by Matt B.

ditto Whitney R.

by Hanitizer H.

Move over Mr. Burger and make room for the new king in town! Shawarma King is now the best Shawarma in DC, Hands Down! These guys brought in a chef from the land of Shawarma and this guy knows what he's doin'! I'm convinced that this is what it took to make the perfect blend of taste and flavor in every bite. For anyone who has eaten real shawarma (the kind that is REAL meat on a rotating grill) this place knows how to keep it real! It's authentic and the service is always kind and inviting. I live a few blocks from the place and it's comforting to know that there's a place up the street where I can go and feel like I'm at home. The menu is simple: no tricks, no gimmicks. If you are looking for fast, affordable and authentic, check this place out. Oh, and don't forget to load up on the smorgasbord of fresh topping. Shawarma King: A Party in your Stomach!

by Bilbo B.

Great shawarma. Nice people. A real mom and pop joint. I will go back.

by Carsten S.

two stars = i've experienced better; oh yes. definitely. way, way better. i was looking forward to going to this place and when i got there really wanted the place to be good. but the food just wasn't good, it was mediocre and i definitely had better.i really like the decor, the cleanliness, the staff was friendly, the menu was to the point and not over burdened with stuff. but then in the end the food is that counts, especially with a fast food place. coming from germany and having lived in amsterdam for a while  where you can have amazing falafel (probably the best outside of the middle east, turkey and greece) i might have a high bar, but then i have had acceptable falafel and shawarma in the US. the wrap was ok, nothing special, the meat was ok, but it lacked spiciness and the toppings were all a bit bland. i had some tzatziki which had no garlic taste to it, the cauliflower i could count on one hand and the tomatoes were really soggy. the fries that i shared with others were even worse (if you have to try this place, my one tip, do NOT get the fries) they were really bad, i think the worst i have had in the US. so would i go back? no.

by Diego M.

First of all, the shawarmas are pretty terrible. I've had the chicken, which borders on disgusting, as well as the beef, which is just bad. The both meats are dried to hell and have nearly no flavor (except for some slight rot from the chicken and some burnt, blackened taste from the beef). It's hard to decide which is worst, but please avoid both. Even worst is the pita they use: old and bitter, it's like an old hag, spiteful and gummy.The saving grace: holy moly, these are some good fries. Served piping hot and seasoned perfectly, fried with a keen eye and in a pretty fair portion, I would rate these fries a five. The other good bit is their baklavah - it seems a little overpriced at a dollar per tiny slice, but it's really very good. They don't overload on the honey (like some places do) or skimp on the nuts (like most places do). Crispy, crunchy, sweet, very good.In fact, they should change their name to Baklavah Fries King: far more accurate and I'm betting that they'd make more money. Then I might go every day (at least until my eventual heart attack).

by Whitney R.

This is such a cute place! The owners/operators are very nice and handing out Valentine's day candy. My chicken shawarma was delicious and cheap, and the toppings were all free and tasty. Definitely a good place for a quick lunch if you are in the area.

by geoff s.

Easily the Best around...friendly staff and a patio so you can bring the pooch.  We will be regulars.

by Jared D.

I am just across the street from Shawarma King and look forward to getting lunch there about once a week. The owners are very friendly - always warm, welcoming, and conversational. I almost always get the chicken shawarma, with hummus, tahini, cauliflower, pickled beets, and - best of all - those amazing pickles they import from Jerusalem! Once in awhile the chicken is a little dry but most of the time it's great. The fries are good too. It's a clean place with nice music/atmosphere and I especially like the huge blackboard and chalk menu, which looks great.  Best of all, they are serious about customer service. One day their credit card machine wasn't working I didn't have any cash on me; since they knew I was a regular, they told me not to worry about it and to just pay next time I came in, which was nice and saved me a trip to the ATM. Also, after I mentioned that cutting the shawarma wrap after the tin-foil was wrapped around it sometimes caused little pieces of tin to end up in the sandwich, they started serving the wrap whole without cutting through the tin-foil. Whatever it is - even giving extra toppings if you ask - they treat their customers right.Overall, great food at a more than fair price with the friendliest owners of any place i've been to in Adams Morgan. They really help make the neighborhood feel like a real community and I hope they are successful and stick around for a long time.

by Robert W.

