Pita Jungle
Categories: Vegetarian, Greek and Mediterranean [Edit]
4340 E. Indian School RdPhoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 955-7482
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
34 Reviews for Pita Jungle
Consistent and Fresh,
Its great to have a place that has high turnover and provides quality food that is cooked in a simple manor to make it a no brainer to return. The Indian School location shows off how far Pita Jungle has made it. The family has opened up locations all across the valley and producing a variety of success. Yet, one thing remains the same, consistent food and a family restaurant feeling.
Oh yeah for you vegetarians this is your hot spot.
Keep growing Pita Jungle, can't wait to visit your restaurants when I travel out of state (hint hint to you loyal Pita Jungle fans).
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Huge portions, friendly staff and cheap pricing. Nice outside (late night) seating with that caters to the modern day Vegan.
Would go again.....
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I eat at pita jungle at least once a week and at most about 3. The Indian School spot is conveniently located between my apt and my work - a 10 mins drive from either.
My typical lunch there is the beef gyro ($6) with passion fruit ice tea which hits right on the money with my lunch budget - $10bucks. Sometimes i get a multiberry smoothie to go, which I highly recommend. Its this lovely purple color, tastes of fresh berries, and its not too sweet - a healthy and refreshing alternative to desert.
I experience sudden inexplicable cravings for their beef gyro at times. The meat is delicious, the pickle and tzatzikii compliment it so well... I'm getting cravings just thinking about it.
If you decide to get some hummus as a starter, I recommend the small order with 2 pitas (comes with 1) instead of the large order which seems better suited for 3+ people.
I had the seafood provencal from their seasonal menu yesterday, and it was so very delicious i was literally making yummy sounds (mmmm..!) after every bite.
Their lunch crowd has gone down in size recently, maybe because its so hot out. The parking in that strip mall is hell during lunch time too. There are various different lunch establishments and drivers can get pretty aggressive when they see a car pulling out.
The 2 seater tables they have inside are a little cramped. I prefer more space between me fellow diners and myself and some of my heavier friends find it a little difficult to wedge between tables without interrupting seated diners. Also, forget about having a private conversation if there is a table seated next to yours. The tabletop is at capacity with 2 plates and 2 drinks.
The inside of this location has a huge mirror hanging that make it feel way bigger than it is. It also brings in tons of light and lets you check out the crowd, or more notably, the hot hipster wait staff. That being said, I've never, not even during any super busy lunch rush visits, had bad or unsatisfactory service. They run lunch rush like a well oiled machine.
One last thing, I am a very thirsty individual, and I love me some good iced tea, on a couple occasions I've been offered refills for my tea in to-go cups. I know its a small things but, for me it goes a long way.
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Pita Jungle is pretty decent I've had their chicken shwarma plates every time I go. It's pretty college-neo hippie-veggie-art on the walls is for sale-type of place. Not to say that's a negative, just a weird vibe for me personally.
Haji Baba is just down the street and personally that is more my speed and I think their hummus is better too.
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NOTE: I only had take-out, and it was brought to me by my boss. She rules!
She got me a hummus/grilled/marinated chicken combo. It has 3 different hummus...es...es (HA!): roasted red pepper, jalapeno and plain ole' hummus. They are sectioned off in the big plastic container, which rules for my OCD, as I don't like my food touching. In the center is a PILE (a total monton!) of grilled chicken. It's got some sort or spicy rub on it, but not too much kick. It had been marinated, too. And tender....I think this is the most tender chicken I have ever had. It made my own tender spots as juicy as the chicken was!
I'm not big on pita, so instead she got me a side of cukes.
This thing weighs a ton and I've been eating it for 2 hours. I have made a mess in my "Make me Yelp" boyshorts.
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this seems like the upscale version of the pita jungle in tempe.... including one seriously snotty hostess.
HOWEVER - the food, as always, is fantastic. had the beef gyro ($5.95) - delicious, although overladen with red onions, which i truly detest. lots of meat and veggies, and yummy yummy tzatziki sauce.
the bf had the falafel pita ($5.50-ish), which was pretty good, although not the best falafels i've ever had (but really, i had them for the first time in the middle east....)
water was kept constantly full, great attentive service, good food, not bad prices. just a really snotty hostess who looked at us like we were scum (we came from a vb game).
i recommend trying the california beach club pita ($7.75) - it's soooooooo good, AND it's enough to be 2 meals! score!
