Mangal Kabob

If you want a solid, affordable place for Turkish standards and mean Mediterranean sandwiches, you can’t go too wrong with Mangal Kabob. Service here is quick, and while most go for delivery or takeout, there’s a decent amount of seating for those who choose to eat there. The breads and pitas they use are phenomenal — crispy on the outside, soft on the side. I also appreciate their tzatziki sauce, which is a little more watery than typical, but also fresher tasting. While their lamb gyro may not be game changing, it’s tasty and filling. The lamb could taste dry sometimes, but it’s nice texture (i.e. thin and crispy) and seasoning makes up for it.

I don’t leave too many reviews, only if I have something very positive or very negative to share. This time is very far from positive.
My girlfriend was starving and felt like salmon kabob. This restaurant is literally around the corner from her place. We were on the way home and asked how long it will take, to which they said 20 mins for delivery. After confirming the address twice and clarifying it’s around the corner we went home and 30 to 40 minutes later I called them and basically learned they got the address VERY wrong.
But that’s not the punchline. We said were coming back to the restaurant to eat in and upon arrival sat down and… were given our food packed in the delivery bag. And that’s still not the punchline: when we repeated that were now eating inside, the guy just placed, by then almost an hour-​old, salmon kabob in front of my girlfriend. Didn’t even bother to reheat it. I actually asked him if that’s our original food to which he said yes. It was obviously cold. I obviously had them make her a fresh kabob. Could have offered an ice tea or something. Zero service. Zero English.
PS: I tasted her salmon kabob and have to say if she wasn’t as hungry I’d make her send it back: it tasted boiled more than grilled.
PS2: He just brought us 2 pieces of baklava and 2 cups of tea. I guess I’ll add a star for this. Not gonna eat/​drink them though.

Okay. Mangal and I go way back to 2005. There used to be a Turkish place on Houston/​Orchard in the Loisaida called Bereket that catered to the late night booze cushion crowd. No one remember them being very good, but they were fast on service and decent on the service size. I figure that Mangal was similar — however, in addition to the usual doners and kebabs, they also put out stuff that only the locals will decipher. I didn’t pick up the hint until one day I saw Anthony Bourdain crack wise and munch on Lahmacun with his cabbie on No Reservations, and shortly afterwards I took 3 weeks off and went to Aegean Turkey with my lady at that time. I learned quickly and deeply there about Turkish culture and cuisine, and when I returned I started to seek the same rich variety of flavors that I was exposed to. Well, it helps that Mangal is across the street from the Turkish community center of Queens, and there are plenty of friendly regulars and locals willing to guide me through. Well, the results were enlightening –here’s some clues:
A) Turkish cuisine is more than simply kebabs. Sure, they eat a lot of kebabs and doners (Mangal is after all the Turkish word for barbecue: both the methods of cooking and a festive cultural event that it entails), but the soul of a Turk lays in the kofte — or meatballs. Any storefront in Istanbul can sell you a portion of tavuk (chicken) doner, but only your mother can make the best koftes. It might be grilled or broiled, but the best ones are stewed. Oh, look. Izmir Kofte, which is a delectable meatball stew for a homesick Turk, and it’s a special at Mangal sometimes.
B) Turkey is literally the crossroads of Eurasia, and you can find Turkic influence in modern cuisines ranging from Western Europe to Afghanistan and even China. Ever had a French Ratatouille? It’s a variation of the classic Turkish vegetables-​poached-​in-​olive oil dish called imam bayildi. The Pede? It is actually an ancestor to the Calzone. The Turks and the Italians have been frenemies for centuries.
c) Lahmacun. The crispy red pepper and tomato flat bread with chopped lamb on it? That’s a classic snack known for centuries. Think of it as kind of like their own foldable $ 1 New York pizza slice. Except they eat it with a small salad of Arugula, tomatoes, onions, sumac and squeezed lemon. When done right it’s downright unbeatable.
So here’s my suggestion for «getting» Mangal — understand how the Turks eat here. Order Ayran (Turkish savory yogurt) as a beverage when consuming kebabs. Order a small meze (that is, starter salad like piyaz (bean salad), Corban salatsi (Shepard’s salad) or their Tabouli (eh, the Lebanese does it better) to start your meal, and you always start with soup. Not any soup — ezogelin, the lentil soup. If you order the Iskembe you are going to get a pungent tripe soup that you’ll need a massive hit of garlicky vinegar to deal with. It’s really a hangover thing. Well, you can order your Pede, maybe a kebab or 2, and then perhaps the delicious little dumplings called manti. Or ask about the daily specials. In Istanbul there exists a class of low cost, high-​turnover prix-​fix restaurants called Lokantasi which are like meat-​and-​three counters, everything is pre-​made, typically stews, stuffed veggies or fish, and rice made at least 3 ways. You just point, they dish, you pay. They exist for the reasons of serving local bachelor tradesmen and laborers, and it’s, as an Istanbulite friend of mine would say «like a taste of home away from home». Mangal is probably the closest you can get to a Lokantasi when their specials are on… stuff like braised lamb shanks, white bean and meat stews, grilled sardines, stuff that’s off the beaten path — read the sights, ask the server about the specials, and give them a try. The food is good, but the cultural lessons are even better.
Oh, and P. S: If you are a big Turksh food geek, look across the street — Parrot foods on the other side of Sunnyside sells pretty much everything you want. If not, Turkyiem market on 48^th will have more.

