Kabul House is good. Really good. I missed out on my opportunity to go to KH years ago when they were located on Dempster just west of McCormick. They closed down in a now defunct strip mall to move a bit west, but for some reason the new spot new came to fruition. My guess is the economy had something to do with it. So, I just realized KH re-opened downtown Skokie in a failed sub shop on Oakton. I was excited by the stellar reviews on Yelp and I owed my mom a mother's day dinner. The place is nicely decorated with items reminiscent of Afghanistan (note: the food here is Afghani, duh), with nice comfortable booths. The restaurant is very quiet and they are two large flat screens on the walls with the sound off. I don't see the point of having the flat screens but this sis 2011 in America, everyone needs a TV at all times, apparently. So, we heard about the Kadu (Sweet baby pumpkin cooked in our special spices topped with homemade yogurt sauce), which was just outstanding and one of the best things I've tasted in a while. Soft are buttery with a hint of cinnamon topped with cool yogurt sauce. I suggest putting the kadu on some of the freshly baked bread, so good. I can't wait to try Kadu again. I would go there just for this app. I also wanted to try the tomato-lentil soup which I heard was fantastic. Luckily, each ordered entree comes with soup. My mom got the veggie which was decent, not something I'd order again but the lentil soup was ridiculous. I liked the tomato base they used - which gave the soup a nice creamy texture. The soup had a nice kick to it. For my entree I got the Qabil Palau which was fantastic. Tender chunks of seasoned lamb served under a heap of seasoned rice garnished with sweet carrot strips & raisins. I was looking for a bit more flavor out of the rice but still very good. The lamb was really tasty, although there were more small pieces then chunks. My mom got the combo kabob plate with white rice and veggies. The kabobs were 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer Koubideh. All three meats were great - well seasoned and tender. One disappointment was that for veggies all you got was a small piece of grilled green pepper, tomato and onion on the side. One minor disappointment was the wait time for our entrees. The app and soup came out very fast but the entrees seemed to take forever. We were there around 6:30 on a Thursday night and the place was not too busy. I'm not sure what was taking so long but I hope it was just an aberration. I did overhear the server apologizing profusely to the table behind us for making a mistake. He offered free food in the interim while the entree was being re-prepared. What I did like as well was the owner walking around asking how people were enjoying their food. We skipped desert but next time I will definitely try the homemade ice cream with rosewater, pistachio and cardamon. I bet it's a refreshing end to a good meal. All in all, well executed and very tasty meal with lots of choices. I'll be back soon!
(4)Faraz S.
Seriously, I've never had such good Afghan food in my life! I Service is why I go to restaurants and they definitely have it there! Skokie's best restaurant, hands down!
(5)Kevin Y.
I had my first experience with Afghan food yesterday, and it was quite a delicious one. Going off the reviews I figured Kabul House was worth a visit, and it was. Ordered the murgh, koubideh, and mantoo. The murgh was seasoned deliciously and was very juicy and tender. The best dish amongst the three that I had ordered. The koubideh was pretty good as well, perfectly cooked with just a hint of pink the center. As for the mantoo, it was tasty, but I would personally skip on it next time. The rice that accompanied the murgh and koubideh was delicious. It has carrots and raisins in it, so if you're one of the people who doesn't like raisins, it might not be your thing. Prices and portions were just right. I had food leftover and didn't hurt my wallet. Will definitely be coming back in the future.
(4)Yousuf a.
Amazing food!!
(5)Freddie F.
