The Quick and Affordable Pita Hut
Written: Mar 13 '05 (Updated Mar 13 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: good food at a reasonable price
Cons: a long walk from Old City
The Bottom Line: some mighty tasty cheap eats
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| fuche_bu's Full Review: Bitar's Pita Hut |
When I go out, I often seek out inexpensive food. I often need to stretch money so I have to cut ends when possible. This is especially important when going out for lunch. I don't mind spending on dinner but lunch always seemed like it should be an affordable meal. This does not mean that I want to spend my money on fast food. I try to seek out smaller establishments that can provide a less expensive bite.
I have found that Middle Eastern places often fit the bill perfectly. A good falafel or gyro is much more satisfying than a generic burger. I first learned of Bitar's indirectly. I often spent time at the Khyber Pass Pub. There was a brief period when Bitar's was catering food in to be sold at the Khyber. It was there that I first tried their falafel and their chicken kabob sandwich.
Since that time, I have grown to greatly appreciate Bitar's. It is a great place to get a healthy and affordable lunch or light dinner. This is a very small place in South Philadelphia. It is located on 10th and Federal ST so it is within walking distance of Center City or Old City. It is a bit of a walk but I find that merely serves to work up the appetite.
There is also a very small "deli" attached to the restaurant area. I use the word "deli" with hesitation because they cater to people seeking Middle Eastern foods. You can purchase cheeses, meats and other grocery items. Both areas are rather small. They have a relatively small menu but everything I have had is pretty good. The gyros and chicken sandwiches will set you back $4.50. These are very satisfying and filling sandwiches.
The last time I went there I had the grilled chicken sandwich. They have named this sandwich after local sports journalist and loudmouth Angelo Cataldi. This is simply a grilled chicken breast with roasted pepper spread, marinated string cheese and lettuce. This is a really tasty sandwich. The pepper spread is just a little bit spicy but doesn't really get hot. The chicken used is always tender and juicy. It's a great lunch that really hits the spot.
I have also indulged in several other items on the menu. They make a really good hommus. They will serve hommus or baba ghanuj with pita. These two items will cost you $3.50 each. This is also a cheap way to put some calories into your body. I prefer the hommus and they do a really nice job with balancing the ingredients. The garlic does not overwhelm the chick peas or the tahini. Their stuffed grape leaves are also very good and can be had for $3.95.
The falafel sandwich has also earned a place in my regular diet. It's a tasty and affordable way to dine. You have a variety of choices at Bitar's. They do make vegetarian dining easy. The falafel can be made with a pickle turnip and sesame dressing for only $2.50. They also make it with hommus, baba gnanuj, feta or Tabouli for $3.50. I like to get my falafel with feta cheese. It's a tasty sandwich that won't break the bank.
They offer the gyro in Greek style, Middle Eastern style, Garden salad style and Mediterranean style. All include the same lamb/beef meat. The difference lies in the sauce. The Greek style includes the Tatziki sauce. The Middle Eastern style has Tabouli salad and feta cheese. Garden salad has cucumber and bell pepper salad and mediterranean has stuff grape leaves and feta. I have only tried the Greek and Middle Eastern but the other two sound interesting and will warrant future visits. All are $4.50 so you can pay the same regardless of style.
They do offer combination platters and salads. I usually only get sandwiches for lunch so I do not indulge in the platters all that often. Nothing on the menu is over $8 so it is an affordable meal. They have a selection of sodas, teas and juices if you want a drink with your meal. You have to get your drink from the deli area. It is a relatively small selection that includes Snapple and Arizona teas.
Bitar's Pita Hut has gradually become one of my favorite places to grab a tasty and quick bite without breaking the bank. It is also far healthier than stopping at a fast food place. There is service with a smile but very little in the way of banter. They are happy to answer questions but tend to be pretty quiet. You can fill up on delicious food that is also good for you. I may have my Philly area citizenship revoked for writing this but it is also a good alternative to those artery clogging cheesesteaks that we love so much. Definitely a place to seek out for both natives and tourists.
Recommended:
Yes
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fuche_bu
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Member: George Schaefer
Location: West Bristol, PA
Reviews written: 1103
Trusted by: 327 members
About Me:
Busy at work and missing a lot of epinions fun.
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