Shokran Reviews

It's a pleasure to review a restaurant that deserves 5 stars. Shokran fits the bill. My wife and I recently spent 2 weeks in Morocco, and greatly enjoyed its cuisine. So we were curious to try a local Moroccan restaurant. I had the Chicken Bastilla appetizer, chicken inside filo pastry. Very nicely seasoned. Also had the spicy and tasty Merguez (beef and lamb sausage). My wife enjoyed traditional harira soup (served during Ramadan). Kefta kebab was her main. Both were very well seasoned and just right. Our waiter was helpful explaining seasonings. We also enjoyed discussing Moroccan cuisine, culture and geography. The restaurant has several eating areas, all decorated with Moroccan sights and crafts. Altogether a very pleasant evening and highly recommended.

Shokran gives you a Morrocan ambiance and great kabobs, and the couscous and tajines are delicious. Bastilla is incredible. We are locals, who treat ourselves to a Shokran dinner at least twice a year.

Two coupes met at Shokran on a wet winter night at 6:30. We arrived first and were cordially greeted. Not too many other guests were seated, so we were offered a choice of tables. We noticed the dining area was divided into at least 3 separate rooms. We chose a cozy table in a back room where it would be relatively quiet. The ceiling was draped with colorful fabrics to mimic a tent or pavilion. Images of Moroccan doorways and photos decorated the brightly painted walls. The decor was homey. The kindly waiter who said he was from Fez, patiently described some menu items. The owner also greeted us as we waited for the other couple and described how several dishes were made, slowly and in the traditional way. This helped us make our decisions about what to order. Once everyone was assembled, we ordered 4 appetizers, 3 tagines and the mixed grill. This allowed us to get a good sample of what Moroccan cuisine was all about but as portions are good-sized, it was way too much food for one meal, giving both couples leftovers to bring home, The stand-out items were: Merguez sausages, the meat ground in-house and just a little bit spicy with a softer consistence than any others we've had elsewhere. Chicken bastilla, a dish of Spanish origin, which was shredded chicken, almond paste and a few other ingredients packaged in a thin phyllo-dough-like pastry, dusted with powdered sugar. It was sweet, crispy, quite large, and utterly delicious. I might order it for a main course on a future visit. (There will be future visits!). We also ordered beet salad which was good but nothing remarkable and the briwatts, flat eggrolls stuffed with shrimp and vermicelli which were okay but not as flavorful as the bastilla. The main event was tagine. The clay dish in which it's baked, with a cone-like lid, allows for slow braising, producing tender meat and veggies, infused with the cooking liquid and seasonings. We were well-pleased with the Lamb Fez (a lamb shank with prunes, cinnamon, orange, almonds, etc), less so with the Moroccan chicken (chicken breast with preserved lemon, olives, potato slices). Sweet mint tea served from a silver pot into little etched glasses rounded out the meal. Shokran is BYOB. It is also cash only. Our half of this extensive meal, with tax and tip, came to $85 but we ordered a lot. The restaurant is just west of Pulaski and close to the Kennedy Expressway exit. Street parking is not hard to find on the arterial streets (permit parking only on the nearby residential streets). It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Just the perfect Saturday night dinner... just a short walk from the Irving Park stop. My mouth is still watering. We started with the mixed veggie appetizer and the Bastilla... so many lovely flavor combinations, touching all your taste buds. Sweet. Sour. Salty. Bitter. Rich profiles that satisfy. Then we shared the lamb tagine with green peas and artichokes, and the mixed grill. Exotic comfort food. We enjoyed every bite. We'll be back to try the couscous next time.

After having traveled to Morocco, then trying to recreate the Moroccan food at home, my husband and I were thrilled to find this little restaurant in Chicago. The food is ALWAYS predictably good (we've been at least 4 times). They serve very large portions at a fair price. It's BYOB too. If you get a chance to sit in the back room, it is decorated a bit more "traditionally". Most of the time, you can make a reservation by calling.

When I visited Morocco four years ago, I couldn't get enough of Moroccan mint tea. Finally, after visiting Shokran, I can say I've found authentic Moroccan fare again. The space itself is very quaint with attentive service. We dined with a friend who we'd call a wine connoisseur, so the BYOB option was great; the flavors will have us looking forward to the next time we're able to dine at Shokran.

I went to this restaurant for a date who enjoyed Moroccan food. The cuisine and ambiance there are excellent. Portions were generous and the waiters good. I tried the sweet lamb couscous and my date tried one of the merguez dishes. The place is convenient to access by the Blue Line (less than 3 blocks from the Irving Park stop) and I definitely plan on coming back.

Been meaning to go here for awhile. The first time we've had Morracan food. The appetizera were delicious. We had the briwats, similar to a spring roll filled with meat andd wrapped in phyllo Also had chicken bastilla, a traditional sweet and savory dish at weddings. Lamb Tangine and Chicken Tangine were great. The lamb was on the bone and served in a sauce with prunes and egg. The chicken served with thin sliced potatoes in a lemon sauce. I'm told that this Morracan food is as authentic as it comes. Will definitely have it again.