Some of the better shawarma I've had in DC. Although shawarma is often billed as fast food in the Middle East, here it took a little longer to prepare, but my patience paid off. One nice feature of Shawarma King was the option to have the shawarma made on pita or on a larger wrap - same price, which is $5.95. I went with the wrap because it allows you to take better advantage of the a la carte servings (I piled them on). There are 16 different toppings to choose from - all looking reasonably fresh, which included, Lebanese hot sauce, pickled peppers, pickled eggplant, a cucumber/yogurt sauce (similar to a tzatziki sauce), as well as hummus and a delicious sliced fried cauliflower. I'm assuming Shawarma King is Lebanese-owned and operated (correction, owners are actually from Bethlehem) because in preparing my wrap they also offered to tinfoil it and throw it on a panini-style grill (normally done over a flame, but this wasn't an outdoor cart). The result was an incredible Shawarma that is definitely worthy of carry-out.(Portions of this review appeared on the Prince of Petworth blog).

by Matt S.

Yes, I am giving Shawarma King 1 star.  Had I written a review when it first opened up many months ago I would have given it 4 stars.  But when you raise your prices and get stingier all at once, well, 1 star it is.Fact Set 1:-When Shawarma King opened, falafels were $4.95 and shawarmas were $5.95.-Today, falafels are $5.95 and shawarmas are $6.95.-(Before tax.)Fact Set 2:-When Shawarma King first opened, you were by default supposed to top your sandwich yourself, obviously heaping on tons and tons of their delicious toppings.-Today, at the topping bar that still appears to be a self-serve area, the owner or other employees give you impatient glares as they top your sandwich for you and are EXTREMELY stingy with the amounts they put on.  I hate to yell in all caps, but, for example, today I asked for pickles, and was given two little pickle spears.  TWO.If you are opening a restaurant that has a self-service topping bar, you have got to be prepared for the occasional hungry recently graduated college kid going overboard and costing you a few more cents per meal than you'd like.  So why can't you just accept that or figure out a way to price it into your menu?  Don't try to solve the problem by forcing me to cringe as I watch you put next to nothing on my sandwich.  And don't couple taking away my topping freedom with a $1 raise in your prices.Let me know if their default topping policy changes!

by Ryan C.

This place is very good and the staff are nice.  They have a huge variety of toppings. Its also clean and modern, something Adams Morgan doesn't do well.This place is very good and the staff are nice.  They have a huge variety of toppings. Its also clean and modern, something Adams Morgan doesn't do well.

by Dan Y.

Excellent excellent falafel cooked fresh AFTER you order it.Terrific toppings: pickled eggplant!  Some people complain that they put the pita together for you, but let's face it folks, they're the experts and they do a lot better job putting the toppings together than we do.  Baklava is out of this world.  And if you like rose water, the rice pudding is fabulous.Can't beat the sweet couple running the place either.Excellent excellent falafel cooked fresh AFTER you order it.Terrific toppings: pickled eggplant!  Some people complain that they put the pita together for you, but let's face it folks, they're the experts and they do a lot better job putting the toppings together than we do.  Baklava is out of this world.  And if you like rose water, the rice pudding is fabulous.Can't beat the sweet couple running the place either.

by Brian B.

I went to this place shortly after it opened.  Their falafel was great but their fries were an abomination.  Greasy, soggy, but undercooked.  I threw them away and enjoyed the falafel.

by Matthew J.

I'm upgrading this place. I revisited it recently, and it has improved. My shawarma was just as tasty, but it was a little bigger. The fries were good, too. I like this place but there are still some kinks to iron out. The service was very, very friendly but it was really slow. The toppings are not as good as they could be; and I'm not sure that the process by which the toppings go on the shawarma (they hand you the pita and have you do it yourself) is the most efficient way to go about it. There's still no music being played, and no art on the walls. I sort of think they need to hire somebody to come in, make some improvements, and show them how to become the hip and tasty eatery they're trying to be. I want this place to succeed. It's pretty good, but nowhere near 5 stars. The food is really tasty,…

by Yonas H.

This place is pretty good. I'm really excited to have a shawarma place within a 3 minute walk of my apartment, so I look forward to eating here again.Pros:-- amazingly friendly staff-- tasty toppings bar-- choice of whole wheat or white pitaCons:-- sandwiches are SMALL. You'll leave there quite hungry still.-- they don't appear to have any side dishes yet.When I was done with my Shawarma, the cook from behind the counter came to my table and gave me a free falafel sample (it was huge)! It tasted divine, and that's the sandwich I'm going to get next time.I hope they end up expanding their menu. Although this place isn't worth going out of your way for, it is definitely worth checking out if you're in the general area.

by Jack F.

With regards to late night dining at Adams Morgan, there is no comparison between Shawarma King and Amsterdam Falafel - stick with Amsterdam Falafel.First, there is little reason to be anywhere near Shawarma King after midnight.  There are, however, two exceptions: (1) you happen to be at Chief Ike's or (2) you're returning to Columbia Heights Metro.  The vast majority of AdMo bar hoppers will find Shawarma King to be simply too much out of the way.  In terms of drunken convenience, most would would rather suffer heartburn at the awful Jumbo Slice before trekking towards Columbia Road. Again, stick with Amsterdam Falafel and you can't go wrong. Second, shawarma should not taste like day-old cafeteria pot roast. I would normally defer to the regional experts but poorly-prepared meat is universally recognizable.  The beef shawarma tasted like a slab of dry rump devoid of any seasoning or flavor (see photograph).  Considering the chewiness and thickness of the muscle fibers, I am guessing a round roast or sirloin top.  If you note the photograph, these were chunks of beef as opposed to thin slices - the result of which may explain the tougher texture.  For a tastier pita, stick with Amsterdam Falafel (its vegetarian too).Third, Shawarma King has a smaller toppings bar.  It offers a meager 8 selections compared to Amsterdam Falafel's extensive 18 choices.  Moreover, Shawarma King's garnish bar merely includes mushed purees like garlic spreads, tahini sauce, and hummus and a few pickled vegetables.  There is nothing like shredded beets, tumeric-tinged cabbage, fried eggplants, chickpeas, or curried onions ... all of which are available at Amsterdam Falafels. Lastly, I admit that this is an apples to oranges comparisons, particularly because I never tasted the falafels at Shawarma King.  Nonetheless, if your flagship product, which is also your namesake, is such a dismal failure, then I'll save my $4.95 for another pita pocket at Amsterdam Falafel. After all, why should I pay more for less? [Note: $3.75 for a small pita, $5.75 for a large pita at Amsterdam Falafel, tax-included. This is compared to $4.95 plus tax for a falafel at Shawarma King.] 2 Stars - I wouldn't go back. I'm not saying you shouldn't go yourself but why bother?

by Alan C.

I had high hopes for this place but a recent late-night visit resulted in lots of pita wrapped disappointment.  The meat was extremely dry (this is only compounded when you're intoxicated), the staff seemed wary of everyone, and they don't let you top your own pita.   On the flip side the toppings are excellent, but since they control what goes on your food, you're severely limited in your enjoyment of them.   It's also the cleanest late-night spot I've been to in quite some time.Overall, the location is great, bright and clean but the food and service is slow and 'meh.'   Like so many others, I have to echo them and steer you to Amsterdam Falafel, even if all you're pining for is some beef or chicken.

by Andrew W.

