It's been a while since I last reviewed this place, so I just wanted to let you know that they are still doing an excellent job. I've had pretty much everything on the menu and have not gone wrong. My favorites include the Middle East gyro, the chicken sandwich and the falafel platter which is vegetarian. You can also buy some of the products as they have a small shopping area. Also, be sure to try some of their pastries like the baklava, very delicious!
(5)
Steven V.
I have been coming here for about 20 years and I have yet to be disappointed. I frequent this establishment for lunch, at least once a month. Their decor leaves a bit to be desired, but for me it's all about the food. Their Angelo Cataldi is a delicious mix of roasted pepper paste, perfectly marinated and grilled chicken, string cheese and lettuce. A perfect go to wrap for lunch. The Chicken Kebob is incredible, The Gyros are great and they have incredible hummus. The fattouch salad is quickly becoming one of my favorite healthy lunch options. I have tried just about everything on their menu and have yet to be disappointed.
(4)
Jody P.
I went in and ordered take out on a Tuesday night. There wasn't a line, and my wait was under 6 minutes. It's a little bit of a hole in the wall, but the prices are great, the food was fantastic, and the service was friendly. The grilled chicken in my chicken kabab sandwich was juicy, and charred perfectly. I thought that I had made the best choice, but I succumbed to food envy when I tried my boyfriends Mediterranean lamb and beef gyro, because it's hard to compete with the flavor of lamb. If you're trying to avoid red meat, don't taste your friends sandwich. My delicious order of baba ghanoush lasted two days and had a great smokey taste and perfectly smooth texture. I do wish that they had provided more than one pita for the baba ghanoush, because it required a minimum of three, and I had to switch to dipping into it on day #2 with crackers. So I recommend asking for more pitas if you order the baba ghanoush.
(4)
Kevin P.
Bitar's is great! They make my favorite falafel sandwich in Philly. It's affordable and super filling. Every time I go, I also pick up a bag of authentic pita (thin and chewy, as it should be) and their baba ghanoush. My only gripe is that the hummus is not that good...it's not smooth or rich enough. I still highly recommend Bitar's, though!
(4)
Sara N.
Accompanied by a cold and stale pita, the vegetarian platter was a disappointment. The baba ghanoush was a worthy side, but the hummus was overwhelmingly sour, the stuffed grape leaves plain and tasteless, and the falafel very dry. I had heard so much good praise for Bitar's, but left confused and still hungry.
(1)
Candice B.
I'd heard so many rave reviews about Bitar's that I thought it was going to blow my mind. I ordered a falafel sandwich and waited, my mouth salivating. The first bite was devastating, but I was hungry so I finished the sandwich slowly with generous amounts of liquid to help it go down. So dry, so crumbly, so sad. Falafel is best when it's fresh and warm and crispy on the outside. It shouldn't sit around waiting for someone to take pity on it. I would have gladly waited 5 or 10 minutes for it to come out fresh. The people working there seemed nice. There's a small grocery selection, so I have a place not too far away that sells tahini when I need some. The pistachio baklava is otherworldly. So, I can't hate this place. I am just going to avoid that falafel from now on.
(3)
Michele W.
WOAH. Favorite place in the neighborhood. You will freak out over their soft pita, perfectly seasoned falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Their food is very affordable and make sure you leave with a tub of their hummus. Weekly bummer: closed on Sundays.
(5)
Blake J.
This place is so good. It's small, clean, never too busy and always fast. Super nice people. The price is perfect. Cashew fingers are the bomb, too.
(5)
A S.
I was really excited about ordering from Bitar's based on the mostly good reviews posted but the meal did not live up to expectations. I ordered the rice combo with chicken. They give you plenty of food but the chicken was overcooked, the tahini had congealed on the chicken and the dressing for the cucumber salad was overpowering making it almost inedible. I will say the hummus and pita were quite good but everything else I could have skiped. Also, I wasn't the only one who wasn't enamored with the food as my mother also stated her meal want that good.
(2)
Ophelie A.
Always go here when I am home to get real Pita bread. The next best place is in Michigan. It's always clean and organized. It has changed considerable since My last visit several years ago. The quality is slightly different, but better than anything I can get in Vegas. So they can ship to me, yippee!
(4)
Michelle C.
My friend Kory introduced me to BItar's today, and I feel like I need to send him a thank you card. This was probably the best Greek/Mediterranean food I've ever had, and conveniently also the least expensive. Currently only open until 7pm, this is the perfect spot for lunch, or an early dinner if you can get over there and grab some take out. My chicken kabob combo platter came with delicious grilled chicken sliced over lettuce and tomatoes. I requested a tatziki sauce instead of the sesame sauce. On the side was a generous serving of tabouli salad, a heaping pile of hommus, and a grilled pita served in foil. The portion size was huge. I had enough left over to eat for dinner. While there I also had a few bites of the Bitar gyro, which has lamb, marinated onions and peppers, french fries and a sriracha aioli. Also delicious, if a bit heavy for my usual lunch preferences. Definitely a solid hangover meal, however. Of course, I couldn't leave without a little bite from the pastry case. I tried a pistachio and honey selection that was wrapped in a shell which reminded me of shredded wheat (only more delicious). I knew I should have written down what it was called, but I did take a photo of the full tray. I will be happy to jump in my ride and head down to South Philly for lunch at Bitar's. It surely will not be long before my next visit.
(5)
Zoe P.
On a train ride back home from a stressful weekend in NYC, I needed some comfort food - which for me means Middle Eastern cuisine. There are so many tasty places around Philly, but I hadn't tried Bitar's and so many people I know swear by them. Yay for online ordering! Placed my order, and their delivery guy pulled up to our building right after my taxi dropped me off - talk about fast delivery service! My husband was eager to chow down, and thankfully the food I ordered was more than enough for the two of us! The Mediterranean Combo had everything that I love: hummus (two servings!), babaghanuj, tabouli, dolmades with tzatziki sauce, feta, tabouli salad, and pita, we got ours with falafel. But since my man is a carnivore we also had the grilled chicken platter, with tomatoes and onions over rice with tahini sauce and pita. Everything was delicious and fresh, just super tasty traditional Middle Eastern food that really, truly hits the spot and satisfies. Even with a small delivery fee, I will absolutely order from Bitar's again!
(4)
Dimal S.
Never been in the area before this time. I liked the falafel and baklava from Bitar's. Overall the food was reasonably priced. The atmosphere is not conducive for a sit down restaurant, but definitely great for take out. I would go there if again if in the area.
(3)
Jacob A.
This place is amazing. It's a total hole in the wall type establishment, but boy do they cook some great food! Love their gyro salad, their falafel, they're platters, and the grocery area is an added bonus! I've gotten their stuffed spinach rolls there in addition to hummus, baba ghanoush and other odds and ends and have always been extremely satisfied. It's a very small place so it is always better if you call ahead for take out, if you can!
(4)
Kristen D.
