I can't say enough good things about this gorgeous restaurant. I noticed some of the one-star reviews on here, and perhaps this place does not give the same amount of attention to their casual guests as they do to their wedding clients. I have no complaints. The lavish, authentic decor inside solidifies the desire to transform our guests to a place very distant from Chicago. The memorable food was delicious, plentiful and prepared authentically - one that comes to mind that I loved on my wedding day was cumin crusted salmon over a mountain of caramelized couscous and vegetables. The staff made me feel like a queen that day. My friends and family both near and far talk about my wedding everytime I see them, and we still get constant compliments regarding Alhambra.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Review
I love the Alhambra palace! Then again, I'm closer to age 50 than 40, or 30. That said, the ambiance and entertainment is fantastic, and the crowd, a nice, clean collection of grown ups. The food is tasty, and the service impressive even in a crowded setting. The interior is reason enough to at least get in there and take a peek!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Review
I'm a bit shocked by some of the other reviews on here. I'll admit that I didn't try the food as I tend to find most Middle Eastern (and Greek) food bland as I'm used to spicier fare when eating things like kebabs. That being said, there are a couple of great Middle Eastern restaurants in town.
I went here to watch the belly dancing and regular-old-people-like-us dancing and it was a lot of fun. Sure, your buddies from Michigan State and Notre Dame probably don't hang out here, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with people who you've never hung out with before. Almost everyone else seemed to be Middle Eastern and the crowd's age varied between 25 and 50. Everyone got up and danced when the dance floor opened up.
There was no cover and no drink minimum either.
Overall: fun place, cool crowd, interesting (and probably over the top) decor, and a unique experience for Chicago.
I went here to watch the belly dancing and regular-old-people-like-us dancing and it was a lot of fun. Sure, your buddies from Michigan State and Notre Dame probably don't hang out here, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with people who you've never hung out with before. Almost everyone else seemed to be Middle Eastern and the crowd's age varied between 25 and 50. Everyone got up and danced when the dance floor opened up.
There was no cover and no drink minimum either.
Overall: fun place, cool crowd, interesting (and probably over the top) decor, and a unique experience for Chicago.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Review
I'm not sure why this place got such low ratings. I thought it was fantastic--though perhaps that's because I actually read the reviews and knew what to expect! I was there for a bachelorette party and I anticipated, based on what I read, a circus. We ordered cocktails and the small mezza platter to start, which was more than enough for everyone to have a taste of everything. It was delicious and we moved on to dinner. I'm not sure what the other girls got, but I ordered the Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tangine and highly recommend it. The couscous was melt-in your mouth good, seasoned by the sauce from the lamb, which was wonderfully tender.
As for the atmosphere, I didn't actually think it was too Vegasy--certainly a LOT more showy than you'll get at most places, but I think that's part of the charm. It's unabashedly over the top and if you're looking for a somber place to discuss serious things, yeah, I'd say skip this experience. But if you're looking for a fun time out with friends, don't write Alhambra off your list. There's live entertainment, belly-dancing, hookahs, and even a chance to try out your own dancing skills. The service was decent and the bill, surprisingly, not nearly as high as I expected.
Maybe it's just that I love all things kitchy, but I loved Alhambra.
As for the atmosphere, I didn't actually think it was too Vegasy--certainly a LOT more showy than you'll get at most places, but I think that's part of the charm. It's unabashedly over the top and if you're looking for a somber place to discuss serious things, yeah, I'd say skip this experience. But if you're looking for a fun time out with friends, don't write Alhambra off your list. There's live entertainment, belly-dancing, hookahs, and even a chance to try out your own dancing skills. The service was decent and the bill, surprisingly, not nearly as high as I expected.
Maybe it's just that I love all things kitchy, but I loved Alhambra.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Review
24,000 square feet of beauty. This place is like walking into the castle in Aladdin. The staff is wonderful. Especially the CUTE Vip Host Alan! I am newly vegatarian so finding food I actually like has been a task. I let the server know my limitations. He picked my food for me!! He did great! The Hummus was wonderful. You can tell the Pita was homemade. The Falafels were to die for! Alexandria (the belly dancer) was a showstopper. I even got up to dance. Alhambra is a must do!!!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Review
Honestly, I really went into the night at Alhambra with some pretty low expectations. Out with some work colleagues in from out of town who wanted dinner and a "show." Said colleagues are not the most interesting of people so I was all for someone else entertaining us to avoid some awkward conversations and even more cringe-inducing silences.
Not to mention all of the really bad reviews on here... but whatever, it's 2 blocks from my condo so I figured if it was really THAT bad, I could just excuse myself to the bathroom and sneak myself home.
