Being the food geek that I am, I carefully read all the reviews and researched the proper technique to load Amsterdam Falafelshop's sandwich with all the toppings I could from the bar. Apparently this is how falafel sandwiches are sold in many other parts of the world. Dropping in during an off hour also allowed me to carefully decide on which toppings to put on without feeling rushed. But in the end it didn't really matter since my carefully crafted architectural masterpiece allowed me to utilize each and every topping. Indeed, I shamelessly walked away from the cash register with a giant cone of salad toppings with three falafel balls and a pita buried somewhere underneath. Luckily they offer plastic forks--I see no problem with eating salads from a paper cone! Each salad topping was really a different flavor explosion of sweet, salty, sour, briney, rich goodness. My favorite toppings were the baba ghanoush, the fried eggplant, red cabbage salad, and the "imported" pickles. I also made full use of the giant pump container of tahini sauce. I was a bit less impressed with the garlic mayo and the curry ketchup although I might have thought differently if I had gotten some fries. Also beware, the green "hot" sauce is truly hot. The falafel balls themselves, once I finally excavated down that far, were crunchy and tasty. I don't recall them being particularly memorable or perhaps I was already overwhelmed by the flavor rollercoaster that came beforehand, but anything deep fried is automatically kind of good, isn't it? If I had vegetarian or vegan friends, I'd definitely bring them here since everything was vegan except for one salad and one sauce that was only merely vegetarian due to the presence of mayonnaise. A bit over $5 got me a giant sandwich loaded with vegetables that were so flavorful that my usual carnivorous instincts never kicked in. I'm not a light eater by any stretch of the imagination, but I wasn't hungry for eight hours afterward. And I'm already starting to day dream about my next visit. This could become quite a habit for me.
(5)
Andrew K.
The place is top notch. Somerville is seriously lacking on good falafel, so this DC export is a welcome addition. Fresh and delicious ingredients and a friendly staff. And the dipping sauce...
(4)
Ned G.
2 times thus far. Totally awesome. I got the bowl today without the pita bread. So, so good. Fries are killer too.
(5)
Bri K.
I decided to stop by this place the first day that it opened and their falafel's were far better than expected. In addition to packing falafel to the brim of your pita, they also offer wonderfully delicious sauces. Don't forget to try some of their specially made dipping sauces for your fries (The Curry Ketchup is my favorite)!
(5)
Deirdre K.
Good falafel! Mark of a good place...huge line! The line was almost out the door when I went, so keep that in mind when you go and partake in their delicious falafel. But it's worth the wait! Okay, onto the food. The falafel comes in small or regular. I got the small as it came with three falafel balls. The topping bar is where you get to "dress" your falafel. I would smash the falafel balls before you put any toppings in the falafel because it gives you more room to cram the toppings in. The topping bar has a lot of great vegetarian and vegan options like cucumber and tomato salad, baba ganoush, humus, tzatziki, tahini etc. What's great about the topping bar is that you can go back for seconds, which is good because half way through the small falafel I definitely needed to replenish my toppings. Overall, the falafel is probably one of the best I have ever had. The falafel balls were not hard and had a good flavor profile. The toppings you get to choose where adequate and really worked well with the falafel. My only gripe about the toppings was that the tzatziki was watery. They also have fries. If you are getting fries for one to two people, I would go with a small because it comes with a lot. I got both the fries and the small falafel and I was really full. Word of warning: when the person behind the counter hands you the fries they are extremely hot, and the paper cone it comes in does not protect your hands. Overall, the fries were not the best I have ever had or the worst. They did have several sauces to choose from including curry ketchup and garlic mayo. I opted for garlic mayo and it was good! Would I order the fries again? Only if I was super hungry, but beyond that probably not. All in all this is a nice addition to Davis Sq. The falafel was good and at a great price, as I was out the door with my falafel and fries for under $9. Besides the cons I mentioned above, their customer service could be improved on. But I understand that they just opened so there are some kinks to be ironed out. So overall when visiting Amsterdam Falafelshop come hungry and be prepared to wait.
(4)
K K.
Cheap and incredibly tasty! Really great place.
(5)
R U.
Finally! A terrific falafel shop in the Boston area! Was there last night for the soft opening, and it was just as good as the DC version - if not better because of how clean it is. The menu is simple: "small" or "regular" falafel (referring to the number of falafel balls, not the size) in wheat or white pita, and fries, which come in small and large. You order your sandwich, and then move on to the toppings bar, with is filled with all the toppings you could dream of, from babaganoush to pickled cauliflower, to four different kinds of hot sauces...the list goes on. Make sure to try the curry ketchup (over by the soda machine) with your fries - delicious, as is the (potent) garlic sauce. For 5-6 dollars for a super filling sandwich, this is a fantastic deal. The shop perfectly fits the Davis Square vibe too, and I can see it being very popular.
(5)
Jennifer G.
Dear Amsterdam Falafel, Please work out your service quirks so we can be regular customers. Our experience was strange: Ordered two sandwiches, and while we waited (8 minutes, maybe? more than 5, less than 10) two other customers got their sandwiches... Fries were ready in much less time, and they just sat on the counter. Register staff was sullen, and there was a general sense of confusion behind the counter, even though the place wasn't crowded. The sandwiches themselves were super-tasty. Tons of falafel - almost too much fro me. Tahini is great. The self-service topping bar is brilliant, and I hope to try at least 20 combinations in the near future. Fries were...meh. Tasted like frozen fries from a bag. But the sauces were fab! We'll try again this weekend. Hopefully things will smooth out with time.