Had the mixed grill for two.
The food there, the Kebab was really good.
Get to taste all these different kinds of kebabs in one big plate.
A great diner choice at Queens.

Really good tasting food.
I have ordered pretty much everything from the menu and have yet to come across a disappointing meal. A must try for anyone.

The food is really good but the customer service and manners are completely non existent .
Also, if you are a woman they act like you are invisible and serve the men who are in line behind you first and if you are are not part of their culture you get treated even with more disdain.
I’ve come here more than once because the food is good but if you leave every time asking yourself «did that just happen» again and again? I’d rather not come back. Hello owners this is America not a third world country where women are considered nothing. Also it’s not a right to be here it’s something you earn if you want the business and respect of the neighborhood and country where you decide to have your business. learn some basic people skills and get the scowl off your face already!
The head guy always has a frown on his face and ignores you, also depending on who takes your order the price of what I always order is different and if you ask about it they give you the highest price and basically tell you if you don’t like it don’t come back because you always complain? Big lie and what a jerk on top of it. Enough is enough, if you check all my reviews I have not one bad thing to say about anyone I’ve reviewed but after the last incident of being ignored for one of their own standing behind me no less, you know what I won’t recommend it to anyone or ever go back. Not worth the feeling you get for stopping by.

Best Turkish food around hands down!

One of my ex-​coworkers called me to arrange a lunch and being close to the Long Island City area and also he being Turkish, we decided to try out Mangal Kabob.
Mangal Kabob is a small restaurant that won’t win any awards for décor, but it’s a honest and no-​frills place to grab some Turkish food.
I wasn’t in the mood to eat a large lunch so decided on the Garden Salad with Shish and Chicken Kebab.
I can already hear some of you say… a salad in a restaurant known for their meat dishes?
Surprisingly, Mangal Kabob served up one of the best salads I’ve ever eaten!
All the vegetables were fresh, from the juicy tomatoes, various crisp lettuce leaves, tangy red onions, and some cool cucumber slices. Dressing was a nice balsamic vinaigrette.
The chicken kebab was very moist and cooked perfectly with just the right amount of seasoning that was probably just simply salt, pepper, yogurt, and lemon.
The shish kebab was even better; succulent and tender, with a real «meaty» flavor. Again seasoned perfectly and cooked to a nice medium rare to medium.
My friend (who was feeling a bit under the weather) ordered light as well and had the falafel with hummus appetizer paired with a lentil soup. He told me everything was good, but considering his condition, I cannot provide any genuine feedback on what he dined on.
I’m sure I will make my way to Mangal Kabob again to try their other dishes as my first experience was quite good.

Everything in here tastes authentic and delicious. They make the best lentil soup! I love their generous servings of their soft chewy bread… Yum!

Probably best Turkish food in the area but definitely not the best Turkish food ever. Place is a bit dumpy. But satisfies Turkish food craving. Delivery service is pretty bad and takes forever.