I had seen the sign for Kabul House on Dempster for years and never had gone in. Then they closed. It looked like they were going to open at a new location on Dempster (just west of previous one), and it never materialized. Then, we saw a couple signs in the window of a location on Oakton, in downtown Skokie, for Kabul House! I had never had Afghani food before, but I have had lots of food from that part of the world (indian, turkish, nepalese, etc), so I had an idea what it would be like. The location is great, in downtown Skokie. Hopefully, this will usher in even more restaurants, since that area is kind of dead (but I do love Tub Tim Thai!). Parking isn't bad, whatever you can find on the street. The decor is nice, and it should since it's all new! They did have a problem with their hood in the kitchen while I was there. The place filled with smoke, so they had to prop the front-door open for a bit. No big deal, but after I left I wreaaaked of smoke/food. First I got a cup of hot tea. It had a bit of honey in it, I think. Tasted pretty good. I got the Koubideh lunch special. There were only three choices on their lunch menu, I expected a bit more. It came with a couple small triangles of pita (could have given a bit more), soup, one koubideh kabob, and rice. The soup was a pretty tasty Aush-Rishta (noodle soup with some beans, chickpeas, and a tiny bit of yogurt on top). When the waiter brought the koubideh, he also brought a small bowl of chutney with the warning, "this batch came out very spicy". It tasted soooo good. Spicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of mint in it. The koubideh was good, but maybe could have been charred/grilled a bit more on the outside. The rice was well seasoned and included some raisins and carrots (maybe pickled or candied, hard to tell). All in all, a really great lunch. The staff was really nice. The bus-boy asked me how I was enjoying everything each time he stopped by, which seemed unusual, but really nice. I'm definitely adding this place to my rotation of lunch spots in Skokie, it's great.
(5)Suha F.
I can't believe I haven't been to this place sooner. Tried it for the first time and now I think I am addicted. I went with my family and I think we tried 90% of the menu and we loved everything that came to our table. The lentil soup, mantoo & the ground chicken kabobs were some of my favorites. Besides great food, the service was great & the place was nice n clean. I'm excited to go back again & again & again....
(5)Dennis J.
The lunch special is the best thing to happen in Skokie since Pita Inn's! I got the lamb kebab - it was delicious and exotic but still approachable. The seasoned rice was just okay. The menu said it came with vegetables ... but there was only half a tomato so that was a bit of a disappointment. The lentil soup that was part of the special was excellent. And if you want to take your meal to 11, get the ice cream. It's made in house and complements the meal wonderfully.
(4)Christine K.
I used to be a regular at Kabul House when it was located on Dempster and McCormick. One day, I went there for dinner AND IT WAS CLOSED! It was devastating, absolutely devastating. I remember sitting in my car, not knowing where to eat (or even wanting to eat because I was so sad!) Now, Kabul House is back in town with a vengeance. It is even better than I remember it! Everything I've had here is amazing. I would especially recommend the pumpkin appetizer, and also the dumpling appetizer (mantoo). The yogurt on these and other dishes is a wonderful, creamy accompaniment that compliments the complex flavors spectacularly. I would also recommend the kabobs and the lamb/rice dish. Many of the main courses come with a green chutney that is savory and tart and all-around delicious. It goes well on everything. Everything! Go to Kabul House. Today. I'm sure you won't be sorry.
(5)Xaxa H.
4 stars ONLY because they have items on the menu that aren't available until dinner service, considering this, they should have 2 menus. Aside from that, the food was amazing and the service was excellent! I love Afghani food, and this is the best I've had...the Aushak appetizer was SO delicious and the vegetarian choices were excellent! My favorites on the vegetarian platter were the okra and the eggplant = outstanding! Oh, and don't miss the lentil soup! The rosewater and pistachio ice cream was off the charts delish. I would recommend this place if you're in the mood for Middle Eastern...great ambiance and love the Middle Eastern music...definitely check out Kabul House!
(4)C S.
Yummy! Apple salad was deeee-lish!! Sweet and sour with a delectable assortment of flavors all mixed in, along with an assortment of various textures - smooth cheese to crunchy walnuts
(5)Deepak N.
Top notch service, food & ambiance. Really has to be experienced to enjoy. I ate here once for lunch and enjoyed all aspects of the dining experience. Try it!
(5)Otto A.
The lentil soup was definitely great, a bit spicy and the consistency was perfect, full flavor. The kabob combo was ok. The chicken was mostly dark meat, not a big fan, the lamb was passable, a bit over cooked, the beef was better if covered with the tasty green chili sauce. Rice was rice. The veggies were wilted looking and appeared to have not been anywhere near a grill. Flatbread was okay, however it lacked any unique and/or remarkable flavor. Service was friendly yet rushed as there were only two servers covering some 12-15 tables.
(2)Tanya S.