I got the chicken shawarma wrap, which was tasty but pretty dry. I asked the guy what to put on it so he recommended some things. It would have been awesome if it weren't dry - maybe next time I'll put on more yogurt sauce or something, but I'll definitely try it again.The inside is pretty nice looking, as noted - sleek and modern and cozy.

by John Y.

I got three falafel balls in my pita.  I usually handle more balls than that, so I wasn't too happy.  They selection of add ons were alright but the falafel tasted great.  The price is alright and the venue looks very modern and hip. But c'mon...three balls?  For reals?

by Amanda C.

I've been hesitant to review Shawarma King because I'm conflicted. The people are SO nice and it's a new restaurant, but I just wasn't in love with the food. The fries with Sumac were very yummy, but the chicken shawarma didn't impress me. I know some people prefer large chunks of breast meat in their shawarma, but it makes me want to blow chunks... too gamey and bland, like eating roast chicken. Perhaps the beef is better...The condiments were good, but I would rather have put them on myself. I liked how they put your shawarma in a panini press because it was a snazzy spin on things, but it couldn't save me from that chicken. I know they're modeling the place after somewhere in the middle east (a specific shawarma establishment), so maybe this is the more authentic way to serve it, but authenticity means nothing when your taste buds scream, "no more!!" I prefer street food to be more soulful, messy, and assertive than it tasted. I'd go back to try the beef, as long as it was thinly sliced.

by Davina A.

Me and my friends LOVE Shawarma King!!!!  We go as much as possible-despite the fact that none of us live anywhere near Adams Morgan-and we always bring new people with us.  No one is ever disappointed.  I've never had the chicken, but the beef shawarma is absolutely amazing and the falafel is the best I have ever had.  I generally get a beef shawarma and a couple falafel balls on the side--they are so delicious I eat them plain.  The baklava is great and they serve delicious, strong coffee.  The prices, especially for DC, are very reasonable. Aside from the great tastes and prices, the people who own/work at the restaurant are SO nice.  They remember us when we come in and have given us free samples of different foods we haven't tried.  They treat us like we're in their home and always let us know that our business is appreciated.  Although they are a few blocks from Adams Morgan, Shawarma King is well worth the trip.  Great food, great price, great service...what more can you ask for?

by Daniel V.

Despite the name, the shawarma here is pretty weak.  I gave up on ordering it after my first couple of visits.  The falafel is absolutely the best option here.  It seems to be made with much more fresh herbs that most I've had.  The toppings are amazing.The people who run this place are absolutely wonderful, too.

by Shawn H.

Convenient, open late-ish and tasty. I'll probably go again for these reasons, but I've had a lot better.These guys are super stingy making the sandwich! It was like they were eyeing out by the gram on meat and toppings.They are quite friendly and the food is not bad at all. They need to load it up a bit more though!What's up with the little round bowls for spice and oil? I watched at least 4 people sticking their fingers in that spice, so let's go with "DANGER" if you are at all concerned about flu or anything else that might linger on a finger.

by Jennifer L.

I definitely prefer Shawarma King over Amsterdam Falafel. Here are just some of the reasons:-they serve other stuff besides falafel-they don't make you put your toppings in tiny little plastic cups-family-owned, and usually at least one of them is behind the counter-better fries-the PICKLES! seriously, they are so good. I'm not sure what makes them so good, but supposedly they are special pickles that the family gets from Jerusalem.I admit to being a little biased, because this place is closer to where I live, and I want it to succeed despite its location (on a slightly less trafficked part of Columbia Rd.).One of the commenters below notes that they put the condiments/toppings on your pita or wrap for you... I agree that's kind of a weird way to do it. But both times I've been there I've asked if I can put the toppings on myself (usually because I am indecisive and I feel bad making the guy stand there while I debate over what I want), and they've always been happy to oblige.I definitely prefer Shawarma King over Amsterdam Falafel. Here are just some of the reasons:-they serve other stuff besides falafel-they don't make you put your toppings in tiny little plastic cups-family-owned, and usually at least one of them is behind the counter-better fries-the PICKLES! seriously, they are so good. I'm not sure what makes them so good, but supposedly they are special pickles that the family gets from Jerusalem.I admit to being a little biased, because this place is closer to where I live, and I want it to succeed despite its location (on a slightly less trafficked part of Columbia Rd.).One of the commenters below notes that they put the condiments/toppings on your pita or wrap for you... I agree that's kind of a weird way to do it. But both times I've been there I've asked if I can put the toppings on myself (usually because I am indecisive and I feel bad making the guy stand there while I debate over what I want), and they've always been happy to oblige.

by Cory G.

