Pita Inn is heaven on a plastic tray. For realsies. I am a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine and they seem to do it even better than traditional, non-fast food type places. This location was the first I ever ate at, the old Dairy Queen used to be here but I'm so glad they closed down and Pita Inn opened up. Could a Blizzard compare to their falafel, hummus, and combos? I think not!
(5)
Maggie R.
This place has become the standard by which I judge all other falafel. "Meh, Pomegranate is good, but it's no Pita Inn..." and so on. Reasonably priced, delicious, and consistently good service. It was once joked among friends that it would be ideal to eat one's way out of a bathtub filled with their hummos... mmmmmm.
(5)
Michael H.
This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and very reasonable prices. The beef schwarma is unbelievably good, the falafel is so crunchy and the sauces are wonderful. I highly recommend.
(5)
Jonathan F.
I give it 3.5 but we'll round up for now. It's got decent food, and fast service. Busy at lunchtimes. The food is sometimes a little so-so, but it'll do!
(4)
Karen G.
This is a favorite lunch stop for my work crew. I also live very close by and often stop by for full meals or just pita and hummus (especially with the chicken!). Delicious!
(5)
Megan K.
Amazing food, ridiculous value. It gets crazy packed for lunch.
(5)
Renato P.
This place is kinda like the Pepe's of Middle eastern food , a hybrid fast food-sit down restaurant. It's clean , very busy , and yet I usually don't have to wait around too long. I can't vouch for the authenticity of the food , but I've gone there a bunch and never had anything I didn't like. I usually get the combo platters , to try a little of everything . The rice is REALLY good , I don't know what it's called or what they do to it but damn , it's good. The Falafels ,baba Ghannoug and Hummus are really good .There is a shawarma that is kinda like a beef gyros , which is really good , and Kifta which is like a spiced mini meatball , not as good but alright. Lamb kabob , very gyro like and damn tasty. The Chicken Shwarma is really good too. Then there is my personal favorite , the good ole shish kabob. Nice chunks of beef seasoned perfectly , very simple and exotic. To sum up , great food , cheap prices , it's counter service so no server. ... Tried the kibbah , which is like a deep fried batter covered meatball , good.
(4)
Brij V.
Hands down, the BEST middle eastern food!! Chicken swarma sandwich is just aweome!! ohh and those spicy sauces...I can't seem to have enuf of those!! yuummm...I LOVE THIS place!!! oh and try the baklawa while u're there...
(5)
ron k.
this place is off the freakin chain... business lunch special lot of food for so little... when you eat here drink water not soda it will help you digest what you eat and help you not get indigestion because the food is really dense... little details makes this place stand out... like the hot sauce more often not as salty and briney as say pita house and the falafel the have the wahtever the stuff is chopped to a consistency that makes it tastes better than other places that aren't the same and also you get to taste the constituent ingredients in the hot sauce or the falafel as opposed to salt and spices... my favorite place for middle eastern fast food...
(4)
Alison M.
$2.75 for the best falafel sandwich you've ever had. For me, all Middle Eastern food is measured against the Pita Inn. The hummus is better than what I ate while in Egypt. Pita Inn has friendly service; they are always fast and in the 14 years I've been going here have never messed up an order. The baba ganoush and rice are super tasty, and I've heard that the chicken dishes are delicious as well. I visit the Pita Inn almost every time I'm in town. It's crowded for a reason!
(5)
Stephanie B.
The reason why Pita Inn knocks other similiar restaurants in the area out of the water is because they make their own bread fresh daily. I love their falafel sandwich & I load it up with their delectable hot sauce. Their dolmades, hummus, & baba ghanoush are also wonderful. My only complaint is that the service is inconsistent. Other than that, the food is top notch & well-priced.
(4)
AngelEyes M.
Cant go wrong with the food for the prize
(4)
Kristin B.
The falafel here is FANTASTIC!! I have tried many other menu items, but I keep coming back for the falafel....good portion of food, perfectly made, reasonable prices, etc. Pita Inn is grrrreat!
(5)
Jasmyn K.
This is one place I missed dearly during my 8 months I was living in California! Tried a few places out there and they could not compare to the value and the flavor of Pita Inn. This place is the best! I love the combo plates, the gourmet falafel sandwich and the khanafa are my favs....oh and the mint ice tea is delish too!
(5)
Patty V.
The food is exactly the same as the other locations,but the decor is not as nice as the Niles location. I have no complaints about the food or service here or any of the Pita Inns. I love them all!
(4)
Jim N.
Checked it out after all the reviews, have eaten here a few times in the past month. Very good shawerma and falafel, and the prices are more than reasonable. The business lunch is a bargain at $4.95 (drink not included). It gets pretty crowded during lunch hours but the line moves fast. Definitely check it out if your looking for good Middle East food (although I would still rank Cedar Grill in Downers Grove slightly better).
(4)
B G.
There simply isn't a better Middle Eastern spot. I've been to all of their locations. Read other reviews for details because if I continue here and now, my cravings will overtake me and I simply can't get to a Pita Inn today!
(5)
Scott H.
Just simply Fantastic!!! The business lunch is so good. If you don't try this place, then your missing a wonderful experience for something different. The Hummus is the best in the state!
(5)
Justin W.
So I thought to myself, $10 for a meal and a drink. That's a reasonable price. After I received the meal, I made a second one out of the leftovers. Wow. Awesome food, great prices, and I can't wait to go back. It's a damn shame I don't work closer to here, or I'd go at least once a week. :(
(5)
William T.
One of my favorite lunch spots, great food, inexpensive, clean, and pretty fast. If you are going for lunch during the week, show up early or late, but avoid the middle.
(5)
Sam C.
This place is the best. We go here as well as the Glenview location several times a year. There is never a disappointment and the quality is always top notch. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)
M B.
If you a craving Middle Eastern food and don't want to spend a arm and a leg, this is the place to go. Cheap and pretty decent tasting, we had a group of six over and ordered take out and everyone was happy with their meal.
(5)
Janine M.
By far the best baba ghannoug I've ever tasted. You really can't go wrong at this place. If you haven't been there before try the combination meal. The rice is buttery and wonderful, the pitas are fresh, even the lemonade is delicious! I have yet to have a bad meal at this restaurant and with it's makeover a few years ago you can tell that business is good for this VERY reasonably priced Mediterranean restaurant! Pros: Excellent authentic Middle Eastern food, fast service, pleasent atmosphere Cons: NONE!
(5)
Michelle T.
The first time I went to Pita Inn, I got the chicken shwarma and wasn't impressed. It was really dry and brittle. A few months later I gave Pita Inn another shot and order the Chicken Tenders. OH MY GOD THE DIFFERENCE. Large portions of moist delicious chicken breast grilled perfectly. Pita Inn has the best hummus I've ever had, and I don't usually seek out hummus. My husband is a vegetarian and goes with the falafel. Even though I work 5 miles away and live 20 miles away, it's at the top of options for carryout for lunch or dinner. The staff is very efficient and friendly.
(5)
Jessica S.
This is the first time I went here and I went with a group from work for lunch. The place is packed, it was unbelievable how many people were in line for the food. The meat had some good flavor, i was impressed with the hummus. All of the side dishes were just ok. I do have to say the prices can not be beat. Just make sure to get there early, do not head to the restaurant at noon on the dot you won't be able to get a seat.
(3)
Mark S.
If this place were a little closer to my job, I'd eat here weekly. As it stands, I make the drive once a month or so for the business man special- all forms of meat piled on top of yummy rice with some pita bread and some salad for like $5. Their meat's well seasoned and the spicy sauce is really good- I've only had better at the Pita House in Schaumburg, and it was only slightly better, spicier for sure. I hate all the Motorola goobers who completely fill this place up at lunch, so it looses a star for serving more orders than they can seat.
(4)
sam l.
Amazing food all around. Exterior looks a little chintzy, but don't let that slow you down on your way through the front door. The vegetarian plate is absolutely delicious and the jerusalem salad is amazing. Lunch seems to be a little hectic so maybe show up during off-hours.
(4)
edwards R.
Had taste for middle eastern food want some hummis so I went there. The line wasn't long food was served hot and fresh it was the best and just as much as I wouldv't spent at fast food returant
(5)
Susan R.
So my fiance and I were watching a show on the food network, and it featured falafel and kabobs and that sort of thing, and we thought it looked REALLY good, so I thought I should use yelp to find a place that had that sort of thing, so I did a search, and found out that the Pita Inn wasn't too far away from our home. After reading all the awesome reviews, I knew we had to try this place. We'd never tried this type of food before. The first thing I noticed walking into this place was a sticker on the door that says "People love us on Yelp", so I thought that was neat. I walked in expecting a big sign that displayed their menu, but there isn't, but there are laminated menus at the counter where you order and a plentiful supply of paper menus laying around. We got there at about 10pm on a Friday night, and there were some people there, but it wasn't busy. We were really hungry so we decided to go with entrees instead of sandwiches. My fiance got the Kifta Kabob entree, and I got the Vegetarian Falafel plate. We also got a small order of hummus. We took it to go. Oh my gosh it all was so delicious. I tried some of his kabob and he tried some of my falafel and oh wow. The meat is sooo tasty, grill-flavored and wonderful. I didn't expect the falafel to be green inside, but it just surprised me was all, it's amazingly tasty and so very flavorful! SOOOOO delicious!!! They give you a ton of lettuce and tomato, and my fiance's meal came with delicious yellow rice pilaf. I stole a taste of that too, it's absolutely wonderful! We made sandwiches out of it all, the pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat/falafel, and topped them with the tahini sauce (a thin white yogurty sauce) and the hot sauce (kind of like a spicy salsa). The only thing that I was slightly disappointed in was the amount of hummus - we definitely should have gotten a large. I was expecting a bigger size is all, but we did have enough to decide that it tasted great. We added some of that to our sandwiches as well. The whole time we were eating we kept saying things like "mmmmmm it's so good!" and exchanging incredulous looks about how tasty the food was. There are just so many flavors, they're just delicious. My fiance even said, "Why didn't we start going to this place sooner?!?!" Go here. It's delicious. I'm sure that everything they have is equally tasty. I can't imagine any person who wouldn't be able to find something they would absolutely love here. Vegetarian? No problem! Meat-atarian? No problem there either! We can't wait to go back again. And their prices? Awesome. Here's their website, it has menu, locations, hours, etc. pita-inn.com
(5)
Laura R.
After driving by this Pita Inn and the one in Skokie a thousand times each, I decided to finally give it a try. I tried the chicken shawarma sandwich which was pretty good but way too much chicken for me - the veggie one sounds really good! The hummus is sooo good with pita bread. Service is very fast and friendly.
(4)
Jason F.
friend and I had the lamb plate, and the combo feast, plus some hummus and baba ganoush. it was all pretty tasty and a very fair price. worth the 15 min. drive to me :)
(4)
Jason Z.
You can't beat the Pita Inn for great cheap food. I'm partial to the Beef or chicken schwarma (shaved beef or chicken on top of rice) but everything is good here. My two year old loves it too. Tried a pita place in Buffalo Grove and it made me appreciate Pita Inn. I will not stray again!
(5)
Melissa H.
Ever since the husband has started liking Mediterranean food (see my other Mediterranean 5 star review) I've been helping broaden his horizon in it. Last night he was indecisive about dinner and I suggested Pita Inn. He was apprehensive of trying this place thinking it was like a similar Mediterranean joint in Palatine that we had a horrible experience at (see 2 star review on that place). I went to Pita Inn to order and pick up the food. I was surprised to see the amount of cars there at 7:30 in the evening on a Thursday night. I ordered the combination feast and for my husband the Shish Kabob. I also noticed they had Garlic Sauce too and I of course had to try it as I've always had the standard Tahini sauce here. Food was ready surprisingly fast! My food came with with their Falafel which I'm not a fan of and gave it to my husband. The husband thought the Falafel tasted decent. I also let him try some of my chicken, kufta, and shawarma. He thought the meat, chicken, his own Shish Kabob and rice tasted delicious and flavorful. He was impressed (YAY)!!!! I of course throughly enjoyed all the meats, rice, and their delicious pita bread. That garlic sauce.....OMG..,.tasted AMAZING!! We loved the garlic sauce and highly recommend ordering it! We also had so much food that we have leftovers for lunch today! Pita Inn has always been my Mediterranean go-to and i'm pretty sure that my husband feels the same. Thanks for giving him another Mediterranean option and for always tasting awesome!!
(5)
Anamaria H.
I've been going to this Pita Inn for about 10 years now. This place was my introduction to Mediterranean food and I've been in love ever since. Whenever I go, I order the beef shawarma sandwich, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. The beef is so delectable and it just melts in your mouth. The falafel are highly addicting and the grape leaves are just amazing. I've also tried the combination feast, the hummus (with oil and without oil), and the falafel sandwich. If you're looking for a large meal, order the feast. The lamb and beef pieces are delicious and easy to chew (never had a tough piece of meat), the chicken is flavored beautifully, and the rice is great. When you go, make sure you try the spicy red sauce and the tahini sauce. Both give the food that extra something-something. Just be warned, sometimes the spicy sauce is really spicy. I'm a girl who loves her salsa hot but sometimes it's too much. When that happens, just add a little more tahini and your tongue will be okay. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the mood for fast, delicious Mediterranean. I give it 4 stars just because I'm not too fond of the current restaurant set up (I've seen this place go through at least 3 different configurations). The current layout makes it tight during busy periods and it can echo.
(4)
Michael S.
This place sure knows how to cook meat well. I ordered the combination feast and loved all the protein on the plate. The chicken breast was well-seasoned with a nice lemony taste and cooked extremely well, keeping a nice moisture. The beef shwarma was extremely tasty, with a nice crisp to the meat. The shish kabob was tender and well-seasoned steak, while the kefta was nicely done, moist ground beef. The highlight of the plate was the falafel. Hot, straight out of the fryer, and bursting with flavor. While the meats were all excellent, the other stuff on the plate was disappointing. The plate only came with rice (which was good but a bit bland) and a "salad." The salad had no dressing on it and was pretty much just lettuce and cucumbers. I wish the platters came with a bit more but I still left satisfied.
(4)
Nektaria R.
Pita Inn is a pita inn. Good food, lots of parking, nice outdoor seating area. Fast service. Cheap. What else do you need to know?
(4)
Michelle B.
Excellent food. Tried the kebab and the falafel. Both were outstanding. Basic, clean ambiance.
(5)
Scott R.
Cannot praise this restaurant enough! Consistently good Mediterranean food. This is probably the best lunch value in town; they have a business lunch special priced at $4.95; what a bargain and the portions are huge. The combination platter is excellent, as is the Lamb Kabob plate. The hummus is homemade, served room temperature and out of this world, as are the fallafal. Most entrees come with complimentary pita. Excellent food & Excellent value!!
(5)
Abhijit C.
Awesome place for a quick grub! Great lunch specials and you hardly have to ever wait to get food! Paradise for a meat lover!
(5)
Jon G.
Excellent food, especially for the price. The platters are hard to beat as a deal, and the meats were all excellent. You could spend more elsewhere, but you'd probably get less.
(5)
Greg R.
Love the food at Pita Inn - and the value proposition here is high. At lunchtime - their Business Lunch special is simply unbeatable! For a whopping $5.99 - you get a whole heap of tasty food. You get a nice sampling of protein options (shawarma, kabob, kifte, chicken, and a falafel) served with rice, pita, and salad. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more value from your lunch anywhere else. This place is always crazy busy at lunch - but service is always super quick. Even past the lunch special, their other options are all fantastic - huge portions of tasty food, all for great prices. I like the chicken shawarma plate, with a little add-on of garlic sauce and a couple falafel. Great food + great prices = 5 stars and a repeat customer.
(5)
angela l.
For some reason the chicken wrap did not taste as good as those I had at their Mundeline store.
(3)
Jan M.
Love it here! Always fresh, generous portions. FATOUSH salad is good but I prefer my own vinaigrette. I always order some falafel and rice as sides. The hummus and lentil soup are my favorites. Try their homemade lemonade!
(5)
Rusty S.
Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but unfortunately I was a bit underwhelmed after reading all the great reviews. I got the chicken shwarma & hummus to go, with falafel on the side. My order was ready in about 20 seconds, which made me a little apprehensive to begun with. The bits of chicken had good flavor but were kind of dried out, like they had been cut and sitting for a while. The hummus was not the best I've had, but it was OK--a little in the cold & pasty side. The best part was the falafel, which had a great home-made flavor and was not greasy at all. I would give it another try with the falafel and maybe a chicken kebab, but can't recommend the shwarma.
(3)
Ankur P.
This place will never fail. I've been come here since I was young. Best falafel hands-down. Anytime someone visits from out of town, this is one place we will take them. Prices are very reasonable for a great portion of food.
(5)
Johnny N.
Not bad for a place to stop when you are hungry and don't have much time to be searching and driving around. Would I come back?...maybe.
(3)
Lefai K.
I had the chicken tender entree here and it was A-OK. I feel like the chicken could be seasoned more . The rice was kind of bland as well. But for the price, it was a good size meal
(3)
Karl C.
Pita Inn is amazing. This place is so popular, it can be tough to find a table or a parking space. And there's almost always been a line to order food. Get their business lunch special which is $6 and it gets you shish kabob, kifta kabob, a chicken breast, shawarma, falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. Everything is delicious, particularly the falafel and kifta, and it's an incredible deal. Outside of business lunch hours, you can get this platter for $10. Go. Here. It will change all that you know about Mediterranean food.
(5)
Lori W.
Pita Inn I have missed you! My husband and I fell in love this place when we lived in the area. On Friday we were able to make a stop and was not disappointed. The business special has gone up in price but still a good deal. I love that they have Ginger ale on tap. The only reason for the one star off is that our order had a problem which was due to someone not reading the request.
(4)
Joseph L.
Maybe I just don't like middle eastern food but I found the food here to be kind of bland, like cardboard. Even the vegetables tasted like they were in the freezer for weeks. The staff was friendly and the prices are low, so for that i give them 2 stars. I don't get it. I'm sorry.
(2)
Venessa F.
This place... So great! There's a nice selection, kosher, vegetarian and flavorful meals for a great price. The staff is fast, friendly and attentive. Such a great atmosphere!
(5)
Shaili S.
Always get great service.. Amazing food and well cooked!!! Falafel plate is so filling!!
(5)
Rahul G.
I mean this place is amazing. Best Mediterranean food around, especially for the price! I go wayyy back with this place; lived next door to the first one on Dempster. Now this one is my go to since my mom lives around the corner. I grew up on this stuff. Their hummus is delicious and I always like ordering extra to have for the week. I normally get the gourmet falafel sandwich, which has potato slices in it, so yummy. Dump tons of their hot and white sauce on it to finish it off. I like the falafel plate sometimes if I'm in the mood to make my own sandwich. Other staples include the beef and chicken shawarma. Can't go wrong with anything here. Service is always super fast. Enjoy!
(5)
Georgetta E.
Omar (the young one) is the BEST! By far one of the most pleasant food type place cashiers I've ever met. Thank you Pita Inn for not only tasty food but an easy and pleasant experience. Go here for falafel, chicken schwarma, tasty rice, and delicious pita - all at affordable prices. Super convenient, too.
This place has the best Mediterranean food in the Chicago Suburbs. The portion sizes are defiantly big, lost to you is super low, worth every penny. The warm pita bread is amazing, chicken shwarma is very good as well. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone. I have been dozens of times, nothing beats their lunch specials!!
(4)
Grace L.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a good Mediterranean place in the suburbs and it was great to come in on New Year's Day for a quick meal. This restaurant runs like a cafeteria where you order your food and wait for them to load up your tray with goodies. The prices are reasonable and the helpings are generous. There is also an unlimited supply of yogurt and hot sauces to grab! We got the combination entree and the lamb kabobs. The rice was cooked well, the meats were juicy and tender and our plate of falafels were crisp and filling! I also learned of the awesome lunch special this place offers! So happy to have stopped by - this place rocks!
(4)
Sai Lohith M.
This is like my home. I go almost everyday other day to this place. Even though the menu is limited I never got bored of this food. Try the lamb kebabs or chicken shawarma and don't forget to add the spicy red sauce that comes with it. Yummy!!!
(5)
Tian Y.
Finally made it to Pita Inn at lunch time to see what the $5 lunch is all about. Holy crap it's such a good value it makes their (already fairly priced) combo dinners seem like a rip off. I thought that the lunch would be a really small portion, but it was still large enough to fill me up with leftovers. All the meats were flavorful and tender, better than I've had before at other locations for dinner. I also really like this location's ample parking and really clean and efficient interior. The food came out very quickly and the ordering/waiting area didn't feel too cramped compared to the Dempster/Skokie location. And even though it was lunch rush, there was still plenty of seats and the tables were cleaned very quickly. Can see myself coming here often for lunch when in the area.
(4)
Christine A.
This is my go to place for when I don't feel like cooking. My mouth is watering as I write this. I always come and order and the turn around time is always very fast. I've gotten the food to go and also eaten in the restaurant and outside on their patio (this is a must in the summer!). I've had take out in the past from their Skokie location but that was just limited to the Jerusalem salad. I've had falafel and chicken pitas and both are stand outs. Their beef is also excellent and I love that yellow rice that comes on the side. It is even better mixed with tomatoes and/or Jerusalem salad. I love that you can grab as much tahini sauce as you want from the counter. My only beef with this place is I think they over do it on the parsley in the Jerusalem salad and falafel. This does not deter me though, and I am stoked to try the baklawa next!
(4)
Sarah T.
Sooo I didn't think that I liked shawarma, until Pita Inn. I think the trick to their flavorful food is the seasoning. Add the ridiculously low prices and the only thing stopping you from coming here is time. We tried the combination platters and literallly EVERYTHING was delicious.
(5)
Megan G.
A truly good deal for the food you get. The food tastes authentic and delicious. The prices are very reasonable. And the falafel is excellent!!
(5)
Gaurav B.
Cant believe haven't written a review yet .... One of my favorite places for middle eastern food .... Excellent shwarma Excellent chicken tenders OMG delicious lamb kebab perfectly crusty and flavorful falafels Great kinafa A must try here would be the Jerusalem Style Gourmet falafel sandwich ... excellent food , huge portions, low prices ...
(5)
Megan C.
The food here is great! I especially recommend coming here for their lunch special M-F until 3pm. You get a huge plate of food for $5.99, which contains a variety of meats, rice, salad, and a pita. You can tell this place is good when at 3pm on a Thursday the place is almost packed. This restaurant is doing it right, and I definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't yet!
(5)
Rajarshi R.
Very good healthy Fast Food.....Only thing is they should have more varieties of Lamb.
(4)
Mike P.
What a crazy place. The guy taking orders has a great personality and is fun to interact with. The food itself is great for lunch and huge portions although not really seasoned as well as it could and should be.
(3)
Jay K.
There's nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. It's GOOD. The lunch special is great both in flavor and value at under $5. Eat in or take out. Everything on the menu is cooked to order and served hot. The sauces that come with the special are great, The red color sauce has some 'kick' to it. If you like it you'll need two for you're lunch special. No matter which location you go to the quality is the same.
(5)
Sonika ..
Quick service, great food and cheap price! 5 stars earned Pita inn! Chicken shawarma and falafel sandwiches are excellent! Also humus and pita are yumm!
(5)
Bob R.
We decided to go to Pita Inn after attending a fundraising event at the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health. My son suggested this had the best Chicken Shwarma he'd had anywhere in the suburbs. This was a Friday evening at around 7:30 pm. While it was not packed, it was crowded. Like other Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, you order at the counter and when the food is ready, you pick it up on trays. Beverages are self-serve. We ordered a large hummus. My wife and I split a Chicken Shwarma dinner. There is more than enough food for one person, and it did two of us nicely. The hummus was tasty - not the best I've had but far from the worst. The pita served with the hummus was warm and soft. The Chicken Shwarma was well marinated and cooked. The rice was nice, but could have been more flavorful. They did not serve the spicy red sauce (not sure of the name) or tahini with the dinner. I recall it being priced extra on the menu. But, before we were done, my son somehow got a few servings for us. The salad served with the meal was fresh. Overall, I would say this was average for suburban Middle Eastern food. It's a little out of the way for us normally so I would not make this my "go-to" choice. If I'm in the area, I certainly would go again.
(3)
Tasty X.
Popular, been here for awhile. Believe I remember this building was a Dairy Queen a long time ago. Don't be intimidated by food you may not have had before. You can get the lunch or dinner combo and you are basically getting just meat and rice. You WILL like it and you WILL come back. Come for lunch and fight for a table. This place is nuts because it is so good! Some of the employees have been there awhile and the one guy likes to joke with the customers. I have had him try to give me a handful of pennies for change a few times now. A coworker would order the vegetarian version of the lunch special and also is addicted. I have to be careful not to go down Elmhurst road past this at night. Otherwise the craving hits and it's a guaranteed stop. PITA INN IS THE GOLDEN STANDARD FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA.
(5)
Tejas B.
Best Pita place in the city and suburbs. The falafel is awesome and so it the chicken shawarma. We have catered from there on multiple occasions and the quality of food is also consistent. Definitely must try. All the locations are equally good.
(5)
Jeff A.
Stuff your face with the business lunch special. And get some extra tahini for the rice.
(5)
Avinash K.
Food was really good. Me and my friend did get quite a lot of food. We got plate of hummus (served with couple of pita bread), that was good. Then we got combination feast (mix of chicken and beef), both the meat was delicious. The fatoush salad was pretty good. We had the baklava and kinafa. I was a fan of baklava, but my friend liked the kinafa better. So overall it was really good.
(4)
Vic O.
Love and miss this place. It's all good.
(5)
Jay Y.
I had the Combo Feast and it was off the freakin chain. The portions were large and the quality of the meats were excellent. I was even surprised by how moist the chicken was. The seasoned rice was on the money, and the fresh lemonade was perfectly tart AF. The workers were over friendly to my female counterparts.
(5)
Shirley B.
Yummy food! Great service. I highly recommend the falafel.Going there now. We always get the dozen falafel to go as well.
(5)
Olga S.
Falafel.... Makes my mouth water every time I think about it. Great place with great prices, especially lunch specials. Try lentil soup it is always delicious. And falafel, of course. I have been to this place more than a 100 times and they never disappoint.
(4)
Luna M.
Well, I love Middle Eastern Food, but Pita Inn beats out any place that has the word, "Pita," in their sign. Not only do they have a great selection, they offer reasonable prices. Who can beat a combo lunch special for under $5? The combo (called business lunch special) is a great way to introduce a new guest to some of their main meals. Then you can decide which individual entree to have. My favorite is the Kefta kabob & Falafil plates. I love their rice--- it's delicious. Don't forget to dip your falafils in their hot (red) sauce. Currently, this is one of their 3 locations. Whenever I head to my parents' house, it's on my way so I pick up food for all of us to enjoy. Also, we have ordered catering portions for parties & they have always been a hit with the guests. Soon -- Pita Inn will open up their 4th location in Mundelein & I cannot wait!!!!!!!!
(5)
jean h.
This one was really hard to review. I guess I am so unfamiliar with the spices in these dishes. My husband and I have been trying a new place each weekend. I had the GOURMET FALAFEL SANDWICH (Jerusalem Style). Seasoned ground chick peas and vegetables, formed into patties and deep fried to a flavorful crispness, served in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomato and tahini sauce, with the addition of potatoes, finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles. The pita was fresh - the lettuce and tomato was fresh, the potatoes in the sandwich were good. I just did not like the spices in the Falafel. I tried the Vegetable lentil soup and did not like the spices either. My husband had the Lamb Kabab and I did not care for the ground lamb or the spices either. This may be that I am so not used to eating these spices
(2)
AbiJeet K.
Chicken shawarma is amazing and so is vegetarian combo plate. I come here almost 3 times a week. Amazing pita chips and good baklava.
(5)
Bob H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. Used to go to this place a ton when I was in graduate school at Northwestern. Great food for cheap - can't beat it. Loved the falafel, the hummus & shwarma entree, the baba gannoush, the lentil soup, the Jerusalem salad, and of course the Business Lunch Special. And then (Skokie location only) head across the parking lot to the Pita Inn market to pick up a dozen pita and a quart of hummus! Oh and don't forget to ask for the hot sauce & white sauce, and the pickled turnips, olives, and raw onions to pour on top of your business lunch special. Unfortunately I live farther away now but anytime I'm in the area I try to fit in my pilgrimage to the mighty Palestinian Mecca of the northern suburbs!
(5)
Mary H.
Super lentil soup! Delish hummus. And always fresh falafela makes this my very favorite restaurant!
(5)
Violet M.
Absolutely love this place for the good dependable food and reasonable prices. Always order the chicken tenders platter with a salad, moist chicken tenders and yellow rice. Yumm, the generous portions mean I have enough to save for lunch the next day. I always get a box when the food arrives and pack up half of the platter before I dive in. The falafel is great as well as the hummus and tabouleh. We have tried the lamb and beef and all are great too. Husband likes their tamarind juice.
(5)
Tejash P.
Good Mediterranean food though found it a bit pricey. But it's quite popular and busy during weekday lunch hours. Tried the lentils soup which was very tasty with carrots and vegetables. Service is prompt with ordering on one side and pickup on another. They don't have table service. Numbers are called out as per tokens issued to pickup food and sit wherever you want. Portion size is good. I suggest if you can't eat it all, take it as a carry out instead of wasting it. I was appalled by people wasting good food during lunch time yesterday. They have outdoor seating. Interiors are comfortable with good Middle-Eastern music playing and a clean restroom. They also have wall photos reflecting Palestinian cultures and traditions. Downside: Parking is small compared to the number of people frequenting this eatery. Food is a little expensive. Also, I suggest management should provide free Wi-fi access to customers and have a smile. You aren't working in an assembly line factory.
(4)
Katie H.
This place has ok customer service I usually see other restaurants have faster service but this customer service is nice
(3)
Chris M.
Still a great spot, but there is a lot of competition out there now in the Mediterranean food world. Pita Inn is still a solid choice, and the lunch special is still an awesome deal.
(4)
Shani S.
I like the vegetarian combination and also the lunch special which is really inexpensive and delicious. Best of all you can order and the food is ready for carry out in few minutes I always had good experience and love their food.
(5)
Jaime J.
Food is always awesome and the workers are always friendly.I'm so glad that it's so close to my house and the fact that they open to 10 is a plus since lot of the small restaurants close at 9. You can never go wrong with the combination feast. My husband and I share this with large hummus and extra pita . They have the best hot sauce too, I can drink that stuff:)
(5)
Alan B.
You always know what you're going to get going there and you'll get very quickly. I usually go there for the business lunch and a drink keeping my bill under $9.00
(4)
Christie P.
This is the best falafel in the suburbs. It is CHEAP, it is FAST and it is GOOD FOOD. All the usual fixin's you would expect, and some personal favorites are the Jerusalem-style falafel sandwich and the hummus and shawarma with chicken. They give you a ton of food, too. Their fresh-made pita makes the whole meal just perfect. Take out, eat in, bring kids, all good.
(5)
Candice G.
Apparently, this is THE place to be at 6:30 on a Sunday evening. Parking lot: Packed Foyer: Packed Dining area: Packed So we waited. We waited on a Sunday eve to sit down at a fast food restaurant. Worth it. Well, less the crying babies and the hacking man- worth it. I usually don't like felafel, too dry for my tastes, but not at Pita Inn. Absolutely the only felafel sandwich I endorse. So moist, so stuffed, perfect proportions, tahini dreams are made of, and perfectly spiced red stuff. I'll drive from Naperville o Wheeling in heartbeat for this bad-boy... there might not be anywhere to sit and eat it, but I'd make the effort to get the damn thing nonetheless. I also got the mint iced tea, which was meh, maybe brewed a little too strong and with very little mint flavor and the vegetable lentil soup which again, I thought was pretty just okay and not very hot- which normally I don't mind, but with the consistency of their veggie lentil soup, it kinda just tasted like mushy gush in my mouth. Not a fan. Just do yourself a favor and get that felafel sandwich (better than the vegetarian falafel plate bc it's less work and perfectly portioned) and maybe their rice, which is also pretty damn delicious. Quick tip: They have a patio in the warmer months that when open, basically doubles the size of the restaurant's dining area.
(4)
Bo P.
Good food! Good price! Fast food service. Every time is very consistent! I am glad that they are next door and keep serving the neighborhood right. The reason for 4 stars is the food, the rest is just OK. You have to serve yourself pretty much, so for 4+ or 5 star restaurant " "
(4)
Monica B.
This was some very good middle eastern food at reasonable prices! The meats were all real tender and cooked perfectly! My husband had the vegetarian combo plate which he said was fresh and delicious! I would definetly come back and recommend this place to others! For a tasty treat get the mango drink behind the register. It is really sweet and delicious! The only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars is because they call people's numbers for their food on a loud speaker which gets real annoying after awhile if you eat in.
(4)
Jennifer S.
There isn't a lot to say that hasn't already been said here. Basically, I whined for about a year until I found myself in the area with my hubby on a Sunday afternoon. I was convinced that I was missing some unbelievable food and since he'd been here many times before, I figured that I had to visit with him. The counter service was ordering was good. Pleasant and suggestions were made. I always appreciate that when visiting somewhere new to me. I tried the garlic dipping sauce due to one of those suggestions. But when we got out food, our extra pittas were missing. As were some falafel. I went up to asked for the missing pittas. My hubby arrived moments later to alert of the missing falafel. I don't think they believed us. There was a serious debate about our missing items. I don't know if they think I shoved the "missing" items in my purse or whatever, but they weren't very nice from that point on. It was weird and honestly the overall attitude left me with a bad taste in my mouth. What I learned here is that the combination meal is more than enough food for two of us to share. The pita bread was fine, but not worth ordering extra of at all. The caffeine free Mugg root beer at the self- service fountain area was a major plus. Finally, it wasn't worth the fuss. Pita House closer to home in Schaumburg is very similar with more pleasant service. In my humble opinion at least.
(3)
Jahanzeb H.
This place is close to my work and they have an awesome Lunch special. $6 bucks for good quality meat with rice and Pita cant beat that. service is prompt but call ahead as there is a lot of people in line. Kefta kabob is my favorite. baba ganhuj is a must as an appetizer.
(5)
Allhad K.
Probably the best middle eastern food in chicago suburbs. Their service is very quick and the food is tasty and fresh. They should keep the spicy chicken tender entree here which is available in mundelein.
(4)
Amy W.
Pita Inn I love you!!!!!!!! Mmmmmmwah! The food here is consistently delicious. If you get the business lunch special, you can tour the menu. FOUR kinds of meat AND a falafel. I recommend an upgrade to the fattoush salad--it has peppers and parsley and dressing and pita chips. Much yummier and worth it. You can now fill your own fountain drinks, mint iced tea is delicious. The expansion was still not enough to accommodate their huge lunch rush, apparently I'm not the only one to think this place is awesome! You can phone ahead and when you arrive, skip the line. I may have seen people at the end of the line phone an order in. It's been done. They have lovely outdoor seating underneath the grape vines. They bus your table for you, so there's no need to clean up. Silverware and sauces are at the counter. Love the beef shawarma and hummus. The lunch special. I used to have their baklava, they also offer a sugar-free version ?!? I cannot leave this review without mentioning the trickster at the cash register, he always cracks my daughter up. To keep up that speed of service with a chuckle--that's special!
(4)
Brian M.
Good food. Great prices. The staff is friendly and helpful. Nice place for a quick cheap and healthy meal. Try the mango during and combo platter. You will love it.
(4)
Kyle B.
The lunch special is stupid good, stupid fast, and stupid cheap.So you'd be stupid to not check it out.
(5)
Junior D.
I had enuff at the naf naf and wanted to try some authentic middle eastern food. I was working in area and seen all the cars and had too see what the hype was all about. Came here and ordered some falafel and a chicken shawerma salad. Chicken was very flavorful and falafel were hot and fresh. There pitas are so soft and melt in your mouth. There prices are very fair and quality is top notch compared to places.
(5)
Mary K.
Wow! We were In town on a business trip and my friend and I decided to find somewhere different to eat. We found Pita Inn on Yelp and the reviews were really good. We both ordered the chicken shawarma entree, knafe, and baba ghanoush. We were impressed with the quick service and quality of food. There was a steady stream of a very cosmopolitan group of clients. Excellent on making a lasting impression on out of town guests! We will definitely come again if we come back to Deerfield!
(5)
Simon K.
Wait, who deleted my review for Pita Inn? Because there's no way I haven't reviewed one of my favorite spots to eat in the north suburbs... Or maybe I'm just trying to assuage my guilt of not having gotten around to it... Nonetheless, if you love medi-food, this is the place to be. ESPECIALLY at lunchtime on a weekday. For five bucks, you get a nice helping of shawarma, kifta kabob, shish kabob, falafel, rice, tomatoes, lettuce and pita bread. Also, the hot and tahini sauces are the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, respectively, to bring more awesomeness to your dish. And on some weekends, if you sweet talk the guy at the cash register, you can get the lunch special that was supposed to be reserved for weekdays. How awesome is that? Their baklava isn't too bad either and it's a great way to end a meal. Just enough sweetness mixed in with the nuts and phyllo dough. All in all, a great place to grab lunch, or dinner for a few bucks more, in the northern burbs.
(4)
Yueqin C.
I highly recommend the vegetarian combination plate. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. I personally like the baba ghanoush and falafel. It gets very crowded during lunch hours but the lunch special is a great deal
(5)
Patrick M.
I will go way out of my way to eat at Pita Inn. I have never had a bad meal there. The staff is very friendly. It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)
Rohit J.
Got my dinner to go. The food tastes terrible and is the worst greek food ever. The meat was sawdust, tzaziki was water. I also have an upset stomach even after throwing away most of it. It is SHOCKING that this place has such a high rating. I got suckered in because of it. Do not repeat my mistake.
(1)
S s.
Awesome place! Great fresh food and great prices for a good portion size. My favorite?? The rice!! I dunno what they do to that rice but it's WAY too good! Try the lamb it's amazing!
(5)
Bear C.
No wonder there are lines out the door when the food is this good.
(4)
Kei A.
First time eating here. I've always had this dream of eating a felafel that became realized at a friend's house, and I fell in love. A buddy if mine was craving something different, so he drove by pita inn and I immediately ordered a felafel. Damn near perfect! Came out rather quickly, Nice and warm etc. The owner also seemed pretty goofy, so that's fun. The felafel's aren't exactly 100% authentic, but they're the closest you're gonna get. Damn near perfect.
(4)
Chebureki M.
Very good Mediterranean food, enjoy it every time.
(4)
Teresa T.
By far my favorite falafel ever and the hummus and garlic sauce is fantsstic! Amazing lunch special for $5 gets you a ton of food and you get to taste of several different items! A must stop every time I visit Chicago now.
(5)
Nataliya A.
I love Middle Eastern food and have had a lot of it before so I feel like I know a thing or two about it. I have lived by this place for about 10 years and finally made my way here for the first time a few days ago. From just walking in, I felt like I was walking into a fast food place, and in a sense it is. While making my order the cashier was very funny but not too helpful. I have never been there and told him that I had no idea what was even on the menu, but he just kinda looked at me and smiled. I ended up getting the Lunch Special for like $7, which has steak, chicken, rice, tomato, lettuce, falafel, pita, and a cup of white sauce. When I got the food it was evident that it was way too much food for 1 person, I ended up having left overs for next day's lunch that made me very full. I would advice splitting the plate amongst 2 or 3 people. I think the 2 things that impressed me the most were the pieces of steak, which were very tender and flavorful, and the falafel. I usually stay away from falafel because I do not like too many spices in my food, but this falafel was actually not bad, maybe a little bland, but it fine. The rice was fine, there was way too much of it. I wish that I got more tomatoes and lettuce and less rice. Would I come back? I think so... I would want to try other dishes, especailly their baba ghanoush and hummus.
(3)
Jessica Y.
This place is always busy which means consistently fresh/hot food. Prices are affordable, service is efficient, and restaurant is clean = lots of happy regular customers. Keep in mind it is a local hole in the wall family restaurant so don't expect fine dining atmosphere stuffed grape leaves are the only thing I could pass on here - too much leaf and not enough stuffing for me baba ghannoug ($3.79 for LG) and hummus ($3.59 for LG) both have balanced flavors with a hint of smokiness. I am a big fan falafel sandwich ($3.59) and falafels (.50 cents per) in general are wonderful - it is moist without being mushy and it is fried to perfection (not too crispy/hard). this is one of the few places I will order falafels. Shawarma (beef and chicken) sandwich/entree is always a solid choice - $4.39 - $8.39 The business lunch special - Combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread @ $4.95 is a great deal I have had chicken that is a bit dry but that is rare - overall I get excited thinking about eating here.
(5)
M L.
Hands down the most reasonable, tasty, healthy lunch choice in the area. Food always fresh and perfectly cooked. If you are new to this type of food a great start is their lunch special (11-3 mon.-fri.). Cheaper and just as quick compared to any drive thru pick up. This special gives you a chance to sample a variety of healthy menu items. Their falafel is the best in the area. Try the beef swarma dinner plate- my fave.
Hands down the best falafel this side of Lebanon. (Not that I've been to Lebanon but I can imagine). The hot sauce is what make the food extra good, it has a flavorful kick. Not like your vinegary tobasco sauce, has a lot of flavor. Great options for both - carnivores and herbivores alike. And their lunch special for meat eaters - is a hell of a deal. It's always packed anytime I go. I've been coming to this place since before Jr. High. There's been a few other falafel spots that opened within a mile radius, and they've all shut down - there's a reason why. Excellent food, Reasonable Prices (even after the increase). Come hungry
(5)
J S.
It seems that middle eastern restuarants are a trend now, along with sushi places and cupcake bakeries. Don't get me wrong I can't get enough middle eastern food, cupcakes or sushi. But Pita Inn is the reliable standby. I live in the area and used to work nearby and go here often. When I went I picked up lunch specials for my coworkers. Sometimes I'd picked up seven or eight at a time. And the lunch special is still $4.95. I think thats the best food value in the city regardless of cuisine. Even Mickie D's is over five bucks.
(5)
Patty C.
Super cheap and yummy food. I love the $5 lunch combo. There's so much food that I always have leftovers. Try to come either really early or really late for lunch. Otherwise, the line is pretty long, and parking is a struggle.
(4)
Haroon N.
Very fast turnaround and convenient location since my hotel (the Westin) was 4 minutes away. They have halal chicken and lamb but make sure you specify when ordering Very good price as well - mixed plate, soup and salad came out to $15! Lets see how good the good cruelly tastes.
(4)
Peter G.
I love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. This place is one of the best I've been to. Great food and great prices: i don't understand how someone could find it a bit pricey. This is a major metro area after all, not Tampa. Their business lunch special is the best deal in town. Shwarma dishes and lamb kabob sandwich are excellent. As is the fatoush salad and the baba ghanouj is outstanding. Pita bread is their own. These guys know what they are doing.
(4)
Dave C.
Chicago-ans have something really special here with the Pita Inn chain. Probably my favorite meal of the weekend on my trip back to the Chi. Freshness, portions, pricing, and taste all perfect. Especially the hot sauce, tahini, baba ganoush, and slight crispness of the chicken shawerma. Exactly how I remember it growing up!! Having done a little web research, this long standing chain of restaurants is owned by Palestinians. Which, to me, is completely awesome having grown up near the original Pita Inn in Skokie (traditionally a heavily Jewish community). Jews, Palestinians, Arabs and non-Arabs alike sharing wonderful food at reasonable prices. Food tears down walls and brings people together folks, Pita Inn is living proof.
(5)
Susan S.
What happened? This used to be a great place for a Chicken Tender dinner. Chicken was tender tonight, thank goodness, this gave it the 3 star rating, but sauce was runny like water, both pitas wrapped up in tin foil were gummy, tomatoes were almost invisible--is it that hard to set up a schedule to ripen tomatoes for meals during the winter months? Rice had nearly no taste. What happened? Did the bigger remodeled building cut into the cost for quality meals? Never had this happen before so will chalk this one up to a bad night.
(3)
Derek C.
I ate so much of this stuff, I actually got sick of it, but now I'm back at it again! I love the shwarma here and the hummus. I usually just order the combination feast, but no kifka kabob, extra shish kabob instead! the kifka kabob kinda looks and tastes like hamburger meat so I am not a fan of that stuff. and it's a ton of food so I normally order it and split it with my wife but gotta get extra rice! make sure to add chicken to it for $1 and it's a great meal. but simply, this place has great food and cheap prices. what more can you ask for?
(5)
Raji V.
Good service and food for cheap. I usually get the chicken shawarma or the kifta kabob it's seasoned really well. Sometimes you can ask for sandwiches gourmet style where they will add potatoes to your wrap depending on the cashier they may do it for you.
(4)
C.L. S.
I have been eating here for years. Food is fresh and the staff is great. Its always clean. I love the samplers you get a bit of everything. The problem now is recently they have changed the portions to about half and the prices went up how sad!! Less Hummus, Less Filial, and a chicken breast tender. To Pita Inn, Please correct this it ruined our experience!
(2)
Jamal A.
Pita inn is alway the king! and the manager Hamdi is the best!
(5)
Brian F.
I have eaten here many times. I will continue to eat here whenever I have the chance. The feast that you are awarded with by going to this restaurant is fit for the royal family. There is much to love about this delicious food. The place tends to be crowded and busy. But, that is because the food is inexpensive, plentiful, and extremely delicious. I believe they do not employ chefs, no, they are far too magical to be mere chefs. They have wizards using ancient magic (aka recipies) to make these tasty feasts. Pita Inn is one of the wonders of the world.
(5)
Sharon R.
Great lunch special. For $4.95 you get rice, falafel, steak, lamb, chicken, and pita. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very nice. It's very busy which shows how many customers they get. My fellow co-workers are always getting it for lunch. They have a great variety too of this type of food. Definitely would recommend and a must try.
(5)
Laura C.
I really like this place, been eating here for years. It's a nice place to eat (they finished a slight explansion project a short time ago), and CLEAN. A lot of casual food places really don't keep up with keeping the eating area clean, but Pita Inn is really good about quickly busing vacated tables and cleaning up. We're not close enough to go pick up the food and bring it home to eat, so it's important that the eating area be comfortable and clean. The food is wonderful, though I can't say we vary much in what we order - generally baba ghanouj or hummus, lamb kebab sandwiches, lentil soup, a few pieces of falafel, and more often than not, a piece or two of baklava to go. The food is consistently tasty, and because it's relatively healthy, I feel good about eating it. We rarely get the chance to take advantage of the weekday lunch special (lot of food, good variety), but I still find the regular prices reasonable for the quality and quantity. I'd like it if the lentil soup was available in a larger size...but I don't know how often I'd actually order a larger size even if it were available - I like noshing on a variety of things so my boyfriend and I usually share our food. I'm really glad this place exists and that it's stayed consistently good for all these years.
(5)
Jerry K.
Pita Inn is the best restaurant around. jer
(5)
M. Tiffany B.
Try their Lamb Kabob sandwich it's ridiculously good....the meat is very juicy and tender. And please don't get me started on their hummus, which is just as amazing and flavorful. If you're a foodie like me you'll love this place!
(4)
Nann C.
The business entree special is perfect portions and cost for mid day break. They get super busy, but the guys at the register are super nice, and funny. Proud supporter for them.
(5)
Tom A.
At this point I am just heaping praise on an already adored institution. Simply put, no place offers more basic, fresh, delicious fare for the money. Everything you taste is fabulous. And, no hyperbole, this is the best falafel you can find. As a bonus, the dining room is an energetic place filled filled folks of every ethnicity. If you're looking for real evidence that good food brings people together, here it is. Oh, and try the mind iced tea--it's awesome.
(5)
Karl M.
Always delicious noon or night at any of the several locations. Heavenly hummus. Breathtaking Baba ghanoush, terrific Tabbouleh, sexy Shawarma, decadent dolma, and plenty of pita's. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, too! Don't worry... the food is prepared quickly and with the freshest ingredients... seriously... this place is always busy. The prices are super cheap compared to portion size. The businessman lunch special will stuff even the heartiest of eaters. No likey meat? Get the vegetarian combination. Plenty of flavor to go around. Don't forget the sauces... tahinni and red chili sauces that complement any dish. When you are finished eating, a loud belch will alert the staff that they can come take your dirty dishes away.
(5)
Shru J.
Being vegetarians, we have limited options to eat out. Pita-Inn is one place I would prefer, anytime. But, for a carryout. Personally I feel the place is bit dull and boring for a dine in. Done that once, I would rather go for a carry-out. The only stuff I tried there are vegetarian falafel plate and a vegetarian combo plate. I am in Love with the falafels. Seems kinda healthy. No regrets on eating more than I should. will surely miss this place when we move out of this country!! :(
(4)
Kimberly S.
I can definitely give an honest and detailed review of this restaurant. I have been frequenting The restaurant for several years. I have literally tried everything on the menu. I have travel to the Middle East and Mediterranean and can say that this food is authentic and it is delicious. The manager there is also a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor he is very fun to... So much so that he actually became a family friend of ours. Ask for Hamdy... He is sure to make you laugh. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you will be happy at this place... The food is fresh and is always fast. It gets a little crazy at this place because of the affordability and the family friendliness... However that's no bother. It's a hood place to grab dinner or lunch that's quick and healthy as well. I would definitely recommend the combination feast and the vegetarian plate... Or if you're going with the group you may just want to share these two dishes with 2 to 4 people depending on how hungry you are. Don't forget to add the garlic sauce... The garlic sauce is yummy! Have their iced tea it's a mint iced tea and it is so refreshing, I love it :)
(5)
Paul K.
Love Pita Inn! Consistently great food at good prices!
(5)
Samantha K.
Hands down, best Falafel Sandwich! Jerusalem style is the way to go. Falafel is seasoned well and served fresh. I have tried a ton of stuff here. Hummus is fresh, tasty, and goes well with pita bread or added to the sandwich as is the Taboulah salad. Son and husband have had chicken and beef, both served as a meal and enjoyed them. There is enough pita bread served with them to make a pita sand or use as a side. The food comes out quick, fresh, and delicious! Look forward to additional visits, but would love a location in the far northwest suburbs.
(4)
Subbu R.
Terrible service. Grumpy old man at the counter who refuses to change the order even though it wasn't billed yet. Worst service ever
(1)
David B.
Like Johnny Cash sings, I've been everywhere, man. And from sea to shining sea, no other restaurant in this fine land does cheap Middle Eastern food like this place. Pita Inn is King. Long live The King. First, the falafel. Plop a basket of these succulent, crispy-tender-warm-crunchy footballs of goodness in front of two warring Middle Eastern countries and they would drop their arms and go dunking these little puppies in that creamy splendidness that is the Pita Inn tahini (white) sauce, followed by a decadent soak in that spicy hot wonderful red sauce for a Batman show Ka-POW! Except the only explosion you'll feel is that taste bomb of love that just went off in your mouth. Yer welcum. Plus, the place is CHEAP. $4.95 for a mountain of all kinds of carne, a pile of yummy yellow fluffy rice fabulousness and a side of crispy/cool lettuce/tomato AND warm, tender pita bread = GET THE BUSINESS LUNCH SPECIAL*!!! (*only available M-F during lunch hours, but just go ahead and order the Combo Feast at other times--still a good value.) Really, what's not to love? THE FACT THAT THE CHICAGO AREA DOES NOT HAVE PITA INNs ON EVERY CORNER LIKE, I DUNNO--WALGREENS! ::grumble:: A man can dream. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. But unlike heroin for the Man In Black, Pita Inn is the drug for me. ps. If you eat in, and are hankering for a hunk-a more pita, just politely ask the good men behind the prep counter, humbly offering your empty pita basket. They will bless you with said pocket bread-gratis.
(5)
Katerina K.
Love this place. The food is amazing every time. The falafels are delicious and my favorite meat thre is kabob. It seems a litle pricey at first glance, but I never regret spending the money because it is just so good.
(5)
Linda B.
Each time we go we absolutely love the food! We usually have take out but the food stays hot and fresh until home. The chicken is very good, with yellow rice and the falafel is the best, crunchy and moist. We like the gourmet falafel sandwich with tomato, potatoes, and sauce. They should, however, have an option to leave out the onion from the tomato potato mixture. The steak and lamb are great. The tabbouleh is good along with hummus and lentil soup. I enjoy the vegetarian platter with stuffed grape leaves. The salad is just lettuce.
(4)
Johnny T.
Pita Inn, we meet at last. Long have I heard tales of your addicting foods and saucy, er, sauce. Finally, it was my chance to sup at your table... or, whatever the take out equivalent of supping at the table is. I like. I liked a lot. Again, I hadn't eaten for, about, 12 hours so I'm pretty sure that I would have eaten almost anything at that point but I don't think I would have enjoyed it. And, enjoy I did. I know people get on high horses and bemoan your 'lack of authenticity' and how you make Middle Eastern food for non-Middle Eastern tastebuds. I've heard it all before. But, here's the thing: I take you as you are and for what you are. And, for what you are, you're dang good. Your chicken shawarma was delightfully juicy, tender and well-seasoned. Your tahini sauce made my mouth say 'Open sesame' (see what I did there?). And, your rice... let's just say yellow's my color. And thanks to the ample amount of pita you gave me, I can either sop or make a makeshift sandwich. You give me options, Pita Inn. Options! I can't say that I would drive all the way to Wheeling to visit you again, but I've heard a rumor that you have identical sisters all over the 'burbs... maybe even close (relative; again, see that?) to where I live. Leave a light on.
(4)
Jackie L.
Try to go for the lunch special! You cannot beat that price for great food. Favorite is the Hummus, Falafel, chicken and lamb. Everything here is good tho the place does get crowded. So I like to order ahead of time and pick it up to go. And don't forget to get extra sauce!!
(4)
Archie P.
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(1)
Mallory S.
Absolutely excellent. GREAT prices and food. They really care about their customers and are always very accommodating. I've been a regular here for a few years and keep coming back! The lunch special gives you so much food for an incredible price.
(5)
J D.
Agree with the other reviewers that there's probably nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. Such good food, and not expensive at all. The people who work here are super nice and funny, too. My family eats here more than I will admit.
(5)
Peter D.
(So it turns out this is not a lovely little bed and breakfast where you sleep in pita-shaped beds. But you can consider this review a patent for that idea, so keep your grubby hands off.) Look, Pita Inn. I'm not going to lie to you; when I've been on a plane/in an airport all day and haven't eaten any food that didn't cause me severe intestinal problems, your lamb kebab does it for me (deserving of the "Recommended" star on the menu). Especially for $4.39. But if we're buying seven different sandwiches of four different varieties, couldn't you label them so I don't have to go through all of them to figure out whose is whose? Nobody wants my grubby hands all over their food. And would it kill you to throw some napkins and plasticware in the bag for the salads?
(4)
Katherine K.
This is my FAVORITE mediterranean restaurant ever! I have been a Pita Inn fan for more then 6 years. I always come here anytime Mon-Fri for their Lunch combo special (before 3pm) If you order WITHOUT chicken its $3.95, can't beat that price! Im super excited that they are branching out to the Vernon Hills area so I don't have to drive a good 50 min round trip. Keep up the good work Pita Inn!!!
(5)
Jelena Z.
Okay, so does anyone else have this problem? You know, the one when you're driving through a north suburb at lunchtime and you pass that ubiquitous red and white logo, and somehow your car is dragged by some mystical force into a packed Pita Inn parking lot? Happens to me every, single time... whether I'm truly hungry or not! I mean, how does one beat the lure of the "Business Lunch Special" for $4.95? That's about the price of a (as in, ONE) premium gallon of gas right now... truth! That's right, you can't beat it. And it really doesn't matter who you are, what you earn or even if you have an aversion to the suburbs because the truth remains: Pita Inn puts out tremendously good food at ridiculously low prices. And what exactly does a five spot buy you? A loaded plate of shawarma, chicken, shish kabob, kifta kabob, green salad, falafel, pita bread and tahini. Yes siree, it's a lot of food. And you know what, Chicago? The suburbs have one up on you in the Middle Eastern category. Sure, you have Sultan's but Pita Inn is truly unmatchable. Plus, you get the antics of Weiner's Circle thrown in but without the snark. And the long line? In fifteen minutes you'll either be eating (you'll get a table, I promise) or driving away with your spoils and half of that Alexander Hamilton.
(5)
Jenny C.
I LOVE PITA INN!!! the best middle eastern restaurant in Chicagoland, I love the location in skokie, the prices are amazingly low, they have the most delicious humus and their pita bread is made everyday in their bakery!! Every time i go to Chicago I have to stop at Pita Inn for the "combination fest"
(5)
M S.
Fantastic cuisine with friendly service! Great lentil soup, tahini sauce and falafel! Humdee is a great manager- always quick with a joke!
(4)
T Y.
We have been to this place numerous times, and while the food is still pretty good, the service has spiraled downhill the last few times. First, the guy who took our order greeted us with the warmth of an Orc from the Hobbit movies. Then, the prices of three of the seven items we ordered were higher than the online menu. I requested a small container of extra sauces (they are real skimpy on sauces for orders of multiple entrees) and they charged me $2.60 for them! Upon getting home, I determined they sent us three wrong entrees ( although they had it correct on the bill). The food ended up being pretty good, but they are obviously trying to cut costs by cutting back on the meat and loading up on the rice, soggy lettuce and tomatoes. The bread was good, although a little sparse given the number of entrees and sides (hummus). This used to be the go to place for Mediterranean food, but maybe they changed owners. Time to look for another place.
(2)
Ang K.
It was alright :) I don't have experience with this cuisine to which I could compare Pita Inn, but it was tasty and filling.
(3)
Kate F.
Pita Inn is what I compare all other Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Food to. If you have never tried Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food, this would be a good place to start. Try the Shwarma, the rice, the hummus... You will not be caught off guard by bizarre spices and strange tastes. The food is flavorful but not so exotic that you have to be a native to enjoy it. If you like spicy/hot try the red sauce. If you like it milder try the tahini (white sauce). You'll get both with your meal so you don't have to order it spicy or mild. I love their beef shwarma, rice, Bethlehem salad, hummus, falafel, pita, tahini sauce, baklava, and mango drink. The portions are big and worth the money. There is no doubt I would recommend Pita Inn to anybody. (They have vegetarian options too). Other reviewers have complained about how crowded it can be at times... Try it to go/ Carry out. Everything is still fresh and warm by the time it gets home.
(5)
Jeff S.
I wish these where closer to home but a few recent trips to this area has landed us in multiple Pita Inn locations. On a previous trip to the Glenview location we found the Falafel was a bit dry and not nearly as good as what Taza does in the Loop, the Chicken Shawarma was very good. Decided to try the Baba Ghannoug and it was okay. The Mint Tea and Tamarind drinks were pretty good as well. Probably a 3 star experience, but a return trip to the Wheeling location easily kicked it up a star. This time we shared a Combination plate and the Shish Kabob was excellent, as was the Shawarma again. A small hummus plate with pita bread made the meal the perfect amount to share. And the fact that the food is cheap and served relatively fast makes it a no-brainer; if I worked nearby I'd be taking advantage of the $5 lunch menu 3 days a week.
(4)
Valerie W.
Delicious, fast, and reasonably priced! As far as I know everything is made in-house. Yes, it is "fast food" in the sense that you're going to stand in line, place your order, and they'll call you when it's ready. But everything is fantastic. You get a ton of food for a little money, and everything is hot and fresh. Falafel and baba ghannoush is well seasoned. The shwarma and chicken shwarma are great. The pita is always warm and fresh, and the salads are also great. Good for a quick bite to eat. Two people can eat for $10-15 total. The business lunch special is around $4.00 for a combo feast, and I think it includes a drink too!
(4)
Jerry B.
the combination feast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Lisa N.
Everything great...food, service, cleanliness, atmosphere. Very reasonably priced as well. Loved "Pita Inn" and will return!
(5)
Sherwin C.
The food here is pretty good at a very good price. There's not too many choices of Mediterranean food out here in the suburbs and Reza's is all the way out in Chicago or Oak Brook. My 2 favorite items here are the lamb kabob entree and hummus (with pita). The falafel here is fried well and tasty and chicken shawarma is an interesting alternative to rotisserie chicken. As a warning, the portion sizes here are large so you may want to bring a buddy if you plan on ordering an entree. The only big drawback here is the small restaurant size which is probably necessary considering how hard it is to keep up with the existing orders they get -- It's worth the wait though.
(5)
Lolia S.
Not too many places make their own pita but Pita Inn does. Everything seems homemade, from the hot sauce to the baklava. Chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are cooked on the revolving rotisserie. It's no frills, casual food with a fast food feel. Order at the counter, get a number and pick up your own food and get your own utensils and sauces. Come on the weekdays between 11 AM - 3 PM to get the business lunch special. It's a huge heaping plate of food with shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, grilled chicken breast tenders, falafel, rice pilaf, green salad, pita bread, $4.95. This seems to be the most popular lunch item. * Pita bread - thick, chewy, on the tough side * Falafel - 1 piping hot patty, crispy outside, tender inside, very good * Beef shish kabob - has a nice grilled flavor, not dry, boring * Grilled chicken tender - actually tender, grilled flavor, boring (underseasoned) * Shawerma - definitely on the dry side, underseasoned * Kifta kabob - these ground meat patties were more strongly seasoned, not bad * Hot sauce - it is quite spicy and chunky, unusual, reminds me of salsa * Tahini sauce - okay, thin consistency, could be more flavorful * Rice pilaf - fluffy, yellow rice, nice * Salad - standard lettuce, tomato The menu includes salads, dolma, lentil soup, falafel, sandwiches, entrees ($6.95 and up), and homemade beverages (tamarind juice, mint iced tea, etc.). Prices are ridiculously low (e.g., get a beef shawarma or kifta kabob sandwich for $3.95), portions are generous and not surprisingly, it's extremely popular with the locals.
(3)
Jennifer L.
