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Pita Hot

4.5 star rating
based on 30 reviews

Category: Middle Eastern  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Long Island City
2515 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 932-8282
Nearest Transit:

30th Ave (N, W)

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
None

30 reviews for Pita Hot

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Hands-down, best falafel I have ever had." (in 21 reviews)
user photo
"A really great falafel sandwich and good, creamy hummus." (in 15 reviews)
user photo
"The Jerusalem falafel is sooooooooooooooooo good." (in 8 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Sandeep M.

Elite '09

6

80

Sandeep M.

Long Island City, NY

4 star rating
11/21/2009

Went last night after reading reviews here and was very pleased with the sandwiches. Hummus was delicious. The guy behind the counter was extra friendly which made the experience that much better, so some there were tired of being asked "hot sauce?" for every sandwich they ordered.

I didn't like that the two sandwiches we ordered came out at different times, but I guess that's what you get at made-to-order places... Overall, I'm a fan, I'll return.

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Photo of Alexandros O.

Elite '09

66

127

Alexandros O.

Long Island City, NY

4 star rating
11/17/2009

Good falafel. Good hummus. Interesting assortment of beverages. This little nook in Astoria's cranny - offer a good sized menu of quick Arab food. The walls are covered in pictures from around the Arab world, a UN peace poster, currency, coffee pots, and other eclectic finds.

Peep it.

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Photo of Mark M.

Elite '09

14

155

Mark M.

Queens, NY

4 star rating
9/12/2009

I lived around the corner from this hot spot for a year.  It's not that I took it for granted, but I didn't take advantage of it as much as I should have.  

Among the best filafel I've ever had.  No doubt.  However, the prices have gone up a few times over the past two years making it a bit too pricey for it's own good.  The "Jerusalem Filafel" is the best on the menu.  Stuffed full of all kinds of goodness.  I think it's $5.50 now (something similar on MacDougal St would be around $3).

The other food--especially the platters--are great as well.  Friendly and speedy service.

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Photo of S J.

 

0

4

S J.

Long Island City, NY

5 star rating
11/5/2009

Pita Hot is truly a diamond in the rough.  It is open 24 hours a day, which is amazing considering the quality of fare.  The Jerusalem falafel is sooooooooooooooooo good.  The hummus is spectacular as well.  If you want the best falafel this side if the Atlantic, then check out Pita Hot!

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Photo of Natalya A.

 

0

4

Natalya A.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
8/23/2009

Oh Pita Hot, how I miss thee. Hands-down, best falafel I have ever had. Period. I used to live 1.5 blocks from this place and made it a healthy part of my personal food pyramid. Why? High-quality ingredients, good price and the warmest service I've experienced in New York.
Falafel sandwich: Crispy, flavorful falafel balls that do not taste of straight up grease, fresh romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and tahini are generously stuffed into tasty pita bread from Damascus Bakery. Simply excellent hummus and baba.  
Lentil soup is also fabulous and recommended on a cold winters day.

Since moving to Brooklyn, I can honestly say I miss this place on a daily basis.  I trek up to Astoria specifically to eat at Pita Hot, it's that good.

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Photo of Katey G.

Elite '09

21

200

Katey G.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
7/10/2009

My tastebuds dance with delight! It may have been the sample of hummus, or the friendly guys behind the counter. But it was probably the delicious pita sammich stuffed with vegetables and chicken and sauce.

And all at a reasonable price!

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Photo of angela s.

Elite '09

8

55

angela s.

Brooklyn, NY

4 star rating
7/29/2009 2 photos

my boyfriend and i didnt have anything else to do, so we hopped on the w train and took a trip out to astoria.

this place is very small, with about four tables to sit down. they have a sign outside with the lunch special so i decided on that even before i went in. so we ordered the lamb and falafel combo sandwich, and a lamb gyro lunch platter.

the service was quite good, and the man taking orders gave us samples of tabbouleh and pita.

when we were leaving, they were cooking something that smelled so great, i had to turn back and ask what it was. he told me it was lentil soup and i promise to go back and try it one day.

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Photo of Lindsey W.

 

1

3

Lindsey W.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
3/17/2009

Two words for vegetarians:

Jerusalem Falafel.

You get a pita with EVERYTHING vegetarian...stuffed grape leaves, babaganoush, hummus, plus their delicious falafel. All for just 5 bucks.

