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Ashkara / Urban Pita - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Kosher Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Kosher, Mediterranean [Edit]
189 E Houston St(between East Houston St & Chrystie St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Alphabet City
(212) 260-8302
- Nearest Transit:
-
2 Av (F)
Delancey St (F)
Essex St (J, M, Z)
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Guests enjoy the hospitality and fine home cooking that the country is famous for. The restaurant serves authentic Greek cuisine, prepared simply and… read more »
54 reviews for Ashkara / Urban Pita
Review Highlights
"I absolutely love love love the Falafel."
(in 42 reviews)
"BELGIAN FRIES w/ awesome dipping sauces."
(in 5 reviews)
"They offer whole wheat pitas too, which I love."
(in 5 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Dave S.
Jackson Heights, NY
7/4/2010
sad to say it closed :(
some of the best belgian fries this side of Bruges -
Review from Lexy M.
10/3/2008
Ashkara has major points on my YES list!....
:YES:
- Great Lower East Side Location
- Open windows/doors facing street so you can snack & check out cuties passing by.
- Cheap
- Funny Staff
- Healthy drop by fast food
- Banging Falafels
- You fill your sandwich! Toppings Galore!
- BANGING, BANGING... and did I say BANGING? BELGIAN FRIES w/ awesome dipping sauces!
Yes list completed! ;o) -
Review from Javier M.
New York, NY
5/3/2007
Friday night (early Sat), 3:30am. Ludlow.
Imagine you are a vegetarian (you are? really? ok) and you are totally drunk. You see the frolicking crowds, exiting Pianos and Libation; some whisked away by a cab to have sex at an undisclosed location, others on hungry after-party stomachs in search of a fix, to appease that overworked slave called the liver. You are one of them.
You see the unrepentant munching of hot-dogs, shish kebabs, gyros, hamburgers... you look at them, green with envy (you are a vegetarian after all), the wee hours are not optimal for veggies, even in New York. You resign yourself to your fate and walk with your buddies to a falafel hole in the wall.
Him: "Greetings my friends, what will you be having?"
Friend: "Uhh, chicken shawarma please"
Him: "Sorry sir, we don't serve meat"
Friend: "Whaat??"
Him: "This is a vegetarian place; but is really good my friend, try it"
After a slight discussion, they decide to try it. Your drunkness is gone, the shock has made you slightly sober, filling your falafel charged gyro bread with the many toppings available "Go on my friend, put as many toppings as you want..." -the nice man tells you. And you do, and it's great; falafel full with flavor, garlic sauce, spicy sauce, and some other stuff you can't remember in the haze of the remaining alcohol. What a great place to exist for a party vegan...
...and even 4 a carnivore like me. -
Review from Allison G.
Brooklyn, NY
7/2/2007
Ashkara, yum! This falafel stop is so cheap and good! My honey has become obsessed with Ashkara, and I love it too for the following reasons:
* CHEAP. Great prices!
* Delicious falafel! Crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, flavorful, excellent texture.
* Open late! Excellent for a post-bar bite.
* The toppings bar! You get your falafel sandwich (2 sizes available), then you can pile any of the veggies you want on the sandwich.
* It's vegetarian and healthy. A much less guilt-inducing post-beer choice! -
Review from Albertro F.
Chinatown, NY
8/12/2007
I was in Amsterdam with a German friend a few years back. He wanted to eat at Burger King while I, with my weak Yankee Dollar, wanted a falafel. "Like, what is it?" Felix asked. "You get a pita with these balls in it and you cram all this salad bar shit on it." I still don't think he got the concept.
Ashkara does the falaf up right. Fried to order in a freshly cut pita, pre-hummused and ready to rock with standard lettuce, tomato, etc already in it. The free salad bar thing too applies, but I wasn't afforded much space to jam all the tahini, cuke, etc in there without a total pita blow-out. I don't know how chimichurri factors in as a mideast condiment, but hey, it's your pita - top it as you like. -
Review from Stephen C.
New York, NY
2/29/2008
I was on Ludlow doing some drinking and one of the people I was with was hungry for some food. The great thing about this neighborhood is you have some options. But, the frame of mind for a group of cooks after a night of drinking is somewhere between something good and well, fast food. Fortunately, Ashkara is a lot of both.
I had the falafel and it was fresh and crispy and hot and just moist enough to be one of the best I have had, dare say in a long time. The Chef who brought us here new the neighborhood very well and he had insisted the food here was great.
Ashkara is a good value for your dollar, late night or mid day, whenever a falafel fix is in order. -
Review from Bianca B.
