(347) 527-1505

  Full halal menu

  Alcohol-free

  $ out of $$$$

   accepted

  Available to-go

  Catering available (more info)

  Parking available

  Mass transit nearby

  Wheelchair accessible

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★★★★☆ have been here several times. This is the spot that made halal food mainstream in New York City. They have several carts in the area, but most people continue to line up at the original cart on the SW corner. Definitely a must try for the "New York Street Food" experience. Posted on September 27, 2017

★★★☆☆ This is the famous Halal Guys food cart located on the corner of 53rd and 6th serving chicken or lamb on rice. While not to be confused with its imitators everywhere in NYC, this cart largely serves the same menu. There might be some parking nearby on the weekend, otherwise you definitely want to leave the 1993 Jaguar XJ220 at home. This reviewer has been to this cart a few times. While the chicken and rice is filling and slightly tasty (especially with the essential white and red sauces), fireeater cannot escape the feeling that this is just bad biryani (South Asian chicken and rice). Were it not for its reputation, the chicken and rice would be classified as merely acceptable as the entire dish is lacking in flavor. This place is far, far too overhyped and, in this reviewer's opinion, its great reputation among the Muslims is undeserved. Come here if you need a quick and filling meal, but you don't have to pretend it's great. Or even acceptable. 3 out of 5 stars. Unfortunately, there are too many better options nearby. Posted on January 8, 2017

★★★★★ I tried Halal Guys for the first time at this original location- it happened to be right outside my hotel! It was excellent. The line was so long but I could see why. This will always be the best location- juiciest and tastiest food. Thanks Posted on July 12, 2016

★★★★★ This food truck gets me an addiction. Been there more than 30 times or maybe even more. Always enjoy their combo platter. The hot sauce is super spicy but in a good way. Posted on June 14, 2016

★★★★☆ The food is good but nothing special. Despite the long queue, the service is quick. We ordered the chicken and lamb combo. It was a huge serving, easily enough for two. Do give it a try, as they provide good and affordable halal food with a very friendly service. Posted on October 26, 2015

★★★☆☆ Average food for the hype. Tried the lamb rice and chicken rice, both were okay. They weren't bad but they dont really warrant the long queue. Be wary of the red sauce, its really very spicy. The portion for the rice was quite big, good for two. Posted on June 3, 2015

★★☆☆☆ Its not what it used to be... too greasy and they fill it more with salad than actual stuff now. Don't go there that often anymore. Posted on May 8, 2015

★★★☆☆ The food was OK, Maybe its been too hyped up, where I was expecting too much, and it was just OK. The Red Sauce was made out of ghost peppers and the white sauce was bland. I am from the Chicago area and comparing it to the Pita Inn in Skokie IL, it just didn't hold up. Posted on June 21, 2014

★★★★★ This is one of my favorite fast food places ever. I live 5 hours away from NYC, and I sometimes make the trip there just to eat Halal Guys. The wait is SO worth it. Yes, I add pools of the white yogurty sauce - the food might be on the dry side without it. That white sauce is AWESOME. They should bottle and sell that stuff. The spicy sauce is VERY spicy - beware. Posted on January 26, 2014

★★★★★ [No review submitted] Posted on December 21, 2013

★★★☆☆ Used to be amazingly good! I remember looking forward to this as a little kid yearss ago. Over the years its been going downhill but it still doesntt stop me from getting more and more. The chicken tastes dry and not as flavorful as before. I wish for the original quality to come back! Posted on October 4, 2013

★★★★☆ [No review submitted] Posted on August 23, 2013

★★☆☆☆ I never really understood why this cart was so popular. The food is pretty dry, and you need to use a lot of white sauce. It's not bad, but the hype is clearly exaggerated. The hot sauce is very hot. All the locations serve the same exact meat and they taste the same - don't waste your time on the half-hour long line! Posted on August 8, 2013

★☆☆☆☆ If you like waiting in line for 20 minutes to get crappy, foul tasting chicken and then getting touched inappropriately by the staff, this is the place for you. For $6.00, some people may think it's worth it.... Posted on June 11, 2013