Before I even moved to this South Philly neighborhood, I was making the 3 mile bike ride to get the falafel vegetarian wrap. All the ingredients are so fresh and the falafel is some of the most authentic I've had--and it's a huge sandwich for under $5, it can't be beat! Also, the dolma, baba ghanoush, hummus, and tzatziki are perfect (all of which can be added to your sandwich for just a few more coins). The little market in the restaurant is also great. I always get the fresh pita (made fresh every morning) for only $1.99! They also sell refrigerated items in bulk, like their falafel, tzatziki, hummus, tabbouleh, etc. All reasonably priced and the best I've found in the area. Wish it was open later, but great for a quick, cheap, delicious, authentic lunch.
(5)
Steve S.
My good Lord, first of all why was I not told that this place existed all of these years? I'm upset about that. I gotta find the guy who should have told me about this place and slap him. I suppose it is my fault. In my younger and more naive years, my only reason to come down to this neighborhood was to get a cheesesteak. I just never bothered to notice places like this. Perhaps I need to find that younger naive version of myself and smack him instead. Thank you, Yelp, for helping me find this place. One plate of chicken kabob, tabbouleh, and hommus later, and I am deeming this a new destination place for me worthy of driving into town from Delco for. It was so damn good, that after I was done eating the chicken and hommus, I kept eating the salad solo. That never happens for me! I gotta drag the wife here. In fact when she hears about this place she might be mad that I went without her. I'm sure that anger will dissipate after one taste of the food. Yes, the staff ignores you when you walk in. But once you talk to the guy who makes the kabob they're very nice. Bravo, Bitar's!
(5)
Jade V.
Mmm, Mediterranean fast food. We were strolling around the area and happened across Bitar's Federal Street location one day. "Bitar's?!" I thought. Everyone raves about their grilled falafels, so I had to try them. Hype? Lived up to. They also have a tiny grocery area. Grab some harissa if you like spice. And the falafels from their fridge are just as good as the fresh ones! I also ended up ordering Bitar's for delivery one day. It was tough, because everything on the menu sounded delicious! I ended up with a Mediterranean combo and my boyfriend got a chicken kabob combo, which he loved. Good quality chicken, no gristle, and well-marinated. I love their combos because they have a little bit of everything. And that tabouli, mmm, I could eat it endlessly. Bitar's may look like another low-key takeout joint, but give it a try if you're feeling some quality Mediterranean.
(4)
Mike Z.
Very small hole in the wall take out with 2 tables and small bar style seating. Located in the heart of South Philly right by Pats and Genos. The food is very good! I had a falafel sandwich loaded with veggies and a white sauce. For dessert I had a piece of halva, which is a Mediterranean dessert. It was delicious, I even bought a 1/2 lb to take home. Also, for checking in on Yelp I saved 10%. Would come here again for sure.
(5)
Sara S.
Barely mediocre. There was absolutely no love in this food. And it showed. I wanted Mamas Vegetarian but they closed 10 min before I had gotten there. The Bitar's falafel is dry, crumbly and tasteless. Majorly majorly disappointing. The gyro Greek salad was ok. I've made better myself and really should have this time. I'm sad. I was just getting take out but the dark and gloomy ambiance and barely sanitary appearance made me think twice about even paying for and eating my meal. Maybe having grown up with access to the finest Greek and Mediterranean food outside of Greece/the Mediterranean has spoiled me, but I will NOT be back. EPIC fail.
(1)
John K.
After another day of work - the GF and I were feeling something fresh, perhaps even a bit funky. So we scoured DiningIn and settled upon Bitar's! The reviews on Yelp were great and we were in the mood for healthy, yet delicious Middle Eastern food. Hummus ... ho! Any Thundercats fans out there? Vegetarian Bittza ($5.25) Tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, and roasted peppers. I was interested to try this Middle Eastern taken on pizza. Served on crispy zaatar bread littered with thyme, sumac, sesame seeds - all dressed with a bit of olive oil, you've got ripe tomatoes, fresh onions, and funky feta melding well with the sweet roasted peppers. A healthy take on pizza, but delicious as well. Vegetarian Combo ($8.95) Grilled falafel, grape leaves, and babaghanuj. The vegetarian combo showcases Bitar's falafel making skills. Crispy on the outside with a creamy blend of spices within, this was a great falafel. The sides were just as intense. Creamy babaghanuj highlighted the creaminess of eggplant. The hummus was similarly creamy, but with the taste and feel of meaty chickpeas accented by fresh, tangy lemon. The tabouli salad was just as tangy - highlighting the fresh, crisp veggies. The dolmades or stuffed grape leaves were filled with creamy, sticky rice. Mediterranean Combo Chicken ($14.95) Hummus, babaghanuj, tabouli, dolmades with tatziki sauce and feta or olives, chicken. The Mediterranean chicken combo was a similar mix of fresh items, but with the addition of huge chunks of feta and chicken! The chicken was perfectly moist - lightly marinated and grilled. The tahini sauce was a bit watery, but was a perfect sesame dressing for the requisite chicken gyros that had to be made with the accompanying pitas. Overall, Bitar's gets the job done if you're in the mood for fresh tasting, delicious, yet healthy Middle Eastern food. For those of you in South Philly, lucky you! For the rest of for the rest of us who are not within walking distance, DiningIn offers a quick, expedient way to deliver the food directly to your door!
(4)
Aruna A.
I really like falafel. Like REALLY like it. In fact, I'm going to be heading to the Middle East soon, and I plan on subsisting on it for about 5 days. But I digress. I headed to Bitars one Saturday afternoon with my mother in tow, as we needed some lunch to go before we hit up a the mountains for a short hike. We were excited about the prospect of falafel, as we both share a deep seeded love for them. We got to Bitars, and ordered a few different falafel's, and some baklava. We got the falafel's with hummus and tahini, and had them a few hours later. They kept well - they were definitely NOT soggy when we got to eating them - which is a testament to how they were made. They came wrapped in a well grilled pita, with tomato and lettuce. The falafel itself was well made - not great, but well made. It was a tad bit on the salty side, and didn't quite have that amazing chickpea taste I was looking for, but it was good. Overall, pita bread was good - falafel was salty and a bit odd. The baklava was another story - I enjoyed that a LOT. I found it to be perfectly well made, and really delicious. Bitar's space itself seemed causal and airy, and the service was definitely good / fast. I'd go back, but only if I couldn't get myself to Mama's (my fav falafel place in this city).
(3)
Veggie T.
The best middle eastern food in all of Philadelphia. Half grocery store and half restaurant. The interior is simple with a few tables and a couple of stools right by the grill. The staff always compliments my appetite because every time I'm there I order a falafel, bitza AND the fries which are served with grilled peppers, onions and tahini. I guess nobody is as greedy as me! The best part about this place is the young lady at the register with the N.A.S(niggas ain't shit) tattoo on her cleavage lol Those of you who are complaining about their falafels being dry were probably served that way on purpose. The staff here is really cool and their "asshole radar" is finely tuned.
(5)
Christian S.
Was looking for a place to have Friday lunch with my coworkers. Everyone wanted something different, but didn't know what. A fellow coworker told us about Bitar's. I had the Chicken kebob sandwich; it was really good and filled with a lot of flavor from the grill. My two coworkers had the Angelo Cataldi and gave it two thumbs up. One of them ordered a Chicken Kebob because of the reviews I gave it. Will be back here.
(3)
Jemma C.
Yum!!! So glad I found this place. So cheap and such lovely staff. I'll defo be back.