(3)
Josefine W.
Falafel - 4 star Toppings - 5 star Fries (frieten) - 2 star Had a great meal today and loved the falafel & fresh toppings, however the fries were very disappointing! Way too greasy and not authentic at all - not sure if it is the type of potato or the cut (the fries should be thicker) or both.
(3)
Greeley O.
Thank you for coming to town! Truly the best falafel in town. Great flavor and texture. Love the pita and the toppings bar. Fries are tasty. Line moves pretty fast. I could eat here every week. Really appreciate having another affordable option for vegetarians in Davis Sq. to break out of the Spikes, burrito, routine.
(5)
Randy M.
I LOVE falafel. I love falafel and Hummus in a way rivaled only by those who call the Middle East home. I went to this place for the first time today, and I'm very impressed. the selection of toppings is off the hook, the hummus is phenomenal, and the idea of being able to do-it-yourself is fun. a few comments. 1. be very sparing with your toppings - its easy to put WAY too much stuff. 2. there's a garlic parsley topping - BE CAREFUL NOT TO USE TOO MUCH - it's very pungent 3. The pickles - you need them on your sandwich. Trust me on this. 4. a small with 3 balls is a good size. A regular with 5 is HUGE. it took a concerted effort to finish this thing and i'm no wimpy eater. otherwise this place is a good deal and worth every bite. take lots of napkins tho - it gets messy!!! Happy Ball smooshing!
(4)
A B.
I try to eat here at least once a week. It's that good.
(5)
Jeff B.
I was super excited when I heard there was going to be an Amsterdam Falafelshop in Boston. I'd loved the one in DC and went most of the times I was down there. After my first visit, I was not disappointed. The Boston shop has everything I could ask for - the staff was friendly, despite all being brand new to what they're doing (for their first week, I was really impressed) and the food was fantastic. I'm a huge fan of the selection of pickles! The sauces for the fries were great and the portions were very generous. Favs: the bread (really, so good) the falafel (on par with the Falafel King and Sultan's (my other two faves), not like Rami's (which I also enjoy, but is different)) being able to build my own
(5)
mimi l.
Walked into Davis after teaching my class at O2. Always on the hunt for good vegan options. First I didn't go in because the line was so long. Came back in a little bit and ordered a falafel bowl. It is all by the pound and they have a multitude of vegan options like well, the falafel (which is excellent although I still miss the falafel from my old stomping grounds in the Southend El Triumfo), hummus, roasted eggplant, cucumber salad, 2 different kinds of slaw, beets, chickpea salad, and some kick ass hot sauces. Totally loved it. A little over $7 for a really good salad and I can reuse the bowl. Fantastic.
(5)
Elena E.
A great addition to Davis Square. Perfect place to go for a quick, cheap, and tasty lunch or dinner. My recommendation is to order a small (3 falafels). If you order the large (5 faladels) they completely fill the pita and there's no room for toppings. So order the small and then stuff it with the topping bar. The topping are free - as much as you can fit in the pita. Make sure you squish down the falafels before you start with the toppings so you can get more in. Also the fries are great - a small is enough to share. And there are several sauces that are free/unlimited to have with the fries. You really can't beat the price. Also, if you're not very hungry you can get a platter and get just 1, 2 or however many falafels you want. They charge by weight and it can add up fast so I still think the small falafel is the way to go. For negatives, the falafels themselves aren't the best falafels I've ever had. Overall, they're pretty average but with all the toppings it still makes for a great meal. Also, the seating is very limited so best not to come with a large group.
(5)
Josh C.
Fantastic place and a huge boost for Davis Square. First off, the place looks great, hip and comfortable without being pretentious. The falafel sandwiches are excellent, far above the quality of your average falafel, and with a great range of tasty sauces to choose from. The fries are also really good, best with the falafel, but good on their own as well. Get there soon when you're in Somerville!
(5)
Marty E.
Eating Gluten Free sometimes creates challenges, but not here. Just order your falafel in a bowl, add your toppings from a generous salad bar , put on your toppings and enjoy! Reasonably priced. I'll be back next time I'm in the area. Only regret is that they currently only have two locations - here and DC.
(5)
Joy S.
It was disappointing...only upside is that it's cheap
(2)
Elizabeth B.
Stumbled upon this place when I was in Davis and boy I'm glad I did! What a gem! The falafel is amazing. They are crispy on the outside and perfectly warm and soft inside. The choice of condiments and sides are great and I can't wait to go back to try more. I loved the garlic cream, pickled cauliflower and turnips, and the parsley/garlic topping. The prices are really reasonable and you can choose as many toppings you want. The staff is super friendly and helpful and was the perfect topping to my experience here!
(5)
Margie L.
Holy cow! Fresh and inventive ingredient combos and a fantastic value. Run, don't walk!
(5)
Gianna E.