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I had dinner last night for the first time at this place, and I have to say that I really really liked it a lot! Upon entering the location, I was impressed with how it was set up. Clean, nice, with lots of outdoor seating.
The decor gave me a "fancy" feeling of dining, yet without the menu sticker shock. Clean nice marble looking tables, some booths, and a big beautiful mirror hung from one of the walls. Well decorated!
After sitting down to eat with Gabi, We were waited on almost immediately, and the server was attentive, and gave us time to think about our orders. The menu has a wide variety of items to choose from, and from what I could tell, ALL the prices were relatively cheap!
I ended up eating the Gyro pita, and I must say, it was tasty, and the portion was quite ample and large.
I would put this on my list of places to return for the good eats since I was so happy the first time around. I feel that you can't go wrong at this place, from my experience. I would feel comfortable bringing my parents and dates here as I was impressed with the overall feel of the resturant, along with the excellent food, good sized portions, wide menu variety, and cheap prices.
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This place is consistently fabulous.
Every time I've been there, I've gotten great food and great service.
One of my favorite offerings is the Moroccan Gazpacho. If you love crunchy veggies and a lot of cilantro, this cold soup is for you. It is accented with plump golden raisins -- which sounds a little weird, but it is divine. It adds a little sweetness to the strong (but delicious) onion and cilantro.
The cold tuna pita is also wonderful. It's served more or less like a salad, with one of Pita Jungle's sublime pita's on top. It is also topped with sprouts and a light lemony dressing. Another fine sandwich is the lavosh shawarma wrap. Oh dear God.... It just makes me happy. Juicy chicken, lettuce, tomato, pickles and a shmear of garlic sauce. It's just so good!
If you love hummus, this is another must-try! The cilantro jalapeno hummus is to die for! I was actually hoping for it to have a little more of a kick -- it is incredibly mild, but very flavorful.
This is definitely one of my go-to places when friends come in town. There is always good music in the air, and cool art/photography on the wall.
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So, I have to admit that I once threw up in the Pita Jungle bathroom, but it was not Pita Jungle's fault - it was definitely something I ate the night before. It certainly made for a memorable first date experience with my now husband, and we have been back many many times.
Oh, how I love Pita Jungle. I haven't tried anything that I wouldn't have again in a heartbeat - currently I am hooked on the Potato Pizza. yummy!
Their breakfast options are wonderful - definitely try it on a lazy Sunday morning. There is usually no wait.
The ambiance is fantastic, casual and arty, with a little bit of crunchy granola thrown in.
A++ for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Eat hummus and pita. Try falafel. Try anything on the menu, because it is all good.
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This place is pretty good. Nice atmosphere, very casual. Prices are low to moderate. Hipsters tend to hang here. They do make mean whole grain pancakes in the morning. I would stay away from the pita burrito as it falls apart almost instantly. Defiantly vegan friendly! The pitas are very tasty too with a great texture.
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I have been here numerous times and I always thoroughly enjoy my food. Delicious healthy food that is not to expensive... you can't really ask for more. I have been to the Pita Jungle in Tempe before and in no way does it compare to this one in ambiance. I wish they had this exact restaurant in central phoenix right near my house... I swear I would want to come eat here everyday. Anyway until that happens I will have to settle for driving a little out of my way to enjoy their food. On Sunday I stopped in here to pick up some takeout... I had their hummus and taboule pita... I had them put the red pepper hummus instead of the regular and it was sooo delicious and the perfect amount of food. I cannot wait to come back!
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The Jungle (as we call if for short) is one of my favorite places to go for a cheap, healthy, casual meal... I've been to 3 of their 5 locations (Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe), and the food is consistent at all of them. However, this Phoenix location is my favorite not only because it's closest to home, but the atmosphere is a tad nicer than the others and because the service is extremely attentive!
Portions are big, and although I have my favorite items on the menu, I've enjoyed everything I've tasted at the Jungle! The dish I consistently get for dinner is the macro platter. I'm not a vegetarian, but I love this! It comes with mixed beans, brown rice, fresh steamed veggies, tofu, and pita. Add a little sracha sauce, and I'm a very happy camper!