Great salads, love their baba ganoush, warm bread, Adana kebab with rice!
They take great care of their catering orders.
Always a reliable place for good Turkish food.

I was working in the area and was craving some good authentic middle eastern and this place was legit. Soccer on the tv,
Middle eastern guys talking loud (but pleasantly) drinking tea talking politics. It’s a legit place. I had a lamb gyro with home bread and it was so much food! Very tasty and the best gyro in queens. Also had a shepherd salad which was good. This place tickled my craving for a gyro and was great. Clean, tasty and the server was a great guy! I will be back many times when I am in the area!

Would have expected the prices to be a bit cheaper given that it feels like being in a diner that serves Turkish good. Food is not bad at all, but you can get slightly better at Turkish Grill down the road for about the same price and Turkish Grill has nicer atmosphere for a dining experience. The meat was well marinated and rice was good, but with so many good Turkish options in NYC I’m not sure I would go out of my way to go to Mangal Kabob again, it was not so memorable overall. Service impression was flat like a pide.

Mangal Has been one of my favorite places for years. The waiters are very friendly with very family oriented owner. He treats customers like family. Salmon kebab is one of the best in Queens. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in sunny side. Definitely stop by for the best Turkish food in town

All I can say about this place is fresh fresh fresh! I live on the north side of Queens Blvd delivery never more than 30min. This is the freshest food of any kind delivered in the neighborhood.

Awesome Turkish food. Good food and prices aren’t so bad. Very welcoming and delicious food

Love me some Turkish food.

Great food, average portions, and worth the price. The service is great, I usually get takeout so I’d personally wish for slightly larger portions. The rice is great, the meat is always perfectly seasoned and cooked.

My new favorite place! I am absolutely in love with their baba ghanoush, so creamy and just perfect. We got the lentil soup which was amazing and than the mix platter which was just enough for two. The rice portion was small but the amount of bread you receive absolutely makes up for that. Meat was tender and well cooked. Best part I think it was a fair price for everything we we got.
The food was amazing. I enjoyed that the man serving us wasn’t so on top of us and gave up space but around enough that if we needed anything he was there. I can’t wait to go back!

For pide, not pita bread, there is none other than Mangal. From the doner/​gyros, to the meat pizza similar to an open face stromboli, you cannot get any better cuisine. The food is halal (pork free), made to order, and the choices are plentiful. They were out of the chicken shawarma for my doner, so they subbed it for grilled chicken. They even gave me Turkish tea while I waited. I made my boyfriend try the coffee (also brewed fresh) and he will never be the same. Delicious and strong, everytime. Go here, try something new, you will surely be back.

This is seriously some of the best Turkish I ever had. I stopped here on the way home and omg, the tripe soup was really really good. But what was even better was the pide. I love pizza and I love meat, and pide is an inspired combination of both. It was like a delicious boat filled with cheese and meat, you may never want to go back to regular pizza after eating it! Honestly places like this are just another reason to love Queens

Stopped by here since I was in the area… and because the nearby halal cart that came highly recommended was «out of food». Being that it was well past my usual dinnertime, I was famished and cranky. Making matters worse was the fact that this place was completely packed on a Thursday night and it didn’t look like the customers were in any rush to wrap up and allow me the chance to sit and eat my meal in peace. So, I placed an order for a lamb shawarma in home bread and a Turkish yogurt drink to go.
As soon as I got home and unwrapped my sandwich, I was in awe of its size, how fresh it looked, and pleased that it stayed nice & hot despite the 15-​minute ride home. Yes, I know I started out by saying I was famished but I also wanted to eat this in a comfortable setting, not on the sidewalk & while struggling to not make a disaster of my meal.
First of all, there was plenty of lamb in the sandwich and it also had the proper amount of typical accompaniments. The lamb was sufficiently seasoned but wasn’t greasy or overly salty. The home bread was just the perfect texture and thick/​sturdy enough to hold everything together without itself being too bulky or unnecessarily bready. It also tasted pretty good and heightened the flavors of what it contained.
Packaged with the shawarma were a little container of tatziki sauce and a couple of packets of Yi Pin hot sauce. That last detail threw me off a little bit but I figured since I didn’t ask for it and they threw it in, there must be something to it. I tried the 1^st few bites of the sandwich with the tatziki sauce before I caved and tried it with the hot sauce. I’ve gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised that it complimented the shawarma! Who knew?
The yogurt drink was enjoyable as well. For those who have never tried it, it’s thin in considtency and slightly salty and not sweet. It makes for a refreshing drink without weighing you down.
I’m hoping to score a seat inside next time so I can order a platter or a variety of other items to try.