Updating my review to reflect both how I feel about the food (4 stars, as I mentioned below) but also because the owner contacted me after I posted this first review and offered to make good on the situation with a meal on the house. Thanks! --- 4 stars for the food: I like the food here and it's become my go-to spot in Davis Square for decent, fast, customizable food that contains a decent amount of vegetables. BUT - 1 star for my experience last night: I got a bowl with 3 falafels. When I got to the register they told me it was 2.3 lbs and charged me over $19. I was surprised, but also in a hurry, so I signed and started to leave. Then I thought, that's ridiculous, there's no way salad weighs that much. So I went back to the counter, confirmed the per pound price (a little over $7) and asked them to weigh it again. The guy at the register did so, and told me the same thing: 2.3 lbs. At this point (perhaps stupidly) I'm not quite sure how to argue with them and I also really needed to get home, so I left. Once I got home, I weighed the salad myself: just over a pound. So I got overcharged by over 100%. Thanks to my lack of thought at the time, I don't have a receipt, and I suppose they could claim I went home and ate half the food before I weighed it. So all you have is my version of the story, but trust me - they charged me for 2.3 pounds of food when I should have been charged for less than half that, and made the mistake again - hopefully not on purpose - when I asked them to double check. The food is good, but it's not worth twice what I should have paid for it. I sent an email to the Somerville Weights and Measures department too - if their scale is that far off, they should fix/replace it.
(4)
DROR K.
One of the best Felafel in Boston.
(5)
Archana V.
If I had to pick a place to eat every single night that would be amsterdam falafel. I've always gone with the salad bowl, only coz I love 'em toppings way more than the pita pocket. A little splash of Garlic mayo, a generous helping of the yogurt sauce (yumm!) some pickled beets, parsley and just a dash of the hot sauce and I'm good to go.
(5)
Shanna R.
I love this place so much. We moved to Mass from Maryland about 6 months ago, and imagine my surprise to find that my favorite DC falafelshop was opening a restaurant up here! The Davis Sq restaurant is even better than the DC original - it's bright, clean and I don't feel completely out of place for being over 30. They also offer bowls, which is great for my kids, as they can't handle a pita full of food. The falafel is always hot and fresh, nice and tender on the inside, and the toppings bar is well-stocked and delicious. I love the fried eggplant, beets, spicy green stuff, and pickled turnips. I do wish they offered some kind of plate or something, as it can be very difficult to pump out your ketchup while holding a loaded pita. Small price to pay for great falafel and delicious fries.
(5)
Peggy L.
Super cute place to get a quick inexpensive bite to eat. The toppings are endless.
(4)
Carissa B.
I love the way this falfelshop is operated. When you enter, you either order a salad or a sandwich. You are given your falafel, then you load up on toppings which include tahini, different types of veggies, including a delicious babganoush, pickled cauliflower, beet salad, and a cilantro jalepeno sauce - yum. I've elected to get the salad both times I've been here because I'm more interested in the toppings than the falafels. The value for what you buy is fantastic. So why not five stars? I would love if this place would offer baked falafel. Yes, I know it would cut down on the tastiness of the meal, BUT I would be able to become a regular, since this is walking distance from my house.
(4)
Whitney M.
Really great falafel and extras, fries were lovely, price was awesome. Planning on making this spot our new go-to in Davis.
(5)
Susie Q.
Vegetarian? Check. Late-night munchies? Check. Delicious? Check plus. The best thing they have, hands down, is the spicy cilantro sauce. I wish I could buy it in bulk and put it on everything.
(5)
Dave F.
I'll pay a little extra for any food item that is so much better then the competitors. $12 is a little expensive for falafel, fries and drink but its really worth it.
(5)
David E.
Cheap, yummy, make-your-own. Fries are only good -- great fries would be killer -- but they do have tasty unusual sauces for the fries. Great stuff, welcome to Davis!
(5)
Erica E.
This place is great! I was invited here for a last minute lunch today by some friends and was pleasantly surprised by my experience! When I arrived they were in the middle of the lunch rush and we had to wait maybe five minutes so that they could make more falafel. My short wait was soooo worth it. They were hot and fresh. They were crispy on the outside, but with the perfect softness inside. The concept is interesting and not one I had experienced before. Basically one picks the number of falafel they want and whether they want a salad bowl or pita and then can top the falafel with a buffet of various mediterranean foods like hummus, cucumber salad, various pickled items, etc. I chose three falafel and accompanied with a variety of items from the "buffet" The cucumber salad, beets and hummus stood out, though everything was delightful! They also offered fresh fries, but none of us dined on them today...next time, there will definitely be a next time! The best part was my small and healthy meal cost just under $5! How cool is that?
(4)
Carly Z.