Since visiting Morocco last month, I had been craving Moroccan food. The quality and authenticity at Shokran are superb, a match to the delicious home-cooking my hosts in Rabat had served. The tagines and couscous dishes are flavorful and healthy, every appetizer I tried was amazing - especially the Chicken Bastilla (traditionally served as first course at Moroccan weddings) and the Beet Salad, and the mint tea is perfect.

I'm always looking for great local spots in the city that I have not discovered yet, and this is another great find! The menu is excellent and I would have been happy trying anything on there.... A great reason to go back. We had the meatballs simmered in a tomato sauce, and the homemade sausage appetizer - both were very well seasoned and delicious. We also split the sampler appetizer of 4 items, and it was great also especially with the pita bread. It has a little kick to it which I loved. We all had a lamb entree, I had the Casablanca. The broth with the olive and lemon flavor was amazing, and the lamb fell off the bone it was so soft. I love the fact that this is BYOB also, saves a lot of money in the end. The service was great and we were seated right away with a Saturday night reservation. I will definitely be back here again! Great casual neighborhood spot to dine with friends. Definitely get a reservation if you are going on a weekend.

Great Moroccan restaurant Family run and you feel like you are having dinner with the family. Priced right. Could become one of your new favorites

Finally made reservations after this place was recommended and base on the on line reviews, why not. When you first walked in you realize the decor can use some update. Then we were greeted. After being there about 10-15 mins, we we're not ready to order because we we're amazed by the menu items. Then the waiter comes back to say we only have 2 hrs and we have to leave. What! And so yes we were reminded a handful more times it's nearing the end and people already arrived for their table.Food was okay....nothing to write home about and price was just ok too. Shrimp appetizer tasted frozen with tomato sauce on top. I love trying new food/cuisine and would have to say I will not be going back. Is there really a rule on how long you can stay at a restaurant? Had we stayed we would have ordered a lot more. Sad and disappointed on my first and la st experience here.

Do you like your food fresh and cooked to order? If you like cinnamon, figs, dates, honey, couscous, vegetables, chicken fish Lamb, nuts...Moroccan food has it all. The Chicken Bastilla appetizer was fantastic. Filled with chicken, almonds, eggs and topped with cinnamon and sugar all cooked in phyllo is exquisite. My dinner was chicken on a bed of moroccan couscous with caramelized onions, raises and almonds with Moroccan spices and it was amazing! Dessert was a plate of moroccan cookies that each had a unique and delicate flavor. The mint tea was the best I've ever drunk. I couldn't get enough of that tea. Fatna was the cook and Amad was our waiter. BYOB and cash only folks. Dinner for two (sharing three appetizers and one entree and dessert and unlimited mint tea was under $50. What a deal. Shorkran (means Thank You in Arabic) is at the top of my "best restaurant" list.

Before I start the story, I want make you aware I have eaten at this restaurant almost 9 years ago. At that time, I dealt directly with the owner. It was a good experience st that time. Now it is totally different. I ordered 2 meals/ tea pot/ coke/ hareera one for me and one for another guest . I asked the waiter what type of bread they serve, he said pita. I was ok with that, even though I was expecting Moroccan bread, especially in such expensive restaurant. I waited for about 10 minutes until I got pita bread/ hot sauce/ olive/ drinks. Then the waiter assistant came and cleaned the table. After about 25-30 minutes, I the waiter brought the food. I asked for more pita bread to eat it with Tagine, I only got one pita which is not what I expected. In my opinion this was mean and not appropriate. After that the waiter came and asked if the food is good. Next, the waiter assistant came to clean the table and remove some dishes. I did not feel he is a professional, but it was fine. Finally, I asked the waiter for the bill, and then handed him my credit card. He said we take cash only, but we have an ATM inside the restaurant. I could not digest this. I was asking my self” these guys do not have credit card machine which can cost only couple hundreds dollars, but they have an ATM machine that cost thousands of dollars”. I felt this so mean, they want to pay another ~ $3 for the machine in order to pay them. This is non sense. The bill is already expensive ~$57 for 2 persons, and the waiter is expecting me to pay even more. I have to say, if this was included in the bill,I would not bother much about it, because I can see it on the menus, but to go the other way, I felt this was a trap. Anyway, I told the waiter, I have cash in my car and pointed out to it because it was across the road from the restaurant, and was visible from inside. I told him I will go grab it and come back. He said ok. Both me and the other guest, left to the car. Before I even reach my car to get the money, both the waiter and his assistant followed me out and were shouting on me from the other side of the road. There were people on the street,and I felt like I am a thief. What happened was not justifiable at all, so I decided to not give a tip. I grabbed $52 with me and went inside. I explained to the waiter assistant I was not trying escape or run. I already told the waiter I would get money from car and come. He said some people eat and run without paying. I explained to the waiter I was not trying to steal, and already told to get money from my and come back.His response was “ normally, one person stays”. I said I understand this, but what what happens is not nice. I also saw $5 on the bill that I was aware of. When I ordered Tagine, he asked me if I want to rice or cuscus, I said cuscus understanding that this is a side ( included in the price). He said it is additional. Finally, I handed him $57 and gave me back a few cents. I said keep it. He said this my tip!. I said this is not a tip, and I normally do not carry cash with as well as most people. I got nothing to do with them. He said something like you may need them. Anyway, this was extremely bad experience.