As for other menu items that I like, the hummus is great to start. I actually have several friends who order hummus and chicken for their entree too! The gambas con ajo is listed as a 'starter' on the menu, but it can also be a meal! Their honey pasta salad and their spinach pasta salads are delicious and HUGE portions. If you like pizza, try the glazed-chicken lavosh pizza... it's my brother's favorite! The pesto lavash turkey wrap is a good one, as is the medchilada. Honestly, you can't go wrong...
The local artwork adds to the experience. I warn you, once you try the Jungle, you'll become a regular :) See you soon, Pita Jungle!
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SO! SO good! I love the hummus, the falafel, the dolmades... mmmmmm!!!! mmmmmm!!!! mmmmmmmm!!!!! I also love how they always let me make up what I want on my plate and bring it out to me, so I always get my favorites!
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If your new to Arizona or visiting, you gotta come here, its CHEAP, healthy and no need to dress up, they have take out also. So when you go, you have to have their chicken with hummus, AMAZING and so damn tasty, I recommend the Lentil Fetoosh Salad, funny name, but the divine flavors are no laughing matter, also they have a honey glazed Pizza, Eat that one too and of course some Tzatsiki, so refreshing and light. And if your a vegetarian or are a slob and have room for a good side dish, do their brown rice and lentils, there is just something about the seasoning that makes this a meal on its own, so you can even through some grilled chicken on that and call it a night. Its really really really good.
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Let me start off by saying, this isn't a 5 star place to eat. But, I give it a mighty big round up. Why? Read on.
The food - 3.5 star worthy. You won't sink your teeth into the best gyro you've ever had, but both the beef and Mediterranean chicken gyros are good. Not great, but good. Portions are generous if you order a wrap. You'll probably need a box for 1/2 your wrap, unless you just have an ungodly appetite. Salads are big, too, and come with plenty of tomatoes and cucumber slices. Now, the hummus, that's good. Try their jalapeno hummus. Quite tasty.
Service - 3.5 stars. You won't fall over backwards with surprise, but you shouldn't have any real complaints either. Even during peak hours, like lunchtime, wait time is short, even if you arrive with a hungry group of 7. Splitting up of the check was painless, too. The waitstaff doesn't seem to have much personality, but at least they get to wear whatever they'd like, which can be interesting when you try and figure out who works there (and who doesn't). They're also attentive to your beverage, so refills are no problemo - which is a good thing when you're chowing on Greek grub.
Atmosphere - 4 stars. It's welcoming, laid back and clean. You can peek into the kitchen while they prep the food. Even for it being cramped, Pita Jungle still manages to appear more open than you'd expect. You don't feel crowded here, nor do you drown in the conversations of others, even during high traffic times. Also, there's art on the wall, which is usually great eye candy.
Artistic Support - 5 stars. This is the clincher. You see, I think it's really awesome that Pita Jungle supports local artists. Don't believe me? Go in the month of December and get a glimpse of the World of Rynaga. The entire concept - books, prints, Web site, etc. - belongs to a local artist. (http://www.rynaga.com/)
Let's recap. While the food is really good (not great) and the atmosphere is inviting and friendly, I give Pita Jungle 5 stars for being a super cool restaurant that lends a hand to help expose local artists by displaying their art on their walls for all their hungry patrons to see.
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I like their concept, overall the food is pretty good, especially the Grilled Chicken and Hummus (ask for the Jalapeno/Cilantro Hummus). Sometimes the artwork is interesting, sometimes not, but atleast they're trying something interesting...
I'm a big fan of outdoor decks, even if they're located in a strip mall (what isn't in a strip mall in Phoenix metro?) and Pita Jungle on Shea and 74th's deck is pretty mellow. Chill w/ friends, read, people watch and eat..not too bad....
Worth checking out for yourself...
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Food was pretty good, service was HORRIBLE. I went to the Scottsdale location. There really isn't a space set aside for pick up and/or ordering. There's just an island with the servers' computers, and a bunch of patrons standing around confused. A disorganized MESS.
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I believe they are slightly overrated for what they are, but I enjoy this place nonetheless. Sadly, the food here is hit or miss. The hummus is okay (I've had way better), and the falafel is good only sometimes (sometimes it's burnt to hell). Try the grilled salmon salad - yummy! The food is not outstanding but it's a fun place to just kick back and relax. The Arcadia location is slightly awkward for seating, but try the Scottsdale location and sit on the patio...good stuff. Like other people, I don't complain about the service - the servers are down-to-earth and fun, not uptight and constantly on you like other places. I appreciate this place.
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Yummy!