I've tried a lot of falafel places in New York, and this one, the closest to my apartment, wins every time.

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Photo of Brian H.

Elite '09

10

145

Brian H.

New York, NY

5 star rating
6/14/2009

OUTSTANDING. I highly doubt you'll find better falafel in Syria (the owner's birthplace). Never in my wildest dreams could I fathom a GYRO composing symphonies in my mouth that rival Mahler's. Don't let the humble digs, long wait, cash only, or trek to Queens keep you away. These guys don't skimp and prepare everything with supreme love and devotion to their customers. A destination restaurant.

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Photo of Solomon C.

Elite '09

32

109

Solomon C.

Flushing, NY

5 star rating
Updated - 3/8/2009

went here again the other day and I noticed something that I missed last time. Their falafels are green when u bite into them! (it's a good thing...) most places skimp on the falafel ingredients by using only chick peas or fava beans, the guy mixes in a bunch or greens like parsley, scallions, cilantro, etc. . . so there's no cheap short cuts in their falafel.

Also their Jerusalem tea is really good! You wanna get that too!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    1/3/2009

    I had the falafel sandwich and shawarma sandwich, both were excellent! I liked the shawarma better,… Read more »

Photo of Brad M.

 

0

11

Brad M.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
8/11/2009

I just got back from there about thirty minutes ago. My roommate was looking to grab a bite and I suggested this place based on the good reviews it got here. Since moving to this area in the beginning of July, I hadn't gotten to try any local falafel yet. I would often go to Oasis when I was passing through Williamsburg or Mamoun's if I happened to be in Manhattan.

We perused the menu outside and while the lunch special sounded tempting I was really craving falafel and that wasn't one of the offerings for the lunch special. I ordered some stuffed grape leaves with tahini and herbs and a falafel with hummous and tahini. My roommate got the chicken kebab lunch special. While we were waiting we were presented with the famous complimentary pita with hummous. The grape leaves were incredible. The tahini is a work of art by itself. I also enjoyed the falafel very much. One of the problems I've had with Oasis is that they often put too much veggies in the pita, particularly the pickled red cabbage and the pickles. Even when I tell them to hold it entirely I manage to get some in there somehow. Mamoun's can sometimes be the opposite - not enough veggies. Pita Hot strikes a harmonious balance between the two forces. I had just enough falafel, hummous, tahini, veggies and hot sauce to make it feel like it was complete. Again, the tahini brought intoxicating flavors and aroma to the falafel and I was in heaven.

Prices are great for what you get. It wasn't packed when we got there but around the time we left it had started to pick up a bit. I think it was because of a shift change at the hospital across the street. The staff there seem to like this place a lot (and for good reason!). The chef was incredibly gracious and friendly. I think this is going to become a regular spot for me. I can't allow myself to take this place for granted even though it's only a couple blocks down 30th Ave from me. Bravo fellas!

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Photo of Amanda H.

Elite '09

62

125

Amanda H.

Woodside, NY

5 star rating
3/8/2009

Yum Yum YUM!  I used to live right near this place and would stop in often for dinner, late night etc. (they stay open until at least midnight during the week, and 3AM on weekends or later.)  And every time the food, service, and atmosphere is awesome.  My lucky day - last night went to a party right around the corner from Pita Hot/Jerusalem Pita House and got a chicken, hummus, cucumber, lettuce, pita with hot and white sauce... My friend and I were dy-ing this food is incredible.  And cheap - I think it was $9 for both of us.

When I used to come often there was a really nice guy that would prepare your pita by cutting off the top bit, dipping it in hummus and then hand it to you as a snack while you wait.  I've also had the baklavah and it's phenomenal!

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Photo of Cat S.

 

10

57

Cat S.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
10/27/2008

Seriously, I go here at least 3 times a week.

The owner (Khalid) who  also became a friend of mine knows what he is doing! Everything is fresh even when I come in at 2am to order their delish Lentil Soup. EVERYTHING IS Homemade and made damn good. From their tea with a hint of orange blossom, baba ganoush, hummus, their pita chips to their falafels, EVERYTHING IS DELIGHTFUL.

Prices are under $6 and they are open late, ranging from 2-4am everyday.

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Photo of cz h.