2/12/2008
I'm addicted. This place, along with the Vietnamese bahn-mi spot, are my go-to places for a delicious cheap lunch in Manhattan.
Ashkara's falafel is perfection. The falafel is fried just to a crisp, but it's still all yummy and herby and moist in the middle. Mmm... and then being able to get it in a whole wheat pita is a bonus. But the best part os the salad bar because...yes, I want eggplant and cucumbers and couscous and olives and spicy saucy stuff.
They're open late, great after a night of drinking and dancing. They're so cheap. The guys that work there are funny and will hook me up with extra falafel for free. -
Review from Phoebe J.
New York, NY
Updated - 1/23/2010
Closed! Boo!
It's a shame. It's not cool.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2010
Good heavens.. What a great place for a super healthy meal. The grilled chicken sandwich was… Read more »
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Review from Jen K.
Ridgewood, Queens, NY
11/20/2008
Hands down my favourite falafel place in the city. I wish it were a bit cheaper, but if I wanted to save a few bucks I would head over to Mamouns, I go here because it's delicious and I can put whatever I want on my falafel from their salad bar. Their fries are also just brilliant.
They are closed on some Jewish holidays, which because I am not Jewish, I am never aware of and sometimes am faced with a closed door. When I am jonesing for falafel, that is always a bummer but I'll wait. -
Review from Simona S.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2009
I didn't go ape shit for the falafel HOWEVER there is something to be said for a fill-it-yourself-salad bar. And because I was starving and am leaving for Europe in 5 days with next to no money... I really stretched that falafel aka I ate out of it with a fork and when I was sure no one was looking (or keeping count of my salad bar trips), I went back over... several times.
Lemonade was good and hit the spot, especially after adding a little bit too much hot sauce. I always think I'm tougher than I really am.
Also, props for making homemade pitas espesh whole wheat. I like to know that I'm eating a healthier alternative to white pita... as I douse my falafel with tahina.
I don't think they make falafels in Prague.. so here's getting your bang for your buck during these difficult times.
L'chaim. -
Review from Rebecca G.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/20/2009
I don't even like falafel! Or at least that's what I thought before I came here. I was intrigued by the Belgium fries and dipping sauces. As I was reading the menu, a customer hyped up the place to me and told me to definitely eat there. The employee working there was very engaging and told me to tell my friend not to go next door, but he had already ordered at the neighbor's place unfortunately.
I got the fries and the guy working hooked up an extra sauce, a discount on the beverage I wanted, and even handed me a hearty sample of the falafel after it came up in our discussion about how I don't like falafel. The falafel blew me away! It was amazing! It was lightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The dipping sauces were great too! Big portions as well! I will definitely hit this place up again the next time I'm in NYC.
It changed my whole opinion on falafel! I LOVED theirs!! Problem is, I don't live in NYC and I don't think anywhere can live up to theirs! -
Review from Shane L.
New York, NY
12/2/2006
It takes cahones to set up a falafel joint RIGHT next door to Bereket - one of the oldest falafel places in town... Well, the fact of the matter is, Ashkara has the goods to back up their choice of locations.
They are small, but the food is awesome. They have falafel, pomme frittes, and fresh lemonade. (In addition to a number of other middle eastern choices, soups, etc.)
The pomme frittes are MIGHTY tasty - salty and piping hot, just how I like 'em. They are a touch limited on the dipping sauces, but I don't hold it against them.
The REAL draw here though is the falafel toppings/salad bar. They have this salad bar thingy where you can load up your falafel sandwich with all the goodies you can handle... Tahini, hummus, roasted cauliflower, baba ganouch, etc. Its all there. (I would heartily recommend the cauliflower - its got some great spice on it)
Of course, like any good falafel place, they are open crazy late... Picked up some pomme frittes last night at around 3:00am I think...
Definitely a great place to end your night. -
Review from beth p.
NY
2/2/2007
I ordered a falafel and hummus sanwich (really crispy and tasty; not greasy or heartburny like most other places) and then had free range at their salad bar that has great options like roasted cauliflower, sauteed carrots, pickled cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes and herbs,etc...
An inexpensive (less than $4) and personally-designed meal that you can grab and go.Listed in: veggie-licious
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Review from aemie c.
New York, NY
4/15/2008
Mmmm... falafel at 4am. Everything is fresh and warm. To make things even better.. their toppings are super tasty! I only wish there was a better way to put all the extra filling into the pita bread. It's not as fun when you don't get a little bit of everything in every bite. Must go back...