NR I have three words for this place, hype, hype and hype and I fell for it. They serve bland and very average food, New Yorkers who prefer bland food may like it, this food has no taste and is not Middle Eastern at all, the rice is basmati (Indian) the red spicy sauce is just too hot and it is raw chili powder made into paste. The white sauce is good I must say. I have tried other halal carts and I found some of them to be better and serving taste food (not hot). I will not return to this place. Posted on April 1, 2013

★★★★★ Great taste. Great price. Not sure how this stand is so much more popular than any other one but at least you know it's clean. Posted on March 30, 2013

★★★★☆ Positive: Decent price for a filling meal while enjoying the streets of New York, especially in the late hours of the night. Negative: Lost its quality and taste over the past few years. Overall: Great place to go with a large group or with people trying to experience New York. But if you want higher quality and taste, try elsewhere. Revisit: Only when family and friends come from out of state. Posted on October 6, 2012

★★★★★ [No review submitted] Posted on July 20, 2012

★★★★★ I had read all the reviews about some of the best street food in New York. And I definitely had to try it when i went there especially because it's halal. And I have to say I was not disappointed! it was amazing. so tasty and delicious and it was more than a pound of food, with chicken, gyro, bread, delicious rice, and salad and it was only 6 dollars!!!! The white sauce is amazing, definitely drench your whole dish with the white sauce! there is white sauce, BBQ sauce, and red sauce. Don't mistake the red sauce for the bbq sauce, then you'll be in trouble lol. amazing food Posted on June 28, 2012

★★★★★ This place has really great streat meat. I agree 100% with the hype! Just don't expect restaurant quality, I think that's what people are expecting when leaving poor reviews! The hot sauce is ridiculous, and reminds me of this spoof from Goodness Gracious Me. Don't have it unless you are trying to show off your ability to eat the spiciest thing on the menu. It destroys taste, and leaves your tonque without any feeling. Posted on March 22, 2012

★★★★★ What more needs to be said? Eating here is a rite of passage for anybody seeking Halal food in the city. Just standing in line is an experience. When I was a college student in NYC, going up to "53rd and 6th" was a big part of my day. Whenever I'm back in the city, I make it a point to go here. Watch out for the hot sauce though. I have a high threshold for spiciness but don't go overboard. The white sauce is always clutch too. Posted on February 18, 2012

NR recommendations or any concerns about the food . feel free to contact me . Posted on October 24, 2011

★★★★☆ [No review submitted] Posted on October 13, 2011

★☆☆☆☆ DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS PLACE! I was visiting NYC with my husband and decided to try this place to see what the hype was all about. I am originally Arab and love all kinds of middle-eastern food. Their food was below average. The rice was plain and orange colored. The bread was soggy and thin. The gyro meat was tiny minced pieces of spam soaked in animal fat/oil. The white sauce was nasty!!! It was a combo of mayo and tahini sauce that smelled gross. The hot sauce will burn off your tongue. I also ordered a falafel sandwich and they gave me a gyro one by mistake. Most people in line were young in their late teens/early 20s who think it's fun to gather in a long line and socialize through the night. TRUST ME - other than first timers in the line, no one else was waiting for "great food" rather just a great meeting spot. The cart was owned by a bunch of Egyptians who did not seem to be professional at all. My husband said salam and proceeded with the order in English. They started laughing in the background saying in Arabic how stupid it is for Arabs not to be speaking in Arabic. I was there only for the weekend and it's sad now to look back that I wasted a whole evening waiting in line for some nasty food and lousy service. Posted on September 6, 2011

★★★★★ very kind people and nice food ! the ratio quantity/price is very very good. Posted on August 24, 2011

