Mamoun's Falafel

While 85 Howe is certainly no architectural beauty, the real treasure here is the resident, Mamoun’s Falafel. New Haven’s tastiest Middle Eastern restaurant, Mamoun’s has been proudly serving the community since 1977 (2). Step inside past the broad, brown awning, groovy sign, and flat, brick walls to sample their signature affordable falafel sandwich (only $3.85). Or sit down for a full meal of mujedra (cracked wheat and fried onions), shwarma (spiced meat), and halvah (sweet sesame paste) amidst eclectic decorations and colorful lighting. Open 11am to 3am 365 days a year, Mamoun’s is a delicious addition to the Dwight Street Historic district.

Select tenants culled from past New Haven Directories: (5)

1913: Mary Ryder, dressmaker

1917-1939: Annie Ryder, dressmaker

1955: Howe Edgwood Market Produce

1961-1970: Howe Automatic Laundry (now located across the street at 96 Howe)

1977-Present: Mamoun’s Falafel

While Mamoun’s opened in 1977, it’s current owners, Matam Inc, purchased the plot in 1985. (4)

Little renovation has taken place at 85 Howe past a facelift to reface the outer brick façade (4). Similarly, the Mamoun’s logo has not changed since its creation in 1971 in the West Village. Wide curves and sketched lines evoke the psychedelic groove of its birthplace and era. A college favorite among all Yalies, especially those hailing from New York who count Mamoun’s as that city’s best Middle Eastern fare, one hopes Mamoun’s has many years left at its current location.

Mary and Annie Ryder first occupied the frame building at 85 Howe. Both dressmakers, possibly a mother-daughter duo, the two set up shop until the mid 1900s (5). Here, the frame building gave way to concrete and with it, more modern occupants (10). Before the eponymous Mamoun and Muhammed Chater moved in circa 1977, a grocery store and a laundry inhabited the space (5). Now, Mamoun’s is run by the next generation, brothers Suleiman and Tarek (2). In 1985 the two purchased the space outright from Windsor Realty and have kept their doors open into the wee hours every day of the year through super storms and super Tuesdays.

Situated in the Dwight Street Historic District, Mamoun’s is one of the newer buildings, sitting across from Howe St. Convenience & Deli and down the street from Pizza House, all establishments that declare their presence through bright lighting and neon signage. The various residential buildings along Howe Street house singing groups, graduate students, various Yale clubs, and of course, New Haven natives. No doubt many of these residents are late night Mamoun’s regulars. The restaurant acts as a small teleportation device, bringing the smells, tastes, sights, and even sounds (Arabic pop can be heard from the kitchen radio) of another country to a small concrete box on Howe Street.

A squat, rectangular building, 85 Howe is a concrete construction with refurbished brick facing. Large, inviting windows give a glimpse into the restaurant’s interior, while the brown awning brightens the street view. Mamoun Chater was a Syrian immigrant and the family’s Syrian heritage is present in the rich decorations (2). Interior decorations include rugs, traditional silver pieces, and numerous historical photographs, including one of Mamoun himself, flanked by decorative sabers and daggers. Desserts and drinks are displayed at the counter, with the rest of the space occupied by clustered tables. In warm weather, three small tiled tables serve as outdoor seating where patrons might sit and smoke a hookah pipe with their meal.

1) Connecticut Historical Commission. Historic Resources Inventory Form. Max Schlenker and Sandra Lee. “Mamoun’s Restaurant.” Hartford, CT. October 20, 1979.

2) Daniel Shkolnik. “Falafel-ful.” Daily Nutmeg, March 1, 2016. http://dailynutmeg.com/2016/03/01/mamouns-falafel-ful/

3) Mamoun’s Falafel menu, circa 2016.

4) New Haven, CT, Online Assesment Database. Municipal Valuation Services. “85 Howe Street.” October 1, 2016.

5) New Haven Telephone Directories. 1913; 1917; 1939; 1955; 1961; 1970.

6) New Haven Zoning Map. City of New Haven, 165 Church Street.

7) Sanborn Map, 1886, Volume 2, page 48.

8) Sanborn Map, 1901, Volume 2, page 147.

9) Sanborn Map, 1924, Volume 2, page 202.

10) Sanborn Map, 1973, Volume 2, page 202.