Update: I had to change this to 4 stars. They have this really silly rule where you can't go back to add more sauce to your falafel halfway through eating. If that's the case, they probably shouldn't leave it out for everyone to pour on their own. And creepster guys like to bother you during late night falafel runs. I do not like to be disturbed while I'm stuffing my face with falafel goodness. -
Review from Jenn R.
Milwaukee, WI
5/19/2008
The only place that my friends who are musicians play is Rockwood Music Hall, and on Sunday nights at that. It might be time to expand the market.
BUT!
Without the combination of the location and abysmal timing, I would never have found this gem.
I cannot recommend Ashkara enough. Though I am not sure on the cultural tie overs, in addition to some of the best falafel I have had in New York, they also make up some of the best Belgium fries. The rosemary garlic sauce trumps the popular fry favorite on 2nd ave, Pommes Frites.
I love that the guys always make sure to remind me that I can add anything from the bar onto my falafel hummus sandwich. Sa-wheet! -
Review from Jenny F.
Brooklyn, NY
3/4/2009
They must drug the food.. because I crave it a few times a month-- whether or not i can get there a few times a month is a different story.
It is cheap, easy and soooo tasty! -
Review from Jeremy C.
NY
1/31/2007
When I first heard that someone was opening a falafel stand right next to the venerable, if sub-par, Bereket, I was a bit taken aback by their chutzpah.
But after eating half dozen Ashkara Delights on my way home from work, I welcome the Israelis with open arms. I haven't had anything except the Ashkara Delight (which is basically a Sabich sandwich), but I whole-heartedly recommend it. They make up the basic components, and then you have free reign of their extensive "salad bar" of toppings. Just add a little extra tahini and some Amba, and you have a delicious Sabich for under $5. They have a great deal on falafel as well: $7.95 for falafel, fries and juice.
The food here is really fresh, the staff is pleasant, the price is low, and the salad bar is a unique bonus. -
Review from Jeff Y.
New York, NY
2/13/2009
I'm gonna go ahead and give Ashkara a full five stars, as it's the best falafel i've had in the city so far. there are a few other places to try, so we'll see if it can stand the test of time.
they cook the falafel to just the right crispiness that places like kosher deluxe can't match. definitely better than mamoun's (although they've got a lock on the cheap, late night drunken snack)
the diy salad bar is great, but they pack the pita so full with falafel, i have trouble cramming in all the things i'd like to add. -
Review from Victor T.
New York, NY
11/1/2008
This place surprised me positively.
I got a falafel and hummus platter with Belgian fries and lemonade combo. I asked if I could get water instead of lemonade and the guys there were nice enough to tell me that I could actually choose anything that was in the fridge.
The falafels are very soft and actually tasty, unlike most places where they are dry and "boring". I also do not remember ever eating a pita bread as soft and good as the one they make. Fries are crispy and very good. There are limited options in the salad buffet, but it is good enough. The hummus is the only thing I did not like. Too bitter.
There is a sign saying "Best falafel in NYC" and although most places that brag about being "the best in NYC" or even "the best in the World" cannot be taken seriously - some are so bad that it is not even funny - they can claim to be a contender. -
Review from Wren R.
Batavia, IL
9/23/2008
Oh Ashkara, how you bring me such sweet, sweet falafel.
Their belgian fries are pretty ace, too. I can tell you that. It's a fact.
It's a nice, cheap place to get a quick bite. And its nearby if you're in the Bowery and feel kind of lame for not quite being as cool as the proper LES.
I love the staff. They're such assholes, but in a great way. If you take the time to get to know them, they'll treat you better than decent. Though listening to them yell at each other is very entertaining. -
Review from Shannon W.
New York, NY
12/2/2009
I absolutely ADORE this place!!!
Food is great -- fresh hummus, amazing freshly baked pita bread with both white and whole wheat choices. The pita actually holds up its contents well without falling apart into a big mess --which I find happening at a lot of other pita/hummus/falafel places-- The pita here is Actually thick enough, and you can tell its baked in-house.
Falafel is great too and this is coming from someone who isn't too big on falafels. My boyfriend loves getting the meatier pita bread options - mixed grill, grilled chicken breast.. They've all proven to be excellent. Generous portions too.
My favorite thing about this place is the free salad bar, where I unabashedly pile up on the fresh veggies and grilled vegetables and array of sauces. This really fattens up a $4.90 hummus on pita to become a full-fledged, healthy meal. I actually leave full, completely satisfied, without the guilt of over-done calories.. Unlike other places, where you might gain in one area (good food) and lose out on another factor (fattening calories).
Oh but if you ask me, the biggest plus about this place that will get me coming back? The guy at the counter. He's really, really cute. And always friendly and on the job - he remembered my preference for whole wheat pita on my second trip there.
