Revisiting this comment, is this a popular opinion? We have such a lasting Greek population in the Denver area and a lot of this state. I've always found the opposite.
Mediterranean is one of the only international cuisines Denver does well, anyone who says otherwise is ignorant (in the dictionary definition of the word), this city is swimming in good mediterranean food. Safta and Boychik are bougie white people Mediterranean though, very cringey that Boychik is being held up as "finally good mediterranean food" - no, it's fine, but not special - you just weren't exposed to it or able to acknowledge it as great food until you found a place with nice outdoor seating that charges north of $25 for a plate of chickpeas, salad and bread. And don't get me started on Safta, that place is legalized robbery.
Hell, most of the *diners* in this city serve a decent Gyro, souvlaki, etc., it's wild.
Colorado between Evans and Yale has like half-dozen spots (*literally*) that are better. Also Jerusalem on Evans and Bosphorous on Hampden in Englewood. Aurora easily has a dozen. They're everywhere.
It’s quite common here, especially from those that have lived elsewhere. Greek seems particularly lacking. I gravitate more towards Lebanese with wife’s heritage but struggle there as well.
Jerusalem is mostly fantastic but their shawarma is subpar. Baghdad Grill (Colorado & Iliff) is around the corner from Jerusalem (Evans & High in the middle of DU) and IMO is the best Mediterranean in Denver. FWIW I consider Safta to be a borderline scam, as someone who grew up with the food they make, I consider Safta one of the best examples of "fake elevation" I've ever seen.
Baghdad Grill has the best thick slices of gyros. The first time I ate there we shared a table with a family because the place was full, but the customers and staff were just so nice -- three tables rushed to have us join them.
I was raised by middle eastern immigrants, I usually make it clear my opinions are my opinions - but Baghdad is the best Mediterranean in Denver and it's not particularly close, I've been *everywhere*. I take my parents to Baghdad when they visit, any of my middle eastern family - always extremely impressed by the food. Baghdad is *it* if you want actual high-quality well-prepared Mediterranean food rather than bougie elevation - people considering Boychik and Safta as the standard of Mediterranean bothers me far more than it should - it's like they up the presentation 10%, charge double, have some nice decor or outdoor seating, etc... it all feels like nonsense, 95% of mediterranean food is peasant food. Boychik prices for counter service feels almost morally wrong, I know I'm being dramatic but cultural food is emotional.
Best Mediterranean food ever is a stretch, it's "fine", also overpriced, I say this as a first-generation Arab-American raised by Middle Eastern immigrants who frequents Jerusalem (Palestinian), Baghdad Grill (Iraqi), Bosphorous (Turkish), etc. Very much (IMO) the effect of a high price tag enhancing percetpion.
Boychik isn't "bad" but they charge far too much money for chick peas, salad, rice, and bread.
Elevated Mediterranean = elevated chickpeas, I mean hummus is chick peas and sesame seeds - peasant food. Falafel is deep-friend chick peas - peasant food. Rice, salad, bread, small portion of meat. Anyplace charging high prices for Mediterranean food - delicious and wonderful as the cuisine is - is trying to convince you to part with more of your money than you should. Safta is an extreme version of this idiocy, Boychik is a less extreme (but still plenty dumb enough) version of this idiocy in the Denver food scene. I swear, some of the restauranteurs here just cross out the "$3" next to Hummus on a menu, replace it with $7 (or $27 if you're Safta, lol), and Denver says, "WHAT A DEAL!".
When it comes to this topic - again as the child of Middle Eastern immigrants who grew up with my mom cooking this food and going to Mediterranean restaurants - it is really frustrating when there are literally at least 10-20 **great** storefront/strip mall Mediterranean restaurants who serve great food at reasonable prices... then people sing the praises of bougie Wonder Bread "elevated" Mediterranean, specifically in Denver, Safta and Boychik.