Great food, great price . Had tomatoe soup and veggie plate with rice, does not sound like much but I was so full ! I will be back for sure.
(5)Nicole V.
We were out shopping near Old Orchard and after a few hours we found ourselves really hungry. After pulling up the Yelp app to figure out our options...we saw how highly Kabul House was rated. Off we went. When we arrived it was really busy. Luckily we were only two, so they had a small table available for us. As we were being seated the hostess offered us hot tea, which I agreed to. The tea arrived soon after and it was absolutely delicious! Very interesting and fresh herbs with a wonderful flavor. Our waiter came and greeted us and asked if we had any questions. We talked to him a bit about which items are some of the favorites on the menu. We decided to go with the Mantoo appetizer...WOW! It was so delicious, little steamed ground beef & onion filled dumpling topped with spicy yogurt & meat sauce. They have it as an entree as well and I would not hesitate to order it that way in a future visit. For our entrees I went with the Qabili Palau, which has pieces of seasoned lamb served under seasoned rice that is topped with sweet carrot strips & raisins. So tasty! My honey went with the three kabob combination; 1/2 skewer of chicken, 1/2 skewer lamb and one skewer koubideh. I tried those as well and all were very delicious. We ended with the homemade Afghan ice cream made with rosewater, cardamom & pistachio. Our bill was under $40 and everything we ate was quite good. I highly recommend stopping here if you are ever in the area. I have a feeling we will be making special trips up that way just so we can stop in!
(5)Luis B.
Best Afgan food around. Try the mantoo and the braised pumpkin.
(5)Katie M.
can we say authentic afghani food? We love their koubideh, vegetarian plate (baby pumpkin is awesome!!), and both vegi and non vegi aushak. bc it is quality -its worth the price.
(4)lesley h.
Great great place, everything was delicious! Loved the lentil soup and the bulanee. had the vegetable platter, which was a fabulous surprise. Didn't think I could love the seasoned pumpkin as much as I did. Spotlessly clean and our waiter could not have been more friendly and attentive. Will be back soon.
(5)Annie M.
Went with a group for lunch, and we all enjoyed our food immensely. The service seemed a little shaky, out waiter may have been new, but it twas great overall!!
(4)Paul K.
KH is one of my favorite restaurants in the Skokie area. They're downtown, so you have to find a place to park, but I've never had a problem. The place is modern, clean and is usually busy, but I've never had to wait too long for a table. The staff is very friendly, and the prices are reasonable. I alternate between the Qabili Palau, which is a tender lamb and rice dish, and the Murgh Chalau, which is a sauteed chicken dish. Both are excellent. They give you a soup with dinner, and they also have this delicious green sauce that I think tastes amazing with the lamb. I've never had an issues here, and basically it's just a well-run restaurant that gets 5 stars from me for having truly delicious, unique food.
(5)Frances B.
Went to Kabul House for the first time last night with three girlfriends. I was picturing an old building, dimly lit, with lots of rugs, but instead it was in a modern newer building, brightly lit (but not too bright). We sampled many items from the menu, and followed the server's recommendations. It was great! The staff and food were wonderful-I will definitely be back again!! It is BYOB, so be sure to bring your own.
(4)Larry F.
I was happy to see that this place had re-opened. I gather it is now being managed by the son of the owners who ran the place on Dempster. The new location in downtown Skokie is bright and clean. It is more modern and very comfortable with a mix of booths and tables. The menu is varied and has meat and some vegetarian options. We started with very hot and hearty tomato-lentil soup which was a little too salty for my taste, but it went well with the warm flat bread. As an entre, I had a vegetarian aushak, which is similar to a pot sticker filled with leeks and scallions and a lightly-minted yogurt sauce. It was very filling and quite delicious. My wife had the vegetarian combination plate which tasted better than it looked. My 10-year old son was very happy with a lamb kabob with white rice. We finished with a nice but slightly dry baklavah. The service was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter was happy to make suggestions and explain the food items. All in all, it was a very good experience and I hope this place does well in the new location.
(4)D G.