My husband & I dined at Shokran during our trip to Chicago. We were so amazed & impressed with the authenticity of the restaurant & food. My husband is originally from Morocco & we go to visit family at least once a year. The food & ambience transported us back home to Morocco. This place is truly a gem & gives great respect to the food & culture of Maghreb.

We had a lovely time at this restaurant. The tagines are great. All the lamb dishes are lamb shanks on the bone. The salads were good, especially the beet salad. I would definitely go back and try other things. One person in our party is a vegan and she raved about the seasoning of her dish. We sat in a small room with fabric draping and benches with pillows. It was lovely and the service was really good. This places small and I heard that sometimes there is a long wait. Reservations would be a must.

I absolutely love this place! It's definitely one of the best restaurants in Chicago. The food is out of this world good, the decorations and the staff make for friendly and charming atmosphere, it's BYOB which is always a plus! The chicken bastilla appetizer is excellent and the tagine dishes are even better. Oh, and don't forget to try the mint tea before you leave, it's delicious!

We went to Shokran for my sister's birthday based on very positive reviews. When i arrived, i loved the decor. The 3 of us ordered appetizers and our entrees. The waitstaff was very nice and service was definitely above average. When the appetizers arrived, they seemed skimpy, but fairly tasty. Of the 3 entrees, one was very good (mine--sweet chicken dish) and the other 2 (lamb dish and a medley dish--can't remember the names) were decent enough, but below what we had expected in terms of taste and quality. Overall, we felt we paid a bit much for what we received. It's worth mentioning they charged only a $5 corking fee, which ain't too bad..... So, in conclusion, i would marginally recommend Shokran. If you're visiting from a city that's short on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant choices, then Shokran will probably seem pretty good to you.... But in Chicago, there are better better choices around.

I have been to this restaurant twice and the last time was much more of a disappointment than the other. Although this place has good ratings and great PR, please do NOT believe the hype! ***First of all, they do not take credit card.*** They have an ATM obnoxiously set up right in front of the door right when you walk in and yes, it charges quite a hefty fee! Aside from that, I am reviewing my experience from yesterday. To say in short: -The narcissistic waiter with the ponytail was extremely rude and belligerent toward me and the other guests in the group. He was yelling at me, and I literally had to ask him "Why are you yelling?!" What is this guy's problem? There was obviously a misunderstanding between him and our host who scheduled our group. He decided to take it out on the guests....not smart! -As for the food, the meat was so dry and charred, It lacked flavor and I couldn't eat it. I have had better at MASADA, AL HAMBRA and REZAS's. -When they brought out our food, there was a lack of organization. The runners would stand in the middle and call out the dish they had in their hands and we would have to claim it. Not a great experience to say the least. -The place is way too small and they were not very accommodating. They were more interested in pointing fingers and blaming others. The owner came out later and said if there are any complaints, then talk to the host of your party! I was like, Wow! Keeping it classy aren't they? Having said that, it takes a lot for me to leave a negative review about any place. However, I thought it would be wrong not to inform others about this place. Please do not waste your time or money here. There are way better options in Chicago that have better food and more respect for their customers.

Very authentic with so much flavor!!! the chicken Casablanca tagine is so amazing! (especially when you just came back from morocco and are craving an authentic tagine dish). Highly recommend this place! This is a small restaurant, we went early for dinner so it wasn't packed. Also, only takes cash but has an ATM in the restaurant. ***it's halal***

A wonderful experience. First time eating Moroccan, and the wait staff is extremely helpful with menu options. Food was exotic, flavorful. Definitely worth visiting for something unique and different. Prices are good too! Make reservations though...very busy. BYOB and cash only.

We thorough enjoyed a Sunday dinner there. It was chilly outside, but we were greeted warmly and were seated at a cozy table in the back room. Complimentary warm pita with harissa sauce and olives came out quickly, and our server also offered a tasting of a nice eggplant dish. The Chicken Fez Tagine entree was exceptional, with apricots, almonds, and great, flavorful, but not hot spices. We will go back, for both the food and the welcoming vibe.

Met a colleague for dinner, and we were looking for something mid-way between our two locations. We decided on Shokran, which is just a few steps from the Metra and Blue Line stations in Irving Park. The menu offered traditional Moroccan fare and did not disappoint. The roasted eggplant appetizer was super. The chicken bastilla was a little dry but tasty. And the lamb fez tagine was falling-off-the-bone tender and flavorful. It was a shame we couldn't hold anymore - these three dishes were plenty for the two of us - because I\we would have loved to sample more. In addition to being BYO, it is also cash only. They do have an ATM machine.