I like this place...will definitely be back.I was somewhat put off about going here after reading a few of the reviews, but this place really is great.   I don't get the comments about the small portions- although the staff does load your food for you, they aren't shy about piling on the portions.  The staff is also very funny and friendly.  The meat is a tad dry but I'd rather have it like that than have it be incredibly greasy.  Definitely Recommended.

by Serena B.

The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious! It was flavorful and tender and the toppings were also good. It was a nice size too- I had just finished a workout and was famished. I gobbled it down quite quickly!I think the owners were working and they seemed very nice. A bit cleaner and more spacious than Amsterdam Felafel- plus you can use credit/debit cards!

by Phoebe L.

Just some new things to mention:- Extended hours (open till 4 AM on weeknights?!)- New platters with rice, not just fries- Outdoor seating- Hookah starting 8/6 (straight from the owner's mouth)P.S. You can also check out the Cricket store security next door dressed as park rangers. Convenience vs. Taste.The age-old dilemma of the neighborhood fast food joint that serves so-so food…

by Meghan R.

I work just down the street from the newest falafal joint in Adams Morgan, so I've been a few times. I've only ever had the falafal, but I can compare it to Amsterdam and Shawarma Spot. They offer you the choice of a pita or a wrap- go with the wrap! All times I've been there they form and fry the falafel after you order, so it's extremely fresh and tasty. It's got lots of bright flavor and doesn't feel too heavily fried. My only gripe is the toppings. In the months since opening they've diminished the topping selection and changed from a self-serve scenario like Amsterdam to a bar where one of the employees puts on toppings at your direction. In addition to adding more time on to the whole process, it also means you have to ask very specifically for the amounts you want and generally means you get less of certain toppings than you might like. That said, my overall impression is positive. The family who owns and runs the store is very nice and friendly and the meats look good, though I've not tried them. The option of the wrap is nice, and they grill it after stuffing it, which makes for easier eating. They also offer fries and some sides, as well as a pretty decent drink selection and now hookahs as well. While no place competes with Amsterdam for the number and quality of toppings, this is a great cheap meal option in an area that could use more take-out joints for those of us who suffer from 30 minute lunch breaks.

by Christopher C.

Is shwarma the new pho?  Places serving it seem to popping up left and right (including food carts).This is the closest thing to an authentic Middle Eastern shwarma spot I've found in DC.  Run by a Palestinian Christian family, service here couldn't be any friendlier.  Two varities to choose from:  chicken or beef, fresh off the spit.  None of the compressed/reconsitituted gyro stuff you often find around town; this is the real  McCoy.  Peronsally, I prefer lamb, but the owners said not enough Americans like the taste of it to make it worthwhile.  No, they don't pile the meat on, but that's not how it's done in the old country.  Great fixings, but as has been noted, they put them on for you.

by Christopher C.Meghan R.Phoebe L.