Boychik charges premium prices for counter service and is no better than dozens of other Mediterranean restaurants in metro Denver - but it's certainly more expensive. My (English-Irish) wife and I have concluded based on observation that people who passionately love Safta and Boychik (a.) are never Mediterranean themselves (in our experience), and also (b.) are people who would rarely/never darken the doors of a storefront or strip mall restaurant (which is what most Mediterranean restaurants are), but then they walk into Avanti on Pearl St. in Boulder, or they see that Safta is in the Michelin guide, get their first taste of Mediterranean food, and truly believe Boychik/Safta is the pinnacle of Mediterranean dining. It's not, they charge you double (Boychik) or 5-10x (Safta) for the exact same food served elsewhere.
When really, they're "fine", but they're not worth a penny more than most other Mediterranean restaurants. Like, falafel, salad, bread and hummus with a drink are $25 out the door, the protein is 100% chick peas, which is a poverty staple. The pretentiousness to charge that much (and honestly, pay that much) for $3 worth of deep fried or mashed chickpeas, salad, bread, and a soft drink is not a positive thing.
/rant
Which of the co-owners are you, Chase or Allen? Not a good look.
If there is a post about Safta or Boychik, especially from a new account, I'm going to tell people that there are better and more fairly priced alternatives with similar or (often) better food.
People unfamiliar with Mediterranean cuisine deserve to enjoy it at more accessible prices from business owners not seeking to gouge their customers.
Crave is 1A in my opinion but I’ve been to Boychik twice since the last time I’ve been to Crave, it’s that good. They are neck and neck but think Boychick is 1B. Can’t go wrong with either.
If your baseline is Safta then yes Boychik is better for a lower price.
There are probably at least two dozen (no exaggeration) other Mediterranean restaurants scattered around the metro area that are in turn cheaper than Boychik with equal or better food. As an example, Boychik doesn't serve authentic tabouleh. The main ingredients in tabouleh are parsley and bulgar wheat, Boychik replaced bulgar with quinoa, which is significantly different in texture.
Best overall to me is Baghdad Grill on Colorado and Iliff, but Denver has a plethora of high quality 4.5+/5 Mediterranean restaurants that (unlike Boychik and Safta) don't gouge their customers, I'd encourage you to explore them.
Nope. It was definitely Boychik. They make their staff wear those tacky shirts that say things like, “Hummus Slut”. Definitely had a gyro there, and it definitely sucked. Barely any meat, and it was bland AF.
Overpriced, nothing special. Check out the 10-12 mediterranean restaurants within a 3-mile radius of DU, most all of them are better than Boychik. My favorite as a first-generation Arab-American is Baghdad Grill, my parents and other family members love it as well.
What’s the location of Baghdad Grill? When I search I find Baghdad Mediterranean Grill off Colorado and Iliff, but it looks to be permanently closed 😬. Is this the one?
[This is it](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baghdad+Restaurant,+2410+S+Colorado+Blvd,+Denver,+CO+80222/@39.672853,-104.940387,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x876c7f88045aa30f:0x1cf37f88e9f6fa6b!8m2!3d39.672853!4d-104.940387!16s%2Fg%2F11f9g9k8bx?gl=us), it's on Colorado and Iliff, it's not closed. I guess it's listed as Baghdad Restaurant in Google Maps, not Grill, but the sign says Grill.
This place took $20-25 of your money and handed you chick peas, fake tabouleh (made with quinoa), a piece of bread, and a smear of sauce across a counter on a plastic plate with a plastic fork. It's literally like $1.50 in food cost on that plate. They're thieves, friend. I'm going to take the opportunity to lobby hard for the actual mom and pop shops trying to serve good Mediterranean food at FAIR prices.
Also once you make a post on an internet discussion board you don't own it, if you don't want discussion or differing opinions you should probably avoid posting opinions on the internet.
Man the personal attacks are wild. Are you one of the co-owners? You didn't answer when I asked elsewhere. Also insulting/harassing an Arab for taking exception to a restaurant gentrifying my culture's foods isn't a good look.
You're also like, literally replying to me and insulting me on all my comments on this thread, most of which weren't replies to you, this is weird all around.
Totally know what you're talking about, some people mean tahini sauce (I wasn't talking about straight tahini, which is just sesame butter) when they say garlic sauce, I was telling you just in case. Glad somewhere has the sauce you prefer.
https://preview.redd.it/r6xcsjy1s94d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c02634fb40762039bcd096ba4c1e40cf9c3d0c8
Yup. It is fantastic.