(4)
Casey R.
Bitar's is the type of place that makes me wish I was unemployed so I could enjoy lunch here all the time. Their falafel is grilled when ordered, and I enjoy being able to customize it to my liking. I usually get feta and tzatziki on mine. Other options include tahini, hummus, baba and tabouli. Another favorite is the fry medley which is french fries, peppers and onions served with a tahini dipping sauce. They offer a wide range of gyros and the like but falafel is a favorite in my house so everyone I have been with always gets that. The market part of the store has the typical options, lots of take home sauces, hummus, pitas etc. Great if you are looking for specialty ingredients to make middle eastern food at home.
(5)
Shereen C.
I've only tried the falafel sandwich, which tastes good, but was a bit dry.
(3)
Sara P.
This is our go-to place for pita. If you want fresh wonderful pita at home or at a meal away from home, go to Bitars. Yesterday, we needed to take something to a party, but wanted to take something that no one else would bring (the usual cookies and cakes). So, we stopped in at Bitars on our way out of the city, got pita, grape leaves, hummus and falafel. What a great treat. The other guests were very happy with our selection. I was most impressed with the falafel, which was not as dry as it is in some stores and restaurants. Now we have a new go-to place for falafel. Thanks to the Bitars!
(4)
Alexandra C.
A falafel that is not fried??? Yes!! Super cheap - I think only 3 bucks for this sandwich and add baba topping it came to $4. Great size portion and rather delicious!
(4)
Michelle E.
I lived next door to Bitar's for over 2 years and came to the conclusion that it's a solid restaurant and market. The hummus is quite good while their pita is decent but not great. They have the usual menu items you'd expect but they are all well-executed. The service is quick and the owners are pleasant. The grocery selection is diverse. There are a few outdoor tables. Sorry if you ever sat at the outdoor tables and my dog snapped at you!
(4)
Jess S.
Quick stop for a gyro and every-so-satisfying! Small little place also turned into grocery store, so it doesn't have to be a sit-down place if you don't want to. Feel free to walk in and order deliciousness to-go. I am not a big fan of red meat so I got the chicken, but my boyfriend got the lamb and he loved it. Definitely going back to try others on the menu!
(4)
Erica M.
We stopped by Bitar's today in search of haloumi cheese and found several different brands. They also have huge bags of za'tar and a nice selection of desserts. The woman who helped us was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our baklava and other dessert (the name escapes me). The pistachio baklava was not very sweet and had very little syrup, but the walnut baklava had significantly more syrup, so maybe our try pistachio was a bit of a snafu. We will definitely go back to try their other food!
(4)
Ron C.
We have been going here for years. The best Mediterranean fast food you ever had. The only problem are their hours. They recently removed some of the actual grocery and added a few more tables. Start with the Stuffed Grape Leaves, the Babaghanuj, the Hommus or one of their fantastic salads. My personal Fav is the Grilled Chicken Angelo Cataldi Sandwich (yes named for the Morning Show host after he stated public ally that he did not like Mediterranean food). Roasted pepper spread, marinated string cheese and lettuce but you can't deny the Grilled Fallafel or Gyros. SO basically what I'm saying is everything here is delicious. What are you waiting for, get there for lunch or before 7 (or 6 on Saturday).
(4)
Kinnari A.
So good. My falafel was fresh and this place is totally affordable. My sandwich was less than 5 dollars. Amazing!
(4)
Monica S.
I could basically copy/paste Jason F's review into the box I'm currently typing in. I too went to Bitar's in search of that perfect falafel sandwich. What did I find? Bland falafel balls overly drenched in hummus and tahini. Talk about a messy sandwich! I actually had to change my pants from all dripping that went down. I still look to Maoz as my favorite falafel sandwich. Perheps Bitar's can satisfy on the meat end of things? What say you Philadelphia?
(2)
Chris M.
I've been ordering catering from Bitar's for years (they are very reasonably priced and reliable), but I'm happy to say that I've finally gotten to visit in person the restaurant and people I've called so many times. The restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern fare, with my favorites being their falafel pita and the chicken kabob pita. The other day, we took a break from an extended nerd board-game night to get something to eat, and strolled down the block to Bitar's. When you walk in, you order right at the kitchen area. I felt a little overwhelmed because there were so many choices of things to order and side dishes, but I went with my standard: the chicken kabob pita with hot sauce. To pay, you actually go into another room that is a small Middle Eastern grocery store. They have an amazing array of hard-to-find grocery options, all at very reasonable prices. You can also purchase desserts here, which are totally worth it. Check out the walnut backlava--so good. The tab for my humungous pita sandwich came out to something like $6, and I tipped the chef $1 to bring my total price to a grand total of $7. If I lived in this neighborhood, I would come here all the freaking time.
(5)
Karen B.
you'll be psyched on bitar's as long as you don't go in expecting anything refined or flashy. come as you are to this place ... hell, come wearing just your undies if you feel like it (read: it's super casual) ... and enjoy a fabulous lunch. haven't tried the falafel, but the gyros are good and i really dig the heavily seasoned fattouch tawook salad.
(4)
Shardule S.
Not-so-good: The hours are limited and very strange Limited sit-down area (this is more like a take-out place) Good: The food is incredible The employees are very friendly Prices reasonable Either come here for a quick meal with a friend or get some to go; this place is fantastic. My brother and I ordered falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj and loved everything! Just make sure it's open first!
(4)
Christine R.
i have only had their baklava and hummus. THEIR BAKLAVA IS GREAT. or it could just be that i am obsessed with baklava. my boyfriend tried their gyro the other day. it was not special but it wasnt bad either. very nice people. i wish they were open later than 7 though.
(4)
Kenneth V.
The food is great. I just wish they would give the place a much needed cleaning. It is really getting skeevy.
(3)
Charles C.
For the past few years, I've unknowingly been enjoying the pita, humus and baba ganoush from Bitar's which a friend proudly served during his Friday night Shabbat meals. Mediterranean food is among my favorite cuisines, so I was pretty enthusiastic upon my first visit. All of the sandwiches looked really tasty, but I had to find out how serious this place was by sampling their falafel first. Sorry for the cliche, but it was love at first bite. There are a number of good falafel places in Philly, but in my humble opinion, nothing beats Bitar's. I've been back a number of times to sample the other menu items, and have never been disappointed. It's a relatively small place, so I wouldn't recommend going with a large party unless you're comfortable being seated at different tables. Nevertheless, with their many delicious offerings, Bitar's will surely satisfy your palate.
(5)
Lori R.
Loved this! Great delivery with Dining In. Liked the gyro, hummus and little pizzas. Very fresh!
(4)
Wedge W.
I got a groupon for this place and finally decided to use it yesterday. My boyfriend and I both got the vegetarian combo platter and it filled us up so much we couldn't order the soup. The platter came with a delicious tabouli salad, two falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, pickled turnip strips, and pita. Very delicious! The only thing was the disinterest flowing from the staff. Not rude, they just didn't seem to care that I was in there. It kept me from wanting to stay and try more things. Next time, I'll get takeout.
(4)
Danan R.
