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RAINBOW FALAFEL

Updated

Phone: (212) 691-8641

Address: 26 EAST 17 STREET 10003

TLDR

Long-standing Syrian family spot serving fresh, made-to-order falafel. A budget-friendly neighborhood staple near Union Square.

Reddit Sentiment for RAINBOW FALAFEL(based on 8 Reddit opinions)

100% Positive

Tags

middle eastern 8falafel 7View All

Neighborhoods

Chelsea

Details

This beloved Syrian family establishment has been serving authentic Middle Eastern fare for over 30 years [1]. Located near Union Square, it is widely celebrated as a reliable go-to for high-quality, budget-friendly meals [2, 3]. Guests can expect fresh, made-to-order falafel and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a hidden neighborhood gem [4, 5].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, with particular acclaim for the fresh, made-to-order falafel [4, 5]. Diners highly recommend the eggplant and cauliflower sandwiches, as well as the grape leaves served with baba ghanoush and the not-too-sweet baklava [1, 7, 8]. Additionally, the shop is noted for its excellent variety of soups [4].

Highlights / Recommended

"The falafel sandwich is a standout favorite, often praised for being fried to order [4, 5]. Other highly recommended items include the eggplant sandwich, the cauliflower sandwich, and the grape leaves paired with baba ghanoush [1, 7, 8]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • falafel(2)

Customer Sentiment

Patrons consistently express high satisfaction with the restaurant, frequently highlighting it as an excellent and affordable choice for a quick meal [3, 5]. It is regarded as a delightful discovery that many wish they had visited sooner [6].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About RAINBOW FALAFEL

This post highlights the establishment's 30-year history as a Syrian family-run business and recommends the falafel sandwich, grape leaves with baba ghanoush, and the baklava.
This discussion praises the restaurant for frying falafel to order and notes that it is a great spot for affordable soups.
A thread where users specifically recommend the eggplant and cauliflower sandwiches.
This post identifies the spot as a top budget-friendly option, citing the $8 falafel sandwich.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Where Can I Find The Best Falafel Any

"A delightful recent discovery near Union Square."

Positive
Jul 21, 2026View Comment →

From post: Just Curious Best Budget Places To Eat In Nyc

"Rainbow Falafel is mentioned as a budget option with a falafel sandwich priced at $8."

Positive
Apr 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Falafel Fried To Order

"The commenter tried Rainbow Falafel recently and found it to be a "good cheap eat" that they wished they had known about sooner."

Positive
Mar 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Falafel Fried To Order

"Rainbow Falafel on E. 17th St is recommended as a place that fries falafel while you wait. The commenter also notes they have great soups and that it's a good cheap eat."

Positive
Mar 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Favorite Fried Eggplant Sandwiches That Arent

"The cauliflower sandwich at Rainbow Falafel is also highly recommended."

Positive
Mar 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Favorite Fried Eggplant Sandwiches That Arent

"Rainbow Falafel, located near Union Square, is praised for its excellent eggplant."

Positive
Mar 23, 2026View Comment →

From post: Falafel East Village Les

"This commenter suggested Rainbow Falafel."

Positive
Nov 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommended International Food Spots Near

"This commenter recommends Rainbow falafel for takeout, highlighting it as a Syrian family establishment with a 30-year history. They specifically praise the falafel sandwich, grape leaves dipped in baba ghanoush, and the not-too-sweet baklava."

Positive
Jul 29, 2025View Comment →

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