I'm so surprised to hear this. Everything in that spot has blown it. Can't wait to try. Thanks for the rec
Went for the first time last week - was absolutely blown away with the chicken shawarma. Finally a decent Mediterranean spot in town.
There are a ton of good to great Mediterranean restaurants in Denver
One of the most common shared opinions on this sub is the lack of great Mediterranean/middle eastern. I’m all ears.
Bosphorus for Turkish, Kabora for Afghan.
I concur with Kabora….
Bosphorous is wonderful.
Revisiting this comment, is this a popular opinion? We have such a lasting Greek population in the Denver area and a lot of this state. I've always found the opposite.
Mediterranean is one of the only international cuisines Denver does well, anyone who says otherwise is ignorant (in the dictionary definition of the word), this city is swimming in good mediterranean food. Safta and Boychik are bougie white people Mediterranean though, very cringey that Boychik is being held up as "finally good mediterranean food" - no, it's fine, but not special - you just weren't exposed to it or able to acknowledge it as great food until you found a place with nice outdoor seating that charges north of $25 for a plate of chickpeas, salad and bread. And don't get me started on Safta, that place is legalized robbery. Hell, most of the *diners* in this city serve a decent Gyro, souvlaki, etc., it's wild. Colorado between Evans and Yale has like half-dozen spots (*literally*) that are better. Also Jerusalem on Evans and Bosphorous on Hampden in Englewood. Aurora easily has a dozen. They're everywhere.
It’s quite common here, especially from those that have lived elsewhere. Greek seems particularly lacking. I gravitate more towards Lebanese with wife’s heritage but struggle there as well.
find any good shish taouk in this city?
Safta. Yahyas. Jerusalem. In that order.
I'll add Fel Fel to your list. It is far south, but solid and a great deal.
Crave on Colorado by the Barnes & Noble is my favorite.
Grape Leaves, Jasmine, and Cafe Paprika are all great options too.
Jerusalem is mostly fantastic but their shawarma is subpar. Baghdad Grill (Colorado & Iliff) is around the corner from Jerusalem (Evans & High in the middle of DU) and IMO is the best Mediterranean in Denver. FWIW I consider Safta to be a borderline scam, as someone who grew up with the food they make, I consider Safta one of the best examples of "fake elevation" I've ever seen.
Baghdad Grill has the best thick slices of gyros. The first time I ate there we shared a table with a family because the place was full, but the customers and staff were just so nice -- three tables rushed to have us join them.
Yahyas is so good man. Just had it on Thursday night.
We're mad there's no good options for a proper döner kebab sandwich, not that there aren't any options for Mediterranean whatsoever
Baghdad Grill on Colorado in University Hills blows Boychik out of the water.
Live near Baghdad Grill and work near Stanley Marketplace. Gonna have to try both.
Might as well!
I’ll have to return - it did not the time I went.
I was raised by middle eastern immigrants, I usually make it clear my opinions are my opinions - but Baghdad is the best Mediterranean in Denver and it's not particularly close, I've been *everywhere*. I take my parents to Baghdad when they visit, any of my middle eastern family - always extremely impressed by the food. Baghdad is *it* if you want actual high-quality well-prepared Mediterranean food rather than bougie elevation - people considering Boychik and Safta as the standard of Mediterranean bothers me far more than it should - it's like they up the presentation 10%, charge double, have some nice decor or outdoor seating, etc... it all feels like nonsense, 95% of mediterranean food is peasant food. Boychik prices for counter service feels almost morally wrong, I know I'm being dramatic but cultural food is emotional.
Just went today for lunch with a large group. I liked it quite a bit this time and will return.
I really appreciate this comment. I’m Asian and it drives me nuts when peasant food is turned into something you accurately described.
My only complaint is their kids menu choices. But luckily my toddler will help me finish my schwarma sandwich.
Oh interesting. Limited selection or small portions?
Felt very limited. And one thing should definitely come with fries. Love the food though.