They have a great selection of grocery items, all at low prices (tahini and rose water anyone?). The falafel is pretty good but just a tad on the bland side, which the hummus hides pretty well (at least in the sandwiches, which will only cost you about $3.50). The owner is very pleasant so plus 1 star for service. The place itself is small but you can rest assured that everything is freshly prepared. The baba is pretty good too. I will return to try the kabobs and gyros.
(3)
Marica A.
Great Middle Eastern Food in Center City PHiladelphia! My friend Keri introduced me to Bitar's a few months ago and I am so grateful to her. It was very helpful to order at Bitar's for several events that I had planned. The food is fresh and tasty and all my guests who had it loved it as much as I do. The service is friendly and accurate. For the luncheon I hosted recently I ordered their spanakopitas and their chicken sandwiches as entree and when I went to pick up the order I also was able to grab at the store olives, feta cheese, humus and pita bread without needing to order these in advance. They have three kids of feta cheese, the Greek one which is a bit more hard and very salty and is great for greek salads, the Bulgarian which is less salty and more moist and the French feta which is very moist and creamy. I usually get the Bulgarian one but I think I will try the French next time for a change. I have tried other middles eastern restaurants and this is the best!
(5)
Fran S.
I've been getting take out from Bitar's for years. The inside dining space is cozy, but a bit cramped, and not very private - more like an indoor food stand serving wonderful sandwiches and platter combos than a restaurant setting. They serve Middle Eastern fare and pricing is very reasonable and the food consistent. Two can eat well for around $10 to $15. The grilled falafel is delicious and the pickled turnip adds a wonderful umami flavor that elevates the sandwich. Baba ghanoush and hummus are both standouts and with a pita (whole wheat for me) make a wonderful light lunch. The other cool thing about Bitar's is a small attached grocery opposite the restaurant. An easy one stop shop to pickup falafel, pita or hummus to go, and don't forget dessert. Check out the pistachio baklava- lovely!
(4)
Dave K.
I was in the mood for a gyro/falafel type sandwich for lunch on a lazy Saturday so I decided to try this place for take-out on the recommendation of my fellow Yelpers. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I went with a Wilson's sandwich, fries and an order of grape leaves. The Wilson's sandwich is genius. Why have two separate sandwiches of meat or falafel when you can combine them into one awesome one? The sanwich came with grilled chicken, falafel, veggies, tzaiki sauce, olives, hummus and special hot sauce all wrapped in a homemade pita. It was messy, but it was delicious. The fries tasted good, but were soft and soggy probably due to the stryofoam container they were transported in during my walk home. I could've done without them. I was going to get a piece of pistachio baklava ($1.25) but only had 50 cents left to my name. Next time you will be mine sweet baklava... On a side-note, besides the "Wilson's", they also have a sandwich called the "Angelo Cataldi" which I guess is a salute to the venerable figure of Philly sports radio and such notable events like Wing Bowl. Right on Bitar's, right on. .
(4)
Michael P.
Continuing my trend of reviewing the nice little lunch places I frequent, I come to Bitar's It's closed by the time I get home from work unfortunately, but at my last job I used to enjoy popping in a few times a month for a quick dinner before going out for the evening. Service is usually incredibly fast, from your order directly onto the grill, wrapped up and into your hands. I love the gyros and other pita sandwiches . The falafel I had was good, but a bit dry. They also have baklava by he piece, which is delicious A friend of mine thinks they're never open, but really, the hours are better than a lot of the other delis in the neighbourhood. They also have a few tables to eat at, but usually I just get it to go. The store also has a small grocery section that I really ought to browse through at some point.
(4)
Michael F.
Bitar's is such a gem. Time and time again, it is hard to get a better sandwich, at a better price, anywhere. This place has remained consistent in S. Philly for years. I generally wind up getting one of the three gyro sandwiches, or the Angelo Cataldi sandwich. Then, I always grab a bunch of the freshest pita anywhere (steam in the bag from being fresh baked), olives, feta, taboulah salad, hummus, grape leaves and falafel balls to go.
(5)
Carolyn L.
I am adding a star because the owner of the store took the time to contact me and apologize for the my last experience there (95 degree day, broken air conditioning, rude worker, etc). 1-star for good follow up customer service. It means a lot to an unsatisfied customer, that he took it upon himself to right things. He even offered me a free sandwich of my choice. I will visit here again, but no free sandwich needed. I will pay for what I consume, since the food IS pretty good.
(4)
Ben D.
I've been to Bitar's a couple times and find the food from the restaurant side to be pretty good. Not the best middle eastern food around but pretty decent. The grocery side is small but definitely covers all your basic middle eastern food needs and everything I've purchased from there has been outstanding. I especially love their pita bread. It's probably the best pita that I've purchased from a "grocery" store and will definitely be back if only to buy some of that. So I would definitely rate this place four stars if not for the fact that the employees are rather rude. They seem pretty bothered to serve you or god forbid you have a question about something. Particularly the guy at the grill cooking the food. Not the end of the world though. If you're in the area, stop in but I wouldn't go too far out of my way... except to pick up some of those pitas. The pita's are dirt cheap too, so pick up at least two bags while you're there. Update: After going there a few times I wouldn't say that all the employees are rude. The grill guy couldn't care less every time I've been there but what else is new? The register lady named Delia often seems kinda distracted but this last time we had a nice little conversation and she told me how they would ship pitas or whatever I want right to my door cause I come all the way from the suburbs. It was nice and makes me feel a little better about coming back.
(3)
Cherryl L.
I met Amin (Bitar's owner). I returned the molded pita bread last week and got refunded for it. He apologize and I did appreciate that, since I always buy my pita bread from Bitar's! I'm so happy that he could also help me do a bakesale at his store so that I can raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. I and my team "CHEF CHERRYL" will be walking a 5k on Dec 4, 2011 in Metuchen, New Jersey. If anyone is interested to join my team or want to support me on this great cause please visit my personal webpage: jbrmetuchen.kintera.org/… Thank you for your time reading this!! Che
(4)
Kimberly S.
I live only a block away, but had never been here until I purchased a Groupon deal recently. It's a seemingly authentic take-out restaurant/grocery store of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean products. I think the food is okay. Not exceptional and not bad either. I would give everything a 3 out of 5 stars. I think my own tabouli salad is better than theirs. The hummus is good, but I've had better at Zahav, S and H Kebab, and the grocery store. The gyros are okay, but I've definitely had better. Bitar's is a nice change though to the standard Italian, Mexican and cheesesteak fare that is so plentiful in this neighborhood.
(3)
Felicia D.
*This review is for Bitar's market-side of groceries and prepared foods, not the lunch counter/sandwich side* I never really appreciated proper Middle Eastern fare until I started dating a good-looking half-Lebanese fellow whose family members are all superior cooks -- coincidentally also named Bitar! Though his mom's baba ganouj is tasty, even she admits it's not as good as Bitar's smoky, creamy eggplant mash. Scooped up with their housemade pita and studded with bits of Bulgarian feta (so cheap at only $6/lb.), or rolled into a wrap with tons of arugula, their baba is one of the most satisfying vegetarian items in existence. Bitar's also prepares huge party trays of baba, hummous, grape leaves, tabbouleh salad, spanikopita and other hand-made edibles for catering purposes. We also pick up grocery items like tahini, chickpeas and rice here at very competitive prices.
