Taking over the space that was previously home to Taco Bar and Jerry’s Subs & Pizza,  sister restaurants Z-Burger and Maman Joon Kabob recently opened in Olney this October. These two restaurants bring a unique experience, but overall I was slightly disappointed with my visit. 

Maman Joon Kabob, a Persian restaurant, offers a variety of kabobs, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. With other locations in Tenleytown, McLean and Tysons Corner Mall, Maman Joon is an up-and-coming restaurant offering a wide variety of flavors and meals. Z-Burger is also an established local restaurant, with various locations in D.C., offering burgers, kosher hotdogs and other vegetarian options. 

Upon entering the double location, I was immediately hit with a unique, vibrant smell, mixed with typical American cuisine and delectable Persian dishes. The interior was simple, with a counter in the back to order and seats sprinkled around the room to dine-in. 

Looking at the Maman Joon menu, I was struck by the price of the dishes. Maman’s Salad ($8.99), was a very typical dish, with peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, kalamata olives and house dressing. This seemed like a waste of money for something I could easily make at home.

The entrees were priced no differently, all costing over $15.00, however, their flavors definitely made up for it. There were multiple kabob options, from which I ordered the Salmon Kabob ($19.99), made up of chunks of a skinless salmon filet marinated in a house sauce. I highly recommend this dish as the salmon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the sauce complimented the fish flavor perfectly.  

Z-Burger was unfortunately a different story. Although I was initially excited about the prospect of having a classic vegetarian burger, I was disappointed when I learned that they don’t offer gluten free buns. Instead, the menu says that burgers and dogs are available bunless in a bowl, but when I asked for that in my order, the server informed me that they do not actually offer it. I had to speak to a different chef to simply clarify that I just did not want a bun. 

I ordered the veggie burger ($10.99) with lettuce, tomato and pickle, with a side of fries, but  I was left disappointed when the food arrived. There was only one piece of lettuce, two pickles and one tomato in my entire dish, and although that may be enough for a regular burger, I had expected more since I informed them that I was gluten free. Other burger places I have been to offer more complex lettuce wraps in order to make up for the lack of bun, for those like myself who are gluten free, and the lack-there-of at Z-Burger left me dissatisfied with this dish. 

The veggie burger itself was delicious, but extraordinarily thin, so I definitely recommend ordering the double burger. The fries on the other hand, almost made up for the whole experience, as I can confidently say they were some of the best I have ever had. 

Overall, this dining experience had its ups and downs. I strongly recommend dining at Maman Joon Kabobs if you want a delicious, cultured-filled meal, but keep in mind the relatively high prices. If you do not have allergies and are just craving a class burger or hotdog, then I also recommend Z-Burger. But if you do have allergies like me, then I’d opt to stay home, instead of spending $10 on a meal you could easily have made from the comfort of your own kitchen.