 

0

5

cz h.

Queens, NY

3 star rating
7/6/2009

The food here is good, what gets me is the service.

The guy who cooks the food (I believe he's the owner) is as slow as molasses.  I mean SLOW.  

Also- every time I go there and pay for my meal, he asks if I want my change back.  Uh.....yeah- this is a counter service place.  I don't mind dropping a dollar in the tip jar for good service, but don't guilt trip me into it.  That alone makes me never want to return to this place.  Tacky.

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Photo of Natalie B.

Elite '09

5

62

Natalie B.

Long Island City, NY

4 star rating
6/8/2009

I got a falafel sandwich which was really good. The manager is super nice, and gives you snacks while you wait, the longer the wait, the better the snacks. :)

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Photo of Ellena F.

 

0

8

Ellena F.

Queens, NY

5 star rating
8/3/2009

Great pita, i like the jerusalem falafel... decently priced, always packed, all around solid choice.

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Photo of Brian V.

Elite '09

19

203

Brian V.

Chatham, NJ

4 star rating
5/29/2008

I was very happy the first time my roommate walked in carrying what looked like an amazing Falafel wrap from some place called the Jerusalem Pita House.  Good falafel within walking distance of my apartment is always a good thing.  

I asked my roommate where it was and almost walked right by because the name on the delivery menu is nowhere to be found.  It's hard to miss the PITA HOT in big capital letters as you're walking by though.

The first time I went, however, was an absolute disaster.  There were four or five people in line and the guy behind the counter was completely in over his head.  After waiting for 20 minutes with no end in sight about when I might actually place my order, I left not sure whether I'd go back.

Luckily, I did.  This is some of the best falafel I've had in New York City.  I can't recommend it enough.  The shwarma sandwiches are also good, and they make a nice Greek salad (although it's a little pricey at $7 relative to everything else on the menu).  There are only a couple of tables, so your best bet is to show up there with the purpose of going take out.

The only downside is with only one person working there, at times it can take a little bit to complete your order.  If you're willing to wait though, it's more than worth it.

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Photo of Vincent V.

 

4

5

Vincent V.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
4/20/2009

This is a really great place. Fresh pitas with all kinds of great stuff available. Reasonably priced and the falafel is great. Last time I went, the normal guy wasn't there (the one who gives you free pita to eat) but hey, can't win 'em all. Overall, one of the better places to eat in Astoria.

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Photo of Chelsea J.

Elite '09

30

284

Chelsea J.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/16/2007

Another place right by my apartment that I've walked by a billion times, and finally got around to trying. I'd gone once at like just shy of noon and they said- though their doors were open- that the cook wasn't there, so we'd have to come back. We didn't. Oh well. So I suppose it's not the must lunch-y place there ever was.

Anyway, but for dinner, when there's someone there cooking, it's pretty enjoyable. A really great falafel sandwich and good, creamy hummus. Their definition of "just a little bit of sauce" and mine apparently differ by a lot, which is too bad. Oh, and their spinach pie was kind of soggier than I would have liked it to be, but it's still pretty good food and from a quick and simple place. I'm pretty happy with it, and will be sure to go when there is someone there who can cook me food time and time again.

Note- the menus all say the name of the place, which is how I knew how to find it, but the sign out front refers to it as "PITA HOT". So if you see that, this is what it is.

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Photo of Kathleen Y.

Elite '09

34

321

Kathleen Y.

Jackson Heights, NY

4 star rating
2/7/2009

I had a falafel sandwich and it was cheap and awesome.

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Photo of Sam L.

 

3

2

Sam L.

Long Island City, NY

4 star rating
7/16/2009

I love Pita Hot (waiTing for my food as I type) they Have the best middle eastern food I've ever tasted!!  However my one complaint is that the service is super slow!  Not the Owner, he's wonderful friendly and quick, oftenhanding out free food, but the curly haired guy. SomEtimes I walk by if I see he's working. Great food though!

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Photo of Peter K.

Elite '09

19

166

Peter K.

Astoria, NY

4 star rating
8/28/2007

Good, cheap, no-frills Middle Eastern food. The owner is really nice too. While I was waiting, he gave me some pieces of pita with hummus. I had the falafel sandwich--it was delicious.

There isn't much of a seating area, so it's meant to be more of a take out place.