★★★★★ Finally I get to write about this much talked about place as I had a chance to eat here during my recent visit to NYC....first of all, I will point out the differences between "real" and "fake" halal guys...across the hilton on the southwest corner, there is a cart at which "real" guys come at 7:30 pm, and stay their all night, queues are much longer (I waited for 15 minutes in rain), serve slightly minced lamb and white and red sauce in separate containers (not over the rice/pita) and pack in yellow platic bags. The so called "fake" guys serve the same place during day time, draw relatively smaller queues, serve sliced pieces of lamb, and white and hot sauces on rice/pita (not in separate containers) and pack in white plastic bags. My experience: The food quality is amazing/great/fantastic for both of them; 5-stars any day and I envy why Chicago does not have any such food carts. There are 10s of other halal carts all around mid-manhattan and all around queens and brooklyn; they serve almost the same food but I did not experience others. Posted on June 14, 2011

★★★★☆ Well it looks like i went to the wrong cart, because the real one gets there from 7:30pm to 4am and we went there at 6pm (not knowing). That sucks! The place we went to was called "The Halal Guys" and there were a lot of people eating there, so I assumed it was the right place. Oh well, next time I will read the Zabihah reviews in more detail and also check the timings! The halal cart we went to had the same food (chicken + rice and lamb gyro sandwich), which were good, but not as good as what i was expecting (now i know why!). Will have to try again next time I am in NYC (Whenever that will be)! P.S. The Hot Sauce is extremely hot - in all the halal carts i have tried, including this one. Posted on June 9, 2011

★★★★★ The food is good and the portions are huge. you definitely get your money's worth. One piece of advice; be careful with the hot sauce; it is hotter than most restaurant hot sauces, so try a little before you dump it all over your food. Posted on March 28, 2011

★★★★★ LOVE IT, its all about the white sauce,best food ever!!! Posted on January 23, 2011

NR This place used to be good like 4 years ago . They used to take care of there costumers . Now when they are popular they simply don't care . They ignore you completely when you order . They just put it in the bag and next . 2 times I got raw chicken pieces and I never want to go back there again. The longer the line most of the time your chicken and gyro will have raw under cook meats. I don't recommend this place to anyone . You will get sick from eating this raw meats. Posted on January 20, 2011

★★★★☆ Good Gyros. Although the price and taste of the gyro platter is average compared to the many halal food cart options in the area, the portion size is better than the others. Posted on December 24, 2010

★★★☆☆ The food there is average, had the gyro and rice and was quite a big portion enough to share between 2. There hot sauce is hot! Good place to go when need Halas fast food Posted on October 1, 2010

★★★★☆ Great food, better than the average cart. Good once and a while, you'll get sick of it sooner or later if you eat it too often. Posted on June 14, 2010

★★★☆☆ Pros: 1. One of the first halal vendor cart to open in NYC. 2. They seem very professional with their attire and have a system of taking order 3. They got some kick-ass hot sauce... Cons: 1. Their chicken is the most bland chicken I've ever tasted. They have no spice or flavorings...and still remains the same today. 2. Over-hyped. People actually go there and wait on the line because it's become like a habit...It's part of socializing atmosphere...that people just came to accept...it's also a hangout spot...The food quality is not that great... Overall, the food taste average. Their gyro is decent. Their chick is horrible. The platter will fill you up. And the hot sauce...errr...Just be carefull... Posted on May 22, 2010

★★★☆☆ It's good but, like most things that are surrounded by hype, it falls short of the expectation that builds under it. At the end of the day, it's fairly good gyro-cart food. But once you eat gyro cart food enough (see: muslims employed in manhattan) you get tired of this stuff - your gut will certainly expose this fact even if your enthusiasm of continual indulgence doesn't. Try the guys on 55th and park (daytime only) for a slightly different (and pleasant) take on gyro cart food - it's a bit healthier too. Posted on May 17, 2010

★★☆☆☆ OVERRATED! Like the other reviewer said, it's basically boiled chicken with a mediocre sauce. Not even worth 2mins of your time let alone the ridiculously long wait in the line. Posted on May 15, 2010

★★★★☆ What can I say that has not been said before? This is a must for anyone in or visiting NY. Its a NY institution. Waiting on the long line is half the fun. I always go for the lamb & Chicken mix with lots of white sauce with a touch of hot. You can not go wrong. Posted on February 5, 2010

