Some people try to avoid restaurants stuck in strip malls. Others flock to them for the free parking. You'll want to join the latter on this one. What King Tut Restaurant and Hookah Cafe lacks in curb appeal, it makes up for with late-night hours, free entertainment and entrees fit for the pharaoh himself.
Step inside the lofty open space where dozens of glass-topped round tables seat hookah-smoking soccer fans. Antique-ish lighting fixtures are draped with white crepe paper, bridal-shower style, and large Egyptian paintings hang from the walls. Pull your chair in front of the giant flat screen tuned to the latest game (in Lebanese) or cozy up in one of the brightly colored textile booths, where rows of gold-plated lounge tables line two large walls of the restaurant.
King Tut's menu is full of Lebanese fare; staple dishes like hummus come with an enormous piece of folded pita, served straight from the oven. Eat it quickly because it starts to harden as it cools. Try the fatoush salad (cucumbers, green peppers, and tomatoes tossed in olive oil) served on a flower-shaped ceramic plate or warm up with a big bowl of lentil soup. Entrees include lamb chops, beef shawarma and chicken kafta (all served with soup or salad). Grab a table near the stage on a Friday or Saturday night and catch a free belly dancing show.
Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden
