If you’ve flipped through The Ticker recently, you might have seen Rina Samson’s introduction to Bis Bas, the Mediterranean spot that’s taken up residence at 119 E, 23rd St. While Samson gave the business background, there’s more to this story — from how students are using the space to details about their distinctive menu that didn’t make the first cut.

Located on the northwest corner of 23rd St. and Lexington Avenue, right by the 6 train entrance, Bis Bas has quickly been integrated into many Baruch College students’ between-class routines. The restaurant occupies a strategic location that makes grabbing lunch or dinner exceptionally convenient.

When Bis Bas first opened, it generated significant buzz with its $7 promotional deal that included a complete bowl or pita with a drink.

“When they first opened, the $7 deal had lines stretching down the block,” Mia Rahman, a sophomore accounting major and business analyst for the Consult Your Community club, said.

This initial pricing strategy successfully put Bis Bas on the map for budget-conscious students. The current student discount brings meals to $9.95 before tax, totaling exactly $10.83 after tax with a beverage included — still competitive within the neighborhood where lunch options frequently exceed $15. This pricing hits the sweet spot for students balancing limited budgets with the need for substantial, quality meals.

What sets Bis Bas apart from similar fast-casual establishments is its approach to customization. Unlike many competitors, Bis Bas allows half-and-half protein combinations at no additional cost.

“Their protein combination offerings allow me to enjoy both chicken shawarma and beef shawarma in a single meal, creating more variety than I’d get elsewhere,” Ruhan Bhuiyan, a Political Science major who manages several campus organizations, said.

Bhuiyan’s typical order includes white rice and lettuce base topped with the half-and-half shawarma combination, complemented by yogurt mint sauce and jalapeños for added dimension.

At $10.83, including a drink with a student ID, he finds it offers better value than nearby alternatives. The restaurant’s distinctive beverage program deserves a special mention. Bis Bas prepares mint lemonade, sugar-free hibiscus tea, and strawberry peach beverages in-house daily rather than relying on pre-packaged options.

“Their mint lemonade provides a refreshing complement to the robust flavors of their shawarma,” Bhuiyan noted, though he mentioned inconsistent availability and cooling as areas for improvement.

The spatial layout at Bis Bas offers another advantage for Baruch students. This spaciousness contrasts favorably with neighboring establishments like Chipotle, where limited seating often forces students to eat standing up or take food elsewhere.

“The seating arrangement provides enough space to comfortably eat without feeling cramped,” Arron Nie, an entrepreneurship major graduating in 2026, said.

Bis Bas is the second location in founder Norman Alsaidi’s growing enterprise. A Yemen-born immigrant who grew up in Queens, Alsaidi previously worked as partner and chef at Semkeh restaurant in Williamsburg before launching Bis Bas.

With Ramadan approaching, Bis Bas offers further value to Muslim students seeking halal-certified dining options. The restaurant’s diverse menu, generous portions, and extended hours make it ideal for breaking fast, especially for those with evening classes who need convenient dining options that accommodate religious observances.

“The food has a distinctly lighter approach to Mediterranean cuisine than many competitors, with spice profiles that introduce interesting flavor combinations to the palate,” Mushfiq Alam, a senior majoring in data analytics and college assistant for BCTC, said.

Student opinions on Bis Bas reveal nuanced perspectives about its place in the campus dining ecosystem.

“The initial promotional pricing created high expectations,” Nie said. “While their current pricing offers fair value for the quality and quantity provided, it now competes directly with places like Just Salad that offer comparable options.”

Bis Bas operates seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., accommodating both daytime and evening student schedules. These extended hours particularly benefit students in evening classes who are often inconvenienced by limited dining options after traditional business hours.

For Baruch students with packed schedules and those on a tight budget, Bis Bas is a well-positioned alternative to the usual campus dining options. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, a comfortable place to eat and study, or a halal option during Ramadan, this Mediterranean spot has established itself as a significant part of the Baruch student experience.