★★★★☆ Gyro's are pretty much the same quality as they have been for the last few years we have gone there. Not sure why so many below average reviews have cropped up. I would not go completely out of my way to pick these up like some do. However when you are in the area, still a good, cheap choice. Posted on January 29, 2010

★★★☆☆ We haven't eaten anything all day. Its pretty cold kids are all bundled up to brace the cold. So where is the first place we go? 53rd and 6th Ave of course. We had to try this Universe famous, worlds best, hands downm 10 dirker, Chicken and Rice. I'm excited and hungry..you can smell this place down the street. LIne is only like 5-10- mins, awesome. We wait in line and my friend has already hyped this place so much, what to order? Chicken + Rice extra White sauce. We get our meals, all chicken and rice, my taste buds tingle and get ready to bite into this lil peice of heaven on earth. Keeping in mind, I am a food connoisseur I am expecting to be blown away. I take a bite of the meal, here we go, take another bite, hmm interesting...take another bite, still waiting for some taste. I dab on some more famous white sauce aka Mayonaise. Still nothing, 15 bites later, I've had it. There is absolutely nothing I could do to make this taste good. If boiled chicken and rice and some lettuce is your thing, then this the best in the world. But if your like me and you enjoy atleast some flavor then this is 2 thumbs down. After reading reviews online, I 100% agree with those people who say this is pure hype, this place is sooo hyped and thats all it is. I was hella hungry and I still didn't finish my plate, I think the plate itself had more taste. The next day I stopped off at a random halal cart and had a gyro, now that was good, tasted good and was really good, waay better than 53rd and 6th. People who flock and jock this place like it was the Kabah are seriously on crack. I don't understand how anyone can find boiled chicken rice and mayo to be the best food in NYC Posted on November 10, 2009

★☆☆☆☆ over rated food!!! We waited over 45 minutes in the line after hearing all the raves about this place. They have a cult following. The food is not all that. The white sauce is nothing more than some diluted mayonnaise with tahini. We tried chicken and rice at other stalls, and it tasted the same. The gyro is a little better is taste. But Definitely not worth the looong wait in line. most importantly, the cutomer service sucks. It's like the soup nazi from seinfeld, you have to give your order.. pay.. grab your bag and leave. any extra questions or comments will get you nothing but grunts. I asked the brother if they had a menu (because i didnt know what to order) and i just got ignored. Posted on February 15, 2009

★★★★★ Really, really good stuff! You can smell it from a block away!! If u go later in the evening, it seems to be alot fresher! Day time rice normally seems to be drier & staler! If u go into the city, u have to stop at this place, even the mile long queue is worth it. Posted on November 12, 2008

★☆☆☆☆ They serve boiled chicken and then try to cover the bland nasty taste with too much sauce. Unfortunately, it doesn't work and you end up eating rice with boiled chicken, smothered in an overwhelmingly disgusting sauce. Even with the hot sauce, the blandness of the chicken remains at the forefront. Don't be fooled by the long line, if you have any functional tastebuds stay away from this place, it is awful! Posted on November 8, 2008

★★★★☆ On its day their gyros are among the best that we have ever tasted. Sometimes, however, they tend to be little greasier. Their red sauce is the Hottest that I have ever tasted and tastes excellent. If you are in the city, probably one of the best places to eat despite the long lines. Posted on August 28, 2008

★★★★★ I normally prefer chicken over red meat, but their gyro meat is to die for! i think im getting more and more addicted to this stuff...and u gotta love the white sauce! Posted on July 1, 2008

★★★★★ the best in NYC !!! rock on ! Posted on July 1, 2008

★★☆☆☆ They sell boiled lamb and chicken over rice…. They used to be one of the best gyro place in Manhattan… “Not any more…”… I guess they are more commercialized now and have not been able to maintain quality… Posted on March 31, 2008

