Ali Baba's Cave

Mary:

I’ve eaten here before, years ago. Funny I don’t remember that until I get inside and see the “cave” or quasi-cave in the side room…an area just big enough for six people to sit on the floor around a low table, surrounded by material hanging from the ceiling and pulled to the sides. Kind of a junior-high school stage set made from old Indian madras bed covers.

And after I eat I know why I don’t remember. The lamb schawarma that I order is as tough as shoe leather. The rest of the food is good: hummus, salad, rice. Turns out that the schawarma spit is almost empty and I got close to the last carvings. Learned something. I’ll check that before I order next time at any restaurant that serves schawarma. It’s easy to do here because Ali Baba’s is deli style in the front, and sit down style in the back, so you can see everything before you order.

This is one of the oddest interiors I’ve been in. It has almost bare walls, and no official decorations except the “cave”. Coke bottles in cases stacked up one wall; three paintings of flowers way too small for the high-ceiling walls. It feels like it was designed by guys who just got out of dormitory life. I kinda like it. There’s nothing pretentious about it and I know that I’m not paying for the décor.

Shirley:

Ummm, Ali Babas. One of my favorites. How can you go wrong with lemon and garlic and olive oil? I always like eating here. I love the Mediterraen flavors that extend from Spain to Morroco, with all the coastal countries between. Except eggplant. Not sure why it has found a place on the planet. But throw in some mint and cumin and a little heat and I am in heaven. These are the cuisines closest to vegetarian that make me happy, body and soul.

I've tried everything on the menu and this time chose the Shawarma Plate with Lamb served on a rice pilaf. It includes Hummous and your choice of salad topped with Lavosh. I opted for the Tahini Salad; tomato, cucumber, parsley and mint mixed with tahini sauce. It was really good. The lamb had bits of charred edges, which gave it a smokey taste. The Hummous was creamy and lemony and the Tahini Salad was crisp and flavorful. I love the warm Lavosh and the finishing touches to the plate, like the olives and thinly sliced red onions.

Is it the best Middle Eastern food I have ever eaten? No. Is it consistently good and satisfying? You betcha. 

The cave part in the name is a little misleading in a comical sort of way. They do have a niche decorated in a Disney-esque Arabian Nights sort of way. The rest of the place is pretty utilitarian. It is more of a do-it-yourself place then full service, but the folks are polite and efficient. I like leaving a place feeling full but not stuffed and this type of food hits that mark every time.

Jesse:

    When you enter this joint, there's a long counter. Looks like a buffet counter but it isn't. You can see the food they offer and at the end of the counter you place your order. I ordered a lamb swerma dinner, the meat was dry and bland. I also ordered a mint tea. I received a cup of earl grey tea with a sprig of mint.
    This place looks like their food would be good but it just doesn't turn out that way.
    I would not recommend alibaba. If you want a good lamb swerma, go to Good Frickin Chicken on mission and 29th.