We have been to Shokran several times. Food is always wonderful. Merguez is homemade and most of the Tangines are family recipes. Our waiter was extremely helpful and personable. For our first visit we went with his recommendations and had a great experience. On subsequent visits we were more adventurous. Must have the Chicken Bastia appetizer. The only caveat - go when you want a leisurely dinner as all food is made, to order.

My wife had this on her places to go, both due to hearing how good the food is, and it being BYOB. We managed to squeeze into a Friday night reservation (you should make a reservation to be safe) and were very happy. We were shown to our table in one of the small back rooms, decorated in traditional fabrics, with banquets and pillows bordering the room. We were immediately greeted and given water, pita, olives and harissa. Great way to start, and wine glasses are on the table already so we started with some sparkling rose. We had heard that the Chicken Bastila was an app not to miss, and we see why. Flaky phyllo dough around chicken, almonds and cinnamon. We also ordered the Kefta, delicious meatballs in savory tomato sauce. The Moroccan salad was fresh and flavorful, and for entrees we shared the Merguez couscous and Lamb Casablanca tagine. Both were excellent, and their house-made Merguez sausages were incredible. This restaurant is cash-only, but there is an ATM close by...and the prices are very reasonable!

This was our second visit, and we tried some different dishes to taste food from Morocco. Everything was delicious, and I enjoyed the Love tea! All the dessert cookies are yummy! The staff and waiters are all extremely friendly, and help make the unique experience very memorable! We are planning to return this weekend. Be sure to try some of the appetizers! Just remember that they don't accept credit cards. The ambiance is worth the trip!😊

I used to live in Morocco and ate a lot of tagines. Shokran, always takes me back to Morocco. They also have a great Mint Tea and other amazing tea selections. It's BYOB. The owner and serves are the most friendly people ever. Anytime I have a Moroccan cuisine craving, I go to Shokran.

My husband and a friend of ours and I booked a table for last night, and we were seated immediately (at around 6:30pm). My spouse and I had just come back from a trip overseas and had eaten at a Moroccan restaurant on our last night in Paris. So, I was eager to try Moroccan food at a place that isn't too far from our home--and particularly while the memory of the other restaurant was still fresh. Shokran is better than the upscale place we went to in France! This is a charming, modest place. The food is very well-flavored and varied. The Bastila (which was called a Pastilla in France) was an absolutely delicious appetizer, chicken and spices in a flaky, tender crust, sharable among the three of us. Our entrees were equally fine: one of us had a chicken tagine with potatoes and olives, and two of us had the mixed grill. The desserts--an apricot tart and assorted cookies--were excellent. We will definitely be back.

Went to dinner last night and the owner accommodated our small party of 3 despite several parties already reserved for last night . He was welcoming and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. We ordered a sampler appetizer which was served with warm pita and everything was yummy. My lamb k-bob was tender and delicious and veggies that accompanied the meat and rice not over cooked. And.. the portion very hearty although it was served warms vs hot. My dining partners shared a cous-cous dish which was huge and the lamb shank was tender and terrific! It’s BYOB which is wonderful too! I highly recommend this spot and would love to return and try some more dishes.

My fiancé and I love this place! The service is wonderful and the food is great! Try the chicken bastilla! It has unique flavors and it's wonderful! Shokran is also convenient to the metra and blue line.

My wife and I enjoy revisiting our travels through food. We accidentally came upon Shokran tucked right up next to the Irving Park Blue line stop on a day they were closed, and have meant to return. We finally did, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant is comprised of tables tucked in little rooms and alcoves, making spaces very intimate. The back room has the ceiling draped with fabric with low benches with many pillows for seating. The staff was attentive but not intrusive. And the food was reminiscent of our favorite dishes from Morocco. I am not a gourmand, but the flavors and atmosphere took us straight back little restaurants in the markets in Morocco. We will definitely be back (though with cash as they do not accept any credit cards).

The waitstaff was very pleasant and the atmosphere in one of the back rooms is inviting. However the food was not as enticing as we were led to believe from watching the segment on WTTW's 'Check Please' show. For appetizer, we tried the Chicken Bastilla which was very sweet and a little bit dry inside. We both had a tagine - Lamb Marrakech for my wife and Lamb Fez for me. We shared a side of couscous. We liked our dishes although they both seemed to the lacking the Moroccan spices that are touted at the end of the menu. No dessert is offered. Parking right outside the restaurant was free on a Sunday evening!

Cute Moroccan restaurant on Irving Park right by the highway. Not a huge dinning area but very comfortable and nice. The food is amazing and the service is attentive and friendly. Definitely worth checking out.

Great spot for Moroccan cuisine. My wife and I always have the bastilla appetizer and one of the several tagines offered. BYOB restaurant. Located at Irving Park and the Kennedy expressway.