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Photo of A Y.

 

0

2

A Y.

Queens, NY

5 star rating
7/12/2009

Tasty food with good price. I liked the decoration in the restaurant too.

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Photo of Brooke S.

 

16

46

Brooke S.

Astoria, NY

4 star rating
6/9/2008

Ok I just love this place - Pita Hot, Jerusalem Pita House - whatever you wanna call it I don't care.  I love the food and I love the cooks.  Every time I have stopped by I have been satisfied.  Yes, the service is a bit slow and may be weird the first time, but the more times you're there you realize that's just the way it is and the guy who is usually cooking is really quiet and seems very sweet, so I don't mind that the service is a bit slow.  But hey, what can you expect when one guy is running the place.  Just have patience.  And it's open really late, so I've been in several times in the wee hours.  I'm addicted to the hummus and chicken kebab.  The only bad thing is they don't accept cards so you must have cash on you.

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Photo of Claire L.

 

2

2

Claire L.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
6/10/2008

There is nothing like being one block away from falafel - especially good falafel that stays open late night.  Other reviewers have already talked about the friendly service (and it seems I was lucky to show up with no other customers and TWO people working behind the counter), free hummus and baba ganoush (which were both very yummy) tastings and cheap prices.  What hasn't been said, though, is how slammin' their homemade hot sauce (which gives heat and flavor without overpowering any other part of the sandwich) and the subtle yet special homemade pomegranate sauce.  The only complaint that I have is that there are no pickles in the sandwich.  I am interested in trying their other food and, although I have only been living in Astoria for a week, I know this place is going to be a staple.

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Photo of Jasmine L.

Elite '09

13

198

Jasmine L.

Astoria, NY

4 star rating
1/28/2008

I once ate my way through Israel only eating hummus, baba ganoush and falafel... suffice it to say, when i came back to the states no food could compare, until i stumbled across Pita Hot. This place makes the best falafel I've eaten, and this includes my adventures in Israel. Everything is homemade by the owner and his family, with quality ingredients and a whole lotta love, because this stuff is so fresh and so tasty it keeps you coming back for more. if you're in the mood for AUTHENTIC middle eastern food, this is the place to be

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Photo of Tony L.

 

0

3

Tony L.

Astoria, NY

4 star rating
4/6/2009

The falafel here is above par. The homemade hummus and tabouli are also very good. The service is pretty good, even though the owner is the only person I've seen working behind the counter. Very friendly atmosphere and the best falafel I've had in Astoria so far.

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Photo of Andrew J.

 

25

234

Andrew J.

Astoria, NY

5 star rating
11/20/2007

Thank God Chelsea J already wrote a review about this place or else I would've never found the listing.  The sign on the front of this place says, "Pita Hot" so be warned.  But if you see that sign, I strongly urge you to run in.  This food is delicious and cheap and the handful of dudes that I have encountered working here are all really friendly.  The falafel is made on the spot which is great.  And the babaganoush is absolutely amazing.  Like, really, really fresh food here.  If you're in the area, stop by for a cheap lunch or dinner.  And it's also open really, really late which makes for excellent drunk munchies!

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Photo of Jobi B.

 

11

130

Jobi B.

Little Neck, NY

4 star rating
5/1/2007

Small take out place with some seating, but i never see anyone sitting there except for the cooks friends. I always get both a shawarma sandwich and a falafel sandwich. My wife likes them also, as well as their spinach pie. The owner is very cordial and always has pita and hummas out on the counter for people waiting for the meals. Very simple, cheap and good. They deliver sometimes if they have the guy there but i find myself picking up more often than not. I order after getting on train at QB plaza and my food is ready by the time i get there.

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Photo of Conrad G.

 

4

19

Conrad G.

Queens, NY

5 star rating
10/22/2008

Great little spot to pick up your typical Mid Eastern fare (falafel, hummus, shishkebob, shwarma etc) and open all hours of the day.  The owner is super nice and everything is made fresh.  Prices are on the cheaper side as well.  Only real downside is the lack of seating space, but a lot of these type of restaurants are like that (Mamoun's, Hummus Place, Cinderella's etc).  But since it's supposed to be more of a street food, I guess that doesn't really matter.  Plus I live a block away, so that earns a star (if it wasn't already 5).

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