I swear I'd previously written a Pita Inn review (yes, this location).... But Yelp is telling me otherwise. So I shall write a new review. I HEART Pita Inn!! I am a total picky eater. I always order the exact same thing: a Chicken Schwarma Entree, minus the salad. And then I get extra red-sauce (which comes on the side) and drizzle the spicy red sauce all over my tasty chicken goodness. It's phenomenal. I could eat it 3 times a week. The chicken is juciy and tender. And it comes on a fluffy bed of yellow rice. Now, I've brought nearly all of my friends here, as well as some co-workers, and I've never heard of one complaint. Everyone who comes here loves it! They have a GREAT lunch special, it's like $4.95 or so, and you get like a "sampler" of their stuff. It's very popular. My friends have sampled nearly everything and they love it. Their prices are *fair*. I think I pay Nine-something for my chicken shwarma, which seems a bit high considering it's just some sliced chicken pieces and rice... rice, which is like 2 cents. lol. But whatever. It's the cost of eating out. This place is like a "fast-food" type place.. so please don't go with the delusion that it's a fancy place. Hellz no. Casual. Fast-Food. Your order. They give you a number. They scream your # when your order is ready. You go to counter to pick it up. You take your tray to the table (or bag to go) and you feast. If doing takeout, my tip is to call ahead and order, especially at lunch. The lunch rush at this place is NUTS!
(5)
Nuf S.
Dining at Pita Inn is always a treat. I enjoy everything on the menu! My kids enjoy the Chicken shawarma. Tasty and filling.
(5)
Angelica S.
Highly recommended! I absolutely love the chicken schwarma. I get it every time I go. The pita bread and hummus is also delicious. The falafel sandwich is also a favorite of mine. Best falafel I have had to date so far. They have sauces too. The white one is a tahini sauce which isn't spicy at all. I add this to everything I eat there. The red one is spicy. I don't know what it is called but I'm not a fan, because it's spicy. But if that's what you like, then go for it! Be aware that during busy hours it gets PACKED. You might wait in line for awhile to get your food, but it's so worth the wait. Everyone is also super nice there, I have never had an issue at this location.
(5)
Rana G.
This is the best Arabic restaurant I have ever eaten at!! the prices are great and the portions are generous!!
(5)
Jodie P.
I love this place. The food is delicious and the price is right. The business lunch special is a great deal. So much food for a small price. The tall handsome man at the counter always cracks funny jokes and makes you feel welcome.
(5)
Meg P.
Love love love pita inn. Best food for the price. So delicious and hits the spot every time.
(5)
Jenn C.
It's a Middle Eastern chipotle... that should sum it up! It's good.
(3)
Rodger W.
The glowing reviews here say more about the low quality of the Middle Eastern food in Chicago than any accurate assessment of the actual quality of the food. Sure, it is cheap. But good? Not so much. Think of it as a Mid East McDonalds, and you would be accurate. To quote a drinking buddy: Good from far. Far from Good.
(2)
Rob S.
$5 business lunch is the greatest thing to people who work since the movie Office Space. Whenever you are having a bad day, just head to Pita Inn for their lunch special and it will make your day way better. Fresh filet kabobs, schwarma, falafel, pita, rice, and salad will leave you full and possibly sleepy. Make sure you drink water after though as the seasonings are salty. The place can get slammed around noon so go during off peak lunch hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)
Steven K.
Love! Every chance i get. Lunch special, amazing price for such good food.
(5)
Jeremy P.
I give this place 5 stars because of the business $4 lunch special. It is the best deal around town and is always spot on in flavor. Salad, rice, falafel, shawarma and chicken. It will definitely fill you up, almost enough for 2 people. Also try their hummus, it is absolutely outstanding. The lines are long at lunch time, but the workers are very nice and funny.
(5)
Amanda L.
Middle Eastern food like I grew up eating! So delicious, and so reasonable! I'm so happy to have a place like this out in the suburbs, otherwise I was forced to trek into the city, which meant I barely ever ate Arabian food. The falafel is delicious, and the Kifta kebob is hands down the best. Love the rice too, it's got a good flavor and consistency. The pita is always so soft and warm, can't wait to dip it in some hummus! Pleasantly surprised this last trip by the sugar free baklawa, it tasted just like the normal stuff (which is also amazing). Can't mention the food and not mention the staff, they are always pleasant and make us happy to be customers. Thanks Pita Inn, for bringing Middle Eastern great food to the suburbs! :) You've helped one Palestinian-American girl get her American husband completely hooked!
(5)
Jay N.
Pita Inn is a great place to get some great Mediterranean food. The value is incredible for the quality and quantity. $3.95 for the business lunch is the best value around to get ground beef kabob, tender beef kabob, sliced seasoned beef, a falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. They give you a little more at dinner for the same combo but it's $7.99. The hummus is a little thicker than I'm used to, not that I'm complaining. The pitas are great and have pockets so you can fill them with falafel and other food to make a sandwich. I like their baba ghannouj. Chunky pieces of eggplant mixed in make it my choice over hummus. They ran out of forks while dining in so we had to make do with the plastic ones. Service can take a little time when they're busy but still a great choice for a good meal.
(4)
Matt R.
Pita inn is a nice place with some decent falafel. The style here is very "American Middle Eastern", however. That is the only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is that it is not made like true Middle Eastern food joints (if you were to go there). Nothing against the quality itself nor the restaurant itself. The big difference is in how falafel sandwiches are made. Real middle eastern falafel sandwiches are made with hummus (and much richer) lining the pita on the inside. Also their hummus style is somewhat creamy, so for those who prefer that style of more soft hummus will certainly be pleased. One of the biggest wins here is the real Tahini sauce. Not the fake stuff that you see in regular supermarkets or even specialty. They have the real strong sesame based Tahini sauce which is fantastic. The service is pretty fast considering the limited number of staff and the place certainly can get crowded but still moves people fairly quickly. Prices also seem to be more in line with real middle eastern prices as you can get a falafel sandwich for around $3. Just don't forget that they serve the stuff they can do quickest first sometimes, so the numbers called out will not always be in numerical order. Overall, one of the few reliable middle eastern places to eat in the general northwest suburban area. Update: Added menu pic I took from my phone (Sorry, only a 5 megapixel phone...crappy quality). Anyway, had the veggie combo plate tonight and it was good as well....tabbouleh and baba ghanoush were great as was the stuffed grapes....very traditional tastes. However, I totally forgot to mention....middle of the week this place is PACKED! As far as speed , I was in and out in less than 25mins (I eat fast too)....which is impressive considering volume.
(5)
William B.
I'm more of a regular at the Milwaukee Av location, but I was in the area, so I thought I'd give this location a try; it has been years since I've been to this one. As usual, it was lunch time, so I got the lunch special (sans chicken, +2 extra falafel). Flavors were as expected. Falafels were nice and crunchy. The little salad on the side was, quite literally, just the stump from a head of lettuce. It just seems to me that the lunch special has been getting a little skimpy (even at the Milwaukee Ave location). Maybe I need to come at a time other than lunch. This location does appear to be expanding the dining area, so thats a good thing.
(3)
Peter R.
I have said it before and I will say it again. The best $4.95 (plus tax) that you are going to spend is for the Business Lunch Special. Unless you are in some third world country then $4.95 can buy you a small house. Well you are in the good ole US of A so spend that money here at Pita Inn. Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken, and Falafel, with Pita Bread and small salad all ready to be consumed for that low low price??? Honestly its like stealing, but since they wont press charges go ahead and take advantage of the great deal. Guaranteed to give you the "itis" or your money back...heck its only $4.95.
(4)
Michael G.
Delicious food that often justifies the crowds, wait, and Spartan environment.... However, if they would just be more careful removing the skin and gristle off the Chicken Tenders every time, I would go even more and maybe increase the rating by a star or 2. Also, it seems like the drink glasses got smaller which isn't so bad because it is self service now and you can go up for refills when you need them. t is just annoying getting up very often now because the new glasses are too small... I suspect it is a cost cutting measure, which I do not appreciate as a regular customer... The restaurant has great potential if they can just improve some of the little things like that....
(3)
Usman H.
Had only a partial halal menu, so we tried a couple of things (chicken and lamb) only. No great service... the food was just ok and ambience was average. Overall nothing to write home about.
(3)
Suki N.
Love their baba, falafel and pita! Just have to be careful of OD-ing on this place... But best bets are vegetarian combo (tasty even if u eat meat) kifta plate and lentil soup! Will always be my go-to for baba cravings! :-D
(5)
Michelle M.
Eating vegan/vegetarian in the burbs can be a challenge, but luckily we have plenty of mediterranean options to opine about - this being near the top of my list. For a small Pita place, it sure is kicking, bringing in a diverse crowd of families, business people and teenage/young adults, and the service is super fast. I usually order the vegetarian combo plate. It comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie salad, tambouli, ton of pita bread, and a full tummy. They also offer free tahini and some dark sauce for free up @ the counter. So if you want to grab a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner for around 7 bucks, then hit this place up!
(5)
Carol Y.
I have been going to Pita Inn since I can remember. It was a regular thing on a Friday night in my house. The food is always good and reasonably priced. My dad and I came here the other day for lunch and I fell in love with Pita all over again. We both ordered to Lunch special. For $5 you get a plate full of salad, rice, Shish Kabob, (Also like large cubes of meat) Kifta Kabob, (ground beef, small patties), shwarma (sliced like gyro) a chicken tender (more like the size of a small chicken breast) and Falafel. It also comes with Their fresh baked pita bread. I also ordered a large Jerusalem salad,(diced tomatoes and cucumbers with parsley in tahini sauce) which I got my dad hooked on it our last trip to the Pita Inn on Dempster. Top it off with 2 fountain drinks that now you can refill. Total was under 20 bucks and we were stuffed. I wanted baklava so damn bad but I just couldn't do it. For me, this place is a staple of my suburban upbringing. I have many fond memories of Friday night dinners and discussion over a plate of hummus. This was my first time to this location since the remodel and it looks great, On a side note, for those a little more up north, look for their newest location in Mundelein on RT 60, just east of RT 45. They are taking over the old Krispy Kreme location.
(5)
Richard C.
I sht you not, I will eat here everyday if I lived little closer. All pita inn restaurants seem to offer almost identical taste, with consistency. This place is no different; tho, make sure you visit here for lunch if u can as food seem more fresh out of grilld. This place dominates any mediterranian restaurant in most of chicagoland. Must visit!
(5)
Honest Review F.
One word "Delicious". Super fast service, Super clean, when I say clean, I mean clean. Even the window ledges are dust free, floor is spotless. Lots of food for the money. Pita Inn is one of my all time favorites:)
(5)
Rafi A.
I have been coming back to Pita inn with some frequency lately. My comments about the heavy doses of carbs still are true, but if you order correctly, there are great other choices. The lamb entree served on fatoush salad ($1.00 extra) is a great value. it is halal (meets Islamic dietary restrictions) and plentiful. They give you around seven pieces of some of the tastiest meat at any price. The Kifta Kabob is also extremely tasty. It resembles the lamb, but is ground beef flavored with herbs in shape of little logs. I also love the sugar-free baklava. It is only served at the Wheeling location, not Glenview (not sure about the Skokie location, but I've never seen it there. It may be at the super market as well). You would never know it is sugar free. A little expensive, but given the quantities they make it in, that's to be expected. Best of all, my ravenous boys can't get enough of this stuff. I'm so pleased they're eating this and not the cheap carbohydrates found at lesser restaurants.
(4)
Joseph P.
First time here since they remodeled - and wow! what an improvement. More space to sit, so now there's a chance you can eat in at lunch. Same lovable characters behind the counter, and now you can refill your drinks. Food is still great, still a bargain at lunch. Still draws a really interesting crowd at noon. Love it, just don't worship it!
(5)
Rachel W.
I've catered this place a million times for my crew, it's budget-friendly and awesome. They have several catering packages, and we've never had an issue w/delivery, service, or ordering. Also, the food is fab. Their chicken shawarma is really flavorful, great baba ganoush, kebabs, pitas, falafel, sauces, etc. My only complaint is they aren't located in the city so I can't stop in for dinner on the way home from work.
(5)
Phil P.
Absolutely fantastic. You cannot beat their lunch special, and their hummus is amazing! The lunch special is two meals worth of food, and I'm a pretty big dude! It's 5 bucks and soooooo worth it
(5)
John R.
For the price, this place is hard to beat. I paid $6 for the lunch special and had enough food for two meals. It's tasty too - just like what you'd get from a street cart in NYC.
(4)
Craig R.
Fast service, check Low prices, check Tasty food, check This place has great Mediterranean food at crazy cheap prices. I had chicken shwarma and my wife had lamb sandwich. The lamb was awesomely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Shwarma was tasy and the dinner plate was a good portion. I will return.
(4)
Lois C.
Although a bit slow with orders because of how busy they are, their food is phenomenal, especially their spicy sauce. I haven't been able to go for lunch but plan to on my next day off since their lunch special is such a good deal.
(5)
Krupa G.
Pita inn have the best falafel in Chicago. They are crispy and flavorful. The white sauce which they serve is watery without any flavor. I would like if they change the recipe and make it interesting to eat.
(4)
R ..
Best you are going to get out here. Yummy felafel. Chicken is good. Actually nothing is bad! Service is always polite. Busy place!
(4)
sat s.
Outstanding value for Arabic food!
(5)
Christine K.
Hands down the best inexpensive Mediterranean food in the area! I could eat it every day! I almost always order the vegetarian combo. Their hummus and felafel make me swoon. The gourmet felafel sandwich is also a favorite!
(5)
Dustin C.
This is the Middle Eastern food you should be eating. Nothing is over-priced, nothing is bad. Life is good at Pita Inn, and for good reason they've been doing this for years and it doesn't appear like this will be stopping any time soon. Thank goodness!! I love this place, I bring my family here. Forget that, they brought me here. Don't forget about this place, you'll be missing out.
(5)
Anuj S.
THE best place for falafel sandwiches and plates, hands down. Many other places have come close in my opinion, but NONE of them yet have both the tahini sauce and hot sauce to match what they have. It's SOOO... good. And the prices are very affordable.
(5)
Reena M.
Delicious Food at a Great Price! Hummus is delicious! Beef was tender and flavorful. More cafeteria style of dining..
(5)
Don J.
Personally, Pita Inn has been a standard for middle-eastern cuisine for years. I grew up in Dearborn, MI -- so I've had some of the best. The quality here is reliable and the staff is usually very playful, even when they're busy. The fresh bread is just unbeatable and the crispy falafel are heavenly. The tahini sauce is a nice accent and the hot sauce will bring tears to your eyes (esp. if it goes down the wrong pipe! Trust me on this). My favorite is the hummus and shwarma plate; either chicken or beef. Thinly sliced, perfectly roasted shwarma meat, heaped on a plate of the seasoned chickpea spread that rounds out the whole meal. I have to have a few falafel, of course... dipped in the hummus or the two aforementioned sauces. So affordable... really. Four of us dropped in and took leftovers home for around $40; the grilled ground lamb is wonderful, and seasoned so that the lamb flavor still comes through. I dislike when folks try to cover up lamb's unique flavor; why bother with the extra expense then? So, kudos on that. A word on baklava. Get it. Yes, that's two words, technically. But it's very, very good here. The right balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Having suffered through bad baklava too often, this stuff is heaven. Try the hot tea here as a traditional accompaniment to the meal; it has mint in it, and the leaves will end up in your glass. They refill at the counter as many times as you'd like to go back and it is really just the perfect thing to go with the cuisine.
(5)
Abby D.
Flavorful , spicy , tasty and fAst ..,, absolutely great place
(5)
Jude M.
I really enjoy all of the options here, the food is tasty, and I don't think I have ever had bad service here. Not only that but the tables get cleaned quickly, which is wonderful on a night when there is a number of people here. I love it. The food is always amazing and so is the service as I said before.
(4)
Shardul R.
Excellent Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafels and shawarmas are a must have. The sauces are a plus. Highly recommend!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
First time at Pita Inn, I got Lamb Kabobs. They were phenomenal and very well cooked. My leftovers were also delicious. That hot sauce is HOT.
(5)
Danielle S.
Very good! Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The meat is very good, along with their pita bread! We took it for take-out. Very fast! I definitely recommend!
(4)
Raj P.
Best $5 lunch special ever!!!!!! You get everything from rice to chicken to steak and some too much too list withe an amazing spicy tomato sauce. The flavors and varieties are just damn amazing. Whenever I visit I get 2 lunch special, 1 for now and 1 to reheat at dinner which still taste flavorful as if they just fired it up!!!!
(5)
Jenny R.
Great value,wonderful service, amazing food! Plus they're open late-we love Pita Inn. Even on a busy weekend late at night we've been in and out in 15 minutes with a huge bag of food that just barely survives the ride home. Their falafel is perfection-just moist enough, crispy outside and fragrant tender insides that are perfect alone or with a pita and hummus. If you can't decide(which I frequently cannot-everything is delicious), they have a wonderful combo platter with a little bit of everything on it. We've gotten several people hooked on Pita Inn and will continue to do so. We plan on getting catering from here for our next event that requires alot of food for a great price that will make every guest happy.
(4)
Amanda B.
DELICIOUS and highly recommended. VERY reasonably priced, decent portions and very fast and efficient. Yummy hummus-possibly the best I've ever had. Little under $2 for the small portion, served on a teacup plate with olive oil. I love the chicken schwarma and hummus combo. I've also tried their rice (Yellow) and salad, as well as the Fatoush salad and Jerusalem salad. Awesome service and awesome food for great prices. You order, pay, get a number, wait (possibly) and grab your food from a counter. The chicken is sliced gyro-style and is juicy and tender. They remodeled about a year ago, so the seating area is more open. Before, they had "barriers" of sorts between you and everyone else. If it's nice outside, take advantage of their lovely seating area. Cute lattice woodwork fences and I do believe they have vines crawling up them. The tahini sauce and the hot (don't know the real name) is OUTSTANDING. I will say that the staff seems to have a strange sense of humor that I wasn't really in the mood for one time.
(5)
Nick L.
5 stars all the way. Lunch combo - add the chicken. A meal made in heaven. All aspects are excellent. The kabobs, chicken meat, rice and pita and sauces work in a perfect harmony. And then the price is phenomenal. As if that isn't enough, the baba ghanoush and hummus are amazing. At lunch this place gets busy the line goes to the other end of the restaurant. Arrive early or after the lunch rush (1pm) and you should have no problems. It's a smooth operation, I see the same people behind the counter week in week out and it shows in the speed and quality. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
J J.
It's Pita Inn. What else can I say.
(4)
Franklin D.
One of my all-time favorites. The business lunch simply cannot be beat. It costs something like $5 and you get a sample of several of the favorite meats they serve. They have two really good sauces (one hot, one like a watery white yogurt) at the counter that you should be sure to dump all over your food. When you hear people say stuff like "the line is out the door" and "there's no where to sit", well, they're not kidding. Even if you get in there early or get there late and luck into a seat you will have people hovering over you in the dining room waiting for you to get up and leave your table. The place is packed with people still wearing their badges from the local tech places like Motorola and what have you. Also this place is quite popular with my vegetarian buddies.
(5)
Maira O.
We heard about Pita Inn from this one guy at this one church all the way out in Hoffman Estates! This guy asked us where we lived and when we said Wheeling you should of seen his face it was like a spark when off with excitement! We said No, why?? He said Pita Inn was the best restaurant in wheeling to eat Mediterranean food and had the best pitas!!! . We said we had to go and ck it out and see what all the excitement was so we went and the food was tasty, authentic, fresh, and super delicious! Prices are super reasonable for the amount of food they serve. Absolutely a place to have some authentic food! If your tired of the common burger, hot dogs try this place its different and worth it!
(5)
Nari H.
Good food at good prices and seems pretty authentic!
(4)
Coloromotio R.
ive been going to this place since I was 5 years old. Its my all time favorite place to eat, It's practically religion to eat here once a week with my family. The best hot sauce you'll ever have. Remember to ask for grilled pita!
(5)
Joe T.
Love this place! Cheap and awesome mediterranean food!
(4)
Mike M.
As of this writing there are 65 reviews. Everyone knows this place is awesome. My dad got into hummus and falafel from this place. So I will tell you it is delicious. Here is what you need to know to eat here. It gets crowded during lunch. Don't save a table, just wait in line. I have never seen anyone crying holding a tray with nowhere to eat. The guy at the counter with the mustache, he is a tricky one. He has all types of pranks he pulls on you. Dumping pennies in your hand, trying to get hot MILF phone numbers, asking if your to-go order is for here, and asking what size do you want on the small baba. Do not fall for his tricks it only makes him more powerful. Just tell him what you want (Business lunch special or die) and tell him his sneaky tricks are powerless to Yelpers. I have eaten the entire menu here. The only things I don't care for are the grape leaves, and the tabouleh salad. The hot sauce and the hummus are great. In fact I think I'll go there right now.
(5)
Kimberly P.
The billowing cloud of charred meat will intoxicate the senses.......everything is tasty on this menu. Best deal is the executive lunch! A delicous mix of kebob, perfectly perfumed kefta kebob, sliced meat and the tastiest chicken....(omg I have to go there today!) This is more than enough for two adults and if you have a little kid. Get extra pita and ask for the pickled radish, not on the menu, it is free and a secret. The plate has homemade pickle, olives, and onions.....sooooo nummy. Homemade hot sauce and tahani is to die for! Buy a container of hot sauce to take home! I use it with eggs :-D Oh, and did I mention the Baba??!! Heavenly see you there.........
(5)
Paul M.
Yes, please! Pita Inn has a lot of things going for it: great quality and tasty food, amazingly low prices, and super fast service. I love it. I hadn't been here in quite a while, but my wife stopped by the Wheeling location a few weeks back. She had the chicken kabobs and I opted for falafel. Both were served with rice, and of course, lots of fresh, hot pita bread. Everything was delicious. The falafel is definitely not dry, but doesn't go towards the "hey! it's just liquid!" end that Roti shoots for. Great spices and flavor. The mint iced tea is also a cut above - wonderful and refreshing. The Business Lunch special is five bucks and probably the best lunch deal I've ever seen. Service is not necessarily the friendliest ever, but it's efficient and quick. Certainly nothing to complain about. They pack people in here, but it's not uncomfortable. Pita Inn is a definite go-to for tasty Middle Eastern food. And now, I want hummus.
(5)
Lisa S.
I can't believe I haven't written a Pita Inn review yet! Best Mediterranean fast food in the suburbs, hands down. There are times when I just crave the Pita Inn. Try the gourmet falafel sandwich and the mint iced tea. The lentil soup is the best I've ever had (sorry mom). Prices are unbelievable.. This one is my favorite location of the 3.
(5)
LookingAtCars L.
The "Middle Eastern equivalent of McDonald's" per Arab friends. If it's true, please expand and replace every McDonald's in the US with Pita Inn. It's a killer combo of delicious and cheap. Great food. Pita, hummas, falafel, and shawarma are all delicious in their various incarnations. Fast service for dine-in and take-out. Business lunch is excellent and an extremely good value for what you get. It's always packed around lunch and dinner for good reason.
(5)
reshma s.
Love...Love...Love this place. Every time I go to Pita Inn it gets better and better. The hot sauce is a secret condiment to everything you eat there if you like "SPICY!" Not only is the hummus scrumptious but the falafel sandwich is to die for! After a hard day at work or even if you are feeling down the comical staff will certainly cheer you up!
(5)
adam C.
Massive plate of really good food for 4 dollars! I am a maniac for middle eastern, a freak for falafel. This place makes really good, proper-tasting shawarma, and everything else you'd expect. Their prices are great, and finding them out in the suburbs was a real treat.
(5)
Gregory B.
Good, but not as good as the one on Milwaukee. Fun staff.
(4)
Piyush S.
Been here only once and I loved it. Very good food. I had lamb grilled which is served with the yellow rice, some salad and cucumbur sauce. The lamb was very tender and flavorful. I was impressed. When it comes to lamb, I have eaten a lot of it and I have realized that most restaurants don't make a good dish out of lamb. Middle easterners,persians can do magic with lamb and pita inn is an example. Mind u this is not the best lamb ever, but it is the exceptionally good for the low price u pay here. For a suburban area, I must say that deerfield,skokie, wheeling has some really good ethnic food. Lucky people who live there.
(4)
Jacqueline S.
Our new local Pita Inn - we like this location too - the food is so delicious! I like the falafel, the shih kabob, kifta kabob, and shwarma, hummus, and the hot sauce. It does get busy here so we don't go over the weekend. I really wish I worked by a Pita Inn - the lunch specials are amazing!
(4)
Mike W.
Another Michigander here. This joint cannot compete with the worst in Dearborn, MI, but 5 of us got our Arab fix for around $20 and about 20 seconds after ordering. That's an extra star. We'll be back, regardless. Very happy to find an Arab fast-food joint. However, we won't be re-ordering the grape leaves...they're stark-raving bad.
(3)
Jason B.
Excellent food, underpriced, friendly staff, and comfortable/casual environment. I would eat here weekly if I lived nearby.
(5)
John Y.
I like all the Pita Inns, but my favorite is this one. There is a certain "je ne sais quoi" (man, I have been wanting to use that since H.S. French class), something different/better about this place! Go for lunch and try the lunch special! Such a deal and so much food. Good luck trying to get anything done in the afternoon. Food-coma time! And say hi to the "Boss" behind the counter! Friendliest guy in the world!
(5)
Vince V.
I am suffering from post-lunch coma over an hour after polishing off the business lunch special at the Pita Inn. I have shish kabob, shawarma, chicken, falafel, pilaf, salad and pita weighing me down like an anchor. There is never enough of the tamarind drink for all of this but then this was all too much for lunch already. And after taxes and the drink, I still spent less than eight bucks. I had to wait for a table because they were insanely busy at lunchtime, but the crowd thinned out after 12:30pm. Burp.
(4)
Ashley M.
Since moving into the area of this particular Pita Inn I've gone in 3 or 4 times. The food is far below the quality I've come to expect from the Pita Inn chain. The hummus has been so bad twice, that I've had to throw it out without eating it. The mango drink is watered down. I've started going to the other locations even though they are a farther drive simply for the higher quality.
(2)
Jay C.
Really good food. Light and fresh. Everything is seasoned really well. The prices are reasonable and a good value for the portion size. It can be very busy and I have had problems with their number system.
(4)
Chester W.
This place is good, evidence is how packed this place is during lunch. Probably because they are cheap bastards and are ordering the $4.95 lunch special. It is special indeed, you get a variation of meets, falafel, rice and salad. I generally get the chicken shwarma... it is da bomb. Falafels are super awesome too, but i'm pissed cause you only get them with the lunch special. Otherwise you have to order separately. Knocking it down one star cause of that annoying dude who mans the cash register during lunch... you'll see what I mean.
(4)
Svitlana P.
I don't know where some of the reviewers are getting their fantastic middle eastern food, cause I've been to quite a few great restaurants in Chicago, and Pita Inn is still my choice for vegetarian options and the best dessert anywhere! I can't speak for meat entrees, but my dinner is fatoush salad, felafels, and baba ghanoush. And of course some baklava or kinafa. I've tried ordering baklava at other places and I literally had to trow it out, even when I got it from the Milwaukee and Central location of Pita Inn. They do tend to get very very busy around lunch time, so I'd recommend calling in and ordering to go.
(5)
Gary H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. How I admire these places. There are such a modest handful of restaurateurs that you run into that do such a consistently superb job of executing their food ideas so well. These guys are right up there on that list. The baklava is the top notch Lebanese/Palestinian style - the best of ingredients, crispy and not too sweet. The meats are tender and delicious. The salads and vegetable dishes excellent. Great falafel. Even the lemonade tastes fresh and balanced. Eat your way through the menu and look hard. You won't find much to improve upon. Edit update: Stopped by the other day to find the baklawa is now made with veg oil and sugar syrup. No butter! No honey! (sigh) Same great texture - but the flavor is really degraded. Aww guys, did ya have to?
(5)
J D.
The food is outstanding. Its not fancy, There are no waiters you go up and get your food when they call your number. The chicken scharma can be seen whirling around on the spit behind the counter. It actually looks like chicken, chicken that has been seasoned really well and then packed onto the spit really tight by hand. It is so damn good. The falafels are probably the best ive ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside and soft but not soggy on the inside, perfectly cooked. The Babba Ganoush is great on Pita Bread and even the house complimentary suaces-the white yogurt one and the hot red one are fantastic. Take your pita bread and open it, put a little chicken scharma inside wtih a little of the lettuce and tomatoes and then pour a little sauce inside and you have an impeccable sandwich. PS. tip your busser
(5)
Elan S.
I grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. We would love going to Pita Inn and looked forward to it as they had such great food. Their Falafel is out of this world. Every time I go back to this area, Pita Inn is a must. This place is so popular if you go around dinner time, expect there to be a pretty lengthy line. Either way, it's still worth it.
(5)
chris c.
Business Lunch combo. For those who have been there... enough said.
(5)
Amey K.
This place is awesome for lunch. It took time for me to get adjusted to the taste. But now I like it. If you are lamb lover, it is must go. Business lunch rocks. You get tummy full lunch for just $5. Definitely worth noting it. Staff is friendly. One more good news about Pita Inn lovers is that they are expanding their sitting area
(4)
Samra M.
Always busy! Great food, hummus is a must. If you want some falafel this is where to go. If you've never had middle eastern/ Mediterranean food before, go here first! I make my own sandwiches all the time. I order the shish kabob platter, they give you pita bread, get some tahini sauce to go with it, first fill the pita bread with hummus, spreading it around all sides, fill the bottom of the pita with rice, then some lettuce, put some shish kabobs in there and then add some tahini sauce over all of it, it's just heaven in your mouth!! mmmm now im hungry...
(5)
Brad D.
Love the food! During the week they have a $4.95 Business Lunch. This includes a combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and homemade pita bread. Best food for the price. Also they have great lemonade!
(5)
Zara E.
Best Mediterranean food in the burbs!! Nothing else compares! Love the falafels, chicken shawarma, kifta kabob, and hummus! Even their chicken fatoush salad is delicious!
(5)
Peter D.
This is our go-to establishment for a quick bite. Though this place is always packed they are able to have quick turnover at lunch and dinner due to the army of people working behind the counter. The food is always excellent and incredibly cheap. My usual is a lamb kabob pita sandwich and a small hummus, though for lunch they have the business special which is enough food for a small army and is only 4.95 I believe. UNBEATABLE. Need something quick? need something different? This is your place to go. Don't forget the hummus!
(5)
Farah R.
Addictive. Have to have my fix once a week.
(5)
Teresa P.
Love the food, love the price! Tasty, generous portions! I wish I lived closer. Anytime we are in the area, my sons and I stop by - have NEVER been disappointed!
(5)
Jessica C.
My favorite place to eat! Make sure you try their business lunch special on weekdays; it is an incredible deal with a delicious variety of food. It is one of the best bang for your buck places to eat, you will get unique yet healthy meal and feel incredibly satisfied. For those of you that do not like crowded restaurants or to wait, make sure to just call ahead and place your order to go. #1 restaurant I'd suggest trying if you are in the burbs.
(5)
Rose R.
I just have to write a review on this STELLAR restaurant! Each and every single time the food is awesome and amazing. You can't beat their prices and their hummus is the best I've ever had. Every item is mouth watering and prepared perfectly. I highly recommend the Vegetarian Platter because you get a sampling of everything they do best... Hummus, Baba Gannoush, Falafel, and more. Their Tahini is so tasty and just is the perfect compliment to their warm and wonderful pita bread. There is no comparison anywhwere to this fabulous place. I've been coming here for YEARS and will not stop! The guy who left there to open Firewood Kabob in Buffalo Grove states he is doing a better job. NO WAY! I went to Firewood Kabob and it's horrible. Stick with Pita Inn and you'll be so happy! Pita Inn is the BEST!
(5)
Paige W.
After an especially taxing morning at work in suburban hell, I was in need of a little Middle Eastern therapy. And because the idea of anything but Corner Bakery or Noodles & Co. horrifies me a little out here, I looked to Yelp in search of falafel serenity. And even in this deep, dark chasm of suburbia, Yelp, you never let me down. Highway 53 to Dundee, Dundee to Elmhurst and a right turn into the parking lot of heaven: Two coworkers and I were about to check into the Pita Inn, and I think I'd like to stay for a while. The smell of spices and cooking oil wafting on the cool spring breeze was my first clue I'd chosen the right place, and the line of businessmen that wrapped around the crammed-together fast-food tables allayed any remaining fears I might have had. One coworker abandoned the line to vulture tables, poised to swoop when the next group left. She was having an even worse day than I was, so glaring at strangers and getting in the way seemed like a good plan for her. When my other coworker and I finally made it up to the counter, we were overwhelmed by the menu, the line, the clattering utensils and sizzle of the grill. The guy taking orders was just standing there saying, "Next? Next? Next? Next? NEXT?" until we finally snapped back to reality (OOP! there goes gravity) and stammered out our orders. Which gave him license to make fun of us for the rest of the time we were there. Like pretending to charge me $2.95 for a Styrofoam cup. (Very funny, sir. NOT TODAY.) My eyes did a full-on cartoon pop when the kitchen plunked my plate onto the tray. A veritable cornucopia of Middle Eastern delicacies. A smorgasbord. So fresh. So delicious. SO CHEAP. I had gone with the vegetarian combination platter, which included heaping portions of -- and please allow me to butcher the spelling of everything here -- hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel and pita bread. For under $7. Uh, yeah. Vulture coworker had the hummus and beef shawarma, which was as simple as it sounds and a little disgusting looking, but she loved it. And other coworker had the business lunch special, which...was just an orgy of various meats and rice on a platter. We inhaled our food -- what we like to call "eating our feelings" -- and left feeling much less inclined to commit homicide. Falafel so good it could basically end wars. You heard it here first. Thanks, Pita Inn.
(4)
Ryan M.
No hot dogs or hamburgers
(5)
Lanre O.
Great food. Place is cheap but yet quality is outstanding.
(5)
Kate S.
I had never tried mediterran food before, so when I was out in Wheeling for work and was hungry, I thought...hmmm I'll try Pita Inn. YUM! So good!! I have tried it at least 3 times now! The business lunch is totally worth 4.95. You get an assortment of things for the price. Their meat is juicy and flavorful and just the right spices. I am not a big falafel person I have found and not really into hummus but from what it looks like, people like it here. The Shwarma is awesome! The staff here is hilarious!! Watch out for the cashier pretending to spill a drink on you!
(4)
Walter P.
This place rocks so hard that it is one of the only reasons why I go back to the suburbs (ok not gonna lie, also to do laundry at my parents' house). This place bills itself as a fast food Mediterranean restaurant with some Middle Eastern (or call it Southwest Asian if you want to be politically correct (and I do)) influence. For the meat eaters, this place will get you salivating. TONS of options from lamb, chicken, beef, etc at rock bottom prices. The business special is a measly $5 bucks for a combo of pretty much all their meats. For the veggematarians, there are some great options. There's the falafel sandwich, the typical sides like hummus and baba ghannoug, but the standout thing that all vegetarians should get here is the vegetarian combo plate. At a low low price (how do they do it?) of $7 bucks you get hummus, baba ghannoug, Jerusalem salad, tabouleh salad, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, a ton o' food to feed two people really. And the lentil soup is just divine; truly the gods must have guided the cook's hand when he made such a tasty soup. Oh, and the tahini sauce and red sauce...I could just smother those two over anything really! In between gorging sessions, remember to breathe hehe! I always end up being full after eating here, but not to the point where I feel nausea or feel eater's remorse/guilt ridden for having eaten all that delicious food. Overall, I'm just amazed and impressed that these guys can consistently truck out quality food at an affordable price. The people here at the Wheeling location are especially friendly and also quite cheeky. The guy working the cash register will sometimes mess/joke around with you and its all in good fun. A word to the wise. It can get really crowded during lunch and dinner time. You might just be better off taking it to go.
(5)
Deborah J.
It's nice to see some Middle Eastern food in this part of town, and it'll do when the falafel cravings strike, but I'm not as impressed by Pita Inn as I once was. The problem? I moved to Michigan, which has the largest Arab-American population in the country. I now feel about Middle Eastern food in Chicago the way I feel about Thai food in Michigan. Okay, it's not that bad. Maybe I just got a bad bunch of stuffed grape leaves last week, but man were they soggy. It wouldn't have been so bad had the baba ghanoush not been over tahini'd, and the pita too chewy. Every place has off days, but I'm starting to think that maybe my standards have changed. Anyway, Pita Inn kills the falafel cravings I develop when visiting my parents in the Chicago suburbs, but it's no Dearborn.
(2)
Ashley R.
The food is delicious! The hummus and falafil are to die for, the constant crowd in this place makes it obvious Pita Inn is loved by many. Fast, friendly service and great prices. Have tried the falafil at many other restaurants and no where has it come close to being as fresh and delicious as Pita Inn's.
(5)
Faith E.
I've never tried Middle Eastern food until Pita Inn and I didn't know what to expect since I'm a really picky eater. I have to say it is quite good- fresh, tasty, and super cheap! You can't beat that. The hot sauce is good but I'd like it a bit hotter, that's probably my only "complaint". I really liked the Baklawa and Chicken Shawarma sandwich. The restaurant has a bit of a fast food vibe buy they've definately made it feel nicer with the granite-type tables and nice outdoor seating area. A must try for anyone looking to try something new!
(4)
Anna S.
One day, my husband and I were looking for a good place for weekend lunch with reasonable price except for burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches. When checking Zagat, we found Pita Inn, rated 1st place in Middle Eastern food in Chicago area and the budget was just $10 ! We visited there straight away. Actually, we not so familiar with Middle Eastern food. So we ordered Vegetarian Combination Plate and Combination Feast Entree. I think Vegetarian Combination Plate was the right choice especially for beginners like us ! It covers Pita Inn's signature menus; 1. FalafelDeep fried croquette of ground chick peas 2. Jerusalem SaladTomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with Tahini sauce (Sesami Paste) 3. HummusDip of chick peas, Tahini sauce and spices for Pita bread 4. Baba GhannougDip of eggplant, Tahini and yogurt for Pita bread 5. Tabouleh SaladTomatoes, onions, green peppers and cracked wheat 6. Three Stuffed Grape LeavesGrapevine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice plus 3 Pita Breads I looove all, but especially Pita bread dipped with Hummus and Baba were so delish. I think Tahini sauce (sesami paste), which is used as base for many menus are outstanding. That's mild and I cannot stop it. I can recommend this combination plate for all. Oops! We also ordered Combination Feast Entree, including Kebab, Kifta, Shawarma (3 type of beefs) and Farafel on rice. We shared each other, so that's OK. But if we had ordered only this Combination Feast plate, we would have missed vegetables. Also it's difficult to recognize which is Kifta or Shawarma. Regarding meet plate, we will try simple entree or sandwich next time. All around, the food quality with this price range is impressive !
(4)
Kevin W.
The food is consistently great, it never disappoints. I started off getting the chicken schwarma, but for the last 3 or 4 visits I can't seem to try anything other than the combo feast(beef). It is fabulous! Get a side of falafels and your all set! The sauces are the perfect compliment!
(5)
R P.
I love this place. The only problem is seating during peak lunch time, which is actually a big problem some days. Suggest carry out, or going after 12:30.
(5)
C T.
I haven't been to a ton of pita/falafel/shwarma places, but I knew this place was going to require a return trip from the first time I tasted their delicious, lemony, non-greasy tabbouleh and their wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced/seasoned falafel patties. Mmmmmmm, and the prices are hard to beat! Their yellow rice is nicely buttered (I think it's butter) and seasoned, and the kibbeh is a bit oily, a bit salty, but it is deep-fried after all. The service is fast, seating is ample, and you get little bowls of yogurt dip, yours for the taking. You can order to-go on the phone and pick it up 15-20 minutes later. I've had tabbouleh and falafel at a few establishments, but I've always had trouble with too much grease in both items. At Pita Inn in Wheeling, though, it is perrrrrfect. If they could just open one downtown, replace the burrito beach on Ohio...I think they would do such brisk business. Oh and you can order falafel by itself by the dozen. I've tried freezing it for a couple weeks then heating it on the stove top (I still don't have a toaster oven which would be perfect)--it works out perfectly. Soooo good. If I get back there I'm buying in bulk. My freezer's gonna gorge on deep-fried chick pea nuggets mmmmmmmm.
(5)
Chris H.
LOVE this place! We've been going here for years and it never disappoints. The hummus is phenomenal!
(5)
T M.
Wow! Loving that hummus!! I went here one day upon trying to decide between my french fry craving and my hummus craving. After looking at my tummy in the mirror, I decided that hummus would be a better bet! So I drove all the way there (I work in Rolling Meadows), and it was packed! I ordered the lunch special for $4.95 and a small hummus. Surprisingly, with all of the lunch time customers, it only took about 5 minutes for my food. The special came with lamb, chicken, rice, salad, and a delicious falafel. It was good, but the hummus, oh that hummus, was exactly what I was craving! I always try to make hummus at home, but places like this remind me that it's just a waste of time:)
(4)
Anthony P.
The business lunch special is ridiculous. You get chicken, pita breed, beef, and gyro meat for like $5. Go early as there can be lines out the door. See the pics for an upload of the business lunch
(4)
DB A.
4.5 stars I've been going to Pita Inn (its several locations) before it was even called Pita Inn. But that's a different century. This place is good. It's always been good, and it's a good value too. If you're near any of their places and are in the mood for Mediterranean food, this is a great choice. The $3.95 businessman's lunch is an unbeatable value, and you'll be very happy with your choice of falafel or shish kebab, or shawirma, or their terrific Jerusalem salad. Order some hummus or baba Ghannouj too. It's all good here. Very busy at lunchtime, but the line moves fast. They've been such a reliable choice for so long, I'd never thought of writing a review until the other day when I went to Pita Island in Buffalo Grove. Better I had walked the six miles to Pita Inn. (The extra half star in THIS review is billed against my overly generous 2 star review of Pita Island.)
(4)
J K.
I don't like giving 5 stars because I like to say there's always something more a restaurant can do to make it better, whether it's the service or the food or even the environment. That being said, I like Pita Inn and have been to the Skokie and Niles locations already, but this is the best location I've had been to after countless visits. Although I usually go during lunchtime (G*d forbid you actually eat in during the business lunch hour, the line is unbelievable), and even when I have long complicated orders, the gentleman there is always pleasant and always joking no matter how long the lines are or if orders go awry. The food and value of the business lunch specials...I mean how can you go wrong with $3.95 ($1 extra for chicken)? I eat A LOT of food, but I'm usually very satisfied after one of these. The food is consistently good (not necessarily perfect, but the price more than justifies any sorts of shortcomings), and even during dinner time, the food is still decently-priced for your portions, the restaurant is clean, and service is fast. Phone ordering is simple, pick-ups are painless...it's always a pleasure to go there.
(5)
Allyson D.
I lived in the Middle East for a little while, and I can safely say that Pita Inn is THE best in the Chicago area. Their hummus is to die for - I'm thinking of going down there today and picking up 2 tubs of it for my fridge. The bread is always warm and fresh - just how I like it. I'm pretty picky about falafel too - most of the time I don't like it or won't eat it - and theirs is amazing. I love the shawerma too, and their garlicy tahini sauce is PERFECT. I'd be there every day if I lived closer.
(5)
Mike L.
What else can I say other than; good food at cheap prices. A very Mediterranean meal, heavy on the beans, chicken, lamb, and rice. Based on that it is a very good meal, on the plus side they make their own pita, which is a very big plus. They offer a variety of meals from veggie to meat but I think a mix is best. Always busy yet they serve a great meal all the time, well done.
(4)
Ellie S.
Wonderful Middleastern food! Very crowded at lunch. Be prepared to wait but, the line moves fast. Have someone find a table while the other person waits in line. Most people are regulars and don't stay long as a courtesy. This place gets busy because the food is awesome! Dinner is busy but, not as bad as lunch. I personally love the shish ke bob platter (very tender and flavorful steak, delicious rice and salad). I also love the baba ganoush. There are many vegetarian options too. I like to people watch as it has a very diverse crowd. I even came here to honor a co-worker who had passed away. He loved to eat lunch here along with the rest of us. Rest in peace Warren!
(5)
Andrea K.
Finally made it to Pita Inn after eyeing it for a few years. Stopped by on a Sunday evening and the place was busy. It was a little difficult to find a menu to order from. At Pita Inn you order at the counter and they call your number when the food is ready. They do not have the menu above the register, but have a copy flat on the counter that you can't read until you get up to order. They also have some menus tucked along the wall but you can't see them because they are blocked by whomever is ordering. So, I had to politely force my way in between people to get to the menus because no one seemed interested in passing me one after asking. I decided to get the chicken tender pita. My BF got the chicken tender entree (so much for trying more than one dish). The food came out so fast we barely had time to pick a table. One thing that was a turnoff was the chicken was a yellowish color. Almost neon yellow. I am guessing it was due to mustard or Tumeric seasoning but it did not have much flavor. It seemed to be decent quality but I had a hard time getting past the color. The pita was good but a little on the tough, dry side. Afterward I tried the baklava. That was very good. I would come back to Pita Inn but I think Dengeo's on Dundee has better chicken and pitas. I guess I need to try other items but if the pitas are just ok it does not entice me to get a hummus appetizer. I think the high ratings from others are because of the prices more than the food itself.
(3)
Julie A.
Heavy cleaning product smell when we were there. I have a nose for smells so that ruined me really liking anything the day I went. the pta was cold and not very tasty and the food didn't stand out at all. I didn't even take my leftovers. Sorry but guess I had a bad experience.
(2)
Dasha B.
Amazingly yum! Have yet to meet a person who doesn't like this place. It's extremely affordable (less than $10/plate) and so delicious. And they cater, which is a big plus! Over the years, I have probably tasted everything on their menu and don't have a complaint about a single thing.
(5)
Ganesh M.
After falafel hut in NJ this is the other place where i loved the dolmadakias(stuffed grape leaves). Most of the stuff from the menu was good and i hardly have any complaints. Would have given a 5 star if the lamb and beef shawarmas were a little juicy. Just too dry to my liking.
(4)
Vinifer D.
This is my lunch spot at work! One of the best Middle Eastern cheat eats restaurant out there! I love their amazing vegetarian platter. It comes with a little sampling of everything: hummus, baba, falafel, tabouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. I'm not a big fan of stuffed grape leaves, so they will always substitute a couple of falafel balls for them. Not to mention, their tahini and hot sauce is out of this world. I know it's not hard to screw up, but these guys kick ass! Their shwarmas and kababs are wonderfully seasoned, and when you add the sauces, it puts them over the top!
(5)
Jeff S.
Specfreggintacular! this is by far the best mediterranean places i have ever been to. Did i say you can get full for less than $10?
(5)
Nicollette W.
Wow - Pita Inn falafel.....oh how I love you. I love you even more stuffed in a pita with TON's O tahini sauce drizzled on you. You some type of breaded fried yumminess that I am not sure I can possibly get enough of.
(5)
Foram B.
I've been going to Pita Inn since I was kid. It's always been a family favorite. Great food, reasonable prices...you can't really beat that. The best part now is that I live less than 3 miles from it. I get to stuff myself with this delicious goodness more frequently now :o)
(5)
Justin G.
GO HERE, NOW!!! That is all.
(5)
Vera Lynn W.
I love this place. I will eat here every chance I get. I alwaysget the hummus, and a couple of shawarmas. I could drink their white sauce, its that good. Prices are great and I always walk out of here full. The line can get long, but they move things along pretty fast. I think I just talked myself into going here tomorrow for lunch. Mmmm.....
(5)
April Z.
really like pita inn. and its great food for the price. I've dined in and also catered from here. catering does not deliver so that was slightly annoying. however the food was all hot and fresh and everyone loved it. the pita's came ice cold in the bag from the manufactorer, like you see on store shelves. not warmed up, grilled nothing. we frantically heated up pitas in bunches in the microwave so people had at least warmed pitas at the party. my only gripe. but i would order from them again and ask them to warm the pitas!
(3)
Bella B.
As a vegetarian, this is my absolute favorite place to get a quick, tasty, inexpensive lunch. I've been to 2 of the 3 Pita Inns, the Wheeling and Niles locations. Both have fabulous service and are ALWAYS jam packed whenever I go. What a good thing they've got going here. The Wheeling spot is my lunch go-to if I don't brown bag it and don't want to spend $10 for lunch. There have been many times where I've gotten the last parking spot in the lot. It's always packed at lunch time. The dining area seems a little bigger at the Niles location if you're going to dine in. The falafel is the best I've ever had anywhere. The hummus can't be passed up. At less than $2 for a small, and less than $4 for a large, you can't beat that deal. And you get 4-5 warm pitas with it. Everything tastes SO fresh and delicious. Refreshing mint iced tea on a hot, summer day? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmmm!! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)
Laura L.
No matter the age, gender, race, religion, whatever.... EVERYONE will like the Pita Inn!! Its freaking cheaper that McCdonalds and healthier too! I have loved this food since I was 3 years old! This place is the absolute best! Too bad I go to school in Kenosha... I would eat there everyday.. its perfect for the wallet of a college student! GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO THERE! TIP: the Glenview location gives you free refills of your drinks.
(5)
Dhaivat A.
I've been to this place few times for lunch. It's always packed. The food is awesome and the restaurant is nice and clean. I would definetely recommend this place to everyone.
(4)
Michelle M.
Yes, this place is line out the door packed but there is a reason for that. Great food and great prices. They have a combo lunch meal with different kinds of meats, chicken and rice for around $5. You will easily have leftovers. Tip: To avoid the line order ahead for carryout. You will get nasty looks as you cut ahead of everybody waiting in that long line but the owner will yell (playfully) at you if you wait in the line and have already phoned in your order. This is what we always did when I worked nearby. Pita Inn, please open more locations!!
(5)
Bryan S.
This place has always been the bomb for hummus, falafalel, (spelled it wrong), and just everything. I don't eat meat anymore and this is one of my favorite spots for affordable food that is great. Its the only decent thing about the 'burbs~
(5)
T D.
This place is the best. The combination plate is great, as are the hummus and baba ghanouj. have eaten here a hundred times and it is always great. I do not think there is a bad item on the menu.
(5)
Beth T.
The food is great and you cannot beat the lunch special. $3.99 (without chicken)!!! I always order in advance and pick it up. I avoid the lines the the cashier always smiles, knows my name and asks me how I am doing. How can you beat that.
The BEST LUNCH SPECIAL EVER. PERIOD. You get beef kabobs, gyro meat, and chicken if you want for a buck more I think. Also rice, salad, pita bread, and a falafel. ALL FOR $4.
(5)
Rich A.
Used to work close to here and eat the lunch special all the time. Amazing food at cheap prices
(5)
Nery E.
their falafel are the best! u try one and you are hooked for life! they got u! i always order 3 additional falafels with my business special order! i also love their jerusalem falafel sandwich! great staff, they get your orders out fast! if crowded, call in, place your order to go, skip the long line, and eat there!
(5)
Sam C.
Oh how I love you, Pita Inn. I've eaten in for lunch. Picked up for lunch. Picked up dinner for a big group at my house. My kids like it. I love it. The food is fresh and delicious. I frequently get the Combo Feast (add the chicken, please). The vegetarian meals are awesome too. I also get a large side of baba ghanoush, which is awesome, to take home. The Jerusalem salad is really good, too. Bottom line: quick, inexpensive, and delicious.
(5)
Theresa B.
delighted to have fast, reasonably priced cuisine like this in the area.
(4)
Harish C.
I love th coziness of this place. The food is great and they have great options for vegetarians. They have the greatest baklava I have ever tasted and there falafel is perfect-soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Definitely well priced.
(4)
David M.
You can't go wrong with Pita Inn. They've got Mediterranean food down to a science. Best pitas in the area.
(4)
Amy L.
So I finally found out what a falafel is, I've always wondered! I finally tasted it too. This place is good. I like it. I've gone a few times to this and other locations. It is a semi fast food type place that gives you decent food. I'd go there more often if I lived by one since I'm in the city now.
(3)
Magda S.
Love it, love it, love it!!! I have been going there for years now and they have been consistant with the quality of the food since day one. Reasons I love them: - you can't beat their prices - always fresh - lunch special - AWESOME - unfortunatelly I work too far from them now to enjoy it :( - upbeat staff - delicious hummus and baklava Me and my husband usually get the combination feast and a vegetarian combination plate. Plenty of food to share - yummy! I get free falafel from this one guy... :) Shhhhh... it's our little secret. Visit their website for menu and pictures at pitainn.com
(5)
Thomas C.
I used to go here for lunch 2-3 times a week. Never even thought to write a review. I've been to all locations. Milwaukee is the best because it is larger and you can get free refills on drinks. Skokie will always be dear because I grew up right by there. But alas, Wheeling was close to work. Busy, but fast. Their "business lunch" meal was a staple. Very delicious, great prices, and consistent.
(4)
Bert W.
positives: pretty consistent taste in food and always hot usually friendly customer service they will give you extra pitas if you ask for it downside: lunch-time is mad busy and you have to wait a little bit. no free refills
(4)
Michael H.
I tried to resist since there are already so many positive reviews, but I have to add to the praise. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu at this point. Everyone knows about the lunch special, but I think the gourmet falafel sandwich is underrated. I typically switch to it when I'm not in the mood for meat. The combination feast at dinner is still a great value and I will either share it with someone else, adding a side of hummus (best I've ever had), or I will bring home leftovers. The baklawa is amazing, but the kinafa somehow tops it. I had a food epiphany when trying their tahini sauce and have never found an equal. I can drink a shake of that stuff straight up. The hot sauce is homemade and also incredible, although sometimes my stomach vetoes the decision to include it on the kifta kabob. Here is a comparison of the three locations: The Glenview location is not as crowded, has plenty of parking and a nice outdoor dining area. Service is pleasant with two woman cashiers whenever I visit. Wheeling has enough parking, but a smaller dining area, can sometime be tough to find a seat, the cashier at lunch has a pretty great sense of humor. The Skokie location is always packed, inexplicably at all times of day, tough parking and pulling in/out on Dempster. I find the service to be the rudest here, but I think it comes with the stress of serving never-ending stream of people. Food has generally been the same at all locations, which is great. I used to live right by the Wheeling location before I knew about Pita Inn. I wish I could go back in time to kick my ass for not eating there. Could they please open a location in Northbrook or downtown?
(5)
Rosalia H.
good middle eastern food. service is good too and nice managers. good place to go if you are really hungry and want a lot of food.
(4)
Tim B.
Fast food the way it should be. Fresh ingredients, no processed crap. I've been eating at Pita Inn since the 90s. First at their Skokie location, then at their Wheeling location since it's so close to me. I've been to the one in Niles numerous times as well. I think the one in Skokie is still my favorite in terms of taste, though maybe it's just me. Though I've tried everything on the menu, I can't get enough of the lamb kabob sandwich, hummus, and the falafel. Don't forget the white sauce and the hot sauce! The baklava is excellent as well. Wash it all down with tamarind juice! I've yet to find any Middle Eastern restaurant which remotely compares in terms of taste and value. I can't count how many times I've been at some other Middle Eastern restaurant and thought, "man, Pita Inn's hummus and falafel taste 10 times better and cost a third of this!" I just made myself hungry for some Pita Inn.
(5)
Patrick H.
Pita Inn really is as great place. You can get fast inexpensive meals that taste great and fill you up. They have indoor and outdoor seating. If you're there on a weekday, I would recommned the businees lunch special. It's a plate the comes with a bit of everything on it and a couple of pitas. Everything is great. The chicken, beef, rice filafel. EVERYTHING I TELL YOU! I've eaten there many times and every meal has left me satisfied. And best of all, you get all the red and white sause you want. What kind of sauce am I taling about? Well, you'll just have to go there and find out. And when you do, shoot me a message becasue I don't know what they are called.
(4)
Brad S.
You would have to travel to the middle east to find any better. The prices are just cheep.
(4)
Stephanie ..
On hot summer nights as a kid, I used to ride my bike to this location back when it was a Dairy Queen, so I was initially one pissed-off pre-pubescent when this place turned into a Pita Inn. But let's just say these days, I don't know what I'd do without Pita Inn. This was my first stop after arriving at O'Hare. Yes, folks, no time to drop off luggage because the greasy goodness was calling! $3.95 lunch specials--so large I can eat them for the next 2 meals--of the most delicious schwarma and falafel. I usually alternate between their Veggie platter and their (meat) combination plate, and always, ALWAYS, order the cucumber yogurt salad.
(5)
Eric B.
Pita Inn is an amazingly good place for great Middle Eastern food. I wish I had found out about this place sooner! I go there at least once every other week. I always get the Business lunch special, for under $5 you get enough food, Shish kabob, Kifta kabob, Shawarma, and falafel with rice, salad, and pita bread. I add chicken to mine for $1 extra. The baklava is very tasty as well. The place is packed, but it's because of how great the food is. Plus I like the owner of the place because he jokes around with you, even when it is at it's busiest. You can't beat the service and the food.
(5)
Little Miss L.
Pita Inn is such a go-to for us. It's literally right down the street from us, and we go there all the time. The baba ganoush is the best and the lamb kabob is wonderful. I haven't had better falafel either. This place rocks. The guys that work there are quick and hilarious. Go early or late for lunch though unless you want to wait 9 hours though, because they are supremely packed for lunch. Its so cheap to eat there..the food rocks...just call ahead. Tell them extra Tahini!
(5)
Kevin G.
Every time we drive near here, we make it a point to stop in and enjoy a wonderful flavorful meal. Lots of food for your buck! You can't go wrong with their "Combination Feast". Best Falafels I have ever had. We also stop in here prior to a flight out of O'Hare. Hmm, let's see - a belly full of wonderful Mediterranean cuisine, or airplane food? Lots of parking, and their outdoor arbor eating area is refreshing.
(5)
kb j.
I recently went here for lunch. It was my first visit to this place and I was amazed at the value provided. The parking lot was full and included both taxicabs and Beemers. It's a no-frills place that was packed with a mix of young adults, families with kids and older folks. You order from a counter, they give you a number and then call that number. You pick up your food from the counter and carry to your table on a plastic tray. Service was fast. We ordered a Shawarma chicken pita (rotisserie grilled, sliced (gyros-style) and stuffed into a warm, fresh pita. In addition, we ordered a combination plate that was piled high with lettuce, tomato, gyros and meat slices and a falafel accompanied by tasty pita bread.
(5)
Kate P.
I love Pita Inn. It's a very good to go to Pita Inn during lunch time. They serve a very good middle eastern food at a very reasonable price. The portion is very filling and contains well-balanced diet. Each dish has the combination of vegetables and meat with very yummy sauce( hot sauce and the tahini yogurt sauce) so, I definitely recommend this place to everyone. it's very delicious food at a good price.
(5)
A V.
This message is for Mr. Hamdy Hady. Thanks for inviting me to Pita Inn. I really like Pita Inn but had a very small concern regarding the way in which guests are treated sometimes. May be it is because you guys are swamped with too many guests. I understand. The purpose of my review is to be fair and thorough so that it will help the business as well as the customers. Once again, i really really appreciate that you have taken time to respond back to my review. Thanks a lot. DEFINITELY YOU GUYS DESERVE A 5 STAR RATING. LOOKING FORWARD TO VISIT SOON.
(5)
Patrick O.
Fantastic! Great food and staff. I'm glad I found this place, and I'll be there a few times a week..
(5)
San T.
Is not as good as the one in Skokie. I drive the extra 15 mins to the one in Skokie.
(2)
mark M.
I think I was a little bit hot headed when I wrote this. Went back for a weekday lunch. this time food was fresh. I would give it 3 stars but 1 extra for their very competent prices.
(4)
Maria C.
I simply love this place. It's dirty cheap, the food is fantastic and the people are very nice. This is packed 24x7 but you never wait too much because the turn over is really fast. Try the falafil, the hummus and the Lunch Special - Shawirma with Rice. It comes with a little salad and Yogurt dressing. Really good.
(5)
Greg M.
I absolutely love this place, for a chained restaurant the quality and taste of the food is so memorable. The dishes are also served up relatively quick even when the place is packed, but this still doesn't compromise the overall quality of the meal. Whenever I go here I always order the hummus and shawarma with chicken. What's the payoff for such a meal? My life is dominated. Their baklawa is pretty killer too. So do yourself a favor and go here or else... you're missing out.
(5)
STEFANIE A.
Friday mornings at my office are an orchestrated chain of events that result in yummy Pita Inn glory. It starts Thursday afternoon, "Pita Inn tomorrow?" Then its Friday and the email goes out calling for the orders. I am always the 'order b----' and I have to say I normally grumble at doing this, but not at the Pita Inn. I have never encountered a place that gets 14 orders to go 100% correct, ALL THE TIME. The guy on the phone says, "oh you from the travel company?" How'd he know that?! The orders are retrieved, make sure you go to the phone order line! The looks from the 30 people waiting in line are priceless. The food is brought back to the office and the frenzy begins! We don't always get along and its a high stress job with a lot of high maintenance customers, but Friday afternoons bring us back together!
(5)
Melissa H.
Ever since the husband has started liking Mediterranean food (see my other Mediterranean 5 star review) I've been helping broaden his horizon in it. Last night he was indecisive about dinner and I suggested Pita Inn. He was apprehensive of trying this place thinking it was like a similar Mediterranean joint in Palatine that we had a horrible experience at (see 2 star review on that place). I went to Pita Inn to order and pick up the food. I was surprised to see the amount of cars there at 7:30 in the evening on a Thursday night. I ordered the combination feast and for my husband the Shish Kabob. I also noticed they had Garlic Sauce too and I of course had to try it as I've always had the standard Tahini sauce here. Food was ready surprisingly fast! My food came with with their Falafel which I'm not a fan of and gave it to my husband. The husband thought the Falafel tasted decent. I also let him try some of my chicken, kufta, and shawarma. He thought the meat, chicken, his own Shish Kabob and rice tasted delicious and flavorful. He was impressed (YAY)!!!! I of course throughly enjoyed all the meats, rice, and their delicious pita bread. That garlic sauce.....OMG..,.tasted AMAZING!! We loved the garlic sauce and highly recommend ordering it! We also had so much food that we have leftovers for lunch today! Pita Inn has always been my Mediterranean go-to and i'm pretty sure that my husband feels the same. Thanks for giving him another Mediterranean option and for always tasting awesome!!
(5)
Lori W.
Pita Inn I have missed you! My husband and I fell in love this place when we lived in the area. On Friday we were able to make a stop and was not disappointed. The business special has gone up in price but still a good deal. I love that they have Ginger ale on tap. The only reason for the one star off is that our order had a problem which was due to someone not reading the request.
(4)
Joseph L.