I spotted this place as I was running some errands in Davis last week. It's in the spot where Diva lounge used to be. I'm newly enlightened to falafel, and subsequently obsessed. So I made a mental note to try them out when they opened. After reading other yelp reviews of their taste trial, I knew I had to try it. So when my friend and I made plans for one of our infamous cheap dinners, I suggested this place and she was super excited. We got there around 5 on the Wednesday of their opening week and it wasn't busy at all. We passed by the toppings bar and the guy behind the counter greeted us and told us how things worked. I wanted to try the bowl, but he said they weren't anticipating how busy they'd be when they opened and unfortunately, they had run out...though I'm not exactly sure what went in the bowl that they could have run out of...or maybe they just ran out of bowls themselves? Ok, NBD, pita it is. We both opted for the small wheat version. Falafel were fried to order (not sure if they do that all the time, or just because we came kind of early in the dinner hour and not too many people were there at the time). Within a few minutes, I had a nice soft pita with three piping hot falafel balls inside. I was told to squish them down a bit and top as I'd like. I'd like to agree with one other reviewer who mentioned the unlabeled toppings...would have been nice. We had to ask about a few things. I also was a bit nervous about how much I'd be able to fit inside that pita, even with the squishing (I won't lie, we kind of made a mess and sat down with overflowing pitas). I definitely like more of a Greek flair to my pitas, so I had the tzatziki, cucumber salad, some kind of pickled or otherwise preserved veggies, and pickles. Oh, the pickles. Let me just say that I LIVE AND BREATHE PICKLES. Seriously. More than Snookie. Pickles are my life. These pickles were AWESOME and I've had many a mediocre pickle in my life. The guy said they were imported from Lebanon or something...true or not, they were delicious. Umm, so was the rest of my pita I guess, but I was just loving the pickles. Back to the falafel though. Nice and crispy on the outside and moist and tasty on the inside, with just enough seasoning and heat. Also not dense at all...dense falafel is not good. The pita was soft, but also didn't break or rip at all even though I had filled it absolutely to the brim. Wheat was also a good choice and not cardboardy at all. The small size, plus a small side order of fries was more than enough food for someone who barely had time to eat breakfast and skipped lunch that day. I left very content. Some negatives though: My fries were greasy and dry and may have been left in the fryer a bit too long. I also tried that curried ketchup that some people seemed to love but I was less than impressed. I mean, it had an interesting taste, but really, I just went back and got some regular ketchup. It wasn't vinegary enough or something. Also, the floor was a bit dirty. For just opening 2 days ago, I'd expect to be able to see my reflection in that floor, however I'm attributing it to the fact that they had the door to the street propped open in the nice weather. Fresh air is lovely, but, please sweep. I know it's just counter service and probably intented to just be fast food, but I'd appreciate a slightly larger space with more seating. And maybe turn the music down a bit...we had to raise our voices to hear each other at our small table. Overall though, we agreed that we'd be back. We each paid under $10 for a fantastic casual dinner. I'm not vegetarian, but I have a deep appreciation for tasty vegetarian cuisine. I don't think that they could have picked a better location and they'll definitely thrive. Perhaps just from my business alone...I might be there multiple times a week.
(4)
Rachel S.
I love this place! We stopped by last Friday and were really impressed with the food and the array of toppings! I think next time I'll need to hold back a bit more!
(5)
Michael M.
Forget Mamouns...this is the place..great falafel..but an amazing topping bar..the staff treats you like they own the place..just go there!...
(5)
Heather F.
I love everything about this place. The falafel is delicious, the price is nice, the music is great. I love all the options for toppings. I love that it's in Davis and so close to me :)
(5)
Abigail K.
I just tried this place last night and can't wait to go back. It's the best falafel I think I've ever had in the US. They make it fresh right behind the counter (no pre-cooking and re-heating), it's crispy and a little spicy with great flavor. The regular pita came with 5 falafel balls, more than I'd expected, making it a big meal. I'll probably go for the small next time. The self-serve bar of toppings is awesome and gives you a great range of options. Really fabulous addition to Davis Square!
(5)
Kathy M.
Love it!!!! We live very close to Davis Square and are THRILLED about this most excellent new foodspot. Falafels were fresh and delicious. My husband and I each had a small one, with one order of fries. And yes, one must "crush the balls". The freshness of the toppings, the pita pockets, and the light, delicious falafels are what let to my 5-star rating. I hope they can keep the quality up. I suspect as soon as the word gets out, this place will constantly be packed (although, on this first week, it was very busy).
(5)
William F.
Wow! That sums it up. This brand new eatery more than lives up to all the advance hype. Start with the food. The menu is as simple as can be: falafel balls in either plain or whole wheat pita pockets, french fries, salads, and a wide assortment of toppings for the falafel sandwiches and unusual, tasty dips for the fries. Oh, and various soft drinks and cookies and the like round out the offerings. I haven't tried the salads (note: I have also eaten at their Washington D.C. shop) but given the almost fanatic devotion to high quality ingredients and careful preparation, they must be very good. The crisp yet moist fafafel is without equal and the tasty toppings make it all the better. The fries are world-class and I say this based on having eaten fries on six continents. Even the decor in this tiny space is outstanding--of course being fresh and new helps--and the friendly, helpful crew seemed to have things under control despite also being young and new, or so one would assume. The kicker to all this is that Amsterdam is the epitome of cheap eats. About thirty bucks was enough for our four adults to leave full and completely sated. The original Falafelshop in D.C. is iconic and a real destination. People seem to flock in from all over just to grab a falafel sandwich. The new shop in Davis Square has a less frenetic feel to it and is altogether a more pleasant dining experience. I think it too will draw customers from all over. (Disclaimer: we live on the North Shore and made a special trip to indulge ourselves, thus making this somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophesy.) We were happy to find public parking lots literally steps away as onstreet parking in the busy square is no sure thing. Were there any negatives? Honestly, I can't think of a one, so my advice is to go, give it a try, and maybe get a bit addicted to it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Ida C.
