Bereket Turkish Kebab House

If Kate Winslet, Kate Upton or Kate Moss ever die, I wonder where they will Burykate. It’s a question every sane person has wondered at one point or another. No? Just me?
There was a time when I was delighted to find Bereket. I mean, think of all the positives:
(1) They serve Doner Kebabs
(2) They used to be really cheap
(3) They are open 24 hrs
(4) They are right next to Katz’s so it’s Corned Beef and Kebabs all night long!
However I later realized
(1) The prices went up, fast
(2) The quality of the meat was at best, bland, and at worst, completely congealed, hard, and awful
(3) The taste of the kebabs just wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, unless I was famished
(4) I could no longer condone recommending this place to anyone other than my kittens
It would probably have scored a 3, but I found out that after all these years of kebabishness, they have closed down. Perhaps connected to the raised prices? I’m just speculating. It’s sad.
So for that reason, I’m giving Bereket a 4, and now I’m off to look for a suitable cemetary for Ms Upton, since I play to marry her, worship her, grow old with her, and then be buried alongside her. Because that’s going to happen.

Goodbye Bereket! This was a great spot. It was the only place open super late-​night back in the mid-​90s… It would be fairly packed with freaks at 4:30 in the morn. The area has changed. Thanks for the falafel Bereket!

Nooooooooo!!! WTF!!!
I don’t even live in New York anymore, but I would have made one last trip if i knew it was closing! I’m assuming the rent was jacked up or some developers decided that corner would look better with a Starbucks. This makes my heart hurt.

Biggie, Canal Jeans, Gray’s, Pearl Paint, my dog Charlie, Justin breaking up with Britney and now this! 15 YEARS I’VE BEEN EATING HERE… I’m gonna need a week of mourning… Maybe longer…
It’s only a matter of time before we completely look like Chicago. Or worse, Hoboken. Actually, i take that back, Chicago is mos def worse. Genetically and generically, white bread is what this city is going to be. 7 eleven and dunkin bronuts are popin up more and more. At first I’m like why? But then it all made sense. All these new people moving in the last two decades from middle America didn’t just bring bad fashion taste, but also their bad taste in food. I never go into these suburban chains. But the familiar is the norm for the sheep that have invaded this great city.
Drunk. High. Sober. The food here was always on point no matter what my state was…15 years. ²⁄₃ times a month. That was a lot of kebabs, doners, and pre-​hook up dining. I wanna cry like a lil bitch and curl up in the fetal position. Where the hell am I gonna get that soup in the dead of winter now? It’s gonna be a long trip to Queens for a good kebab. First world problems.

I love this place. My favorite dish was the Kofte kebab, the red hot sauce was awesome, super spicy, use sparingly. Love the cucumber salad and the rice as well. Always a go to spot late night.
Sad that it is closing but I read that they will try to open up a new location nearby. I hope so!

Nooooo!
This is a late-​night institution, granted I never came here after imbibement. Back in my hummus-​obsessed days, I would serve all over the city for authentic hummus, though I only seeked out the Israeli version because that’s the version I prefer. Many a days I would just go into a place and order a side order of hummus (which usually came with pita… or you just ask nicely). Although Bereket is famous for its doner kebab (and not even falafels), I soldiered on, thinking anyplace with decent tahini must have serviceable hummus. SInce it has been ages since my last visit, I don’t recall liking it or not, but I did enjoy the lentil soup, which was hearty and vegetarian. It is (was? In past tense now…) a no-​frill settlement for one to get a quick, cheap meals that’s not considered chain fast food. It’s not the ‘healthiest’, but at least it’s not the mysterious meat a la McD. Recently, I had walked on East Houston Street and passed by Bereket, thinking how the hummus fairs now. Too bad I will never find out. Though the article did mention the owner hopes to reopen at a nearby location. Well, there’s always hope…
It is indeed very disconcerting to see all these prime real estate being taken over by bigger corporations. The little guys are filtered out, leaving our city with a little less character day by day.

Mentally insane. I told myself I’d just call for the first time and it went down, I called and I ordered and told them my address and phone number. Then, I get a call like 30 mins later like «I’m in the building what number are you again?» Ok, I tell them. 5 mins go by, no elevator. I call the number that called me. Some SUUUUUPER blazed dude with a tremendously chill voice answers, not the same guy who called me. I instantly think I’m on a prank call. I’m like «so my order?» The guy is like «whoah man that’s not me like I let some delivery guy use my phone, he went up to the 7^th floor» I hang up after a super blazed on blazed exchange and call the restaurant. They’re like «I told him the address!» 25 more mins later. My food.

Guys, if you shawarma lover search no further. Finally authentic Turkish lamb shawarma with pita bread that doesn’t tear up and leak, great tahini and humus on location, never had chance to really explore the menu but had a chance to seal the dinner with some Turkish café, and it was a win! Expect me there every time I’m in n.y.

Best doner kebab in manhattan hands down.
Skip the red sauce and order ayran with your meal.

Long time staple in the LES. I snuck in for a snack and to avoid the snow. The chicken kebabs are a must, marinated and charcoal grilled to perfection. The meat is so moist and flavorful. The eggplant sides are just like my mom makes them, perfect accompaniment to the meat. Love coming here, no frills, consistently great food. Cash only!

