Mamoun's Falafel

Mamoun's Falafel at 119 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, is a small Middle Eastern counter that has been serving falafel since 1971 and is widely counted among the city's original falafel shops. The cuisine is Middle Eastern street food, built around freshly fried chickpea falafel, shawarma and simple accompaniments. The falafel sandwich is the emblematic order, served in warm pita with tahini, salad and hot sauce, and the shawarma sandwich is the other main choice. Platters, hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves and baklava are also available, and the food is designed to be eaten quickly and cheaply. The shop is tiny, with a narrow counter, minimal seating and a few stools, so most customers order at the window and eat outside or while walking. The atmosphere is informal, fast and packed at night, when the surrounding MacDougal Street bars and clubs empty out. There is no dress code and no reservations, and the only beverage offering consists of soft drinks and bottled water. The shop typically stays open until late, which makes it a favourite for a late meal, and lines are longest late at night and on weekends. Prices are low, and a falafel sandwich costs only a few dollars, making it one of the cheapest satisfying meals in the neighbourhood. The location places it in the heart of the Village's music and comedy streets, close to Washington Square Park, New York University and Bleecker Street, so it fits naturally into an afternoon or evening walk. Its neighbours include Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street, and a slice and a falafel sandwich together make a classic inexpensive Greenwich Village meal within New York City.