Being the food geek that I am, I carefully read all the reviews and researched the proper technique to load Amsterdam Falafelshop's sandwich with all the toppings I could from the bar. Apparently this is how falafel sandwiches are sold in many other parts of the world. Dropping in during an off hour also allowed me to carefully decide on which toppings to put on without feeling rushed. But in the end it didn't really matter since my carefully crafted architectural masterpiece allowed me to utilize each and every topping. Indeed, I shamelessly walked away from the cash register with a giant cone of salad toppings with three falafel balls and a pita buried somewhere underneath. Luckily they offer plastic forks--I see no problem with eating salads from a paper cone! Each salad topping was really a different flavor explosion of sweet, salty, sour, briney, rich goodness. My favorite toppings were the baba ghanoush, the fried eggplant, red cabbage salad, and the "imported" pickles. I also made full use of the giant pump container of tahini sauce. I was a bit less impressed with the garlic mayo and the curry ketchup although I might have thought differently if I had gotten some fries. Also beware, the green "hot" sauce is truly hot. The falafel balls themselves, once I finally excavated down that far, were crunchy and tasty. I don't recall them being particularly memorable or perhaps I was already overwhelmed by the flavor rollercoaster that came beforehand, but anything deep fried is automatically kind of good, isn't it? If I had vegetarian or vegan friends, I'd definitely bring them here since everything was vegan except for one salad and one sauce that was only merely vegetarian due to the presence of mayonnaise. A bit over $5 got me a giant sandwich loaded with vegetables that were so flavorful that my usual carnivorous instincts never kicked in. I'm not a light eater by any stretch of the imagination, but I wasn't hungry for eight hours afterward. And I'm already starting to day dream about my next visit. This could become quite a habit for me.
(5)Andrew K.
The place is top notch. Somerville is seriously lacking on good falafel, so this DC export is a welcome addition. Fresh and delicious ingredients and a friendly staff. And the dipping sauce...
(4)Ned G.
2 times thus far. Totally awesome. I got the bowl today without the pita bread. So, so good. Fries are killer too.
(5)Bri K.
I decided to stop by this place the first day that it opened and their falafel's were far better than expected. In addition to packing falafel to the brim of your pita, they also offer wonderfully delicious sauces. Don't forget to try some of their specially made dipping sauces for your fries (The Curry Ketchup is my favorite)!
(5)Deirdre K.
Good falafel! Mark of a good place...huge line! The line was almost out the door when I went, so keep that in mind when you go and partake in their delicious falafel. But it's worth the wait! Okay, onto the food. The falafel comes in small or regular. I got the small as it came with three falafel balls. The topping bar is where you get to "dress" your falafel. I would smash the falafel balls before you put any toppings in the falafel because it gives you more room to cram the toppings in. The topping bar has a lot of great vegetarian and vegan options like cucumber and tomato salad, baba ganoush, humus, tzatziki, tahini etc. What's great about the topping bar is that you can go back for seconds, which is good because half way through the small falafel I definitely needed to replenish my toppings. Overall, the falafel is probably one of the best I have ever had. The falafel balls were not hard and had a good flavor profile. The toppings you get to choose where adequate and really worked well with the falafel. My only gripe about the toppings was that the tzatziki was watery. They also have fries. If you are getting fries for one to two people, I would go with a small because it comes with a lot. I got both the fries and the small falafel and I was really full. Word of warning: when the person behind the counter hands you the fries they are extremely hot, and the paper cone it comes in does not protect your hands. Overall, the fries were not the best I have ever had or the worst. They did have several sauces to choose from including curry ketchup and garlic mayo. I opted for garlic mayo and it was good! Would I order the fries again? Only if I was super hungry, but beyond that probably not. All in all this is a nice addition to Davis Sq. The falafel was good and at a great price, as I was out the door with my falafel and fries for under $9. Besides the cons I mentioned above, their customer service could be improved on. But I understand that they just opened so there are some kinks to be ironed out. So overall when visiting Amsterdam Falafelshop come hungry and be prepared to wait.
(4)K K.
Cheap and incredibly tasty! Really great place.
(5)R U.
Finally! A terrific falafel shop in the Boston area! Was there last night for the soft opening, and it was just as good as the DC version - if not better because of how clean it is. The menu is simple: "small" or "regular" falafel (referring to the number of falafel balls, not the size) in wheat or white pita, and fries, which come in small and large. You order your sandwich, and then move on to the toppings bar, with is filled with all the toppings you could dream of, from babaganoush to pickled cauliflower, to four different kinds of hot sauces...the list goes on. Make sure to try the curry ketchup (over by the soda machine) with your fries - delicious, as is the (potent) garlic sauce. For 5-6 dollars for a super filling sandwich, this is a fantastic deal. The shop perfectly fits the Davis Square vibe too, and I can see it being very popular.
(5)Jennifer G.
Dear Amsterdam Falafel, Please work out your service quirks so we can be regular customers. Our experience was strange: Ordered two sandwiches, and while we waited (8 minutes, maybe? more than 5, less than 10) two other customers got their sandwiches... Fries were ready in much less time, and they just sat on the counter. Register staff was sullen, and there was a general sense of confusion behind the counter, even though the place wasn't crowded. The sandwiches themselves were super-tasty. Tons of falafel - almost too much fro me. Tahini is great. The self-service topping bar is brilliant, and I hope to try at least 20 combinations in the near future. Fries were...meh. Tasted like frozen fries from a bag. But the sauces were fab! We'll try again this weekend. Hopefully things will smooth out with time.