Maybe I just don't like middle eastern food but I found the food here to be kind of bland, like cardboard. Even the vegetables tasted like they were in the freezer for weeks. The staff was friendly and the prices are low, so for that i give them 2 stars. I don't get it. I'm sorry.
(2)
Venessa F.
This place... So great! There's a nice selection, kosher, vegetarian and flavorful meals for a great price. The staff is fast, friendly and attentive. Such a great atmosphere!
(5)
Shaili S.
Always get great service.. Amazing food and well cooked!!! Falafel plate is so filling!!
(5)
Anamaria H.
I've been going to this Pita Inn for about 10 years now. This place was my introduction to Mediterranean food and I've been in love ever since. Whenever I go, I order the beef shawarma sandwich, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. The beef is so delectable and it just melts in your mouth. The falafel are highly addicting and the grape leaves are just amazing. I've also tried the combination feast, the hummus (with oil and without oil), and the falafel sandwich. If you're looking for a large meal, order the feast. The lamb and beef pieces are delicious and easy to chew (never had a tough piece of meat), the chicken is flavored beautifully, and the rice is great. When you go, make sure you try the spicy red sauce and the tahini sauce. Both give the food that extra something-something. Just be warned, sometimes the spicy sauce is really spicy. I'm a girl who loves her salsa hot but sometimes it's too much. When that happens, just add a little more tahini and your tongue will be okay. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the mood for fast, delicious Mediterranean. I give it 4 stars just because I'm not too fond of the current restaurant set up (I've seen this place go through at least 3 different configurations). The current layout makes it tight during busy periods and it can echo.
(4)
Michael S.
This place sure knows how to cook meat well. I ordered the combination feast and loved all the protein on the plate. The chicken breast was well-seasoned with a nice lemony taste and cooked extremely well, keeping a nice moisture. The beef shwarma was extremely tasty, with a nice crisp to the meat. The shish kabob was tender and well-seasoned steak, while the kefta was nicely done, moist ground beef. The highlight of the plate was the falafel. Hot, straight out of the fryer, and bursting with flavor. While the meats were all excellent, the other stuff on the plate was disappointing. The plate only came with rice (which was good but a bit bland) and a "salad." The salad had no dressing on it and was pretty much just lettuce and cucumbers. I wish the platters came with a bit more but I still left satisfied.
(4)
Nektaria R.
Pita Inn is a pita inn. Good food, lots of parking, nice outdoor seating area. Fast service. Cheap. What else do you need to know?
(4)
Michelle B.
Excellent food. Tried the kebab and the falafel. Both were outstanding. Basic, clean ambiance.
(5)
Scott R.
Cannot praise this restaurant enough! Consistently good Mediterranean food. This is probably the best lunch value in town; they have a business lunch special priced at $4.95; what a bargain and the portions are huge. The combination platter is excellent, as is the Lamb Kabob plate. The hummus is homemade, served room temperature and out of this world, as are the fallafal. Most entrees come with complimentary pita. Excellent food & Excellent value!!
(5)
Abhijit C.
Awesome place for a quick grub! Great lunch specials and you hardly have to ever wait to get food! Paradise for a meat lover!
(5)
Jon G.
Excellent food, especially for the price. The platters are hard to beat as a deal, and the meats were all excellent. You could spend more elsewhere, but you'd probably get less.
(5)
Greg R.
Love the food at Pita Inn - and the value proposition here is high. At lunchtime - their Business Lunch special is simply unbeatable! For a whopping $5.99 - you get a whole heap of tasty food. You get a nice sampling of protein options (shawarma, kabob, kifte, chicken, and a falafel) served with rice, pita, and salad. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more value from your lunch anywhere else. This place is always crazy busy at lunch - but service is always super quick. Even past the lunch special, their other options are all fantastic - huge portions of tasty food, all for great prices. I like the chicken shawarma plate, with a little add-on of garlic sauce and a couple falafel. Great food + great prices = 5 stars and a repeat customer.
(5)
angela l.
For some reason the chicken wrap did not taste as good as those I had at their Mundeline store.
(3)
Jan M.
Love it here! Always fresh, generous portions. FATOUSH salad is good but I prefer my own vinaigrette. I always order some falafel and rice as sides. The hummus and lentil soup are my favorites. Try their homemade lemonade!
(5)
Rusty S.
Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but unfortunately I was a bit underwhelmed after reading all the great reviews. I got the chicken shwarma & hummus to go, with falafel on the side. My order was ready in about 20 seconds, which made me a little apprehensive to begun with. The bits of chicken had good flavor but were kind of dried out, like they had been cut and sitting for a while. The hummus was not the best I've had, but it was OK--a little in the cold & pasty side. The best part was the falafel, which had a great home-made flavor and was not greasy at all. I would give it another try with the falafel and maybe a chicken kebab, but can't recommend the shwarma.
(3)
Ankur P.
This place will never fail. I've been come here since I was young. Best falafel hands-down. Anytime someone visits from out of town, this is one place we will take them. Prices are very reasonable for a great portion of food.
(5)
Johnny N.
Not bad for a place to stop when you are hungry and don't have much time to be searching and driving around. Would I come back?...maybe.
(3)
Lefai K.
I had the chicken tender entree here and it was A-OK. I feel like the chicken could be seasoned more . The rice was kind of bland as well. But for the price, it was a good size meal
(3)
Karl C.
Pita Inn is amazing. This place is so popular, it can be tough to find a table or a parking space. And there's almost always been a line to order food. Get their business lunch special which is $6 and it gets you shish kabob, kifta kabob, a chicken breast, shawarma, falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. Everything is delicious, particularly the falafel and kifta, and it's an incredible deal. Outside of business lunch hours, you can get this platter for $10. Go. Here. It will change all that you know about Mediterranean food.
(5)
Rahul G.
I mean this place is amazing. Best Mediterranean food around, especially for the price! I go wayyy back with this place; lived next door to the first one on Dempster. Now this one is my go to since my mom lives around the corner. I grew up on this stuff. Their hummus is delicious and I always like ordering extra to have for the week. I normally get the gourmet falafel sandwich, which has potato slices in it, so yummy. Dump tons of their hot and white sauce on it to finish it off. I like the falafel plate sometimes if I'm in the mood to make my own sandwich. Other staples include the beef and chicken shawarma. Can't go wrong with anything here. Service is always super fast. Enjoy!
(5)
Georgetta E.
Omar (the young one) is the BEST! By far one of the most pleasant food type place cashiers I've ever met. Thank you Pita Inn for not only tasty food but an easy and pleasant experience. Go here for falafel, chicken schwarma, tasty rice, and delicious pita - all at affordable prices. Super convenient, too.
This place has the best Mediterranean food in the Chicago Suburbs. The portion sizes are defiantly big, lost to you is super low, worth every penny. The warm pita bread is amazing, chicken shwarma is very good as well. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone. I have been dozens of times, nothing beats their lunch specials!!
(4)
Grace L.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a good Mediterranean place in the suburbs and it was great to come in on New Year's Day for a quick meal. This restaurant runs like a cafeteria where you order your food and wait for them to load up your tray with goodies. The prices are reasonable and the helpings are generous. There is also an unlimited supply of yogurt and hot sauces to grab! We got the combination entree and the lamb kabobs. The rice was cooked well, the meats were juicy and tender and our plate of falafels were crisp and filling! I also learned of the awesome lunch special this place offers! So happy to have stopped by - this place rocks!
(4)
Sai Lohith M.
This is like my home. I go almost everyday other day to this place. Even though the menu is limited I never got bored of this food. Try the lamb kebabs or chicken shawarma and don't forget to add the spicy red sauce that comes with it. Yummy!!!
(5)
Tian Y.
Finally made it to Pita Inn at lunch time to see what the $5 lunch is all about. Holy crap it's such a good value it makes their (already fairly priced) combo dinners seem like a rip off. I thought that the lunch would be a really small portion, but it was still large enough to fill me up with leftovers. All the meats were flavorful and tender, better than I've had before at other locations for dinner. I also really like this location's ample parking and really clean and efficient interior. The food came out very quickly and the ordering/waiting area didn't feel too cramped compared to the Dempster/Skokie location. And even though it was lunch rush, there was still plenty of seats and the tables were cleaned very quickly. Can see myself coming here often for lunch when in the area.
(4)
Christine A.
This is my go to place for when I don't feel like cooking. My mouth is watering as I write this. I always come and order and the turn around time is always very fast. I've gotten the food to go and also eaten in the restaurant and outside on their patio (this is a must in the summer!). I've had take out in the past from their Skokie location but that was just limited to the Jerusalem salad. I've had falafel and chicken pitas and both are stand outs. Their beef is also excellent and I love that yellow rice that comes on the side. It is even better mixed with tomatoes and/or Jerusalem salad. I love that you can grab as much tahini sauce as you want from the counter. My only beef with this place is I think they over do it on the parsley in the Jerusalem salad and falafel. This does not deter me though, and I am stoked to try the baklawa next!
(4)
Sarah T.
Sooo I didn't think that I liked shawarma, until Pita Inn. I think the trick to their flavorful food is the seasoning. Add the ridiculously low prices and the only thing stopping you from coming here is time. We tried the combination platters and literallly EVERYTHING was delicious.
(5)
Megan G.
A truly good deal for the food you get. The food tastes authentic and delicious. The prices are very reasonable. And the falafel is excellent!!
(5)
Gaurav B.
Cant believe haven't written a review yet .... One of my favorite places for middle eastern food .... Excellent shwarma Excellent chicken tenders OMG delicious lamb kebab perfectly crusty and flavorful falafels Great kinafa A must try here would be the Jerusalem Style Gourmet falafel sandwich ... excellent food , huge portions, low prices ...
(5)
Megan C.
The food here is great! I especially recommend coming here for their lunch special M-F until 3pm. You get a huge plate of food for $5.99, which contains a variety of meats, rice, salad, and a pita. You can tell this place is good when at 3pm on a Thursday the place is almost packed. This restaurant is doing it right, and I definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't yet!
(5)
Rajarshi R.
Very good healthy Fast Food.....Only thing is they should have more varieties of Lamb.
(4)
Bob R.
We decided to go to Pita Inn after attending a fundraising event at the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health. My son suggested this had the best Chicken Shwarma he'd had anywhere in the suburbs. This was a Friday evening at around 7:30 pm. While it was not packed, it was crowded. Like other Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, you order at the counter and when the food is ready, you pick it up on trays. Beverages are self-serve. We ordered a large hummus. My wife and I split a Chicken Shwarma dinner. There is more than enough food for one person, and it did two of us nicely. The hummus was tasty - not the best I've had but far from the worst. The pita served with the hummus was warm and soft. The Chicken Shwarma was well marinated and cooked. The rice was nice, but could have been more flavorful. They did not serve the spicy red sauce (not sure of the name) or tahini with the dinner. I recall it being priced extra on the menu. But, before we were done, my son somehow got a few servings for us. The salad served with the meal was fresh. Overall, I would say this was average for suburban Middle Eastern food. It's a little out of the way for us normally so I would not make this my "go-to" choice. If I'm in the area, I certainly would go again.
(3)
Tasty X.
Popular, been here for awhile. Believe I remember this building was a Dairy Queen a long time ago. Don't be intimidated by food you may not have had before. You can get the lunch or dinner combo and you are basically getting just meat and rice. You WILL like it and you WILL come back. Come for lunch and fight for a table. This place is nuts because it is so good! Some of the employees have been there awhile and the one guy likes to joke with the customers. I have had him try to give me a handful of pennies for change a few times now. A coworker would order the vegetarian version of the lunch special and also is addicted. I have to be careful not to go down Elmhurst road past this at night. Otherwise the craving hits and it's a guaranteed stop. PITA INN IS THE GOLDEN STANDARD FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA.
(5)
Tejas B.
Best Pita place in the city and suburbs. The falafel is awesome and so it the chicken shawarma. We have catered from there on multiple occasions and the quality of food is also consistent. Definitely must try. All the locations are equally good.
(5)
Jeff A.
Stuff your face with the business lunch special. And get some extra tahini for the rice.
(5)
Avinash K.
Food was really good. Me and my friend did get quite a lot of food. We got plate of hummus (served with couple of pita bread), that was good. Then we got combination feast (mix of chicken and beef), both the meat was delicious. The fatoush salad was pretty good. We had the baklava and kinafa. I was a fan of baklava, but my friend liked the kinafa better. So overall it was really good.
(4)
Vic O.
Love and miss this place. It's all good.
(5)
Jay Y.
I had the Combo Feast and it was off the freakin chain. The portions were large and the quality of the meats were excellent. I was even surprised by how moist the chicken was. The seasoned rice was on the money, and the fresh lemonade was perfectly tart AF. The workers were over friendly to my female counterparts.
(5)
Mike P.
What a crazy place. The guy taking orders has a great personality and is fun to interact with. The food itself is great for lunch and huge portions although not really seasoned as well as it could and should be.
(3)
Jay K.
There's nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. It's GOOD. The lunch special is great both in flavor and value at under $5. Eat in or take out. Everything on the menu is cooked to order and served hot. The sauces that come with the special are great, The red color sauce has some 'kick' to it. If you like it you'll need two for you're lunch special. No matter which location you go to the quality is the same.
(5)
Sonika ..
Quick service, great food and cheap price! 5 stars earned Pita inn! Chicken shawarma and falafel sandwiches are excellent! Also humus and pita are yumm!
(5)
Shirley B.
Yummy food! Great service. I highly recommend the falafel.Going there now. We always get the dozen falafel to go as well.
(5)
Olga S.
Falafel.... Makes my mouth water every time I think about it. Great place with great prices, especially lunch specials. Try lentil soup it is always delicious. And falafel, of course. I have been to this place more than a 100 times and they never disappoint.
(4)
Luna M.
Well, I love Middle Eastern Food, but Pita Inn beats out any place that has the word, "Pita," in their sign. Not only do they have a great selection, they offer reasonable prices. Who can beat a combo lunch special for under $5? The combo (called business lunch special) is a great way to introduce a new guest to some of their main meals. Then you can decide which individual entree to have. My favorite is the Kefta kabob & Falafil plates. I love their rice--- it's delicious. Don't forget to dip your falafils in their hot (red) sauce. Currently, this is one of their 3 locations. Whenever I head to my parents' house, it's on my way so I pick up food for all of us to enjoy. Also, we have ordered catering portions for parties & they have always been a hit with the guests. Soon -- Pita Inn will open up their 4th location in Mundelein & I cannot wait!!!!!!!!
(5)
jean h.
This one was really hard to review. I guess I am so unfamiliar with the spices in these dishes. My husband and I have been trying a new place each weekend. I had the GOURMET FALAFEL SANDWICH (Jerusalem Style). Seasoned ground chick peas and vegetables, formed into patties and deep fried to a flavorful crispness, served in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomato and tahini sauce, with the addition of potatoes, finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles. The pita was fresh - the lettuce and tomato was fresh, the potatoes in the sandwich were good. I just did not like the spices in the Falafel. I tried the Vegetable lentil soup and did not like the spices either. My husband had the Lamb Kabab and I did not care for the ground lamb or the spices either. This may be that I am so not used to eating these spices
(2)
AbiJeet K.
Chicken shawarma is amazing and so is vegetarian combo plate. I come here almost 3 times a week. Amazing pita chips and good baklava.
(5)
Bob H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. Used to go to this place a ton when I was in graduate school at Northwestern. Great food for cheap - can't beat it. Loved the falafel, the hummus & shwarma entree, the baba gannoush, the lentil soup, the Jerusalem salad, and of course the Business Lunch Special. And then (Skokie location only) head across the parking lot to the Pita Inn market to pick up a dozen pita and a quart of hummus! Oh and don't forget to ask for the hot sauce & white sauce, and the pickled turnips, olives, and raw onions to pour on top of your business lunch special. Unfortunately I live farther away now but anytime I'm in the area I try to fit in my pilgrimage to the mighty Palestinian Mecca of the northern suburbs!
(5)
Mary H.
Super lentil soup! Delish hummus. And always fresh falafela makes this my very favorite restaurant!
(5)
Violet M.
Absolutely love this place for the good dependable food and reasonable prices. Always order the chicken tenders platter with a salad, moist chicken tenders and yellow rice. Yumm, the generous portions mean I have enough to save for lunch the next day. I always get a box when the food arrives and pack up half of the platter before I dive in. The falafel is great as well as the hummus and tabouleh. We have tried the lamb and beef and all are great too. Husband likes their tamarind juice.
(5)
Tejash P.
Good Mediterranean food though found it a bit pricey. But it's quite popular and busy during weekday lunch hours. Tried the lentils soup which was very tasty with carrots and vegetables. Service is prompt with ordering on one side and pickup on another. They don't have table service. Numbers are called out as per tokens issued to pickup food and sit wherever you want. Portion size is good. I suggest if you can't eat it all, take it as a carry out instead of wasting it. I was appalled by people wasting good food during lunch time yesterday. They have outdoor seating. Interiors are comfortable with good Middle-Eastern music playing and a clean restroom. They also have wall photos reflecting Palestinian cultures and traditions. Downside: Parking is small compared to the number of people frequenting this eatery. Food is a little expensive. Also, I suggest management should provide free Wi-fi access to customers and have a smile. You aren't working in an assembly line factory.
(4)
Katie H.
This place has ok customer service I usually see other restaurants have faster service but this customer service is nice
(3)
Chris M.
Still a great spot, but there is a lot of competition out there now in the Mediterranean food world. Pita Inn is still a solid choice, and the lunch special is still an awesome deal.
(4)
Shani S.
I like the vegetarian combination and also the lunch special which is really inexpensive and delicious. Best of all you can order and the food is ready for carry out in few minutes I always had good experience and love their food.
(5)
Jaime J.
Food is always awesome and the workers are always friendly.I'm so glad that it's so close to my house and the fact that they open to 10 is a plus since lot of the small restaurants close at 9. You can never go wrong with the combination feast. My husband and I share this with large hummus and extra pita . They have the best hot sauce too, I can drink that stuff:)
(5)
Alan B.
You always know what you're going to get going there and you'll get very quickly. I usually go there for the business lunch and a drink keeping my bill under $9.00
(4)
Christie P.
This is the best falafel in the suburbs. It is CHEAP, it is FAST and it is GOOD FOOD. All the usual fixin's you would expect, and some personal favorites are the Jerusalem-style falafel sandwich and the hummus and shawarma with chicken. They give you a ton of food, too. Their fresh-made pita makes the whole meal just perfect. Take out, eat in, bring kids, all good.
(5)
Candice G.
Apparently, this is THE place to be at 6:30 on a Sunday evening. Parking lot: Packed Foyer: Packed Dining area: Packed So we waited. We waited on a Sunday eve to sit down at a fast food restaurant. Worth it. Well, less the crying babies and the hacking man- worth it. I usually don't like felafel, too dry for my tastes, but not at Pita Inn. Absolutely the only felafel sandwich I endorse. So moist, so stuffed, perfect proportions, tahini dreams are made of, and perfectly spiced red stuff. I'll drive from Naperville o Wheeling in heartbeat for this bad-boy... there might not be anywhere to sit and eat it, but I'd make the effort to get the damn thing nonetheless. I also got the mint iced tea, which was meh, maybe brewed a little too strong and with very little mint flavor and the vegetable lentil soup which again, I thought was pretty just okay and not very hot- which normally I don't mind, but with the consistency of their veggie lentil soup, it kinda just tasted like mushy gush in my mouth. Not a fan. Just do yourself a favor and get that felafel sandwich (better than the vegetarian falafel plate bc it's less work and perfectly portioned) and maybe their rice, which is also pretty damn delicious. Quick tip: They have a patio in the warmer months that when open, basically doubles the size of the restaurant's dining area.
(4)
Bo P.
Good food! Good price! Fast food service. Every time is very consistent! I am glad that they are next door and keep serving the neighborhood right. The reason for 4 stars is the food, the rest is just OK. You have to serve yourself pretty much, so for 4+ or 5 star restaurant " "
(4)
Monica B.
This was some very good middle eastern food at reasonable prices! The meats were all real tender and cooked perfectly! My husband had the vegetarian combo plate which he said was fresh and delicious! I would definetly come back and recommend this place to others! For a tasty treat get the mango drink behind the register. It is really sweet and delicious! The only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars is because they call people's numbers for their food on a loud speaker which gets real annoying after awhile if you eat in.
(4)
Jennifer S.
There isn't a lot to say that hasn't already been said here. Basically, I whined for about a year until I found myself in the area with my hubby on a Sunday afternoon. I was convinced that I was missing some unbelievable food and since he'd been here many times before, I figured that I had to visit with him. The counter service was ordering was good. Pleasant and suggestions were made. I always appreciate that when visiting somewhere new to me. I tried the garlic dipping sauce due to one of those suggestions. But when we got out food, our extra pittas were missing. As were some falafel. I went up to asked for the missing pittas. My hubby arrived moments later to alert of the missing falafel. I don't think they believed us. There was a serious debate about our missing items. I don't know if they think I shoved the "missing" items in my purse or whatever, but they weren't very nice from that point on. It was weird and honestly the overall attitude left me with a bad taste in my mouth. What I learned here is that the combination meal is more than enough food for two of us to share. The pita bread was fine, but not worth ordering extra of at all. The caffeine free Mugg root beer at the self- service fountain area was a major plus. Finally, it wasn't worth the fuss. Pita House closer to home in Schaumburg is very similar with more pleasant service. In my humble opinion at least.
(3)
Jahanzeb H.
This place is close to my work and they have an awesome Lunch special. $6 bucks for good quality meat with rice and Pita cant beat that. service is prompt but call ahead as there is a lot of people in line. Kefta kabob is my favorite. baba ganhuj is a must as an appetizer.
(5)
Allhad K.
Probably the best middle eastern food in chicago suburbs. Their service is very quick and the food is tasty and fresh. They should keep the spicy chicken tender entree here which is available in mundelein.
(4)
Amy W.
Pita Inn I love you!!!!!!!! Mmmmmmwah! The food here is consistently delicious. If you get the business lunch special, you can tour the menu. FOUR kinds of meat AND a falafel. I recommend an upgrade to the fattoush salad--it has peppers and parsley and dressing and pita chips. Much yummier and worth it. You can now fill your own fountain drinks, mint iced tea is delicious. The expansion was still not enough to accommodate their huge lunch rush, apparently I'm not the only one to think this place is awesome! You can phone ahead and when you arrive, skip the line. I may have seen people at the end of the line phone an order in. It's been done. They have lovely outdoor seating underneath the grape vines. They bus your table for you, so there's no need to clean up. Silverware and sauces are at the counter. Love the beef shawarma and hummus. The lunch special. I used to have their baklava, they also offer a sugar-free version ?!? I cannot leave this review without mentioning the trickster at the cash register, he always cracks my daughter up. To keep up that speed of service with a chuckle--that's special!
(4)
Brian M.
Good food. Great prices. The staff is friendly and helpful. Nice place for a quick cheap and healthy meal. Try the mango during and combo platter. You will love it.
(4)
Kyle B.
The lunch special is stupid good, stupid fast, and stupid cheap.So you'd be stupid to not check it out.
(5)
Junior D.
I had enuff at the naf naf and wanted to try some authentic middle eastern food. I was working in area and seen all the cars and had too see what the hype was all about. Came here and ordered some falafel and a chicken shawerma salad. Chicken was very flavorful and falafel were hot and fresh. There pitas are so soft and melt in your mouth. There prices are very fair and quality is top notch compared to places.
(5)
Simon K.
Wait, who deleted my review for Pita Inn? Because there's no way I haven't reviewed one of my favorite spots to eat in the north suburbs... Or maybe I'm just trying to assuage my guilt of not having gotten around to it... Nonetheless, if you love medi-food, this is the place to be. ESPECIALLY at lunchtime on a weekday. For five bucks, you get a nice helping of shawarma, kifta kabob, shish kabob, falafel, rice, tomatoes, lettuce and pita bread. Also, the hot and tahini sauces are the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, respectively, to bring more awesomeness to your dish. And on some weekends, if you sweet talk the guy at the cash register, you can get the lunch special that was supposed to be reserved for weekdays. How awesome is that? Their baklava isn't too bad either and it's a great way to end a meal. Just enough sweetness mixed in with the nuts and phyllo dough. All in all, a great place to grab lunch, or dinner for a few bucks more, in the northern burbs.
(4)
Yueqin C.
I highly recommend the vegetarian combination plate. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. I personally like the baba ghanoush and falafel. It gets very crowded during lunch hours but the lunch special is a great deal
(5)
Patrick M.
I will go way out of my way to eat at Pita Inn. I have never had a bad meal there. The staff is very friendly. It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)
Rohit J.
Got my dinner to go. The food tastes terrible and is the worst greek food ever. The meat was sawdust, tzaziki was water. I also have an upset stomach even after throwing away most of it. It is SHOCKING that this place has such a high rating. I got suckered in because of it. Do not repeat my mistake.
(1)
S s.
Awesome place! Great fresh food and great prices for a good portion size. My favorite?? The rice!! I dunno what they do to that rice but it's WAY too good! Try the lamb it's amazing!
(5)
Bear C.
No wonder there are lines out the door when the food is this good.
(4)
Kei A.
First time eating here. I've always had this dream of eating a felafel that became realized at a friend's house, and I fell in love. A buddy if mine was craving something different, so he drove by pita inn and I immediately ordered a felafel. Damn near perfect! Came out rather quickly, Nice and warm etc. The owner also seemed pretty goofy, so that's fun. The felafel's aren't exactly 100% authentic, but they're the closest you're gonna get. Damn near perfect.
(4)
Chebureki M.
Very good Mediterranean food, enjoy it every time.
(4)
Teresa T.
By far my favorite falafel ever and the hummus and garlic sauce is fantsstic! Amazing lunch special for $5 gets you a ton of food and you get to taste of several different items! A must stop every time I visit Chicago now.
(5)
Mary K.
Wow! We were In town on a business trip and my friend and I decided to find somewhere different to eat. We found Pita Inn on Yelp and the reviews were really good. We both ordered the chicken shawarma entree, knafe, and baba ghanoush. We were impressed with the quick service and quality of food. There was a steady stream of a very cosmopolitan group of clients. Excellent on making a lasting impression on out of town guests! We will definitely come again if we come back to Deerfield!
(5)
Faith E.
I've never tried Middle Eastern food until Pita Inn and I didn't know what to expect since I'm a really picky eater. I have to say it is quite good- fresh, tasty, and super cheap! You can't beat that. The hot sauce is good but I'd like it a bit hotter, that's probably my only "complaint". I really liked the Baklawa and Chicken Shawarma sandwich. The restaurant has a bit of a fast food vibe buy they've definately made it feel nicer with the granite-type tables and nice outdoor seating area. A must try for anyone looking to try something new!
(4)
Anna S.
One day, my husband and I were looking for a good place for weekend lunch with reasonable price except for burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches. When checking Zagat, we found Pita Inn, rated 1st place in Middle Eastern food in Chicago area and the budget was just $10 ! We visited there straight away. Actually, we not so familiar with Middle Eastern food. So we ordered Vegetarian Combination Plate and Combination Feast Entree. I think Vegetarian Combination Plate was the right choice especially for beginners like us ! It covers Pita Inn's signature menus; 1. FalafelDeep fried croquette of ground chick peas 2. Jerusalem SaladTomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with Tahini sauce (Sesami Paste) 3. HummusDip of chick peas, Tahini sauce and spices for Pita bread 4. Baba GhannougDip of eggplant, Tahini and yogurt for Pita bread 5. Tabouleh SaladTomatoes, onions, green peppers and cracked wheat 6. Three Stuffed Grape LeavesGrapevine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice plus 3 Pita Breads I looove all, but especially Pita bread dipped with Hummus and Baba were so delish. I think Tahini sauce (sesami paste), which is used as base for many menus are outstanding. That's mild and I cannot stop it. I can recommend this combination plate for all. Oops! We also ordered Combination Feast Entree, including Kebab, Kifta, Shawarma (3 type of beefs) and Farafel on rice. We shared each other, so that's OK. But if we had ordered only this Combination Feast plate, we would have missed vegetables. Also it's difficult to recognize which is Kifta or Shawarma. Regarding meet plate, we will try simple entree or sandwich next time. All around, the food quality with this price range is impressive !
(4)
Kevin W.
The food is consistently great, it never disappoints. I started off getting the chicken schwarma, but for the last 3 or 4 visits I can't seem to try anything other than the combo feast(beef). It is fabulous! Get a side of falafels and your all set! The sauces are the perfect compliment!
(5)
R P.
I love this place. The only problem is seating during peak lunch time, which is actually a big problem some days. Suggest carry out, or going after 12:30.
(5)
Anthony P.
The business lunch special is ridiculous. You get chicken, pita breed, beef, and gyro meat for like $5. Go early as there can be lines out the door. See the pics for an upload of the business lunch
(4)
C T.
I haven't been to a ton of pita/falafel/shwarma places, but I knew this place was going to require a return trip from the first time I tasted their delicious, lemony, non-greasy tabbouleh and their wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced/seasoned falafel patties. Mmmmmmm, and the prices are hard to beat! Their yellow rice is nicely buttered (I think it's butter) and seasoned, and the kibbeh is a bit oily, a bit salty, but it is deep-fried after all. The service is fast, seating is ample, and you get little bowls of yogurt dip, yours for the taking. You can order to-go on the phone and pick it up 15-20 minutes later. I've had tabbouleh and falafel at a few establishments, but I've always had trouble with too much grease in both items. At Pita Inn in Wheeling, though, it is perrrrrfect. If they could just open one downtown, replace the burrito beach on Ohio...I think they would do such brisk business. Oh and you can order falafel by itself by the dozen. I've tried freezing it for a couple weeks then heating it on the stove top (I still don't have a toaster oven which would be perfect)--it works out perfectly. Soooo good. If I get back there I'm buying in bulk. My freezer's gonna gorge on deep-fried chick pea nuggets mmmmmmmm.
(5)
Jessica C.
My favorite place to eat! Make sure you try their business lunch special on weekdays; it is an incredible deal with a delicious variety of food. It is one of the best bang for your buck places to eat, you will get unique yet healthy meal and feel incredibly satisfied. For those of you that do not like crowded restaurants or to wait, make sure to just call ahead and place your order to go. #1 restaurant I'd suggest trying if you are in the burbs.
(5)
Rose R.
I just have to write a review on this STELLAR restaurant! Each and every single time the food is awesome and amazing. You can't beat their prices and their hummus is the best I've ever had. Every item is mouth watering and prepared perfectly. I highly recommend the Vegetarian Platter because you get a sampling of everything they do best... Hummus, Baba Gannoush, Falafel, and more. Their Tahini is so tasty and just is the perfect compliment to their warm and wonderful pita bread. There is no comparison anywhwere to this fabulous place. I've been coming here for YEARS and will not stop! The guy who left there to open Firewood Kabob in Buffalo Grove states he is doing a better job. NO WAY! I went to Firewood Kabob and it's horrible. Stick with Pita Inn and you'll be so happy! Pita Inn is the BEST!
(5)
Chris H.
LOVE this place! We've been going here for years and it never disappoints. The hummus is phenomenal!
(5)
T M.
Wow! Loving that hummus!! I went here one day upon trying to decide between my french fry craving and my hummus craving. After looking at my tummy in the mirror, I decided that hummus would be a better bet! So I drove all the way there (I work in Rolling Meadows), and it was packed! I ordered the lunch special for $4.95 and a small hummus. Surprisingly, with all of the lunch time customers, it only took about 5 minutes for my food. The special came with lamb, chicken, rice, salad, and a delicious falafel. It was good, but the hummus, oh that hummus, was exactly what I was craving! I always try to make hummus at home, but places like this remind me that it's just a waste of time:)
(4)
DB A.
4.5 stars I've been going to Pita Inn (its several locations) before it was even called Pita Inn. But that's a different century. This place is good. It's always been good, and it's a good value too. If you're near any of their places and are in the mood for Mediterranean food, this is a great choice. The $3.95 businessman's lunch is an unbeatable value, and you'll be very happy with your choice of falafel or shish kebab, or shawirma, or their terrific Jerusalem salad. Order some hummus or baba Ghannouj too. It's all good here. Very busy at lunchtime, but the line moves fast. They've been such a reliable choice for so long, I'd never thought of writing a review until the other day when I went to Pita Island in Buffalo Grove. Better I had walked the six miles to Pita Inn. (The extra half star in THIS review is billed against my overly generous 2 star review of Pita Island.)
(4)
J K.
I don't like giving 5 stars because I like to say there's always something more a restaurant can do to make it better, whether it's the service or the food or even the environment. That being said, I like Pita Inn and have been to the Skokie and Niles locations already, but this is the best location I've had been to after countless visits. Although I usually go during lunchtime (G*d forbid you actually eat in during the business lunch hour, the line is unbelievable), and even when I have long complicated orders, the gentleman there is always pleasant and always joking no matter how long the lines are or if orders go awry. The food and value of the business lunch specials...I mean how can you go wrong with $3.95 ($1 extra for chicken)? I eat A LOT of food, but I'm usually very satisfied after one of these. The food is consistently good (not necessarily perfect, but the price more than justifies any sorts of shortcomings), and even during dinner time, the food is still decently-priced for your portions, the restaurant is clean, and service is fast. Phone ordering is simple, pick-ups are painless...it's always a pleasure to go there.
(5)
Allyson D.
I lived in the Middle East for a little while, and I can safely say that Pita Inn is THE best in the Chicago area. Their hummus is to die for - I'm thinking of going down there today and picking up 2 tubs of it for my fridge. The bread is always warm and fresh - just how I like it. I'm pretty picky about falafel too - most of the time I don't like it or won't eat it - and theirs is amazing. I love the shawerma too, and their garlicy tahini sauce is PERFECT. I'd be there every day if I lived closer.
(5)
Mike L.
What else can I say other than; good food at cheap prices. A very Mediterranean meal, heavy on the beans, chicken, lamb, and rice. Based on that it is a very good meal, on the plus side they make their own pita, which is a very big plus. They offer a variety of meals from veggie to meat but I think a mix is best. Always busy yet they serve a great meal all the time, well done.
(4)
Ellie S.
Wonderful Middleastern food! Very crowded at lunch. Be prepared to wait but, the line moves fast. Have someone find a table while the other person waits in line. Most people are regulars and don't stay long as a courtesy. This place gets busy because the food is awesome! Dinner is busy but, not as bad as lunch. I personally love the shish ke bob platter (very tender and flavorful steak, delicious rice and salad). I also love the baba ganoush. There are many vegetarian options too. I like to people watch as it has a very diverse crowd. I even came here to honor a co-worker who had passed away. He loved to eat lunch here along with the rest of us. Rest in peace Warren!
(5)
Andrea K.
Finally made it to Pita Inn after eyeing it for a few years. Stopped by on a Sunday evening and the place was busy. It was a little difficult to find a menu to order from. At Pita Inn you order at the counter and they call your number when the food is ready. They do not have the menu above the register, but have a copy flat on the counter that you can't read until you get up to order. They also have some menus tucked along the wall but you can't see them because they are blocked by whomever is ordering. So, I had to politely force my way in between people to get to the menus because no one seemed interested in passing me one after asking. I decided to get the chicken tender pita. My BF got the chicken tender entree (so much for trying more than one dish). The food came out so fast we barely had time to pick a table. One thing that was a turnoff was the chicken was a yellowish color. Almost neon yellow. I am guessing it was due to mustard or Tumeric seasoning but it did not have much flavor. It seemed to be decent quality but I had a hard time getting past the color. The pita was good but a little on the tough, dry side. Afterward I tried the baklava. That was very good. I would come back to Pita Inn but I think Dengeo's on Dundee has better chicken and pitas. I guess I need to try other items but if the pitas are just ok it does not entice me to get a hummus appetizer. I think the high ratings from others are because of the prices more than the food itself.
(3)
Julie A.
Heavy cleaning product smell when we were there. I have a nose for smells so that ruined me really liking anything the day I went. the pta was cold and not very tasty and the food didn't stand out at all. I didn't even take my leftovers. Sorry but guess I had a bad experience.
(2)
Dasha B.
Amazingly yum! Have yet to meet a person who doesn't like this place. It's extremely affordable (less than $10/plate) and so delicious. And they cater, which is a big plus! Over the years, I have probably tasted everything on their menu and don't have a complaint about a single thing.
(5)
Ganesh M.
After falafel hut in NJ this is the other place where i loved the dolmadakias(stuffed grape leaves). Most of the stuff from the menu was good and i hardly have any complaints. Would have given a 5 star if the lamb and beef shawarmas were a little juicy. Just too dry to my liking.
(4)
Vinifer D.
This is my lunch spot at work! One of the best Middle Eastern cheat eats restaurant out there! I love their amazing vegetarian platter. It comes with a little sampling of everything: hummus, baba, falafel, tabouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. I'm not a big fan of stuffed grape leaves, so they will always substitute a couple of falafel balls for them. Not to mention, their tahini and hot sauce is out of this world. I know it's not hard to screw up, but these guys kick ass! Their shwarmas and kababs are wonderfully seasoned, and when you add the sauces, it puts them over the top!
(5)
Jeff S.
Specfreggintacular! this is by far the best mediterranean places i have ever been to. Did i say you can get full for less than $10?
(5)
Nicollette W.
Wow - Pita Inn falafel.....oh how I love you. I love you even more stuffed in a pita with TON's O tahini sauce drizzled on you. You some type of breaded fried yumminess that I am not sure I can possibly get enough of.
(5)
Foram B.
I've been going to Pita Inn since I was kid. It's always been a family favorite. Great food, reasonable prices...you can't really beat that. The best part now is that I live less than 3 miles from it. I get to stuff myself with this delicious goodness more frequently now :o)
(5)
Justin G.
GO HERE, NOW!!! That is all.
(5)
Vera Lynn W.
I love this place. I will eat here every chance I get. I alwaysget the hummus, and a couple of shawarmas. I could drink their white sauce, its that good. Prices are great and I always walk out of here full. The line can get long, but they move things along pretty fast. I think I just talked myself into going here tomorrow for lunch. Mmmm.....
(5)
Bella B.
As a vegetarian, this is my absolute favorite place to get a quick, tasty, inexpensive lunch. I've been to 2 of the 3 Pita Inns, the Wheeling and Niles locations. Both have fabulous service and are ALWAYS jam packed whenever I go. What a good thing they've got going here. The Wheeling spot is my lunch go-to if I don't brown bag it and don't want to spend $10 for lunch. There have been many times where I've gotten the last parking spot in the lot. It's always packed at lunch time. The dining area seems a little bigger at the Niles location if you're going to dine in. The falafel is the best I've ever had anywhere. The hummus can't be passed up. At less than $2 for a small, and less than $4 for a large, you can't beat that deal. And you get 4-5 warm pitas with it. Everything tastes SO fresh and delicious. Refreshing mint iced tea on a hot, summer day? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmmm!! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)
Laura L.
No matter the age, gender, race, religion, whatever.... EVERYONE will like the Pita Inn!! Its freaking cheaper that McCdonalds and healthier too! I have loved this food since I was 3 years old! This place is the absolute best! Too bad I go to school in Kenosha... I would eat there everyday.. its perfect for the wallet of a college student! GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO THERE! TIP: the Glenview location gives you free refills of your drinks.
(5)
Dhaivat A.
I've been to this place few times for lunch. It's always packed. The food is awesome and the restaurant is nice and clean. I would definetely recommend this place to everyone.
(4)
Michelle M.
Yes, this place is line out the door packed but there is a reason for that. Great food and great prices. They have a combo lunch meal with different kinds of meats, chicken and rice for around $5. You will easily have leftovers. Tip: To avoid the line order ahead for carryout. You will get nasty looks as you cut ahead of everybody waiting in that long line but the owner will yell (playfully) at you if you wait in the line and have already phoned in your order. This is what we always did when I worked nearby. Pita Inn, please open more locations!!
(5)
Bryan S.
This place has always been the bomb for hummus, falafalel, (spelled it wrong), and just everything. I don't eat meat anymore and this is one of my favorite spots for affordable food that is great. Its the only decent thing about the 'burbs~
(5)
T D.
This place is the best. The combination plate is great, as are the hummus and baba ghanouj. have eaten here a hundred times and it is always great. I do not think there is a bad item on the menu.
The BEST LUNCH SPECIAL EVER. PERIOD. You get beef kabobs, gyro meat, and chicken if you want for a buck more I think. Also rice, salad, pita bread, and a falafel. ALL FOR $4.
(5)
Rich A.
Used to work close to here and eat the lunch special all the time. Amazing food at cheap prices
(5)
Nery E.
their falafel are the best! u try one and you are hooked for life! they got u! i always order 3 additional falafels with my business special order! i also love their jerusalem falafel sandwich! great staff, they get your orders out fast! if crowded, call in, place your order to go, skip the long line, and eat there!
(5)
Sam C.
Oh how I love you, Pita Inn. I've eaten in for lunch. Picked up for lunch. Picked up dinner for a big group at my house. My kids like it. I love it. The food is fresh and delicious. I frequently get the Combo Feast (add the chicken, please). The vegetarian meals are awesome too. I also get a large side of baba ghanoush, which is awesome, to take home. The Jerusalem salad is really good, too. Bottom line: quick, inexpensive, and delicious.
(5)
Theresa B.
delighted to have fast, reasonably priced cuisine like this in the area.
(4)
Harish C.
I love th coziness of this place. The food is great and they have great options for vegetarians. They have the greatest baklava I have ever tasted and there falafel is perfect-soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Definitely well priced.
(4)
David M.
You can't go wrong with Pita Inn. They've got Mediterranean food down to a science. Best pitas in the area.
(4)
Beth T.
The food is great and you cannot beat the lunch special. $3.99 (without chicken)!!! I always order in advance and pick it up. I avoid the lines the the cashier always smiles, knows my name and asks me how I am doing. How can you beat that.
(5)
April Z.
really like pita inn. and its great food for the price. I've dined in and also catered from here. catering does not deliver so that was slightly annoying. however the food was all hot and fresh and everyone loved it. the pita's came ice cold in the bag from the manufactorer, like you see on store shelves. not warmed up, grilled nothing. we frantically heated up pitas in bunches in the microwave so people had at least warmed pitas at the party. my only gripe. but i would order from them again and ask them to warm the pitas!
(3)
Amy L.
So I finally found out what a falafel is, I've always wondered! I finally tasted it too. This place is good. I like it. I've gone a few times to this and other locations. It is a semi fast food type place that gives you decent food. I'd go there more often if I lived by one since I'm in the city now.
(3)
Magda S.
Love it, love it, love it!!! I have been going there for years now and they have been consistant with the quality of the food since day one. Reasons I love them: - you can't beat their prices - always fresh - lunch special - AWESOME - unfortunatelly I work too far from them now to enjoy it :( - upbeat staff - delicious hummus and baklava Me and my husband usually get the combination feast and a vegetarian combination plate. Plenty of food to share - yummy! I get free falafel from this one guy... :) Shhhhh... it's our little secret. Visit their website for menu and pictures at pitainn.com
(5)
Thomas C.
I used to go here for lunch 2-3 times a week. Never even thought to write a review. I've been to all locations. Milwaukee is the best because it is larger and you can get free refills on drinks. Skokie will always be dear because I grew up right by there. But alas, Wheeling was close to work. Busy, but fast. Their "business lunch" meal was a staple. Very delicious, great prices, and consistent.
(4)
Bert W.
positives: pretty consistent taste in food and always hot usually friendly customer service they will give you extra pitas if you ask for it downside: lunch-time is mad busy and you have to wait a little bit. no free refills
(4)
Michael H.
I tried to resist since there are already so many positive reviews, but I have to add to the praise. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu at this point. Everyone knows about the lunch special, but I think the gourmet falafel sandwich is underrated. I typically switch to it when I'm not in the mood for meat. The combination feast at dinner is still a great value and I will either share it with someone else, adding a side of hummus (best I've ever had), or I will bring home leftovers. The baklawa is amazing, but the kinafa somehow tops it. I had a food epiphany when trying their tahini sauce and have never found an equal. I can drink a shake of that stuff straight up. The hot sauce is homemade and also incredible, although sometimes my stomach vetoes the decision to include it on the kifta kabob. Here is a comparison of the three locations: The Glenview location is not as crowded, has plenty of parking and a nice outdoor dining area. Service is pleasant with two woman cashiers whenever I visit. Wheeling has enough parking, but a smaller dining area, can sometime be tough to find a seat, the cashier at lunch has a pretty great sense of humor. The Skokie location is always packed, inexplicably at all times of day, tough parking and pulling in/out on Dempster. I find the service to be the rudest here, but I think it comes with the stress of serving never-ending stream of people. Food has generally been the same at all locations, which is great. I used to live right by the Wheeling location before I knew about Pita Inn. I wish I could go back in time to kick my ass for not eating there. Could they please open a location in Northbrook or downtown?
(5)
Rosalia H.
good middle eastern food. service is good too and nice managers. good place to go if you are really hungry and want a lot of food.
(4)
Tim B.
Fast food the way it should be. Fresh ingredients, no processed crap. I've been eating at Pita Inn since the 90s. First at their Skokie location, then at their Wheeling location since it's so close to me. I've been to the one in Niles numerous times as well. I think the one in Skokie is still my favorite in terms of taste, though maybe it's just me. Though I've tried everything on the menu, I can't get enough of the lamb kabob sandwich, hummus, and the falafel. Don't forget the white sauce and the hot sauce! The baklava is excellent as well. Wash it all down with tamarind juice! I've yet to find any Middle Eastern restaurant which remotely compares in terms of taste and value. I can't count how many times I've been at some other Middle Eastern restaurant and thought, "man, Pita Inn's hummus and falafel taste 10 times better and cost a third of this!" I just made myself hungry for some Pita Inn.
(5)
Patrick H.
Pita Inn really is as great place. You can get fast inexpensive meals that taste great and fill you up. They have indoor and outdoor seating. If you're there on a weekday, I would recommned the businees lunch special. It's a plate the comes with a bit of everything on it and a couple of pitas. Everything is great. The chicken, beef, rice filafel. EVERYTHING I TELL YOU! I've eaten there many times and every meal has left me satisfied. And best of all, you get all the red and white sause you want. What kind of sauce am I taling about? Well, you'll just have to go there and find out. And when you do, shoot me a message becasue I don't know what they are called.
(4)
Brad S.
You would have to travel to the middle east to find any better. The prices are just cheep.
(4)
Stephanie ..
On hot summer nights as a kid, I used to ride my bike to this location back when it was a Dairy Queen, so I was initially one pissed-off pre-pubescent when this place turned into a Pita Inn. But let's just say these days, I don't know what I'd do without Pita Inn. This was my first stop after arriving at O'Hare. Yes, folks, no time to drop off luggage because the greasy goodness was calling! $3.95 lunch specials--so large I can eat them for the next 2 meals--of the most delicious schwarma and falafel. I usually alternate between their Veggie platter and their (meat) combination plate, and always, ALWAYS, order the cucumber yogurt salad.
(5)
Eric B.
Pita Inn is an amazingly good place for great Middle Eastern food. I wish I had found out about this place sooner! I go there at least once every other week. I always get the Business lunch special, for under $5 you get enough food, Shish kabob, Kifta kabob, Shawarma, and falafel with rice, salad, and pita bread. I add chicken to mine for $1 extra. The baklava is very tasty as well. The place is packed, but it's because of how great the food is. Plus I like the owner of the place because he jokes around with you, even when it is at it's busiest. You can't beat the service and the food.
(5)
Little Miss L.
Pita Inn is such a go-to for us. It's literally right down the street from us, and we go there all the time. The baba ganoush is the best and the lamb kabob is wonderful. I haven't had better falafel either. This place rocks. The guys that work there are quick and hilarious. Go early or late for lunch though unless you want to wait 9 hours though, because they are supremely packed for lunch. Its so cheap to eat there..the food rocks...just call ahead. Tell them extra Tahini!
(5)
Kevin G.
Every time we drive near here, we make it a point to stop in and enjoy a wonderful flavorful meal. Lots of food for your buck! You can't go wrong with their "Combination Feast". Best Falafels I have ever had. We also stop in here prior to a flight out of O'Hare. Hmm, let's see - a belly full of wonderful Mediterranean cuisine, or airplane food? Lots of parking, and their outdoor arbor eating area is refreshing.
(5)
kb j.
I recently went here for lunch. It was my first visit to this place and I was amazed at the value provided. The parking lot was full and included both taxicabs and Beemers. It's a no-frills place that was packed with a mix of young adults, families with kids and older folks. You order from a counter, they give you a number and then call that number. You pick up your food from the counter and carry to your table on a plastic tray. Service was fast. We ordered a Shawarma chicken pita (rotisserie grilled, sliced (gyros-style) and stuffed into a warm, fresh pita. In addition, we ordered a combination plate that was piled high with lettuce, tomato, gyros and meat slices and a falafel accompanied by tasty pita bread.
(5)
Kate P.
I love Pita Inn. It's a very good to go to Pita Inn during lunch time. They serve a very good middle eastern food at a very reasonable price. The portion is very filling and contains well-balanced diet. Each dish has the combination of vegetables and meat with very yummy sauce( hot sauce and the tahini yogurt sauce) so, I definitely recommend this place to everyone. it's very delicious food at a good price.
(5)
A V.
This message is for Mr. Hamdy Hady. Thanks for inviting me to Pita Inn. I really like Pita Inn but had a very small concern regarding the way in which guests are treated sometimes. May be it is because you guys are swamped with too many guests. I understand. The purpose of my review is to be fair and thorough so that it will help the business as well as the customers. Once again, i really really appreciate that you have taken time to respond back to my review. Thanks a lot. DEFINITELY YOU GUYS DESERVE A 5 STAR RATING. LOOKING FORWARD TO VISIT SOON.
(5)
Patrick O.
Fantastic! Great food and staff. I'm glad I found this place, and I'll be there a few times a week..
(5)
San T.
Is not as good as the one in Skokie. I drive the extra 15 mins to the one in Skokie.
(2)
mark M.
I think I was a little bit hot headed when I wrote this. Went back for a weekday lunch. this time food was fresh. I would give it 3 stars but 1 extra for their very competent prices.
(4)
Maria C.
I simply love this place. It's dirty cheap, the food is fantastic and the people are very nice. This is packed 24x7 but you never wait too much because the turn over is really fast. Try the falafil, the hummus and the Lunch Special - Shawirma with Rice. It comes with a little salad and Yogurt dressing. Really good.
(5)
Greg M.
I absolutely love this place, for a chained restaurant the quality and taste of the food is so memorable. The dishes are also served up relatively quick even when the place is packed, but this still doesn't compromise the overall quality of the meal. Whenever I go here I always order the hummus and shawarma with chicken. What's the payoff for such a meal? My life is dominated. Their baklawa is pretty killer too. So do yourself a favor and go here or else... you're missing out.
(5)
STEFANIE A.
Friday mornings at my office are an orchestrated chain of events that result in yummy Pita Inn glory. It starts Thursday afternoon, "Pita Inn tomorrow?" Then its Friday and the email goes out calling for the orders. I am always the 'order b----' and I have to say I normally grumble at doing this, but not at the Pita Inn. I have never encountered a place that gets 14 orders to go 100% correct, ALL THE TIME. The guy on the phone says, "oh you from the travel company?" How'd he know that?! The orders are retrieved, make sure you go to the phone order line! The looks from the 30 people waiting in line are priceless. The food is brought back to the office and the frenzy begins! We don't always get along and its a high stress job with a lot of high maintenance customers, but Friday afternoons bring us back together!
(5)
Beth G.
Pita Inn is heaven on a plastic tray. For realsies. I am a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine and they seem to do it even better than traditional, non-fast food type places. This location was the first I ever ate at, the old Dairy Queen used to be here but I'm so glad they closed down and Pita Inn opened up. Could a Blizzard compare to their falafel, hummus, and combos? I think not!
(5)
Maggie R.
This place has become the standard by which I judge all other falafel. "Meh, Pomegranate is good, but it's no Pita Inn..." and so on. Reasonably priced, delicious, and consistently good service. It was once joked among friends that it would be ideal to eat one's way out of a bathtub filled with their hummos... mmmmmm.
(5)
Michael H.
This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and very reasonable prices. The beef schwarma is unbelievably good, the falafel is so crunchy and the sauces are wonderful. I highly recommend.
(5)
Jonathan F.
I give it 3.5 but we'll round up for now. It's got decent food, and fast service. Busy at lunchtimes. The food is sometimes a little so-so, but it'll do!
(4)
Karen G.
This is a favorite lunch stop for my work crew. I also live very close by and often stop by for full meals or just pita and hummus (especially with the chicken!). Delicious!
(5)
Megan K.
Amazing food, ridiculous value. It gets crazy packed for lunch.
(5)
Jasmyn K.
This is one place I missed dearly during my 8 months I was living in California! Tried a few places out there and they could not compare to the value and the flavor of Pita Inn. This place is the best! I love the combo plates, the gourmet falafel sandwich and the khanafa are my favs....oh and the mint ice tea is delish too!
(5)
Patty V.
The food is exactly the same as the other locations,but the decor is not as nice as the Niles location. I have no complaints about the food or service here or any of the Pita Inns. I love them all!
(4)
Renato P.
This place is kinda like the Pepe's of Middle eastern food , a hybrid fast food-sit down restaurant. It's clean , very busy , and yet I usually don't have to wait around too long. I can't vouch for the authenticity of the food , but I've gone there a bunch and never had anything I didn't like. I usually get the combo platters , to try a little of everything . The rice is REALLY good , I don't know what it's called or what they do to it but damn , it's good. The Falafels ,baba Ghannoug and Hummus are really good .There is a shawarma that is kinda like a beef gyros , which is really good , and Kifta which is like a spiced mini meatball , not as good but alright. Lamb kabob , very gyro like and damn tasty. The Chicken Shwarma is really good too. Then there is my personal favorite , the good ole shish kabob. Nice chunks of beef seasoned perfectly , very simple and exotic. To sum up , great food , cheap prices , it's counter service so no server. ... Tried the kibbah , which is like a deep fried batter covered meatball , good.
(4)
Brij V.
Hands down, the BEST middle eastern food!! Chicken swarma sandwich is just aweome!! ohh and those spicy sauces...I can't seem to have enuf of those!! yuummm...I LOVE THIS place!!! oh and try the baklawa while u're there...
(5)
ron k.
this place is off the freakin chain... business lunch special lot of food for so little... when you eat here drink water not soda it will help you digest what you eat and help you not get indigestion because the food is really dense... little details makes this place stand out... like the hot sauce more often not as salty and briney as say pita house and the falafel the have the wahtever the stuff is chopped to a consistency that makes it tastes better than other places that aren't the same and also you get to taste the constituent ingredients in the hot sauce or the falafel as opposed to salt and spices... my favorite place for middle eastern fast food...
(4)
Alison M.
$2.75 for the best falafel sandwich you've ever had. For me, all Middle Eastern food is measured against the Pita Inn. The hummus is better than what I ate while in Egypt. Pita Inn has friendly service; they are always fast and in the 14 years I've been going here have never messed up an order. The baba ganoush and rice are super tasty, and I've heard that the chicken dishes are delicious as well. I visit the Pita Inn almost every time I'm in town. It's crowded for a reason!
(5)
Stephanie B.
The reason why Pita Inn knocks other similiar restaurants in the area out of the water is because they make their own bread fresh daily. I love their falafel sandwich & I load it up with their delectable hot sauce. Their dolmades, hummus, & baba ghanoush are also wonderful. My only complaint is that the service is inconsistent. Other than that, the food is top notch & well-priced.
(4)
AngelEyes M.
Cant go wrong with the food for the prize
(4)
Kristin B.
The falafel here is FANTASTIC!! I have tried many other menu items, but I keep coming back for the falafel....good portion of food, perfectly made, reasonable prices, etc. Pita Inn is grrrreat!
(5)
Jim N.
Checked it out after all the reviews, have eaten here a few times in the past month. Very good shawerma and falafel, and the prices are more than reasonable. The business lunch is a bargain at $4.95 (drink not included). It gets pretty crowded during lunch hours but the line moves fast. Definitely check it out if your looking for good Middle East food (although I would still rank Cedar Grill in Downers Grove slightly better).
(4)
B G.
There simply isn't a better Middle Eastern spot. I've been to all of their locations. Read other reviews for details because if I continue here and now, my cravings will overtake me and I simply can't get to a Pita Inn today!
(5)
Scott H.
Just simply Fantastic!!! The business lunch is so good. If you don't try this place, then your missing a wonderful experience for something different. The Hummus is the best in the state!
(5)
Justin W.
So I thought to myself, $10 for a meal and a drink. That's a reasonable price. After I received the meal, I made a second one out of the leftovers. Wow. Awesome food, great prices, and I can't wait to go back. It's a damn shame I don't work closer to here, or I'd go at least once a week. :(
(5)
William T.
One of my favorite lunch spots, great food, inexpensive, clean, and pretty fast. If you are going for lunch during the week, show up early or late, but avoid the middle.
(5)
Jessica S.
This is the first time I went here and I went with a group from work for lunch. The place is packed, it was unbelievable how many people were in line for the food. The meat had some good flavor, i was impressed with the hummus. All of the side dishes were just ok. I do have to say the prices can not be beat. Just make sure to get there early, do not head to the restaurant at noon on the dot you won't be able to get a seat.
(3)
Mark S.
If this place were a little closer to my job, I'd eat here weekly. As it stands, I make the drive once a month or so for the business man special- all forms of meat piled on top of yummy rice with some pita bread and some salad for like $5. Their meat's well seasoned and the spicy sauce is really good- I've only had better at the Pita House in Schaumburg, and it was only slightly better, spicier for sure. I hate all the Motorola goobers who completely fill this place up at lunch, so it looses a star for serving more orders than they can seat.
(4)
sam l.
Amazing food all around. Exterior looks a little chintzy, but don't let that slow you down on your way through the front door. The vegetarian plate is absolutely delicious and the jerusalem salad is amazing. Lunch seems to be a little hectic so maybe show up during off-hours.
(4)
edwards R.
Had taste for middle eastern food want some hummis so I went there. The line wasn't long food was served hot and fresh it was the best and just as much as I wouldv't spent at fast food returant
(5)
Susan R.
So my fiance and I were watching a show on the food network, and it featured falafel and kabobs and that sort of thing, and we thought it looked REALLY good, so I thought I should use yelp to find a place that had that sort of thing, so I did a search, and found out that the Pita Inn wasn't too far away from our home. After reading all the awesome reviews, I knew we had to try this place. We'd never tried this type of food before. The first thing I noticed walking into this place was a sticker on the door that says "People love us on Yelp", so I thought that was neat. I walked in expecting a big sign that displayed their menu, but there isn't, but there are laminated menus at the counter where you order and a plentiful supply of paper menus laying around. We got there at about 10pm on a Friday night, and there were some people there, but it wasn't busy. We were really hungry so we decided to go with entrees instead of sandwiches. My fiance got the Kifta Kabob entree, and I got the Vegetarian Falafel plate. We also got a small order of hummus. We took it to go. Oh my gosh it all was so delicious. I tried some of his kabob and he tried some of my falafel and oh wow. The meat is sooo tasty, grill-flavored and wonderful. I didn't expect the falafel to be green inside, but it just surprised me was all, it's amazingly tasty and so very flavorful! SOOOOO delicious!!! They give you a ton of lettuce and tomato, and my fiance's meal came with delicious yellow rice pilaf. I stole a taste of that too, it's absolutely wonderful! We made sandwiches out of it all, the pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat/falafel, and topped them with the tahini sauce (a thin white yogurty sauce) and the hot sauce (kind of like a spicy salsa). The only thing that I was slightly disappointed in was the amount of hummus - we definitely should have gotten a large. I was expecting a bigger size is all, but we did have enough to decide that it tasted great. We added some of that to our sandwiches as well. The whole time we were eating we kept saying things like "mmmmmm it's so good!" and exchanging incredulous looks about how tasty the food was. There are just so many flavors, they're just delicious. My fiance even said, "Why didn't we start going to this place sooner?!?!" Go here. It's delicious. I'm sure that everything they have is equally tasty. I can't imagine any person who wouldn't be able to find something they would absolutely love here. Vegetarian? No problem! Meat-atarian? No problem there either! We can't wait to go back again. And their prices? Awesome. Here's their website, it has menu, locations, hours, etc. pita-inn.com
(5)
Laura R.
After driving by this Pita Inn and the one in Skokie a thousand times each, I decided to finally give it a try. I tried the chicken shawarma sandwich which was pretty good but way too much chicken for me - the veggie one sounds really good! The hummus is sooo good with pita bread. Service is very fast and friendly.
(4)
Jason F.
friend and I had the lamb plate, and the combo feast, plus some hummus and baba ganoush. it was all pretty tasty and a very fair price. worth the 15 min. drive to me :)
(4)
Jason Z.
You can't beat the Pita Inn for great cheap food. I'm partial to the Beef or chicken schwarma (shaved beef or chicken on top of rice) but everything is good here. My two year old loves it too. Tried a pita place in Buffalo Grove and it made me appreciate Pita Inn. I will not stray again!
(5)
Nataliya A.
I love Middle Eastern food and have had a lot of it before so I feel like I know a thing or two about it. I have lived by this place for about 10 years and finally made my way here for the first time a few days ago. From just walking in, I felt like I was walking into a fast food place, and in a sense it is. While making my order the cashier was very funny but not too helpful. I have never been there and told him that I had no idea what was even on the menu, but he just kinda looked at me and smiled. I ended up getting the Lunch Special for like $7, which has steak, chicken, rice, tomato, lettuce, falafel, pita, and a cup of white sauce. When I got the food it was evident that it was way too much food for 1 person, I ended up having left overs for next day's lunch that made me very full. I would advice splitting the plate amongst 2 or 3 people. I think the 2 things that impressed me the most were the pieces of steak, which were very tender and flavorful, and the falafel. I usually stay away from falafel because I do not like too many spices in my food, but this falafel was actually not bad, maybe a little bland, but it fine. The rice was fine, there was way too much of it. I wish that I got more tomatoes and lettuce and less rice. Would I come back? I think so... I would want to try other dishes, especailly their baba ghanoush and hummus.
(3)
Jessica Y.