But I digress... on to dinner. We arrived around 7:10 for a 7pm reservation and requested to sit in the main dining room with the stage. The girl at the hostess stand informed us that they usually don't seat that room until 7:30pm but she would go check. She came back within a minute and told us we could be seated even though we offered to wait at the bar. That was nice of her.
Everyone got one of their cocktails from the long list they offer ... and now I can't remember my drink's name! It was black cherry I think? Whatever, it was good. I got a glass of red wine with dinner which was also pretty good.
We ordered a bunch of appetizers to split: falafel, lebna, hummus, batata and kibbeh. Now the kibbeh was an ordeal... there was a private party going on upstairs and they apparently ordered the crap out of the kibbeh and there was no more left. One person in our group was THOROUGHLY pissed and mentioned to our server more than twice about how ridiculous it was that there wasn't any more kibbeh in the kitchen. I really felt bad for the server guy, it's not like it was his job to make sure there was enough for this party and our DBag friend. And then... miraculously... it appeared. A whole plate, just for him. I didn't like it but he loved it so I'll just assume I don't really like kibbeh.
Onto the meal... I had the Shrimp Kebabs. Seasoned perfectly, the rice was awesome with the pistachios and raisins and all that. I would have liked more of them actually. I was so full by that point that I could only eat half and take the rest home to my fiance.
During the meal (we went on a Friday), the Flamenco dancers were awesome. Women of all ages and shapes, it was pretty cool. We stuck around for the belly dancer who was supposed to come on stage around 10pm but she didn't mosey on out until around 11pm. She wasn't my favorite, she looked kinda plastic. My friend swears she works at Admiral after she leaves Alhambra but that is TOTAL rumor starting material right there.
So overall, the decor was beautiful. The bathrooms were beautiful. The food was good. Entertainment was entertaining. I don't see why you wouldn't come here?
Not to mention all of the really bad reviews on here... but whatever, it's 2 blocks from my condo so I figured if it was really THAT bad, I could just excuse myself to the bathroom and sneak myself home.
But I digress... on to dinner. We arrived around 7:10 for a 7pm reservation and requested to sit in the main dining room with the stage. The girl at the hostess stand informed us that they usually don't seat that room until 7:30pm but she would go check. She came back within a minute and told us we could be seated even though we offered to wait at the bar. That was nice of her.
Everyone got one of their cocktails from the long list they offer ... and now I can't remember my drink's name! It was black cherry I think? Whatever, it was good. I got a glass of red wine with dinner which was also pretty good.
We ordered a bunch of appetizers to split: falafel, lebna, hummus, batata and kibbeh. Now the kibbeh was an ordeal... there was a private party going on upstairs and they apparently ordered the crap out of the kibbeh and there was no more left. One person in our group was THOROUGHLY pissed and mentioned to our server more than twice about how ridiculous it was that there wasn't any more kibbeh in the kitchen. I really felt bad for the server guy, it's not like it was his job to make sure there was enough for this party and our DBag friend. And then... miraculously... it appeared. A whole plate, just for him. I didn't like it but he loved it so I'll just assume I don't really like kibbeh.
Onto the meal... I had the Shrimp Kebabs. Seasoned perfectly, the rice was awesome with the pistachios and raisins and all that. I would have liked more of them actually. I was so full by that point that I could only eat half and take the rest home to my fiance.
During the meal (we went on a Friday), the Flamenco dancers were awesome. Women of all ages and shapes, it was pretty cool. We stuck around for the belly dancer who was supposed to come on stage around 10pm but she didn't mosey on out until around 11pm. She wasn't my favorite, she looked kinda plastic. My friend swears she works at Admiral after she leaves Alhambra but that is TOTAL rumor starting material right there.
So overall, the decor was beautiful. The bathrooms were beautiful. The food was good. Entertainment was entertaining. I don't see why you wouldn't come here?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Review
That place looked like a real palace - both in terms of size and splendor! Very tasty food and a variety of live entertainment on select nights, including belly dancers, Arabic bands, and salsa lessons!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Review
I have to say, I don't understand all the negative reviews. I am a die hard fan! What's not to love about this place? The food is amazing, so professionally cooked and as best as the Mediterranean cuisine could get! I am very iffy about ordering lamb in particular from anywhere because not many people can cook it right, but I'm never thinking twice at this place. And it's all halal! What a deal!!! The sea food is exquisite! You just can't get enough.
Superb service, making sure everything is ok from time to time. But then Arabs are known for their hospitality and rightly so. Our server was Raid or Ray, and he deserves a five star rating of his own.
You want a real image of what life is like in the Middle East? you have to see this place then. And the live entertainment, the belly dancers and the most beautiful of love songs in the sweetest of all languages! Wallahi, if you don't like this place, you were in a bad mood to begin with :)
And the extravagant decor, is like a palace out of fairytale setting! I wish there was a seven star rating for this place! Absolutely love it, will go back again and again!