(3)Josefine W.
Falafel - 4 star Toppings - 5 star Fries (frieten) - 2 star Had a great meal today and loved the falafel & fresh toppings, however the fries were very disappointing! Way too greasy and not authentic at all - not sure if it is the type of potato or the cut (the fries should be thicker) or both.
(3)Greeley O.
Thank you for coming to town! Truly the best falafel in town. Great flavor and texture. Love the pita and the toppings bar. Fries are tasty. Line moves pretty fast. I could eat here every week. Really appreciate having another affordable option for vegetarians in Davis Sq. to break out of the Spikes, burrito, routine.
(5)Randy M.
I LOVE falafel. I love falafel and Hummus in a way rivaled only by those who call the Middle East home. I went to this place for the first time today, and I'm very impressed. the selection of toppings is off the hook, the hummus is phenomenal, and the idea of being able to do-it-yourself is fun. a few comments. 1. be very sparing with your toppings - its easy to put WAY too much stuff. 2. there's a garlic parsley topping - BE CAREFUL NOT TO USE TOO MUCH - it's very pungent 3. The pickles - you need them on your sandwich. Trust me on this. 4. a small with 3 balls is a good size. A regular with 5 is HUGE. it took a concerted effort to finish this thing and i'm no wimpy eater. otherwise this place is a good deal and worth every bite. take lots of napkins tho - it gets messy!!! Happy Ball smooshing!
(4)A B.
I try to eat here at least once a week. It's that good.
(5)Jeff B.
I was super excited when I heard there was going to be an Amsterdam Falafelshop in Boston. I'd loved the one in DC and went most of the times I was down there. After my first visit, I was not disappointed. The Boston shop has everything I could ask for - the staff was friendly, despite all being brand new to what they're doing (for their first week, I was really impressed) and the food was fantastic. I'm a huge fan of the selection of pickles! The sauces for the fries were great and the portions were very generous. Favs: the bread (really, so good) the falafel (on par with the Falafel King and Sultan's (my other two faves), not like Rami's (which I also enjoy, but is different)) being able to build my own
(5)mimi l.
Walked into Davis after teaching my class at O2. Always on the hunt for good vegan options. First I didn't go in because the line was so long. Came back in a little bit and ordered a falafel bowl. It is all by the pound and they have a multitude of vegan options like well, the falafel (which is excellent although I still miss the falafel from my old stomping grounds in the Southend El Triumfo), hummus, roasted eggplant, cucumber salad, 2 different kinds of slaw, beets, chickpea salad, and some kick ass hot sauces. Totally loved it. A little over $7 for a really good salad and I can reuse the bowl. Fantastic.
(5)Elena E.
A great addition to Davis Square. Perfect place to go for a quick, cheap, and tasty lunch or dinner. My recommendation is to order a small (3 falafels). If you order the large (5 faladels) they completely fill the pita and there's no room for toppings. So order the small and then stuff it with the topping bar. The topping are free - as much as you can fit in the pita. Make sure you squish down the falafels before you start with the toppings so you can get more in. Also the fries are great - a small is enough to share. And there are several sauces that are free/unlimited to have with the fries. You really can't beat the price. Also, if you're not very hungry you can get a platter and get just 1, 2 or however many falafels you want. They charge by weight and it can add up fast so I still think the small falafel is the way to go. For negatives, the falafels themselves aren't the best falafels I've ever had. Overall, they're pretty average but with all the toppings it still makes for a great meal. Also, the seating is very limited so best not to come with a large group.
(5)Josh C.
Fantastic place and a huge boost for Davis Square. First off, the place looks great, hip and comfortable without being pretentious. The falafel sandwiches are excellent, far above the quality of your average falafel, and with a great range of tasty sauces to choose from. The fries are also really good, best with the falafel, but good on their own as well. Get there soon when you're in Somerville!
(5)Marty E.
Eating Gluten Free sometimes creates challenges, but not here. Just order your falafel in a bowl, add your toppings from a generous salad bar , put on your toppings and enjoy! Reasonably priced. I'll be back next time I'm in the area. Only regret is that they currently only have two locations - here and DC.
(5)Joy S.
It was disappointing...only upside is that it's cheap
(2)Elizabeth B.
Stumbled upon this place when I was in Davis and boy I'm glad I did! What a gem! The falafel is amazing. They are crispy on the outside and perfectly warm and soft inside. The choice of condiments and sides are great and I can't wait to go back to try more. I loved the garlic cream, pickled cauliflower and turnips, and the parsley/garlic topping. The prices are really reasonable and you can choose as many toppings you want. The staff is super friendly and helpful and was the perfect topping to my experience here!
(5)Margie L.
Holy cow! Fresh and inventive ingredient combos and a fantastic value. Run, don't walk!
(5)Gianna E.