The Chicago area has had Moroccan restaurants from time to time over the last 40 or so years: one in Vernon Hills which I fear ran afoul of their Russian monetizers; the Olive Tree in Chicago, and others, now forgotten in the sands of my memory. Experiences in San Francisco, and 3 weeks in Morocco have left a larger impression on my mind and now Shokran which I feel I will not forget. Shokran is located right off the expressway with on the street parking available after 6 pm on both sides of the street; the restaurant has several rooms which we viewed before choosing a small back room with about 3 tables which we ended up sharing with one couple. The restaurant is BYOB with no charge, the Rhone we brought went well with all our dishes. Water service was excellent. The meal started with complimentary bread, Olives and a tomato based spread; we ordered a smoky eggplant appetizer (Zaalouk) at the suggestion of our waiter, Aimad; it was excellent. The Bastilla was not a Royal preparation with pigeon or a novelle preparation with Duck, but the chicken preparation was top notch, the meat with the almonds, cinnamon,pastry and powdered sugar creating a dense, potent mix - delicious. I followed with a Tagine with lamb, prunes, cinnamon, almonds, honey, garnished with hard boiled eggs which surprisingly contributed to the dish - another winning dish. My wife prefers simpler and less sweet dishes; she ordered the cous cous with Mergez sausage (home made) and vegetables which she loved. This is a cash only place but they have an ATM on site; prices are reasonable. Aimad was a most excellent host/server.

The food, atmosphere, and service are all superb and make for an excellent meal at Shokran. Once inside the smaller dining rooms help to create an intimate feeling. The servers are not only attentive and friendly, but extremely helpful in helping to select something in case you are not very familiar with the cuisine. Our server recommended traditional dishes that Moroccan families eat in their homes. We went with the recommendations and were not disappointed at all. Perfect combination of ingredients that made every bite perfect. It is also a BYOB restaurant and they are happy to help with bottle openers or corkscrews. Allows for more money to be spent on their incredible food.

My husband and I visited thus restaurant some 4 years ago and,whilst we didn't think it a bad experience, it wasn't exactly a memorable one either. Since Shokran is only a short walk from us, and because it also offered a BYOB option we thought we might try it again on a whim...boy are we glad we did! I honestly don't know if they have changed the menu recently but the dishes we had (chicken and lamb kabobs) were just delicious! The shokran salad was to die for also, as was the soup. Oh, and did I mention the service? It was incredibly prompt, friendly and attentive. The cost? Very reasonable especially when you can bring your own bottle of good wine. I really do hope people start patronising this restaurant again. It deserves the business and the neighbourhood could always do with another great eatery. We just can't keep away now

On our way to O'Hare we decided to have dinner in this place (blue line - Irving Park station). It was an amazing experience. The food is fantastic and the staff is super nice. It also has a nice decor, it's very authentic. We started with some complimentary appetizers: olives and a tomato/pepper sauce with bread. It was very good. Then we had Appetizer: - lamb sausages with mustard ***** Main dishes: - lamb with couscous ***** It's a huge plate with lots of veggies, couscous and lamb. It's delicious. - lamb tagine ***** It's another great choice, it's amazing. We tasted some mint tea, it was very good. We arrived to this place around 5pm and we left after 7pm. The service is slow but it makes sense since all the dishes look very homestyle cooking made. The only issue is that they don't accept cads.

One word sums up this restaurant: DELICIOUS! This was our third time visiting and it truly feels like stepping into a different world. The back rooms, great for large groups are draped and have exotic decor. But the biggest surprise is the food. You are welcomed by your waiter with warm pita and a spicy tapenade. Bastilla, a scrumptious chicken filled pastry is not to be missed as an appetizer. We enjoyed a hearty soup before digging into a lamb fez, tender pieces of stewed lamb cooked with prunes in a delectable gravy. On our last visit I dined on chicken with couscous and almonds while my husband enjoyed a lamb tangine. Fabulous desserts and sweet minty Moroccan tea round out the meal. Cash only the last two times we have been there in January and March. NOT TO BE MISSED!

While Shokran may be a bit off the beaten path for a visitor to Chicago (although if you have a car, it's super convenient just off the Kennedy Expressway at Irving Park), the restaurant is certainly worth a visit. We've been several times with different friends and have enjoyed every meal. I can't say if it's truly Moroccan or not as I've never visited the country. However, from the appetizers to dessert, your taste buds will be delighted. Two "must have" dishes for us are the chicken bastilla and the Moroccan carrots - as appetizers. The shredded chicken is wrapped in filo dough and dusted with powdered sugar and can feed 4 as an appetizer. The carrots are a bit spicy with a discernible cumin taste. Yum. Olives and pita are served as well. For the main courses, we've tried the Merguez sausage, several of the tangines as well as the grilled meats. All very tasty. Personally, I like the Merguez and the tangines but if you take meat eaters, they will be happy with the choices of grilled meat. Portions are appropriate although if you order the mixed grill, you may have some left overs. I believe that the meat may be Hallal if that's a concern for anyone in your group. The dessert selection is small but we always enjoy the Moroccan cookies with some mint tea. Our only complaint this past visit was that the tea could have been a bit stronger. The service at Shokran is always friendly and never rushed. The owner and the wait staff are pleasant to converse with and discuss options for your meal. No alcohol is served by the restaurant but it's a great way to bring a bottle or two of wine to share with friends (and save some $ as well).

Moroccan food at its best in a low key and friendly atmosphere. Everything was excellent. We tried several of the tagines, an appetizer plate, and the olives. Be aware: this is BYOB and cash only. Worth it!