Is shwarma the new pho?  Places serving it seem to popping up left and right (including food carts).This is the closest thing to an authentic Middle Eastern shwarma spot I've found in DC.  Run by a Palestinian Christian family, service here couldn't be any friendlier.  Two varities to choose from:  chicken or beef, fresh off the spit.  None of the compressed/reconsitituted gyro stuff you often find around town; this is the real  McCoy.  Peronsally, I prefer lamb, but the owners said not enough Americans like the taste of it to make it worthwhile.  No, they don't pile the meat on, but that's not how it's done in the old country.  Great fixings, but as has been noted, they put them on for you.I work just down the street from the newest falafal joint in Adams Morgan, so I've been a few times. I've only ever had the falafal, but I can compare it to Amsterdam and Shawarma Spot. They offer you the choice of a pita or a wrap- go with the wrap! All times I've been there they form and fry the falafel after you order, so it's extremely fresh and tasty. It's got lots of bright flavor and doesn't feel too heavily fried. My only gripe is the toppings. In the months since opening they've diminished the topping selection and changed from a self-serve scenario like Amsterdam to a bar where one of the employees puts on toppings at your direction. In addition to adding more time on to the whole process, it also means you have to ask very specifically for the amounts you want and generally means you get less of certain toppings than you might like. That said, my overall impression is positive. The family who owns and runs the store is very nice and friendly and the meats look good, though I've not tried them. The option of the wrap is nice, and they grill it after stuffing it, which makes for easier eating. They also offer fries and some sides, as well as a pretty decent drink selection and now hookahs as well. While no place competes with Amsterdam for the number and quality of toppings, this is a great cheap meal option in an area that could use more take-out joints for those of us who suffer from 30 minute lunch breaks.Just some new things to mention:- Extended hours (open till 4 AM on weeknights?!)- New platters with rice, not just fries- Outdoor seating- Hookah starting 8/6 (straight from the owner's mouth)P.S. You can also check out the Cricket store security next door dressed as park rangers. Convenience vs. Taste.The age-old dilemma of the neighborhood fast food joint that serves so-so food…

by Christopher C.Meghan R.Phoebe L.Serena B.

Is shwarma the new pho?  Places serving it seem to popping up left and right (including food carts).This is the closest thing to an authentic Middle Eastern shwarma spot I've found in DC.  Run by a Palestinian Christian family, service here couldn't be any friendlier.  Two varities to choose from:  chicken or beef, fresh off the spit.  None of the compressed/reconsitituted gyro stuff you often find around town; this is the real  McCoy.  Peronsally, I prefer lamb, but the owners said not enough Americans like the taste of it to make it worthwhile.  No, they don't pile the meat on, but that's not how it's done in the old country.  Great fixings, but as has been noted, they put them on for you.I work just down the street from the newest falafal joint in Adams Morgan, so I've been a few times. I've only ever had the falafal, but I can compare it to Amsterdam and Shawarma Spot. They offer you the choice of a pita or a wrap- go with the wrap! All times I've been there they form and fry the falafel after you order, so it's extremely fresh and tasty. It's got lots of bright flavor and doesn't feel too heavily fried. My only gripe is the toppings. In the months since opening they've diminished the topping selection and changed from a self-serve scenario like Amsterdam to a bar where one of the employees puts on toppings at your direction. In addition to adding more time on to the whole process, it also means you have to ask very specifically for the amounts you want and generally means you get less of certain toppings than you might like. That said, my overall impression is positive. The family who owns and runs the store is very nice and friendly and the meats look good, though I've not tried them. The option of the wrap is nice, and they grill it after stuffing it, which makes for easier eating. They also offer fries and some sides, as well as a pretty decent drink selection and now hookahs as well. While no place competes with Amsterdam for the number and quality of toppings, this is a great cheap meal option in an area that could use more take-out joints for those of us who suffer from 30 minute lunch breaks.Just some new things to mention:- Extended hours (open till 4 AM on weeknights?!)- New platters with rice, not just fries- Outdoor seating- Hookah starting 8/6 (straight from the owner's mouth)P.S. You can also check out the Cricket store security next door dressed as park rangers. Convenience vs. Taste.The age-old dilemma of the neighborhood fast food joint that serves so-so food… The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious! It was flavorful and tender and the toppings were also good. It was a nice size too- I had just finished a workout and was famished. I gobbled it down quite quickly!I think the owners were working and they seemed very nice. A bit cleaner and more spacious than Amsterdam Felafel- plus you can use credit/debit cards!