A Sandwich a Day: Falafel at Chickpea

[Photograph: Nick Kindelsperger]

As both Dennis and I have discovered, finding falafel in the Loop is about as easy as picking a random storefront and walking in. (I am only slightly exaggerating.) But finding the fried specialty elsewhere in the city requires a little more planning. Perhaps this is a good thing. When you do find a place it tends to be a sit-down restaurant that probably takes the time to fry the falafel to order. 

At least that's the case with Chickpea in West Town, which only starts the frying process after the order is taken. Each is also mercifully left intact (too many places break them up), so you get to appreciate the crispy and relatively greaseless exterior. The raw cucumber and tahini are fine, though I would have appreciated some acidic pickles to add some zing. But all told, it's a solid version in a neighborhood that doesn't have many other options. 

Chickpea

2018 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
773-384-9930
chickpeaonthego.com‎