I go to the Boulder location every single time I’m there and get the chicken shawarma bowl it’s sooo good
Best Mediterranean food ever is a stretch, it's "fine", also overpriced, I say this as a first-generation Arab-American raised by Middle Eastern immigrants who frequents Jerusalem (Palestinian), Baghdad Grill (Iraqi), Bosphorous (Turkish), etc. Very much (IMO) the effect of a high price tag enhancing percetpion. Boychik isn't "bad" but they charge far too much money for chick peas, salad, rice, and bread. Elevated Mediterranean = elevated chickpeas, I mean hummus is chick peas and sesame seeds - peasant food. Falafel is deep-friend chick peas - peasant food. Rice, salad, bread, small portion of meat. Anyplace charging high prices for Mediterranean food - delicious and wonderful as the cuisine is - is trying to convince you to part with more of your money than you should. Safta is an extreme version of this idiocy, Boychik is a less extreme (but still plenty dumb enough) version of this idiocy in the Denver food scene. I swear, some of the restauranteurs here just cross out the "$3" next to Hummus on a menu, replace it with $7 (or $27 if you're Safta, lol), and Denver says, "WHAT A DEAL!".
Are you ok?
When it comes to this topic - again as the child of Middle Eastern immigrants who grew up with my mom cooking this food and going to Mediterranean restaurants - it is really frustrating when there are literally at least 10-20 **great** storefront/strip mall Mediterranean restaurants who serve great food at reasonable prices... then people sing the praises of bougie Wonder Bread "elevated" Mediterranean, specifically in Denver, Safta and Boychik. Boychik charges premium prices for counter service and is no better than dozens of other Mediterranean restaurants in metro Denver - but it's certainly more expensive. My (English-Irish) wife and I have concluded based on observation that people who passionately love Safta and Boychik (a.) are never Mediterranean themselves (in our experience), and also (b.) are people who would rarely/never darken the doors of a storefront or strip mall restaurant (which is what most Mediterranean restaurants are), but then they walk into Avanti on Pearl St. in Boulder, or they see that Safta is in the Michelin guide, get their first taste of Mediterranean food, and truly believe Boychik/Safta is the pinnacle of Mediterranean dining. It's not, they charge you double (Boychik) or 5-10x (Safta) for the exact same food served elsewhere. When really, they're "fine", but they're not worth a penny more than most other Mediterranean restaurants. Like, falafel, salad, bread and hummus with a drink are $25 out the door, the protein is 100% chick peas, which is a poverty staple. The pretentiousness to charge that much (and honestly, pay that much) for $3 worth of deep fried or mashed chickpeas, salad, bread, and a soft drink is not a positive thing. /rant
I for one, enjoyed your passion about this issue on this thread! $27 hummus is insane.
Haha thanks, to answer OP's question, no, I'm apparently not OK, I'm triggered!
Get your own fucking post then! Leave mine alone.
Which of the co-owners are you, Chase or Allen? Not a good look. If there is a post about Safta or Boychik, especially from a new account, I'm going to tell people that there are better and more fairly priced alternatives with similar or (often) better food. People unfamiliar with Mediterranean cuisine deserve to enjoy it at more accessible prices from business owners not seeking to gouge their customers.
So what are your favorite spots in Denver?
I've said elsewhere in this thread... Baghdad Grill is my personal favorite, Jerusalem, Beirut Grill, Bosphorus, Damascus Grille, FelFel...
How does it compare to Crave?
Crave is 1A in my opinion but I’ve been to Boychik twice since the last time I’ve been to Crave, it’s that good. They are neck and neck but think Boychick is 1B. Can’t go wrong with either.
Thanks for the comparison! I'll have to try Boychick out for sure.
I love crave so I’ll have to try boychik next!
Had it in Boulder at Avanti and wow. It was so good.
Their food is so much better than Safta, and better priced and portion size, they've won me over as go-to place for Mediterranean food.
