This is a  reminder that the fasting month of Ramadan began on June 28 and some local businesses will be closed or will have limited hours of operation in observance of the holiday.

Saad’s Halal restaurant at 45th and Walnut is closed until Saturday, Aug 2, according to the signs posted on its windows.

Photo from Manakeesh Facebook page.

Manakeesh, a Lebanese cafe and bakery located across the street from Saads, is closed during the day to observe Ramadan, but opens in the evening, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The special Ramadan hours are in effect until Tuesday, July 29. Manakeesh is inviting residents to try their special menu during this month: specialty burgers, stuffed grape leaves with lamb and more (see their Facebook page for more info).

Kabobeesh restaurant (42nd and Chestnut), a great Pakistani food joint, will have regular hours during Ramadan and will be serving free Iftar Sampler plates to everyone fasting during this month, according to their Facebook page. No purchase is necessary.

“Ramadan Mubarak” to our Muslim neighbors!

The sign on the front door of Saad’s Halal at 45th and Walnut is a familiar site this time of year.

Ramadan is here so that means a few good eating spots will be closed or have seriously reduced hours for the next few weeks.

Saad’s Halal at 45th and Walnut closed July 8 and will remain closed until August 12. Saad’s also has that special brown paper on its windows that usually means some sort of renovation is going on inside. We’ll see.

Manakeesh, across the street from Saad’s at 45th and Walnut, will be open 7:30 p.m. to midnight until August 9. Sweets to go only will be served from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Manakeesh staff will begin taking orders for meals at 8:15 and will begin serving food at sunset – around 8:30 p.m. Special meals will be offered on Friday and Saturday.

Kabobeesh, the terrific Pakastani joint at 42nd and Chestnut, appears to be keeping regular hours (Monday though Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.) as it did last year. Last year they offered free iftar (the evening meal during Ramadan) for those fasting during the holiday.

The sign in the windows at Saad’s (45th and Walnut).

Ramadan began on Friday and some businesses will be closed or have limited hours until late August. Saad’s Halal Restaurant (45th & Walnut) will be closed until August 27. Manakeesh Café Bakery (45th & Walnut) is open ever night, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight (taking meal orders from 8:15 p.m., serving food from 8:30). For more information go to: http://www.manakeeshcafe.com. Kabobeesh Restaurant (42nd & Chestnut) is open regular hours (Mon-Sun noon-11:00 pm) and serving free Iftar (evening meal) for neighbors who fast during this holiday. For more information and menu, visit Kabobeesh website or Facebook page.

Ramadan starts today and while we are happy that our Muslim friends and neighbors get to observe this holy month of fasting and prayer, we’re sad that a few of our favorite food spots will be closed or have their hours drastically curtailed.

Saad’s Halal Restaurant, for example, is closed this month. The following is a short list (for now) of Ramadan hours for neighborhood food spots. We will keep adding to it. If you know of any to add, please drop a comment below.

• Saad’s Halal Restaurant (4500 Walnut St.)

Closed for the entire month.

• Manakeesh Cafe and Bakery (4420 Walnut St.)

Opens at sunset each night. Each night includes a signature dish. See the Ramadan menu here (Facebook page).

• Kabobeesh (4201 Chestnut St.)

Open regular hours. Free Iftar, the fast-breaking meal, for those fasting for the month.

• Wah Gi Wah (4447 Chestnut St.)

Open regular hours.