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Halal Guys' First Chicago Location Is Tiny But Promises to Be Tasty

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New York import opening soon to show Chicagoans their falafel and gyros.

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

The wait's almost over, as the opening of New York City's famed Halal Guys' first Chicago location is near. Management is still keeping the official opening date under wraps until Wednesday as they rush to apply the finishing touches inside their Gold Coast space on Division near Clark. Regardless, everyone will get to try their shawarma soon.

A freight train carrying the restaurant's logo got caught up near the Canadian border. But fret not, everything else seems to be in place. While New York purists may claim that Chicago isn't getting the official Halal Guys cart experience, the gyros with white sauce will be a nice addition to the post-bar and weekday lunch crowds near Rush Street.

They've gutted the former Empire Chinese Restaurant, sprucing up the spot with photos of an employee wearing a Halal Guys hoodie in front of Chicago landmarks such as Wrigley Field, The Bean and the Art Institute. That's certainly one way to endear the Big Apple import to locals. There's limited seating inside (six tables) and a ledge near the window so Chicagoans can participate in a favorite New York activity—eating standing up.

Check out the photos above, and check out the restaurant's Facebook page for updates on the opening date.

The Halal Guys, 49 W. Division St., (312) 877-5575, hours not posted yet.