Istanbul Grille Moving to New Southside Location

[David]

Istanbul Grille never could shake the stigma of being a converted Waffle house across the Avenues mall, so the owner's packing up shop and moving this Mediterranean/hookah establishment to a new spot off Southside blvd in the Target shopping plaza. (That and the current landlord is selling the property to turn it into something Southside  doesn't have enough of: another strip mall!)

Their hookah flavors and prices have always been pretty decent, it's far cheaper than Casbah.  Their food rivals Laylas in my opinion, it's just the atmosphere/actual building has left a lot to be desired. The new location will feature a full liquor bar as opposed to beer & wine only that's served at the current Phillips hwy spot.

They expect to complete the move by early November.

[ben says]

Is this place legit Turkish food, or Middle Eastern food under the guise of 'Istanbul Grille'?

[David]

I can't speak to the true authenticity of it, but the owners and a few of the staff are from Turkey. Their lamb chomps and gyros is all I've had and they were pretty amazing. I'm there mainly for their hookahs more than anything

Here's a link to their menu:

http://istanbul-grille.com/?page_id=25

They had a strong start when they first opened but it appears business has been dropping off, hopefully the new location will give them a boost.