A++++ Some of the most authentic Moroccan cuisine I’ve ever had outside of Morocco. Khalid runs a great establishment.

Excellent food - friendly staff we called on spec and had a lovely meal - attentive staff and good quality homemade style cooking - if back in this neighbourhood would definitely go back!

My friends and I shared a variety of appetizers instead of ordering entrees. We tried the Chicken Bastilla, which is supposed to be one of the most typical Moroccan dishes. It was different from anything I've had before...warm phyllo dough with chicken, scrambled eggs (couldn't really taste the eggs), orange blossom water and almond paste, topped with cinnamon and sugar. It was pretty good (a little too much sugar, but it's easy to wipe some of it off). The Kefta (lamb meatballs) were tasty - small meatballs in a sauce, plenty for 3 people. The Zaalouk (eggplant spread) was just okay - a bit on the bland side. The beet salad was very good (beets, tomatoes, red onions). My friends also tried the spicy shrimp, which they thoroughly enjoyed. The pita bread was served with an olive spread and a spicy red spread. It's BYOB, but there is no corkage fee. The server was very knowledgeable about the cuisine and very helpful.

Looked like an interesting local option for a birthday meal. Unfortunately, while the lights were on and door was open we were referred to hours posted outside indicating that the business was closed. Owner didn’t suggest we try back another time or apologize for the discrepancy with online hours. Not to worry, we won’t be back.

Who would have thought there would be a great Moroccan restaurant in the Old Irving neighborhood? Fortunately for us there is one and Shokran really delivers the goods.Great Moroccan food - really quite a little gem in the area, right off of the expressway and parking is hit or miss. The back private rooms are SO cute and perfect for get togethers and parties. The larger of the two feels like a genie in a bottle. CASH ONLY. BYOB. I have eaten here in small and very large groups and they are able to deliver each time. I love the vegetarian entrees!

As soon as we walked in the door, we were welcomed and offered our choice of tables in several rooms. The server was helpful, but not overbearing. We shared an appetizer of delicious merquez. From the extensive menu, we chose shish kebabs and a chicken stew--all excellent. The chicken was particularly high quality, and the accompanying roasted vegetables were superb. We liked the bread so much that the server brought us a second basket. Water was our beverage, and our glasses were refilled several times. Shokran does not take credit cards, but an ATM is onsite. The restaurant is right by the Irving Park El station.

When we walked into this little gem from a last minute google voice search that resulted in getting off the CTA blue line at Irving Park just 150 yards, and boom I'm in Morocco "Shokran Morroccan Grill" Aimad served Soula and I and from the soup to lamb on couscous all was impeccable as well as the Morroccan mint tea. Another great reason to find the gems of Chicago in places that you wouldn't even consider.

We were not sure what to expect, in spite of the already good reviews, as we are quite knowledgeable about Moroccan food and only cared if it the very best, something next to impossible to find in the US. We were literally blown assay as it is so good. The pastille, a way to judge unequivocally the quality and genuineness of a Moroccan restaurant, is by far one of the best we have ever had and the dishes were equally good. We also loved the staff and the overall atmosphere.

Had a wonderful experience at Shokran last night. None of us had had Moroccan food before. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and proud of his culture and shared that with us. He also explained the significance of the dishes and spices, and helped us put together a more varied order so we could share items. Freshly baked pita bread and a spicy dip came right out. The appetizer Chicken Bastilla was outstanding! When reading the menu description it sounded like a weird combination of flavors - but it really was delicious! We each ordered a different lamb entree. All were homey, substantial and flavorful. Really nice evening!

We visited the restaurant on a Friday night after seeing it featured on Check Please. Maybe our expectations were too high, but we felt that it did not live up to the hype. It was easy to find and metered street parking was plentiful, even though it was 7pm on a Friday night. The ambience was nice with the furnishings and ethnic serve ware. A good place to spend time with friends in an intimate setting. Service was good, though the lady waiting on us forgot to refill our bread basket, after promising to do so. The table welcome of warm pita bread and the slightly spicy olive spread was addictive. We also had the Bakola which was a good dip for the bread too. My husband had the chicken bastilla which he really liked. He also had the lamb fez with a side of couscous and I had the vegetable tag one with a side of rice pilaf. We found these dishes to be very mildly flavored and lacking the promise of spices in the menu. The pilaf was average with the rice being slightly over cooked and unimaginative with the addition of what looked like a frozen mix of peas and carrots. The 3 star review reflects the average nature of the food. I doubt that we will make the drive out of the city and into the suburbs again any time soon to eat at this restaurant.

This little storefront, just before you get to the freeway on Irving Park, with metered parking in front,, is just a little gem of a place. It is BYOB, but we survived quite well on Mint Tea! Service was friendly and fast, and the water glass was filled without ever asking. We started with Harissa soup, which was like granny used to make, and was accompanied by bread and an outstanding Harissa laced tomato salsa, unbelievably good. Next we both had the salmon tagine, which was just excellent. The atmosphere is kind of granny kitchen, but the food truly worth a visit. Wonderful place. ZB

A visit to Shokran will give you a fun taste of Moroccan food. My lamb was a little messy to eat with my fingers, but delicious, as was my three other foodies' dishes. Service was a bit slow, but no one minded that we stayed past closing time. Give it a shot!