I started insulting the workers here in Turkish, and ended up getting beaten up and totally Mangal-​ed.
What to get: Greek Salad
What else: Young hearts, be free tonight. Time is on your side.
The service here is excellent. They were friendly on the phone even though I was calling shortly before closing, and they still made me a Gyro and Greek Salad even though it was about 3 minutes until they were supposed to be done for the night. I really appreciate that sort of service a lot.
Unfortunately, the Gyro really didn’t do anything for me. It was a bit like one of the Rochester Gyros, and I think in NYC I expect a higher standard than that. It just didn’t have enough flavour or oomph for me. On the other hand, the Greek Salad that came with it was excellent, fresh, and a surprise since cheap Gyros don’t usually come with Greek Salad (especially not at a Turkish place). So they get an extra star for the service and the salad, averaging them out to a 4 overall.
If they were Mongolians, then of course it’d be Mongol Kabob but they’re Turks, so it’s not.

You’re probably having the same thought about this place I did when I first heard the name. «Kebab and pizza? What the???» But somehow, some way… it works.
This little, unpretentious eatery is home to good food, friendly service, and reasonable prices. I came here on a weekday for a late lunch with a friend. It was pretty slow at 2:30pm, so we were seated immediately and our orders came quickly.
We started with the calf’s liver appetizer, which were small fried cubes of liver; I know it sounds weird and like something you’d see on Fear Factor, but it was very creamy and decadent in an organ-​meat-​type way. I had the gyro pide, a difficult-​to-​describe calzone-​like creation with cheese and gyro meat wrapped up in dough. Whatever it was, it was delicious! And finally, my friend had a gyro dish, which was more akin to something you’d expect to find in a Turkish restaurant: gyro meat with a variety of veggies.
Everything was cooked well and flavorful, which was a nice surprise for me (I typically find Turkish cuisine to be under-​seasoned for my palate).
If you’re in the mood for some yummy grub that won’t break the bank, go to Mangal.

I’m a sucker for mixed grill platters, and Mangal Kabob does not disappoint!
It’s not much to look at from the outside (or the inside for that matter), but once that kabob hits your lips, your skepticism will melt away in your mouth like a properly cooked lamb chop.
I also love the hearty and authentic Iskembe (tripe soup). Apparently it helps with digestion!
I definitely recommend not ordering any of the fried dishes (this includes falafel) if you’re grabbing to go or ordering in. It’ll be all soggy and mushy by the time you eat it, and that just ain’t right.

This place is really really good middle eastern food — specifically Turkish. You can tell by the regulars who seem to hang out. Yet the staff is always friendly to gringos like me. Also their delivery is timely and generous — sometimes overly generous with the bread.
The beef and chicken cubes are awesome — perfectly seasoned and grilled. The falafel is spot on and the babaghanoush is next level good. I mean super good smokey baba you won’t forget. I love the white bean salad and chopped salad is always fresh and refreshing. The only setback to this place is a somewhat bland hummus. It’s a little oily and I bet some people like it that way, but I like my hummus to have a little more punch. Just skip it and get that amazing baba instead.

Don’t order from here unless you don’t know your food. The yogurt chicken was terrible, it had Pasta Sauce on it and wet bread as a base. The lamb entrée was overcooked and the hummus was watery.
Seriously save yourself the trouble.