Updating my review to reflect both how I feel about the food (4 stars, as I mentioned below) but also because the owner contacted me after I posted this first review and offered to make good on the situation with a meal on the house. Thanks! --- 4 stars for the food: I like the food here and it's become my go-to spot in Davis Square for decent, fast, customizable food that contains a decent amount of vegetables. BUT - 1 star for my experience last night: I got a bowl with 3 falafels. When I got to the register they told me it was 2.3 lbs and charged me over $19. I was surprised, but also in a hurry, so I signed and started to leave. Then I thought, that's ridiculous, there's no way salad weighs that much. So I went back to the counter, confirmed the per pound price (a little over $7) and asked them to weigh it again. The guy at the register did so, and told me the same thing: 2.3 lbs. At this point (perhaps stupidly) I'm not quite sure how to argue with them and I also really needed to get home, so I left. Once I got home, I weighed the salad myself: just over a pound. So I got overcharged by over 100%. Thanks to my lack of thought at the time, I don't have a receipt, and I suppose they could claim I went home and ate half the food before I weighed it. So all you have is my version of the story, but trust me - they charged me for 2.3 pounds of food when I should have been charged for less than half that, and made the mistake again - hopefully not on purpose - when I asked them to double check. The food is good, but it's not worth twice what I should have paid for it. I sent an email to the Somerville Weights and Measures department too - if their scale is that far off, they should fix/replace it.
(4)DROR K.
One of the best Felafel in Boston.
(5)Archana V.
If I had to pick a place to eat every single night that would be amsterdam falafel. I've always gone with the salad bowl, only coz I love 'em toppings way more than the pita pocket. A little splash of Garlic mayo, a generous helping of the yogurt sauce (yumm!) some pickled beets, parsley and just a dash of the hot sauce and I'm good to go.
(5)Shanna R.
I love this place so much. We moved to Mass from Maryland about 6 months ago, and imagine my surprise to find that my favorite DC falafelshop was opening a restaurant up here! The Davis Sq restaurant is even better than the DC original - it's bright, clean and I don't feel completely out of place for being over 30. They also offer bowls, which is great for my kids, as they can't handle a pita full of food. The falafel is always hot and fresh, nice and tender on the inside, and the toppings bar is well-stocked and delicious. I love the fried eggplant, beets, spicy green stuff, and pickled turnips. I do wish they offered some kind of plate or something, as it can be very difficult to pump out your ketchup while holding a loaded pita. Small price to pay for great falafel and delicious fries.
(5)Peggy L.
Super cute place to get a quick inexpensive bite to eat. The toppings are endless.
(4)Carissa B.
I love the way this falfelshop is operated. When you enter, you either order a salad or a sandwich. You are given your falafel, then you load up on toppings which include tahini, different types of veggies, including a delicious babganoush, pickled cauliflower, beet salad, and a cilantro jalepeno sauce - yum. I've elected to get the salad both times I've been here because I'm more interested in the toppings than the falafels. The value for what you buy is fantastic. So why not five stars? I would love if this place would offer baked falafel. Yes, I know it would cut down on the tastiness of the meal, BUT I would be able to become a regular, since this is walking distance from my house.
(4)Whitney M.
Really great falafel and extras, fries were lovely, price was awesome. Planning on making this spot our new go-to in Davis.
(5)Susie Q.
Vegetarian? Check. Late-night munchies? Check. Delicious? Check plus. The best thing they have, hands down, is the spicy cilantro sauce. I wish I could buy it in bulk and put it on everything.
(5)Dave F.
I'll pay a little extra for any food item that is so much better then the competitors. $12 is a little expensive for falafel, fries and drink but its really worth it.
(5)David E.
Cheap, yummy, make-your-own. Fries are only good -- great fries would be killer -- but they do have tasty unusual sauces for the fries. Great stuff, welcome to Davis!
(5)Erica E.
This place is great! I was invited here for a last minute lunch today by some friends and was pleasantly surprised by my experience! When I arrived they were in the middle of the lunch rush and we had to wait maybe five minutes so that they could make more falafel. My short wait was soooo worth it. They were hot and fresh. They were crispy on the outside, but with the perfect softness inside. The concept is interesting and not one I had experienced before. Basically one picks the number of falafel they want and whether they want a salad bowl or pita and then can top the falafel with a buffet of various mediterranean foods like hummus, cucumber salad, various pickled items, etc. I chose three falafel and accompanied with a variety of items from the "buffet" The cucumber salad, beets and hummus stood out, though everything was delightful! They also offered fresh fries, but none of us dined on them today...next time, there will definitely be a next time! The best part was my small and healthy meal cost just under $5! How cool is that?
(4)Carly Z.