We came to Chicago for the first time. One of my friends wanted Moroccan food, so I did a Google search. We went to Shokran & we were very happy! The food was phenomenal & the staff was exceptional! The only thing I wish we had known ahead of time was that you could bring your own beer & wine. This is definitely one of those little hidden gems.

We spent a few weeks in Morocco this fall and fell in love with the food. We have been to Shokran twice now with friends, and we (and they) have loved the place. We have now been through a good chunk of the menu and everything has been outstanding. This time we ordered ahead and got real Moroccan bread instead of pita. We had mixed vegetable plate appetizers, briwat and bastilla and then the Royal couscous, the lamb with peas and artichoke hearts and the salmon. We brought some really nice wine. Finished with mint tea (we like half Moroccan style with a ton of sugar and half unsugared) and the fabulous cookies. What a feast! Nice servers. Going back at the end of the month with other friends who want Moroccan. The meal came to $32 per head including a 20% tip. Remarkable value!

Shokran is small and cozy (and very hot the winter night we were there). The ceiling is covered in fabric giving a tent feel. Good pita with 2 dips. One was olives and the other a pretty firey concoction. We shared the veggie sampler, all of which was delicious. I was delighted to see they had chicken bastilla. It was an appetizer. Make sure you get this and share - if you want (you may not). I had the Lamb Marrakech -- a lamb shank with peas and artichokes. Very tasty. Two people had tilapia which they liked. One person didn't get what she ordered and we were all done eating by the time she got her entree. That was a drag. Don't worry, we shared while waiting so she didn't die of starvation. It's BYO, which is great, and saves lots of money. We had a sweet tea after dinner (these are apparently tea, not coffee folks, but coffee is available). There was a cookie plate and a good peach tart for dessert. Check the place out. It's very good. Make sure they know what you ordered.

15 minutes from downtown (if no traffic), right off highway. So nice alternative. Authentic menu in very casual, but crowded place. Will take reservations. Food quality was good, service was attentive. Cash only, bring your own booze.

What a wonderful restaurant!! We wanted to try something new and different and heard about Shokran from a co-worker who is from Morocco. So glad we went. There are 3 distinctive sections of the restaurant; each one has its own charm. We decided to sit in the section with comfortable benches, pillows and tables under a "canopy" of multi-color cloths. We felt transported far away from Chicago. The restaurant is BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine which we wanted to drink cold. The waiter brought it to our table in an ice bucket so it was chilled throughout our dinner. It was great! Since none of us had ever tried Moroccan food before we had read reviews and asked for help from the wonderful servers. Everything we tried was such a special treat! We started with the Chicken Bastilla that served the 4 of us with a nice piece each so I would say it easily served 2--4 people. It was so good when we go back we might order one for each pair of us! I ordered the Chicken Fes, a tagine (or stew) of chicken cooked with dried fruits, caramelized onions, and topped with slivered almonds. Delicious that day and I took a little home & it was great on pita bread at lunch the next! My friends each ordered one of the entrees served with their couscous. 2 ordered the Royal combination of Lamb, Sausage, and 1 ordered the sweet chicken that was similar to my tagine. It was so good. For dessert we ordered a plate of 4 assorted cookies that we ate with their special Moroccan Mint Tea. They don't really have other desserts offered. This was a fantastic, relaxing, and unique dinner. The servers knew so much about the culture and life in Morocco, after dinner we all wanted to plan a vacation there! I highly recommend this place! Just off the expressway it is easy to find and on-street parking was readily available on Sunday early evening when we ate there. They do accept and RECOMMEND making reservations as it is not a huge restaurant and with food this good there are times they must be very crowded. Prices were reasonable for the quality and amount of food. Most entrees were about $18--22. Menu is available at their website online.

What a fantastic victual experience! The young Moroccan American who waited on us provided us with an excellent description of the food and made us feel perfectly at home. It was our first visit to the restaurant and we even got suggestions about where to procure some reasonably priced and fairly good wine. Especially as the lone vegetarian in the group I was not at all disappointed at the ample varieties of appetizers, soups, salads and entrees; plus, each item ordered for the table (there were 5 of us) was brilliant and lip-smackingly good! I can't wait to get back to Chicago, if only to return to Shokran.

A family party with six of us (age range 19 to 76) all had fun last Saturday night. The atmosphere is warm and lively, and the food was fun and delicious. We shared three appetizers- cooked veg platter, beet salad and meat balls, which came with pita bread , olives and hot harissa sauce. My favorite was the spinach (lightly spiced) and the eggplant (like ratatouile but more flavorful). For mains the best was lamb fez - a shank on bed of sweet prunes and nuts. YUMMY! the kebabs were popular but more American. The sweet chicken breast with couscous had raisins, and rich aromatic spices. generous portions and doggy bags, no room for dessert! We were in the back party room and got a bonus to watch a belly dancer hired for another table. Very entertaining. Try the sweet mint tea, too much sugar for me but different. they have a loose tea selection but were out of most. BYOB - we were charged $5 corkage for wine with screw cap. Bill with tip was about $25/per person. Local street parking was a pain, area zoned fro home owners and few meter spots.