This place is always busy which means consistently fresh/hot food. Prices are affordable, service is efficient, and restaurant is clean = lots of happy regular customers. Keep in mind it is a local hole in the wall family restaurant so don't expect fine dining atmosphere stuffed grape leaves are the only thing I could pass on here - too much leaf and not enough stuffing for me baba ghannoug ($3.79 for LG) and hummus ($3.59 for LG) both have balanced flavors with a hint of smokiness. I am a big fan falafel sandwich ($3.59) and falafels (.50 cents per) in general are wonderful - it is moist without being mushy and it is fried to perfection (not too crispy/hard). this is one of the few places I will order falafels. Shawarma (beef and chicken) sandwich/entree is always a solid choice - $4.39 - $8.39 The business lunch special - Combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread @ $4.95 is a great deal I have had chicken that is a bit dry but that is rare - overall I get excited thinking about eating here.
(5)
M L.
Hands down the most reasonable, tasty, healthy lunch choice in the area. Food always fresh and perfectly cooked. If you are new to this type of food a great start is their lunch special (11-3 mon.-fri.). Cheaper and just as quick compared to any drive thru pick up. This special gives you a chance to sample a variety of healthy menu items. Their falafel is the best in the area. Try the beef swarma dinner plate- my fave.
Hands down the best falafel this side of Lebanon. (Not that I've been to Lebanon but I can imagine). The hot sauce is what make the food extra good, it has a flavorful kick. Not like your vinegary tobasco sauce, has a lot of flavor. Great options for both - carnivores and herbivores alike. And their lunch special for meat eaters - is a hell of a deal. It's always packed anytime I go. I've been coming to this place since before Jr. High. There's been a few other falafel spots that opened within a mile radius, and they've all shut down - there's a reason why. Excellent food, Reasonable Prices (even after the increase). Come hungry
(5)
J S.
It seems that middle eastern restuarants are a trend now, along with sushi places and cupcake bakeries. Don't get me wrong I can't get enough middle eastern food, cupcakes or sushi. But Pita Inn is the reliable standby. I live in the area and used to work nearby and go here often. When I went I picked up lunch specials for my coworkers. Sometimes I'd picked up seven or eight at a time. And the lunch special is still $4.95. I think thats the best food value in the city regardless of cuisine. Even Mickie D's is over five bucks.
(5)
Patty C.
Super cheap and yummy food. I love the $5 lunch combo. There's so much food that I always have leftovers. Try to come either really early or really late for lunch. Otherwise, the line is pretty long, and parking is a struggle.
(4)
Haroon N.
Very fast turnaround and convenient location since my hotel (the Westin) was 4 minutes away. They have halal chicken and lamb but make sure you specify when ordering Very good price as well - mixed plate, soup and salad came out to $15! Lets see how good the good cruelly tastes.
(4)
Peter G.
I love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. This place is one of the best I've been to. Great food and great prices: i don't understand how someone could find it a bit pricey. This is a major metro area after all, not Tampa. Their business lunch special is the best deal in town. Shwarma dishes and lamb kabob sandwich are excellent. As is the fatoush salad and the baba ghanouj is outstanding. Pita bread is their own. These guys know what they are doing.
(4)
Dave C.
Chicago-ans have something really special here with the Pita Inn chain. Probably my favorite meal of the weekend on my trip back to the Chi. Freshness, portions, pricing, and taste all perfect. Especially the hot sauce, tahini, baba ganoush, and slight crispness of the chicken shawerma. Exactly how I remember it growing up!! Having done a little web research, this long standing chain of restaurants is owned by Palestinians. Which, to me, is completely awesome having grown up near the original Pita Inn in Skokie (traditionally a heavily Jewish community). Jews, Palestinians, Arabs and non-Arabs alike sharing wonderful food at reasonable prices. Food tears down walls and brings people together folks, Pita Inn is living proof.
(5)
Susan S.
What happened? This used to be a great place for a Chicken Tender dinner. Chicken was tender tonight, thank goodness, this gave it the 3 star rating, but sauce was runny like water, both pitas wrapped up in tin foil were gummy, tomatoes were almost invisible--is it that hard to set up a schedule to ripen tomatoes for meals during the winter months? Rice had nearly no taste. What happened? Did the bigger remodeled building cut into the cost for quality meals? Never had this happen before so will chalk this one up to a bad night.
(3)
Derek C.
I ate so much of this stuff, I actually got sick of it, but now I'm back at it again! I love the shwarma here and the hummus. I usually just order the combination feast, but no kifka kabob, extra shish kabob instead! the kifka kabob kinda looks and tastes like hamburger meat so I am not a fan of that stuff. and it's a ton of food so I normally order it and split it with my wife but gotta get extra rice! make sure to add chicken to it for $1 and it's a great meal. but simply, this place has great food and cheap prices. what more can you ask for?
(5)
Raji V.
Good service and food for cheap. I usually get the chicken shawarma or the kifta kabob it's seasoned really well. Sometimes you can ask for sandwiches gourmet style where they will add potatoes to your wrap depending on the cashier they may do it for you.
(4)
C.L. S.
I have been eating here for years. Food is fresh and the staff is great. Its always clean. I love the samplers you get a bit of everything. The problem now is recently they have changed the portions to about half and the prices went up how sad!! Less Hummus, Less Filial, and a chicken breast tender. To Pita Inn, Please correct this it ruined our experience!
(2)
Jamal A.
Pita inn is alway the king! and the manager Hamdi is the best!
(5)
Brian F.
I have eaten here many times. I will continue to eat here whenever I have the chance. The feast that you are awarded with by going to this restaurant is fit for the royal family. There is much to love about this delicious food. The place tends to be crowded and busy. But, that is because the food is inexpensive, plentiful, and extremely delicious. I believe they do not employ chefs, no, they are far too magical to be mere chefs. They have wizards using ancient magic (aka recipies) to make these tasty feasts. Pita Inn is one of the wonders of the world.
(5)
Sharon R.
Great lunch special. For $4.95 you get rice, falafel, steak, lamb, chicken, and pita. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very nice. It's very busy which shows how many customers they get. My fellow co-workers are always getting it for lunch. They have a great variety too of this type of food. Definitely would recommend and a must try.
(5)
Shru J.
Being vegetarians, we have limited options to eat out. Pita-Inn is one place I would prefer, anytime. But, for a carryout. Personally I feel the place is bit dull and boring for a dine in. Done that once, I would rather go for a carry-out. The only stuff I tried there are vegetarian falafel plate and a vegetarian combo plate. I am in Love with the falafels. Seems kinda healthy. No regrets on eating more than I should. will surely miss this place when we move out of this country!! :(
(4)
Laura C.
I really like this place, been eating here for years. It's a nice place to eat (they finished a slight explansion project a short time ago), and CLEAN. A lot of casual food places really don't keep up with keeping the eating area clean, but Pita Inn is really good about quickly busing vacated tables and cleaning up. We're not close enough to go pick up the food and bring it home to eat, so it's important that the eating area be comfortable and clean. The food is wonderful, though I can't say we vary much in what we order - generally baba ghanouj or hummus, lamb kebab sandwiches, lentil soup, a few pieces of falafel, and more often than not, a piece or two of baklava to go. The food is consistently tasty, and because it's relatively healthy, I feel good about eating it. We rarely get the chance to take advantage of the weekday lunch special (lot of food, good variety), but I still find the regular prices reasonable for the quality and quantity. I'd like it if the lentil soup was available in a larger size...but I don't know how often I'd actually order a larger size even if it were available - I like noshing on a variety of things so my boyfriend and I usually share our food. I'm really glad this place exists and that it's stayed consistently good for all these years.
(5)
Jerry K.
Pita Inn is the best restaurant around. jer
(5)
M. Tiffany B.
Try their Lamb Kabob sandwich it's ridiculously good....the meat is very juicy and tender. And please don't get me started on their hummus, which is just as amazing and flavorful. If you're a foodie like me you'll love this place!
(4)
Nann C.
The business entree special is perfect portions and cost for mid day break. They get super busy, but the guys at the register are super nice, and funny. Proud supporter for them.
(5)
Tom A.
At this point I am just heaping praise on an already adored institution. Simply put, no place offers more basic, fresh, delicious fare for the money. Everything you taste is fabulous. And, no hyperbole, this is the best falafel you can find. As a bonus, the dining room is an energetic place filled filled folks of every ethnicity. If you're looking for real evidence that good food brings people together, here it is. Oh, and try the mind iced tea--it's awesome.
(5)
Karl M.
Always delicious noon or night at any of the several locations. Heavenly hummus. Breathtaking Baba ghanoush, terrific Tabbouleh, sexy Shawarma, decadent dolma, and plenty of pita's. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, too! Don't worry... the food is prepared quickly and with the freshest ingredients... seriously... this place is always busy. The prices are super cheap compared to portion size. The businessman lunch special will stuff even the heartiest of eaters. No likey meat? Get the vegetarian combination. Plenty of flavor to go around. Don't forget the sauces... tahinni and red chili sauces that complement any dish. When you are finished eating, a loud belch will alert the staff that they can come take your dirty dishes away.
(5)
Kimberly S.
I can definitely give an honest and detailed review of this restaurant. I have been frequenting The restaurant for several years. I have literally tried everything on the menu. I have travel to the Middle East and Mediterranean and can say that this food is authentic and it is delicious. The manager there is also a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor he is very fun to... So much so that he actually became a family friend of ours. Ask for Hamdy... He is sure to make you laugh. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you will be happy at this place... The food is fresh and is always fast. It gets a little crazy at this place because of the affordability and the family friendliness... However that's no bother. It's a hood place to grab dinner or lunch that's quick and healthy as well. I would definitely recommend the combination feast and the vegetarian plate... Or if you're going with the group you may just want to share these two dishes with 2 to 4 people depending on how hungry you are. Don't forget to add the garlic sauce... The garlic sauce is yummy! Have their iced tea it's a mint iced tea and it is so refreshing, I love it :)
(5)
Paul K.
Love Pita Inn! Consistently great food at good prices!
(5)
Samantha K.
Hands down, best Falafel Sandwich! Jerusalem style is the way to go. Falafel is seasoned well and served fresh. I have tried a ton of stuff here. Hummus is fresh, tasty, and goes well with pita bread or added to the sandwich as is the Taboulah salad. Son and husband have had chicken and beef, both served as a meal and enjoyed them. There is enough pita bread served with them to make a pita sand or use as a side. The food comes out quick, fresh, and delicious! Look forward to additional visits, but would love a location in the far northwest suburbs.
(4)
Subbu R.
Terrible service. Grumpy old man at the counter who refuses to change the order even though it wasn't billed yet. Worst service ever
(1)
David B.
Like Johnny Cash sings, I've been everywhere, man. And from sea to shining sea, no other restaurant in this fine land does cheap Middle Eastern food like this place. Pita Inn is King. Long live The King. First, the falafel. Plop a basket of these succulent, crispy-tender-warm-crunchy footballs of goodness in front of two warring Middle Eastern countries and they would drop their arms and go dunking these little puppies in that creamy splendidness that is the Pita Inn tahini (white) sauce, followed by a decadent soak in that spicy hot wonderful red sauce for a Batman show Ka-POW! Except the only explosion you'll feel is that taste bomb of love that just went off in your mouth. Yer welcum. Plus, the place is CHEAP. $4.95 for a mountain of all kinds of carne, a pile of yummy yellow fluffy rice fabulousness and a side of crispy/cool lettuce/tomato AND warm, tender pita bread = GET THE BUSINESS LUNCH SPECIAL*!!! (*only available M-F during lunch hours, but just go ahead and order the Combo Feast at other times--still a good value.) Really, what's not to love? THE FACT THAT THE CHICAGO AREA DOES NOT HAVE PITA INNs ON EVERY CORNER LIKE, I DUNNO--WALGREENS! ::grumble:: A man can dream. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. But unlike heroin for the Man In Black, Pita Inn is the drug for me. ps. If you eat in, and are hankering for a hunk-a more pita, just politely ask the good men behind the prep counter, humbly offering your empty pita basket. They will bless you with said pocket bread-gratis.
(5)
Katerina K.
Love this place. The food is amazing every time. The falafels are delicious and my favorite meat thre is kabob. It seems a litle pricey at first glance, but I never regret spending the money because it is just so good.
(5)
Johnny T.
Pita Inn, we meet at last. Long have I heard tales of your addicting foods and saucy, er, sauce. Finally, it was my chance to sup at your table... or, whatever the take out equivalent of supping at the table is. I like. I liked a lot. Again, I hadn't eaten for, about, 12 hours so I'm pretty sure that I would have eaten almost anything at that point but I don't think I would have enjoyed it. And, enjoy I did. I know people get on high horses and bemoan your 'lack of authenticity' and how you make Middle Eastern food for non-Middle Eastern tastebuds. I've heard it all before. But, here's the thing: I take you as you are and for what you are. And, for what you are, you're dang good. Your chicken shawarma was delightfully juicy, tender and well-seasoned. Your tahini sauce made my mouth say 'Open sesame' (see what I did there?). And, your rice... let's just say yellow's my color. And thanks to the ample amount of pita you gave me, I can either sop or make a makeshift sandwich. You give me options, Pita Inn. Options! I can't say that I would drive all the way to Wheeling to visit you again, but I've heard a rumor that you have identical sisters all over the 'burbs... maybe even close (relative; again, see that?) to where I live. Leave a light on.
(4)
Jackie L.
Try to go for the lunch special! You cannot beat that price for great food. Favorite is the Hummus, Falafel, chicken and lamb. Everything here is good tho the place does get crowded. So I like to order ahead of time and pick it up to go. And don't forget to get extra sauce!!
(4)
Archie P.
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(1)
Mallory S.
Absolutely excellent. GREAT prices and food. They really care about their customers and are always very accommodating. I've been a regular here for a few years and keep coming back! The lunch special gives you so much food for an incredible price.
(5)
J D.
Agree with the other reviewers that there's probably nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. Such good food, and not expensive at all. The people who work here are super nice and funny, too. My family eats here more than I will admit.
(5)
Peter D.
(So it turns out this is not a lovely little bed and breakfast where you sleep in pita-shaped beds. But you can consider this review a patent for that idea, so keep your grubby hands off.) Look, Pita Inn. I'm not going to lie to you; when I've been on a plane/in an airport all day and haven't eaten any food that didn't cause me severe intestinal problems, your lamb kebab does it for me (deserving of the "Recommended" star on the menu). Especially for $4.39. But if we're buying seven different sandwiches of four different varieties, couldn't you label them so I don't have to go through all of them to figure out whose is whose? Nobody wants my grubby hands all over their food. And would it kill you to throw some napkins and plasticware in the bag for the salads?
(4)
Linda B.
Each time we go we absolutely love the food! We usually have take out but the food stays hot and fresh until home. The chicken is very good, with yellow rice and the falafel is the best, crunchy and moist. We like the gourmet falafel sandwich with tomato, potatoes, and sauce. They should, however, have an option to leave out the onion from the tomato potato mixture. The steak and lamb are great. The tabbouleh is good along with hummus and lentil soup. I enjoy the vegetarian platter with stuffed grape leaves. The salad is just lettuce.
(4)
Katherine K.
This is my FAVORITE mediterranean restaurant ever! I have been a Pita Inn fan for more then 6 years. I always come here anytime Mon-Fri for their Lunch combo special (before 3pm) If you order WITHOUT chicken its $3.95, can't beat that price! Im super excited that they are branching out to the Vernon Hills area so I don't have to drive a good 50 min round trip. Keep up the good work Pita Inn!!!
(5)
Jelena Z.
Okay, so does anyone else have this problem? You know, the one when you're driving through a north suburb at lunchtime and you pass that ubiquitous red and white logo, and somehow your car is dragged by some mystical force into a packed Pita Inn parking lot? Happens to me every, single time... whether I'm truly hungry or not! I mean, how does one beat the lure of the "Business Lunch Special" for $4.95? That's about the price of a (as in, ONE) premium gallon of gas right now... truth! That's right, you can't beat it. And it really doesn't matter who you are, what you earn or even if you have an aversion to the suburbs because the truth remains: Pita Inn puts out tremendously good food at ridiculously low prices. And what exactly does a five spot buy you? A loaded plate of shawarma, chicken, shish kabob, kifta kabob, green salad, falafel, pita bread and tahini. Yes siree, it's a lot of food. And you know what, Chicago? The suburbs have one up on you in the Middle Eastern category. Sure, you have Sultan's but Pita Inn is truly unmatchable. Plus, you get the antics of Weiner's Circle thrown in but without the snark. And the long line? In fifteen minutes you'll either be eating (you'll get a table, I promise) or driving away with your spoils and half of that Alexander Hamilton.
(5)
Jenny C.
I LOVE PITA INN!!! the best middle eastern restaurant in Chicagoland, I love the location in skokie, the prices are amazingly low, they have the most delicious humus and their pita bread is made everyday in their bakery!! Every time i go to Chicago I have to stop at Pita Inn for the "combination fest"
(5)
M S.
Fantastic cuisine with friendly service! Great lentil soup, tahini sauce and falafel! Humdee is a great manager- always quick with a joke!
(4)
T Y.
We have been to this place numerous times, and while the food is still pretty good, the service has spiraled downhill the last few times. First, the guy who took our order greeted us with the warmth of an Orc from the Hobbit movies. Then, the prices of three of the seven items we ordered were higher than the online menu. I requested a small container of extra sauces (they are real skimpy on sauces for orders of multiple entrees) and they charged me $2.60 for them! Upon getting home, I determined they sent us three wrong entrees ( although they had it correct on the bill). The food ended up being pretty good, but they are obviously trying to cut costs by cutting back on the meat and loading up on the rice, soggy lettuce and tomatoes. The bread was good, although a little sparse given the number of entrees and sides (hummus). This used to be the go to place for Mediterranean food, but maybe they changed owners. Time to look for another place.
(2)
Ang K.
It was alright :) I don't have experience with this cuisine to which I could compare Pita Inn, but it was tasty and filling.
(3)
Kate F.
Pita Inn is what I compare all other Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Food to. If you have never tried Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food, this would be a good place to start. Try the Shwarma, the rice, the hummus... You will not be caught off guard by bizarre spices and strange tastes. The food is flavorful but not so exotic that you have to be a native to enjoy it. If you like spicy/hot try the red sauce. If you like it milder try the tahini (white sauce). You'll get both with your meal so you don't have to order it spicy or mild. I love their beef shwarma, rice, Bethlehem salad, hummus, falafel, pita, tahini sauce, baklava, and mango drink. The portions are big and worth the money. There is no doubt I would recommend Pita Inn to anybody. (They have vegetarian options too). Other reviewers have complained about how crowded it can be at times... Try it to go/ Carry out. Everything is still fresh and warm by the time it gets home.
(5)
Jeff S.
I wish these where closer to home but a few recent trips to this area has landed us in multiple Pita Inn locations. On a previous trip to the Glenview location we found the Falafel was a bit dry and not nearly as good as what Taza does in the Loop, the Chicken Shawarma was very good. Decided to try the Baba Ghannoug and it was okay. The Mint Tea and Tamarind drinks were pretty good as well. Probably a 3 star experience, but a return trip to the Wheeling location easily kicked it up a star. This time we shared a Combination plate and the Shish Kabob was excellent, as was the Shawarma again. A small hummus plate with pita bread made the meal the perfect amount to share. And the fact that the food is cheap and served relatively fast makes it a no-brainer; if I worked nearby I'd be taking advantage of the $5 lunch menu 3 days a week.
(4)
Valerie W.
Delicious, fast, and reasonably priced! As far as I know everything is made in-house. Yes, it is "fast food" in the sense that you're going to stand in line, place your order, and they'll call you when it's ready. But everything is fantastic. You get a ton of food for a little money, and everything is hot and fresh. Falafel and baba ghannoush is well seasoned. The shwarma and chicken shwarma are great. The pita is always warm and fresh, and the salads are also great. Good for a quick bite to eat. Two people can eat for $10-15 total. The business lunch special is around $4.00 for a combo feast, and I think it includes a drink too!
(4)
Jerry B.
the combination feast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Lisa N.
Everything great...food, service, cleanliness, atmosphere. Very reasonably priced as well. Loved "Pita Inn" and will return!
(5)
Lolia S.
Not too many places make their own pita but Pita Inn does. Everything seems homemade, from the hot sauce to the baklava. Chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are cooked on the revolving rotisserie. It's no frills, casual food with a fast food feel. Order at the counter, get a number and pick up your own food and get your own utensils and sauces. Come on the weekdays between 11 AM - 3 PM to get the business lunch special. It's a huge heaping plate of food with shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, grilled chicken breast tenders, falafel, rice pilaf, green salad, pita bread, $4.95. This seems to be the most popular lunch item. * Pita bread - thick, chewy, on the tough side * Falafel - 1 piping hot patty, crispy outside, tender inside, very good * Beef shish kabob - has a nice grilled flavor, not dry, boring * Grilled chicken tender - actually tender, grilled flavor, boring (underseasoned) * Shawerma - definitely on the dry side, underseasoned * Kifta kabob - these ground meat patties were more strongly seasoned, not bad * Hot sauce - it is quite spicy and chunky, unusual, reminds me of salsa * Tahini sauce - okay, thin consistency, could be more flavorful * Rice pilaf - fluffy, yellow rice, nice * Salad - standard lettuce, tomato The menu includes salads, dolma, lentil soup, falafel, sandwiches, entrees ($6.95 and up), and homemade beverages (tamarind juice, mint iced tea, etc.). Prices are ridiculously low (e.g., get a beef shawarma or kifta kabob sandwich for $3.95), portions are generous and not surprisingly, it's extremely popular with the locals.
(3)
Jodie P.
I love this place. The food is delicious and the price is right. The business lunch special is a great deal. So much food for a small price. The tall handsome man at the counter always cracks funny jokes and makes you feel welcome.
(5)
Meg P.
Love love love pita inn. Best food for the price. So delicious and hits the spot every time.
(5)
Jenn C.
It's a Middle Eastern chipotle... that should sum it up! It's good.
(3)
Jennifer L.
I swear I'd previously written a Pita Inn review (yes, this location).... But Yelp is telling me otherwise. So I shall write a new review. I HEART Pita Inn!! I am a total picky eater. I always order the exact same thing: a Chicken Schwarma Entree, minus the salad. And then I get extra red-sauce (which comes on the side) and drizzle the spicy red sauce all over my tasty chicken goodness. It's phenomenal. I could eat it 3 times a week. The chicken is juciy and tender. And it comes on a fluffy bed of yellow rice. Now, I've brought nearly all of my friends here, as well as some co-workers, and I've never heard of one complaint. Everyone who comes here loves it! They have a GREAT lunch special, it's like $4.95 or so, and you get like a "sampler" of their stuff. It's very popular. My friends have sampled nearly everything and they love it. Their prices are *fair*. I think I pay Nine-something for my chicken shwarma, which seems a bit high considering it's just some sliced chicken pieces and rice... rice, which is like 2 cents. lol. But whatever. It's the cost of eating out. This place is like a "fast-food" type place.. so please don't go with the delusion that it's a fancy place. Hellz no. Casual. Fast-Food. Your order. They give you a number. They scream your # when your order is ready. You go to counter to pick it up. You take your tray to the table (or bag to go) and you feast. If doing takeout, my tip is to call ahead and order, especially at lunch. The lunch rush at this place is NUTS!
(5)
Sherwin C.
The food here is pretty good at a very good price. There's not too many choices of Mediterranean food out here in the suburbs and Reza's is all the way out in Chicago or Oak Brook. My 2 favorite items here are the lamb kabob entree and hummus (with pita). The falafel here is fried well and tasty and chicken shawarma is an interesting alternative to rotisserie chicken. As a warning, the portion sizes here are large so you may want to bring a buddy if you plan on ordering an entree. The only big drawback here is the small restaurant size which is probably necessary considering how hard it is to keep up with the existing orders they get -- It's worth the wait though.
(5)
Nuf S.
Dining at Pita Inn is always a treat. I enjoy everything on the menu! My kids enjoy the Chicken shawarma. Tasty and filling.
(5)
Angelica S.
Highly recommended! I absolutely love the chicken schwarma. I get it every time I go. The pita bread and hummus is also delicious. The falafel sandwich is also a favorite of mine. Best falafel I have had to date so far. They have sauces too. The white one is a tahini sauce which isn't spicy at all. I add this to everything I eat there. The red one is spicy. I don't know what it is called but I'm not a fan, because it's spicy. But if that's what you like, then go for it! Be aware that during busy hours it gets PACKED. You might wait in line for awhile to get your food, but it's so worth the wait. Everyone is also super nice there, I have never had an issue at this location.
(5)
Rana G.
This is the best Arabic restaurant I have ever eaten at!! the prices are great and the portions are generous!!
(5)
Rodger W.
The glowing reviews here say more about the low quality of the Middle Eastern food in Chicago than any accurate assessment of the actual quality of the food. Sure, it is cheap. But good? Not so much. Think of it as a Mid East McDonalds, and you would be accurate. To quote a drinking buddy: Good from far. Far from Good.
(2)
Rob S.
$5 business lunch is the greatest thing to people who work since the movie Office Space. Whenever you are having a bad day, just head to Pita Inn for their lunch special and it will make your day way better. Fresh filet kabobs, schwarma, falafel, pita, rice, and salad will leave you full and possibly sleepy. Make sure you drink water after though as the seasonings are salty. The place can get slammed around noon so go during off peak lunch hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)
Steven K.
Love! Every chance i get. Lunch special, amazing price for such good food.
(5)
Jeremy P.
I give this place 5 stars because of the business $4 lunch special. It is the best deal around town and is always spot on in flavor. Salad, rice, falafel, shawarma and chicken. It will definitely fill you up, almost enough for 2 people. Also try their hummus, it is absolutely outstanding. The lines are long at lunch time, but the workers are very nice and funny.
(5)
Amanda L.
Middle Eastern food like I grew up eating! So delicious, and so reasonable! I'm so happy to have a place like this out in the suburbs, otherwise I was forced to trek into the city, which meant I barely ever ate Arabian food. The falafel is delicious, and the Kifta kebob is hands down the best. Love the rice too, it's got a good flavor and consistency. The pita is always so soft and warm, can't wait to dip it in some hummus! Pleasantly surprised this last trip by the sugar free baklawa, it tasted just like the normal stuff (which is also amazing). Can't mention the food and not mention the staff, they are always pleasant and make us happy to be customers. Thanks Pita Inn, for bringing Middle Eastern great food to the suburbs! :) You've helped one Palestinian-American girl get her American husband completely hooked!
(5)
Jay N.
Pita Inn is a great place to get some great Mediterranean food. The value is incredible for the quality and quantity. $3.95 for the business lunch is the best value around to get ground beef kabob, tender beef kabob, sliced seasoned beef, a falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. They give you a little more at dinner for the same combo but it's $7.99. The hummus is a little thicker than I'm used to, not that I'm complaining. The pitas are great and have pockets so you can fill them with falafel and other food to make a sandwich. I like their baba ghannouj. Chunky pieces of eggplant mixed in make it my choice over hummus. They ran out of forks while dining in so we had to make do with the plastic ones. Service can take a little time when they're busy but still a great choice for a good meal.
(4)
Matt R.
Pita inn is a nice place with some decent falafel. The style here is very "American Middle Eastern", however. That is the only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is that it is not made like true Middle Eastern food joints (if you were to go there). Nothing against the quality itself nor the restaurant itself. The big difference is in how falafel sandwiches are made. Real middle eastern falafel sandwiches are made with hummus (and much richer) lining the pita on the inside. Also their hummus style is somewhat creamy, so for those who prefer that style of more soft hummus will certainly be pleased. One of the biggest wins here is the real Tahini sauce. Not the fake stuff that you see in regular supermarkets or even specialty. They have the real strong sesame based Tahini sauce which is fantastic. The service is pretty fast considering the limited number of staff and the place certainly can get crowded but still moves people fairly quickly. Prices also seem to be more in line with real middle eastern prices as you can get a falafel sandwich for around $3. Just don't forget that they serve the stuff they can do quickest first sometimes, so the numbers called out will not always be in numerical order. Overall, one of the few reliable middle eastern places to eat in the general northwest suburban area. Update: Added menu pic I took from my phone (Sorry, only a 5 megapixel phone...crappy quality). Anyway, had the veggie combo plate tonight and it was good as well....tabbouleh and baba ghanoush were great as was the stuffed grapes....very traditional tastes. However, I totally forgot to mention....middle of the week this place is PACKED! As far as speed , I was in and out in less than 25mins (I eat fast too)....which is impressive considering volume.
(5)
William B.
I'm more of a regular at the Milwaukee Av location, but I was in the area, so I thought I'd give this location a try; it has been years since I've been to this one. As usual, it was lunch time, so I got the lunch special (sans chicken, +2 extra falafel). Flavors were as expected. Falafels were nice and crunchy. The little salad on the side was, quite literally, just the stump from a head of lettuce. It just seems to me that the lunch special has been getting a little skimpy (even at the Milwaukee Ave location). Maybe I need to come at a time other than lunch. This location does appear to be expanding the dining area, so thats a good thing.
(3)
Peter R.
I have said it before and I will say it again. The best $4.95 (plus tax) that you are going to spend is for the Business Lunch Special. Unless you are in some third world country then $4.95 can buy you a small house. Well you are in the good ole US of A so spend that money here at Pita Inn. Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken, and Falafel, with Pita Bread and small salad all ready to be consumed for that low low price??? Honestly its like stealing, but since they wont press charges go ahead and take advantage of the great deal. Guaranteed to give you the "itis" or your money back...heck its only $4.95.
(4)
Michael G.
Delicious food that often justifies the crowds, wait, and Spartan environment.... However, if they would just be more careful removing the skin and gristle off the Chicken Tenders every time, I would go even more and maybe increase the rating by a star or 2. Also, it seems like the drink glasses got smaller which isn't so bad because it is self service now and you can go up for refills when you need them. t is just annoying getting up very often now because the new glasses are too small... I suspect it is a cost cutting measure, which I do not appreciate as a regular customer... The restaurant has great potential if they can just improve some of the little things like that....
(3)
Usman H.
Had only a partial halal menu, so we tried a couple of things (chicken and lamb) only. No great service... the food was just ok and ambience was average. Overall nothing to write home about.
(3)
Suki N.
Love their baba, falafel and pita! Just have to be careful of OD-ing on this place... But best bets are vegetarian combo (tasty even if u eat meat) kifta plate and lentil soup! Will always be my go-to for baba cravings! :-D
(5)
Carol Y.
I have been going to Pita Inn since I can remember. It was a regular thing on a Friday night in my house. The food is always good and reasonably priced. My dad and I came here the other day for lunch and I fell in love with Pita all over again. We both ordered to Lunch special. For $5 you get a plate full of salad, rice, Shish Kabob, (Also like large cubes of meat) Kifta Kabob, (ground beef, small patties), shwarma (sliced like gyro) a chicken tender (more like the size of a small chicken breast) and Falafel. It also comes with Their fresh baked pita bread. I also ordered a large Jerusalem salad,(diced tomatoes and cucumbers with parsley in tahini sauce) which I got my dad hooked on it our last trip to the Pita Inn on Dempster. Top it off with 2 fountain drinks that now you can refill. Total was under 20 bucks and we were stuffed. I wanted baklava so damn bad but I just couldn't do it. For me, this place is a staple of my suburban upbringing. I have many fond memories of Friday night dinners and discussion over a plate of hummus. This was my first time to this location since the remodel and it looks great, On a side note, for those a little more up north, look for their newest location in Mundelein on RT 60, just east of RT 45. They are taking over the old Krispy Kreme location.
(5)
Richard C.
I sht you not, I will eat here everyday if I lived little closer. All pita inn restaurants seem to offer almost identical taste, with consistency. This place is no different; tho, make sure you visit here for lunch if u can as food seem more fresh out of grilld. This place dominates any mediterranian restaurant in most of chicagoland. Must visit!
(5)
Honest Review F.
One word "Delicious". Super fast service, Super clean, when I say clean, I mean clean. Even the window ledges are dust free, floor is spotless. Lots of food for the money. Pita Inn is one of my all time favorites:)
(5)
Rafi A.
I have been coming back to Pita inn with some frequency lately. My comments about the heavy doses of carbs still are true, but if you order correctly, there are great other choices. The lamb entree served on fatoush salad ($1.00 extra) is a great value. it is halal (meets Islamic dietary restrictions) and plentiful. They give you around seven pieces of some of the tastiest meat at any price. The Kifta Kabob is also extremely tasty. It resembles the lamb, but is ground beef flavored with herbs in shape of little logs. I also love the sugar-free baklava. It is only served at the Wheeling location, not Glenview (not sure about the Skokie location, but I've never seen it there. It may be at the super market as well). You would never know it is sugar free. A little expensive, but given the quantities they make it in, that's to be expected. Best of all, my ravenous boys can't get enough of this stuff. I'm so pleased they're eating this and not the cheap carbohydrates found at lesser restaurants.
(4)
Joseph P.
First time here since they remodeled - and wow! what an improvement. More space to sit, so now there's a chance you can eat in at lunch. Same lovable characters behind the counter, and now you can refill your drinks. Food is still great, still a bargain at lunch. Still draws a really interesting crowd at noon. Love it, just don't worship it!
(5)
Michelle M.
Eating vegan/vegetarian in the burbs can be a challenge, but luckily we have plenty of mediterranean options to opine about - this being near the top of my list. For a small Pita place, it sure is kicking, bringing in a diverse crowd of families, business people and teenage/young adults, and the service is super fast. I usually order the vegetarian combo plate. It comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie salad, tambouli, ton of pita bread, and a full tummy. They also offer free tahini and some dark sauce for free up @ the counter. So if you want to grab a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner for around 7 bucks, then hit this place up!
(5)
Rachel W.
I've catered this place a million times for my crew, it's budget-friendly and awesome. They have several catering packages, and we've never had an issue w/delivery, service, or ordering. Also, the food is fab. Their chicken shawarma is really flavorful, great baba ganoush, kebabs, pitas, falafel, sauces, etc. My only complaint is they aren't located in the city so I can't stop in for dinner on the way home from work.
(5)
Phil P.
Absolutely fantastic. You cannot beat their lunch special, and their hummus is amazing! The lunch special is two meals worth of food, and I'm a pretty big dude! It's 5 bucks and soooooo worth it
(5)
John R.
For the price, this place is hard to beat. I paid $6 for the lunch special and had enough food for two meals. It's tasty too - just like what you'd get from a street cart in NYC.
(4)
Craig R.
Fast service, check Low prices, check Tasty food, check This place has great Mediterranean food at crazy cheap prices. I had chicken shwarma and my wife had lamb sandwich. The lamb was awesomely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Shwarma was tasy and the dinner plate was a good portion. I will return.
(4)
Lois C.
Although a bit slow with orders because of how busy they are, their food is phenomenal, especially their spicy sauce. I haven't been able to go for lunch but plan to on my next day off since their lunch special is such a good deal.
(5)
Krupa G.
Pita inn have the best falafel in Chicago. They are crispy and flavorful. The white sauce which they serve is watery without any flavor. I would like if they change the recipe and make it interesting to eat.
(4)
R ..
Best you are going to get out here. Yummy felafel. Chicken is good. Actually nothing is bad! Service is always polite. Busy place!
(4)
sat s.
Outstanding value for Arabic food!
(5)
Christine K.
Hands down the best inexpensive Mediterranean food in the area! I could eat it every day! I almost always order the vegetarian combo. Their hummus and felafel make me swoon. The gourmet felafel sandwich is also a favorite!
(5)
Dustin C.
This is the Middle Eastern food you should be eating. Nothing is over-priced, nothing is bad. Life is good at Pita Inn, and for good reason they've been doing this for years and it doesn't appear like this will be stopping any time soon. Thank goodness!! I love this place, I bring my family here. Forget that, they brought me here. Don't forget about this place, you'll be missing out.
(5)
Anuj S.
THE best place for falafel sandwiches and plates, hands down. Many other places have come close in my opinion, but NONE of them yet have both the tahini sauce and hot sauce to match what they have. It's SOOO... good. And the prices are very affordable.
(5)
Reena M.
Delicious Food at a Great Price! Hummus is delicious! Beef was tender and flavorful. More cafeteria style of dining..
(5)
Jacqueline S.
Our new local Pita Inn - we like this location too - the food is so delicious! I like the falafel, the shih kabob, kifta kabob, and shwarma, hummus, and the hot sauce. It does get busy here so we don't go over the weekend. I really wish I worked by a Pita Inn - the lunch specials are amazing!
(4)
Mike W.
Another Michigander here. This joint cannot compete with the worst in Dearborn, MI, but 5 of us got our Arab fix for around $20 and about 20 seconds after ordering. That's an extra star. We'll be back, regardless. Very happy to find an Arab fast-food joint. However, we won't be re-ordering the grape leaves...they're stark-raving bad.
(3)
Jason B.
Excellent food, underpriced, friendly staff, and comfortable/casual environment. I would eat here weekly if I lived nearby.
(5)
Don J.
Personally, Pita Inn has been a standard for middle-eastern cuisine for years. I grew up in Dearborn, MI -- so I've had some of the best. The quality here is reliable and the staff is usually very playful, even when they're busy. The fresh bread is just unbeatable and the crispy falafel are heavenly. The tahini sauce is a nice accent and the hot sauce will bring tears to your eyes (esp. if it goes down the wrong pipe! Trust me on this). My favorite is the hummus and shwarma plate; either chicken or beef. Thinly sliced, perfectly roasted shwarma meat, heaped on a plate of the seasoned chickpea spread that rounds out the whole meal. I have to have a few falafel, of course... dipped in the hummus or the two aforementioned sauces. So affordable... really. Four of us dropped in and took leftovers home for around $40; the grilled ground lamb is wonderful, and seasoned so that the lamb flavor still comes through. I dislike when folks try to cover up lamb's unique flavor; why bother with the extra expense then? So, kudos on that. A word on baklava. Get it. Yes, that's two words, technically. But it's very, very good here. The right balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Having suffered through bad baklava too often, this stuff is heaven. Try the hot tea here as a traditional accompaniment to the meal; it has mint in it, and the leaves will end up in your glass. They refill at the counter as many times as you'd like to go back and it is really just the perfect thing to go with the cuisine.
(5)
Abby D.
Flavorful , spicy , tasty and fAst ..,, absolutely great place
(5)
Jude M.
I really enjoy all of the options here, the food is tasty, and I don't think I have ever had bad service here. Not only that but the tables get cleaned quickly, which is wonderful on a night when there is a number of people here. I love it. The food is always amazing and so is the service as I said before.
(4)
Shardul R.
Excellent Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafels and shawarmas are a must have. The sauces are a plus. Highly recommend!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
First time at Pita Inn, I got Lamb Kabobs. They were phenomenal and very well cooked. My leftovers were also delicious. That hot sauce is HOT.
(5)
Danielle S.
Very good! Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The meat is very good, along with their pita bread! We took it for take-out. Very fast! I definitely recommend!
(4)
Raj P.
Best $5 lunch special ever!!!!!! You get everything from rice to chicken to steak and some too much too list withe an amazing spicy tomato sauce. The flavors and varieties are just damn amazing. Whenever I visit I get 2 lunch special, 1 for now and 1 to reheat at dinner which still taste flavorful as if they just fired it up!!!!
(5)
Ryan M.
No hot dogs or hamburgers
(5)
Lanre O.
Great food. Place is cheap but yet quality is outstanding.
(5)
Jenny R.
Great value,wonderful service, amazing food! Plus they're open late-we love Pita Inn. Even on a busy weekend late at night we've been in and out in 15 minutes with a huge bag of food that just barely survives the ride home. Their falafel is perfection-just moist enough, crispy outside and fragrant tender insides that are perfect alone or with a pita and hummus. If you can't decide(which I frequently cannot-everything is delicious), they have a wonderful combo platter with a little bit of everything on it. We've gotten several people hooked on Pita Inn and will continue to do so. We plan on getting catering from here for our next event that requires alot of food for a great price that will make every guest happy.
(4)
Amanda B.
DELICIOUS and highly recommended. VERY reasonably priced, decent portions and very fast and efficient. Yummy hummus-possibly the best I've ever had. Little under $2 for the small portion, served on a teacup plate with olive oil. I love the chicken schwarma and hummus combo. I've also tried their rice (Yellow) and salad, as well as the Fatoush salad and Jerusalem salad. Awesome service and awesome food for great prices. You order, pay, get a number, wait (possibly) and grab your food from a counter. The chicken is sliced gyro-style and is juicy and tender. They remodeled about a year ago, so the seating area is more open. Before, they had "barriers" of sorts between you and everyone else. If it's nice outside, take advantage of their lovely seating area. Cute lattice woodwork fences and I do believe they have vines crawling up them. The tahini sauce and the hot (don't know the real name) is OUTSTANDING. I will say that the staff seems to have a strange sense of humor that I wasn't really in the mood for one time.
(5)
Nick L.
5 stars all the way. Lunch combo - add the chicken. A meal made in heaven. All aspects are excellent. The kabobs, chicken meat, rice and pita and sauces work in a perfect harmony. And then the price is phenomenal. As if that isn't enough, the baba ghanoush and hummus are amazing. At lunch this place gets busy the line goes to the other end of the restaurant. Arrive early or after the lunch rush (1pm) and you should have no problems. It's a smooth operation, I see the same people behind the counter week in week out and it shows in the speed and quality. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
J J.
It's Pita Inn. What else can I say.
(4)
Franklin D.
One of my all-time favorites. The business lunch simply cannot be beat. It costs something like $5 and you get a sample of several of the favorite meats they serve. They have two really good sauces (one hot, one like a watery white yogurt) at the counter that you should be sure to dump all over your food. When you hear people say stuff like "the line is out the door" and "there's no where to sit", well, they're not kidding. Even if you get in there early or get there late and luck into a seat you will have people hovering over you in the dining room waiting for you to get up and leave your table. The place is packed with people still wearing their badges from the local tech places like Motorola and what have you. Also this place is quite popular with my vegetarian buddies.
(5)
Maira O.
We heard about Pita Inn from this one guy at this one church all the way out in Hoffman Estates! This guy asked us where we lived and when we said Wheeling you should of seen his face it was like a spark when off with excitement! We said No, why?? He said Pita Inn was the best restaurant in wheeling to eat Mediterranean food and had the best pitas!!! . We said we had to go and ck it out and see what all the excitement was so we went and the food was tasty, authentic, fresh, and super delicious! Prices are super reasonable for the amount of food they serve. Absolutely a place to have some authentic food! If your tired of the common burger, hot dogs try this place its different and worth it!
(5)
Nari H.
Good food at good prices and seems pretty authentic!
(4)
Coloromotio R.
ive been going to this place since I was 5 years old. Its my all time favorite place to eat, It's practically religion to eat here once a week with my family. The best hot sauce you'll ever have. Remember to ask for grilled pita!
(5)
Joe T.
Love this place! Cheap and awesome mediterranean food!
(4)
Mike M.
As of this writing there are 65 reviews. Everyone knows this place is awesome. My dad got into hummus and falafel from this place. So I will tell you it is delicious. Here is what you need to know to eat here. It gets crowded during lunch. Don't save a table, just wait in line. I have never seen anyone crying holding a tray with nowhere to eat. The guy at the counter with the mustache, he is a tricky one. He has all types of pranks he pulls on you. Dumping pennies in your hand, trying to get hot MILF phone numbers, asking if your to-go order is for here, and asking what size do you want on the small baba. Do not fall for his tricks it only makes him more powerful. Just tell him what you want (Business lunch special or die) and tell him his sneaky tricks are powerless to Yelpers. I have eaten the entire menu here. The only things I don't care for are the grape leaves, and the tabouleh salad. The hot sauce and the hummus are great. In fact I think I'll go there right now.
(5)
Kimberly P.
The billowing cloud of charred meat will intoxicate the senses.......everything is tasty on this menu. Best deal is the executive lunch! A delicous mix of kebob, perfectly perfumed kefta kebob, sliced meat and the tastiest chicken....(omg I have to go there today!) This is more than enough for two adults and if you have a little kid. Get extra pita and ask for the pickled radish, not on the menu, it is free and a secret. The plate has homemade pickle, olives, and onions.....sooooo nummy. Homemade hot sauce and tahani is to die for! Buy a container of hot sauce to take home! I use it with eggs :-D Oh, and did I mention the Baba??!! Heavenly see you there.........
(5)
Paul M.
Yes, please! Pita Inn has a lot of things going for it: great quality and tasty food, amazingly low prices, and super fast service. I love it. I hadn't been here in quite a while, but my wife stopped by the Wheeling location a few weeks back. She had the chicken kabobs and I opted for falafel. Both were served with rice, and of course, lots of fresh, hot pita bread. Everything was delicious. The falafel is definitely not dry, but doesn't go towards the "hey! it's just liquid!" end that Roti shoots for. Great spices and flavor. The mint iced tea is also a cut above - wonderful and refreshing. The Business Lunch special is five bucks and probably the best lunch deal I've ever seen. Service is not necessarily the friendliest ever, but it's efficient and quick. Certainly nothing to complain about. They pack people in here, but it's not uncomfortable. Pita Inn is a definite go-to for tasty Middle Eastern food. And now, I want hummus.
(5)
Lisa S.
I can't believe I haven't written a Pita Inn review yet! Best Mediterranean fast food in the suburbs, hands down. There are times when I just crave the Pita Inn. Try the gourmet falafel sandwich and the mint iced tea. The lentil soup is the best I've ever had (sorry mom). Prices are unbelievable.. This one is my favorite location of the 3.
(5)
LookingAtCars L.
The "Middle Eastern equivalent of McDonald's" per Arab friends. If it's true, please expand and replace every McDonald's in the US with Pita Inn. It's a killer combo of delicious and cheap. Great food. Pita, hummas, falafel, and shawarma are all delicious in their various incarnations. Fast service for dine-in and take-out. Business lunch is excellent and an extremely good value for what you get. It's always packed around lunch and dinner for good reason.
(5)
reshma s.
Love...Love...Love this place. Every time I go to Pita Inn it gets better and better. The hot sauce is a secret condiment to everything you eat there if you like "SPICY!" Not only is the hummus scrumptious but the falafel sandwich is to die for! After a hard day at work or even if you are feeling down the comical staff will certainly cheer you up!
(5)
adam C.
Massive plate of really good food for 4 dollars! I am a maniac for middle eastern, a freak for falafel. This place makes really good, proper-tasting shawarma, and everything else you'd expect. Their prices are great, and finding them out in the suburbs was a real treat.
(5)
Gregory B.
Good, but not as good as the one on Milwaukee. Fun staff.
(4)
Piyush S.
Been here only once and I loved it. Very good food. I had lamb grilled which is served with the yellow rice, some salad and cucumbur sauce. The lamb was very tender and flavorful. I was impressed. When it comes to lamb, I have eaten a lot of it and I have realized that most restaurants don't make a good dish out of lamb. Middle easterners,persians can do magic with lamb and pita inn is an example. Mind u this is not the best lamb ever, but it is the exceptionally good for the low price u pay here. For a suburban area, I must say that deerfield,skokie, wheeling has some really good ethnic food. Lucky people who live there.
(4)
John Y.
I like all the Pita Inns, but my favorite is this one. There is a certain "je ne sais quoi" (man, I have been wanting to use that since H.S. French class), something different/better about this place! Go for lunch and try the lunch special! Such a deal and so much food. Good luck trying to get anything done in the afternoon. Food-coma time! And say hi to the "Boss" behind the counter! Friendliest guy in the world!
(5)
Vince V.
I am suffering from post-lunch coma over an hour after polishing off the business lunch special at the Pita Inn. I have shish kabob, shawarma, chicken, falafel, pilaf, salad and pita weighing me down like an anchor. There is never enough of the tamarind drink for all of this but then this was all too much for lunch already. And after taxes and the drink, I still spent less than eight bucks. I had to wait for a table because they were insanely busy at lunchtime, but the crowd thinned out after 12:30pm. Burp.
(4)
Ashley M.
Since moving into the area of this particular Pita Inn I've gone in 3 or 4 times. The food is far below the quality I've come to expect from the Pita Inn chain. The hummus has been so bad twice, that I've had to throw it out without eating it. The mango drink is watered down. I've started going to the other locations even though they are a farther drive simply for the higher quality.
(2)
Jay C.
Really good food. Light and fresh. Everything is seasoned really well. The prices are reasonable and a good value for the portion size. It can be very busy and I have had problems with their number system.
(4)
Chester W.
This place is good, evidence is how packed this place is during lunch. Probably because they are cheap bastards and are ordering the $4.95 lunch special. It is special indeed, you get a variation of meets, falafel, rice and salad. I generally get the chicken shwarma... it is da bomb. Falafels are super awesome too, but i'm pissed cause you only get them with the lunch special. Otherwise you have to order separately. Knocking it down one star cause of that annoying dude who mans the cash register during lunch... you'll see what I mean.
(4)
Svitlana P.
I don't know where some of the reviewers are getting their fantastic middle eastern food, cause I've been to quite a few great restaurants in Chicago, and Pita Inn is still my choice for vegetarian options and the best dessert anywhere! I can't speak for meat entrees, but my dinner is fatoush salad, felafels, and baba ghanoush. And of course some baklava or kinafa. I've tried ordering baklava at other places and I literally had to trow it out, even when I got it from the Milwaukee and Central location of Pita Inn. They do tend to get very very busy around lunch time, so I'd recommend calling in and ordering to go.
(5)
Gary H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. How I admire these places. There are such a modest handful of restaurateurs that you run into that do such a consistently superb job of executing their food ideas so well. These guys are right up there on that list. The baklava is the top notch Lebanese/Palestinian style - the best of ingredients, crispy and not too sweet. The meats are tender and delicious. The salads and vegetable dishes excellent. Great falafel. Even the lemonade tastes fresh and balanced. Eat your way through the menu and look hard. You won't find much to improve upon. Edit update: Stopped by the other day to find the baklawa is now made with veg oil and sugar syrup. No butter! No honey! (sigh) Same great texture - but the flavor is really degraded. Aww guys, did ya have to?
(5)
J D.
The food is outstanding. Its not fancy, There are no waiters you go up and get your food when they call your number. The chicken scharma can be seen whirling around on the spit behind the counter. It actually looks like chicken, chicken that has been seasoned really well and then packed onto the spit really tight by hand. It is so damn good. The falafels are probably the best ive ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside and soft but not soggy on the inside, perfectly cooked. The Babba Ganoush is great on Pita Bread and even the house complimentary suaces-the white yogurt one and the hot red one are fantastic. Take your pita bread and open it, put a little chicken scharma inside wtih a little of the lettuce and tomatoes and then pour a little sauce inside and you have an impeccable sandwich. PS. tip your busser
(5)
Elan S.
I grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. We would love going to Pita Inn and looked forward to it as they had such great food. Their Falafel is out of this world. Every time I go back to this area, Pita Inn is a must. This place is so popular if you go around dinner time, expect there to be a pretty lengthy line. Either way, it's still worth it.
(5)
chris c.
Business Lunch combo. For those who have been there... enough said.
(5)
Amey K.
This place is awesome for lunch. It took time for me to get adjusted to the taste. But now I like it. If you are lamb lover, it is must go. Business lunch rocks. You get tummy full lunch for just $5. Definitely worth noting it. Staff is friendly. One more good news about Pita Inn lovers is that they are expanding their sitting area
(4)
Samra M.
Always busy! Great food, hummus is a must. If you want some falafel this is where to go. If you've never had middle eastern/ Mediterranean food before, go here first! I make my own sandwiches all the time. I order the shish kabob platter, they give you pita bread, get some tahini sauce to go with it, first fill the pita bread with hummus, spreading it around all sides, fill the bottom of the pita with rice, then some lettuce, put some shish kabobs in there and then add some tahini sauce over all of it, it's just heaven in your mouth!! mmmm now im hungry...
(5)
Brad D.
Love the food! During the week they have a $4.95 Business Lunch. This includes a combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and homemade pita bread. Best food for the price. Also they have great lemonade!
(5)
Zara E.
Best Mediterranean food in the burbs!! Nothing else compares! Love the falafels, chicken shawarma, kifta kabob, and hummus! Even their chicken fatoush salad is delicious!
(5)
Peter D.
This is our go-to establishment for a quick bite. Though this place is always packed they are able to have quick turnover at lunch and dinner due to the army of people working behind the counter. The food is always excellent and incredibly cheap. My usual is a lamb kabob pita sandwich and a small hummus, though for lunch they have the business special which is enough food for a small army and is only 4.95 I believe. UNBEATABLE. Need something quick? need something different? This is your place to go. Don't forget the hummus!
(5)
Farah R.
Addictive. Have to have my fix once a week.
(5)
Teresa P.
Love the food, love the price! Tasty, generous portions! I wish I lived closer. Anytime we are in the area, my sons and I stop by - have NEVER been disappointed!
(5)
Paige W.
After an especially taxing morning at work in suburban hell, I was in need of a little Middle Eastern therapy. And because the idea of anything but Corner Bakery or Noodles & Co. horrifies me a little out here, I looked to Yelp in search of falafel serenity. And even in this deep, dark chasm of suburbia, Yelp, you never let me down. Highway 53 to Dundee, Dundee to Elmhurst and a right turn into the parking lot of heaven: Two coworkers and I were about to check into the Pita Inn, and I think I'd like to stay for a while. The smell of spices and cooking oil wafting on the cool spring breeze was my first clue I'd chosen the right place, and the line of businessmen that wrapped around the crammed-together fast-food tables allayed any remaining fears I might have had. One coworker abandoned the line to vulture tables, poised to swoop when the next group left. She was having an even worse day than I was, so glaring at strangers and getting in the way seemed like a good plan for her. When my other coworker and I finally made it up to the counter, we were overwhelmed by the menu, the line, the clattering utensils and sizzle of the grill. The guy taking orders was just standing there saying, "Next? Next? Next? Next? NEXT?" until we finally snapped back to reality (OOP! there goes gravity) and stammered out our orders. Which gave him license to make fun of us for the rest of the time we were there. Like pretending to charge me $2.95 for a Styrofoam cup. (Very funny, sir. NOT TODAY.) My eyes did a full-on cartoon pop when the kitchen plunked my plate onto the tray. A veritable cornucopia of Middle Eastern delicacies. A smorgasbord. So fresh. So delicious. SO CHEAP. I had gone with the vegetarian combination platter, which included heaping portions of -- and please allow me to butcher the spelling of everything here -- hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel and pita bread. For under $7. Uh, yeah. Vulture coworker had the hummus and beef shawarma, which was as simple as it sounds and a little disgusting looking, but she loved it. And other coworker had the business lunch special, which...was just an orgy of various meats and rice on a platter. We inhaled our food -- what we like to call "eating our feelings" -- and left feeling much less inclined to commit homicide. Falafel so good it could basically end wars. You heard it here first. Thanks, Pita Inn.
(4)
Kate S.
I had never tried mediterran food before, so when I was out in Wheeling for work and was hungry, I thought...hmmm I'll try Pita Inn. YUM! So good!! I have tried it at least 3 times now! The business lunch is totally worth 4.95. You get an assortment of things for the price. Their meat is juicy and flavorful and just the right spices. I am not a big falafel person I have found and not really into hummus but from what it looks like, people like it here. The Shwarma is awesome! The staff here is hilarious!! Watch out for the cashier pretending to spill a drink on you!
(4)
Walter P.
This place rocks so hard that it is one of the only reasons why I go back to the suburbs (ok not gonna lie, also to do laundry at my parents' house). This place bills itself as a fast food Mediterranean restaurant with some Middle Eastern (or call it Southwest Asian if you want to be politically correct (and I do)) influence. For the meat eaters, this place will get you salivating. TONS of options from lamb, chicken, beef, etc at rock bottom prices. The business special is a measly $5 bucks for a combo of pretty much all their meats. For the veggematarians, there are some great options. There's the falafel sandwich, the typical sides like hummus and baba ghannoug, but the standout thing that all vegetarians should get here is the vegetarian combo plate. At a low low price (how do they do it?) of $7 bucks you get hummus, baba ghannoug, Jerusalem salad, tabouleh salad, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, a ton o' food to feed two people really. And the lentil soup is just divine; truly the gods must have guided the cook's hand when he made such a tasty soup. Oh, and the tahini sauce and red sauce...I could just smother those two over anything really! In between gorging sessions, remember to breathe hehe! I always end up being full after eating here, but not to the point where I feel nausea or feel eater's remorse/guilt ridden for having eaten all that delicious food. Overall, I'm just amazed and impressed that these guys can consistently truck out quality food at an affordable price. The people here at the Wheeling location are especially friendly and also quite cheeky. The guy working the cash register will sometimes mess/joke around with you and its all in good fun. A word to the wise. It can get really crowded during lunch and dinner time. You might just be better off taking it to go.
(5)
Deborah J.
It's nice to see some Middle Eastern food in this part of town, and it'll do when the falafel cravings strike, but I'm not as impressed by Pita Inn as I once was. The problem? I moved to Michigan, which has the largest Arab-American population in the country. I now feel about Middle Eastern food in Chicago the way I feel about Thai food in Michigan. Okay, it's not that bad. Maybe I just got a bad bunch of stuffed grape leaves last week, but man were they soggy. It wouldn't have been so bad had the baba ghanoush not been over tahini'd, and the pita too chewy. Every place has off days, but I'm starting to think that maybe my standards have changed. Anyway, Pita Inn kills the falafel cravings I develop when visiting my parents in the Chicago suburbs, but it's no Dearborn.
(2)
Ashley R.
The food is delicious! The hummus and falafil are to die for, the constant crowd in this place makes it obvious Pita Inn is loved by many. Fast, friendly service and great prices. Have tried the falafil at many other restaurants and no where has it come close to being as fresh and delicious as Pita Inn's.
(5)
Sam C.
This place is the best. We go here as well as the Glenview location several times a year. There is never a disappointment and the quality is always top notch. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)
M B.
If you a craving Middle Eastern food and don't want to spend a arm and a leg, this is the place to go. Cheap and pretty decent tasting, we had a group of six over and ordered take out and everyone was happy with their meal.
(5)
Janine M.
By far the best baba ghannoug I've ever tasted. You really can't go wrong at this place. If you haven't been there before try the combination meal. The rice is buttery and wonderful, the pitas are fresh, even the lemonade is delicious! I have yet to have a bad meal at this restaurant and with it's makeover a few years ago you can tell that business is good for this VERY reasonably priced Mediterranean restaurant! Pros: Excellent authentic Middle Eastern food, fast service, pleasent atmosphere Cons: NONE!
(5)
Michelle T.
The first time I went to Pita Inn, I got the chicken shwarma and wasn't impressed. It was really dry and brittle. A few months later I gave Pita Inn another shot and order the Chicken Tenders. OH MY GOD THE DIFFERENCE. Large portions of moist delicious chicken breast grilled perfectly. Pita Inn has the best hummus I've ever had, and I don't usually seek out hummus. My husband is a vegetarian and goes with the falafel. Even though I work 5 miles away and live 20 miles away, it's at the top of options for carryout for lunch or dinner. The staff is very efficient and friendly.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Beth G.
Pita Inn is heaven on a plastic tray. For realsies. I am a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine and they seem to do it even better than traditional, non-fast food type places. This location was the first I ever ate at, the old Dairy Queen used to be here but I'm so glad they closed down and Pita Inn opened up. Could a Blizzard compare to their falafel, hummus, and combos? I think not!
(5)Maggie R.
This place has become the standard by which I judge all other falafel. "Meh, Pomegranate is good, but it's no Pita Inn..." and so on. Reasonably priced, delicious, and consistently good service. It was once joked among friends that it would be ideal to eat one's way out of a bathtub filled with their hummos... mmmmmm.
(5)Michael H.
This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and very reasonable prices. The beef schwarma is unbelievably good, the falafel is so crunchy and the sauces are wonderful. I highly recommend.
(5)Jonathan F.
I give it 3.5 but we'll round up for now. It's got decent food, and fast service. Busy at lunchtimes. The food is sometimes a little so-so, but it'll do!
(4)Karen G.
This is a favorite lunch stop for my work crew. I also live very close by and often stop by for full meals or just pita and hummus (especially with the chicken!). Delicious!
(5)Megan K.
Amazing food, ridiculous value. It gets crazy packed for lunch.
(5)Renato P.
This place is kinda like the Pepe's of Middle eastern food , a hybrid fast food-sit down restaurant. It's clean , very busy , and yet I usually don't have to wait around too long. I can't vouch for the authenticity of the food , but I've gone there a bunch and never had anything I didn't like. I usually get the combo platters , to try a little of everything . The rice is REALLY good , I don't know what it's called or what they do to it but damn , it's good. The Falafels ,baba Ghannoug and Hummus are really good .There is a shawarma that is kinda like a beef gyros , which is really good , and Kifta which is like a spiced mini meatball , not as good but alright. Lamb kabob , very gyro like and damn tasty. The Chicken Shwarma is really good too. Then there is my personal favorite , the good ole shish kabob. Nice chunks of beef seasoned perfectly , very simple and exotic. To sum up , great food , cheap prices , it's counter service so no server. ... Tried the kibbah , which is like a deep fried batter covered meatball , good.
(4)Brij V.
Hands down, the BEST middle eastern food!! Chicken swarma sandwich is just aweome!! ohh and those spicy sauces...I can't seem to have enuf of those!! yuummm...I LOVE THIS place!!! oh and try the baklawa while u're there...
(5)ron k.
this place is off the freakin chain... business lunch special lot of food for so little... when you eat here drink water not soda it will help you digest what you eat and help you not get indigestion because the food is really dense... little details makes this place stand out... like the hot sauce more often not as salty and briney as say pita house and the falafel the have the wahtever the stuff is chopped to a consistency that makes it tastes better than other places that aren't the same and also you get to taste the constituent ingredients in the hot sauce or the falafel as opposed to salt and spices... my favorite place for middle eastern fast food...
(4)Alison M.
$2.75 for the best falafel sandwich you've ever had. For me, all Middle Eastern food is measured against the Pita Inn. The hummus is better than what I ate while in Egypt. Pita Inn has friendly service; they are always fast and in the 14 years I've been going here have never messed up an order. The baba ganoush and rice are super tasty, and I've heard that the chicken dishes are delicious as well. I visit the Pita Inn almost every time I'm in town. It's crowded for a reason!
(5)Stephanie B.
The reason why Pita Inn knocks other similiar restaurants in the area out of the water is because they make their own bread fresh daily. I love their falafel sandwich & I load it up with their delectable hot sauce. Their dolmades, hummus, & baba ghanoush are also wonderful. My only complaint is that the service is inconsistent. Other than that, the food is top notch & well-priced.