Superb service, making sure everything is ok from time to time. But then Arabs are known for their hospitality and rightly so. Our server was Raid or Ray, and he deserves a five star rating of his own.
You want a real image of what life is like in the Middle East? you have to see this place then. And the live entertainment, the belly dancers and the most beautiful of love songs in the sweetest of all languages! Wallahi, if you don't like this place, you were in a bad mood to begin with :)
And the extravagant decor, is like a palace out of fairytale setting! I wish there was a seven star rating for this place! Absolutely love it, will go back again and again!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Review
Review for Tuesday night Latin dancing:
Wow, the moves I have seen on the dance floor here are enviable. F'en B to the girls that shake like that! I have Alhambra written in on my calendar for Latin dancing on Tuesday nights. This is where the best of the best show up to sweat their tails off. It is refreshing to know that there is a culture of Latin dancers out there that simply get together to have fun, dance, mix & mingle and share each others company. No worries about drama like you would have when you go out during the weekend. Everyone is so cool and respectful. No one competes, no one causes problems, so much fun. Not to worry friends, sooner, rather than later, I too will be one of those chicks getting swept across the dance floor. Haha!
Wow, the moves I have seen on the dance floor here are enviable. F'en B to the girls that shake like that! I have Alhambra written in on my calendar for Latin dancing on Tuesday nights. This is where the best of the best show up to sweat their tails off. It is refreshing to know that there is a culture of Latin dancers out there that simply get together to have fun, dance, mix & mingle and share each others company. No worries about drama like you would have when you go out during the weekend. Everyone is so cool and respectful. No one competes, no one causes problems, so much fun. Not to worry friends, sooner, rather than later, I too will be one of those chicks getting swept across the dance floor. Haha!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Review
Tuesday night is Salsa Night! (and Friday nights)
By far Tuesday night Salsa at the Alhambra is THE best salsa event of the week. First of all the space is beautiful and huuge. Live bands depending on the season, is also another huge hit with this place.
This is the night where the best dancers in Chicago come out to bust a move on the dance floor.
Can be intimidating, but wow, fun to watch!
There is so much energy in here especially for a Tuesday night, you would not believe it.
Tip: parking is scarce between 10.30pm-12am
Cover is $10 or $15 for live band night. Get on the guestlist for 1/2 off before 9pm.
***
Friday night salsa is upstairs in the other room. It's ok. Still lots of people but I prefer the main room dance floor.
By far Tuesday night Salsa at the Alhambra is THE best salsa event of the week. First of all the space is beautiful and huuge. Live bands depending on the season, is also another huge hit with this place.
This is the night where the best dancers in Chicago come out to bust a move on the dance floor.
Can be intimidating, but wow, fun to watch!
There is so much energy in here especially for a Tuesday night, you would not believe it.
Tip: parking is scarce between 10.30pm-12am
Cover is $10 or $15 for live band night. Get on the guestlist for 1/2 off before 9pm.
***
Friday night salsa is upstairs in the other room. It's ok. Still lots of people but I prefer the main room dance floor.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Review
So my friend was having his birthday dinner here and I read some of the reviews before going-and I was seriously worried....but it all ended up being for no reason! I thought Alhambra Palace was a great place to go for a different type of atmosphere than your standard restaurant plus the added bonus of live entertainment!
Alhambra is great for big groups (we had about 20 in ours) but they also have quaint tables for 2. They have a pretty big bar that greets you when you first walk in and they do NOT mess around with their wine pours-filled to the top every time, such a nice change from the tiny overpriced glasses I've had other places.
The food was also really good-I am by no means a Middle Eastern food expert, but I'm no amateur either and everything we had was very good. Our table got some hummus and falafel as appetizers and my boyfriend and I split the Filet Kabob for dinner. All were very good, no complaints whatsoever. The entertainment was, well, entertaining....a little salsa dancing followed by some belly dancing really made our night here more of an experience than just a meal. If I had guests in from out of town I would definitely consider Alhambra Palace for a little out of the ordinary entertainment.
Alhambra is great for big groups (we had about 20 in ours) but they also have quaint tables for 2. They have a pretty big bar that greets you when you first walk in and they do NOT mess around with their wine pours-filled to the top every time, such a nice change from the tiny overpriced glasses I've had other places.
The food was also really good-I am by no means a Middle Eastern food expert, but I'm no amateur either and everything we had was very good. Our table got some hummus and falafel as appetizers and my boyfriend and I split the Filet Kabob for dinner. All were very good, no complaints whatsoever. The entertainment was, well, entertaining....a little salsa dancing followed by some belly dancing really made our night here more of an experience than just a meal. If I had guests in from out of town I would definitely consider Alhambra Palace for a little out of the ordinary entertainment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)