★★★★★ For the price, location, and commodity like nature of this food in Manhattan, this particular cart has created a cult-like following. It is a must for anyone visiting new york, try the rest of the carts, then try one of the best--if not the best. Posted on December 13, 2007

★★★☆☆ We tried this on our trip to NY from Chicago. This place is over rated and very hyped up. The gyros was okay. There is noting extraordinary about the food and not worth the wait in line or the trip. If you want a cheap meal that consists of zabhia processes meat at 3 am then this is place. Posted on August 27, 2007

★★★★★ Excellent food. The rice and lamb combo is awesome. I personally don't like their chicken, but thats just me. EVERYTHING is amazing about this place. Their sauces are mouth watering. Bring your friends or bring your family: just an awesome place. I come all the way from UCONN for this place. Posted on August 21, 2007

★★★★★ Your visit to NYC will not be complete without tasting their chicken dish. The line was not too bad around 1pm. I had to come back for another round. Very tasty and affordable. Posted on August 16, 2007

★★★★★ Very long lines, I would suggest going later at night (around 12-1) or else you might have to wait long. As for the food, it is amazing!!! The white sauce (as everyone calls it) just perfects the whole meal. Definitely a must for anyone visiting or living in New York. Posted on July 20, 2007

★★★★★ The food is awesome and it's worth waiting for 30 minutes in the line. I am very impressed with their speedy service. Posted on July 3, 2007

★★★★★ Just came back from a trip to NYC and unfortunately I only got to sample the chicken shwarma which was one of the best I have had anywhere. Lots of chicken, the right amount of salad,sauce and pita. The two brothers were very friendly and I barely waited 5 minutes (at lunchtime). Highly recommended and will definitely go back next time I am in the city. Posted on April 2, 2007

★★★★★ Very good food, very fast service...perfect food in the night of the fall and winter. Take E, V to 7th Avenue station walk over 1 block your there. I dont know how Sammy's won Street Vendor of the year i believe in 05 it was. I had it..its just chicken and gyro with desi taste to it..no good rice to good sauce. NYU students overate it. Posted on January 21, 2007

★★★★★ I was visting some relative in NY during the 4th. of Jul. weekend and was treated to the "Gyro". It was phenomenal. In 3 days I ate the Lamb & Chicken about 2 times and also packed some for my drive back to Atlanta. I wish these guys would open a place in Georgia. They can probably print their own money here. Posted on November 17, 2006

★★★★☆ been going there for a while now...long lines but worth the wait most of the time. The chicken is way overhyped.. the lamb is off the hook, better than the other carts for some reason Posted on September 27, 2006

★★★★★ Stopped by the cart during our trip to NYC. Definitely worth the 30-minute wait for a nice, hot chicken/lamb combo rice plate. For five bucks you satisfy your taste buds, fill your stomach, and get much more than your money's worth! Posted on August 29, 2006

NR These brothers were nominated for an award in NYC and almost won. Click here to see. Posted on November 12, 2005

★★★★★ All the way from Trinidad and had dinner here on a cold autmn night. Excellent...a must have in Manhattan and take some back home! Posted on August 19, 2005

NR yeah so chicken n rice is prob. the greatest food ever and is DEF. worth the gas money...Mixed w/ rice and pita..lots of white sauce, little BBQ. Posted on August 9, 2005

★★★☆☆ Asalamu Alaikum, I first heard about this place about three years ago. Everybody use to talk about how good there food was. People come all the way from Philly and New Brunswick, NJ to eat from there. I had never tried it even though I live right by the city and about 15 minutes away from 53rd and 6th if (there is no traffic.) I finally tried it, and it was good but definetly over rated. I can honestly say that this place is not worth a special trip. If you happen to be in that part off the city, then defenitely go eat from there. But as far as making special trips, especially those people who drive 60 miles to the city just for this food, save your gas money because it is not worth a special trip. Posted on June 18, 2005

★★★★★ great food. I order the chicken and rice combo with white sauce and hot sauce. They have delicious food. Lamb gyros are also excellent. they are also very cheap. The rice platter is only $5.00 but they put a lot of food into it. Posted on June 11, 2005