(4)AngelEyes M.
Cant go wrong with the food for the prize
(4)Kristin B.
The falafel here is FANTASTIC!! I have tried many other menu items, but I keep coming back for the falafel....good portion of food, perfectly made, reasonable prices, etc. Pita Inn is grrrreat!
(5)Jasmyn K.
This is one place I missed dearly during my 8 months I was living in California! Tried a few places out there and they could not compare to the value and the flavor of Pita Inn. This place is the best! I love the combo plates, the gourmet falafel sandwich and the khanafa are my favs....oh and the mint ice tea is delish too!
(5)Patty V.
The food is exactly the same as the other locations,but the decor is not as nice as the Niles location. I have no complaints about the food or service here or any of the Pita Inns. I love them all!
(4)Jim N.
Checked it out after all the reviews, have eaten here a few times in the past month. Very good shawerma and falafel, and the prices are more than reasonable. The business lunch is a bargain at $4.95 (drink not included). It gets pretty crowded during lunch hours but the line moves fast. Definitely check it out if your looking for good Middle East food (although I would still rank Cedar Grill in Downers Grove slightly better).
(4)B G.
There simply isn't a better Middle Eastern spot. I've been to all of their locations. Read other reviews for details because if I continue here and now, my cravings will overtake me and I simply can't get to a Pita Inn today!
(5)Scott H.
Just simply Fantastic!!! The business lunch is so good. If you don't try this place, then your missing a wonderful experience for something different. The Hummus is the best in the state!
(5)Justin W.
So I thought to myself, $10 for a meal and a drink. That's a reasonable price. After I received the meal, I made a second one out of the leftovers. Wow. Awesome food, great prices, and I can't wait to go back. It's a damn shame I don't work closer to here, or I'd go at least once a week. :(
(5)William T.
One of my favorite lunch spots, great food, inexpensive, clean, and pretty fast. If you are going for lunch during the week, show up early or late, but avoid the middle.
(5)Sam C.
This place is the best. We go here as well as the Glenview location several times a year. There is never a disappointment and the quality is always top notch. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)M B.
If you a craving Middle Eastern food and don't want to spend a arm and a leg, this is the place to go. Cheap and pretty decent tasting, we had a group of six over and ordered take out and everyone was happy with their meal.
(5)Janine M.
By far the best baba ghannoug I've ever tasted. You really can't go wrong at this place. If you haven't been there before try the combination meal. The rice is buttery and wonderful, the pitas are fresh, even the lemonade is delicious! I have yet to have a bad meal at this restaurant and with it's makeover a few years ago you can tell that business is good for this VERY reasonably priced Mediterranean restaurant! Pros: Excellent authentic Middle Eastern food, fast service, pleasent atmosphere Cons: NONE!
(5)Michelle T.
The first time I went to Pita Inn, I got the chicken shwarma and wasn't impressed. It was really dry and brittle. A few months later I gave Pita Inn another shot and order the Chicken Tenders. OH MY GOD THE DIFFERENCE. Large portions of moist delicious chicken breast grilled perfectly. Pita Inn has the best hummus I've ever had, and I don't usually seek out hummus. My husband is a vegetarian and goes with the falafel. Even though I work 5 miles away and live 20 miles away, it's at the top of options for carryout for lunch or dinner. The staff is very efficient and friendly.
(5)Jessica S.
This is the first time I went here and I went with a group from work for lunch. The place is packed, it was unbelievable how many people were in line for the food. The meat had some good flavor, i was impressed with the hummus. All of the side dishes were just ok. I do have to say the prices can not be beat. Just make sure to get there early, do not head to the restaurant at noon on the dot you won't be able to get a seat.
(3)Mark S.
If this place were a little closer to my job, I'd eat here weekly. As it stands, I make the drive once a month or so for the business man special- all forms of meat piled on top of yummy rice with some pita bread and some salad for like $5. Their meat's well seasoned and the spicy sauce is really good- I've only had better at the Pita House in Schaumburg, and it was only slightly better, spicier for sure. I hate all the Motorola goobers who completely fill this place up at lunch, so it looses a star for serving more orders than they can seat.
(4)sam l.
Amazing food all around. Exterior looks a little chintzy, but don't let that slow you down on your way through the front door. The vegetarian plate is absolutely delicious and the jerusalem salad is amazing. Lunch seems to be a little hectic so maybe show up during off-hours.
(4)edwards R.
Had taste for middle eastern food want some hummis so I went there. The line wasn't long food was served hot and fresh it was the best and just as much as I wouldv't spent at fast food returant
(5)Susan R.
So my fiance and I were watching a show on the food network, and it featured falafel and kabobs and that sort of thing, and we thought it looked REALLY good, so I thought I should use yelp to find a place that had that sort of thing, so I did a search, and found out that the Pita Inn wasn't too far away from our home. After reading all the awesome reviews, I knew we had to try this place. We'd never tried this type of food before. The first thing I noticed walking into this place was a sticker on the door that says "People love us on Yelp", so I thought that was neat. I walked in expecting a big sign that displayed their menu, but there isn't, but there are laminated menus at the counter where you order and a plentiful supply of paper menus laying around. We got there at about 10pm on a Friday night, and there were some people there, but it wasn't busy. We were really hungry so we decided to go with entrees instead of sandwiches. My fiance got the Kifta Kabob entree, and I got the Vegetarian Falafel plate. We also got a small order of hummus. We took it to go. Oh my gosh it all was so delicious. I tried some of his kabob and he tried some of my falafel and oh wow. The meat is sooo tasty, grill-flavored and wonderful. I didn't expect the falafel to be green inside, but it just surprised me was all, it's amazingly tasty and so very flavorful! SOOOOO delicious!!! They give you a ton of lettuce and tomato, and my fiance's meal came with delicious yellow rice pilaf. I stole a taste of that too, it's absolutely wonderful! We made sandwiches out of it all, the pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat/falafel, and topped them with the tahini sauce (a thin white yogurty sauce) and the hot sauce (kind of like a spicy salsa). The only thing that I was slightly disappointed in was the amount of hummus - we definitely should have gotten a large. I was expecting a bigger size is all, but we did have enough to decide that it tasted great. We added some of that to our sandwiches as well. The whole time we were eating we kept saying things like "mmmmmm it's so good!" and exchanging incredulous looks about how tasty the food was. There are just so many flavors, they're just delicious. My fiance even said, "Why didn't we start going to this place sooner?!?!" Go here. It's delicious. I'm sure that everything they have is equally tasty. I can't imagine any person who wouldn't be able to find something they would absolutely love here. Vegetarian? No problem! Meat-atarian? No problem there either! We can't wait to go back again. And their prices? Awesome. Here's their website, it has menu, locations, hours, etc. pita-inn.com
(5)Laura R.
After driving by this Pita Inn and the one in Skokie a thousand times each, I decided to finally give it a try. I tried the chicken shawarma sandwich which was pretty good but way too much chicken for me - the veggie one sounds really good! The hummus is sooo good with pita bread. Service is very fast and friendly.
(4)Jason F.
friend and I had the lamb plate, and the combo feast, plus some hummus and baba ganoush. it was all pretty tasty and a very fair price. worth the 15 min. drive to me :)
(4)Jason Z.
You can't beat the Pita Inn for great cheap food. I'm partial to the Beef or chicken schwarma (shaved beef or chicken on top of rice) but everything is good here. My two year old loves it too. Tried a pita place in Buffalo Grove and it made me appreciate Pita Inn. I will not stray again!
(5)Melissa H.
Ever since the husband has started liking Mediterranean food (see my other Mediterranean 5 star review) I've been helping broaden his horizon in it. Last night he was indecisive about dinner and I suggested Pita Inn. He was apprehensive of trying this place thinking it was like a similar Mediterranean joint in Palatine that we had a horrible experience at (see 2 star review on that place). I went to Pita Inn to order and pick up the food. I was surprised to see the amount of cars there at 7:30 in the evening on a Thursday night. I ordered the combination feast and for my husband the Shish Kabob. I also noticed they had Garlic Sauce too and I of course had to try it as I've always had the standard Tahini sauce here. Food was ready surprisingly fast! My food came with with their Falafel which I'm not a fan of and gave it to my husband. The husband thought the Falafel tasted decent. I also let him try some of my chicken, kufta, and shawarma. He thought the meat, chicken, his own Shish Kabob and rice tasted delicious and flavorful. He was impressed (YAY)!!!! I of course throughly enjoyed all the meats, rice, and their delicious pita bread. That garlic sauce.....OMG..,.tasted AMAZING!! We loved the garlic sauce and highly recommend ordering it! We also had so much food that we have leftovers for lunch today! Pita Inn has always been my Mediterranean go-to and i'm pretty sure that my husband feels the same. Thanks for giving him another Mediterranean option and for always tasting awesome!!
(5)Anamaria H.
I've been going to this Pita Inn for about 10 years now. This place was my introduction to Mediterranean food and I've been in love ever since. Whenever I go, I order the beef shawarma sandwich, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. The beef is so delectable and it just melts in your mouth. The falafel are highly addicting and the grape leaves are just amazing. I've also tried the combination feast, the hummus (with oil and without oil), and the falafel sandwich. If you're looking for a large meal, order the feast. The lamb and beef pieces are delicious and easy to chew (never had a tough piece of meat), the chicken is flavored beautifully, and the rice is great. When you go, make sure you try the spicy red sauce and the tahini sauce. Both give the food that extra something-something. Just be warned, sometimes the spicy sauce is really spicy. I'm a girl who loves her salsa hot but sometimes it's too much. When that happens, just add a little more tahini and your tongue will be okay. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the mood for fast, delicious Mediterranean. I give it 4 stars just because I'm not too fond of the current restaurant set up (I've seen this place go through at least 3 different configurations). The current layout makes it tight during busy periods and it can echo.
(4)Michael S.
This place sure knows how to cook meat well. I ordered the combination feast and loved all the protein on the plate. The chicken breast was well-seasoned with a nice lemony taste and cooked extremely well, keeping a nice moisture. The beef shwarma was extremely tasty, with a nice crisp to the meat. The shish kabob was tender and well-seasoned steak, while the kefta was nicely done, moist ground beef. The highlight of the plate was the falafel. Hot, straight out of the fryer, and bursting with flavor. While the meats were all excellent, the other stuff on the plate was disappointing. The plate only came with rice (which was good but a bit bland) and a "salad." The salad had no dressing on it and was pretty much just lettuce and cucumbers. I wish the platters came with a bit more but I still left satisfied.
(4)Nektaria R.
Pita Inn is a pita inn. Good food, lots of parking, nice outdoor seating area. Fast service. Cheap. What else do you need to know?
(4)Michelle B.
Excellent food. Tried the kebab and the falafel. Both were outstanding. Basic, clean ambiance.
(5)Scott R.
Cannot praise this restaurant enough! Consistently good Mediterranean food. This is probably the best lunch value in town; they have a business lunch special priced at $4.95; what a bargain and the portions are huge. The combination platter is excellent, as is the Lamb Kabob plate. The hummus is homemade, served room temperature and out of this world, as are the fallafal. Most entrees come with complimentary pita. Excellent food & Excellent value!!
(5)Abhijit C.
Awesome place for a quick grub! Great lunch specials and you hardly have to ever wait to get food! Paradise for a meat lover!
(5)Jon G.
Excellent food, especially for the price. The platters are hard to beat as a deal, and the meats were all excellent. You could spend more elsewhere, but you'd probably get less.
(5)Greg R.
Love the food at Pita Inn - and the value proposition here is high. At lunchtime - their Business Lunch special is simply unbeatable! For a whopping $5.99 - you get a whole heap of tasty food. You get a nice sampling of protein options (shawarma, kabob, kifte, chicken, and a falafel) served with rice, pita, and salad. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more value from your lunch anywhere else. This place is always crazy busy at lunch - but service is always super quick. Even past the lunch special, their other options are all fantastic - huge portions of tasty food, all for great prices. I like the chicken shawarma plate, with a little add-on of garlic sauce and a couple falafel. Great food + great prices = 5 stars and a repeat customer.
(5)angela l.
For some reason the chicken wrap did not taste as good as those I had at their Mundeline store.
(3)Jan M.
Love it here! Always fresh, generous portions. FATOUSH salad is good but I prefer my own vinaigrette. I always order some falafel and rice as sides. The hummus and lentil soup are my favorites. Try their homemade lemonade!
(5)Rusty S.
Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but unfortunately I was a bit underwhelmed after reading all the great reviews. I got the chicken shwarma & hummus to go, with falafel on the side. My order was ready in about 20 seconds, which made me a little apprehensive to begun with. The bits of chicken had good flavor but were kind of dried out, like they had been cut and sitting for a while. The hummus was not the best I've had, but it was OK--a little in the cold & pasty side. The best part was the falafel, which had a great home-made flavor and was not greasy at all. I would give it another try with the falafel and maybe a chicken kebab, but can't recommend the shwarma.
(3)Ankur P.
This place will never fail. I've been come here since I was young. Best falafel hands-down. Anytime someone visits from out of town, this is one place we will take them. Prices are very reasonable for a great portion of food.
(5)Johnny N.
Not bad for a place to stop when you are hungry and don't have much time to be searching and driving around. Would I come back?...maybe.
(3)Lefai K.
I had the chicken tender entree here and it was A-OK. I feel like the chicken could be seasoned more . The rice was kind of bland as well. But for the price, it was a good size meal
(3)Karl C.
Pita Inn is amazing. This place is so popular, it can be tough to find a table or a parking space. And there's almost always been a line to order food. Get their business lunch special which is $6 and it gets you shish kabob, kifta kabob, a chicken breast, shawarma, falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. Everything is delicious, particularly the falafel and kifta, and it's an incredible deal. Outside of business lunch hours, you can get this platter for $10. Go. Here. It will change all that you know about Mediterranean food.
(5)Lori W.
Pita Inn I have missed you! My husband and I fell in love this place when we lived in the area. On Friday we were able to make a stop and was not disappointed. The business special has gone up in price but still a good deal. I love that they have Ginger ale on tap. The only reason for the one star off is that our order had a problem which was due to someone not reading the request.
(4)Joseph L.
Maybe I just don't like middle eastern food but I found the food here to be kind of bland, like cardboard. Even the vegetables tasted like they were in the freezer for weeks. The staff was friendly and the prices are low, so for that i give them 2 stars. I don't get it. I'm sorry.
(2)Venessa F.
This place... So great! There's a nice selection, kosher, vegetarian and flavorful meals for a great price. The staff is fast, friendly and attentive. Such a great atmosphere!
(5)Shaili S.
Always get great service.. Amazing food and well cooked!!! Falafel plate is so filling!!
(5)Rahul G.
I mean this place is amazing. Best Mediterranean food around, especially for the price! I go wayyy back with this place; lived next door to the first one on Dempster. Now this one is my go to since my mom lives around the corner. I grew up on this stuff. Their hummus is delicious and I always like ordering extra to have for the week. I normally get the gourmet falafel sandwich, which has potato slices in it, so yummy. Dump tons of their hot and white sauce on it to finish it off. I like the falafel plate sometimes if I'm in the mood to make my own sandwich. Other staples include the beef and chicken shawarma. Can't go wrong with anything here. Service is always super fast. Enjoy!
(5)Georgetta E.
Omar (the young one) is the BEST! By far one of the most pleasant food type place cashiers I've ever met. Thank you Pita Inn for not only tasty food but an easy and pleasant experience. Go here for falafel, chicken schwarma, tasty rice, and delicious pita - all at affordable prices. Super convenient, too.
(4)Ben K.
This place is a 4 star restaurant on weekdays during lunch because of their bomb business lunch special. But on the weekend (when I happened to visit) this place is a 3.5 star restaurant. I ordered a shish kabob sandwich for $4.99 and my friend ordered a shish kabob entrée for $8.49. The shish kabob in the sandwich was very tender and tasty, but the sandwich as a whole was a bit plain for me. I feel like if some rice came in the sandwich it would've been much better. The sandwich is the perfect alternative if you are not interested in getting an entrée. And if you order an entrée they definitely give you a lot of food, I've seen two grown men sharing an entrée and leaving satisfied. It is important to drench anything you order in the white and red sauce they offer, that's what separates Pita Inn from other Mediterranean restaurants.
(3)Shrinath P.
This place has the best Mediterranean food in the Chicago Suburbs. The portion sizes are defiantly big, lost to you is super low, worth every penny. The warm pita bread is amazing, chicken shwarma is very good as well. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone. I have been dozens of times, nothing beats their lunch specials!!
(4)Grace L.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a good Mediterranean place in the suburbs and it was great to come in on New Year's Day for a quick meal. This restaurant runs like a cafeteria where you order your food and wait for them to load up your tray with goodies. The prices are reasonable and the helpings are generous. There is also an unlimited supply of yogurt and hot sauces to grab! We got the combination entree and the lamb kabobs. The rice was cooked well, the meats were juicy and tender and our plate of falafels were crisp and filling! I also learned of the awesome lunch special this place offers! So happy to have stopped by - this place rocks!
(4)Sai Lohith M.
This is like my home. I go almost everyday other day to this place. Even though the menu is limited I never got bored of this food. Try the lamb kebabs or chicken shawarma and don't forget to add the spicy red sauce that comes with it. Yummy!!!
(5)Tian Y.
Finally made it to Pita Inn at lunch time to see what the $5 lunch is all about. Holy crap it's such a good value it makes their (already fairly priced) combo dinners seem like a rip off. I thought that the lunch would be a really small portion, but it was still large enough to fill me up with leftovers. All the meats were flavorful and tender, better than I've had before at other locations for dinner. I also really like this location's ample parking and really clean and efficient interior. The food came out very quickly and the ordering/waiting area didn't feel too cramped compared to the Dempster/Skokie location. And even though it was lunch rush, there was still plenty of seats and the tables were cleaned very quickly. Can see myself coming here often for lunch when in the area.
(4)Christine A.
This is my go to place for when I don't feel like cooking. My mouth is watering as I write this. I always come and order and the turn around time is always very fast. I've gotten the food to go and also eaten in the restaurant and outside on their patio (this is a must in the summer!). I've had take out in the past from their Skokie location but that was just limited to the Jerusalem salad. I've had falafel and chicken pitas and both are stand outs. Their beef is also excellent and I love that yellow rice that comes on the side. It is even better mixed with tomatoes and/or Jerusalem salad. I love that you can grab as much tahini sauce as you want from the counter. My only beef with this place is I think they over do it on the parsley in the Jerusalem salad and falafel. This does not deter me though, and I am stoked to try the baklawa next!
(4)Sarah T.
Sooo I didn't think that I liked shawarma, until Pita Inn. I think the trick to their flavorful food is the seasoning. Add the ridiculously low prices and the only thing stopping you from coming here is time. We tried the combination platters and literallly EVERYTHING was delicious.
(5)Megan G.
A truly good deal for the food you get. The food tastes authentic and delicious. The prices are very reasonable. And the falafel is excellent!!
(5)Gaurav B.
Cant believe haven't written a review yet .... One of my favorite places for middle eastern food .... Excellent shwarma Excellent chicken tenders OMG delicious lamb kebab perfectly crusty and flavorful falafels Great kinafa A must try here would be the Jerusalem Style Gourmet falafel sandwich ... excellent food , huge portions, low prices ...
(5)Megan C.
The food here is great! I especially recommend coming here for their lunch special M-F until 3pm. You get a huge plate of food for $5.99, which contains a variety of meats, rice, salad, and a pita. You can tell this place is good when at 3pm on a Thursday the place is almost packed. This restaurant is doing it right, and I definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't yet!
(5)Rajarshi R.
Very good healthy Fast Food.....Only thing is they should have more varieties of Lamb.
(4)Mike P.
What a crazy place. The guy taking orders has a great personality and is fun to interact with. The food itself is great for lunch and huge portions although not really seasoned as well as it could and should be.
(3)Jay K.
There's nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. It's GOOD. The lunch special is great both in flavor and value at under $5. Eat in or take out. Everything on the menu is cooked to order and served hot. The sauces that come with the special are great, The red color sauce has some 'kick' to it. If you like it you'll need two for you're lunch special. No matter which location you go to the quality is the same.
(5)Sonika ..
Quick service, great food and cheap price! 5 stars earned Pita inn! Chicken shawarma and falafel sandwiches are excellent! Also humus and pita are yumm!
(5)Bob R.
We decided to go to Pita Inn after attending a fundraising event at the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health. My son suggested this had the best Chicken Shwarma he'd had anywhere in the suburbs. This was a Friday evening at around 7:30 pm. While it was not packed, it was crowded. Like other Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, you order at the counter and when the food is ready, you pick it up on trays. Beverages are self-serve. We ordered a large hummus. My wife and I split a Chicken Shwarma dinner. There is more than enough food for one person, and it did two of us nicely. The hummus was tasty - not the best I've had but far from the worst. The pita served with the hummus was warm and soft. The Chicken Shwarma was well marinated and cooked. The rice was nice, but could have been more flavorful. They did not serve the spicy red sauce (not sure of the name) or tahini with the dinner. I recall it being priced extra on the menu. But, before we were done, my son somehow got a few servings for us. The salad served with the meal was fresh. Overall, I would say this was average for suburban Middle Eastern food. It's a little out of the way for us normally so I would not make this my "go-to" choice. If I'm in the area, I certainly would go again.
(3)Tasty X.
Popular, been here for awhile. Believe I remember this building was a Dairy Queen a long time ago. Don't be intimidated by food you may not have had before. You can get the lunch or dinner combo and you are basically getting just meat and rice. You WILL like it and you WILL come back. Come for lunch and fight for a table. This place is nuts because it is so good! Some of the employees have been there awhile and the one guy likes to joke with the customers. I have had him try to give me a handful of pennies for change a few times now. A coworker would order the vegetarian version of the lunch special and also is addicted. I have to be careful not to go down Elmhurst road past this at night. Otherwise the craving hits and it's a guaranteed stop. PITA INN IS THE GOLDEN STANDARD FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA.
(5)Tejas B.
Best Pita place in the city and suburbs. The falafel is awesome and so it the chicken shawarma. We have catered from there on multiple occasions and the quality of food is also consistent. Definitely must try. All the locations are equally good.
(5)Jeff A.
Stuff your face with the business lunch special. And get some extra tahini for the rice.
(5)Avinash K.
Food was really good. Me and my friend did get quite a lot of food. We got plate of hummus (served with couple of pita bread), that was good. Then we got combination feast (mix of chicken and beef), both the meat was delicious. The fatoush salad was pretty good. We had the baklava and kinafa. I was a fan of baklava, but my friend liked the kinafa better. So overall it was really good.
(4)Vic O.
Love and miss this place. It's all good.
(5)Jay Y.
I had the Combo Feast and it was off the freakin chain. The portions were large and the quality of the meats were excellent. I was even surprised by how moist the chicken was. The seasoned rice was on the money, and the fresh lemonade was perfectly tart AF. The workers were over friendly to my female counterparts.
(5)Shirley B.
Yummy food! Great service. I highly recommend the falafel.Going there now. We always get the dozen falafel to go as well.
(5)Olga S.
Falafel.... Makes my mouth water every time I think about it. Great place with great prices, especially lunch specials. Try lentil soup it is always delicious. And falafel, of course. I have been to this place more than a 100 times and they never disappoint.
(4)Luna M.
Well, I love Middle Eastern Food, but Pita Inn beats out any place that has the word, "Pita," in their sign. Not only do they have a great selection, they offer reasonable prices. Who can beat a combo lunch special for under $5? The combo (called business lunch special) is a great way to introduce a new guest to some of their main meals. Then you can decide which individual entree to have. My favorite is the Kefta kabob & Falafil plates. I love their rice--- it's delicious. Don't forget to dip your falafils in their hot (red) sauce. Currently, this is one of their 3 locations. Whenever I head to my parents' house, it's on my way so I pick up food for all of us to enjoy. Also, we have ordered catering portions for parties & they have always been a hit with the guests. Soon -- Pita Inn will open up their 4th location in Mundelein & I cannot wait!!!!!!!!
(5)jean h.
This one was really hard to review. I guess I am so unfamiliar with the spices in these dishes. My husband and I have been trying a new place each weekend. I had the GOURMET FALAFEL SANDWICH (Jerusalem Style). Seasoned ground chick peas and vegetables, formed into patties and deep fried to a flavorful crispness, served in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomato and tahini sauce, with the addition of potatoes, finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles. The pita was fresh - the lettuce and tomato was fresh, the potatoes in the sandwich were good. I just did not like the spices in the Falafel. I tried the Vegetable lentil soup and did not like the spices either. My husband had the Lamb Kabab and I did not care for the ground lamb or the spices either. This may be that I am so not used to eating these spices
(2)AbiJeet K.
Chicken shawarma is amazing and so is vegetarian combo plate. I come here almost 3 times a week. Amazing pita chips and good baklava.
(5)Bob H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. Used to go to this place a ton when I was in graduate school at Northwestern. Great food for cheap - can't beat it. Loved the falafel, the hummus & shwarma entree, the baba gannoush, the lentil soup, the Jerusalem salad, and of course the Business Lunch Special. And then (Skokie location only) head across the parking lot to the Pita Inn market to pick up a dozen pita and a quart of hummus! Oh and don't forget to ask for the hot sauce & white sauce, and the pickled turnips, olives, and raw onions to pour on top of your business lunch special. Unfortunately I live farther away now but anytime I'm in the area I try to fit in my pilgrimage to the mighty Palestinian Mecca of the northern suburbs!
(5)Mary H.
Super lentil soup! Delish hummus. And always fresh falafela makes this my very favorite restaurant!
(5)Violet M.
Absolutely love this place for the good dependable food and reasonable prices. Always order the chicken tenders platter with a salad, moist chicken tenders and yellow rice. Yumm, the generous portions mean I have enough to save for lunch the next day. I always get a box when the food arrives and pack up half of the platter before I dive in. The falafel is great as well as the hummus and tabouleh. We have tried the lamb and beef and all are great too. Husband likes their tamarind juice.
(5)Tejash P.
Good Mediterranean food though found it a bit pricey. But it's quite popular and busy during weekday lunch hours. Tried the lentils soup which was very tasty with carrots and vegetables. Service is prompt with ordering on one side and pickup on another. They don't have table service. Numbers are called out as per tokens issued to pickup food and sit wherever you want. Portion size is good. I suggest if you can't eat it all, take it as a carry out instead of wasting it. I was appalled by people wasting good food during lunch time yesterday. They have outdoor seating. Interiors are comfortable with good Middle-Eastern music playing and a clean restroom. They also have wall photos reflecting Palestinian cultures and traditions. Downside: Parking is small compared to the number of people frequenting this eatery. Food is a little expensive. Also, I suggest management should provide free Wi-fi access to customers and have a smile. You aren't working in an assembly line factory.
(4)Katie H.
This place has ok customer service I usually see other restaurants have faster service but this customer service is nice
(3)Chris M.
Still a great spot, but there is a lot of competition out there now in the Mediterranean food world. Pita Inn is still a solid choice, and the lunch special is still an awesome deal.
(4)Shani S.
I like the vegetarian combination and also the lunch special which is really inexpensive and delicious. Best of all you can order and the food is ready for carry out in few minutes I always had good experience and love their food.
(5)Jaime J.
Food is always awesome and the workers are always friendly.I'm so glad that it's so close to my house and the fact that they open to 10 is a plus since lot of the small restaurants close at 9. You can never go wrong with the combination feast. My husband and I share this with large hummus and extra pita . They have the best hot sauce too, I can drink that stuff:)
(5)Alan B.
You always know what you're going to get going there and you'll get very quickly. I usually go there for the business lunch and a drink keeping my bill under $9.00
(4)Christie P.
This is the best falafel in the suburbs. It is CHEAP, it is FAST and it is GOOD FOOD. All the usual fixin's you would expect, and some personal favorites are the Jerusalem-style falafel sandwich and the hummus and shawarma with chicken. They give you a ton of food, too. Their fresh-made pita makes the whole meal just perfect. Take out, eat in, bring kids, all good.
(5)Candice G.
Apparently, this is THE place to be at 6:30 on a Sunday evening. Parking lot: Packed Foyer: Packed Dining area: Packed So we waited. We waited on a Sunday eve to sit down at a fast food restaurant. Worth it. Well, less the crying babies and the hacking man- worth it. I usually don't like felafel, too dry for my tastes, but not at Pita Inn. Absolutely the only felafel sandwich I endorse. So moist, so stuffed, perfect proportions, tahini dreams are made of, and perfectly spiced red stuff. I'll drive from Naperville o Wheeling in heartbeat for this bad-boy... there might not be anywhere to sit and eat it, but I'd make the effort to get the damn thing nonetheless. I also got the mint iced tea, which was meh, maybe brewed a little too strong and with very little mint flavor and the vegetable lentil soup which again, I thought was pretty just okay and not very hot- which normally I don't mind, but with the consistency of their veggie lentil soup, it kinda just tasted like mushy gush in my mouth. Not a fan. Just do yourself a favor and get that felafel sandwich (better than the vegetarian falafel plate bc it's less work and perfectly portioned) and maybe their rice, which is also pretty damn delicious. Quick tip: They have a patio in the warmer months that when open, basically doubles the size of the restaurant's dining area.
(4)Bo P.
Good food! Good price! Fast food service. Every time is very consistent! I am glad that they are next door and keep serving the neighborhood right. The reason for 4 stars is the food, the rest is just OK. You have to serve yourself pretty much, so for 4+ or 5 star restaurant " "
(4)Monica B.
This was some very good middle eastern food at reasonable prices! The meats were all real tender and cooked perfectly! My husband had the vegetarian combo plate which he said was fresh and delicious! I would definetly come back and recommend this place to others! For a tasty treat get the mango drink behind the register. It is really sweet and delicious! The only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars is because they call people's numbers for their food on a loud speaker which gets real annoying after awhile if you eat in.
(4)Jennifer S.
There isn't a lot to say that hasn't already been said here. Basically, I whined for about a year until I found myself in the area with my hubby on a Sunday afternoon. I was convinced that I was missing some unbelievable food and since he'd been here many times before, I figured that I had to visit with him. The counter service was ordering was good. Pleasant and suggestions were made. I always appreciate that when visiting somewhere new to me. I tried the garlic dipping sauce due to one of those suggestions. But when we got out food, our extra pittas were missing. As were some falafel. I went up to asked for the missing pittas. My hubby arrived moments later to alert of the missing falafel. I don't think they believed us. There was a serious debate about our missing items. I don't know if they think I shoved the "missing" items in my purse or whatever, but they weren't very nice from that point on. It was weird and honestly the overall attitude left me with a bad taste in my mouth. What I learned here is that the combination meal is more than enough food for two of us to share. The pita bread was fine, but not worth ordering extra of at all. The caffeine free Mugg root beer at the self- service fountain area was a major plus. Finally, it wasn't worth the fuss. Pita House closer to home in Schaumburg is very similar with more pleasant service. In my humble opinion at least.
(3)Jahanzeb H.
This place is close to my work and they have an awesome Lunch special. $6 bucks for good quality meat with rice and Pita cant beat that. service is prompt but call ahead as there is a lot of people in line. Kefta kabob is my favorite. baba ganhuj is a must as an appetizer.
(5)Allhad K.
Probably the best middle eastern food in chicago suburbs. Their service is very quick and the food is tasty and fresh. They should keep the spicy chicken tender entree here which is available in mundelein.
(4)Amy W.
Pita Inn I love you!!!!!!!! Mmmmmmwah! The food here is consistently delicious. If you get the business lunch special, you can tour the menu. FOUR kinds of meat AND a falafel. I recommend an upgrade to the fattoush salad--it has peppers and parsley and dressing and pita chips. Much yummier and worth it. You can now fill your own fountain drinks, mint iced tea is delicious. The expansion was still not enough to accommodate their huge lunch rush, apparently I'm not the only one to think this place is awesome! You can phone ahead and when you arrive, skip the line. I may have seen people at the end of the line phone an order in. It's been done. They have lovely outdoor seating underneath the grape vines. They bus your table for you, so there's no need to clean up. Silverware and sauces are at the counter. Love the beef shawarma and hummus. The lunch special. I used to have their baklava, they also offer a sugar-free version ?!? I cannot leave this review without mentioning the trickster at the cash register, he always cracks my daughter up. To keep up that speed of service with a chuckle--that's special!
(4)Brian M.
Good food. Great prices. The staff is friendly and helpful. Nice place for a quick cheap and healthy meal. Try the mango during and combo platter. You will love it.
(4)Kyle B.
The lunch special is stupid good, stupid fast, and stupid cheap.So you'd be stupid to not check it out.
(5)Junior D.
I had enuff at the naf naf and wanted to try some authentic middle eastern food. I was working in area and seen all the cars and had too see what the hype was all about. Came here and ordered some falafel and a chicken shawerma salad. Chicken was very flavorful and falafel were hot and fresh. There pitas are so soft and melt in your mouth. There prices are very fair and quality is top notch compared to places.
(5)Mary K.
Wow! We were In town on a business trip and my friend and I decided to find somewhere different to eat. We found Pita Inn on Yelp and the reviews were really good. We both ordered the chicken shawarma entree, knafe, and baba ghanoush. We were impressed with the quick service and quality of food. There was a steady stream of a very cosmopolitan group of clients. Excellent on making a lasting impression on out of town guests! We will definitely come again if we come back to Deerfield!
(5)Simon K.
Wait, who deleted my review for Pita Inn? Because there's no way I haven't reviewed one of my favorite spots to eat in the north suburbs... Or maybe I'm just trying to assuage my guilt of not having gotten around to it... Nonetheless, if you love medi-food, this is the place to be. ESPECIALLY at lunchtime on a weekday. For five bucks, you get a nice helping of shawarma, kifta kabob, shish kabob, falafel, rice, tomatoes, lettuce and pita bread. Also, the hot and tahini sauces are the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, respectively, to bring more awesomeness to your dish. And on some weekends, if you sweet talk the guy at the cash register, you can get the lunch special that was supposed to be reserved for weekdays. How awesome is that? Their baklava isn't too bad either and it's a great way to end a meal. Just enough sweetness mixed in with the nuts and phyllo dough. All in all, a great place to grab lunch, or dinner for a few bucks more, in the northern burbs.
(4)Yueqin C.
I highly recommend the vegetarian combination plate. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. I personally like the baba ghanoush and falafel. It gets very crowded during lunch hours but the lunch special is a great deal
(5)Patrick M.
I will go way out of my way to eat at Pita Inn. I have never had a bad meal there. The staff is very friendly. It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)Rohit J.
Got my dinner to go. The food tastes terrible and is the worst greek food ever. The meat was sawdust, tzaziki was water. I also have an upset stomach even after throwing away most of it. It is SHOCKING that this place has such a high rating. I got suckered in because of it. Do not repeat my mistake.
(1)S s.
Awesome place! Great fresh food and great prices for a good portion size. My favorite?? The rice!! I dunno what they do to that rice but it's WAY too good! Try the lamb it's amazing!
(5)Bear C.
No wonder there are lines out the door when the food is this good.
(4)Kei A.
First time eating here. I've always had this dream of eating a felafel that became realized at a friend's house, and I fell in love. A buddy if mine was craving something different, so he drove by pita inn and I immediately ordered a felafel. Damn near perfect! Came out rather quickly, Nice and warm etc. The owner also seemed pretty goofy, so that's fun. The felafel's aren't exactly 100% authentic, but they're the closest you're gonna get. Damn near perfect.
(4)Chebureki M.
Very good Mediterranean food, enjoy it every time.
(4)Teresa T.
By far my favorite falafel ever and the hummus and garlic sauce is fantsstic! Amazing lunch special for $5 gets you a ton of food and you get to taste of several different items! A must stop every time I visit Chicago now.
(5)Nataliya A.
I love Middle Eastern food and have had a lot of it before so I feel like I know a thing or two about it. I have lived by this place for about 10 years and finally made my way here for the first time a few days ago. From just walking in, I felt like I was walking into a fast food place, and in a sense it is. While making my order the cashier was very funny but not too helpful. I have never been there and told him that I had no idea what was even on the menu, but he just kinda looked at me and smiled. I ended up getting the Lunch Special for like $7, which has steak, chicken, rice, tomato, lettuce, falafel, pita, and a cup of white sauce. When I got the food it was evident that it was way too much food for 1 person, I ended up having left overs for next day's lunch that made me very full. I would advice splitting the plate amongst 2 or 3 people. I think the 2 things that impressed me the most were the pieces of steak, which were very tender and flavorful, and the falafel. I usually stay away from falafel because I do not like too many spices in my food, but this falafel was actually not bad, maybe a little bland, but it fine. The rice was fine, there was way too much of it. I wish that I got more tomatoes and lettuce and less rice. Would I come back? I think so... I would want to try other dishes, especailly their baba ghanoush and hummus.
(3)Jessica Y.
This place is always busy which means consistently fresh/hot food. Prices are affordable, service is efficient, and restaurant is clean = lots of happy regular customers. Keep in mind it is a local hole in the wall family restaurant so don't expect fine dining atmosphere stuffed grape leaves are the only thing I could pass on here - too much leaf and not enough stuffing for me baba ghannoug ($3.79 for LG) and hummus ($3.59 for LG) both have balanced flavors with a hint of smokiness. I am a big fan falafel sandwich ($3.59) and falafels (.50 cents per) in general are wonderful - it is moist without being mushy and it is fried to perfection (not too crispy/hard). this is one of the few places I will order falafels. Shawarma (beef and chicken) sandwich/entree is always a solid choice - $4.39 - $8.39 The business lunch special - Combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread @ $4.95 is a great deal I have had chicken that is a bit dry but that is rare - overall I get excited thinking about eating here.
(5)M L.
Hands down the most reasonable, tasty, healthy lunch choice in the area. Food always fresh and perfectly cooked. If you are new to this type of food a great start is their lunch special (11-3 mon.-fri.). Cheaper and just as quick compared to any drive thru pick up. This special gives you a chance to sample a variety of healthy menu items. Their falafel is the best in the area. Try the beef swarma dinner plate- my fave.
(5)Catherine P.
I get it. It's a decent place. But I dont really get the hype. I'm sorry, Pita Inn, but you kinda let me down. You walk into this place. It's clean. It appears that you order at the register but there is no menu to order off of hanging up. WTH?? I look around for a menu, there is one small paper menu taped to the counter next to the register. Weird! I wait for my opportunity to seek in and look at the menu to decide what to order and then people hover over me to see the same little menu so I am forced to make a decision and get out of the way. I'm not so much for the "three inches away from my person/breathing down my neck/person I don't know" thing. We have been eating at Pita house and Naf naf grill for a while now. I'll drive to Naperville from Schaumburg for a little taste of Naf Naf, so I'm excited to try out Pita Inn that everyone raves about. I order the Kifta plate and my darlin fiancé opts for the chicken schwarma plate. He gets a drink. And I get water. $20. Ok not bad. We wait. And wait. And wait. They are busy but with the people that came in after us. Maybe they were short staffed but it appeared that there were a lot of guys behind the counter cooking. I hate to say it, but food was just ok. Rice was average. Nothing really special about it. The Kifta was quite tasty but unevenly cooked. Some pieces were WELL done and others on the medium side. Salad on the plate is really pointless unless you are making a sandwich and using sauce. It's pretty dry. My fiancé isn't a big fan of hummus or sauces, so his was a bit dry because the chicken wasn't the succulent deliciousness we expected. The plate looks like its overflowing with food, but it's mostly rice. A LOT of rice. They don't hold back on the rice here. Here is my issue. You're a pita place, right??? Dry almost stale pitas should have no place in your facility unless they are in the trash. For $20, I would really expect fresher product. After we ordered and while we waited, I found menus sitting on a half wall between the tables and the waiting area, I grabbed one and actually decided to go back up and order a small hummus to add to our order. We had plenty of time. I have to say the hummus was good! The crappy part that ruined the good hummus was the dry pita I used to dip into it. Not gonna lie, this place is equivalent to pita house in Schaumburg. And pita house is a bit more reasonably priced.
(3)Hardeek P.
Hands down the best falafel this side of Lebanon. (Not that I've been to Lebanon but I can imagine). The hot sauce is what make the food extra good, it has a flavorful kick. Not like your vinegary tobasco sauce, has a lot of flavor. Great options for both - carnivores and herbivores alike. And their lunch special for meat eaters - is a hell of a deal. It's always packed anytime I go. I've been coming to this place since before Jr. High. There's been a few other falafel spots that opened within a mile radius, and they've all shut down - there's a reason why. Excellent food, Reasonable Prices (even after the increase). Come hungry
(5)J S.
It seems that middle eastern restuarants are a trend now, along with sushi places and cupcake bakeries. Don't get me wrong I can't get enough middle eastern food, cupcakes or sushi. But Pita Inn is the reliable standby. I live in the area and used to work nearby and go here often. When I went I picked up lunch specials for my coworkers. Sometimes I'd picked up seven or eight at a time. And the lunch special is still $4.95. I think thats the best food value in the city regardless of cuisine. Even Mickie D's is over five bucks.
(5)Patty C.
Super cheap and yummy food. I love the $5 lunch combo. There's so much food that I always have leftovers. Try to come either really early or really late for lunch. Otherwise, the line is pretty long, and parking is a struggle.
(4)Haroon N.
Very fast turnaround and convenient location since my hotel (the Westin) was 4 minutes away. They have halal chicken and lamb but make sure you specify when ordering Very good price as well - mixed plate, soup and salad came out to $15! Lets see how good the good cruelly tastes.
(4)Peter G.
I love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. This place is one of the best I've been to. Great food and great prices: i don't understand how someone could find it a bit pricey. This is a major metro area after all, not Tampa. Their business lunch special is the best deal in town. Shwarma dishes and lamb kabob sandwich are excellent. As is the fatoush salad and the baba ghanouj is outstanding. Pita bread is their own. These guys know what they are doing.
(4)Dave C.
Chicago-ans have something really special here with the Pita Inn chain. Probably my favorite meal of the weekend on my trip back to the Chi. Freshness, portions, pricing, and taste all perfect. Especially the hot sauce, tahini, baba ganoush, and slight crispness of the chicken shawerma. Exactly how I remember it growing up!! Having done a little web research, this long standing chain of restaurants is owned by Palestinians. Which, to me, is completely awesome having grown up near the original Pita Inn in Skokie (traditionally a heavily Jewish community). Jews, Palestinians, Arabs and non-Arabs alike sharing wonderful food at reasonable prices. Food tears down walls and brings people together folks, Pita Inn is living proof.
(5)Susan S.
What happened? This used to be a great place for a Chicken Tender dinner. Chicken was tender tonight, thank goodness, this gave it the 3 star rating, but sauce was runny like water, both pitas wrapped up in tin foil were gummy, tomatoes were almost invisible--is it that hard to set up a schedule to ripen tomatoes for meals during the winter months? Rice had nearly no taste. What happened? Did the bigger remodeled building cut into the cost for quality meals? Never had this happen before so will chalk this one up to a bad night.
(3)Derek C.
I ate so much of this stuff, I actually got sick of it, but now I'm back at it again! I love the shwarma here and the hummus. I usually just order the combination feast, but no kifka kabob, extra shish kabob instead! the kifka kabob kinda looks and tastes like hamburger meat so I am not a fan of that stuff. and it's a ton of food so I normally order it and split it with my wife but gotta get extra rice! make sure to add chicken to it for $1 and it's a great meal. but simply, this place has great food and cheap prices. what more can you ask for?
(5)Raji V.
Good service and food for cheap. I usually get the chicken shawarma or the kifta kabob it's seasoned really well. Sometimes you can ask for sandwiches gourmet style where they will add potatoes to your wrap depending on the cashier they may do it for you.
(4)C.L. S.
I have been eating here for years. Food is fresh and the staff is great. Its always clean. I love the samplers you get a bit of everything. The problem now is recently they have changed the portions to about half and the prices went up how sad!! Less Hummus, Less Filial, and a chicken breast tender. To Pita Inn, Please correct this it ruined our experience!
(2)Jamal A.
Pita inn is alway the king! and the manager Hamdi is the best!
(5)Brian F.
I have eaten here many times. I will continue to eat here whenever I have the chance. The feast that you are awarded with by going to this restaurant is fit for the royal family. There is much to love about this delicious food. The place tends to be crowded and busy. But, that is because the food is inexpensive, plentiful, and extremely delicious. I believe they do not employ chefs, no, they are far too magical to be mere chefs. They have wizards using ancient magic (aka recipies) to make these tasty feasts. Pita Inn is one of the wonders of the world.
(5)Sharon R.
Great lunch special. For $4.95 you get rice, falafel, steak, lamb, chicken, and pita. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very nice. It's very busy which shows how many customers they get. My fellow co-workers are always getting it for lunch. They have a great variety too of this type of food. Definitely would recommend and a must try.
(5)Laura C.
I really like this place, been eating here for years. It's a nice place to eat (they finished a slight explansion project a short time ago), and CLEAN. A lot of casual food places really don't keep up with keeping the eating area clean, but Pita Inn is really good about quickly busing vacated tables and cleaning up. We're not close enough to go pick up the food and bring it home to eat, so it's important that the eating area be comfortable and clean. The food is wonderful, though I can't say we vary much in what we order - generally baba ghanouj or hummus, lamb kebab sandwiches, lentil soup, a few pieces of falafel, and more often than not, a piece or two of baklava to go. The food is consistently tasty, and because it's relatively healthy, I feel good about eating it. We rarely get the chance to take advantage of the weekday lunch special (lot of food, good variety), but I still find the regular prices reasonable for the quality and quantity. I'd like it if the lentil soup was available in a larger size...but I don't know how often I'd actually order a larger size even if it were available - I like noshing on a variety of things so my boyfriend and I usually share our food. I'm really glad this place exists and that it's stayed consistently good for all these years.
(5)Jerry K.
Pita Inn is the best restaurant around. jer
(5)M. Tiffany B.
Try their Lamb Kabob sandwich it's ridiculously good....the meat is very juicy and tender. And please don't get me started on their hummus, which is just as amazing and flavorful. If you're a foodie like me you'll love this place!
(4)Nann C.
The business entree special is perfect portions and cost for mid day break. They get super busy, but the guys at the register are super nice, and funny. Proud supporter for them.
(5)Tom A.
At this point I am just heaping praise on an already adored institution. Simply put, no place offers more basic, fresh, delicious fare for the money. Everything you taste is fabulous. And, no hyperbole, this is the best falafel you can find. As a bonus, the dining room is an energetic place filled filled folks of every ethnicity. If you're looking for real evidence that good food brings people together, here it is. Oh, and try the mind iced tea--it's awesome.
(5)Karl M.
Always delicious noon or night at any of the several locations. Heavenly hummus. Breathtaking Baba ghanoush, terrific Tabbouleh, sexy Shawarma, decadent dolma, and plenty of pita's. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, too! Don't worry... the food is prepared quickly and with the freshest ingredients... seriously... this place is always busy. The prices are super cheap compared to portion size. The businessman lunch special will stuff even the heartiest of eaters. No likey meat? Get the vegetarian combination. Plenty of flavor to go around. Don't forget the sauces... tahinni and red chili sauces that complement any dish. When you are finished eating, a loud belch will alert the staff that they can come take your dirty dishes away.
(5)Shru J.
Being vegetarians, we have limited options to eat out. Pita-Inn is one place I would prefer, anytime. But, for a carryout. Personally I feel the place is bit dull and boring for a dine in. Done that once, I would rather go for a carry-out. The only stuff I tried there are vegetarian falafel plate and a vegetarian combo plate. I am in Love with the falafels. Seems kinda healthy. No regrets on eating more than I should. will surely miss this place when we move out of this country!! :(
(4)Kimberly S.
I can definitely give an honest and detailed review of this restaurant. I have been frequenting The restaurant for several years. I have literally tried everything on the menu. I have travel to the Middle East and Mediterranean and can say that this food is authentic and it is delicious. The manager there is also a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor he is very fun to... So much so that he actually became a family friend of ours. Ask for Hamdy... He is sure to make you laugh. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you will be happy at this place... The food is fresh and is always fast. It gets a little crazy at this place because of the affordability and the family friendliness... However that's no bother. It's a hood place to grab dinner or lunch that's quick and healthy as well. I would definitely recommend the combination feast and the vegetarian plate... Or if you're going with the group you may just want to share these two dishes with 2 to 4 people depending on how hungry you are. Don't forget to add the garlic sauce... The garlic sauce is yummy! Have their iced tea it's a mint iced tea and it is so refreshing, I love it :)
(5)Paul K.
Love Pita Inn! Consistently great food at good prices!
(5)Samantha K.
Hands down, best Falafel Sandwich! Jerusalem style is the way to go. Falafel is seasoned well and served fresh. I have tried a ton of stuff here. Hummus is fresh, tasty, and goes well with pita bread or added to the sandwich as is the Taboulah salad. Son and husband have had chicken and beef, both served as a meal and enjoyed them. There is enough pita bread served with them to make a pita sand or use as a side. The food comes out quick, fresh, and delicious! Look forward to additional visits, but would love a location in the far northwest suburbs.
(4)Subbu R.
Terrible service. Grumpy old man at the counter who refuses to change the order even though it wasn't billed yet. Worst service ever
(1)David B.
Like Johnny Cash sings, I've been everywhere, man. And from sea to shining sea, no other restaurant in this fine land does cheap Middle Eastern food like this place. Pita Inn is King. Long live The King. First, the falafel. Plop a basket of these succulent, crispy-tender-warm-crunchy footballs of goodness in front of two warring Middle Eastern countries and they would drop their arms and go dunking these little puppies in that creamy splendidness that is the Pita Inn tahini (white) sauce, followed by a decadent soak in that spicy hot wonderful red sauce for a Batman show Ka-POW! Except the only explosion you'll feel is that taste bomb of love that just went off in your mouth. Yer welcum. Plus, the place is CHEAP. $4.95 for a mountain of all kinds of carne, a pile of yummy yellow fluffy rice fabulousness and a side of crispy/cool lettuce/tomato AND warm, tender pita bread = GET THE BUSINESS LUNCH SPECIAL*!!! (*only available M-F during lunch hours, but just go ahead and order the Combo Feast at other times--still a good value.) Really, what's not to love? THE FACT THAT THE CHICAGO AREA DOES NOT HAVE PITA INNs ON EVERY CORNER LIKE, I DUNNO--WALGREENS! ::grumble:: A man can dream. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. But unlike heroin for the Man In Black, Pita Inn is the drug for me. ps. If you eat in, and are hankering for a hunk-a more pita, just politely ask the good men behind the prep counter, humbly offering your empty pita basket. They will bless you with said pocket bread-gratis.
(5)Katerina K.
Love this place. The food is amazing every time. The falafels are delicious and my favorite meat thre is kabob. It seems a litle pricey at first glance, but I never regret spending the money because it is just so good.
(5)Linda B.
Each time we go we absolutely love the food! We usually have take out but the food stays hot and fresh until home. The chicken is very good, with yellow rice and the falafel is the best, crunchy and moist. We like the gourmet falafel sandwich with tomato, potatoes, and sauce. They should, however, have an option to leave out the onion from the tomato potato mixture. The steak and lamb are great. The tabbouleh is good along with hummus and lentil soup. I enjoy the vegetarian platter with stuffed grape leaves. The salad is just lettuce.
(4)Johnny T.
Pita Inn, we meet at last. Long have I heard tales of your addicting foods and saucy, er, sauce. Finally, it was my chance to sup at your table... or, whatever the take out equivalent of supping at the table is. I like. I liked a lot. Again, I hadn't eaten for, about, 12 hours so I'm pretty sure that I would have eaten almost anything at that point but I don't think I would have enjoyed it. And, enjoy I did. I know people get on high horses and bemoan your 'lack of authenticity' and how you make Middle Eastern food for non-Middle Eastern tastebuds. I've heard it all before. But, here's the thing: I take you as you are and for what you are. And, for what you are, you're dang good. Your chicken shawarma was delightfully juicy, tender and well-seasoned. Your tahini sauce made my mouth say 'Open sesame' (see what I did there?). And, your rice... let's just say yellow's my color. And thanks to the ample amount of pita you gave me, I can either sop or make a makeshift sandwich. You give me options, Pita Inn. Options! I can't say that I would drive all the way to Wheeling to visit you again, but I've heard a rumor that you have identical sisters all over the 'burbs... maybe even close (relative; again, see that?) to where I live. Leave a light on.
(4)Jackie L.
Try to go for the lunch special! You cannot beat that price for great food. Favorite is the Hummus, Falafel, chicken and lamb. Everything here is good tho the place does get crowded. So I like to order ahead of time and pick it up to go. And don't forget to get extra sauce!!
(4)Archie P.
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(1)Mallory S.
Absolutely excellent. GREAT prices and food. They really care about their customers and are always very accommodating. I've been a regular here for a few years and keep coming back! The lunch special gives you so much food for an incredible price.
(5)J D.
Agree with the other reviewers that there's probably nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. Such good food, and not expensive at all. The people who work here are super nice and funny, too. My family eats here more than I will admit.
(5)Peter D.
(So it turns out this is not a lovely little bed and breakfast where you sleep in pita-shaped beds. But you can consider this review a patent for that idea, so keep your grubby hands off.) Look, Pita Inn. I'm not going to lie to you; when I've been on a plane/in an airport all day and haven't eaten any food that didn't cause me severe intestinal problems, your lamb kebab does it for me (deserving of the "Recommended" star on the menu). Especially for $4.39. But if we're buying seven different sandwiches of four different varieties, couldn't you label them so I don't have to go through all of them to figure out whose is whose? Nobody wants my grubby hands all over their food. And would it kill you to throw some napkins and plasticware in the bag for the salads?
(4)Katherine K.
This is my FAVORITE mediterranean restaurant ever! I have been a Pita Inn fan for more then 6 years. I always come here anytime Mon-Fri for their Lunch combo special (before 3pm) If you order WITHOUT chicken its $3.95, can't beat that price! Im super excited that they are branching out to the Vernon Hills area so I don't have to drive a good 50 min round trip. Keep up the good work Pita Inn!!!
(5)Jelena Z.
Okay, so does anyone else have this problem? You know, the one when you're driving through a north suburb at lunchtime and you pass that ubiquitous red and white logo, and somehow your car is dragged by some mystical force into a packed Pita Inn parking lot? Happens to me every, single time... whether I'm truly hungry or not! I mean, how does one beat the lure of the "Business Lunch Special" for $4.95? That's about the price of a (as in, ONE) premium gallon of gas right now... truth! That's right, you can't beat it. And it really doesn't matter who you are, what you earn or even if you have an aversion to the suburbs because the truth remains: Pita Inn puts out tremendously good food at ridiculously low prices. And what exactly does a five spot buy you? A loaded plate of shawarma, chicken, shish kabob, kifta kabob, green salad, falafel, pita bread and tahini. Yes siree, it's a lot of food. And you know what, Chicago? The suburbs have one up on you in the Middle Eastern category. Sure, you have Sultan's but Pita Inn is truly unmatchable. Plus, you get the antics of Weiner's Circle thrown in but without the snark. And the long line? In fifteen minutes you'll either be eating (you'll get a table, I promise) or driving away with your spoils and half of that Alexander Hamilton.
(5)Jenny C.
I LOVE PITA INN!!! the best middle eastern restaurant in Chicagoland, I love the location in skokie, the prices are amazingly low, they have the most delicious humus and their pita bread is made everyday in their bakery!! Every time i go to Chicago I have to stop at Pita Inn for the "combination fest"
(5)M S.
Fantastic cuisine with friendly service! Great lentil soup, tahini sauce and falafel! Humdee is a great manager- always quick with a joke!
(4)T Y.
We have been to this place numerous times, and while the food is still pretty good, the service has spiraled downhill the last few times. First, the guy who took our order greeted us with the warmth of an Orc from the Hobbit movies. Then, the prices of three of the seven items we ordered were higher than the online menu. I requested a small container of extra sauces (they are real skimpy on sauces for orders of multiple entrees) and they charged me $2.60 for them! Upon getting home, I determined they sent us three wrong entrees ( although they had it correct on the bill). The food ended up being pretty good, but they are obviously trying to cut costs by cutting back on the meat and loading up on the rice, soggy lettuce and tomatoes. The bread was good, although a little sparse given the number of entrees and sides (hummus). This used to be the go to place for Mediterranean food, but maybe they changed owners. Time to look for another place.
(2)Ang K.
It was alright :) I don't have experience with this cuisine to which I could compare Pita Inn, but it was tasty and filling.
(3)Kate F.
Pita Inn is what I compare all other Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Food to. If you have never tried Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food, this would be a good place to start. Try the Shwarma, the rice, the hummus... You will not be caught off guard by bizarre spices and strange tastes. The food is flavorful but not so exotic that you have to be a native to enjoy it. If you like spicy/hot try the red sauce. If you like it milder try the tahini (white sauce). You'll get both with your meal so you don't have to order it spicy or mild. I love their beef shwarma, rice, Bethlehem salad, hummus, falafel, pita, tahini sauce, baklava, and mango drink. The portions are big and worth the money. There is no doubt I would recommend Pita Inn to anybody. (They have vegetarian options too). Other reviewers have complained about how crowded it can be at times... Try it to go/ Carry out. Everything is still fresh and warm by the time it gets home.
(5)Jeff S.
I wish these where closer to home but a few recent trips to this area has landed us in multiple Pita Inn locations. On a previous trip to the Glenview location we found the Falafel was a bit dry and not nearly as good as what Taza does in the Loop, the Chicken Shawarma was very good. Decided to try the Baba Ghannoug and it was okay. The Mint Tea and Tamarind drinks were pretty good as well. Probably a 3 star experience, but a return trip to the Wheeling location easily kicked it up a star. This time we shared a Combination plate and the Shish Kabob was excellent, as was the Shawarma again. A small hummus plate with pita bread made the meal the perfect amount to share. And the fact that the food is cheap and served relatively fast makes it a no-brainer; if I worked nearby I'd be taking advantage of the $5 lunch menu 3 days a week.
(4)Valerie W.
Delicious, fast, and reasonably priced! As far as I know everything is made in-house. Yes, it is "fast food" in the sense that you're going to stand in line, place your order, and they'll call you when it's ready. But everything is fantastic. You get a ton of food for a little money, and everything is hot and fresh. Falafel and baba ghannoush is well seasoned. The shwarma and chicken shwarma are great. The pita is always warm and fresh, and the salads are also great. Good for a quick bite to eat. Two people can eat for $10-15 total. The business lunch special is around $4.00 for a combo feast, and I think it includes a drink too!
(4)Jerry B.
the combination feast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Lisa N.
Everything great...food, service, cleanliness, atmosphere. Very reasonably priced as well. Loved "Pita Inn" and will return!
(5)Sherwin C.
The food here is pretty good at a very good price. There's not too many choices of Mediterranean food out here in the suburbs and Reza's is all the way out in Chicago or Oak Brook. My 2 favorite items here are the lamb kabob entree and hummus (with pita). The falafel here is fried well and tasty and chicken shawarma is an interesting alternative to rotisserie chicken. As a warning, the portion sizes here are large so you may want to bring a buddy if you plan on ordering an entree. The only big drawback here is the small restaurant size which is probably necessary considering how hard it is to keep up with the existing orders they get -- It's worth the wait though.
(5)Lolia S.
Not too many places make their own pita but Pita Inn does. Everything seems homemade, from the hot sauce to the baklava. Chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are cooked on the revolving rotisserie. It's no frills, casual food with a fast food feel. Order at the counter, get a number and pick up your own food and get your own utensils and sauces. Come on the weekdays between 11 AM - 3 PM to get the business lunch special. It's a huge heaping plate of food with shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, grilled chicken breast tenders, falafel, rice pilaf, green salad, pita bread, $4.95. This seems to be the most popular lunch item. * Pita bread - thick, chewy, on the tough side * Falafel - 1 piping hot patty, crispy outside, tender inside, very good * Beef shish kabob - has a nice grilled flavor, not dry, boring * Grilled chicken tender - actually tender, grilled flavor, boring (underseasoned) * Shawerma - definitely on the dry side, underseasoned * Kifta kabob - these ground meat patties were more strongly seasoned, not bad * Hot sauce - it is quite spicy and chunky, unusual, reminds me of salsa * Tahini sauce - okay, thin consistency, could be more flavorful * Rice pilaf - fluffy, yellow rice, nice * Salad - standard lettuce, tomato The menu includes salads, dolma, lentil soup, falafel, sandwiches, entrees ($6.95 and up), and homemade beverages (tamarind juice, mint iced tea, etc.). Prices are ridiculously low (e.g., get a beef shawarma or kifta kabob sandwich for $3.95), portions are generous and not surprisingly, it's extremely popular with the locals.
(3)Jennifer L.
I swear I'd previously written a Pita Inn review (yes, this location).... But Yelp is telling me otherwise. So I shall write a new review. I HEART Pita Inn!! I am a total picky eater. I always order the exact same thing: a Chicken Schwarma Entree, minus the salad. And then I get extra red-sauce (which comes on the side) and drizzle the spicy red sauce all over my tasty chicken goodness. It's phenomenal. I could eat it 3 times a week. The chicken is juciy and tender. And it comes on a fluffy bed of yellow rice. Now, I've brought nearly all of my friends here, as well as some co-workers, and I've never heard of one complaint. Everyone who comes here loves it! They have a GREAT lunch special, it's like $4.95 or so, and you get like a "sampler" of their stuff. It's very popular. My friends have sampled nearly everything and they love it. Their prices are *fair*. I think I pay Nine-something for my chicken shwarma, which seems a bit high considering it's just some sliced chicken pieces and rice... rice, which is like 2 cents. lol. But whatever. It's the cost of eating out. This place is like a "fast-food" type place.. so please don't go with the delusion that it's a fancy place. Hellz no. Casual. Fast-Food. Your order. They give you a number. They scream your # when your order is ready. You go to counter to pick it up. You take your tray to the table (or bag to go) and you feast. If doing takeout, my tip is to call ahead and order, especially at lunch. The lunch rush at this place is NUTS!
(5)Nuf S.
Dining at Pita Inn is always a treat. I enjoy everything on the menu! My kids enjoy the Chicken shawarma. Tasty and filling.
(5)Angelica S.