For a really interesting and different experience, try Shokran. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. We tried a couple of appetizers and tasted several entrees and a dessert. We enjoyed the experience and would recommend this neighborhood dining option to all.

First things first, there are not a lot of options for Moroccan dining in Chicago, after Andalous and Tagine closed. Secondly, this place serves some very tasty food. Thirdly, ask to be seated in one of the decorated rooms in back, which are much more enjoyable than the tables in the front room. Next, this is cash only, so make sure you are ready on that front, although they did have an ATM on hand just in case. Lastly, this place is BYOB, so bring your own and load up on the good food and not worry about restaurant markups on alcohol! This is not a huge restaurant, so I would recommend reservations. Street parking can be a bit challenging along Irving Park, and sometimes along the side streets nearby, so give yourself enough lead time on that front. There are options for either hot or cold appetizers to start with, and a sampler platter or a small group of dishes for sharing, is a great way to get to try a bunch of different things. There is some spice in some of this food, nothing overwhelming, but it was nicely seasoned. Most of the main dishes fall into either a couscous dish or a Tagine dish, and it is hard to go wrong on any of your choices.

The flavors were distinctive and delicious. I enjoyed all the appetizers and sauces we sampled and my lamb dinner was excellent, and something I'd never eaten before. The prices were very fair. Service was very good, I would return.

Great food. Wonderful service. Nice cozy ambiance. My wife and I went tyhere with friends and liked it so much we went back the next week.

I introduced this restaurant to a few of my friends about 3 weeks ago. They loved it. It's located on Irving Park Road about half a block off of Pulaski Road. I suggest you make reservations - as it fills up fast especially on the weekends. It's a cash only restuarant and BYOB. This restaurant will surprise you. I always asked to be seated in the second room. It looks like you are sitting a fancy giant tent. There are fancy cushions to sit on and you feel like you really are part of the Moroccan culture. The service is great and the waiters are so friendly. Anything you order is great.

We had a fabulous dinner here with a small group. The food was delicious and flavorful. Lamb Fez and Chicken Fes were definitely the winners, but the Salmon Tagine was amazing, too. Great place for vegetarians, lots of options. One of our guests, who generally does not like eggplant, could not stop raving about the Za'alouk starter.The couscous was light, fluffy and airy. No alcohol served so BYOB. Prices were reasonable and the servings are plentiful.

New flavors, new food, new experience and it did not disappoint! The lamb dishes were excellent, so tender and tasty. The sweet lamb and the lamb fez, both delicious and with separate flavors so an excellent table share. The chicken bastilla, meatballs, pita bread, olives....excellent. Do not miss these appetizers. Staff was friendly, helpful with food descriptions and attentive. Make reservations and allow time for you to sit and enjoy the experience. Prices were so reasonable that a family can well afford the experience.

A good friend took me here one evening, and OH why did he wait as long as he did? This place is absolutely one of the best in the city, regardless of cuisine. It's small and intimate, perhaps a dozen, maybe 20 tables. The lamb couscous is the best I've ever had, and the tea and dessert to go with afterwards is the perfect touch for this place. Just a reminder, it is cash only, but they have an ATM inside.

I felt so sad. I made reservations for 12 and only 5 people came. I had no idea that this would happen. I was scolded by the owner publicly which was so embarrassing. Surely, no one with any intelligence would believe that I planned for people not to come. Then, our meals were never brought. I watched others around me getting their meals and sadly felt I was being punished for the fact that my entire party didn't attend. Sigh. I will never return. I paid for the food, took it home and didn't even want it. The people who did appear did the same. In business, things happen. I've been in business for 25 years and telling a new customer off because you're frustrated is untenable. I was ashamed for myself and everyone I convinced to spend the evening with me at this place. I drove 31 miles to waste my time. Never again.

Our group of couples picked Shokran because we wanted authentic Moroccan cuisine — and that’s what we got! The evening was lovely, starting with appetizers then delicious lamb entrees. We finished off with mint tea. BYPB is just fine 👍🏻

This is a small, cozy place that's always welcoming.The waitstaff is friendly, which always adds to the dining experience for me. I usually get the Chicken Tagine which is delicious, and the Chicken Bastilla to share, also wonderful. Companions have had the Lamb Tagine which has been a good choice, also. BYOB, which is nice and makes the price even more reasonable. Good place to have a fine dinner with friends, or as a couple.

Food was great! Owner and servers very good and helpful figuring out what would work with the family. On Thursday they have tangine specials!

Shokran has been a favorite of mine for awhile now. I'm just now getting around to writing a review though. Everything from the appetizers to the main dishes to the dessert and tea was perfect! The service was warm, friendly and informative! We are so glad we made the hour drive here to have a late dinner.