Kam Zaman
(216) 685-1500
1917 W 25th St
Cleveland,
OH
44113
41.4851
-81.7039
Neighborhood: Ohio City
What People Are Saying About Kam Zaman
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
There's a long, arcade-like feel to the space, reminiscent of real Middle Eastern restaurants, with busy ceiling fans spinning from a drop-lattice ceiling, cushioned benches, big mirrors and a huge TV screening unsubtitled movies. A relaxed, party atmosphere prevails, especially on "Arabic Nights," when the place gyrates with live music and belly dancing.
The Food
Ample, made-to-order portions of Middle Eastern fare entice diners to try something novel. A less-pungent, more-sweet baba ganoush rates high, as does the fresh, heavy-on-the-tahini hummus and a soup of robust lentils and parsley. The shish tawook entree contains three hefty skewers of cubed, marinated chicken, which mix nicely with the accompanying tangy garlic mayo. Slightly sweet, cilantro-laced Khaliya chicken rates ho-hum, but fried kibbee loaves crammed with meat, pine nuts and onions yield an earthy twang, especially when dipped in yogurt. Skip the bland rice pudding and other desserts and opt for the fruity, sweet hookah pipe.
User Reviews
nanismommie
September 11, 2008
I'VE BEEN TO THE HOOKAH BAR SEVERAL TIMES FOR MANY YEARS...I LOVE THE PLACE....FOOD IS AMAZING AND CHEAP... THE WAITRESS ARE ALL FRIENDLY AND GIVE WONDERFUL SERVICE.... THE HOOKAH IS GREAT... ITS $10 AND LASTS FOREVER.... IF YOU COME DURING THE WEEK ITS SLOW AND NOT TO MANY PEOPLE...A PREFECT TIME TO JUST HANG OUT, STUDY CHILL WITH YOUR FRIENDS.... ON THE WEEKEND ITS LOTS OF FUN.... COOL DJ, WHO PLAYS ALL REQUESTS AND THE SEXIEST OF CLEVELAND DANCEING ON THE FLOOR.... SO MUCH FUN...
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Anonymous
August 20, 2008
They have 2 locations on W. 25th - one by the West Side Market and one 3 blocks north, next door to Lutheran Hospital. The one adjacent to the hospital has a lunch buffet with a wide choice of foods. Their fatoush and hummus are fresh and tasty, but the star of the show (for me) is the baba ganouh. The eggplant in this dish is absolutely smokey - just perfectly made!. Quick, so you can get in and out on a lunch break.
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littleangryfinn
November 27, 2007
I went to this place several times only because it's the only hookah bar in the Cleveland Metro area (to my knowledge). Although the hummus was very good, the rest of the menu is just average, and the prices were higher than the quality of the food. The hookah is good - they offer a variety of flavors. One hookah costs $10, which is a fair deal since each lasts about 1 1/2 hours. Smoking a hookah is a very relaxing experience. Unfortunately, here at Kan Zaman the experience is anything but relaxing. They blast dance and pop music on the overhead TVs, even during the daytime: usually they just switch on a Middle-Eastern Music Video channel and play it at a volume similar to that of a large sports bar. The music is annoying and brings down the mood of the hookah experience. I've been to other hookah bars, and the atmosphere has been much more relaxed and chill. All the times I've been here, my party was the only group in the whole place. And even though we were the only group - the service was horrible and unprofessional! I had to walk to the back of the restaurant to get my waitress' attention, otherwise be stuck waiting a half hour. On a separate note, my boyfriend and I were in the area and stopped by for lunch a little after their posted opening time, only to have the cleaning crew turn us away because they "weren't ready". We ended up waiting outside in the cold for 40 minutes before they'd let us in! After that experience we decided not to return. Bottom line: If you want good Middle-Eastern food, don't go here (go to Aladdin's). And if you want to smoke a hookah, I seriously suggest you buy your own - I did and it was absolutely worth it. This restaurant/bar does not offer a good experience.
read full reviewThe Details on Kam Zaman
The Extras:
Kan Zaman's the only place in town offering the "hubble bubble" Arabic smoking water pipe, in strawberry, apple, lemon, caramel, cherry and peach flavors.
When to Go:
Catch live music and belly dancing Monday, Wednesday and Friday at dinner, but go back for "Arabic (Saturday) Nights," when locals and curious onlookers party late into the evening.
Parking:
Use the free, ample back lot instead of unforgiving street meters.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Private Rooms, Historic Setting, People Watching, Business Dining, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Dancing, Live Music
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
