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| - Definitely, a diamond in the rough. Whenever I'm in market square for lunch, I stop by Nate's, my favorite hole-in-the wall. Nate's Deli has been around for years and it is always busy. The restaurant is a former store-front a few doors down from the West Side Market; parking is in the rear. This is where it all begins.
If you park in the back, you walk in through the kitchen with the whole family working. Elderly ladies greet you in their thick accents while chopping fresh parsley for the many lunch items.
The menu is not a typical "deli" menu, so go elsewhere if you want that. What they do have is the most amazing Middle Eastern food that I often have a hard time choosing what I want for that particular day. The Shistawook (marinated grilled chicken in a pita) is one of my favorites. I always get the garlic on the side if I plan to return to work. It is powerful, yet delicious, and guaranteed to keep the vampires away.
Also on my list of favorites is the tabouli, fatooush, Baba G and hummus. I always love the pickled turnips they bring to the table and they don't last too long. Baby, this is true, non-immitation Middle Eastern food and you will never buy it any cheaper.
The service -- hmmm where do I begin? There is one waitress that reminds me of the soup Nazi. She has been there forever and many people go there simply to watch and hear her. Take no offense to her rudeness, it's just part of the atmosphere. Some of my friends tip her extra because she is so entertaining when she barks out orders.
The drinks are non-alcoholic and soft drinks are by-the-can. It is cash-only, so be prepared. Seat yourself because nobody will do it for you. The most coveted seats are "in the window" (think old shoe store where you walk in with display cases on each side). Most of the patrons are regulars and know that in advnace. You can order Nate's through Food Fetchers and the food is always hot when you get it.
Nate's Deli is one of those places that I always recommend to both locals and out-of-towners. My only complaint is they are not open on Sundays or evenings.
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