(5)
tim c.
Came here for lunch with a $10/$20 Groupon. I expected to grab a sandwich and take home some goods from their market but I did a bad job of reading the fine print (menu items only). Anyway, I went with the Greek beef/lamb gyro which was very good. I also ordered a Wilson sandwich (chicken, falafel, lettuce, tomato, onion, olives, hummus, tahini and hot sauce), a side of pita and hummus and a couple pieces of walnut baklava to take home. The hummus is great. Creamy in texture with nutty notes. The Wilson special is sitting in the fridge until later but if the chicken/falafel platters that I saw coming out while I was there are any indication, I won't have disappoint. Fresh food at reasonable prices. If you're complaining about a lack of A/C or the staff's "attitude' (the latter of which I didn't experience at all) then you're paying attention to the wrong details. Will be returning.
(4)
Scott D.
Bitars is nothing special on the inside and that is why I love it so much. It is such a home feeling inside that is simple. The gyro's are probably one of the best I have ever had in my life, but please don't tell my grandmother that. The selection in their market is pretty awesome and their selection of pastry's are super and everything tastes great.
(4)
Adam L.
There is a lot to love about Bitar's. A cute little sandwich/Mediterranean grocery shop tucked away right outside of the Italian Market, Bitar's has been an institution in the neighborhood for well over 20 years. Let's be honest here: South Philly is a mecca for a lot of different cuisines, but finding a good gyro isnt the easiest thing to do. Even Mazzo's which has my favorite hummus in the world, falls a little short. Bitar's however, is fabulous. Oh, I could just swoon for their fresh, tasty tzatziki sauce. I can feel it on my tongue now. The dancing combination of creamy yogurt, smooth dill and sweet mint is almost too much to bear. The lamb meat is so thin, cook perfectly. All piled high inside of a pita and stuffed into a handheld aluminum wrapper. Forget the overrated, over-indulged cheesesteak, Bitar's Greek gyro is a far superior sandwich within a stone's throw of those true South Philly dumps.
(4)
Vicki M.
Dude Two awesome discoveries from Bitar's: 1- Huge, cheap jars of tahini (in the neighborhood of $10 for 32 oz.) 2- Cypress cheese! (aka- Haloumi) And for a close runner-up: the olives. Inexpensive, nice looking, and they'll let you sample one beforehand. Yum!
(5)
Grant B.
The food is very good and GREAT prices. The falafel is AMAZING. It also has a neat little market. Over all a good place to go if your in the area.
(5)
Kim A.
I love that there is a grocery side and a restaurant/take out side to the store. Grocery side : delicious hummus, babaghanuj, tatziki, falafel, pita bread, olives, and baklava. Can't say I ever picked up something and didnt like it. All was obviously high quality and better than any junk you would pick up at your grocery store. Restaurant side: the bitizza is delicious! I usually get the greek which is feta, olives, tomatoes and onions on zaatar bread. Different but delicious. Kabobs and gyros were flavorful and delicious.
(4)
Rob S.
Wow, with all the fab reviews I had been looking forward to trying Bitar's for awhile, but we ended up quite disappointed. We saw a Groupon, nabbed it and gave it a try. We each got combination platters take out. I got the gyro combination. It came with a box that had veggies (lettuce, tomato, onions), gyro meat with tzatziki, as well as bread, a side of hummus, and a side of tabbouleh. I will give it to them, a big portion. I was actually confused whether I should use the bread and make a sandwich or use it for dipping in hummus. With no other options for dipping I used the bread to dip in the hummus and ate the gyro and veggies on their own. Unfortunately, I wasn't enthralled. The gyro meat didn't taste very good, almost burnt, and the tzatziki didn't cover it up. I guess it's a matter of taste, but the tabbouleh was so overwhelmingly filled with garlic that I couldn't eat it. Even the bread was disappointingly very thin, not the nice thickness that I'm used to with pita. I rarely leave a plate unfinished but I just coudn't do it with this one. My girlfriend's platter was also disappointing as she only received two balls of falafel. The hummus was the only saving grace, The hummus was very good, and my girlfriend got a side of a different style of hummus that was amazingly tasty. But, sadly, that only gives one extra star. Because of the great reviews I may willing to go back another time and try something different.
(2)
Shannon C.
I love Bitars. I can get all my spice, wheat, and bread needs in their store and then sit down to enjoy a delicious falafel sandwich. I'd give it 5 stars--- but it REALLY needs a makeover. Don't use the bathroom.
(4)
Jenna N.
I don't know if I went here on a bad day (I like to give the benefit of a doubt) but the sandwich I got was just... egh. I couldn't finish it. This is a great place to get your dolmas fix (they sell them in the large cans) or fresh pita bread or hummus. They also sell tahini if you've just bought a food processor and you're overly ambitious with the amount of new dishes you want to make (hello, baba ghanoush). I'm not a fan of their seasoned pita bread - it's overloaded with spices and makes my tongue shrink with unhappiness. I reallyyyyy want to try their desserts, but I spend too much as it is whenever I stop in.
(3)
Sudo N.
I live far away from Bitar's in West Philadelphia, but I have to come here every so often because they have the best price on the best feta cheese. They sell the Bulgarian kind in two- and three-pound lots for something like $6 a pound. Then I always pick up a bag of pita, which is baked fresh every day. My favorite menu item is no longer there: it's a little snack called a bitza, which is a round flat bread grilled with little bits of tomato, cheese, and sumac on it. The chicken sandwich is good though. And if aliens landed and demanded that I bring them seven different varieties of mamool (Lebanese filled cookies) I would not know where else to go. Update 2009-09-01: Went by there last Saturday. Here are some other things they carry: Dried fava beans. Tahini. Fig marmalade. Bulgur wheat in three different sizes. Lebanese pastry. Olives.
(5)
Tracy L.
I am happy to report that the owner contacted me to say that they are revamping the grocery area and will be glad to offer my preferred tahini again. That's service!
(5)
G S.
As far as Middle Eastern-Lebanese cuisine goes, felafel is simply not the only thing on a menu, it's minor yet people hinge their impressions on a place based on that one food thing. That one thing which is usually the only thing they will ever try in a place. Too bad for them. The baba ganoush and hummus are terrific. Best baba ganoush I've ever had, actually. They have a nice selection of pita breads, spices, deserts and a limited but perfect cheese and olive selection. There are three types of feta cheese - the Greek which is kind of harder, the Bulgarian which is crumbly yet creamy and the French which is creamy. All three brands they carry are excellent. The lamb platters and sandwiches are perfect - loaded with sauces and good stuff. All-in-all, it is a fine place deserving of good and great reviews. If all you've ever tried is felafel then maybe its time venture to other dishes.
(5)
Tim O.
So good. So cheap. The falafel sandwich is rolled up like a burrito with a pita. $4-5 depending what you add as a topping. A nice sized portion. Once i had one sitting in my fridge all day and when i got home from work and it was still excellent. Always on my mind.
(5)
Drew S.