I ADORE THIS PLACE.
PS: They're also open late into the night.. 1am on quieter weekdays I believe, and 5am on Fridays and weekends. -
Review from Michael B.
New York, NY
12/31/2009
Pros:
Falafel
Great vegetarian options
Tasty food
Cons:
Small place that can get crowded
Staff needs to keep up with wiping down tables
The restaurant itself could use a good cleaning...especially the tables
good
Note to owner/management- You have a great product here but you need to clean your tables (even if you are busy)!! People do not like eating at a table with dirty napkins and crusty old food stains.
Come here if you like falafel. This place has the BEST falafel I have had in NYC. I will update my review if I have better falafel but DAMN!!
I got the falafel pita and fries. The toppings for the pita are also delicious. -
Review from Michel P.
Manhattan, NY
10/18/2008
The cheapest kosher food I have ever seen outside of Israel. The food is great, the people at the counter aren't judgmental ultra-orthodox, and it is cheap cheap cheap!
I recommend the falafel and the homemade lemonade.
If you are the kind of Jew who demands that everyone keep the same level of observance as yourself, don't go here - they are open when they want to be. But, if you want food that conforms to the biblical requirements and tastes good - here's the place! -
Review from Maria F.
Brooklyn, NY
3/13/2009
My friends and I were solicited with some free falafal samples post Happy Hour on the street. So my friends and I decided to go check it out. Ashkara is a real neat Kosher vegetarian spot for complete fulfilling falafel sandwich! My favorite Falafel sandwiches comes for Mamon's(another falafel spot)...which I need to review, but I have to say, Ashkara comes pretty close.
Anyway you get to fill your falafel with yummy vegetarian fillings like hummus, carrots, tomatoes...(I think over 12 filings) and the cost..just $5 something!! I've been hanging out quite a bit around the area and Ashkara makes the perfect dinner to grab before or after Happy Hour! -
Review from April B.
Brooklyn, NY
5/17/2009
Urban Pita, I am inlove. Thank you for being my first falafel experience. And thank you for letting me have some of the best fries I've ever had. Ever. Only because, I, unlike many people, like my fries a little wilted and a little soggy. Which they were (I think because I took it to go and waited til I got home to eat them.) And they have amazing dipping sauces!!! I'm a big big BIG fan of the rosemary and garlic sauce and also of the garlic ketchup sauce.
The large falafel is enough for two! Trust me! I know it seems small but it is plenty! I suggest preparing your falafel with the stewed eggplants, cous cous, onions, and garlic sauce. SOOOO good. I will definitely be back time and time again.
Urban Pita has stolen my heart for life. -
Review from john r.
New York, NY
12/2/2006
This is my new late night falafel source of choice. The falafel itself is tastier than Bereket and the fixings bar is great. There's an interesting hard boiled egg/eggplant/hummus pita to try, too.
For a traditional falafel I still prefer Cafe Rakka's more spicy falafel blend, but I find myself going to Ashkara more lately due to the fixings bar and the very late opening hours (even on weekdays, just like we need in the EV/LES) -
Review from Morgan W.
Manhattan, NY
1/22/2010
I love these falafels, I keep having the delivered. However, I went there for lunch, and the place had CLOSED UP. WTF?!? I asked the good people next door, and they said they didn't know anything more than that they closed. Hopefully they are just closed for the week or something.
They should have like 5 stars, for how good its been the last couple of times. But only 1 star for closing down, hence i settled on 3
(BTW, the falafels next door are not very good, will write a review as soon as I remember the name of the place.) -
Review from Joolie T.
Brooklyn, NY
7/26/2008
the salad bar is nice.
the falafel is AVERAGE (not the best)
the sauce is thick, but not tasty AT ALL.
the service was fine... but staff are a-holes.
that pretty much sums it up.
i like that they have freshly baked pitas for purchase. 5 for $3. cool. it's really hot up in there... i don't recommend eating in. if the staff weren't such a-holes, maybe i would come back. they were talking mad sh*t to my friend in Arabic because last time- he had a rock in his sandwich and chipped his tooth. he mentioned it to them to be more careful with their prepping and the one of the guys behind the counter LOST IT. he said we were lying and demanded that we take that comment back. we scoffed and sat down with our food (which was "meh" anyway). then, one of their girlfriends started mumbling curses at us and i almost kicked her in the grill (teeth). WOW. you think just because i'm American, i don't know what you're saying to me? well, you're wrong- stupid.
not effin' cool. -
Review from Dan B.