I ordered the Grill Combination and that came with a side of cucumber salad, rice, lamb chunks (that are wonderfully cooked and seasoned — moist, tender, a little salty); thin gyro/​lamb slices (had a very lamb-​y flavor; was not a fan); comes with a pita bread over the entire dish. The baba ghanouj was very chunky and eggplant-​y — the cucumbers and the tomato chunks on top was a nice touch. The grape leaves plate comes with 4 and with 3 slices of lemon — with a splash of lemon juice over it, I found the stuffed grape leaves to be very good! I’ve had their ‘unique’ lemon/​lime soda, and that was good (has a white/​red design on the front — forgot the name). Beware of the arabic (?) yogurt drink — it was just too much for me in terms of being way too sour!
+baba ghanouj
+stuffed grape leaves

After more than half a year was looking for a Doener Kebap Sandwich again.
I am used to good Kebap places back in Germany and Bereket was recommended by a friend, but I have to say it was not as good as the stuff i am used too.
I am used to have the Sandwich in fresh warm turkish bread — not the case at Bereket.
The Lamb was ok, but not amazing…
People were friendly though.
Overall still need to find my favorite turkish eatery in NY…

The Turkish food here is legendary… in an «I’m drunk in NYC and will eat anything way.»
Their doner kebab really hits the spot. They start by gathering a massive amount of meat shavings, while they prepare a generous pita pocket to be stuffed with glory. My inebriated ass does not remember the precise ingredients, but I recall a tomato, some lettuce, that crispy red stuff (cabbage?) and maybe sauce/​hummus.
Actually, I am not sure if there is sauce at all, but what I do remember is that when you get down toward the bottom of the pita pocket, the delicious lamb/​beef drippings are ripe for the taking.
Luckily, my sober friends eating across from me confirmed that it was some excellent shawarma, and I have no shame in sending individuals to Bereket looking for some greasy, delicious Turkish food. If the haphazard placement of the tables inside the restaurant are off-​putting, try the window instead. This place has allegedly never closed by virtue of their non-​stop operating hours, and I swear I have not had better shawarma elsewhere.

Had the runs and threw up for 2 days because of this place. Nuff’ said.
But if i didn’t get the runs, this place would be 3 stars. But i did and i live in the neighborhood and i now get nauseous every time i walk by here. I’m getting nauseous right now as i write this review.

I have read many a review on Bereket from fellow Unilocalers. Some good; some so so, but a common denominator «great place for late night eats when under the influence of adult beverages».
While I was NOT under the influence of adult beverages; I was hungry late. So, my quest for doner kebab began. Driving over the 59^th Bridge I was salivating delicious lamb being slice from a slow roasted spit. Yum.
I was ready with anticipation, but as things happen the doner kebab at Bereket was just OK to average. The sandwich was not worth describing. It was a total disappointment. I had better doner kebabs at the food court in a mall.
Bereket we may one day have another fling. You may take advantage of my «adult beverage state» and sell me a delicious doner kebab, but until then we are just friends.
CASH ONLY.

1 star for staying open late, but god… The food is terrible.
— Awfully dry chicken shawarma
— Watery, tasteless white/​yogurt sauce
— Spicy sauce that is all spicy, no flavor
— Dry pita bread for sandwiches
— Onions with a weird taste. Pretty sure they were unwashed as well
Overall just really, really inedible.

Bereket is one of my go to places for late night grub. I’ve been coming here since 1999 to fill up my stomach with greasy meat after a night of drinking and it has never failed me. 3 things to consider about this review:
1) I’ve never been here before 2 am
2) I’ve never come here sober.
3) I’ve never had anything other than the doner kebab
The doner kebab sandwich is a good weapon to have for the war against hangover*. They stuff the pita with meat and you’ll probably need a fork to work your way though it. It tastes good and there is enough grease in the meat to mop up the excess alcohol in your stomach. The only drawback is the amount of raw onions they put in the sandwich. My mouth is like a minefield after eating one of these. So remember not to speak too closely to someone afterwards (unless you’ve both had it, in which case it’s fair game) and definitely brush your teeth before going to bed.
*No this isn’t another Fox News propaganda.

Best Turkish food in the city… maybe not the fanciest but by far the best. I’ve eaten all over Turkey so you can trust me!
I have been going here for ages and it has yet to disappoint me. Everything I have had here has been great. Like I said, it’s not fancy, but it IS solid and consistent and tasty. I have had a wide variety of their kebab, tho the adana kebab is my favorite. The salads are all awesome and really fresh. I especially like the eggplant salad; I think this is the best version of this salad in the city from any mediterranean restaurant. Just their very simple lentil soup is a dream.
The staff here are incredibly warm and friendly. I am amazed that they can work so hard, deal with so many drunk people stumbling in for late night food and still maintain their calm and warm demeanor.
Because this place always seems to be open it’s bathroom can be a teensy bit sketchy… nothing too scary, just not 100% clean.

Late night stick to your ribs, good food?! I’ll take it!
I like to order:
~ Lentil Soup: with the right amount of spice and just so damn good
~ Shepard’s Salad: veggies all fresh and dressing is yummy too
~ Falafel: Not the best I’ve had but still not bad
~ Grilled Kofte: nice crispy exterior but moist flavorful interior!
~ Donor Kebab: Nice amount of spices and addictive
~ Baklava: just sweet enough to end the meal
Looks it’s not meant to be high end eating, just some good food to end an equally good night!

I have been here a dozen or so times and now that I live in Astoria I have something to compare it to.
I love the way that they give you a bunch of meat then all the veggies and then more meat.
The donner itself is pretty tasty and by the looks of it home-​made. The meat was crispy and sliced super thin which was an added bonus. The hot sauce as well is home-​made, has a nice kick and very flavorful.
I still think that Astoria is the place for meat on a spit, but this is definitely good if your in the area and need a fix.