Big portions, low prices... and food that doesn't make you feel guilty after eating it. Love the outdoor atmosphere too. This is a nice place to bring friends after a hike, or just enjoy a casual meal during your day.
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I love Pita Jungle. All of them. Everytime I come to visit my parents in AZ and I fly into Sky Harbor, on our way up to Payson I beg my driver's to indulge me.
I have tried to re-create their hummus, but I can't -- it is truly amazing, so smooth and delicious. And the price is right -- try a comparable "upscale" place and you would be paying triple the price. The salads are awesome. I am a big fan of the Lentil Fatoosh, the Broiled Chicken, the Honey Pasta, and the Greek Salad. The fresh and light dressings are awesome. As for the Pitas, the California Beach Club is awesome. And their smoothies, so freakin' good. And their iced tea is not your run of the mill stuff either.
Service has always been fine, and when it has been lacking, the food has always made up for it. I live in Chicago and I wish they would open an outlet here, because we have nothing like it here. We are the city of big asses with our deep dish pizza, hot dogs, and sausages. I miss you, Pita Jungle!
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Do you know where you are? You're in the jungle baby. You're gonna die. But at least you won't die hungry or unhappy.
The food here is awesome. Really delicious stuff. I can't say enough good things about it. Except for the fact that Cafe Istanbul is across the effin street. And I wouldn't say I choose one exclusively over the other, but more times than not, It's Istanbul, not Constantinople. People rave about their hummus. Which is raveworthy. But I'm all about the Babaganoush. I think eggplant puree is good clean fun. But the name sounds like slang for some big booty. And I think I've just found a new euphemism. Go me.
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I'm not crazy about this place, and I probably wouldn't return if they didn't have the city's best rice pudding and hummus here. The seating is a little jarring and completely impossible to navigate in a rush. The service is annoying at best, and though prompt, the server's attitude should never be directed by their challenging hairstyle, accessories, etc.
You're edgy.
We get it.
Oh, and parking is a real son of a bitch. I would suggest parking by walgreen's, unless you really enjoy being gridlocked.
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If you are looking for authentic Greek food or even an authentic tasting gyro, skip Pita Jungle and hit one of the many mom and pop Greek restaurant's around Phoenix. The food is descent, but because of the crowds that flock to the Jungle, food is usually cold by the time it reaches the table. I had previously been to a different Pita Jungle (Chandler area) and remembered the food to be tastier, but it too had the same problem with slow service.
Today I visited with my husband, because he has heard mixed things about the Jungle and wanted to decide for himself. To say the least, he was not pleased with his first. We were sandwiched between two other couples in an attempt to maximize seating in an already over crowded restaurant. We heard the couple to our left complain multiple times that the glasses and silverware were dirty. After about 15 minutes the waiter finally appeared to take the drink order and attempted to flee before we even gave our food order.
On a positive note, the prices are cheap, and the beer and wine selection is commendable. I was happy to end the meal with something yummy after the all-too-cold falafel.....pistachio ice cream/baklava plate. Next time, if we feel the need to stop by the Jungle, it will be for beverages and dessert only. Try to hit this place up during off hours as well for a more enjoyable dining environment.
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Let me jump on the bandwagon and add my praise for Pita Jungle. I love their new location and not just because it is in my 'hood. It's open, clean and so far, there have been no service issues. The food is relatively cheap and the portions are big. I like the macro platter and the chicken wrap.
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All in all not too bad... the hummas is very good and the tabolie is OK... i have never actually sat there for dinner since i get takeout... the one thing i dont like is that they dont have fried kidby... if anyone knows where i can find it please let me know!!!
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While one of the healthier choices in Arizona, I wasn't impressed with their food, nor their service. I've only been to the one in Chandler.
While the fare isn't terrible, I just don't find it overly flavorful. I've had the hummus, and the lavosh salmon wrap. The wrap was pretty disappointing for me.
I'll probably go again just to see if something else on the menu will wow me. And if my opinion changes, I will come back & update.
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I loved Pita Jungle as an ASU student and was elated when I saw that this location was opening up in my neighborhood a few months back. Since it opened, I've taken every opportunity that's come up to drag uninitiated friends over to sample their flavorful and healthy offerings. No one's walked out disappointed.
Personal favorites include the lavosh shawarma wrap, spicy chicken wrap, broiled chicken salad (a great way to load up on lean protein), and the caribbean fruit salad (massive). The value you get from the huge portions is insane.