I spotted this place as I was running some errands in Davis last week. It's in the spot where Diva lounge used to be. I'm newly enlightened to falafel, and subsequently obsessed. So I made a mental note to try them out when they opened. After reading other yelp reviews of their taste trial, I knew I had to try it. So when my friend and I made plans for one of our infamous cheap dinners, I suggested this place and she was super excited. We got there around 5 on the Wednesday of their opening week and it wasn't busy at all. We passed by the toppings bar and the guy behind the counter greeted us and told us how things worked. I wanted to try the bowl, but he said they weren't anticipating how busy they'd be when they opened and unfortunately, they had run out...though I'm not exactly sure what went in the bowl that they could have run out of...or maybe they just ran out of bowls themselves? Ok, NBD, pita it is. We both opted for the small wheat version. Falafel were fried to order (not sure if they do that all the time, or just because we came kind of early in the dinner hour and not too many people were there at the time). Within a few minutes, I had a nice soft pita with three piping hot falafel balls inside. I was told to squish them down a bit and top as I'd like. I'd like to agree with one other reviewer who mentioned the unlabeled toppings...would have been nice. We had to ask about a few things. I also was a bit nervous about how much I'd be able to fit inside that pita, even with the squishing (I won't lie, we kind of made a mess and sat down with overflowing pitas). I definitely like more of a Greek flair to my pitas, so I had the tzatziki, cucumber salad, some kind of pickled or otherwise preserved veggies, and pickles. Oh, the pickles. Let me just say that I LIVE AND BREATHE PICKLES. Seriously. More than Snookie. Pickles are my life. These pickles were AWESOME and I've had many a mediocre pickle in my life. The guy said they were imported from Lebanon or something...true or not, they were delicious. Umm, so was the rest of my pita I guess, but I was just loving the pickles. Back to the falafel though. Nice and crispy on the outside and moist and tasty on the inside, with just enough seasoning and heat. Also not dense at all...dense falafel is not good. The pita was soft, but also didn't break or rip at all even though I had filled it absolutely to the brim. Wheat was also a good choice and not cardboardy at all. The small size, plus a small side order of fries was more than enough food for someone who barely had time to eat breakfast and skipped lunch that day. I left very content. Some negatives though: My fries were greasy and dry and may have been left in the fryer a bit too long. I also tried that curried ketchup that some people seemed to love but I was less than impressed. I mean, it had an interesting taste, but really, I just went back and got some regular ketchup. It wasn't vinegary enough or something. Also, the floor was a bit dirty. For just opening 2 days ago, I'd expect to be able to see my reflection in that floor, however I'm attributing it to the fact that they had the door to the street propped open in the nice weather. Fresh air is lovely, but, please sweep. I know it's just counter service and probably intented to just be fast food, but I'd appreciate a slightly larger space with more seating. And maybe turn the music down a bit...we had to raise our voices to hear each other at our small table. Overall though, we agreed that we'd be back. We each paid under $10 for a fantastic casual dinner. I'm not vegetarian, but I have a deep appreciation for tasty vegetarian cuisine. I don't think that they could have picked a better location and they'll definitely thrive. Perhaps just from my business alone...I might be there multiple times a week.
(4)Rachel S.
I love this place! We stopped by last Friday and were really impressed with the food and the array of toppings! I think next time I'll need to hold back a bit more!
(5)Michael M.
Forget Mamouns...this is the place..great falafel..but an amazing topping bar..the staff treats you like they own the place..just go there!...
(5)Heather F.
I love everything about this place. The falafel is delicious, the price is nice, the music is great. I love all the options for toppings. I love that it's in Davis and so close to me :)
(5)Abigail K.
I just tried this place last night and can't wait to go back. It's the best falafel I think I've ever had in the US. They make it fresh right behind the counter (no pre-cooking and re-heating), it's crispy and a little spicy with great flavor. The regular pita came with 5 falafel balls, more than I'd expected, making it a big meal. I'll probably go for the small next time. The self-serve bar of toppings is awesome and gives you a great range of options. Really fabulous addition to Davis Square!
(5)Kathy M.
Love it!!!! We live very close to Davis Square and are THRILLED about this most excellent new foodspot. Falafels were fresh and delicious. My husband and I each had a small one, with one order of fries. And yes, one must "crush the balls". The freshness of the toppings, the pita pockets, and the light, delicious falafels are what let to my 5-star rating. I hope they can keep the quality up. I suspect as soon as the word gets out, this place will constantly be packed (although, on this first week, it was very busy).
(5)William F.
Wow! That sums it up. This brand new eatery more than lives up to all the advance hype. Start with the food. The menu is as simple as can be: falafel balls in either plain or whole wheat pita pockets, french fries, salads, and a wide assortment of toppings for the falafel sandwiches and unusual, tasty dips for the fries. Oh, and various soft drinks and cookies and the like round out the offerings. I haven't tried the salads (note: I have also eaten at their Washington D.C. shop) but given the almost fanatic devotion to high quality ingredients and careful preparation, they must be very good. The crisp yet moist fafafel is without equal and the tasty toppings make it all the better. The fries are world-class and I say this based on having eaten fries on six continents. Even the decor in this tiny space is outstanding--of course being fresh and new helps--and the friendly, helpful crew seemed to have things under control despite also being young and new, or so one would assume. The kicker to all this is that Amsterdam is the epitome of cheap eats. About thirty bucks was enough for our four adults to leave full and completely sated. The original Falafelshop in D.C. is iconic and a real destination. People seem to flock in from all over just to grab a falafel sandwich. The new shop in Davis Square has a less frenetic feel to it and is altogether a more pleasant dining experience. I think it too will draw customers from all over. (Disclaimer: we live on the North Shore and made a special trip to indulge ourselves, thus making this somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophesy.) We were happy to find public parking lots literally steps away as onstreet parking in the busy square is no sure thing. Were there any negatives? Honestly, I can't think of a one, so my advice is to go, give it a try, and maybe get a bit addicted to it.
(5)