Love it. Love it, love it, love it, love it, love it. I'll give them a human 97% success rate-- once out of the 30+ times I've eaten there I had a dry falafel with not-so-good pita, but it's almost always absolutely excellent. My one recommendation would be to explore the menu-- there are a ton of different ways to have your falafel. As you go through the menu, you can find a number of interesting combinations. Three last points on Bitar's: (1) They do better with the pickled vegetables they put in the sandwiches than any of the other local joints I've seen. The genius of grilling the falafel patties goes without saying. (2) The halva is wonderful-- one of my favorite dessert treats. Just don't think about it or ever look at nutritional information. (3) Ajvar (pr: "eye-var"). Red peppers, eggplant, a little garlic and a little vinegar. It's the best thing to spread on anything-- sandwiches, crackers, vegetables, pasta . . . I actually go through about a 16-ounce jar every two weeks. I go with the mild and add my own spice.
(5)
To M.
I miss my mom's (Greek) baklava...it was buttery and not too sugary--been trying to replicate it for years. When my sister and I tried Bitar's baklava (with walnuts), it was like home.
(5)
M P.
This place is not close to my house, but its worth the 20-30 minute walk. Cheap and mostly authentic Middle Eastern food. The Gyro/Shwarma and Babaganouj were both great. Even better was the little market where I can buy a giant tubs of Tahina, grape leaves, and other hard to find Middle East foods.
(5)
Lauran T.
I decided to check this place out because of the rave reviews I've heard from my friends. I did enjoy the delicious falafel with everything on it. I also like the fact that they grill their falafel instead if frying them. However, the service was awful. The guy who took my order was acting like someone stole his blankie! Minus the poor service I would still go back. Who knows? Maybe he was just having a bad day.
(4)
Lauren D.
As much as I love living in South Philadelphia, I'll be the first to admit that we're seriously lacking in terms of having a variety of ethnic food. I love my tacos and burritos as much as the next person, but my major weakness is Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food. Thus, when I succumbed to curiosity and checked out Bitars, I was in heaven. That was about a year ago, and I haven't stopped going since. Bitars is a very unassuming place, despite the burgundy exterior and hookah-filled window. When you first enter it, it's almost hard to notice that it's both a market and a restaurant. That being said, the atmosphere is very cozy and reminds me of some of the places I went to get food in Israel. The store aspect of Bitars offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious products at a way better price than the supermarket conglomerates. The middle contains bins of fresh, delicious, and fluffy pita bread of all sizes; the coolers offer home made hummus, baba, tabouli, falafel, grape leaves, juices, delectable feta cheese and olives; and the shelves house a variety of spices and herbs that normally cost a bajillion dollars at Acme but are extremely reasonable. On top of that, they also have a dessert case that offers some of my favorite baklavah and halvah of all time. I'm not exaggerating in the least when I say that I was here religiously once or twice a week when I lived at 9th and Tasker buying their hummus, tabouli, and desserts. It's absolutely phenomenal. The grill part of the restaurant is equally as good. They offer a really good amount of both vegetarian and meat sandwiches, as well as delicious and big salads. I personally recommend the falafel, although you really can't go wrong with anything there. They are also willing to customize a bit so your sandwich or platter becomes exactly what you want. Unfortunately, it's probably better to get your food to go because it really only has two small tables in an already small room. Bitars really is one of the best gems that South Philadelphia has to offer. Their food rivals some of the bigger names in Middle Eastern cuisine, and their market selections give you the opportunity to create your own versions of traditional favorites. The owners have created a gold mine and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not check it out. Seriously.
(5)
Jackie B.
I'm not even a huge fan of falafel, but this place is great. I love their vegetarian falafel - fresh veggies, good size, and cheap. I recently tried their pork gyro with tzatziki which was also good. Wish it would have been chunks of pork rather than long slices, but it was still tasty. Also, they have a large beverage selection and a small store where they sell awesome Mediterranean food and ingredients (I think they're the only place in Philly that sells grape molasses, which is mighty tasty). Oh, and they take credit!
(4)
Brad B.
Awesome falafel and humus. A great neighborhood find.
(5)
Herb L.
Great stuff. Good falafel (with hot sauce). Good baklava. Only lament, inflation. What used to be the cheapest lunch at $2 is now among the cheapest @ $2.75 or so.
(4)
Rachel F.
I miss this place! I used to come here weekly when I lived in Philly. The food is great! And I remember loving this little shop - buy the pita bread. It is so soft. Can we get a Bitar's in SF?
(5)
Jaime K.
Such a gem in South Philly! I love getting my labneh and other Middle Eastern goodies at this place. Fill your cart with homemade dips, breads, spices and sweets and enjoy a full Mezze dinner!
(5)
John R.
Bitar's is a great local middle eastern place. It's half grocery store, half take-out place. I usually stop by here and get a falafel but they got other things too. Their falafel isn't deep fried like what I would normally expect. Instead they just put it on the griddle until its crisp. The result is a light, flavorful sandwich that will only set you back less than 3 bucks. I haven't decided if I prefer Bitar's over Maoz. Usually when I eat at Maoz, I end up stuffing myself silly on the salad bar. At Bitar's you get your sandwich for a nice cheap price and eat a reasonable amount. They're two different experiences. The grocery store half of Bitar's is good too. They sell all kinds of middle eastern foods, among such goods are fresh pitas, hummus, and some pastries. Bitar's is a solid neighborhood establishment and I'm glad to have them right down the street.
(4)
Susan M.
The food is always fresh and consistently good. A can't miss.
(4)
Thad S.
Love this place. The wraps are good, freshly grilled ingredients and I can get 300% harissa. Don't really know what that means, but I am into it. Great if you want something sort of healthy in the Italian market area that also takes cards. Also a great little ethnic market area that carries some hard to find items at good prices.
(4)
Trauts N.
Very unexpectedly good. Had the gyro platter. And the walnut baklava was perfect - had the right blend of crispness and chewiness.
(5)
Nicole R.
I can't believe nobody has reviewed Bitar's. They have very inexpensive falafel sandwiches which are grilled and not fried, some of the best hummus in Philly, a little grocery area where you can buy dried fruit, beans and middle eastern pastries. The food here is very consistently good. I'm a huge fan of the Angelo Cataldi chicken sandwhich whish has this very yummy red pepper sauce. It's actually making me hungry just thinking about it. Mmmm. I just found out that they opened new locations in W. Philly and Society Hill. This is good news for folks in those neighborhoods. Definitely stop by and check it out.
(4)
Molly S.
amazing. they have halva for $3.75 a pound. eat that specialty health food store that sells it for $20. phenomenal food. excellent ingredients. great prices. 90 cents for a tub of anise seeds.
(5)
Jon L.
Great falafel Syrian/Lebanese style (as apposed to Israeli style)---rolled not pocketed, in other words. I never order anything but the falafel, but I find their balls are as crispy on the outside, as moist and delicious on the inside, as any I've tried. And they only run you, what is it, like $2, give or take 75 cents. There few lunches this good for so little.
(4)
Elyse W.