I love the fact PJ is open until 10 every night. As I noted in my Arcadia Wildflower Bread Company review, beware of this plaza during weekday lunch hours: the parking situation is ridiculous.
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What's in a name right? I heard Pita Jungle and thought of some 2nd rate mall food court dive in the back corner.. you know the one with the guy who has the really long armpit hair. A trusted food blogger wrote a review about this place so I HAD to give it a try.
Well to my surprise and honest delight this place didn't have one gnarly armpit to be found!! In fact this place is VERY sleek and sexy in its space.. the food super YUM-E! ((I do feel a little uncomfortable writing about food and armpits.. Im becoming far to self aware!)) The servers were all very attractive and their service very much fit the surroundings, clean, not rushed, comfortable and friendly.
When I ordered the Medchilada the server warned me.. he said he had finished one barely and that I may not be able to.. I just looked at him and said "hello!" with 2 hand motioning up and down the sides of my belly! With that he smiled and placed my order though I appreciated the warning. When it came it I was stunned.. he wasn't kidding.. this is THE BIGGEST thing on the menu.. HUGE! It came with the most tasty side of brown rice Ive had! There was so much chicken inside it was falling out the edges.. I sight to behold though not quite a sight when you saw me trying to eat the thing. Id like to say that I have an unhinging jaw but even this was far to thick to grab and take in. All for 10 bucks, oh yeah!
Oh yeah!!
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This is the second of two locations. The first in Tempe has been there for years. I was happy that they finally opened one closer to me. The food is simple pita wraps, beautiful salads, burgers, and pizza with many selections being vegetarian. The menu tends towards middle eastern, with nothing on the menu exceeding $8, this place is a steal for good cooking in a nice atmosphere and great service. There is a wine bar. It was packed on Saturday night. The place was hopping, and rather loud and high energy. I highly recommend it!
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Wow -- cheap, delicious, OK service, and upscale Arcadia vibe inside. I'm sold. I'm aware of the complaints of the Tempe location, so I'm on guard. Although it's newly opened, I will def. go back to try out some more.
*Cheap*
Dinner for two with an appetizer and drinks was $22.
*Delicious*
The food was was great. Cilantro jalapeno hummus? OMG. I'm starting to DROOL just thinking about it again!! Tangy and zesty, but not spicy enough for you wimps out there. And with grilled chicken and pine nuts?!? Yum. Beef and shawarma gyros were dependable and good. Lots of other choices I want to try next time, esp. the wraps, veggie burgers, pizza and spicy mango shrimp.
*OK service*
This one I will let slide since it is only their second week. Service was kind of sketchy. It was crowded and we were told in despair by the host to pick our own table in some kind of confused blather. Our server was cute and attentive, and quick. She easily accomodated a change in our order. It took a while to get place settings and menu, because, well, we were told to seat ourselves and our server wasn't aware of this. Hopefully the confusion will be corrected over time.
*Upscale hip Arcadia vibe*
Gorgeous gigantic dark-wood mirror frames the back wall of the strip mall joint. Open layout , with full length windows and small sleek dark-wood tables throughout with a handful of patio tables out front. Clientele of talkative (borderline loud) 30-something singles (some w. young kids) reflects the neighborhood. A bit more polished than the Tempe location, but still OK to dress casual.
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Fawk I wish I was in AZ at this moment. Pita is sooooo good! I enjoyed there Humans, they have several variations and all are good. This is a kick ass place to grab a great salad as well. Overall I enjoyed it to the max.
Pita Jungle is cheap and yummy. I have to agree that the seating is pretty terrible at this location. The tables are small and jammed close together. I'd go back, just to the Tempe location.
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So this place opened only about a month ago, and I don't even think I can count the number of times I've been here already on both hands. I really like Pita Jungle-- laid back atmosphere, beautiful interior, delicious food! Yes, the waitstaff can be slow at times, but they are young kids, and I feel they generally fit more in the "atmosphere" category than "staff," meaning they are all young and cool and hip, and thus contribute to the whole vibe of the place.
I could make a thousand recommendations, but I won't. Just read over the huge menu and try something you never would have thought of. I promise you, it will be good. I will tell you this, though: this location is still waiting on their liquor license as of my last visit. Have the iced tea, it's yummy! Also, this branch is planning to have delivery service soon. I may never leave my house again!
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