Highly recommended! I absolutely love the chicken schwarma. I get it every time I go. The pita bread and hummus is also delicious. The falafel sandwich is also a favorite of mine. Best falafel I have had to date so far. They have sauces too. The white one is a tahini sauce which isn't spicy at all. I add this to everything I eat there. The red one is spicy. I don't know what it is called but I'm not a fan, because it's spicy. But if that's what you like, then go for it! Be aware that during busy hours it gets PACKED. You might wait in line for awhile to get your food, but it's so worth the wait. Everyone is also super nice there, I have never had an issue at this location.
(5)Rana G.
This is the best Arabic restaurant I have ever eaten at!! the prices are great and the portions are generous!!
(5)Jodie P.
I love this place. The food is delicious and the price is right. The business lunch special is a great deal. So much food for a small price. The tall handsome man at the counter always cracks funny jokes and makes you feel welcome.
(5)Meg P.
Love love love pita inn. Best food for the price. So delicious and hits the spot every time.
(5)Jenn C.
It's a Middle Eastern chipotle... that should sum it up! It's good.
(3)Rodger W.
The glowing reviews here say more about the low quality of the Middle Eastern food in Chicago than any accurate assessment of the actual quality of the food. Sure, it is cheap. But good? Not so much. Think of it as a Mid East McDonalds, and you would be accurate. To quote a drinking buddy: Good from far. Far from Good.
(2)Rob S.
$5 business lunch is the greatest thing to people who work since the movie Office Space. Whenever you are having a bad day, just head to Pita Inn for their lunch special and it will make your day way better. Fresh filet kabobs, schwarma, falafel, pita, rice, and salad will leave you full and possibly sleepy. Make sure you drink water after though as the seasonings are salty. The place can get slammed around noon so go during off peak lunch hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)Steven K.
Love! Every chance i get. Lunch special, amazing price for such good food.
(5)Jeremy P.
I give this place 5 stars because of the business $4 lunch special. It is the best deal around town and is always spot on in flavor. Salad, rice, falafel, shawarma and chicken. It will definitely fill you up, almost enough for 2 people. Also try their hummus, it is absolutely outstanding. The lines are long at lunch time, but the workers are very nice and funny.
(5)Amanda L.
Middle Eastern food like I grew up eating! So delicious, and so reasonable! I'm so happy to have a place like this out in the suburbs, otherwise I was forced to trek into the city, which meant I barely ever ate Arabian food. The falafel is delicious, and the Kifta kebob is hands down the best. Love the rice too, it's got a good flavor and consistency. The pita is always so soft and warm, can't wait to dip it in some hummus! Pleasantly surprised this last trip by the sugar free baklawa, it tasted just like the normal stuff (which is also amazing). Can't mention the food and not mention the staff, they are always pleasant and make us happy to be customers. Thanks Pita Inn, for bringing Middle Eastern great food to the suburbs! :) You've helped one Palestinian-American girl get her American husband completely hooked!
(5)Jay N.
Pita Inn is a great place to get some great Mediterranean food. The value is incredible for the quality and quantity. $3.95 for the business lunch is the best value around to get ground beef kabob, tender beef kabob, sliced seasoned beef, a falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. They give you a little more at dinner for the same combo but it's $7.99. The hummus is a little thicker than I'm used to, not that I'm complaining. The pitas are great and have pockets so you can fill them with falafel and other food to make a sandwich. I like their baba ghannouj. Chunky pieces of eggplant mixed in make it my choice over hummus. They ran out of forks while dining in so we had to make do with the plastic ones. Service can take a little time when they're busy but still a great choice for a good meal.
(4)Matt R.
Pita inn is a nice place with some decent falafel. The style here is very "American Middle Eastern", however. That is the only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is that it is not made like true Middle Eastern food joints (if you were to go there). Nothing against the quality itself nor the restaurant itself. The big difference is in how falafel sandwiches are made. Real middle eastern falafel sandwiches are made with hummus (and much richer) lining the pita on the inside. Also their hummus style is somewhat creamy, so for those who prefer that style of more soft hummus will certainly be pleased. One of the biggest wins here is the real Tahini sauce. Not the fake stuff that you see in regular supermarkets or even specialty. They have the real strong sesame based Tahini sauce which is fantastic. The service is pretty fast considering the limited number of staff and the place certainly can get crowded but still moves people fairly quickly. Prices also seem to be more in line with real middle eastern prices as you can get a falafel sandwich for around $3. Just don't forget that they serve the stuff they can do quickest first sometimes, so the numbers called out will not always be in numerical order. Overall, one of the few reliable middle eastern places to eat in the general northwest suburban area. Update: Added menu pic I took from my phone (Sorry, only a 5 megapixel phone...crappy quality). Anyway, had the veggie combo plate tonight and it was good as well....tabbouleh and baba ghanoush were great as was the stuffed grapes....very traditional tastes. However, I totally forgot to mention....middle of the week this place is PACKED! As far as speed , I was in and out in less than 25mins (I eat fast too)....which is impressive considering volume.
(5)William B.
I'm more of a regular at the Milwaukee Av location, but I was in the area, so I thought I'd give this location a try; it has been years since I've been to this one. As usual, it was lunch time, so I got the lunch special (sans chicken, +2 extra falafel). Flavors were as expected. Falafels were nice and crunchy. The little salad on the side was, quite literally, just the stump from a head of lettuce. It just seems to me that the lunch special has been getting a little skimpy (even at the Milwaukee Ave location). Maybe I need to come at a time other than lunch. This location does appear to be expanding the dining area, so thats a good thing.
(3)Peter R.
I have said it before and I will say it again. The best $4.95 (plus tax) that you are going to spend is for the Business Lunch Special. Unless you are in some third world country then $4.95 can buy you a small house. Well you are in the good ole US of A so spend that money here at Pita Inn. Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken, and Falafel, with Pita Bread and small salad all ready to be consumed for that low low price??? Honestly its like stealing, but since they wont press charges go ahead and take advantage of the great deal. Guaranteed to give you the "itis" or your money back...heck its only $4.95.
(4)Michael G.
Delicious food that often justifies the crowds, wait, and Spartan environment.... However, if they would just be more careful removing the skin and gristle off the Chicken Tenders every time, I would go even more and maybe increase the rating by a star or 2. Also, it seems like the drink glasses got smaller which isn't so bad because it is self service now and you can go up for refills when you need them. t is just annoying getting up very often now because the new glasses are too small... I suspect it is a cost cutting measure, which I do not appreciate as a regular customer... The restaurant has great potential if they can just improve some of the little things like that....
(3)Usman H.
Had only a partial halal menu, so we tried a couple of things (chicken and lamb) only. No great service... the food was just ok and ambience was average. Overall nothing to write home about.
(3)Suki N.
Love their baba, falafel and pita! Just have to be careful of OD-ing on this place... But best bets are vegetarian combo (tasty even if u eat meat) kifta plate and lentil soup! Will always be my go-to for baba cravings! :-D
(5)Michelle M.
Eating vegan/vegetarian in the burbs can be a challenge, but luckily we have plenty of mediterranean options to opine about - this being near the top of my list. For a small Pita place, it sure is kicking, bringing in a diverse crowd of families, business people and teenage/young adults, and the service is super fast. I usually order the vegetarian combo plate. It comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie salad, tambouli, ton of pita bread, and a full tummy. They also offer free tahini and some dark sauce for free up @ the counter. So if you want to grab a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner for around 7 bucks, then hit this place up!
(5)Carol Y.
I have been going to Pita Inn since I can remember. It was a regular thing on a Friday night in my house. The food is always good and reasonably priced. My dad and I came here the other day for lunch and I fell in love with Pita all over again. We both ordered to Lunch special. For $5 you get a plate full of salad, rice, Shish Kabob, (Also like large cubes of meat) Kifta Kabob, (ground beef, small patties), shwarma (sliced like gyro) a chicken tender (more like the size of a small chicken breast) and Falafel. It also comes with Their fresh baked pita bread. I also ordered a large Jerusalem salad,(diced tomatoes and cucumbers with parsley in tahini sauce) which I got my dad hooked on it our last trip to the Pita Inn on Dempster. Top it off with 2 fountain drinks that now you can refill. Total was under 20 bucks and we were stuffed. I wanted baklava so damn bad but I just couldn't do it. For me, this place is a staple of my suburban upbringing. I have many fond memories of Friday night dinners and discussion over a plate of hummus. This was my first time to this location since the remodel and it looks great, On a side note, for those a little more up north, look for their newest location in Mundelein on RT 60, just east of RT 45. They are taking over the old Krispy Kreme location.
(5)Richard C.
I sht you not, I will eat here everyday if I lived little closer. All pita inn restaurants seem to offer almost identical taste, with consistency. This place is no different; tho, make sure you visit here for lunch if u can as food seem more fresh out of grilld. This place dominates any mediterranian restaurant in most of chicagoland. Must visit!
(5)Honest Review F.
One word "Delicious". Super fast service, Super clean, when I say clean, I mean clean. Even the window ledges are dust free, floor is spotless. Lots of food for the money. Pita Inn is one of my all time favorites:)
(5)Rafi A.
I have been coming back to Pita inn with some frequency lately. My comments about the heavy doses of carbs still are true, but if you order correctly, there are great other choices. The lamb entree served on fatoush salad ($1.00 extra) is a great value. it is halal (meets Islamic dietary restrictions) and plentiful. They give you around seven pieces of some of the tastiest meat at any price. The Kifta Kabob is also extremely tasty. It resembles the lamb, but is ground beef flavored with herbs in shape of little logs. I also love the sugar-free baklava. It is only served at the Wheeling location, not Glenview (not sure about the Skokie location, but I've never seen it there. It may be at the super market as well). You would never know it is sugar free. A little expensive, but given the quantities they make it in, that's to be expected. Best of all, my ravenous boys can't get enough of this stuff. I'm so pleased they're eating this and not the cheap carbohydrates found at lesser restaurants.
(4)Joseph P.
First time here since they remodeled - and wow! what an improvement. More space to sit, so now there's a chance you can eat in at lunch. Same lovable characters behind the counter, and now you can refill your drinks. Food is still great, still a bargain at lunch. Still draws a really interesting crowd at noon. Love it, just don't worship it!
(5)Rachel W.
I've catered this place a million times for my crew, it's budget-friendly and awesome. They have several catering packages, and we've never had an issue w/delivery, service, or ordering. Also, the food is fab. Their chicken shawarma is really flavorful, great baba ganoush, kebabs, pitas, falafel, sauces, etc. My only complaint is they aren't located in the city so I can't stop in for dinner on the way home from work.
(5)Phil P.
Absolutely fantastic. You cannot beat their lunch special, and their hummus is amazing! The lunch special is two meals worth of food, and I'm a pretty big dude! It's 5 bucks and soooooo worth it
(5)John R.
For the price, this place is hard to beat. I paid $6 for the lunch special and had enough food for two meals. It's tasty too - just like what you'd get from a street cart in NYC.
(4)Craig R.
Fast service, check Low prices, check Tasty food, check This place has great Mediterranean food at crazy cheap prices. I had chicken shwarma and my wife had lamb sandwich. The lamb was awesomely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Shwarma was tasy and the dinner plate was a good portion. I will return.
(4)Lois C.
Although a bit slow with orders because of how busy they are, their food is phenomenal, especially their spicy sauce. I haven't been able to go for lunch but plan to on my next day off since their lunch special is such a good deal.
(5)Krupa G.
Pita inn have the best falafel in Chicago. They are crispy and flavorful. The white sauce which they serve is watery without any flavor. I would like if they change the recipe and make it interesting to eat.
(4)R ..
Best you are going to get out here. Yummy felafel. Chicken is good. Actually nothing is bad! Service is always polite. Busy place!
(4)sat s.
Outstanding value for Arabic food!
(5)Christine K.
Hands down the best inexpensive Mediterranean food in the area! I could eat it every day! I almost always order the vegetarian combo. Their hummus and felafel make me swoon. The gourmet felafel sandwich is also a favorite!
(5)Dustin C.
This is the Middle Eastern food you should be eating. Nothing is over-priced, nothing is bad. Life is good at Pita Inn, and for good reason they've been doing this for years and it doesn't appear like this will be stopping any time soon. Thank goodness!! I love this place, I bring my family here. Forget that, they brought me here. Don't forget about this place, you'll be missing out.
(5)Anuj S.
THE best place for falafel sandwiches and plates, hands down. Many other places have come close in my opinion, but NONE of them yet have both the tahini sauce and hot sauce to match what they have. It's SOOO... good. And the prices are very affordable.
(5)Reena M.
Delicious Food at a Great Price! Hummus is delicious! Beef was tender and flavorful. More cafeteria style of dining..
(5)Don J.
Personally, Pita Inn has been a standard for middle-eastern cuisine for years. I grew up in Dearborn, MI -- so I've had some of the best. The quality here is reliable and the staff is usually very playful, even when they're busy. The fresh bread is just unbeatable and the crispy falafel are heavenly. The tahini sauce is a nice accent and the hot sauce will bring tears to your eyes (esp. if it goes down the wrong pipe! Trust me on this). My favorite is the hummus and shwarma plate; either chicken or beef. Thinly sliced, perfectly roasted shwarma meat, heaped on a plate of the seasoned chickpea spread that rounds out the whole meal. I have to have a few falafel, of course... dipped in the hummus or the two aforementioned sauces. So affordable... really. Four of us dropped in and took leftovers home for around $40; the grilled ground lamb is wonderful, and seasoned so that the lamb flavor still comes through. I dislike when folks try to cover up lamb's unique flavor; why bother with the extra expense then? So, kudos on that. A word on baklava. Get it. Yes, that's two words, technically. But it's very, very good here. The right balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Having suffered through bad baklava too often, this stuff is heaven. Try the hot tea here as a traditional accompaniment to the meal; it has mint in it, and the leaves will end up in your glass. They refill at the counter as many times as you'd like to go back and it is really just the perfect thing to go with the cuisine.
(5)Abby D.
Flavorful , spicy , tasty and fAst ..,, absolutely great place
(5)Jude M.
I really enjoy all of the options here, the food is tasty, and I don't think I have ever had bad service here. Not only that but the tables get cleaned quickly, which is wonderful on a night when there is a number of people here. I love it. The food is always amazing and so is the service as I said before.
(4)Shardul R.
Excellent Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafels and shawarmas are a must have. The sauces are a plus. Highly recommend!
(5)Elizabeth R.
First time at Pita Inn, I got Lamb Kabobs. They were phenomenal and very well cooked. My leftovers were also delicious. That hot sauce is HOT.
(5)Danielle S.
Very good! Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The meat is very good, along with their pita bread! We took it for take-out. Very fast! I definitely recommend!
(4)Raj P.
Best $5 lunch special ever!!!!!! You get everything from rice to chicken to steak and some too much too list withe an amazing spicy tomato sauce. The flavors and varieties are just damn amazing. Whenever I visit I get 2 lunch special, 1 for now and 1 to reheat at dinner which still taste flavorful as if they just fired it up!!!!
(5)Jenny R.
Great value,wonderful service, amazing food! Plus they're open late-we love Pita Inn. Even on a busy weekend late at night we've been in and out in 15 minutes with a huge bag of food that just barely survives the ride home. Their falafel is perfection-just moist enough, crispy outside and fragrant tender insides that are perfect alone or with a pita and hummus. If you can't decide(which I frequently cannot-everything is delicious), they have a wonderful combo platter with a little bit of everything on it. We've gotten several people hooked on Pita Inn and will continue to do so. We plan on getting catering from here for our next event that requires alot of food for a great price that will make every guest happy.
(4)Amanda B.
DELICIOUS and highly recommended. VERY reasonably priced, decent portions and very fast and efficient. Yummy hummus-possibly the best I've ever had. Little under $2 for the small portion, served on a teacup plate with olive oil. I love the chicken schwarma and hummus combo. I've also tried their rice (Yellow) and salad, as well as the Fatoush salad and Jerusalem salad. Awesome service and awesome food for great prices. You order, pay, get a number, wait (possibly) and grab your food from a counter. The chicken is sliced gyro-style and is juicy and tender. They remodeled about a year ago, so the seating area is more open. Before, they had "barriers" of sorts between you and everyone else. If it's nice outside, take advantage of their lovely seating area. Cute lattice woodwork fences and I do believe they have vines crawling up them. The tahini sauce and the hot (don't know the real name) is OUTSTANDING. I will say that the staff seems to have a strange sense of humor that I wasn't really in the mood for one time.
(5)Nick L.
5 stars all the way. Lunch combo - add the chicken. A meal made in heaven. All aspects are excellent. The kabobs, chicken meat, rice and pita and sauces work in a perfect harmony. And then the price is phenomenal. As if that isn't enough, the baba ghanoush and hummus are amazing. At lunch this place gets busy the line goes to the other end of the restaurant. Arrive early or after the lunch rush (1pm) and you should have no problems. It's a smooth operation, I see the same people behind the counter week in week out and it shows in the speed and quality. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)J J.
It's Pita Inn. What else can I say.
(4)Franklin D.
One of my all-time favorites. The business lunch simply cannot be beat. It costs something like $5 and you get a sample of several of the favorite meats they serve. They have two really good sauces (one hot, one like a watery white yogurt) at the counter that you should be sure to dump all over your food. When you hear people say stuff like "the line is out the door" and "there's no where to sit", well, they're not kidding. Even if you get in there early or get there late and luck into a seat you will have people hovering over you in the dining room waiting for you to get up and leave your table. The place is packed with people still wearing their badges from the local tech places like Motorola and what have you. Also this place is quite popular with my vegetarian buddies.
(5)Maira O.
We heard about Pita Inn from this one guy at this one church all the way out in Hoffman Estates! This guy asked us where we lived and when we said Wheeling you should of seen his face it was like a spark when off with excitement! We said No, why?? He said Pita Inn was the best restaurant in wheeling to eat Mediterranean food and had the best pitas!!! . We said we had to go and ck it out and see what all the excitement was so we went and the food was tasty, authentic, fresh, and super delicious! Prices are super reasonable for the amount of food they serve. Absolutely a place to have some authentic food! If your tired of the common burger, hot dogs try this place its different and worth it!
(5)Nari H.
Good food at good prices and seems pretty authentic!
(4)Coloromotio R.
ive been going to this place since I was 5 years old. Its my all time favorite place to eat, It's practically religion to eat here once a week with my family. The best hot sauce you'll ever have. Remember to ask for grilled pita!
(5)Joe T.
Love this place! Cheap and awesome mediterranean food!
(4)Mike M.
As of this writing there are 65 reviews. Everyone knows this place is awesome. My dad got into hummus and falafel from this place. So I will tell you it is delicious. Here is what you need to know to eat here. It gets crowded during lunch. Don't save a table, just wait in line. I have never seen anyone crying holding a tray with nowhere to eat. The guy at the counter with the mustache, he is a tricky one. He has all types of pranks he pulls on you. Dumping pennies in your hand, trying to get hot MILF phone numbers, asking if your to-go order is for here, and asking what size do you want on the small baba. Do not fall for his tricks it only makes him more powerful. Just tell him what you want (Business lunch special or die) and tell him his sneaky tricks are powerless to Yelpers. I have eaten the entire menu here. The only things I don't care for are the grape leaves, and the tabouleh salad. The hot sauce and the hummus are great. In fact I think I'll go there right now.
(5)Kimberly P.
The billowing cloud of charred meat will intoxicate the senses.......everything is tasty on this menu. Best deal is the executive lunch! A delicous mix of kebob, perfectly perfumed kefta kebob, sliced meat and the tastiest chicken....(omg I have to go there today!) This is more than enough for two adults and if you have a little kid. Get extra pita and ask for the pickled radish, not on the menu, it is free and a secret. The plate has homemade pickle, olives, and onions.....sooooo nummy. Homemade hot sauce and tahani is to die for! Buy a container of hot sauce to take home! I use it with eggs :-D Oh, and did I mention the Baba??!! Heavenly see you there.........
(5)Paul M.
Yes, please! Pita Inn has a lot of things going for it: great quality and tasty food, amazingly low prices, and super fast service. I love it. I hadn't been here in quite a while, but my wife stopped by the Wheeling location a few weeks back. She had the chicken kabobs and I opted for falafel. Both were served with rice, and of course, lots of fresh, hot pita bread. Everything was delicious. The falafel is definitely not dry, but doesn't go towards the "hey! it's just liquid!" end that Roti shoots for. Great spices and flavor. The mint iced tea is also a cut above - wonderful and refreshing. The Business Lunch special is five bucks and probably the best lunch deal I've ever seen. Service is not necessarily the friendliest ever, but it's efficient and quick. Certainly nothing to complain about. They pack people in here, but it's not uncomfortable. Pita Inn is a definite go-to for tasty Middle Eastern food. And now, I want hummus.
(5)Lisa S.
I can't believe I haven't written a Pita Inn review yet! Best Mediterranean fast food in the suburbs, hands down. There are times when I just crave the Pita Inn. Try the gourmet falafel sandwich and the mint iced tea. The lentil soup is the best I've ever had (sorry mom). Prices are unbelievable.. This one is my favorite location of the 3.
(5)LookingAtCars L.
The "Middle Eastern equivalent of McDonald's" per Arab friends. If it's true, please expand and replace every McDonald's in the US with Pita Inn. It's a killer combo of delicious and cheap. Great food. Pita, hummas, falafel, and shawarma are all delicious in their various incarnations. Fast service for dine-in and take-out. Business lunch is excellent and an extremely good value for what you get. It's always packed around lunch and dinner for good reason.
(5)reshma s.
Love...Love...Love this place. Every time I go to Pita Inn it gets better and better. The hot sauce is a secret condiment to everything you eat there if you like "SPICY!" Not only is the hummus scrumptious but the falafel sandwich is to die for! After a hard day at work or even if you are feeling down the comical staff will certainly cheer you up!
(5)adam C.
Massive plate of really good food for 4 dollars! I am a maniac for middle eastern, a freak for falafel. This place makes really good, proper-tasting shawarma, and everything else you'd expect. Their prices are great, and finding them out in the suburbs was a real treat.
(5)Gregory B.
Good, but not as good as the one on Milwaukee. Fun staff.
(4)Piyush S.
Been here only once and I loved it. Very good food. I had lamb grilled which is served with the yellow rice, some salad and cucumbur sauce. The lamb was very tender and flavorful. I was impressed. When it comes to lamb, I have eaten a lot of it and I have realized that most restaurants don't make a good dish out of lamb. Middle easterners,persians can do magic with lamb and pita inn is an example. Mind u this is not the best lamb ever, but it is the exceptionally good for the low price u pay here. For a suburban area, I must say that deerfield,skokie, wheeling has some really good ethnic food. Lucky people who live there.
(4)Jacqueline S.
Our new local Pita Inn - we like this location too - the food is so delicious! I like the falafel, the shih kabob, kifta kabob, and shwarma, hummus, and the hot sauce. It does get busy here so we don't go over the weekend. I really wish I worked by a Pita Inn - the lunch specials are amazing!
(4)Mike W.
Another Michigander here. This joint cannot compete with the worst in Dearborn, MI, but 5 of us got our Arab fix for around $20 and about 20 seconds after ordering. That's an extra star. We'll be back, regardless. Very happy to find an Arab fast-food joint. However, we won't be re-ordering the grape leaves...they're stark-raving bad.
(3)Jason B.
Excellent food, underpriced, friendly staff, and comfortable/casual environment. I would eat here weekly if I lived nearby.
(5)John Y.
I like all the Pita Inns, but my favorite is this one. There is a certain "je ne sais quoi" (man, I have been wanting to use that since H.S. French class), something different/better about this place! Go for lunch and try the lunch special! Such a deal and so much food. Good luck trying to get anything done in the afternoon. Food-coma time! And say hi to the "Boss" behind the counter! Friendliest guy in the world!
(5)Vince V.
I am suffering from post-lunch coma over an hour after polishing off the business lunch special at the Pita Inn. I have shish kabob, shawarma, chicken, falafel, pilaf, salad and pita weighing me down like an anchor. There is never enough of the tamarind drink for all of this but then this was all too much for lunch already. And after taxes and the drink, I still spent less than eight bucks. I had to wait for a table because they were insanely busy at lunchtime, but the crowd thinned out after 12:30pm. Burp.
(4)Ashley M.
Since moving into the area of this particular Pita Inn I've gone in 3 or 4 times. The food is far below the quality I've come to expect from the Pita Inn chain. The hummus has been so bad twice, that I've had to throw it out without eating it. The mango drink is watered down. I've started going to the other locations even though they are a farther drive simply for the higher quality.
(2)Jay C.
Really good food. Light and fresh. Everything is seasoned really well. The prices are reasonable and a good value for the portion size. It can be very busy and I have had problems with their number system.
(4)Chester W.
This place is good, evidence is how packed this place is during lunch. Probably because they are cheap bastards and are ordering the $4.95 lunch special. It is special indeed, you get a variation of meets, falafel, rice and salad. I generally get the chicken shwarma... it is da bomb. Falafels are super awesome too, but i'm pissed cause you only get them with the lunch special. Otherwise you have to order separately. Knocking it down one star cause of that annoying dude who mans the cash register during lunch... you'll see what I mean.
(4)Svitlana P.
I don't know where some of the reviewers are getting their fantastic middle eastern food, cause I've been to quite a few great restaurants in Chicago, and Pita Inn is still my choice for vegetarian options and the best dessert anywhere! I can't speak for meat entrees, but my dinner is fatoush salad, felafels, and baba ghanoush. And of course some baklava or kinafa. I've tried ordering baklava at other places and I literally had to trow it out, even when I got it from the Milwaukee and Central location of Pita Inn. They do tend to get very very busy around lunch time, so I'd recommend calling in and ordering to go.
(5)Gary H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. How I admire these places. There are such a modest handful of restaurateurs that you run into that do such a consistently superb job of executing their food ideas so well. These guys are right up there on that list. The baklava is the top notch Lebanese/Palestinian style - the best of ingredients, crispy and not too sweet. The meats are tender and delicious. The salads and vegetable dishes excellent. Great falafel. Even the lemonade tastes fresh and balanced. Eat your way through the menu and look hard. You won't find much to improve upon. Edit update: Stopped by the other day to find the baklawa is now made with veg oil and sugar syrup. No butter! No honey! (sigh) Same great texture - but the flavor is really degraded. Aww guys, did ya have to?
(5)J D.
The food is outstanding. Its not fancy, There are no waiters you go up and get your food when they call your number. The chicken scharma can be seen whirling around on the spit behind the counter. It actually looks like chicken, chicken that has been seasoned really well and then packed onto the spit really tight by hand. It is so damn good. The falafels are probably the best ive ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside and soft but not soggy on the inside, perfectly cooked. The Babba Ganoush is great on Pita Bread and even the house complimentary suaces-the white yogurt one and the hot red one are fantastic. Take your pita bread and open it, put a little chicken scharma inside wtih a little of the lettuce and tomatoes and then pour a little sauce inside and you have an impeccable sandwich. PS. tip your busser
(5)Elan S.
I grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. We would love going to Pita Inn and looked forward to it as they had such great food. Their Falafel is out of this world. Every time I go back to this area, Pita Inn is a must. This place is so popular if you go around dinner time, expect there to be a pretty lengthy line. Either way, it's still worth it.
(5)chris c.
Business Lunch combo. For those who have been there... enough said.
(5)Amey K.
This place is awesome for lunch. It took time for me to get adjusted to the taste. But now I like it. If you are lamb lover, it is must go. Business lunch rocks. You get tummy full lunch for just $5. Definitely worth noting it. Staff is friendly. One more good news about Pita Inn lovers is that they are expanding their sitting area
(4)Samra M.
Always busy! Great food, hummus is a must. If you want some falafel this is where to go. If you've never had middle eastern/ Mediterranean food before, go here first! I make my own sandwiches all the time. I order the shish kabob platter, they give you pita bread, get some tahini sauce to go with it, first fill the pita bread with hummus, spreading it around all sides, fill the bottom of the pita with rice, then some lettuce, put some shish kabobs in there and then add some tahini sauce over all of it, it's just heaven in your mouth!! mmmm now im hungry...
(5)Brad D.
Love the food! During the week they have a $4.95 Business Lunch. This includes a combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and homemade pita bread. Best food for the price. Also they have great lemonade!
(5)Zara E.
Best Mediterranean food in the burbs!! Nothing else compares! Love the falafels, chicken shawarma, kifta kabob, and hummus! Even their chicken fatoush salad is delicious!
(5)Peter D.
This is our go-to establishment for a quick bite. Though this place is always packed they are able to have quick turnover at lunch and dinner due to the army of people working behind the counter. The food is always excellent and incredibly cheap. My usual is a lamb kabob pita sandwich and a small hummus, though for lunch they have the business special which is enough food for a small army and is only 4.95 I believe. UNBEATABLE. Need something quick? need something different? This is your place to go. Don't forget the hummus!
(5)Farah R.
Addictive. Have to have my fix once a week.
(5)Teresa P.
Love the food, love the price! Tasty, generous portions! I wish I lived closer. Anytime we are in the area, my sons and I stop by - have NEVER been disappointed!
(5)Jessica C.
My favorite place to eat! Make sure you try their business lunch special on weekdays; it is an incredible deal with a delicious variety of food. It is one of the best bang for your buck places to eat, you will get unique yet healthy meal and feel incredibly satisfied. For those of you that do not like crowded restaurants or to wait, make sure to just call ahead and place your order to go. #1 restaurant I'd suggest trying if you are in the burbs.
(5)Rose R.
I just have to write a review on this STELLAR restaurant! Each and every single time the food is awesome and amazing. You can't beat their prices and their hummus is the best I've ever had. Every item is mouth watering and prepared perfectly. I highly recommend the Vegetarian Platter because you get a sampling of everything they do best... Hummus, Baba Gannoush, Falafel, and more. Their Tahini is so tasty and just is the perfect compliment to their warm and wonderful pita bread. There is no comparison anywhwere to this fabulous place. I've been coming here for YEARS and will not stop! The guy who left there to open Firewood Kabob in Buffalo Grove states he is doing a better job. NO WAY! I went to Firewood Kabob and it's horrible. Stick with Pita Inn and you'll be so happy! Pita Inn is the BEST!
(5)Paige W.
After an especially taxing morning at work in suburban hell, I was in need of a little Middle Eastern therapy. And because the idea of anything but Corner Bakery or Noodles & Co. horrifies me a little out here, I looked to Yelp in search of falafel serenity. And even in this deep, dark chasm of suburbia, Yelp, you never let me down. Highway 53 to Dundee, Dundee to Elmhurst and a right turn into the parking lot of heaven: Two coworkers and I were about to check into the Pita Inn, and I think I'd like to stay for a while. The smell of spices and cooking oil wafting on the cool spring breeze was my first clue I'd chosen the right place, and the line of businessmen that wrapped around the crammed-together fast-food tables allayed any remaining fears I might have had. One coworker abandoned the line to vulture tables, poised to swoop when the next group left. She was having an even worse day than I was, so glaring at strangers and getting in the way seemed like a good plan for her. When my other coworker and I finally made it up to the counter, we were overwhelmed by the menu, the line, the clattering utensils and sizzle of the grill. The guy taking orders was just standing there saying, "Next? Next? Next? Next? NEXT?" until we finally snapped back to reality (OOP! there goes gravity) and stammered out our orders. Which gave him license to make fun of us for the rest of the time we were there. Like pretending to charge me $2.95 for a Styrofoam cup. (Very funny, sir. NOT TODAY.) My eyes did a full-on cartoon pop when the kitchen plunked my plate onto the tray. A veritable cornucopia of Middle Eastern delicacies. A smorgasbord. So fresh. So delicious. SO CHEAP. I had gone with the vegetarian combination platter, which included heaping portions of -- and please allow me to butcher the spelling of everything here -- hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel and pita bread. For under $7. Uh, yeah. Vulture coworker had the hummus and beef shawarma, which was as simple as it sounds and a little disgusting looking, but she loved it. And other coworker had the business lunch special, which...was just an orgy of various meats and rice on a platter. We inhaled our food -- what we like to call "eating our feelings" -- and left feeling much less inclined to commit homicide. Falafel so good it could basically end wars. You heard it here first. Thanks, Pita Inn.
(4)Ryan M.
No hot dogs or hamburgers
(5)Lanre O.
Great food. Place is cheap but yet quality is outstanding.
(5)Kate S.
I had never tried mediterran food before, so when I was out in Wheeling for work and was hungry, I thought...hmmm I'll try Pita Inn. YUM! So good!! I have tried it at least 3 times now! The business lunch is totally worth 4.95. You get an assortment of things for the price. Their meat is juicy and flavorful and just the right spices. I am not a big falafel person I have found and not really into hummus but from what it looks like, people like it here. The Shwarma is awesome! The staff here is hilarious!! Watch out for the cashier pretending to spill a drink on you!
(4)Walter P.
This place rocks so hard that it is one of the only reasons why I go back to the suburbs (ok not gonna lie, also to do laundry at my parents' house). This place bills itself as a fast food Mediterranean restaurant with some Middle Eastern (or call it Southwest Asian if you want to be politically correct (and I do)) influence. For the meat eaters, this place will get you salivating. TONS of options from lamb, chicken, beef, etc at rock bottom prices. The business special is a measly $5 bucks for a combo of pretty much all their meats. For the veggematarians, there are some great options. There's the falafel sandwich, the typical sides like hummus and baba ghannoug, but the standout thing that all vegetarians should get here is the vegetarian combo plate. At a low low price (how do they do it?) of $7 bucks you get hummus, baba ghannoug, Jerusalem salad, tabouleh salad, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, a ton o' food to feed two people really. And the lentil soup is just divine; truly the gods must have guided the cook's hand when he made such a tasty soup. Oh, and the tahini sauce and red sauce...I could just smother those two over anything really! In between gorging sessions, remember to breathe hehe! I always end up being full after eating here, but not to the point where I feel nausea or feel eater's remorse/guilt ridden for having eaten all that delicious food. Overall, I'm just amazed and impressed that these guys can consistently truck out quality food at an affordable price. The people here at the Wheeling location are especially friendly and also quite cheeky. The guy working the cash register will sometimes mess/joke around with you and its all in good fun. A word to the wise. It can get really crowded during lunch and dinner time. You might just be better off taking it to go.
(5)Deborah J.
It's nice to see some Middle Eastern food in this part of town, and it'll do when the falafel cravings strike, but I'm not as impressed by Pita Inn as I once was. The problem? I moved to Michigan, which has the largest Arab-American population in the country. I now feel about Middle Eastern food in Chicago the way I feel about Thai food in Michigan. Okay, it's not that bad. Maybe I just got a bad bunch of stuffed grape leaves last week, but man were they soggy. It wouldn't have been so bad had the baba ghanoush not been over tahini'd, and the pita too chewy. Every place has off days, but I'm starting to think that maybe my standards have changed. Anyway, Pita Inn kills the falafel cravings I develop when visiting my parents in the Chicago suburbs, but it's no Dearborn.
(2)Ashley R.
The food is delicious! The hummus and falafil are to die for, the constant crowd in this place makes it obvious Pita Inn is loved by many. Fast, friendly service and great prices. Have tried the falafil at many other restaurants and no where has it come close to being as fresh and delicious as Pita Inn's.
(5)Faith E.
I've never tried Middle Eastern food until Pita Inn and I didn't know what to expect since I'm a really picky eater. I have to say it is quite good- fresh, tasty, and super cheap! You can't beat that. The hot sauce is good but I'd like it a bit hotter, that's probably my only "complaint". I really liked the Baklawa and Chicken Shawarma sandwich. The restaurant has a bit of a fast food vibe buy they've definately made it feel nicer with the granite-type tables and nice outdoor seating area. A must try for anyone looking to try something new!
(4)Anna S.
One day, my husband and I were looking for a good place for weekend lunch with reasonable price except for burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches. When checking Zagat, we found Pita Inn, rated 1st place in Middle Eastern food in Chicago area and the budget was just $10 ! We visited there straight away. Actually, we not so familiar with Middle Eastern food. So we ordered Vegetarian Combination Plate and Combination Feast Entree. I think Vegetarian Combination Plate was the right choice especially for beginners like us ! It covers Pita Inn's signature menus; 1. FalafelDeep fried croquette of ground chick peas 2. Jerusalem SaladTomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with Tahini sauce (Sesami Paste) 3. HummusDip of chick peas, Tahini sauce and spices for Pita bread 4. Baba GhannougDip of eggplant, Tahini and yogurt for Pita bread 5. Tabouleh SaladTomatoes, onions, green peppers and cracked wheat 6. Three Stuffed Grape LeavesGrapevine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice plus 3 Pita Breads I looove all, but especially Pita bread dipped with Hummus and Baba were so delish. I think Tahini sauce (sesami paste), which is used as base for many menus are outstanding. That's mild and I cannot stop it. I can recommend this combination plate for all. Oops! We also ordered Combination Feast Entree, including Kebab, Kifta, Shawarma (3 type of beefs) and Farafel on rice. We shared each other, so that's OK. But if we had ordered only this Combination Feast plate, we would have missed vegetables. Also it's difficult to recognize which is Kifta or Shawarma. Regarding meet plate, we will try simple entree or sandwich next time. All around, the food quality with this price range is impressive !
(4)Kevin W.
The food is consistently great, it never disappoints. I started off getting the chicken schwarma, but for the last 3 or 4 visits I can't seem to try anything other than the combo feast(beef). It is fabulous! Get a side of falafels and your all set! The sauces are the perfect compliment!
(5)R P.
I love this place. The only problem is seating during peak lunch time, which is actually a big problem some days. Suggest carry out, or going after 12:30.
(5)C T.
I haven't been to a ton of pita/falafel/shwarma places, but I knew this place was going to require a return trip from the first time I tasted their delicious, lemony, non-greasy tabbouleh and their wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced/seasoned falafel patties. Mmmmmmm, and the prices are hard to beat! Their yellow rice is nicely buttered (I think it's butter) and seasoned, and the kibbeh is a bit oily, a bit salty, but it is deep-fried after all. The service is fast, seating is ample, and you get little bowls of yogurt dip, yours for the taking. You can order to-go on the phone and pick it up 15-20 minutes later. I've had tabbouleh and falafel at a few establishments, but I've always had trouble with too much grease in both items. At Pita Inn in Wheeling, though, it is perrrrrfect. If they could just open one downtown, replace the burrito beach on Ohio...I think they would do such brisk business. Oh and you can order falafel by itself by the dozen. I've tried freezing it for a couple weeks then heating it on the stove top (I still don't have a toaster oven which would be perfect)--it works out perfectly. Soooo good. If I get back there I'm buying in bulk. My freezer's gonna gorge on deep-fried chick pea nuggets mmmmmmmm.
(5)Chris H.
LOVE this place! We've been going here for years and it never disappoints. The hummus is phenomenal!
(5)T M.
Wow! Loving that hummus!! I went here one day upon trying to decide between my french fry craving and my hummus craving. After looking at my tummy in the mirror, I decided that hummus would be a better bet! So I drove all the way there (I work in Rolling Meadows), and it was packed! I ordered the lunch special for $4.95 and a small hummus. Surprisingly, with all of the lunch time customers, it only took about 5 minutes for my food. The special came with lamb, chicken, rice, salad, and a delicious falafel. It was good, but the hummus, oh that hummus, was exactly what I was craving! I always try to make hummus at home, but places like this remind me that it's just a waste of time:)
(4)Anthony P.
The business lunch special is ridiculous. You get chicken, pita breed, beef, and gyro meat for like $5. Go early as there can be lines out the door. See the pics for an upload of the business lunch
(4)DB A.
4.5 stars I've been going to Pita Inn (its several locations) before it was even called Pita Inn. But that's a different century. This place is good. It's always been good, and it's a good value too. If you're near any of their places and are in the mood for Mediterranean food, this is a great choice. The $3.95 businessman's lunch is an unbeatable value, and you'll be very happy with your choice of falafel or shish kebab, or shawirma, or their terrific Jerusalem salad. Order some hummus or baba Ghannouj too. It's all good here. Very busy at lunchtime, but the line moves fast. They've been such a reliable choice for so long, I'd never thought of writing a review until the other day when I went to Pita Island in Buffalo Grove. Better I had walked the six miles to Pita Inn. (The extra half star in THIS review is billed against my overly generous 2 star review of Pita Island.)
(4)J K.
I don't like giving 5 stars because I like to say there's always something more a restaurant can do to make it better, whether it's the service or the food or even the environment. That being said, I like Pita Inn and have been to the Skokie and Niles locations already, but this is the best location I've had been to after countless visits. Although I usually go during lunchtime (G*d forbid you actually eat in during the business lunch hour, the line is unbelievable), and even when I have long complicated orders, the gentleman there is always pleasant and always joking no matter how long the lines are or if orders go awry. The food and value of the business lunch specials...I mean how can you go wrong with $3.95 ($1 extra for chicken)? I eat A LOT of food, but I'm usually very satisfied after one of these. The food is consistently good (not necessarily perfect, but the price more than justifies any sorts of shortcomings), and even during dinner time, the food is still decently-priced for your portions, the restaurant is clean, and service is fast. Phone ordering is simple, pick-ups are painless...it's always a pleasure to go there.
(5)Allyson D.
I lived in the Middle East for a little while, and I can safely say that Pita Inn is THE best in the Chicago area. Their hummus is to die for - I'm thinking of going down there today and picking up 2 tubs of it for my fridge. The bread is always warm and fresh - just how I like it. I'm pretty picky about falafel too - most of the time I don't like it or won't eat it - and theirs is amazing. I love the shawerma too, and their garlicy tahini sauce is PERFECT. I'd be there every day if I lived closer.
(5)Mike L.
What else can I say other than; good food at cheap prices. A very Mediterranean meal, heavy on the beans, chicken, lamb, and rice. Based on that it is a very good meal, on the plus side they make their own pita, which is a very big plus. They offer a variety of meals from veggie to meat but I think a mix is best. Always busy yet they serve a great meal all the time, well done.
(4)Ellie S.
Wonderful Middleastern food! Very crowded at lunch. Be prepared to wait but, the line moves fast. Have someone find a table while the other person waits in line. Most people are regulars and don't stay long as a courtesy. This place gets busy because the food is awesome! Dinner is busy but, not as bad as lunch. I personally love the shish ke bob platter (very tender and flavorful steak, delicious rice and salad). I also love the baba ganoush. There are many vegetarian options too. I like to people watch as it has a very diverse crowd. I even came here to honor a co-worker who had passed away. He loved to eat lunch here along with the rest of us. Rest in peace Warren!
(5)Andrea K.
Finally made it to Pita Inn after eyeing it for a few years. Stopped by on a Sunday evening and the place was busy. It was a little difficult to find a menu to order from. At Pita Inn you order at the counter and they call your number when the food is ready. They do not have the menu above the register, but have a copy flat on the counter that you can't read until you get up to order. They also have some menus tucked along the wall but you can't see them because they are blocked by whomever is ordering. So, I had to politely force my way in between people to get to the menus because no one seemed interested in passing me one after asking. I decided to get the chicken tender pita. My BF got the chicken tender entree (so much for trying more than one dish). The food came out so fast we barely had time to pick a table. One thing that was a turnoff was the chicken was a yellowish color. Almost neon yellow. I am guessing it was due to mustard or Tumeric seasoning but it did not have much flavor. It seemed to be decent quality but I had a hard time getting past the color. The pita was good but a little on the tough, dry side. Afterward I tried the baklava. That was very good. I would come back to Pita Inn but I think Dengeo's on Dundee has better chicken and pitas. I guess I need to try other items but if the pitas are just ok it does not entice me to get a hummus appetizer. I think the high ratings from others are because of the prices more than the food itself.
(3)Julie A.
Heavy cleaning product smell when we were there. I have a nose for smells so that ruined me really liking anything the day I went. the pta was cold and not very tasty and the food didn't stand out at all. I didn't even take my leftovers. Sorry but guess I had a bad experience.
(2)Dasha B.
Amazingly yum! Have yet to meet a person who doesn't like this place. It's extremely affordable (less than $10/plate) and so delicious. And they cater, which is a big plus! Over the years, I have probably tasted everything on their menu and don't have a complaint about a single thing.
(5)Ganesh M.
After falafel hut in NJ this is the other place where i loved the dolmadakias(stuffed grape leaves). Most of the stuff from the menu was good and i hardly have any complaints. Would have given a 5 star if the lamb and beef shawarmas were a little juicy. Just too dry to my liking.
(4)Vinifer D.
This is my lunch spot at work! One of the best Middle Eastern cheat eats restaurant out there! I love their amazing vegetarian platter. It comes with a little sampling of everything: hummus, baba, falafel, tabouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. I'm not a big fan of stuffed grape leaves, so they will always substitute a couple of falafel balls for them. Not to mention, their tahini and hot sauce is out of this world. I know it's not hard to screw up, but these guys kick ass! Their shwarmas and kababs are wonderfully seasoned, and when you add the sauces, it puts them over the top!
(5)Jeff S.
Specfreggintacular! this is by far the best mediterranean places i have ever been to. Did i say you can get full for less than $10?
(5)Nicollette W.
Wow - Pita Inn falafel.....oh how I love you. I love you even more stuffed in a pita with TON's O tahini sauce drizzled on you. You some type of breaded fried yumminess that I am not sure I can possibly get enough of.
(5)Foram B.
I've been going to Pita Inn since I was kid. It's always been a family favorite. Great food, reasonable prices...you can't really beat that. The best part now is that I live less than 3 miles from it. I get to stuff myself with this delicious goodness more frequently now :o)
(5)Justin G.
GO HERE, NOW!!! That is all.
(5)Vera Lynn W.
I love this place. I will eat here every chance I get. I alwaysget the hummus, and a couple of shawarmas. I could drink their white sauce, its that good. Prices are great and I always walk out of here full. The line can get long, but they move things along pretty fast. I think I just talked myself into going here tomorrow for lunch. Mmmm.....
(5)April Z.
really like pita inn. and its great food for the price. I've dined in and also catered from here. catering does not deliver so that was slightly annoying. however the food was all hot and fresh and everyone loved it. the pita's came ice cold in the bag from the manufactorer, like you see on store shelves. not warmed up, grilled nothing. we frantically heated up pitas in bunches in the microwave so people had at least warmed pitas at the party. my only gripe. but i would order from them again and ask them to warm the pitas!
(3)Bella B.
As a vegetarian, this is my absolute favorite place to get a quick, tasty, inexpensive lunch. I've been to 2 of the 3 Pita Inns, the Wheeling and Niles locations. Both have fabulous service and are ALWAYS jam packed whenever I go. What a good thing they've got going here. The Wheeling spot is my lunch go-to if I don't brown bag it and don't want to spend $10 for lunch. There have been many times where I've gotten the last parking spot in the lot. It's always packed at lunch time. The dining area seems a little bigger at the Niles location if you're going to dine in. The falafel is the best I've ever had anywhere. The hummus can't be passed up. At less than $2 for a small, and less than $4 for a large, you can't beat that deal. And you get 4-5 warm pitas with it. Everything tastes SO fresh and delicious. Refreshing mint iced tea on a hot, summer day? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmmm!! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)Laura L.
No matter the age, gender, race, religion, whatever.... EVERYONE will like the Pita Inn!! Its freaking cheaper that McCdonalds and healthier too! I have loved this food since I was 3 years old! This place is the absolute best! Too bad I go to school in Kenosha... I would eat there everyday.. its perfect for the wallet of a college student! GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO THERE! TIP: the Glenview location gives you free refills of your drinks.
(5)Dhaivat A.
I've been to this place few times for lunch. It's always packed. The food is awesome and the restaurant is nice and clean. I would definetely recommend this place to everyone.
(4)Michelle M.
Yes, this place is line out the door packed but there is a reason for that. Great food and great prices. They have a combo lunch meal with different kinds of meats, chicken and rice for around $5. You will easily have leftovers. Tip: To avoid the line order ahead for carryout. You will get nasty looks as you cut ahead of everybody waiting in that long line but the owner will yell (playfully) at you if you wait in the line and have already phoned in your order. This is what we always did when I worked nearby. Pita Inn, please open more locations!!
(5)Bryan S.
This place has always been the bomb for hummus, falafalel, (spelled it wrong), and just everything. I don't eat meat anymore and this is one of my favorite spots for affordable food that is great. Its the only decent thing about the 'burbs~
(5)T D.
This place is the best. The combination plate is great, as are the hummus and baba ghanouj. have eaten here a hundred times and it is always great. I do not think there is a bad item on the menu.
(5)Beth T.
The food is great and you cannot beat the lunch special. $3.99 (without chicken)!!! I always order in advance and pick it up. I avoid the lines the the cashier always smiles, knows my name and asks me how I am doing. How can you beat that.
(5)ALFREDO M.
This is simply the best *fast* food you can get in Wheeling - the BEST. I understand they have a lunch special but since they are a little far from my office, I've never eaten lunch here. I might have to check that out next time I'm working from home. We almost always carry out from here - the food is cheap and good. Here's what we like from Pita Inn (our typical carry out order): * hummus - they whip it up real good. * Jerusalem salad - always with fresh ingredients * tabouleh salad - again with the fresh ingredients (a must have) * vegetable lentil soup - hot and seasoned just right. * falafel - it just might be the best I've ever had... seriously. * chicken shawarma entrée - I don't know what they do to this chicken but I can't get it into my mouth fast enough - it tastes so good. The entrée comes with rice pilaf which should in theory be boring (but it's not)... and a little salad on the side - don't waste your time with the salad. Really, everything there is good - I've probably tried almost everything on the menu, but we usually stick with our favorites. The place is always packed on a Friday evening but everybody finds a place to sit. There is a guy who works at the register who messes with the customers - he still zings me from time to time... that's always fun.
(4)Daniel Y.
The BEST LUNCH SPECIAL EVER. PERIOD. You get beef kabobs, gyro meat, and chicken if you want for a buck more I think. Also rice, salad, pita bread, and a falafel. ALL FOR $4.
(5)Rich A.
Used to work close to here and eat the lunch special all the time. Amazing food at cheap prices
(5)Nery E.
their falafel are the best! u try one and you are hooked for life! they got u! i always order 3 additional falafels with my business special order! i also love their jerusalem falafel sandwich! great staff, they get your orders out fast! if crowded, call in, place your order to go, skip the long line, and eat there!
(5)Sam C.
Oh how I love you, Pita Inn. I've eaten in for lunch. Picked up for lunch. Picked up dinner for a big group at my house. My kids like it. I love it. The food is fresh and delicious. I frequently get the Combo Feast (add the chicken, please). The vegetarian meals are awesome too. I also get a large side of baba ghanoush, which is awesome, to take home. The Jerusalem salad is really good, too. Bottom line: quick, inexpensive, and delicious.
(5)Theresa B.
delighted to have fast, reasonably priced cuisine like this in the area.
(4)Harish C.
I love th coziness of this place. The food is great and they have great options for vegetarians. They have the greatest baklava I have ever tasted and there falafel is perfect-soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Definitely well priced.
(4)David M.
You can't go wrong with Pita Inn. They've got Mediterranean food down to a science. Best pitas in the area.
(4)Amy L.
So I finally found out what a falafel is, I've always wondered! I finally tasted it too. This place is good. I like it. I've gone a few times to this and other locations. It is a semi fast food type place that gives you decent food. I'd go there more often if I lived by one since I'm in the city now.
(3)Magda S.
Love it, love it, love it!!! I have been going there for years now and they have been consistant with the quality of the food since day one. Reasons I love them: - you can't beat their prices - always fresh - lunch special - AWESOME - unfortunatelly I work too far from them now to enjoy it :( - upbeat staff - delicious hummus and baklava Me and my husband usually get the combination feast and a vegetarian combination plate. Plenty of food to share - yummy! I get free falafel from this one guy... :) Shhhhh... it's our little secret. Visit their website for menu and pictures at pitainn.com
(5)Thomas C.
I used to go here for lunch 2-3 times a week. Never even thought to write a review. I've been to all locations. Milwaukee is the best because it is larger and you can get free refills on drinks. Skokie will always be dear because I grew up right by there. But alas, Wheeling was close to work. Busy, but fast. Their "business lunch" meal was a staple. Very delicious, great prices, and consistent.
(4)Bert W.
positives: pretty consistent taste in food and always hot usually friendly customer service they will give you extra pitas if you ask for it downside: lunch-time is mad busy and you have to wait a little bit. no free refills
(4)Michael H.
I tried to resist since there are already so many positive reviews, but I have to add to the praise. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu at this point. Everyone knows about the lunch special, but I think the gourmet falafel sandwich is underrated. I typically switch to it when I'm not in the mood for meat. The combination feast at dinner is still a great value and I will either share it with someone else, adding a side of hummus (best I've ever had), or I will bring home leftovers. The baklawa is amazing, but the kinafa somehow tops it. I had a food epiphany when trying their tahini sauce and have never found an equal. I can drink a shake of that stuff straight up. The hot sauce is homemade and also incredible, although sometimes my stomach vetoes the decision to include it on the kifta kabob. Here is a comparison of the three locations: The Glenview location is not as crowded, has plenty of parking and a nice outdoor dining area. Service is pleasant with two woman cashiers whenever I visit. Wheeling has enough parking, but a smaller dining area, can sometime be tough to find a seat, the cashier at lunch has a pretty great sense of humor. The Skokie location is always packed, inexplicably at all times of day, tough parking and pulling in/out on Dempster. I find the service to be the rudest here, but I think it comes with the stress of serving never-ending stream of people. Food has generally been the same at all locations, which is great. I used to live right by the Wheeling location before I knew about Pita Inn. I wish I could go back in time to kick my ass for not eating there. Could they please open a location in Northbrook or downtown?
(5)Rosalia H.
good middle eastern food. service is good too and nice managers. good place to go if you are really hungry and want a lot of food.
(4)Tim B.
Fast food the way it should be. Fresh ingredients, no processed crap. I've been eating at Pita Inn since the 90s. First at their Skokie location, then at their Wheeling location since it's so close to me. I've been to the one in Niles numerous times as well. I think the one in Skokie is still my favorite in terms of taste, though maybe it's just me. Though I've tried everything on the menu, I can't get enough of the lamb kabob sandwich, hummus, and the falafel. Don't forget the white sauce and the hot sauce! The baklava is excellent as well. Wash it all down with tamarind juice! I've yet to find any Middle Eastern restaurant which remotely compares in terms of taste and value. I can't count how many times I've been at some other Middle Eastern restaurant and thought, "man, Pita Inn's hummus and falafel taste 10 times better and cost a third of this!" I just made myself hungry for some Pita Inn.
(5)Patrick H.
Pita Inn really is as great place. You can get fast inexpensive meals that taste great and fill you up. They have indoor and outdoor seating. If you're there on a weekday, I would recommned the businees lunch special. It's a plate the comes with a bit of everything on it and a couple of pitas. Everything is great. The chicken, beef, rice filafel. EVERYTHING I TELL YOU! I've eaten there many times and every meal has left me satisfied. And best of all, you get all the red and white sause you want. What kind of sauce am I taling about? Well, you'll just have to go there and find out. And when you do, shoot me a message becasue I don't know what they are called.
(4)Brad S.
You would have to travel to the middle east to find any better. The prices are just cheep.
(4)Stephanie ..
On hot summer nights as a kid, I used to ride my bike to this location back when it was a Dairy Queen, so I was initially one pissed-off pre-pubescent when this place turned into a Pita Inn. But let's just say these days, I don't know what I'd do without Pita Inn. This was my first stop after arriving at O'Hare. Yes, folks, no time to drop off luggage because the greasy goodness was calling! $3.95 lunch specials--so large I can eat them for the next 2 meals--of the most delicious schwarma and falafel. I usually alternate between their Veggie platter and their (meat) combination plate, and always, ALWAYS, order the cucumber yogurt salad.
(5)Eric B.
Pita Inn is an amazingly good place for great Middle Eastern food. I wish I had found out about this place sooner! I go there at least once every other week. I always get the Business lunch special, for under $5 you get enough food, Shish kabob, Kifta kabob, Shawarma, and falafel with rice, salad, and pita bread. I add chicken to mine for $1 extra. The baklava is very tasty as well. The place is packed, but it's because of how great the food is. Plus I like the owner of the place because he jokes around with you, even when it is at it's busiest. You can't beat the service and the food.
(5)Little Miss L.
Pita Inn is such a go-to for us. It's literally right down the street from us, and we go there all the time. The baba ganoush is the best and the lamb kabob is wonderful. I haven't had better falafel either. This place rocks. The guys that work there are quick and hilarious. Go early or late for lunch though unless you want to wait 9 hours though, because they are supremely packed for lunch. Its so cheap to eat there..the food rocks...just call ahead. Tell them extra Tahini!
(5)Kevin G.
Every time we drive near here, we make it a point to stop in and enjoy a wonderful flavorful meal. Lots of food for your buck! You can't go wrong with their "Combination Feast". Best Falafels I have ever had. We also stop in here prior to a flight out of O'Hare. Hmm, let's see - a belly full of wonderful Mediterranean cuisine, or airplane food? Lots of parking, and their outdoor arbor eating area is refreshing.
(5)kb j.
I recently went here for lunch. It was my first visit to this place and I was amazed at the value provided. The parking lot was full and included both taxicabs and Beemers. It's a no-frills place that was packed with a mix of young adults, families with kids and older folks. You order from a counter, they give you a number and then call that number. You pick up your food from the counter and carry to your table on a plastic tray. Service was fast. We ordered a Shawarma chicken pita (rotisserie grilled, sliced (gyros-style) and stuffed into a warm, fresh pita. In addition, we ordered a combination plate that was piled high with lettuce, tomato, gyros and meat slices and a falafel accompanied by tasty pita bread.
(5)Kate P.
I love Pita Inn. It's a very good to go to Pita Inn during lunch time. They serve a very good middle eastern food at a very reasonable price. The portion is very filling and contains well-balanced diet. Each dish has the combination of vegetables and meat with very yummy sauce( hot sauce and the tahini yogurt sauce) so, I definitely recommend this place to everyone. it's very delicious food at a good price.
(5)A V.
This message is for Mr. Hamdy Hady. Thanks for inviting me to Pita Inn. I really like Pita Inn but had a very small concern regarding the way in which guests are treated sometimes. May be it is because you guys are swamped with too many guests. I understand. The purpose of my review is to be fair and thorough so that it will help the business as well as the customers. Once again, i really really appreciate that you have taken time to respond back to my review. Thanks a lot. DEFINITELY YOU GUYS DESERVE A 5 STAR RATING. LOOKING FORWARD TO VISIT SOON.
(5)Patrick O.
Fantastic! Great food and staff. I'm glad I found this place, and I'll be there a few times a week..
(5)San T.
Is not as good as the one in Skokie. I drive the extra 15 mins to the one in Skokie.
(2)mark M.
I think I was a little bit hot headed when I wrote this. Went back for a weekday lunch. this time food was fresh. I would give it 3 stars but 1 extra for their very competent prices.
(4)Maria C.
I simply love this place. It's dirty cheap, the food is fantastic and the people are very nice. This is packed 24x7 but you never wait too much because the turn over is really fast. Try the falafil, the hummus and the Lunch Special - Shawirma with Rice. It comes with a little salad and Yogurt dressing. Really good.
(5)Greg M.
I absolutely love this place, for a chained restaurant the quality and taste of the food is so memorable. The dishes are also served up relatively quick even when the place is packed, but this still doesn't compromise the overall quality of the meal. Whenever I go here I always order the hummus and shawarma with chicken. What's the payoff for such a meal? My life is dominated. Their baklawa is pretty killer too. So do yourself a favor and go here or else... you're missing out.
(5)STEFANIE A.
Friday mornings at my office are an orchestrated chain of events that result in yummy Pita Inn glory. It starts Thursday afternoon, "Pita Inn tomorrow?" Then its Friday and the email goes out calling for the orders. I am always the 'order b----' and I have to say I normally grumble at doing this, but not at the Pita Inn. I have never encountered a place that gets 14 orders to go 100% correct, ALL THE TIME. The guy on the phone says, "oh you from the travel company?" How'd he know that?! The orders are retrieved, make sure you go to the phone order line! The looks from the 30 people waiting in line are priceless. The food is brought back to the office and the frenzy begins! We don't always get along and its a high stress job with a lot of high maintenance customers, but Friday afternoons bring us back together!
(5)Melissa H.
Ever since the husband has started liking Mediterranean food (see my other Mediterranean 5 star review) I've been helping broaden his horizon in it. Last night he was indecisive about dinner and I suggested Pita Inn. He was apprehensive of trying this place thinking it was like a similar Mediterranean joint in Palatine that we had a horrible experience at (see 2 star review on that place). I went to Pita Inn to order and pick up the food. I was surprised to see the amount of cars there at 7:30 in the evening on a Thursday night. I ordered the combination feast and for my husband the Shish Kabob. I also noticed they had Garlic Sauce too and I of course had to try it as I've always had the standard Tahini sauce here. Food was ready surprisingly fast! My food came with with their Falafel which I'm not a fan of and gave it to my husband. The husband thought the Falafel tasted decent. I also let him try some of my chicken, kufta, and shawarma. He thought the meat, chicken, his own Shish Kabob and rice tasted delicious and flavorful. He was impressed (YAY)!!!! I of course throughly enjoyed all the meats, rice, and their delicious pita bread. That garlic sauce.....OMG..,.tasted AMAZING!! We loved the garlic sauce and highly recommend ordering it! We also had so much food that we have leftovers for lunch today! Pita Inn has always been my Mediterranean go-to and i'm pretty sure that my husband feels the same. Thanks for giving him another Mediterranean option and for always tasting awesome!!
(5)Lori W.
Pita Inn I have missed you! My husband and I fell in love this place when we lived in the area. On Friday we were able to make a stop and was not disappointed. The business special has gone up in price but still a good deal. I love that they have Ginger ale on tap. The only reason for the one star off is that our order had a problem which was due to someone not reading the request.
(4)Joseph L.
Maybe I just don't like middle eastern food but I found the food here to be kind of bland, like cardboard. Even the vegetables tasted like they were in the freezer for weeks. The staff was friendly and the prices are low, so for that i give them 2 stars. I don't get it. I'm sorry.
(2)Venessa F.
This place... So great! There's a nice selection, kosher, vegetarian and flavorful meals for a great price. The staff is fast, friendly and attentive. Such a great atmosphere!
(5)Shaili S.
