SAAD'S HALAL
SUPERB STEAKS AND MORE
Walk 10 minutes from University City and you will find yourself in Philly’s own “Little Lebanon.” At the center of it all stands Saad’s Halal, a culinary beacon that has racked up praise like no other.
We are talking about 11 (yes, eleven) “Best of Philly” awards from Philadelphia magazine, a glowing spot on the Food Network, and shout-outs from Foobooz ("Best falafel in Philly") and Daily Meal ("One of the best halal restaurants in the US").
Not bad for a neighborhood joint that started some 30 years ago with a dream and a grill.
Saad’s turns out a terrific cheesesteak - juicy beef in abundance and seasoned perfectly, with melted cheese and onions on an outstanding roll that’s crisped just right - but it does not end there. Saad's famed Chicken Maroosh (grilled chicken and onions on a hoagie roll layered with tomato, pickle, parsley, and a swoosh of garlic sauce) was crowned “Philly’s Best Sandwich” by the Inquirer.
So, what exactly is halal beef? Think of it as the cousin of kosher - meat prepared according to religious guidelines, with special attention to terminating the animal as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Does it mean that your cheesesteak tastes different? Not at all. The taste depends entirely on the skill of the chef. And in the case of Saad's, that chef is very skilled indeed.
Owner Saad Alreyes, an observant Muslim, is the heart and soul of this place. Hands-on and brimming with joyful energy, he has overseen the kitchen since day one. Back in the early years, when halal meat was hard to come by, Saad literally went to the processing plants and, shall we say, took care of business with his own hands.
That is dedication. And Philly grit.
The restaurant itself is warm and welcoming, with prices that keep college students happy and locals coming back again and again - except on Sunday, when the place is closed for religious observance. It is not unusual to see folks making the trek from New York just to get their fix.
Three decades in, Saad’s Halal is not just a restaurant, and not just the purveyor of one of the city's finest cheesesteaks - it is a community anchor and a shining star in Philly’s food galaxy.
SAAD'S HALAL
4500 Walnut Street
(215) 222-7223 (SAAD)
Old Willie and Saad (GO BIRDS)