Phenomenal! Ordered carry out for lunch thru GrubHub. I've never had Afghan food before, so I blindly ordered the vegetarian plate lunch special with Afghan seasoned rice and aush rishta soup, also ordered baklava. I arrived at GrubHub's estimated pick up time and my food was not quite ready, so they sat me down at a table and gave me a cup of tea, which I thought was hospitable and charming and wonderful. I mean really, that's awesome because mostly when you get carry out you have to sit on an awkwardly placed, drafty bench somewhere and wait, without tea. The soup was delicious, just delicious. The lunch included a savory pumpkin mash (I'm sure there's a better name for that but I don't know what it is), sautéed spinach, cauliflower in a tomato sauce and eggplant. All 4 dishes were very tasty. The rice was good, I expected more flavor because it was so colorful, but it was good. I knocked off a star because the baklava, while tasty, was a bit hard to eat because there were several pieces of pistachio shell in the mix, rather hard on the teeth. This will not keep me from going back though, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and look forward to eating here again.
(4)A S.
This place is a little gem. Went in for lunch today and was seriously floored by firstly the food, then the service and ambiance. We ordered the lamb and chicken skewers entree each with seasoned rice. Simply amazing. Full of delicious flavor, tender...so yummy. The bulanee we had for appetizer was just the right start to the meal, crispy yet melt in your mouth. I can go on and on everything we had was just delicious. I can't wait to go back and try other dishes on the menu. Great service and a tastefully decorated restaurant further sealed the deal. Thank you Kabul House for a great meal experience!
(5)Nita U.
Kabul House is awesome. I love the mantoo. It is the most delicious kabobs in Chicago. I have been going there since they were located on Dempster. I would highly recommend it. I also love the combination kabobs, the best of everything. The Afghani rice is also good with raisins and carrots.
(5)Jean Z.
This brightly decorated, simple place has a food lover in the kitchen. The meals are perfectly seasoned, chicken is very tender. The ravioli was so good and the rice was fragrant and delicious. Oh and the SOUPS! YUM! Very glad to meet this new restaurant. There were about 8 nationalities in here on Valentines night. I think I found our new favorite place to eaT
(5)aden e.
Superb! Everything was perfectly seasoned, rich and strongly spiced but not overpowering. We got chicken kebabs, dumplings and a veggie plate - Each dish tasted completely different and even the rice was flavorful. The meat was extremely tender also. Equal attention given to all the dishes. And the dumplings, oh the dumplings! Great service as well. Don't forget to ask for the house made hot sauce.
(5)Anne G.
The Afghan national dish Kabuli Palau was so delicious we are going again and taking family with us. I'm eager to repeat Palau and have the Aush-e Rishta and Gulpi. Also repeat the Kadu. In fact, I want to try everything on the menu!
(5)Katie A.
Lordy this place is awesome. When they closed down a few years ago (the Dempster location), I almost cried. I'd drive by on occasion, hoping for a sign that said, "Reopening Soon", but never saw one. When it finally did reopen, I went as soon as I could. Thankfully, the quality was just as good as it was before, and the new location is very cute. Everything I've had there is great. The appetizer soup is fantastic. My favorites are the mantu and the vegetarian sampler platter, because it includes that delicious pumpkin stuff. Wow. If I could, I would eat it every day.
(5)Amanda O.
Had my friend's surprise birthday party and just like the last time, everything was GREAT! I had been talking for months about this place to a few friends who were all up for trying it and thank goodness, Kabul House lived up to all the hype I had created. They were super accommodating with holding the b.day balloons which I dropped off earlier that afternoon and set aside a table for us. My boyfriend even liked what I took home to him and he's a super picky, all-american eater.
(5)Helen A.
Yum! Who knew Afghan food was so delish? not at all your normal middle eastern place, much more saucy, more veggie, more spicy, more appetizers (and they are all good!). Also more greasy -1. Don't ask me to repeat the names of my favs...but give it a try. Lunch is very budget friendly-for around $7 you get soup-the yummy lentil unlike others I've tried- with yummy warm flat bread (I should know the name of this yummy bread) and an entree of your choice and most importantly the vibe is relaxed, so you don't feel like you're at subway or Pita Inn. There is also an interesting spice on the table, don't know what it is buy put it in your soup-its not spicy but earthy and tasty. I'm giving away too much. Enjoy!
(4)