Always get great service.. Amazing food and well cooked!!! Falafel plate is so filling!!
(5)Anamaria H.
I've been going to this Pita Inn for about 10 years now. This place was my introduction to Mediterranean food and I've been in love ever since. Whenever I go, I order the beef shawarma sandwich, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. The beef is so delectable and it just melts in your mouth. The falafel are highly addicting and the grape leaves are just amazing. I've also tried the combination feast, the hummus (with oil and without oil), and the falafel sandwich. If you're looking for a large meal, order the feast. The lamb and beef pieces are delicious and easy to chew (never had a tough piece of meat), the chicken is flavored beautifully, and the rice is great. When you go, make sure you try the spicy red sauce and the tahini sauce. Both give the food that extra something-something. Just be warned, sometimes the spicy sauce is really spicy. I'm a girl who loves her salsa hot but sometimes it's too much. When that happens, just add a little more tahini and your tongue will be okay. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the mood for fast, delicious Mediterranean. I give it 4 stars just because I'm not too fond of the current restaurant set up (I've seen this place go through at least 3 different configurations). The current layout makes it tight during busy periods and it can echo.
(4)Michael S.
This place sure knows how to cook meat well. I ordered the combination feast and loved all the protein on the plate. The chicken breast was well-seasoned with a nice lemony taste and cooked extremely well, keeping a nice moisture. The beef shwarma was extremely tasty, with a nice crisp to the meat. The shish kabob was tender and well-seasoned steak, while the kefta was nicely done, moist ground beef. The highlight of the plate was the falafel. Hot, straight out of the fryer, and bursting with flavor. While the meats were all excellent, the other stuff on the plate was disappointing. The plate only came with rice (which was good but a bit bland) and a "salad." The salad had no dressing on it and was pretty much just lettuce and cucumbers. I wish the platters came with a bit more but I still left satisfied.
(4)Nektaria R.
Pita Inn is a pita inn. Good food, lots of parking, nice outdoor seating area. Fast service. Cheap. What else do you need to know?
(4)Michelle B.
Excellent food. Tried the kebab and the falafel. Both were outstanding. Basic, clean ambiance.
(5)Scott R.
Cannot praise this restaurant enough! Consistently good Mediterranean food. This is probably the best lunch value in town; they have a business lunch special priced at $4.95; what a bargain and the portions are huge. The combination platter is excellent, as is the Lamb Kabob plate. The hummus is homemade, served room temperature and out of this world, as are the fallafal. Most entrees come with complimentary pita. Excellent food & Excellent value!!
(5)Abhijit C.
Awesome place for a quick grub! Great lunch specials and you hardly have to ever wait to get food! Paradise for a meat lover!
(5)Jon G.
Excellent food, especially for the price. The platters are hard to beat as a deal, and the meats were all excellent. You could spend more elsewhere, but you'd probably get less.
(5)Greg R.
Love the food at Pita Inn - and the value proposition here is high. At lunchtime - their Business Lunch special is simply unbeatable! For a whopping $5.99 - you get a whole heap of tasty food. You get a nice sampling of protein options (shawarma, kabob, kifte, chicken, and a falafel) served with rice, pita, and salad. I think you'd be hard pressed to get more value from your lunch anywhere else. This place is always crazy busy at lunch - but service is always super quick. Even past the lunch special, their other options are all fantastic - huge portions of tasty food, all for great prices. I like the chicken shawarma plate, with a little add-on of garlic sauce and a couple falafel. Great food + great prices = 5 stars and a repeat customer.
(5)angela l.
For some reason the chicken wrap did not taste as good as those I had at their Mundeline store.
(3)Jan M.
Love it here! Always fresh, generous portions. FATOUSH salad is good but I prefer my own vinaigrette. I always order some falafel and rice as sides. The hummus and lentil soup are my favorites. Try their homemade lemonade!
(5)Rusty S.
Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing, but unfortunately I was a bit underwhelmed after reading all the great reviews. I got the chicken shwarma & hummus to go, with falafel on the side. My order was ready in about 20 seconds, which made me a little apprehensive to begun with. The bits of chicken had good flavor but were kind of dried out, like they had been cut and sitting for a while. The hummus was not the best I've had, but it was OK--a little in the cold & pasty side. The best part was the falafel, which had a great home-made flavor and was not greasy at all. I would give it another try with the falafel and maybe a chicken kebab, but can't recommend the shwarma.
(3)Ankur P.
This place will never fail. I've been come here since I was young. Best falafel hands-down. Anytime someone visits from out of town, this is one place we will take them. Prices are very reasonable for a great portion of food.
(5)Johnny N.
Not bad for a place to stop when you are hungry and don't have much time to be searching and driving around. Would I come back?...maybe.
(3)Lefai K.
I had the chicken tender entree here and it was A-OK. I feel like the chicken could be seasoned more . The rice was kind of bland as well. But for the price, it was a good size meal
(3)Karl C.
Pita Inn is amazing. This place is so popular, it can be tough to find a table or a parking space. And there's almost always been a line to order food. Get their business lunch special which is $6 and it gets you shish kabob, kifta kabob, a chicken breast, shawarma, falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. Everything is delicious, particularly the falafel and kifta, and it's an incredible deal. Outside of business lunch hours, you can get this platter for $10. Go. Here. It will change all that you know about Mediterranean food.
(5)Rahul G.
I mean this place is amazing. Best Mediterranean food around, especially for the price! I go wayyy back with this place; lived next door to the first one on Dempster. Now this one is my go to since my mom lives around the corner. I grew up on this stuff. Their hummus is delicious and I always like ordering extra to have for the week. I normally get the gourmet falafel sandwich, which has potato slices in it, so yummy. Dump tons of their hot and white sauce on it to finish it off. I like the falafel plate sometimes if I'm in the mood to make my own sandwich. Other staples include the beef and chicken shawarma. Can't go wrong with anything here. Service is always super fast. Enjoy!
(5)Georgetta E.
Omar (the young one) is the BEST! By far one of the most pleasant food type place cashiers I've ever met. Thank you Pita Inn for not only tasty food but an easy and pleasant experience. Go here for falafel, chicken schwarma, tasty rice, and delicious pita - all at affordable prices. Super convenient, too.
(4)Ben K.
This place is a 4 star restaurant on weekdays during lunch because of their bomb business lunch special. But on the weekend (when I happened to visit) this place is a 3.5 star restaurant. I ordered a shish kabob sandwich for $4.99 and my friend ordered a shish kabob entrée for $8.49. The shish kabob in the sandwich was very tender and tasty, but the sandwich as a whole was a bit plain for me. I feel like if some rice came in the sandwich it would've been much better. The sandwich is the perfect alternative if you are not interested in getting an entrée. And if you order an entrée they definitely give you a lot of food, I've seen two grown men sharing an entrée and leaving satisfied. It is important to drench anything you order in the white and red sauce they offer, that's what separates Pita Inn from other Mediterranean restaurants.
(3)Shrinath P.
This place has the best Mediterranean food in the Chicago Suburbs. The portion sizes are defiantly big, lost to you is super low, worth every penny. The warm pita bread is amazing, chicken shwarma is very good as well. I would recommend this place to absolutely anyone. I have been dozens of times, nothing beats their lunch specials!!
(4)Grace L.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a good Mediterranean place in the suburbs and it was great to come in on New Year's Day for a quick meal. This restaurant runs like a cafeteria where you order your food and wait for them to load up your tray with goodies. The prices are reasonable and the helpings are generous. There is also an unlimited supply of yogurt and hot sauces to grab! We got the combination entree and the lamb kabobs. The rice was cooked well, the meats were juicy and tender and our plate of falafels were crisp and filling! I also learned of the awesome lunch special this place offers! So happy to have stopped by - this place rocks!
(4)Sai Lohith M.
This is like my home. I go almost everyday other day to this place. Even though the menu is limited I never got bored of this food. Try the lamb kebabs or chicken shawarma and don't forget to add the spicy red sauce that comes with it. Yummy!!!
(5)Tian Y.
Finally made it to Pita Inn at lunch time to see what the $5 lunch is all about. Holy crap it's such a good value it makes their (already fairly priced) combo dinners seem like a rip off. I thought that the lunch would be a really small portion, but it was still large enough to fill me up with leftovers. All the meats were flavorful and tender, better than I've had before at other locations for dinner. I also really like this location's ample parking and really clean and efficient interior. The food came out very quickly and the ordering/waiting area didn't feel too cramped compared to the Dempster/Skokie location. And even though it was lunch rush, there was still plenty of seats and the tables were cleaned very quickly. Can see myself coming here often for lunch when in the area.
(4)Christine A.
This is my go to place for when I don't feel like cooking. My mouth is watering as I write this. I always come and order and the turn around time is always very fast. I've gotten the food to go and also eaten in the restaurant and outside on their patio (this is a must in the summer!). I've had take out in the past from their Skokie location but that was just limited to the Jerusalem salad. I've had falafel and chicken pitas and both are stand outs. Their beef is also excellent and I love that yellow rice that comes on the side. It is even better mixed with tomatoes and/or Jerusalem salad. I love that you can grab as much tahini sauce as you want from the counter. My only beef with this place is I think they over do it on the parsley in the Jerusalem salad and falafel. This does not deter me though, and I am stoked to try the baklawa next!
(4)Sarah T.
Sooo I didn't think that I liked shawarma, until Pita Inn. I think the trick to their flavorful food is the seasoning. Add the ridiculously low prices and the only thing stopping you from coming here is time. We tried the combination platters and literallly EVERYTHING was delicious.
(5)Megan G.
A truly good deal for the food you get. The food tastes authentic and delicious. The prices are very reasonable. And the falafel is excellent!!
(5)Gaurav B.
Cant believe haven't written a review yet .... One of my favorite places for middle eastern food .... Excellent shwarma Excellent chicken tenders OMG delicious lamb kebab perfectly crusty and flavorful falafels Great kinafa A must try here would be the Jerusalem Style Gourmet falafel sandwich ... excellent food , huge portions, low prices ...
(5)Megan C.
The food here is great! I especially recommend coming here for their lunch special M-F until 3pm. You get a huge plate of food for $5.99, which contains a variety of meats, rice, salad, and a pita. You can tell this place is good when at 3pm on a Thursday the place is almost packed. This restaurant is doing it right, and I definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't yet!
(5)Rajarshi R.
Very good healthy Fast Food.....Only thing is they should have more varieties of Lamb.
(4)Bob R.
We decided to go to Pita Inn after attending a fundraising event at the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health. My son suggested this had the best Chicken Shwarma he'd had anywhere in the suburbs. This was a Friday evening at around 7:30 pm. While it was not packed, it was crowded. Like other Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, you order at the counter and when the food is ready, you pick it up on trays. Beverages are self-serve. We ordered a large hummus. My wife and I split a Chicken Shwarma dinner. There is more than enough food for one person, and it did two of us nicely. The hummus was tasty - not the best I've had but far from the worst. The pita served with the hummus was warm and soft. The Chicken Shwarma was well marinated and cooked. The rice was nice, but could have been more flavorful. They did not serve the spicy red sauce (not sure of the name) or tahini with the dinner. I recall it being priced extra on the menu. But, before we were done, my son somehow got a few servings for us. The salad served with the meal was fresh. Overall, I would say this was average for suburban Middle Eastern food. It's a little out of the way for us normally so I would not make this my "go-to" choice. If I'm in the area, I certainly would go again.
(3)Tasty X.
Popular, been here for awhile. Believe I remember this building was a Dairy Queen a long time ago. Don't be intimidated by food you may not have had before. You can get the lunch or dinner combo and you are basically getting just meat and rice. You WILL like it and you WILL come back. Come for lunch and fight for a table. This place is nuts because it is so good! Some of the employees have been there awhile and the one guy likes to joke with the customers. I have had him try to give me a handful of pennies for change a few times now. A coworker would order the vegetarian version of the lunch special and also is addicted. I have to be careful not to go down Elmhurst road past this at night. Otherwise the craving hits and it's a guaranteed stop. PITA INN IS THE GOLDEN STANDARD FOR MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA.
(5)Tejas B.
Best Pita place in the city and suburbs. The falafel is awesome and so it the chicken shawarma. We have catered from there on multiple occasions and the quality of food is also consistent. Definitely must try. All the locations are equally good.
(5)Jeff A.
Stuff your face with the business lunch special. And get some extra tahini for the rice.
(5)Avinash K.
Food was really good. Me and my friend did get quite a lot of food. We got plate of hummus (served with couple of pita bread), that was good. Then we got combination feast (mix of chicken and beef), both the meat was delicious. The fatoush salad was pretty good. We had the baklava and kinafa. I was a fan of baklava, but my friend liked the kinafa better. So overall it was really good.
(4)Vic O.
Love and miss this place. It's all good.
(5)Jay Y.
I had the Combo Feast and it was off the freakin chain. The portions were large and the quality of the meats were excellent. I was even surprised by how moist the chicken was. The seasoned rice was on the money, and the fresh lemonade was perfectly tart AF. The workers were over friendly to my female counterparts.
(5)Mike P.
What a crazy place. The guy taking orders has a great personality and is fun to interact with. The food itself is great for lunch and huge portions although not really seasoned as well as it could and should be.
(3)Jay K.
There's nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. It's GOOD. The lunch special is great both in flavor and value at under $5. Eat in or take out. Everything on the menu is cooked to order and served hot. The sauces that come with the special are great, The red color sauce has some 'kick' to it. If you like it you'll need two for you're lunch special. No matter which location you go to the quality is the same.
(5)Sonika ..
Quick service, great food and cheap price! 5 stars earned Pita inn! Chicken shawarma and falafel sandwiches are excellent! Also humus and pita are yumm!
(5)Shirley B.
Yummy food! Great service. I highly recommend the falafel.Going there now. We always get the dozen falafel to go as well.
(5)Olga S.
Falafel.... Makes my mouth water every time I think about it. Great place with great prices, especially lunch specials. Try lentil soup it is always delicious. And falafel, of course. I have been to this place more than a 100 times and they never disappoint.
(4)Luna M.
Well, I love Middle Eastern Food, but Pita Inn beats out any place that has the word, "Pita," in their sign. Not only do they have a great selection, they offer reasonable prices. Who can beat a combo lunch special for under $5? The combo (called business lunch special) is a great way to introduce a new guest to some of their main meals. Then you can decide which individual entree to have. My favorite is the Kefta kabob & Falafil plates. I love their rice--- it's delicious. Don't forget to dip your falafils in their hot (red) sauce. Currently, this is one of their 3 locations. Whenever I head to my parents' house, it's on my way so I pick up food for all of us to enjoy. Also, we have ordered catering portions for parties & they have always been a hit with the guests. Soon -- Pita Inn will open up their 4th location in Mundelein & I cannot wait!!!!!!!!
(5)jean h.
This one was really hard to review. I guess I am so unfamiliar with the spices in these dishes. My husband and I have been trying a new place each weekend. I had the GOURMET FALAFEL SANDWICH (Jerusalem Style). Seasoned ground chick peas and vegetables, formed into patties and deep fried to a flavorful crispness, served in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomato and tahini sauce, with the addition of potatoes, finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and pickles. The pita was fresh - the lettuce and tomato was fresh, the potatoes in the sandwich were good. I just did not like the spices in the Falafel. I tried the Vegetable lentil soup and did not like the spices either. My husband had the Lamb Kabab and I did not care for the ground lamb or the spices either. This may be that I am so not used to eating these spices
(2)AbiJeet K.
Chicken shawarma is amazing and so is vegetarian combo plate. I come here almost 3 times a week. Amazing pita chips and good baklava.
(5)Bob H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. Used to go to this place a ton when I was in graduate school at Northwestern. Great food for cheap - can't beat it. Loved the falafel, the hummus & shwarma entree, the baba gannoush, the lentil soup, the Jerusalem salad, and of course the Business Lunch Special. And then (Skokie location only) head across the parking lot to the Pita Inn market to pick up a dozen pita and a quart of hummus! Oh and don't forget to ask for the hot sauce & white sauce, and the pickled turnips, olives, and raw onions to pour on top of your business lunch special. Unfortunately I live farther away now but anytime I'm in the area I try to fit in my pilgrimage to the mighty Palestinian Mecca of the northern suburbs!
(5)Mary H.
Super lentil soup! Delish hummus. And always fresh falafela makes this my very favorite restaurant!
(5)Violet M.
Absolutely love this place for the good dependable food and reasonable prices. Always order the chicken tenders platter with a salad, moist chicken tenders and yellow rice. Yumm, the generous portions mean I have enough to save for lunch the next day. I always get a box when the food arrives and pack up half of the platter before I dive in. The falafel is great as well as the hummus and tabouleh. We have tried the lamb and beef and all are great too. Husband likes their tamarind juice.
(5)Tejash P.
Good Mediterranean food though found it a bit pricey. But it's quite popular and busy during weekday lunch hours. Tried the lentils soup which was very tasty with carrots and vegetables. Service is prompt with ordering on one side and pickup on another. They don't have table service. Numbers are called out as per tokens issued to pickup food and sit wherever you want. Portion size is good. I suggest if you can't eat it all, take it as a carry out instead of wasting it. I was appalled by people wasting good food during lunch time yesterday. They have outdoor seating. Interiors are comfortable with good Middle-Eastern music playing and a clean restroom. They also have wall photos reflecting Palestinian cultures and traditions. Downside: Parking is small compared to the number of people frequenting this eatery. Food is a little expensive. Also, I suggest management should provide free Wi-fi access to customers and have a smile. You aren't working in an assembly line factory.
(4)Katie H.
This place has ok customer service I usually see other restaurants have faster service but this customer service is nice
(3)Chris M.
Still a great spot, but there is a lot of competition out there now in the Mediterranean food world. Pita Inn is still a solid choice, and the lunch special is still an awesome deal.
(4)Shani S.
I like the vegetarian combination and also the lunch special which is really inexpensive and delicious. Best of all you can order and the food is ready for carry out in few minutes I always had good experience and love their food.
(5)Jaime J.
Food is always awesome and the workers are always friendly.I'm so glad that it's so close to my house and the fact that they open to 10 is a plus since lot of the small restaurants close at 9. You can never go wrong with the combination feast. My husband and I share this with large hummus and extra pita . They have the best hot sauce too, I can drink that stuff:)
(5)Alan B.
You always know what you're going to get going there and you'll get very quickly. I usually go there for the business lunch and a drink keeping my bill under $9.00
(4)Christie P.
This is the best falafel in the suburbs. It is CHEAP, it is FAST and it is GOOD FOOD. All the usual fixin's you would expect, and some personal favorites are the Jerusalem-style falafel sandwich and the hummus and shawarma with chicken. They give you a ton of food, too. Their fresh-made pita makes the whole meal just perfect. Take out, eat in, bring kids, all good.
(5)Candice G.
Apparently, this is THE place to be at 6:30 on a Sunday evening. Parking lot: Packed Foyer: Packed Dining area: Packed So we waited. We waited on a Sunday eve to sit down at a fast food restaurant. Worth it. Well, less the crying babies and the hacking man- worth it. I usually don't like felafel, too dry for my tastes, but not at Pita Inn. Absolutely the only felafel sandwich I endorse. So moist, so stuffed, perfect proportions, tahini dreams are made of, and perfectly spiced red stuff. I'll drive from Naperville o Wheeling in heartbeat for this bad-boy... there might not be anywhere to sit and eat it, but I'd make the effort to get the damn thing nonetheless. I also got the mint iced tea, which was meh, maybe brewed a little too strong and with very little mint flavor and the vegetable lentil soup which again, I thought was pretty just okay and not very hot- which normally I don't mind, but with the consistency of their veggie lentil soup, it kinda just tasted like mushy gush in my mouth. Not a fan. Just do yourself a favor and get that felafel sandwich (better than the vegetarian falafel plate bc it's less work and perfectly portioned) and maybe their rice, which is also pretty damn delicious. Quick tip: They have a patio in the warmer months that when open, basically doubles the size of the restaurant's dining area.
(4)Bo P.
Good food! Good price! Fast food service. Every time is very consistent! I am glad that they are next door and keep serving the neighborhood right. The reason for 4 stars is the food, the rest is just OK. You have to serve yourself pretty much, so for 4+ or 5 star restaurant " "
(4)Monica B.
This was some very good middle eastern food at reasonable prices! The meats were all real tender and cooked perfectly! My husband had the vegetarian combo plate which he said was fresh and delicious! I would definetly come back and recommend this place to others! For a tasty treat get the mango drink behind the register. It is really sweet and delicious! The only reason I didn't give it give 5 stars is because they call people's numbers for their food on a loud speaker which gets real annoying after awhile if you eat in.
(4)Jennifer S.
There isn't a lot to say that hasn't already been said here. Basically, I whined for about a year until I found myself in the area with my hubby on a Sunday afternoon. I was convinced that I was missing some unbelievable food and since he'd been here many times before, I figured that I had to visit with him. The counter service was ordering was good. Pleasant and suggestions were made. I always appreciate that when visiting somewhere new to me. I tried the garlic dipping sauce due to one of those suggestions. But when we got out food, our extra pittas were missing. As were some falafel. I went up to asked for the missing pittas. My hubby arrived moments later to alert of the missing falafel. I don't think they believed us. There was a serious debate about our missing items. I don't know if they think I shoved the "missing" items in my purse or whatever, but they weren't very nice from that point on. It was weird and honestly the overall attitude left me with a bad taste in my mouth. What I learned here is that the combination meal is more than enough food for two of us to share. The pita bread was fine, but not worth ordering extra of at all. The caffeine free Mugg root beer at the self- service fountain area was a major plus. Finally, it wasn't worth the fuss. Pita House closer to home in Schaumburg is very similar with more pleasant service. In my humble opinion at least.
(3)Jahanzeb H.
This place is close to my work and they have an awesome Lunch special. $6 bucks for good quality meat with rice and Pita cant beat that. service is prompt but call ahead as there is a lot of people in line. Kefta kabob is my favorite. baba ganhuj is a must as an appetizer.
(5)Allhad K.
Probably the best middle eastern food in chicago suburbs. Their service is very quick and the food is tasty and fresh. They should keep the spicy chicken tender entree here which is available in mundelein.
(4)Amy W.
Pita Inn I love you!!!!!!!! Mmmmmmwah! The food here is consistently delicious. If you get the business lunch special, you can tour the menu. FOUR kinds of meat AND a falafel. I recommend an upgrade to the fattoush salad--it has peppers and parsley and dressing and pita chips. Much yummier and worth it. You can now fill your own fountain drinks, mint iced tea is delicious. The expansion was still not enough to accommodate their huge lunch rush, apparently I'm not the only one to think this place is awesome! You can phone ahead and when you arrive, skip the line. I may have seen people at the end of the line phone an order in. It's been done. They have lovely outdoor seating underneath the grape vines. They bus your table for you, so there's no need to clean up. Silverware and sauces are at the counter. Love the beef shawarma and hummus. The lunch special. I used to have their baklava, they also offer a sugar-free version ?!? I cannot leave this review without mentioning the trickster at the cash register, he always cracks my daughter up. To keep up that speed of service with a chuckle--that's special!
(4)Brian M.
Good food. Great prices. The staff is friendly and helpful. Nice place for a quick cheap and healthy meal. Try the mango during and combo platter. You will love it.
(4)Kyle B.
The lunch special is stupid good, stupid fast, and stupid cheap.So you'd be stupid to not check it out.
(5)Junior D.
I had enuff at the naf naf and wanted to try some authentic middle eastern food. I was working in area and seen all the cars and had too see what the hype was all about. Came here and ordered some falafel and a chicken shawerma salad. Chicken was very flavorful and falafel were hot and fresh. There pitas are so soft and melt in your mouth. There prices are very fair and quality is top notch compared to places.
(5)Simon K.
Wait, who deleted my review for Pita Inn? Because there's no way I haven't reviewed one of my favorite spots to eat in the north suburbs... Or maybe I'm just trying to assuage my guilt of not having gotten around to it... Nonetheless, if you love medi-food, this is the place to be. ESPECIALLY at lunchtime on a weekday. For five bucks, you get a nice helping of shawarma, kifta kabob, shish kabob, falafel, rice, tomatoes, lettuce and pita bread. Also, the hot and tahini sauces are the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, respectively, to bring more awesomeness to your dish. And on some weekends, if you sweet talk the guy at the cash register, you can get the lunch special that was supposed to be reserved for weekdays. How awesome is that? Their baklava isn't too bad either and it's a great way to end a meal. Just enough sweetness mixed in with the nuts and phyllo dough. All in all, a great place to grab lunch, or dinner for a few bucks more, in the northern burbs.
(4)Yueqin C.
I highly recommend the vegetarian combination plate. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. I personally like the baba ghanoush and falafel. It gets very crowded during lunch hours but the lunch special is a great deal
(5)Patrick M.
I will go way out of my way to eat at Pita Inn. I have never had a bad meal there. The staff is very friendly. It is one of my favorite places to eat.
(5)Rohit J.
Got my dinner to go. The food tastes terrible and is the worst greek food ever. The meat was sawdust, tzaziki was water. I also have an upset stomach even after throwing away most of it. It is SHOCKING that this place has such a high rating. I got suckered in because of it. Do not repeat my mistake.
(1)S s.
Awesome place! Great fresh food and great prices for a good portion size. My favorite?? The rice!! I dunno what they do to that rice but it's WAY too good! Try the lamb it's amazing!
(5)Bear C.
No wonder there are lines out the door when the food is this good.
(4)Kei A.
First time eating here. I've always had this dream of eating a felafel that became realized at a friend's house, and I fell in love. A buddy if mine was craving something different, so he drove by pita inn and I immediately ordered a felafel. Damn near perfect! Came out rather quickly, Nice and warm etc. The owner also seemed pretty goofy, so that's fun. The felafel's aren't exactly 100% authentic, but they're the closest you're gonna get. Damn near perfect.
(4)Chebureki M.
Very good Mediterranean food, enjoy it every time.
(4)Teresa T.
By far my favorite falafel ever and the hummus and garlic sauce is fantsstic! Amazing lunch special for $5 gets you a ton of food and you get to taste of several different items! A must stop every time I visit Chicago now.
(5)Mary K.
Wow! We were In town on a business trip and my friend and I decided to find somewhere different to eat. We found Pita Inn on Yelp and the reviews were really good. We both ordered the chicken shawarma entree, knafe, and baba ghanoush. We were impressed with the quick service and quality of food. There was a steady stream of a very cosmopolitan group of clients. Excellent on making a lasting impression on out of town guests! We will definitely come again if we come back to Deerfield!
(5)Faith E.
I've never tried Middle Eastern food until Pita Inn and I didn't know what to expect since I'm a really picky eater. I have to say it is quite good- fresh, tasty, and super cheap! You can't beat that. The hot sauce is good but I'd like it a bit hotter, that's probably my only "complaint". I really liked the Baklawa and Chicken Shawarma sandwich. The restaurant has a bit of a fast food vibe buy they've definately made it feel nicer with the granite-type tables and nice outdoor seating area. A must try for anyone looking to try something new!
(4)Anna S.
One day, my husband and I were looking for a good place for weekend lunch with reasonable price except for burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches. When checking Zagat, we found Pita Inn, rated 1st place in Middle Eastern food in Chicago area and the budget was just $10 ! We visited there straight away. Actually, we not so familiar with Middle Eastern food. So we ordered Vegetarian Combination Plate and Combination Feast Entree. I think Vegetarian Combination Plate was the right choice especially for beginners like us ! It covers Pita Inn's signature menus; 1. FalafelDeep fried croquette of ground chick peas 2. Jerusalem SaladTomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with Tahini sauce (Sesami Paste) 3. HummusDip of chick peas, Tahini sauce and spices for Pita bread 4. Baba GhannougDip of eggplant, Tahini and yogurt for Pita bread 5. Tabouleh SaladTomatoes, onions, green peppers and cracked wheat 6. Three Stuffed Grape LeavesGrapevine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice plus 3 Pita Breads I looove all, but especially Pita bread dipped with Hummus and Baba were so delish. I think Tahini sauce (sesami paste), which is used as base for many menus are outstanding. That's mild and I cannot stop it. I can recommend this combination plate for all. Oops! We also ordered Combination Feast Entree, including Kebab, Kifta, Shawarma (3 type of beefs) and Farafel on rice. We shared each other, so that's OK. But if we had ordered only this Combination Feast plate, we would have missed vegetables. Also it's difficult to recognize which is Kifta or Shawarma. Regarding meet plate, we will try simple entree or sandwich next time. All around, the food quality with this price range is impressive !
(4)Kevin W.
The food is consistently great, it never disappoints. I started off getting the chicken schwarma, but for the last 3 or 4 visits I can't seem to try anything other than the combo feast(beef). It is fabulous! Get a side of falafels and your all set! The sauces are the perfect compliment!
(5)R P.
I love this place. The only problem is seating during peak lunch time, which is actually a big problem some days. Suggest carry out, or going after 12:30.
(5)Anthony P.
The business lunch special is ridiculous. You get chicken, pita breed, beef, and gyro meat for like $5. Go early as there can be lines out the door. See the pics for an upload of the business lunch
(4)C T.
I haven't been to a ton of pita/falafel/shwarma places, but I knew this place was going to require a return trip from the first time I tasted their delicious, lemony, non-greasy tabbouleh and their wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced/seasoned falafel patties. Mmmmmmm, and the prices are hard to beat! Their yellow rice is nicely buttered (I think it's butter) and seasoned, and the kibbeh is a bit oily, a bit salty, but it is deep-fried after all. The service is fast, seating is ample, and you get little bowls of yogurt dip, yours for the taking. You can order to-go on the phone and pick it up 15-20 minutes later. I've had tabbouleh and falafel at a few establishments, but I've always had trouble with too much grease in both items. At Pita Inn in Wheeling, though, it is perrrrrfect. If they could just open one downtown, replace the burrito beach on Ohio...I think they would do such brisk business. Oh and you can order falafel by itself by the dozen. I've tried freezing it for a couple weeks then heating it on the stove top (I still don't have a toaster oven which would be perfect)--it works out perfectly. Soooo good. If I get back there I'm buying in bulk. My freezer's gonna gorge on deep-fried chick pea nuggets mmmmmmmm.
(5)Jessica C.
My favorite place to eat! Make sure you try their business lunch special on weekdays; it is an incredible deal with a delicious variety of food. It is one of the best bang for your buck places to eat, you will get unique yet healthy meal and feel incredibly satisfied. For those of you that do not like crowded restaurants or to wait, make sure to just call ahead and place your order to go. #1 restaurant I'd suggest trying if you are in the burbs.
(5)Rose R.
I just have to write a review on this STELLAR restaurant! Each and every single time the food is awesome and amazing. You can't beat their prices and their hummus is the best I've ever had. Every item is mouth watering and prepared perfectly. I highly recommend the Vegetarian Platter because you get a sampling of everything they do best... Hummus, Baba Gannoush, Falafel, and more. Their Tahini is so tasty and just is the perfect compliment to their warm and wonderful pita bread. There is no comparison anywhwere to this fabulous place. I've been coming here for YEARS and will not stop! The guy who left there to open Firewood Kabob in Buffalo Grove states he is doing a better job. NO WAY! I went to Firewood Kabob and it's horrible. Stick with Pita Inn and you'll be so happy! Pita Inn is the BEST!
(5)Chris H.
LOVE this place! We've been going here for years and it never disappoints. The hummus is phenomenal!
(5)T M.
Wow! Loving that hummus!! I went here one day upon trying to decide between my french fry craving and my hummus craving. After looking at my tummy in the mirror, I decided that hummus would be a better bet! So I drove all the way there (I work in Rolling Meadows), and it was packed! I ordered the lunch special for $4.95 and a small hummus. Surprisingly, with all of the lunch time customers, it only took about 5 minutes for my food. The special came with lamb, chicken, rice, salad, and a delicious falafel. It was good, but the hummus, oh that hummus, was exactly what I was craving! I always try to make hummus at home, but places like this remind me that it's just a waste of time:)
(4)DB A.
4.5 stars I've been going to Pita Inn (its several locations) before it was even called Pita Inn. But that's a different century. This place is good. It's always been good, and it's a good value too. If you're near any of their places and are in the mood for Mediterranean food, this is a great choice. The $3.95 businessman's lunch is an unbeatable value, and you'll be very happy with your choice of falafel or shish kebab, or shawirma, or their terrific Jerusalem salad. Order some hummus or baba Ghannouj too. It's all good here. Very busy at lunchtime, but the line moves fast. They've been such a reliable choice for so long, I'd never thought of writing a review until the other day when I went to Pita Island in Buffalo Grove. Better I had walked the six miles to Pita Inn. (The extra half star in THIS review is billed against my overly generous 2 star review of Pita Island.)
(4)J K.
I don't like giving 5 stars because I like to say there's always something more a restaurant can do to make it better, whether it's the service or the food or even the environment. That being said, I like Pita Inn and have been to the Skokie and Niles locations already, but this is the best location I've had been to after countless visits. Although I usually go during lunchtime (G*d forbid you actually eat in during the business lunch hour, the line is unbelievable), and even when I have long complicated orders, the gentleman there is always pleasant and always joking no matter how long the lines are or if orders go awry. The food and value of the business lunch specials...I mean how can you go wrong with $3.95 ($1 extra for chicken)? I eat A LOT of food, but I'm usually very satisfied after one of these. The food is consistently good (not necessarily perfect, but the price more than justifies any sorts of shortcomings), and even during dinner time, the food is still decently-priced for your portions, the restaurant is clean, and service is fast. Phone ordering is simple, pick-ups are painless...it's always a pleasure to go there.
(5)Allyson D.
I lived in the Middle East for a little while, and I can safely say that Pita Inn is THE best in the Chicago area. Their hummus is to die for - I'm thinking of going down there today and picking up 2 tubs of it for my fridge. The bread is always warm and fresh - just how I like it. I'm pretty picky about falafel too - most of the time I don't like it or won't eat it - and theirs is amazing. I love the shawerma too, and their garlicy tahini sauce is PERFECT. I'd be there every day if I lived closer.
(5)Mike L.
What else can I say other than; good food at cheap prices. A very Mediterranean meal, heavy on the beans, chicken, lamb, and rice. Based on that it is a very good meal, on the plus side they make their own pita, which is a very big plus. They offer a variety of meals from veggie to meat but I think a mix is best. Always busy yet they serve a great meal all the time, well done.
(4)Ellie S.
Wonderful Middleastern food! Very crowded at lunch. Be prepared to wait but, the line moves fast. Have someone find a table while the other person waits in line. Most people are regulars and don't stay long as a courtesy. This place gets busy because the food is awesome! Dinner is busy but, not as bad as lunch. I personally love the shish ke bob platter (very tender and flavorful steak, delicious rice and salad). I also love the baba ganoush. There are many vegetarian options too. I like to people watch as it has a very diverse crowd. I even came here to honor a co-worker who had passed away. He loved to eat lunch here along with the rest of us. Rest in peace Warren!
(5)Andrea K.
Finally made it to Pita Inn after eyeing it for a few years. Stopped by on a Sunday evening and the place was busy. It was a little difficult to find a menu to order from. At Pita Inn you order at the counter and they call your number when the food is ready. They do not have the menu above the register, but have a copy flat on the counter that you can't read until you get up to order. They also have some menus tucked along the wall but you can't see them because they are blocked by whomever is ordering. So, I had to politely force my way in between people to get to the menus because no one seemed interested in passing me one after asking. I decided to get the chicken tender pita. My BF got the chicken tender entree (so much for trying more than one dish). The food came out so fast we barely had time to pick a table. One thing that was a turnoff was the chicken was a yellowish color. Almost neon yellow. I am guessing it was due to mustard or Tumeric seasoning but it did not have much flavor. It seemed to be decent quality but I had a hard time getting past the color. The pita was good but a little on the tough, dry side. Afterward I tried the baklava. That was very good. I would come back to Pita Inn but I think Dengeo's on Dundee has better chicken and pitas. I guess I need to try other items but if the pitas are just ok it does not entice me to get a hummus appetizer. I think the high ratings from others are because of the prices more than the food itself.
(3)Julie A.
Heavy cleaning product smell when we were there. I have a nose for smells so that ruined me really liking anything the day I went. the pta was cold and not very tasty and the food didn't stand out at all. I didn't even take my leftovers. Sorry but guess I had a bad experience.
(2)Dasha B.
Amazingly yum! Have yet to meet a person who doesn't like this place. It's extremely affordable (less than $10/plate) and so delicious. And they cater, which is a big plus! Over the years, I have probably tasted everything on their menu and don't have a complaint about a single thing.
(5)Ganesh M.
After falafel hut in NJ this is the other place where i loved the dolmadakias(stuffed grape leaves). Most of the stuff from the menu was good and i hardly have any complaints. Would have given a 5 star if the lamb and beef shawarmas were a little juicy. Just too dry to my liking.
(4)Vinifer D.
This is my lunch spot at work! One of the best Middle Eastern cheat eats restaurant out there! I love their amazing vegetarian platter. It comes with a little sampling of everything: hummus, baba, falafel, tabouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. I'm not a big fan of stuffed grape leaves, so they will always substitute a couple of falafel balls for them. Not to mention, their tahini and hot sauce is out of this world. I know it's not hard to screw up, but these guys kick ass! Their shwarmas and kababs are wonderfully seasoned, and when you add the sauces, it puts them over the top!
(5)Jeff S.
Specfreggintacular! this is by far the best mediterranean places i have ever been to. Did i say you can get full for less than $10?
(5)Nicollette W.
Wow - Pita Inn falafel.....oh how I love you. I love you even more stuffed in a pita with TON's O tahini sauce drizzled on you. You some type of breaded fried yumminess that I am not sure I can possibly get enough of.
(5)Foram B.
I've been going to Pita Inn since I was kid. It's always been a family favorite. Great food, reasonable prices...you can't really beat that. The best part now is that I live less than 3 miles from it. I get to stuff myself with this delicious goodness more frequently now :o)
(5)Justin G.
GO HERE, NOW!!! That is all.
(5)Vera Lynn W.
I love this place. I will eat here every chance I get. I alwaysget the hummus, and a couple of shawarmas. I could drink their white sauce, its that good. Prices are great and I always walk out of here full. The line can get long, but they move things along pretty fast. I think I just talked myself into going here tomorrow for lunch. Mmmm.....
(5)Bella B.
As a vegetarian, this is my absolute favorite place to get a quick, tasty, inexpensive lunch. I've been to 2 of the 3 Pita Inns, the Wheeling and Niles locations. Both have fabulous service and are ALWAYS jam packed whenever I go. What a good thing they've got going here. The Wheeling spot is my lunch go-to if I don't brown bag it and don't want to spend $10 for lunch. There have been many times where I've gotten the last parking spot in the lot. It's always packed at lunch time. The dining area seems a little bigger at the Niles location if you're going to dine in. The falafel is the best I've ever had anywhere. The hummus can't be passed up. At less than $2 for a small, and less than $4 for a large, you can't beat that deal. And you get 4-5 warm pitas with it. Everything tastes SO fresh and delicious. Refreshing mint iced tea on a hot, summer day? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmmm!! LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)Laura L.
No matter the age, gender, race, religion, whatever.... EVERYONE will like the Pita Inn!! Its freaking cheaper that McCdonalds and healthier too! I have loved this food since I was 3 years old! This place is the absolute best! Too bad I go to school in Kenosha... I would eat there everyday.. its perfect for the wallet of a college student! GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO THERE! TIP: the Glenview location gives you free refills of your drinks.
(5)Dhaivat A.
I've been to this place few times for lunch. It's always packed. The food is awesome and the restaurant is nice and clean. I would definetely recommend this place to everyone.
(4)Michelle M.
Yes, this place is line out the door packed but there is a reason for that. Great food and great prices. They have a combo lunch meal with different kinds of meats, chicken and rice for around $5. You will easily have leftovers. Tip: To avoid the line order ahead for carryout. You will get nasty looks as you cut ahead of everybody waiting in that long line but the owner will yell (playfully) at you if you wait in the line and have already phoned in your order. This is what we always did when I worked nearby. Pita Inn, please open more locations!!
(5)Bryan S.
This place has always been the bomb for hummus, falafalel, (spelled it wrong), and just everything. I don't eat meat anymore and this is one of my favorite spots for affordable food that is great. Its the only decent thing about the 'burbs~
(5)T D.
This place is the best. The combination plate is great, as are the hummus and baba ghanouj. have eaten here a hundred times and it is always great. I do not think there is a bad item on the menu.
(5)ALFREDO M.
This is simply the best *fast* food you can get in Wheeling - the BEST. I understand they have a lunch special but since they are a little far from my office, I've never eaten lunch here. I might have to check that out next time I'm working from home. We almost always carry out from here - the food is cheap and good. Here's what we like from Pita Inn (our typical carry out order): * hummus - they whip it up real good. * Jerusalem salad - always with fresh ingredients * tabouleh salad - again with the fresh ingredients (a must have) * vegetable lentil soup - hot and seasoned just right. * falafel - it just might be the best I've ever had... seriously. * chicken shawarma entrée - I don't know what they do to this chicken but I can't get it into my mouth fast enough - it tastes so good. The entrée comes with rice pilaf which should in theory be boring (but it's not)... and a little salad on the side - don't waste your time with the salad. Really, everything there is good - I've probably tried almost everything on the menu, but we usually stick with our favorites. The place is always packed on a Friday evening but everybody finds a place to sit. There is a guy who works at the register who messes with the customers - he still zings me from time to time... that's always fun.
(4)Daniel Y.
The BEST LUNCH SPECIAL EVER. PERIOD. You get beef kabobs, gyro meat, and chicken if you want for a buck more I think. Also rice, salad, pita bread, and a falafel. ALL FOR $4.
(5)Rich A.
Used to work close to here and eat the lunch special all the time. Amazing food at cheap prices
(5)Nery E.
their falafel are the best! u try one and you are hooked for life! they got u! i always order 3 additional falafels with my business special order! i also love their jerusalem falafel sandwich! great staff, they get your orders out fast! if crowded, call in, place your order to go, skip the long line, and eat there!
(5)Sam C.
Oh how I love you, Pita Inn. I've eaten in for lunch. Picked up for lunch. Picked up dinner for a big group at my house. My kids like it. I love it. The food is fresh and delicious. I frequently get the Combo Feast (add the chicken, please). The vegetarian meals are awesome too. I also get a large side of baba ghanoush, which is awesome, to take home. The Jerusalem salad is really good, too. Bottom line: quick, inexpensive, and delicious.
(5)Theresa B.
delighted to have fast, reasonably priced cuisine like this in the area.
(4)Harish C.
I love th coziness of this place. The food is great and they have great options for vegetarians. They have the greatest baklava I have ever tasted and there falafel is perfect-soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. Definitely well priced.
(4)David M.
You can't go wrong with Pita Inn. They've got Mediterranean food down to a science. Best pitas in the area.
(4)Beth T.
The food is great and you cannot beat the lunch special. $3.99 (without chicken)!!! I always order in advance and pick it up. I avoid the lines the the cashier always smiles, knows my name and asks me how I am doing. How can you beat that.
(5)April Z.
really like pita inn. and its great food for the price. I've dined in and also catered from here. catering does not deliver so that was slightly annoying. however the food was all hot and fresh and everyone loved it. the pita's came ice cold in the bag from the manufactorer, like you see on store shelves. not warmed up, grilled nothing. we frantically heated up pitas in bunches in the microwave so people had at least warmed pitas at the party. my only gripe. but i would order from them again and ask them to warm the pitas!
(3)Amy L.
So I finally found out what a falafel is, I've always wondered! I finally tasted it too. This place is good. I like it. I've gone a few times to this and other locations. It is a semi fast food type place that gives you decent food. I'd go there more often if I lived by one since I'm in the city now.
(3)Magda S.
Love it, love it, love it!!! I have been going there for years now and they have been consistant with the quality of the food since day one. Reasons I love them: - you can't beat their prices - always fresh - lunch special - AWESOME - unfortunatelly I work too far from them now to enjoy it :( - upbeat staff - delicious hummus and baklava Me and my husband usually get the combination feast and a vegetarian combination plate. Plenty of food to share - yummy! I get free falafel from this one guy... :) Shhhhh... it's our little secret. Visit their website for menu and pictures at pitainn.com
(5)Thomas C.
I used to go here for lunch 2-3 times a week. Never even thought to write a review. I've been to all locations. Milwaukee is the best because it is larger and you can get free refills on drinks. Skokie will always be dear because I grew up right by there. But alas, Wheeling was close to work. Busy, but fast. Their "business lunch" meal was a staple. Very delicious, great prices, and consistent.
(4)Bert W.
positives: pretty consistent taste in food and always hot usually friendly customer service they will give you extra pitas if you ask for it downside: lunch-time is mad busy and you have to wait a little bit. no free refills
(4)Michael H.
I tried to resist since there are already so many positive reviews, but I have to add to the praise. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu at this point. Everyone knows about the lunch special, but I think the gourmet falafel sandwich is underrated. I typically switch to it when I'm not in the mood for meat. The combination feast at dinner is still a great value and I will either share it with someone else, adding a side of hummus (best I've ever had), or I will bring home leftovers. The baklawa is amazing, but the kinafa somehow tops it. I had a food epiphany when trying their tahini sauce and have never found an equal. I can drink a shake of that stuff straight up. The hot sauce is homemade and also incredible, although sometimes my stomach vetoes the decision to include it on the kifta kabob. Here is a comparison of the three locations: The Glenview location is not as crowded, has plenty of parking and a nice outdoor dining area. Service is pleasant with two woman cashiers whenever I visit. Wheeling has enough parking, but a smaller dining area, can sometime be tough to find a seat, the cashier at lunch has a pretty great sense of humor. The Skokie location is always packed, inexplicably at all times of day, tough parking and pulling in/out on Dempster. I find the service to be the rudest here, but I think it comes with the stress of serving never-ending stream of people. Food has generally been the same at all locations, which is great. I used to live right by the Wheeling location before I knew about Pita Inn. I wish I could go back in time to kick my ass for not eating there. Could they please open a location in Northbrook or downtown?
(5)Rosalia H.
good middle eastern food. service is good too and nice managers. good place to go if you are really hungry and want a lot of food.
(4)Tim B.
Fast food the way it should be. Fresh ingredients, no processed crap. I've been eating at Pita Inn since the 90s. First at their Skokie location, then at their Wheeling location since it's so close to me. I've been to the one in Niles numerous times as well. I think the one in Skokie is still my favorite in terms of taste, though maybe it's just me. Though I've tried everything on the menu, I can't get enough of the lamb kabob sandwich, hummus, and the falafel. Don't forget the white sauce and the hot sauce! The baklava is excellent as well. Wash it all down with tamarind juice! I've yet to find any Middle Eastern restaurant which remotely compares in terms of taste and value. I can't count how many times I've been at some other Middle Eastern restaurant and thought, "man, Pita Inn's hummus and falafel taste 10 times better and cost a third of this!" I just made myself hungry for some Pita Inn.
(5)Patrick H.
Pita Inn really is as great place. You can get fast inexpensive meals that taste great and fill you up. They have indoor and outdoor seating. If you're there on a weekday, I would recommned the businees lunch special. It's a plate the comes with a bit of everything on it and a couple of pitas. Everything is great. The chicken, beef, rice filafel. EVERYTHING I TELL YOU! I've eaten there many times and every meal has left me satisfied. And best of all, you get all the red and white sause you want. What kind of sauce am I taling about? Well, you'll just have to go there and find out. And when you do, shoot me a message becasue I don't know what they are called.
(4)Brad S.
You would have to travel to the middle east to find any better. The prices are just cheep.
(4)Stephanie ..
On hot summer nights as a kid, I used to ride my bike to this location back when it was a Dairy Queen, so I was initially one pissed-off pre-pubescent when this place turned into a Pita Inn. But let's just say these days, I don't know what I'd do without Pita Inn. This was my first stop after arriving at O'Hare. Yes, folks, no time to drop off luggage because the greasy goodness was calling! $3.95 lunch specials--so large I can eat them for the next 2 meals--of the most delicious schwarma and falafel. I usually alternate between their Veggie platter and their (meat) combination plate, and always, ALWAYS, order the cucumber yogurt salad.
(5)Eric B.
Pita Inn is an amazingly good place for great Middle Eastern food. I wish I had found out about this place sooner! I go there at least once every other week. I always get the Business lunch special, for under $5 you get enough food, Shish kabob, Kifta kabob, Shawarma, and falafel with rice, salad, and pita bread. I add chicken to mine for $1 extra. The baklava is very tasty as well. The place is packed, but it's because of how great the food is. Plus I like the owner of the place because he jokes around with you, even when it is at it's busiest. You can't beat the service and the food.
(5)Little Miss L.
Pita Inn is such a go-to for us. It's literally right down the street from us, and we go there all the time. The baba ganoush is the best and the lamb kabob is wonderful. I haven't had better falafel either. This place rocks. The guys that work there are quick and hilarious. Go early or late for lunch though unless you want to wait 9 hours though, because they are supremely packed for lunch. Its so cheap to eat there..the food rocks...just call ahead. Tell them extra Tahini!
(5)Kevin G.
Every time we drive near here, we make it a point to stop in and enjoy a wonderful flavorful meal. Lots of food for your buck! You can't go wrong with their "Combination Feast". Best Falafels I have ever had. We also stop in here prior to a flight out of O'Hare. Hmm, let's see - a belly full of wonderful Mediterranean cuisine, or airplane food? Lots of parking, and their outdoor arbor eating area is refreshing.
(5)kb j.
I recently went here for lunch. It was my first visit to this place and I was amazed at the value provided. The parking lot was full and included both taxicabs and Beemers. It's a no-frills place that was packed with a mix of young adults, families with kids and older folks. You order from a counter, they give you a number and then call that number. You pick up your food from the counter and carry to your table on a plastic tray. Service was fast. We ordered a Shawarma chicken pita (rotisserie grilled, sliced (gyros-style) and stuffed into a warm, fresh pita. In addition, we ordered a combination plate that was piled high with lettuce, tomato, gyros and meat slices and a falafel accompanied by tasty pita bread.
(5)Kate P.
I love Pita Inn. It's a very good to go to Pita Inn during lunch time. They serve a very good middle eastern food at a very reasonable price. The portion is very filling and contains well-balanced diet. Each dish has the combination of vegetables and meat with very yummy sauce( hot sauce and the tahini yogurt sauce) so, I definitely recommend this place to everyone. it's very delicious food at a good price.
(5)A V.
This message is for Mr. Hamdy Hady. Thanks for inviting me to Pita Inn. I really like Pita Inn but had a very small concern regarding the way in which guests are treated sometimes. May be it is because you guys are swamped with too many guests. I understand. The purpose of my review is to be fair and thorough so that it will help the business as well as the customers. Once again, i really really appreciate that you have taken time to respond back to my review. Thanks a lot. DEFINITELY YOU GUYS DESERVE A 5 STAR RATING. LOOKING FORWARD TO VISIT SOON.
(5)Patrick O.
Fantastic! Great food and staff. I'm glad I found this place, and I'll be there a few times a week..
(5)San T.
Is not as good as the one in Skokie. I drive the extra 15 mins to the one in Skokie.
(2)mark M.
I think I was a little bit hot headed when I wrote this. Went back for a weekday lunch. this time food was fresh. I would give it 3 stars but 1 extra for their very competent prices.
(4)Maria C.
I simply love this place. It's dirty cheap, the food is fantastic and the people are very nice. This is packed 24x7 but you never wait too much because the turn over is really fast. Try the falafil, the hummus and the Lunch Special - Shawirma with Rice. It comes with a little salad and Yogurt dressing. Really good.
(5)Greg M.
I absolutely love this place, for a chained restaurant the quality and taste of the food is so memorable. The dishes are also served up relatively quick even when the place is packed, but this still doesn't compromise the overall quality of the meal. Whenever I go here I always order the hummus and shawarma with chicken. What's the payoff for such a meal? My life is dominated. Their baklawa is pretty killer too. So do yourself a favor and go here or else... you're missing out.
(5)STEFANIE A.
Friday mornings at my office are an orchestrated chain of events that result in yummy Pita Inn glory. It starts Thursday afternoon, "Pita Inn tomorrow?" Then its Friday and the email goes out calling for the orders. I am always the 'order b----' and I have to say I normally grumble at doing this, but not at the Pita Inn. I have never encountered a place that gets 14 orders to go 100% correct, ALL THE TIME. The guy on the phone says, "oh you from the travel company?" How'd he know that?! The orders are retrieved, make sure you go to the phone order line! The looks from the 30 people waiting in line are priceless. The food is brought back to the office and the frenzy begins! We don't always get along and its a high stress job with a lot of high maintenance customers, but Friday afternoons bring us back together!
(5)Beth G.
Pita Inn is heaven on a plastic tray. For realsies. I am a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine and they seem to do it even better than traditional, non-fast food type places. This location was the first I ever ate at, the old Dairy Queen used to be here but I'm so glad they closed down and Pita Inn opened up. Could a Blizzard compare to their falafel, hummus, and combos? I think not!
(5)Maggie R.
This place has become the standard by which I judge all other falafel. "Meh, Pomegranate is good, but it's no Pita Inn..." and so on. Reasonably priced, delicious, and consistently good service. It was once joked among friends that it would be ideal to eat one's way out of a bathtub filled with their hummos... mmmmmm.
(5)Michael H.
This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and very reasonable prices. The beef schwarma is unbelievably good, the falafel is so crunchy and the sauces are wonderful. I highly recommend.
(5)Jonathan F.
I give it 3.5 but we'll round up for now. It's got decent food, and fast service. Busy at lunchtimes. The food is sometimes a little so-so, but it'll do!
(4)Karen G.
This is a favorite lunch stop for my work crew. I also live very close by and often stop by for full meals or just pita and hummus (especially with the chicken!). Delicious!
(5)Megan K.
Amazing food, ridiculous value. It gets crazy packed for lunch.
(5)Jasmyn K.
This is one place I missed dearly during my 8 months I was living in California! Tried a few places out there and they could not compare to the value and the flavor of Pita Inn. This place is the best! I love the combo plates, the gourmet falafel sandwich and the khanafa are my favs....oh and the mint ice tea is delish too!
(5)Patty V.
The food is exactly the same as the other locations,but the decor is not as nice as the Niles location. I have no complaints about the food or service here or any of the Pita Inns. I love them all!
(4)Renato P.
This place is kinda like the Pepe's of Middle eastern food , a hybrid fast food-sit down restaurant. It's clean , very busy , and yet I usually don't have to wait around too long. I can't vouch for the authenticity of the food , but I've gone there a bunch and never had anything I didn't like. I usually get the combo platters , to try a little of everything . The rice is REALLY good , I don't know what it's called or what they do to it but damn , it's good. The Falafels ,baba Ghannoug and Hummus are really good .There is a shawarma that is kinda like a beef gyros , which is really good , and Kifta which is like a spiced mini meatball , not as good but alright. Lamb kabob , very gyro like and damn tasty. The Chicken Shwarma is really good too. Then there is my personal favorite , the good ole shish kabob. Nice chunks of beef seasoned perfectly , very simple and exotic. To sum up , great food , cheap prices , it's counter service so no server. ... Tried the kibbah , which is like a deep fried batter covered meatball , good.
(4)Brij V.
Hands down, the BEST middle eastern food!! Chicken swarma sandwich is just aweome!! ohh and those spicy sauces...I can't seem to have enuf of those!! yuummm...I LOVE THIS place!!! oh and try the baklawa while u're there...
(5)ron k.
this place is off the freakin chain... business lunch special lot of food for so little... when you eat here drink water not soda it will help you digest what you eat and help you not get indigestion because the food is really dense... little details makes this place stand out... like the hot sauce more often not as salty and briney as say pita house and the falafel the have the wahtever the stuff is chopped to a consistency that makes it tastes better than other places that aren't the same and also you get to taste the constituent ingredients in the hot sauce or the falafel as opposed to salt and spices... my favorite place for middle eastern fast food...
(4)Alison M.
$2.75 for the best falafel sandwich you've ever had. For me, all Middle Eastern food is measured against the Pita Inn. The hummus is better than what I ate while in Egypt. Pita Inn has friendly service; they are always fast and in the 14 years I've been going here have never messed up an order. The baba ganoush and rice are super tasty, and I've heard that the chicken dishes are delicious as well. I visit the Pita Inn almost every time I'm in town. It's crowded for a reason!
(5)Stephanie B.
The reason why Pita Inn knocks other similiar restaurants in the area out of the water is because they make their own bread fresh daily. I love their falafel sandwich & I load it up with their delectable hot sauce. Their dolmades, hummus, & baba ghanoush are also wonderful. My only complaint is that the service is inconsistent. Other than that, the food is top notch & well-priced.
(4)AngelEyes M.
Cant go wrong with the food for the prize
(4)Kristin B.
The falafel here is FANTASTIC!! I have tried many other menu items, but I keep coming back for the falafel....good portion of food, perfectly made, reasonable prices, etc. Pita Inn is grrrreat!
(5)Jim N.
Checked it out after all the reviews, have eaten here a few times in the past month. Very good shawerma and falafel, and the prices are more than reasonable. The business lunch is a bargain at $4.95 (drink not included). It gets pretty crowded during lunch hours but the line moves fast. Definitely check it out if your looking for good Middle East food (although I would still rank Cedar Grill in Downers Grove slightly better).
(4)B G.
There simply isn't a better Middle Eastern spot. I've been to all of their locations. Read other reviews for details because if I continue here and now, my cravings will overtake me and I simply can't get to a Pita Inn today!
(5)Scott H.
Just simply Fantastic!!! The business lunch is so good. If you don't try this place, then your missing a wonderful experience for something different. The Hummus is the best in the state!
(5)Justin W.
So I thought to myself, $10 for a meal and a drink. That's a reasonable price. After I received the meal, I made a second one out of the leftovers. Wow. Awesome food, great prices, and I can't wait to go back. It's a damn shame I don't work closer to here, or I'd go at least once a week. :(
(5)William T.
One of my favorite lunch spots, great food, inexpensive, clean, and pretty fast. If you are going for lunch during the week, show up early or late, but avoid the middle.
(5)Jessica S.
This is the first time I went here and I went with a group from work for lunch. The place is packed, it was unbelievable how many people were in line for the food. The meat had some good flavor, i was impressed with the hummus. All of the side dishes were just ok. I do have to say the prices can not be beat. Just make sure to get there early, do not head to the restaurant at noon on the dot you won't be able to get a seat.
(3)Mark S.
If this place were a little closer to my job, I'd eat here weekly. As it stands, I make the drive once a month or so for the business man special- all forms of meat piled on top of yummy rice with some pita bread and some salad for like $5. Their meat's well seasoned and the spicy sauce is really good- I've only had better at the Pita House in Schaumburg, and it was only slightly better, spicier for sure. I hate all the Motorola goobers who completely fill this place up at lunch, so it looses a star for serving more orders than they can seat.
(4)sam l.
Amazing food all around. Exterior looks a little chintzy, but don't let that slow you down on your way through the front door. The vegetarian plate is absolutely delicious and the jerusalem salad is amazing. Lunch seems to be a little hectic so maybe show up during off-hours.
(4)edwards R.
Had taste for middle eastern food want some hummis so I went there. The line wasn't long food was served hot and fresh it was the best and just as much as I wouldv't spent at fast food returant
(5)Susan R.
So my fiance and I were watching a show on the food network, and it featured falafel and kabobs and that sort of thing, and we thought it looked REALLY good, so I thought I should use yelp to find a place that had that sort of thing, so I did a search, and found out that the Pita Inn wasn't too far away from our home. After reading all the awesome reviews, I knew we had to try this place. We'd never tried this type of food before. The first thing I noticed walking into this place was a sticker on the door that says "People love us on Yelp", so I thought that was neat. I walked in expecting a big sign that displayed their menu, but there isn't, but there are laminated menus at the counter where you order and a plentiful supply of paper menus laying around. We got there at about 10pm on a Friday night, and there were some people there, but it wasn't busy. We were really hungry so we decided to go with entrees instead of sandwiches. My fiance got the Kifta Kabob entree, and I got the Vegetarian Falafel plate. We also got a small order of hummus. We took it to go. Oh my gosh it all was so delicious. I tried some of his kabob and he tried some of my falafel and oh wow. The meat is sooo tasty, grill-flavored and wonderful. I didn't expect the falafel to be green inside, but it just surprised me was all, it's amazingly tasty and so very flavorful! SOOOOO delicious!!! They give you a ton of lettuce and tomato, and my fiance's meal came with delicious yellow rice pilaf. I stole a taste of that too, it's absolutely wonderful! We made sandwiches out of it all, the pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat/falafel, and topped them with the tahini sauce (a thin white yogurty sauce) and the hot sauce (kind of like a spicy salsa). The only thing that I was slightly disappointed in was the amount of hummus - we definitely should have gotten a large. I was expecting a bigger size is all, but we did have enough to decide that it tasted great. We added some of that to our sandwiches as well. The whole time we were eating we kept saying things like "mmmmmm it's so good!" and exchanging incredulous looks about how tasty the food was. There are just so many flavors, they're just delicious. My fiance even said, "Why didn't we start going to this place sooner?!?!" Go here. It's delicious. I'm sure that everything they have is equally tasty. I can't imagine any person who wouldn't be able to find something they would absolutely love here. Vegetarian? No problem! Meat-atarian? No problem there either! We can't wait to go back again. And their prices? Awesome. Here's their website, it has menu, locations, hours, etc. pita-inn.com
(5)Laura R.
After driving by this Pita Inn and the one in Skokie a thousand times each, I decided to finally give it a try. I tried the chicken shawarma sandwich which was pretty good but way too much chicken for me - the veggie one sounds really good! The hummus is sooo good with pita bread. Service is very fast and friendly.
(4)Jason F.
friend and I had the lamb plate, and the combo feast, plus some hummus and baba ganoush. it was all pretty tasty and a very fair price. worth the 15 min. drive to me :)
(4)Jason Z.
You can't beat the Pita Inn for great cheap food. I'm partial to the Beef or chicken schwarma (shaved beef or chicken on top of rice) but everything is good here. My two year old loves it too. Tried a pita place in Buffalo Grove and it made me appreciate Pita Inn. I will not stray again!
(5)Nataliya A.