Falafel is such a cool food. It's one of those tastes that I crave at least once a week, but the falafel joints that crowd center city are either fake falafel (ie. maoz), or not good and too expensive (ie. Sahara Grill) as compared to Bitar's on 10th and Federal. My favorite thing about this place (besides the price of $2.50 for a huge falafel sandwich) is that the falafel is grilled instead of fried making it not as heavy, greasy and unhealthy as the fried variety. I love their falafel there so much i never order anything else off of the menu, although they do have an assortment of chicken, lamb, and beef pita sandwiches. They also have a case of excellent filo deserts that all pretty much taste the same but are delicious and highly addictive. With prices ranging from 75 cents to $1.25 go for it! My old standby is the pistachio baklava . If you plan to sit and eat, there are only 3 small bar-height tables, or some seats outside now that the weather is nicer. Sometimes it can get a little smoky in there from the grill -- its only a few feet from the seating area. Overall, delish - I love it and I'm glad to be so close! The people who work there are very friendly as well.
(5)
Katie D.
This place is one of the best for great Greek food for low prices in the downtown area. Not only do they give you a load of food, but it's fresh and delicious. I went there today and ordered the vegetarian combo. For 8.95 I got a giant scoop of hummus, babaghannoush, two BAKED falafel (which I love that), grape leaves, and tabbouleh with salad. A warm pita comes on the side and it was all delicious. Though not the best hummus or babaghannoush I've had, it was all really good. This is one of those places which is a hidden gem, homey atmosphere, and friendly staff. HIGHLY recommended!
(4)
Ellen O.
I just "discovered" Bitars after trying out some stuffed grape leaves of theirs at an art opening a while back and was sold. Bitars serves up yummy Greek/Meditteranean food at very cheap prices. The chicken kabob sandwich is my favorite and the hummus allllllmost tastes like my favorite hummus from a place called Kassab's back when I lived in Pittsburgh. Believe me, I have been searching far and wide for hummus that tasty since I moved here and Bitar's is a great substitute. My only complaint is that they tend to mess up orders, so if you get take out be sure to check your order before you leave the restaurant.
(4)
Colin C.
why can't they open one in center city? Their falafel is delicious, and it never seems greasy like some other places. Plus, they have a great shop to grab ingrediants if the food inspires you.
(5)
John N.
Hooray! Found this little place when looking for something nearby when I was down there. Had an excellent sandwich - falafel and tatziki. Was so delicious and hot, got to love it.
(4)
Alison H.
i like that its inexpesive. got a steak and potato lunch special and grape leaves!! I was stuffed.Very yummy
(4)
Mike W.
Had a mid-eastern gyro today with Mike F. This place is a delight. Forget the gyro's you had in the burbs or shore. This place makes them with added mid-east ingredients that just makes them special. It's not a date place either. Just a small place to eat with an added market area. I spend in both.
(5)
matthew l.
Bitar's was there long before ethnic became main stream. They are the real deal and nice people. Their gyros, hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, outstanding pita and authentic dried and jarred Middle Eastern ingredients with your choice of several fetas, Greek, French, domestic etc. A gem!
(5)
Pamela S.
I first stumbled upon Bitar's on a sweltering August day. Having just moved to the city, I was on the search for something that would fit my student budget. I ended up settling on pizza in the Italian Market., but little did I know I only had to walk half a block from home to delight in the best falafel in the city. A little family-owned corner store at 10th and Federal, Bitar's houses exotic Middle Eastern treats, fresh and satisfying pita bread, various cooking and bulk items, and a manned grill that produces $3 falafels and proportionately inexpensive lamb and chicken gyros, vegetable platters and authentic toubouli salad. For dessert try the baklava; pistachio is my favorite. At Bitar's service is fast, and the staff friendly, but seating is minimal. If there's no space for you to enjoy your chicken and feta gyro, there are several neighborhood parks that are ideal for two common urban activities: people watching and eating great food.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Ramon F.
It's been a while since I last reviewed this place, so I just wanted to let you know that they are still doing an excellent job. I've had pretty much everything on the menu and have not gone wrong. My favorites include the Middle East gyro, the chicken sandwich and the falafel platter which is vegetarian. You can also buy some of the products as they have a small shopping area. Also, be sure to try some of their pastries like the baklava, very delicious!
(5)Steven V.
I have been coming here for about 20 years and I have yet to be disappointed. I frequent this establishment for lunch, at least once a month. Their decor leaves a bit to be desired, but for me it's all about the food. Their Angelo Cataldi is a delicious mix of roasted pepper paste, perfectly marinated and grilled chicken, string cheese and lettuce. A perfect go to wrap for lunch. The Chicken Kebob is incredible, The Gyros are great and they have incredible hummus. The fattouch salad is quickly becoming one of my favorite healthy lunch options. I have tried just about everything on their menu and have yet to be disappointed.
(4)Jody P.
I went in and ordered take out on a Tuesday night. There wasn't a line, and my wait was under 6 minutes. It's a little bit of a hole in the wall, but the prices are great, the food was fantastic, and the service was friendly. The grilled chicken in my chicken kabab sandwich was juicy, and charred perfectly. I thought that I had made the best choice, but I succumbed to food envy when I tried my boyfriends Mediterranean lamb and beef gyro, because it's hard to compete with the flavor of lamb. If you're trying to avoid red meat, don't taste your friends sandwich. My delicious order of baba ghanoush lasted two days and had a great smokey taste and perfectly smooth texture. I do wish that they had provided more than one pita for the baba ghanoush, because it required a minimum of three, and I had to switch to dipping into it on day #2 with crackers. So I recommend asking for more pitas if you order the baba ghanoush.
(4)Kevin P.
Bitar's is great! They make my favorite falafel sandwich in Philly. It's affordable and super filling. Every time I go, I also pick up a bag of authentic pita (thin and chewy, as it should be) and their baba ghanoush. My only gripe is that the hummus is not that good...it's not smooth or rich enough. I still highly recommend Bitar's, though!
(4)Sara N.
Accompanied by a cold and stale pita, the vegetarian platter was a disappointment. The baba ghanoush was a worthy side, but the hummus was overwhelmingly sour, the stuffed grape leaves plain and tasteless, and the falafel very dry. I had heard so much good praise for Bitar's, but left confused and still hungry.
(1)Candice B.
I'd heard so many rave reviews about Bitar's that I thought it was going to blow my mind. I ordered a falafel sandwich and waited, my mouth salivating. The first bite was devastating, but I was hungry so I finished the sandwich slowly with generous amounts of liquid to help it go down. So dry, so crumbly, so sad. Falafel is best when it's fresh and warm and crispy on the outside. It shouldn't sit around waiting for someone to take pity on it. I would have gladly waited 5 or 10 minutes for it to come out fresh. The people working there seemed nice. There's a small grocery selection, so I have a place not too far away that sells tahini when I need some. The pistachio baklava is otherworldly. So, I can't hate this place. I am just going to avoid that falafel from now on.
(3)Michele W.
WOAH. Favorite place in the neighborhood. You will freak out over their soft pita, perfectly seasoned falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush. Their food is very affordable and make sure you leave with a tub of their hummus. Weekly bummer: closed on Sundays.
(5)Blake J.
This place is so good. It's small, clean, never too busy and always fast. Super nice people. The price is perfect. Cashew fingers are the bomb, too.
(5)A S.