Incredibly authentic and tasty food (nearly identical to what I ate in Istanbul for 7 months a few years ago) and an authentic Turkish atmosphere – which is to say, it is often full of Turkish men and families watching football matches!
The ezogelin soup (a Turkish staple made with lentils and bulgur) is an inexpensive and hearty standout, as is Mangal’s homemade bread; never miss the chance to have it with your soup or your kebobs! The meat is always tender and full of flavor, the rice is fluffy and nutty, and the veggies and various sauces make all of the entrees a perfect symphony of deliciousness,

My husband and I love Turkish food, so had to try this place out. It’s a small place that offers pretty decent food.
— Kabobs: Perfectly seasoned and grilled, not overcooked.
— Condiments: Sauces, meh could have been better.
— Ambience: a small hole in the wall so don’t expect candle light dinner setting.
— Service was good, so no complaints there.
— Parking: don’t have to break an arm and leg, pretty convenient.
Overall, I would come back for the kabobs!

First of all, it’s literally across the street from the 7 train. Plus 5 stars. Lol I kid, that’s just my lazy side rating. But seriously though, RIGHT across. *happy dance*
Food: deeee-​leeee-​sheee-​us. We went in here after seeing pictures of the deliciously juicy looking kebabs and we were not one bit disappointed! Plus, the food was out pretty fast and fresh.
I had the mixed chicken and lamb Adana kebabs; both were exquisite! I did however like the lamb more as it was juicier and more flavorful. (Not that the chicken wasn’t. I’m a lamb lover, so some bias may be present here).
For appetizers, we had the small mixed appetizer which came with about ⁵⁄₆ varieties and pita bread. If you plan on ordering the large appetizers, I think the small mixed appetizer is a good enough portion (for a table of 6). We also had the falafels which I recommend as well!
The only cons for me were that the rice was a bit bland and the white sauce could’ve been better instead of just whipping up yogurt and cucumber together… (Add some herbs and spices, Mangal!!)
Décor: nothing fancy but clean and roomy nonetheless. (Bathroom was also clean! +1)
Waiter Service: nice and friendly waiter, was quite attentive and quick.
I’ll definitely be going back for more kebabs!

After pulling to the restaurant you are show tons of food options just from the outside. Once we walk in were asked to take a seat where we like, we went straight to the back of the seating. A waiter had greeted us and past out the menus and asked us what we would like to drink. Then processed by telling us that we can grab whatever we want from the soda fridge next to us.
Looking at the menu I enjoyed that there are pictures for every single item listed. Some items had details, some had left out what you will find made in the dish. After combing over the menu I decided on getting the lentil soup and what I call the «Meat lovers» pizza. Pictures for the win!
After receiving my soup to my surprise, I was presented with a pureed lentil soup. Sure it was pretty good and I had eaten the entire soup. But still wasn’t what I thought I would be receiving. If it wasn’t for their AMAZING bread (made in house) I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.
Now about the pizza! The portions were very generous and should be eaten alone. Meaning, don’t look to order anything else with it, you won’t need it. The taste is there and once again, and the bread was amazing. The downfall of this pizza… That it was so greasy, it was soggy only after 5 minutes after I had gotten it.
All in all,
I would suggest this place to other people, but I wouldn’t go out to try and make it back there.

I came here with friends and we all tried different versions of a Pide. The cheese Pide tasted okay, but was a bit dry for my taste. However, the Gyro Pide was absolutely on point! The lentil soup was also wonderful. The bread they brought with the soup was delicious. The type of bread you’re okay filling yourself up on.
Portions are decently sized and the staff is friendly and willing to explain the menu.

Their food was very tasty but not incredible when I came here last night.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed their Mixed Appetizer (combo of their best cold appetizers and very tasty too!), everything else was a bit dry and over cooked and lacked that finest flavor to seal in the deal.
Their Lamb Shish Kabab was way over cooked and a bit tough to chew. Their Chicken Adana Kabab was grilled perfectly but tasted a bit dry. As for the Kofte Kabab, it didn’t taste all that fresh or flavorful as I would have liked and something about it tasted a bit off.
As for their rice, it was very nicely done and I really enjoyed their grilled tomato, sweet peppers and very thinly sliced onions as garnish. However, their Falafel Plate was okay. It was overly fried and not very big in size so I felt like I was eating more of the falafel’s fried crust then anything else.
A huge turn off was the source of water. When I was heading to the restroom, I saw the waiter coming out of the bathroom with two pitchers in his hand. Well apparently, they seem to be the same pitchers used to serve us when we asked for water. Of course I don’t think we all died from it, but the thought made it very unappetizing!