I love Middle Eastern food and have had a lot of it before so I feel like I know a thing or two about it. I have lived by this place for about 10 years and finally made my way here for the first time a few days ago. From just walking in, I felt like I was walking into a fast food place, and in a sense it is. While making my order the cashier was very funny but not too helpful. I have never been there and told him that I had no idea what was even on the menu, but he just kinda looked at me and smiled. I ended up getting the Lunch Special for like $7, which has steak, chicken, rice, tomato, lettuce, falafel, pita, and a cup of white sauce. When I got the food it was evident that it was way too much food for 1 person, I ended up having left overs for next day's lunch that made me very full. I would advice splitting the plate amongst 2 or 3 people. I think the 2 things that impressed me the most were the pieces of steak, which were very tender and flavorful, and the falafel. I usually stay away from falafel because I do not like too many spices in my food, but this falafel was actually not bad, maybe a little bland, but it fine. The rice was fine, there was way too much of it. I wish that I got more tomatoes and lettuce and less rice. Would I come back? I think so... I would want to try other dishes, especailly their baba ghanoush and hummus.
(3)Jessica Y.
This place is always busy which means consistently fresh/hot food. Prices are affordable, service is efficient, and restaurant is clean = lots of happy regular customers. Keep in mind it is a local hole in the wall family restaurant so don't expect fine dining atmosphere stuffed grape leaves are the only thing I could pass on here - too much leaf and not enough stuffing for me baba ghannoug ($3.79 for LG) and hummus ($3.59 for LG) both have balanced flavors with a hint of smokiness. I am a big fan falafel sandwich ($3.59) and falafels (.50 cents per) in general are wonderful - it is moist without being mushy and it is fried to perfection (not too crispy/hard). this is one of the few places I will order falafels. Shawarma (beef and chicken) sandwich/entree is always a solid choice - $4.39 - $8.39 The business lunch special - Combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and our homemade pita bread @ $4.95 is a great deal I have had chicken that is a bit dry but that is rare - overall I get excited thinking about eating here.
(5)M L.
Hands down the most reasonable, tasty, healthy lunch choice in the area. Food always fresh and perfectly cooked. If you are new to this type of food a great start is their lunch special (11-3 mon.-fri.). Cheaper and just as quick compared to any drive thru pick up. This special gives you a chance to sample a variety of healthy menu items. Their falafel is the best in the area. Try the beef swarma dinner plate- my fave.
(5)Catherine P.
I get it. It's a decent place. But I dont really get the hype. I'm sorry, Pita Inn, but you kinda let me down. You walk into this place. It's clean. It appears that you order at the register but there is no menu to order off of hanging up. WTH?? I look around for a menu, there is one small paper menu taped to the counter next to the register. Weird! I wait for my opportunity to seek in and look at the menu to decide what to order and then people hover over me to see the same little menu so I am forced to make a decision and get out of the way. I'm not so much for the "three inches away from my person/breathing down my neck/person I don't know" thing. We have been eating at Pita house and Naf naf grill for a while now. I'll drive to Naperville from Schaumburg for a little taste of Naf Naf, so I'm excited to try out Pita Inn that everyone raves about. I order the Kifta plate and my darlin fiancé opts for the chicken schwarma plate. He gets a drink. And I get water. $20. Ok not bad. We wait. And wait. And wait. They are busy but with the people that came in after us. Maybe they were short staffed but it appeared that there were a lot of guys behind the counter cooking. I hate to say it, but food was just ok. Rice was average. Nothing really special about it. The Kifta was quite tasty but unevenly cooked. Some pieces were WELL done and others on the medium side. Salad on the plate is really pointless unless you are making a sandwich and using sauce. It's pretty dry. My fiancé isn't a big fan of hummus or sauces, so his was a bit dry because the chicken wasn't the succulent deliciousness we expected. The plate looks like its overflowing with food, but it's mostly rice. A LOT of rice. They don't hold back on the rice here. Here is my issue. You're a pita place, right??? Dry almost stale pitas should have no place in your facility unless they are in the trash. For $20, I would really expect fresher product. After we ordered and while we waited, I found menus sitting on a half wall between the tables and the waiting area, I grabbed one and actually decided to go back up and order a small hummus to add to our order. We had plenty of time. I have to say the hummus was good! The crappy part that ruined the good hummus was the dry pita I used to dip into it. Not gonna lie, this place is equivalent to pita house in Schaumburg. And pita house is a bit more reasonably priced.
(3)Hardeek P.
Hands down the best falafel this side of Lebanon. (Not that I've been to Lebanon but I can imagine). The hot sauce is what make the food extra good, it has a flavorful kick. Not like your vinegary tobasco sauce, has a lot of flavor. Great options for both - carnivores and herbivores alike. And their lunch special for meat eaters - is a hell of a deal. It's always packed anytime I go. I've been coming to this place since before Jr. High. There's been a few other falafel spots that opened within a mile radius, and they've all shut down - there's a reason why. Excellent food, Reasonable Prices (even after the increase). Come hungry
(5)J S.
It seems that middle eastern restuarants are a trend now, along with sushi places and cupcake bakeries. Don't get me wrong I can't get enough middle eastern food, cupcakes or sushi. But Pita Inn is the reliable standby. I live in the area and used to work nearby and go here often. When I went I picked up lunch specials for my coworkers. Sometimes I'd picked up seven or eight at a time. And the lunch special is still $4.95. I think thats the best food value in the city regardless of cuisine. Even Mickie D's is over five bucks.
(5)Patty C.
Super cheap and yummy food. I love the $5 lunch combo. There's so much food that I always have leftovers. Try to come either really early or really late for lunch. Otherwise, the line is pretty long, and parking is a struggle.
(4)Haroon N.
Very fast turnaround and convenient location since my hotel (the Westin) was 4 minutes away. They have halal chicken and lamb but make sure you specify when ordering Very good price as well - mixed plate, soup and salad came out to $15! Lets see how good the good cruelly tastes.
(4)Peter G.
I love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. This place is one of the best I've been to. Great food and great prices: i don't understand how someone could find it a bit pricey. This is a major metro area after all, not Tampa. Their business lunch special is the best deal in town. Shwarma dishes and lamb kabob sandwich are excellent. As is the fatoush salad and the baba ghanouj is outstanding. Pita bread is their own. These guys know what they are doing.
(4)Dave C.
Chicago-ans have something really special here with the Pita Inn chain. Probably my favorite meal of the weekend on my trip back to the Chi. Freshness, portions, pricing, and taste all perfect. Especially the hot sauce, tahini, baba ganoush, and slight crispness of the chicken shawerma. Exactly how I remember it growing up!! Having done a little web research, this long standing chain of restaurants is owned by Palestinians. Which, to me, is completely awesome having grown up near the original Pita Inn in Skokie (traditionally a heavily Jewish community). Jews, Palestinians, Arabs and non-Arabs alike sharing wonderful food at reasonable prices. Food tears down walls and brings people together folks, Pita Inn is living proof.
(5)Susan S.
What happened? This used to be a great place for a Chicken Tender dinner. Chicken was tender tonight, thank goodness, this gave it the 3 star rating, but sauce was runny like water, both pitas wrapped up in tin foil were gummy, tomatoes were almost invisible--is it that hard to set up a schedule to ripen tomatoes for meals during the winter months? Rice had nearly no taste. What happened? Did the bigger remodeled building cut into the cost for quality meals? Never had this happen before so will chalk this one up to a bad night.
(3)Derek C.
I ate so much of this stuff, I actually got sick of it, but now I'm back at it again! I love the shwarma here and the hummus. I usually just order the combination feast, but no kifka kabob, extra shish kabob instead! the kifka kabob kinda looks and tastes like hamburger meat so I am not a fan of that stuff. and it's a ton of food so I normally order it and split it with my wife but gotta get extra rice! make sure to add chicken to it for $1 and it's a great meal. but simply, this place has great food and cheap prices. what more can you ask for?
(5)Raji V.
Good service and food for cheap. I usually get the chicken shawarma or the kifta kabob it's seasoned really well. Sometimes you can ask for sandwiches gourmet style where they will add potatoes to your wrap depending on the cashier they may do it for you.
(4)C.L. S.
I have been eating here for years. Food is fresh and the staff is great. Its always clean. I love the samplers you get a bit of everything. The problem now is recently they have changed the portions to about half and the prices went up how sad!! Less Hummus, Less Filial, and a chicken breast tender. To Pita Inn, Please correct this it ruined our experience!
(2)Jamal A.
Pita inn is alway the king! and the manager Hamdi is the best!
(5)Brian F.
I have eaten here many times. I will continue to eat here whenever I have the chance. The feast that you are awarded with by going to this restaurant is fit for the royal family. There is much to love about this delicious food. The place tends to be crowded and busy. But, that is because the food is inexpensive, plentiful, and extremely delicious. I believe they do not employ chefs, no, they are far too magical to be mere chefs. They have wizards using ancient magic (aka recipies) to make these tasty feasts. Pita Inn is one of the wonders of the world.
(5)Sharon R.
Great lunch special. For $4.95 you get rice, falafel, steak, lamb, chicken, and pita. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is very nice. It's very busy which shows how many customers they get. My fellow co-workers are always getting it for lunch. They have a great variety too of this type of food. Definitely would recommend and a must try.
(5)Shru J.
Being vegetarians, we have limited options to eat out. Pita-Inn is one place I would prefer, anytime. But, for a carryout. Personally I feel the place is bit dull and boring for a dine in. Done that once, I would rather go for a carry-out. The only stuff I tried there are vegetarian falafel plate and a vegetarian combo plate. I am in Love with the falafels. Seems kinda healthy. No regrets on eating more than I should. will surely miss this place when we move out of this country!! :(
(4)Laura C.
I really like this place, been eating here for years. It's a nice place to eat (they finished a slight explansion project a short time ago), and CLEAN. A lot of casual food places really don't keep up with keeping the eating area clean, but Pita Inn is really good about quickly busing vacated tables and cleaning up. We're not close enough to go pick up the food and bring it home to eat, so it's important that the eating area be comfortable and clean. The food is wonderful, though I can't say we vary much in what we order - generally baba ghanouj or hummus, lamb kebab sandwiches, lentil soup, a few pieces of falafel, and more often than not, a piece or two of baklava to go. The food is consistently tasty, and because it's relatively healthy, I feel good about eating it. We rarely get the chance to take advantage of the weekday lunch special (lot of food, good variety), but I still find the regular prices reasonable for the quality and quantity. I'd like it if the lentil soup was available in a larger size...but I don't know how often I'd actually order a larger size even if it were available - I like noshing on a variety of things so my boyfriend and I usually share our food. I'm really glad this place exists and that it's stayed consistently good for all these years.
(5)Jerry K.
Pita Inn is the best restaurant around. jer
(5)M. Tiffany B.
Try their Lamb Kabob sandwich it's ridiculously good....the meat is very juicy and tender. And please don't get me started on their hummus, which is just as amazing and flavorful. If you're a foodie like me you'll love this place!
(4)Nann C.
The business entree special is perfect portions and cost for mid day break. They get super busy, but the guys at the register are super nice, and funny. Proud supporter for them.
(5)Tom A.
At this point I am just heaping praise on an already adored institution. Simply put, no place offers more basic, fresh, delicious fare for the money. Everything you taste is fabulous. And, no hyperbole, this is the best falafel you can find. As a bonus, the dining room is an energetic place filled filled folks of every ethnicity. If you're looking for real evidence that good food brings people together, here it is. Oh, and try the mind iced tea--it's awesome.
(5)Karl M.
Always delicious noon or night at any of the several locations. Heavenly hummus. Breathtaking Baba ghanoush, terrific Tabbouleh, sexy Shawarma, decadent dolma, and plenty of pita's. Fresh-squeezed lemonade, too! Don't worry... the food is prepared quickly and with the freshest ingredients... seriously... this place is always busy. The prices are super cheap compared to portion size. The businessman lunch special will stuff even the heartiest of eaters. No likey meat? Get the vegetarian combination. Plenty of flavor to go around. Don't forget the sauces... tahinni and red chili sauces that complement any dish. When you are finished eating, a loud belch will alert the staff that they can come take your dirty dishes away.
(5)Kimberly S.
I can definitely give an honest and detailed review of this restaurant. I have been frequenting The restaurant for several years. I have literally tried everything on the menu. I have travel to the Middle East and Mediterranean and can say that this food is authentic and it is delicious. The manager there is also a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor he is very fun to... So much so that he actually became a family friend of ours. Ask for Hamdy... He is sure to make you laugh. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you will be happy at this place... The food is fresh and is always fast. It gets a little crazy at this place because of the affordability and the family friendliness... However that's no bother. It's a hood place to grab dinner or lunch that's quick and healthy as well. I would definitely recommend the combination feast and the vegetarian plate... Or if you're going with the group you may just want to share these two dishes with 2 to 4 people depending on how hungry you are. Don't forget to add the garlic sauce... The garlic sauce is yummy! Have their iced tea it's a mint iced tea and it is so refreshing, I love it :)
(5)Paul K.
Love Pita Inn! Consistently great food at good prices!
(5)Samantha K.
Hands down, best Falafel Sandwich! Jerusalem style is the way to go. Falafel is seasoned well and served fresh. I have tried a ton of stuff here. Hummus is fresh, tasty, and goes well with pita bread or added to the sandwich as is the Taboulah salad. Son and husband have had chicken and beef, both served as a meal and enjoyed them. There is enough pita bread served with them to make a pita sand or use as a side. The food comes out quick, fresh, and delicious! Look forward to additional visits, but would love a location in the far northwest suburbs.
(4)Subbu R.
Terrible service. Grumpy old man at the counter who refuses to change the order even though it wasn't billed yet. Worst service ever
(1)David B.
Like Johnny Cash sings, I've been everywhere, man. And from sea to shining sea, no other restaurant in this fine land does cheap Middle Eastern food like this place. Pita Inn is King. Long live The King. First, the falafel. Plop a basket of these succulent, crispy-tender-warm-crunchy footballs of goodness in front of two warring Middle Eastern countries and they would drop their arms and go dunking these little puppies in that creamy splendidness that is the Pita Inn tahini (white) sauce, followed by a decadent soak in that spicy hot wonderful red sauce for a Batman show Ka-POW! Except the only explosion you'll feel is that taste bomb of love that just went off in your mouth. Yer welcum. Plus, the place is CHEAP. $4.95 for a mountain of all kinds of carne, a pile of yummy yellow fluffy rice fabulousness and a side of crispy/cool lettuce/tomato AND warm, tender pita bread = GET THE BUSINESS LUNCH SPECIAL*!!! (*only available M-F during lunch hours, but just go ahead and order the Combo Feast at other times--still a good value.) Really, what's not to love? THE FACT THAT THE CHICAGO AREA DOES NOT HAVE PITA INNs ON EVERY CORNER LIKE, I DUNNO--WALGREENS! ::grumble:: A man can dream. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. But unlike heroin for the Man In Black, Pita Inn is the drug for me. ps. If you eat in, and are hankering for a hunk-a more pita, just politely ask the good men behind the prep counter, humbly offering your empty pita basket. They will bless you with said pocket bread-gratis.
(5)Katerina K.
Love this place. The food is amazing every time. The falafels are delicious and my favorite meat thre is kabob. It seems a litle pricey at first glance, but I never regret spending the money because it is just so good.
(5)Johnny T.
Pita Inn, we meet at last. Long have I heard tales of your addicting foods and saucy, er, sauce. Finally, it was my chance to sup at your table... or, whatever the take out equivalent of supping at the table is. I like. I liked a lot. Again, I hadn't eaten for, about, 12 hours so I'm pretty sure that I would have eaten almost anything at that point but I don't think I would have enjoyed it. And, enjoy I did. I know people get on high horses and bemoan your 'lack of authenticity' and how you make Middle Eastern food for non-Middle Eastern tastebuds. I've heard it all before. But, here's the thing: I take you as you are and for what you are. And, for what you are, you're dang good. Your chicken shawarma was delightfully juicy, tender and well-seasoned. Your tahini sauce made my mouth say 'Open sesame' (see what I did there?). And, your rice... let's just say yellow's my color. And thanks to the ample amount of pita you gave me, I can either sop or make a makeshift sandwich. You give me options, Pita Inn. Options! I can't say that I would drive all the way to Wheeling to visit you again, but I've heard a rumor that you have identical sisters all over the 'burbs... maybe even close (relative; again, see that?) to where I live. Leave a light on.
(4)Jackie L.
Try to go for the lunch special! You cannot beat that price for great food. Favorite is the Hummus, Falafel, chicken and lamb. Everything here is good tho the place does get crowded. So I like to order ahead of time and pick it up to go. And don't forget to get extra sauce!!
(4)Archie P.
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(1)Mallory S.
Absolutely excellent. GREAT prices and food. They really care about their customers and are always very accommodating. I've been a regular here for a few years and keep coming back! The lunch special gives you so much food for an incredible price.
(5)J D.
Agree with the other reviewers that there's probably nothing left to say about this place that hasn't been said already. Such good food, and not expensive at all. The people who work here are super nice and funny, too. My family eats here more than I will admit.
(5)Peter D.
(So it turns out this is not a lovely little bed and breakfast where you sleep in pita-shaped beds. But you can consider this review a patent for that idea, so keep your grubby hands off.) Look, Pita Inn. I'm not going to lie to you; when I've been on a plane/in an airport all day and haven't eaten any food that didn't cause me severe intestinal problems, your lamb kebab does it for me (deserving of the "Recommended" star on the menu). Especially for $4.39. But if we're buying seven different sandwiches of four different varieties, couldn't you label them so I don't have to go through all of them to figure out whose is whose? Nobody wants my grubby hands all over their food. And would it kill you to throw some napkins and plasticware in the bag for the salads?
(4)Linda B.
Each time we go we absolutely love the food! We usually have take out but the food stays hot and fresh until home. The chicken is very good, with yellow rice and the falafel is the best, crunchy and moist. We like the gourmet falafel sandwich with tomato, potatoes, and sauce. They should, however, have an option to leave out the onion from the tomato potato mixture. The steak and lamb are great. The tabbouleh is good along with hummus and lentil soup. I enjoy the vegetarian platter with stuffed grape leaves. The salad is just lettuce.
(4)Katherine K.
This is my FAVORITE mediterranean restaurant ever! I have been a Pita Inn fan for more then 6 years. I always come here anytime Mon-Fri for their Lunch combo special (before 3pm) If you order WITHOUT chicken its $3.95, can't beat that price! Im super excited that they are branching out to the Vernon Hills area so I don't have to drive a good 50 min round trip. Keep up the good work Pita Inn!!!
(5)Jelena Z.
Okay, so does anyone else have this problem? You know, the one when you're driving through a north suburb at lunchtime and you pass that ubiquitous red and white logo, and somehow your car is dragged by some mystical force into a packed Pita Inn parking lot? Happens to me every, single time... whether I'm truly hungry or not! I mean, how does one beat the lure of the "Business Lunch Special" for $4.95? That's about the price of a (as in, ONE) premium gallon of gas right now... truth! That's right, you can't beat it. And it really doesn't matter who you are, what you earn or even if you have an aversion to the suburbs because the truth remains: Pita Inn puts out tremendously good food at ridiculously low prices. And what exactly does a five spot buy you? A loaded plate of shawarma, chicken, shish kabob, kifta kabob, green salad, falafel, pita bread and tahini. Yes siree, it's a lot of food. And you know what, Chicago? The suburbs have one up on you in the Middle Eastern category. Sure, you have Sultan's but Pita Inn is truly unmatchable. Plus, you get the antics of Weiner's Circle thrown in but without the snark. And the long line? In fifteen minutes you'll either be eating (you'll get a table, I promise) or driving away with your spoils and half of that Alexander Hamilton.
(5)Jenny C.
I LOVE PITA INN!!! the best middle eastern restaurant in Chicagoland, I love the location in skokie, the prices are amazingly low, they have the most delicious humus and their pita bread is made everyday in their bakery!! Every time i go to Chicago I have to stop at Pita Inn for the "combination fest"
(5)M S.
Fantastic cuisine with friendly service! Great lentil soup, tahini sauce and falafel! Humdee is a great manager- always quick with a joke!
(4)T Y.
We have been to this place numerous times, and while the food is still pretty good, the service has spiraled downhill the last few times. First, the guy who took our order greeted us with the warmth of an Orc from the Hobbit movies. Then, the prices of three of the seven items we ordered were higher than the online menu. I requested a small container of extra sauces (they are real skimpy on sauces for orders of multiple entrees) and they charged me $2.60 for them! Upon getting home, I determined they sent us three wrong entrees ( although they had it correct on the bill). The food ended up being pretty good, but they are obviously trying to cut costs by cutting back on the meat and loading up on the rice, soggy lettuce and tomatoes. The bread was good, although a little sparse given the number of entrees and sides (hummus). This used to be the go to place for Mediterranean food, but maybe they changed owners. Time to look for another place.
(2)Ang K.
It was alright :) I don't have experience with this cuisine to which I could compare Pita Inn, but it was tasty and filling.
(3)Kate F.
Pita Inn is what I compare all other Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean Food to. If you have never tried Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food, this would be a good place to start. Try the Shwarma, the rice, the hummus... You will not be caught off guard by bizarre spices and strange tastes. The food is flavorful but not so exotic that you have to be a native to enjoy it. If you like spicy/hot try the red sauce. If you like it milder try the tahini (white sauce). You'll get both with your meal so you don't have to order it spicy or mild. I love their beef shwarma, rice, Bethlehem salad, hummus, falafel, pita, tahini sauce, baklava, and mango drink. The portions are big and worth the money. There is no doubt I would recommend Pita Inn to anybody. (They have vegetarian options too). Other reviewers have complained about how crowded it can be at times... Try it to go/ Carry out. Everything is still fresh and warm by the time it gets home.
(5)Jeff S.
I wish these where closer to home but a few recent trips to this area has landed us in multiple Pita Inn locations. On a previous trip to the Glenview location we found the Falafel was a bit dry and not nearly as good as what Taza does in the Loop, the Chicken Shawarma was very good. Decided to try the Baba Ghannoug and it was okay. The Mint Tea and Tamarind drinks were pretty good as well. Probably a 3 star experience, but a return trip to the Wheeling location easily kicked it up a star. This time we shared a Combination plate and the Shish Kabob was excellent, as was the Shawarma again. A small hummus plate with pita bread made the meal the perfect amount to share. And the fact that the food is cheap and served relatively fast makes it a no-brainer; if I worked nearby I'd be taking advantage of the $5 lunch menu 3 days a week.
(4)Valerie W.
Delicious, fast, and reasonably priced! As far as I know everything is made in-house. Yes, it is "fast food" in the sense that you're going to stand in line, place your order, and they'll call you when it's ready. But everything is fantastic. You get a ton of food for a little money, and everything is hot and fresh. Falafel and baba ghannoush is well seasoned. The shwarma and chicken shwarma are great. The pita is always warm and fresh, and the salads are also great. Good for a quick bite to eat. Two people can eat for $10-15 total. The business lunch special is around $4.00 for a combo feast, and I think it includes a drink too!
(4)Jerry B.
the combination feast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Lisa N.
Everything great...food, service, cleanliness, atmosphere. Very reasonably priced as well. Loved "Pita Inn" and will return!
(5)Lolia S.
Not too many places make their own pita but Pita Inn does. Everything seems homemade, from the hot sauce to the baklava. Chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are cooked on the revolving rotisserie. It's no frills, casual food with a fast food feel. Order at the counter, get a number and pick up your own food and get your own utensils and sauces. Come on the weekdays between 11 AM - 3 PM to get the business lunch special. It's a huge heaping plate of food with shish kabob, kifta kabob, shawarma, grilled chicken breast tenders, falafel, rice pilaf, green salad, pita bread, $4.95. This seems to be the most popular lunch item. * Pita bread - thick, chewy, on the tough side * Falafel - 1 piping hot patty, crispy outside, tender inside, very good * Beef shish kabob - has a nice grilled flavor, not dry, boring * Grilled chicken tender - actually tender, grilled flavor, boring (underseasoned) * Shawerma - definitely on the dry side, underseasoned * Kifta kabob - these ground meat patties were more strongly seasoned, not bad * Hot sauce - it is quite spicy and chunky, unusual, reminds me of salsa * Tahini sauce - okay, thin consistency, could be more flavorful * Rice pilaf - fluffy, yellow rice, nice * Salad - standard lettuce, tomato The menu includes salads, dolma, lentil soup, falafel, sandwiches, entrees ($6.95 and up), and homemade beverages (tamarind juice, mint iced tea, etc.). Prices are ridiculously low (e.g., get a beef shawarma or kifta kabob sandwich for $3.95), portions are generous and not surprisingly, it's extremely popular with the locals.
(3)Jodie P.
I love this place. The food is delicious and the price is right. The business lunch special is a great deal. So much food for a small price. The tall handsome man at the counter always cracks funny jokes and makes you feel welcome.
(5)Meg P.
Love love love pita inn. Best food for the price. So delicious and hits the spot every time.
(5)Jenn C.
It's a Middle Eastern chipotle... that should sum it up! It's good.
(3)Jennifer L.
I swear I'd previously written a Pita Inn review (yes, this location).... But Yelp is telling me otherwise. So I shall write a new review. I HEART Pita Inn!! I am a total picky eater. I always order the exact same thing: a Chicken Schwarma Entree, minus the salad. And then I get extra red-sauce (which comes on the side) and drizzle the spicy red sauce all over my tasty chicken goodness. It's phenomenal. I could eat it 3 times a week. The chicken is juciy and tender. And it comes on a fluffy bed of yellow rice. Now, I've brought nearly all of my friends here, as well as some co-workers, and I've never heard of one complaint. Everyone who comes here loves it! They have a GREAT lunch special, it's like $4.95 or so, and you get like a "sampler" of their stuff. It's very popular. My friends have sampled nearly everything and they love it. Their prices are *fair*. I think I pay Nine-something for my chicken shwarma, which seems a bit high considering it's just some sliced chicken pieces and rice... rice, which is like 2 cents. lol. But whatever. It's the cost of eating out. This place is like a "fast-food" type place.. so please don't go with the delusion that it's a fancy place. Hellz no. Casual. Fast-Food. Your order. They give you a number. They scream your # when your order is ready. You go to counter to pick it up. You take your tray to the table (or bag to go) and you feast. If doing takeout, my tip is to call ahead and order, especially at lunch. The lunch rush at this place is NUTS!
(5)Sherwin C.
The food here is pretty good at a very good price. There's not too many choices of Mediterranean food out here in the suburbs and Reza's is all the way out in Chicago or Oak Brook. My 2 favorite items here are the lamb kabob entree and hummus (with pita). The falafel here is fried well and tasty and chicken shawarma is an interesting alternative to rotisserie chicken. As a warning, the portion sizes here are large so you may want to bring a buddy if you plan on ordering an entree. The only big drawback here is the small restaurant size which is probably necessary considering how hard it is to keep up with the existing orders they get -- It's worth the wait though.
(5)Nuf S.
Dining at Pita Inn is always a treat. I enjoy everything on the menu! My kids enjoy the Chicken shawarma. Tasty and filling.
(5)Angelica S.
Highly recommended! I absolutely love the chicken schwarma. I get it every time I go. The pita bread and hummus is also delicious. The falafel sandwich is also a favorite of mine. Best falafel I have had to date so far. They have sauces too. The white one is a tahini sauce which isn't spicy at all. I add this to everything I eat there. The red one is spicy. I don't know what it is called but I'm not a fan, because it's spicy. But if that's what you like, then go for it! Be aware that during busy hours it gets PACKED. You might wait in line for awhile to get your food, but it's so worth the wait. Everyone is also super nice there, I have never had an issue at this location.
(5)Rana G.
This is the best Arabic restaurant I have ever eaten at!! the prices are great and the portions are generous!!
(5)Rodger W.
The glowing reviews here say more about the low quality of the Middle Eastern food in Chicago than any accurate assessment of the actual quality of the food. Sure, it is cheap. But good? Not so much. Think of it as a Mid East McDonalds, and you would be accurate. To quote a drinking buddy: Good from far. Far from Good.
(2)Rob S.
$5 business lunch is the greatest thing to people who work since the movie Office Space. Whenever you are having a bad day, just head to Pita Inn for their lunch special and it will make your day way better. Fresh filet kabobs, schwarma, falafel, pita, rice, and salad will leave you full and possibly sleepy. Make sure you drink water after though as the seasonings are salty. The place can get slammed around noon so go during off peak lunch hours to avoid the crowds.
(5)Steven K.
Love! Every chance i get. Lunch special, amazing price for such good food.
(5)Jeremy P.
I give this place 5 stars because of the business $4 lunch special. It is the best deal around town and is always spot on in flavor. Salad, rice, falafel, shawarma and chicken. It will definitely fill you up, almost enough for 2 people. Also try their hummus, it is absolutely outstanding. The lines are long at lunch time, but the workers are very nice and funny.
(5)Amanda L.
Middle Eastern food like I grew up eating! So delicious, and so reasonable! I'm so happy to have a place like this out in the suburbs, otherwise I was forced to trek into the city, which meant I barely ever ate Arabian food. The falafel is delicious, and the Kifta kebob is hands down the best. Love the rice too, it's got a good flavor and consistency. The pita is always so soft and warm, can't wait to dip it in some hummus! Pleasantly surprised this last trip by the sugar free baklawa, it tasted just like the normal stuff (which is also amazing). Can't mention the food and not mention the staff, they are always pleasant and make us happy to be customers. Thanks Pita Inn, for bringing Middle Eastern great food to the suburbs! :) You've helped one Palestinian-American girl get her American husband completely hooked!
(5)Jay N.
Pita Inn is a great place to get some great Mediterranean food. The value is incredible for the quality and quantity. $3.95 for the business lunch is the best value around to get ground beef kabob, tender beef kabob, sliced seasoned beef, a falafel, rice, salad, and pita bread. They give you a little more at dinner for the same combo but it's $7.99. The hummus is a little thicker than I'm used to, not that I'm complaining. The pitas are great and have pockets so you can fill them with falafel and other food to make a sandwich. I like their baba ghannouj. Chunky pieces of eggplant mixed in make it my choice over hummus. They ran out of forks while dining in so we had to make do with the plastic ones. Service can take a little time when they're busy but still a great choice for a good meal.
(4)Matt R.
Pita inn is a nice place with some decent falafel. The style here is very "American Middle Eastern", however. That is the only reason I would give it 4.5 stars is that it is not made like true Middle Eastern food joints (if you were to go there). Nothing against the quality itself nor the restaurant itself. The big difference is in how falafel sandwiches are made. Real middle eastern falafel sandwiches are made with hummus (and much richer) lining the pita on the inside. Also their hummus style is somewhat creamy, so for those who prefer that style of more soft hummus will certainly be pleased. One of the biggest wins here is the real Tahini sauce. Not the fake stuff that you see in regular supermarkets or even specialty. They have the real strong sesame based Tahini sauce which is fantastic. The service is pretty fast considering the limited number of staff and the place certainly can get crowded but still moves people fairly quickly. Prices also seem to be more in line with real middle eastern prices as you can get a falafel sandwich for around $3. Just don't forget that they serve the stuff they can do quickest first sometimes, so the numbers called out will not always be in numerical order. Overall, one of the few reliable middle eastern places to eat in the general northwest suburban area. Update: Added menu pic I took from my phone (Sorry, only a 5 megapixel phone...crappy quality). Anyway, had the veggie combo plate tonight and it was good as well....tabbouleh and baba ghanoush were great as was the stuffed grapes....very traditional tastes. However, I totally forgot to mention....middle of the week this place is PACKED! As far as speed , I was in and out in less than 25mins (I eat fast too)....which is impressive considering volume.
(5)William B.
I'm more of a regular at the Milwaukee Av location, but I was in the area, so I thought I'd give this location a try; it has been years since I've been to this one. As usual, it was lunch time, so I got the lunch special (sans chicken, +2 extra falafel). Flavors were as expected. Falafels were nice and crunchy. The little salad on the side was, quite literally, just the stump from a head of lettuce. It just seems to me that the lunch special has been getting a little skimpy (even at the Milwaukee Ave location). Maybe I need to come at a time other than lunch. This location does appear to be expanding the dining area, so thats a good thing.
(3)Peter R.
I have said it before and I will say it again. The best $4.95 (plus tax) that you are going to spend is for the Business Lunch Special. Unless you are in some third world country then $4.95 can buy you a small house. Well you are in the good ole US of A so spend that money here at Pita Inn. Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken, and Falafel, with Pita Bread and small salad all ready to be consumed for that low low price??? Honestly its like stealing, but since they wont press charges go ahead and take advantage of the great deal. Guaranteed to give you the "itis" or your money back...heck its only $4.95.
(4)Michael G.
Delicious food that often justifies the crowds, wait, and Spartan environment.... However, if they would just be more careful removing the skin and gristle off the Chicken Tenders every time, I would go even more and maybe increase the rating by a star or 2. Also, it seems like the drink glasses got smaller which isn't so bad because it is self service now and you can go up for refills when you need them. t is just annoying getting up very often now because the new glasses are too small... I suspect it is a cost cutting measure, which I do not appreciate as a regular customer... The restaurant has great potential if they can just improve some of the little things like that....
(3)Usman H.
Had only a partial halal menu, so we tried a couple of things (chicken and lamb) only. No great service... the food was just ok and ambience was average. Overall nothing to write home about.
(3)Suki N.
Love their baba, falafel and pita! Just have to be careful of OD-ing on this place... But best bets are vegetarian combo (tasty even if u eat meat) kifta plate and lentil soup! Will always be my go-to for baba cravings! :-D
(5)Carol Y.
I have been going to Pita Inn since I can remember. It was a regular thing on a Friday night in my house. The food is always good and reasonably priced. My dad and I came here the other day for lunch and I fell in love with Pita all over again. We both ordered to Lunch special. For $5 you get a plate full of salad, rice, Shish Kabob, (Also like large cubes of meat) Kifta Kabob, (ground beef, small patties), shwarma (sliced like gyro) a chicken tender (more like the size of a small chicken breast) and Falafel. It also comes with Their fresh baked pita bread. I also ordered a large Jerusalem salad,(diced tomatoes and cucumbers with parsley in tahini sauce) which I got my dad hooked on it our last trip to the Pita Inn on Dempster. Top it off with 2 fountain drinks that now you can refill. Total was under 20 bucks and we were stuffed. I wanted baklava so damn bad but I just couldn't do it. For me, this place is a staple of my suburban upbringing. I have many fond memories of Friday night dinners and discussion over a plate of hummus. This was my first time to this location since the remodel and it looks great, On a side note, for those a little more up north, look for their newest location in Mundelein on RT 60, just east of RT 45. They are taking over the old Krispy Kreme location.
(5)Richard C.
I sht you not, I will eat here everyday if I lived little closer. All pita inn restaurants seem to offer almost identical taste, with consistency. This place is no different; tho, make sure you visit here for lunch if u can as food seem more fresh out of grilld. This place dominates any mediterranian restaurant in most of chicagoland. Must visit!
(5)Honest Review F.
One word "Delicious". Super fast service, Super clean, when I say clean, I mean clean. Even the window ledges are dust free, floor is spotless. Lots of food for the money. Pita Inn is one of my all time favorites:)
(5)Rafi A.
I have been coming back to Pita inn with some frequency lately. My comments about the heavy doses of carbs still are true, but if you order correctly, there are great other choices. The lamb entree served on fatoush salad ($1.00 extra) is a great value. it is halal (meets Islamic dietary restrictions) and plentiful. They give you around seven pieces of some of the tastiest meat at any price. The Kifta Kabob is also extremely tasty. It resembles the lamb, but is ground beef flavored with herbs in shape of little logs. I also love the sugar-free baklava. It is only served at the Wheeling location, not Glenview (not sure about the Skokie location, but I've never seen it there. It may be at the super market as well). You would never know it is sugar free. A little expensive, but given the quantities they make it in, that's to be expected. Best of all, my ravenous boys can't get enough of this stuff. I'm so pleased they're eating this and not the cheap carbohydrates found at lesser restaurants.
(4)Joseph P.
First time here since they remodeled - and wow! what an improvement. More space to sit, so now there's a chance you can eat in at lunch. Same lovable characters behind the counter, and now you can refill your drinks. Food is still great, still a bargain at lunch. Still draws a really interesting crowd at noon. Love it, just don't worship it!
(5)Michelle M.
Eating vegan/vegetarian in the burbs can be a challenge, but luckily we have plenty of mediterranean options to opine about - this being near the top of my list. For a small Pita place, it sure is kicking, bringing in a diverse crowd of families, business people and teenage/young adults, and the service is super fast. I usually order the vegetarian combo plate. It comes with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie salad, tambouli, ton of pita bread, and a full tummy. They also offer free tahini and some dark sauce for free up @ the counter. So if you want to grab a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner for around 7 bucks, then hit this place up!
(5)Rachel W.
I've catered this place a million times for my crew, it's budget-friendly and awesome. They have several catering packages, and we've never had an issue w/delivery, service, or ordering. Also, the food is fab. Their chicken shawarma is really flavorful, great baba ganoush, kebabs, pitas, falafel, sauces, etc. My only complaint is they aren't located in the city so I can't stop in for dinner on the way home from work.
(5)Phil P.
Absolutely fantastic. You cannot beat their lunch special, and their hummus is amazing! The lunch special is two meals worth of food, and I'm a pretty big dude! It's 5 bucks and soooooo worth it
(5)John R.
For the price, this place is hard to beat. I paid $6 for the lunch special and had enough food for two meals. It's tasty too - just like what you'd get from a street cart in NYC.
(4)Craig R.
Fast service, check Low prices, check Tasty food, check This place has great Mediterranean food at crazy cheap prices. I had chicken shwarma and my wife had lamb sandwich. The lamb was awesomely seasoned and perfectly cooked. Shwarma was tasy and the dinner plate was a good portion. I will return.
(4)Lois C.
Although a bit slow with orders because of how busy they are, their food is phenomenal, especially their spicy sauce. I haven't been able to go for lunch but plan to on my next day off since their lunch special is such a good deal.
(5)Krupa G.
Pita inn have the best falafel in Chicago. They are crispy and flavorful. The white sauce which they serve is watery without any flavor. I would like if they change the recipe and make it interesting to eat.
(4)R ..
Best you are going to get out here. Yummy felafel. Chicken is good. Actually nothing is bad! Service is always polite. Busy place!
(4)sat s.
Outstanding value for Arabic food!
(5)Christine K.
Hands down the best inexpensive Mediterranean food in the area! I could eat it every day! I almost always order the vegetarian combo. Their hummus and felafel make me swoon. The gourmet felafel sandwich is also a favorite!
(5)Dustin C.
This is the Middle Eastern food you should be eating. Nothing is over-priced, nothing is bad. Life is good at Pita Inn, and for good reason they've been doing this for years and it doesn't appear like this will be stopping any time soon. Thank goodness!! I love this place, I bring my family here. Forget that, they brought me here. Don't forget about this place, you'll be missing out.
(5)Anuj S.
THE best place for falafel sandwiches and plates, hands down. Many other places have come close in my opinion, but NONE of them yet have both the tahini sauce and hot sauce to match what they have. It's SOOO... good. And the prices are very affordable.
(5)Reena M.
Delicious Food at a Great Price! Hummus is delicious! Beef was tender and flavorful. More cafeteria style of dining..
(5)Jacqueline S.
Our new local Pita Inn - we like this location too - the food is so delicious! I like the falafel, the shih kabob, kifta kabob, and shwarma, hummus, and the hot sauce. It does get busy here so we don't go over the weekend. I really wish I worked by a Pita Inn - the lunch specials are amazing!
(4)Mike W.
Another Michigander here. This joint cannot compete with the worst in Dearborn, MI, but 5 of us got our Arab fix for around $20 and about 20 seconds after ordering. That's an extra star. We'll be back, regardless. Very happy to find an Arab fast-food joint. However, we won't be re-ordering the grape leaves...they're stark-raving bad.
(3)Jason B.
Excellent food, underpriced, friendly staff, and comfortable/casual environment. I would eat here weekly if I lived nearby.
(5)Don J.
Personally, Pita Inn has been a standard for middle-eastern cuisine for years. I grew up in Dearborn, MI -- so I've had some of the best. The quality here is reliable and the staff is usually very playful, even when they're busy. The fresh bread is just unbeatable and the crispy falafel are heavenly. The tahini sauce is a nice accent and the hot sauce will bring tears to your eyes (esp. if it goes down the wrong pipe! Trust me on this). My favorite is the hummus and shwarma plate; either chicken or beef. Thinly sliced, perfectly roasted shwarma meat, heaped on a plate of the seasoned chickpea spread that rounds out the whole meal. I have to have a few falafel, of course... dipped in the hummus or the two aforementioned sauces. So affordable... really. Four of us dropped in and took leftovers home for around $40; the grilled ground lamb is wonderful, and seasoned so that the lamb flavor still comes through. I dislike when folks try to cover up lamb's unique flavor; why bother with the extra expense then? So, kudos on that. A word on baklava. Get it. Yes, that's two words, technically. But it's very, very good here. The right balance of nuttiness and sweetness, and the pastry is flaky and crisp. Having suffered through bad baklava too often, this stuff is heaven. Try the hot tea here as a traditional accompaniment to the meal; it has mint in it, and the leaves will end up in your glass. They refill at the counter as many times as you'd like to go back and it is really just the perfect thing to go with the cuisine.
(5)Abby D.
Flavorful , spicy , tasty and fAst ..,, absolutely great place
(5)Jude M.
I really enjoy all of the options here, the food is tasty, and I don't think I have ever had bad service here. Not only that but the tables get cleaned quickly, which is wonderful on a night when there is a number of people here. I love it. The food is always amazing and so is the service as I said before.
(4)Shardul R.
Excellent Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafels and shawarmas are a must have. The sauces are a plus. Highly recommend!
(5)Elizabeth R.
First time at Pita Inn, I got Lamb Kabobs. They were phenomenal and very well cooked. My leftovers were also delicious. That hot sauce is HOT.
(5)Danielle S.
Very good! Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The meat is very good, along with their pita bread! We took it for take-out. Very fast! I definitely recommend!
(4)Raj P.
Best $5 lunch special ever!!!!!! You get everything from rice to chicken to steak and some too much too list withe an amazing spicy tomato sauce. The flavors and varieties are just damn amazing. Whenever I visit I get 2 lunch special, 1 for now and 1 to reheat at dinner which still taste flavorful as if they just fired it up!!!!
(5)Ryan M.
No hot dogs or hamburgers
(5)Lanre O.
Great food. Place is cheap but yet quality is outstanding.
(5)Jenny R.
Great value,wonderful service, amazing food! Plus they're open late-we love Pita Inn. Even on a busy weekend late at night we've been in and out in 15 minutes with a huge bag of food that just barely survives the ride home. Their falafel is perfection-just moist enough, crispy outside and fragrant tender insides that are perfect alone or with a pita and hummus. If you can't decide(which I frequently cannot-everything is delicious), they have a wonderful combo platter with a little bit of everything on it. We've gotten several people hooked on Pita Inn and will continue to do so. We plan on getting catering from here for our next event that requires alot of food for a great price that will make every guest happy.
(4)Amanda B.
DELICIOUS and highly recommended. VERY reasonably priced, decent portions and very fast and efficient. Yummy hummus-possibly the best I've ever had. Little under $2 for the small portion, served on a teacup plate with olive oil. I love the chicken schwarma and hummus combo. I've also tried their rice (Yellow) and salad, as well as the Fatoush salad and Jerusalem salad. Awesome service and awesome food for great prices. You order, pay, get a number, wait (possibly) and grab your food from a counter. The chicken is sliced gyro-style and is juicy and tender. They remodeled about a year ago, so the seating area is more open. Before, they had "barriers" of sorts between you and everyone else. If it's nice outside, take advantage of their lovely seating area. Cute lattice woodwork fences and I do believe they have vines crawling up them. The tahini sauce and the hot (don't know the real name) is OUTSTANDING. I will say that the staff seems to have a strange sense of humor that I wasn't really in the mood for one time.
(5)Nick L.
5 stars all the way. Lunch combo - add the chicken. A meal made in heaven. All aspects are excellent. The kabobs, chicken meat, rice and pita and sauces work in a perfect harmony. And then the price is phenomenal. As if that isn't enough, the baba ghanoush and hummus are amazing. At lunch this place gets busy the line goes to the other end of the restaurant. Arrive early or after the lunch rush (1pm) and you should have no problems. It's a smooth operation, I see the same people behind the counter week in week out and it shows in the speed and quality. Eat here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)J J.
It's Pita Inn. What else can I say.
(4)Franklin D.
One of my all-time favorites. The business lunch simply cannot be beat. It costs something like $5 and you get a sample of several of the favorite meats they serve. They have two really good sauces (one hot, one like a watery white yogurt) at the counter that you should be sure to dump all over your food. When you hear people say stuff like "the line is out the door" and "there's no where to sit", well, they're not kidding. Even if you get in there early or get there late and luck into a seat you will have people hovering over you in the dining room waiting for you to get up and leave your table. The place is packed with people still wearing their badges from the local tech places like Motorola and what have you. Also this place is quite popular with my vegetarian buddies.
(5)Maira O.
We heard about Pita Inn from this one guy at this one church all the way out in Hoffman Estates! This guy asked us where we lived and when we said Wheeling you should of seen his face it was like a spark when off with excitement! We said No, why?? He said Pita Inn was the best restaurant in wheeling to eat Mediterranean food and had the best pitas!!! . We said we had to go and ck it out and see what all the excitement was so we went and the food was tasty, authentic, fresh, and super delicious! Prices are super reasonable for the amount of food they serve. Absolutely a place to have some authentic food! If your tired of the common burger, hot dogs try this place its different and worth it!
(5)Nari H.
Good food at good prices and seems pretty authentic!
(4)Coloromotio R.
ive been going to this place since I was 5 years old. Its my all time favorite place to eat, It's practically religion to eat here once a week with my family. The best hot sauce you'll ever have. Remember to ask for grilled pita!
(5)Joe T.
Love this place! Cheap and awesome mediterranean food!
(4)Mike M.
As of this writing there are 65 reviews. Everyone knows this place is awesome. My dad got into hummus and falafel from this place. So I will tell you it is delicious. Here is what you need to know to eat here. It gets crowded during lunch. Don't save a table, just wait in line. I have never seen anyone crying holding a tray with nowhere to eat. The guy at the counter with the mustache, he is a tricky one. He has all types of pranks he pulls on you. Dumping pennies in your hand, trying to get hot MILF phone numbers, asking if your to-go order is for here, and asking what size do you want on the small baba. Do not fall for his tricks it only makes him more powerful. Just tell him what you want (Business lunch special or die) and tell him his sneaky tricks are powerless to Yelpers. I have eaten the entire menu here. The only things I don't care for are the grape leaves, and the tabouleh salad. The hot sauce and the hummus are great. In fact I think I'll go there right now.
(5)Kimberly P.
The billowing cloud of charred meat will intoxicate the senses.......everything is tasty on this menu. Best deal is the executive lunch! A delicous mix of kebob, perfectly perfumed kefta kebob, sliced meat and the tastiest chicken....(omg I have to go there today!) This is more than enough for two adults and if you have a little kid. Get extra pita and ask for the pickled radish, not on the menu, it is free and a secret. The plate has homemade pickle, olives, and onions.....sooooo nummy. Homemade hot sauce and tahani is to die for! Buy a container of hot sauce to take home! I use it with eggs :-D Oh, and did I mention the Baba??!! Heavenly see you there.........
(5)Paul M.
Yes, please! Pita Inn has a lot of things going for it: great quality and tasty food, amazingly low prices, and super fast service. I love it. I hadn't been here in quite a while, but my wife stopped by the Wheeling location a few weeks back. She had the chicken kabobs and I opted for falafel. Both were served with rice, and of course, lots of fresh, hot pita bread. Everything was delicious. The falafel is definitely not dry, but doesn't go towards the "hey! it's just liquid!" end that Roti shoots for. Great spices and flavor. The mint iced tea is also a cut above - wonderful and refreshing. The Business Lunch special is five bucks and probably the best lunch deal I've ever seen. Service is not necessarily the friendliest ever, but it's efficient and quick. Certainly nothing to complain about. They pack people in here, but it's not uncomfortable. Pita Inn is a definite go-to for tasty Middle Eastern food. And now, I want hummus.
(5)Lisa S.
I can't believe I haven't written a Pita Inn review yet! Best Mediterranean fast food in the suburbs, hands down. There are times when I just crave the Pita Inn. Try the gourmet falafel sandwich and the mint iced tea. The lentil soup is the best I've ever had (sorry mom). Prices are unbelievable.. This one is my favorite location of the 3.
(5)LookingAtCars L.
The "Middle Eastern equivalent of McDonald's" per Arab friends. If it's true, please expand and replace every McDonald's in the US with Pita Inn. It's a killer combo of delicious and cheap. Great food. Pita, hummas, falafel, and shawarma are all delicious in their various incarnations. Fast service for dine-in and take-out. Business lunch is excellent and an extremely good value for what you get. It's always packed around lunch and dinner for good reason.
(5)reshma s.
Love...Love...Love this place. Every time I go to Pita Inn it gets better and better. The hot sauce is a secret condiment to everything you eat there if you like "SPICY!" Not only is the hummus scrumptious but the falafel sandwich is to die for! After a hard day at work or even if you are feeling down the comical staff will certainly cheer you up!
(5)adam C.
Massive plate of really good food for 4 dollars! I am a maniac for middle eastern, a freak for falafel. This place makes really good, proper-tasting shawarma, and everything else you'd expect. Their prices are great, and finding them out in the suburbs was a real treat.
(5)Gregory B.
Good, but not as good as the one on Milwaukee. Fun staff.
(4)Piyush S.
Been here only once and I loved it. Very good food. I had lamb grilled which is served with the yellow rice, some salad and cucumbur sauce. The lamb was very tender and flavorful. I was impressed. When it comes to lamb, I have eaten a lot of it and I have realized that most restaurants don't make a good dish out of lamb. Middle easterners,persians can do magic with lamb and pita inn is an example. Mind u this is not the best lamb ever, but it is the exceptionally good for the low price u pay here. For a suburban area, I must say that deerfield,skokie, wheeling has some really good ethnic food. Lucky people who live there.
(4)John Y.
I like all the Pita Inns, but my favorite is this one. There is a certain "je ne sais quoi" (man, I have been wanting to use that since H.S. French class), something different/better about this place! Go for lunch and try the lunch special! Such a deal and so much food. Good luck trying to get anything done in the afternoon. Food-coma time! And say hi to the "Boss" behind the counter! Friendliest guy in the world!
(5)Vince V.
I am suffering from post-lunch coma over an hour after polishing off the business lunch special at the Pita Inn. I have shish kabob, shawarma, chicken, falafel, pilaf, salad and pita weighing me down like an anchor. There is never enough of the tamarind drink for all of this but then this was all too much for lunch already. And after taxes and the drink, I still spent less than eight bucks. I had to wait for a table because they were insanely busy at lunchtime, but the crowd thinned out after 12:30pm. Burp.
(4)Ashley M.
Since moving into the area of this particular Pita Inn I've gone in 3 or 4 times. The food is far below the quality I've come to expect from the Pita Inn chain. The hummus has been so bad twice, that I've had to throw it out without eating it. The mango drink is watered down. I've started going to the other locations even though they are a farther drive simply for the higher quality.
(2)Jay C.
Really good food. Light and fresh. Everything is seasoned really well. The prices are reasonable and a good value for the portion size. It can be very busy and I have had problems with their number system.
(4)Chester W.
This place is good, evidence is how packed this place is during lunch. Probably because they are cheap bastards and are ordering the $4.95 lunch special. It is special indeed, you get a variation of meets, falafel, rice and salad. I generally get the chicken shwarma... it is da bomb. Falafels are super awesome too, but i'm pissed cause you only get them with the lunch special. Otherwise you have to order separately. Knocking it down one star cause of that annoying dude who mans the cash register during lunch... you'll see what I mean.
(4)Svitlana P.
I don't know where some of the reviewers are getting their fantastic middle eastern food, cause I've been to quite a few great restaurants in Chicago, and Pita Inn is still my choice for vegetarian options and the best dessert anywhere! I can't speak for meat entrees, but my dinner is fatoush salad, felafels, and baba ghanoush. And of course some baklava or kinafa. I've tried ordering baklava at other places and I literally had to trow it out, even when I got it from the Milwaukee and Central location of Pita Inn. They do tend to get very very busy around lunch time, so I'd recommend calling in and ordering to go.
(5)Gary H.
Ahh, Pita Inn. How I admire these places. There are such a modest handful of restaurateurs that you run into that do such a consistently superb job of executing their food ideas so well. These guys are right up there on that list. The baklava is the top notch Lebanese/Palestinian style - the best of ingredients, crispy and not too sweet. The meats are tender and delicious. The salads and vegetable dishes excellent. Great falafel. Even the lemonade tastes fresh and balanced. Eat your way through the menu and look hard. You won't find much to improve upon. Edit update: Stopped by the other day to find the baklawa is now made with veg oil and sugar syrup. No butter! No honey! (sigh) Same great texture - but the flavor is really degraded. Aww guys, did ya have to?
(5)J D.
The food is outstanding. Its not fancy, There are no waiters you go up and get your food when they call your number. The chicken scharma can be seen whirling around on the spit behind the counter. It actually looks like chicken, chicken that has been seasoned really well and then packed onto the spit really tight by hand. It is so damn good. The falafels are probably the best ive ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside and soft but not soggy on the inside, perfectly cooked. The Babba Ganoush is great on Pita Bread and even the house complimentary suaces-the white yogurt one and the hot red one are fantastic. Take your pita bread and open it, put a little chicken scharma inside wtih a little of the lettuce and tomatoes and then pour a little sauce inside and you have an impeccable sandwich. PS. tip your busser
(5)Elan S.
I grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. We would love going to Pita Inn and looked forward to it as they had such great food. Their Falafel is out of this world. Every time I go back to this area, Pita Inn is a must. This place is so popular if you go around dinner time, expect there to be a pretty lengthy line. Either way, it's still worth it.
(5)chris c.
Business Lunch combo. For those who have been there... enough said.
(5)Amey K.
This place is awesome for lunch. It took time for me to get adjusted to the taste. But now I like it. If you are lamb lover, it is must go. Business lunch rocks. You get tummy full lunch for just $5. Definitely worth noting it. Staff is friendly. One more good news about Pita Inn lovers is that they are expanding their sitting area
(4)Samra M.
Always busy! Great food, hummus is a must. If you want some falafel this is where to go. If you've never had middle eastern/ Mediterranean food before, go here first! I make my own sandwiches all the time. I order the shish kabob platter, they give you pita bread, get some tahini sauce to go with it, first fill the pita bread with hummus, spreading it around all sides, fill the bottom of the pita with rice, then some lettuce, put some shish kabobs in there and then add some tahini sauce over all of it, it's just heaven in your mouth!! mmmm now im hungry...
(5)Brad D.
Love the food! During the week they have a $4.95 Business Lunch. This includes a combination of Shish Kabob, Kifta Kabob, Shawarma, Chicken Tender and Falafel served with rice pilaf, salad and homemade pita bread. Best food for the price. Also they have great lemonade!
(5)Zara E.
Best Mediterranean food in the burbs!! Nothing else compares! Love the falafels, chicken shawarma, kifta kabob, and hummus! Even their chicken fatoush salad is delicious!
(5)Peter D.
This is our go-to establishment for a quick bite. Though this place is always packed they are able to have quick turnover at lunch and dinner due to the army of people working behind the counter. The food is always excellent and incredibly cheap. My usual is a lamb kabob pita sandwich and a small hummus, though for lunch they have the business special which is enough food for a small army and is only 4.95 I believe. UNBEATABLE. Need something quick? need something different? This is your place to go. Don't forget the hummus!
(5)Farah R.
Addictive. Have to have my fix once a week.
(5)Teresa P.
Love the food, love the price! Tasty, generous portions! I wish I lived closer. Anytime we are in the area, my sons and I stop by - have NEVER been disappointed!
(5)Paige W.
After an especially taxing morning at work in suburban hell, I was in need of a little Middle Eastern therapy. And because the idea of anything but Corner Bakery or Noodles & Co. horrifies me a little out here, I looked to Yelp in search of falafel serenity. And even in this deep, dark chasm of suburbia, Yelp, you never let me down. Highway 53 to Dundee, Dundee to Elmhurst and a right turn into the parking lot of heaven: Two coworkers and I were about to check into the Pita Inn, and I think I'd like to stay for a while. The smell of spices and cooking oil wafting on the cool spring breeze was my first clue I'd chosen the right place, and the line of businessmen that wrapped around the crammed-together fast-food tables allayed any remaining fears I might have had. One coworker abandoned the line to vulture tables, poised to swoop when the next group left. She was having an even worse day than I was, so glaring at strangers and getting in the way seemed like a good plan for her. When my other coworker and I finally made it up to the counter, we were overwhelmed by the menu, the line, the clattering utensils and sizzle of the grill. The guy taking orders was just standing there saying, "Next? Next? Next? Next? NEXT?" until we finally snapped back to reality (OOP! there goes gravity) and stammered out our orders. Which gave him license to make fun of us for the rest of the time we were there. Like pretending to charge me $2.95 for a Styrofoam cup. (Very funny, sir. NOT TODAY.) My eyes did a full-on cartoon pop when the kitchen plunked my plate onto the tray. A veritable cornucopia of Middle Eastern delicacies. A smorgasbord. So fresh. So delicious. SO CHEAP. I had gone with the vegetarian combination platter, which included heaping portions of -- and please allow me to butcher the spelling of everything here -- hummus, baba ghannouj, tabbouleh, Jerusalem salad, falafel and pita bread. For under $7. Uh, yeah. Vulture coworker had the hummus and beef shawarma, which was as simple as it sounds and a little disgusting looking, but she loved it. And other coworker had the business lunch special, which...was just an orgy of various meats and rice on a platter. We inhaled our food -- what we like to call "eating our feelings" -- and left feeling much less inclined to commit homicide. Falafel so good it could basically end wars. You heard it here first. Thanks, Pita Inn.
(4)Kate S.
I had never tried mediterran food before, so when I was out in Wheeling for work and was hungry, I thought...hmmm I'll try Pita Inn. YUM! So good!! I have tried it at least 3 times now! The business lunch is totally worth 4.95. You get an assortment of things for the price. Their meat is juicy and flavorful and just the right spices. I am not a big falafel person I have found and not really into hummus but from what it looks like, people like it here. The Shwarma is awesome! The staff here is hilarious!! Watch out for the cashier pretending to spill a drink on you!
(4)Walter P.
This place rocks so hard that it is one of the only reasons why I go back to the suburbs (ok not gonna lie, also to do laundry at my parents' house). This place bills itself as a fast food Mediterranean restaurant with some Middle Eastern (or call it Southwest Asian if you want to be politically correct (and I do)) influence. For the meat eaters, this place will get you salivating. TONS of options from lamb, chicken, beef, etc at rock bottom prices. The business special is a measly $5 bucks for a combo of pretty much all their meats. For the veggematarians, there are some great options. There's the falafel sandwich, the typical sides like hummus and baba ghannoug, but the standout thing that all vegetarians should get here is the vegetarian combo plate. At a low low price (how do they do it?) of $7 bucks you get hummus, baba ghannoug, Jerusalem salad, tabouleh salad, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves, a ton o' food to feed two people really. And the lentil soup is just divine; truly the gods must have guided the cook's hand when he made such a tasty soup. Oh, and the tahini sauce and red sauce...I could just smother those two over anything really! In between gorging sessions, remember to breathe hehe! I always end up being full after eating here, but not to the point where I feel nausea or feel eater's remorse/guilt ridden for having eaten all that delicious food. Overall, I'm just amazed and impressed that these guys can consistently truck out quality food at an affordable price. The people here at the Wheeling location are especially friendly and also quite cheeky. The guy working the cash register will sometimes mess/joke around with you and its all in good fun. A word to the wise. It can get really crowded during lunch and dinner time. You might just be better off taking it to go.
(5)Deborah J.
It's nice to see some Middle Eastern food in this part of town, and it'll do when the falafel cravings strike, but I'm not as impressed by Pita Inn as I once was. The problem? I moved to Michigan, which has the largest Arab-American population in the country. I now feel about Middle Eastern food in Chicago the way I feel about Thai food in Michigan. Okay, it's not that bad. Maybe I just got a bad bunch of stuffed grape leaves last week, but man were they soggy. It wouldn't have been so bad had the baba ghanoush not been over tahini'd, and the pita too chewy. Every place has off days, but I'm starting to think that maybe my standards have changed. Anyway, Pita Inn kills the falafel cravings I develop when visiting my parents in the Chicago suburbs, but it's no Dearborn.
(2)Ashley R.
The food is delicious! The hummus and falafil are to die for, the constant crowd in this place makes it obvious Pita Inn is loved by many. Fast, friendly service and great prices. Have tried the falafil at many other restaurants and no where has it come close to being as fresh and delicious as Pita Inn's.
(5)Sam C.
This place is the best. We go here as well as the Glenview location several times a year. There is never a disappointment and the quality is always top notch. Great atmosphere and delicious food.
(5)M B.
If you a craving Middle Eastern food and don't want to spend a arm and a leg, this is the place to go. Cheap and pretty decent tasting, we had a group of six over and ordered take out and everyone was happy with their meal.
(5)Janine M.
By far the best baba ghannoug I've ever tasted. You really can't go wrong at this place. If you haven't been there before try the combination meal. The rice is buttery and wonderful, the pitas are fresh, even the lemonade is delicious! I have yet to have a bad meal at this restaurant and with it's makeover a few years ago you can tell that business is good for this VERY reasonably priced Mediterranean restaurant! Pros: Excellent authentic Middle Eastern food, fast service, pleasent atmosphere Cons: NONE!
(5)Michelle T.
The first time I went to Pita Inn, I got the chicken shwarma and wasn't impressed. It was really dry and brittle. A few months later I gave Pita Inn another shot and order the Chicken Tenders. OH MY GOD THE DIFFERENCE. Large portions of moist delicious chicken breast grilled perfectly. Pita Inn has the best hummus I've ever had, and I don't usually seek out hummus. My husband is a vegetarian and goes with the falafel. Even though I work 5 miles away and live 20 miles away, it's at the top of options for carryout for lunch or dinner. The staff is very efficient and friendly.
(5)