★★★★★ chicken guy is straight up the 2nd best food to my moms HANDS DOWN Posted on February 28, 2005

★★★☆☆ Everyone knows the food is only average and your digestive tract can only take so much every week/month. It's because the cart is located in midtown Manhattan, near Central Park, Radiocity, and Times Square that really makes this the place to meet up and eat. And eat you will, especially after having to stand in line for 30+ minutes...The other gyro guy on the other side of the block with no customers gets really tempting, but your friends keep saying it's worth the wait. Anyone who's had them cater an MSA event knows the white sauce is just heavy mayo...But as for the meat, occasionally you might get some bone in the chicken, the lamb is pretty good, and at some point they'll get your order wrong and get mad at you because you are obviously always wrong. In any event, it's worth the trip to eat this food and hang out in the city, that's what it comes down to. Posted on February 4, 2005

★★★★★ I love gyro. Can't leave the city w/ out the Lamb and Rice w/ Pita on top. OFF THE HOOK!!.. GO THERE ABOUT 2-3 times a month from the Island. Haha I just found myself a place to get the gyro SPINDLE!. Tell me why i have a whole spindle of gyro in my freezer :P Posted on January 18, 2005

★★★★★ http://www.53rdand6th.com hands down the best meal in the tri-state. If you haven't had it. go get it. 7:30pm - 4AM Posted on January 17, 2005

★★★★★ The best, nothing more has to be said. Posted on January 16, 2005

★★★★★ alright...here is the verdict...IT WINS the AWARD of the best halal food in NYC ever! forget staten island...me n my frnds come from Central jersey...just to have this gyro...and all you chicken lovers...try their lamb n rice platter! if you dont quit on the chicken....ummm...then dont! but you are missin out on the juicy lamb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mmmmmmmmmmmm!! GIMME MOREEE! Posted on December 23, 2004

★★★★★ great food! anyone who wrote bad reviews for this place is CRAZY! I come from long island to manhatten only for this halal gyro! A++++ Posted on December 8, 2004

★★★★★ I Love the food. I think its the best I have ever eaten. Only downside is that you have to eat outside in the cold, but its worth it. The lines are always long. He is only open from 7p - 7a. Other than that it is amazing. Recommend it to EVERYONE! Those guys work hard to get us such great food. EAT IT!!! Posted on December 5, 2004

★★★★★ AWESOME, If Boston had anything like this, it wouldn't suck as much as it does. Posted on December 4, 2004

★★★★★ These guys are so good that my co-worker even scoffed at the parking ticket he recieved because there is no parking available. But MAN, what a gyro!!! Posted on November 30, 2004

★★★★★ although i feel stupid coming to the city from staten island just for this chicken and rice platter...it's all worth it with the first bite...then the post-climatic depression sets in on our way back to staten island Posted on November 27, 2004

★★★★★ I need some now, I love the Chicken Guy Posted on November 6, 2004

★★★★☆ Visited here on a recent trip to NY. I was staying in the Hilton just behind the vendor which was super convenient. Portions are big, tasty and best of all cheap. Loved it lots and came back a few times during my stay! Posted on October 22, 2004

★★★★★ one word: AWESOME!! Posted on October 7, 2004

★★★★★ You know what it is, 53rd & 6th! If you don't live in the NY/NJ area I suggest you get up and move! This guy is legit Halal. The lines are amazing and attract spectators just to see what all the commotion is all about. I've eaten the "platter" 3 times in 5 days (that's my personal record. Go at least 3-4 times a month. And Remember, EXTRA White Sauce! Posted on October 7, 2004

★★★★★ The gyro man is a staple of all college/medical student from long island to jersey. countless times we drove from long island to manhattan late at night for the gyros. Lamb better than chicken. Cheap Cheap Cheap <5$ Posted on September 18, 2004

★★★★★ I love this food, I wish I never left New York for Boston, for I can no longer eat from the Chicken Guy. Posted on September 16, 2004