2/21/2009
When Urban Pita claims that they have the best falafels in New York, they aren't just tooting their own horn! They really are amazing! Have a little bit of that late night boozing hunger after partying hard on the Lower East Side? Come down to Houston St late at night and enjoy a cheap, filling, and absolutely delicious falafel sandwich with hummus. They offer a self serve condiments bar complete with seasoned onions and hot sauce that can perfectly top off your falafel. I definitely recommend it.
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Review from Helena Z.
Brooklyn, NY
3/14/2007
I agree that the falafel cannot compare to Mamoun's or Chickpea, but the take-what-you-want salad bar certainly makes up for it! Friendly, fast and cheap.
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Review from Sara L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/19/2007 2 photos
The price is right in this falafel joint. The salad bar allows you to choose your own adventure in terms of toppings - encouraging patrons to up the deliciousity of their meals. This was (gasp!) my first falafel experience... Ever. Much to my BF's dismay. It was a great introduction and I look forward to the time that I can go to Mamouns... mostly because I love to say it.
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Review from Brian R.
Manhattan, NY
8/24/2007
Ashkara politely re-introduced me to the delicious world of falafel's. They even gave us a free chick-pea ball, whatever you call those, to build our taste bud's trust. Super cheap ($4), super delicious, and a cool clean, open-aired seating scenario.
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Review from Gordon C.
New York, NY
1/25/2008
Cheap delicious quick amazing sauce good-veggie-stuff but also meat fuck this place is great.
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Review from Evan B.
Brooklyn, NY
2/20/2007
Great healthy (relatively, for a late night snack) option in the Lower East Side. I really like the salad bar. Being able to fill your falafel with as many different toppings as you want is a major bonus. Good service and a clean place, not much else you can ask for.
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Review from Amanda H.
Brooklyn, NY
5/6/2008
yum! This place has some of the best falafel ever,and I love the location cause it is the perfect place to go after spending a while at Bluestockings books. Thier falafel balls are just perfect in texture and taste,and the toppings bar you get to use yourself is a great bonus. Prices are good and the person working there was super nice. They even had a free sample table outside which you don't see very often.Layed back atmosphere.
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Review from trish R.
12/2/2008
Now that we're neighbors, we'll probably experience frequent face time. Whether outside my door or inside yours, with those great falafel and hummus sandwiches, we're bound to meet. Throw on some of that spicy green sauce and some tehina, and for under $5, you're happy. That's quite amazing, really. I will tell you what's not amazing, the veg burger. Don't stray from the goods... it's all about the falafel (until 2a!!).
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Review from Masumi T.
New York, NY
10/4/2008 1 photo
The falafels here were really good. They bake their own pita. They fry the balls in small batches so they're always fresh. They have a pretty decent sized fixin' bar where you can add all the tomatoes, cauliflower, cumbers, etc you want. They have a really spicy tasty green sauce which I recommend that you use. Don't use too much if you can't take the heat. I also tried the lamb burger which was good. The meat was seasoned nicely and really juicy. The meat is cut up and put inside the pita with hummus. It's really messy but pretty good. If I had to choose one or the other, I would go with the falafel. It had the right balance of fresh, fried, cruncy and soft in one pocket.
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Review from Steven S.
10/18/2009
If you can't afford a quick trip to Israel/Palestine for a falafel, this place is a more-than-worthy alternative. I've had A LOT of falafels in my day (I think my body is at least 40% fried chick peas) in A LOT of different countries. And let me tell you, that pathetic pita sandwich you pay too much for from those greasy street carts have got nothing on the real deal, which I never thought I'd find outside of Jerusalem. This place is even better than newcomer Maez, which is also pretty good. They both let you put your own toppings into the pita, which is the secret of falafel success, 'cept these guys seem to have a bigger variety and give you more space in your pita to cram them in. They also have great fries with a variety of fancy dippin' sauces. Not an eat-in sort of place.
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Review from Melody H.
Manhattan, NY
2/12/2008
I am going to turn into a giant falafel if this whole you are what you eat thing holds any truth. At $3.50 for a small pita, this is what I pick up for dinner on my walk home from work. The small pita is really not very small. Or maybe the large pita is not that much larger than the small. Whatever. I don't care bc once I shove all the veggies into the shell, it is a jolly big sammich and me likey. None of this baked falafel bullshit. Deep fried, the way it should be.
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Review from Sara R.
New York, NY
4/5/2010
This place is amazing! I absolutely love love love the Falafel! I know this place has some stiff competition with the amazing restaurants around it. But, if you get a chance please try this place out. The fries and dipping sauce is as good as it gets! YUM!