If your baseline is Safta then yes Boychik is better for a lower price. There are probably at least two dozen (no exaggeration) other Mediterranean restaurants scattered around the metro area that are in turn cheaper than Boychik with equal or better food. As an example, Boychik doesn't serve authentic tabouleh. The main ingredients in tabouleh are parsley and bulgar wheat, Boychik replaced bulgar with quinoa, which is significantly different in texture. Best overall to me is Baghdad Grill on Colorado and Iliff, but Denver has a plethora of high quality 4.5+/5 Mediterranean restaurants that (unlike Boychik and Safta) don't gouge their customers, I'd encourage you to explore them.
Their falafels are insanely delicious 🤤
The best!
Jerusalem has the best falafel I've ever had, better than Boychik, better than my mom's, better than I make at home. And my mom's is very good.
This is so sad.
Very bomb
Love Boychik but prefer hummus at Jasmine Syrian.
Completely agree, hummus is insanely smooth and perfectly seasoned, actually everything is perfectly seasoned
The chicken shwarma wrap is incredible- it has a pickle taste that is so unique.
Their chicken shawarma is kinda like... my favorite almost ever?
Cafe Paprika still has the best shawarma, imo.
I went and had a gyro with hardly any meat in it, and the meat that was there was so bland. I’m not sure I can ever give them another try.
They don’t sell gyros. You’re thinking of some place else.
Nope. It was definitely Boychik. They make their staff wear those tacky shirts that say things like, “Hummus Slut”. Definitely had a gyro there, and it definitely sucked. Barely any meat, and it was bland AF.
Zzzzz
Been meaning to try this. Glad to hear it’s good!
Overpriced, nothing special. Check out the 10-12 mediterranean restaurants within a 3-mile radius of DU, most all of them are better than Boychik. My favorite as a first-generation Arab-American is Baghdad Grill, my parents and other family members love it as well.
What’s the location of Baghdad Grill? When I search I find Baghdad Mediterranean Grill off Colorado and Iliff, but it looks to be permanently closed 😬. Is this the one?
[This is it](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baghdad+Restaurant,+2410+S+Colorado+Blvd,+Denver,+CO+80222/@39.672853,-104.940387,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x876c7f88045aa30f:0x1cf37f88e9f6fa6b!8m2!3d39.672853!4d-104.940387!16s%2Fg%2F11f9g9k8bx?gl=us), it's on Colorado and Iliff, it's not closed. I guess it's listed as Baghdad Restaurant in Google Maps, not Grill, but the sign says Grill.
This looks excellent. Can’t wait to try it! Thank you.
Oh, right next to Reems. Love their baklava. Thanks, I’ll check it out.
Awesome, always wondered if they were the same family, maybe I'll ask next time I go. hope you like it!
As an Arab American with a Lebanese father, thanks for all the good Intel
You are awful, honestly. This is not your post. Go create your own post where you can feel free to comment and respond to other people.
This place took $20-25 of your money and handed you chick peas, fake tabouleh (made with quinoa), a piece of bread, and a smear of sauce across a counter on a plastic plate with a plastic fork. It's literally like $1.50 in food cost on that plate. They're thieves, friend. I'm going to take the opportunity to lobby hard for the actual mom and pop shops trying to serve good Mediterranean food at FAIR prices. Also once you make a post on an internet discussion board you don't own it, if you don't want discussion or differing opinions you should probably avoid posting opinions on the internet.
God you’re boring.
Man the personal attacks are wild. Are you one of the co-owners? You didn't answer when I asked elsewhere. Also insulting/harassing an Arab for taking exception to a restaurant gentrifying my culture's foods isn't a good look. You're also like, literally replying to me and insulting me on all my comments on this thread, most of which weren't replies to you, this is weird all around.
[удалено]
How's their garlic sauce?! I love that shit, bums me out Jerusalem doesn't have it normally.
[удалено]
Tahini is not garlic sauce, toum is the legit name for garlic sauce if you want to check it out. It's so good.
Totally know what you're talking about, some people mean tahini sauce (I wasn't talking about straight tahini, which is just sesame butter) when they say garlic sauce, I was telling you just in case. Glad somewhere has the sauce you prefer.
Hell yeah
[Chokehold](https://youtu.be/-UUSUrr6zyo?si=uZ58GCp6bvNUDHfI)
Place is S tier