I was really excited about ordering from Bitar's based on the mostly good reviews posted but the meal did not live up to expectations. I ordered the rice combo with chicken. They give you plenty of food but the chicken was overcooked, the tahini had congealed on the chicken and the dressing for the cucumber salad was overpowering making it almost inedible. I will say the hummus and pita were quite good but everything else I could have skiped. Also, I wasn't the only one who wasn't enamored with the food as my mother also stated her meal want that good.
(2)Ophelie A.
Always go here when I am home to get real Pita bread. The next best place is in Michigan. It's always clean and organized. It has changed considerable since My last visit several years ago. The quality is slightly different, but better than anything I can get in Vegas. So they can ship to me, yippee!
(4)Michelle C.
My friend Kory introduced me to BItar's today, and I feel like I need to send him a thank you card. This was probably the best Greek/Mediterranean food I've ever had, and conveniently also the least expensive. Currently only open until 7pm, this is the perfect spot for lunch, or an early dinner if you can get over there and grab some take out. My chicken kabob combo platter came with delicious grilled chicken sliced over lettuce and tomatoes. I requested a tatziki sauce instead of the sesame sauce. On the side was a generous serving of tabouli salad, a heaping pile of hommus, and a grilled pita served in foil. The portion size was huge. I had enough left over to eat for dinner. While there I also had a few bites of the Bitar gyro, which has lamb, marinated onions and peppers, french fries and a sriracha aioli. Also delicious, if a bit heavy for my usual lunch preferences. Definitely a solid hangover meal, however. Of course, I couldn't leave without a little bite from the pastry case. I tried a pistachio and honey selection that was wrapped in a shell which reminded me of shredded wheat (only more delicious). I knew I should have written down what it was called, but I did take a photo of the full tray. I will be happy to jump in my ride and head down to South Philly for lunch at Bitar's. It surely will not be long before my next visit.
(5)Zoe P.
On a train ride back home from a stressful weekend in NYC, I needed some comfort food - which for me means Middle Eastern cuisine. There are so many tasty places around Philly, but I hadn't tried Bitar's and so many people I know swear by them. Yay for online ordering! Placed my order, and their delivery guy pulled up to our building right after my taxi dropped me off - talk about fast delivery service! My husband was eager to chow down, and thankfully the food I ordered was more than enough for the two of us! The Mediterranean Combo had everything that I love: hummus (two servings!), babaghanuj, tabouli, dolmades with tzatziki sauce, feta, tabouli salad, and pita, we got ours with falafel. But since my man is a carnivore we also had the grilled chicken platter, with tomatoes and onions over rice with tahini sauce and pita. Everything was delicious and fresh, just super tasty traditional Middle Eastern food that really, truly hits the spot and satisfies. Even with a small delivery fee, I will absolutely order from Bitar's again!
(4)Dimal S.
Never been in the area before this time. I liked the falafel and baklava from Bitar's. Overall the food was reasonably priced. The atmosphere is not conducive for a sit down restaurant, but definitely great for take out. I would go there if again if in the area.
(3)Jacob A.
This place is amazing. It's a total hole in the wall type establishment, but boy do they cook some great food! Love their gyro salad, their falafel, they're platters, and the grocery area is an added bonus! I've gotten their stuffed spinach rolls there in addition to hummus, baba ghanoush and other odds and ends and have always been extremely satisfied. It's a very small place so it is always better if you call ahead for take out, if you can!
(4)Kristen D.
Before I even moved to this South Philly neighborhood, I was making the 3 mile bike ride to get the falafel vegetarian wrap. All the ingredients are so fresh and the falafel is some of the most authentic I've had--and it's a huge sandwich for under $5, it can't be beat! Also, the dolma, baba ghanoush, hummus, and tzatziki are perfect (all of which can be added to your sandwich for just a few more coins). The little market in the restaurant is also great. I always get the fresh pita (made fresh every morning) for only $1.99! They also sell refrigerated items in bulk, like their falafel, tzatziki, hummus, tabbouleh, etc. All reasonably priced and the best I've found in the area. Wish it was open later, but great for a quick, cheap, delicious, authentic lunch.
(5)Steve S.
My good Lord, first of all why was I not told that this place existed all of these years? I'm upset about that. I gotta find the guy who should have told me about this place and slap him. I suppose it is my fault. In my younger and more naive years, my only reason to come down to this neighborhood was to get a cheesesteak. I just never bothered to notice places like this. Perhaps I need to find that younger naive version of myself and smack him instead. Thank you, Yelp, for helping me find this place. One plate of chicken kabob, tabbouleh, and hommus later, and I am deeming this a new destination place for me worthy of driving into town from Delco for. It was so damn good, that after I was done eating the chicken and hommus, I kept eating the salad solo. That never happens for me! I gotta drag the wife here. In fact when she hears about this place she might be mad that I went without her. I'm sure that anger will dissipate after one taste of the food. Yes, the staff ignores you when you walk in. But once you talk to the guy who makes the kabob they're very nice. Bravo, Bitar's!
(5)Jade V.
Mmm, Mediterranean fast food. We were strolling around the area and happened across Bitar's Federal Street location one day. "Bitar's?!" I thought. Everyone raves about their grilled falafels, so I had to try them. Hype? Lived up to. They also have a tiny grocery area. Grab some harissa if you like spice. And the falafels from their fridge are just as good as the fresh ones! I also ended up ordering Bitar's for delivery one day. It was tough, because everything on the menu sounded delicious! I ended up with a Mediterranean combo and my boyfriend got a chicken kabob combo, which he loved. Good quality chicken, no gristle, and well-marinated. I love their combos because they have a little bit of everything. And that tabouli, mmm, I could eat it endlessly. Bitar's may look like another low-key takeout joint, but give it a try if you're feeling some quality Mediterranean.
(4)Mike Z.
Very small hole in the wall take out with 2 tables and small bar style seating. Located in the heart of South Philly right by Pats and Genos. The food is very good! I had a falafel sandwich loaded with veggies and a white sauce. For dessert I had a piece of halva, which is a Mediterranean dessert. It was delicious, I even bought a 1/2 lb to take home. Also, for checking in on Yelp I saved 10%. Would come here again for sure.
(5)Sara S.
Barely mediocre. There was absolutely no love in this food. And it showed. I wanted Mamas Vegetarian but they closed 10 min before I had gotten there. The Bitar's falafel is dry, crumbly and tasteless. Majorly majorly disappointing. The gyro Greek salad was ok. I've made better myself and really should have this time. I'm sad. I was just getting take out but the dark and gloomy ambiance and barely sanitary appearance made me think twice about even paying for and eating my meal. Maybe having grown up with access to the finest Greek and Mediterranean food outside of Greece/the Mediterranean has spoiled me, but I will NOT be back. EPIC fail.
(1)John K.
After another day of work - the GF and I were feeling something fresh, perhaps even a bit funky. So we scoured DiningIn and settled upon Bitar's! The reviews on Yelp were great and we were in the mood for healthy, yet delicious Middle Eastern food. Hummus ... ho! Any Thundercats fans out there? Vegetarian Bittza ($5.25) Tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, and roasted peppers. I was interested to try this Middle Eastern taken on pizza. Served on crispy zaatar bread littered with thyme, sumac, sesame seeds - all dressed with a bit of olive oil, you've got ripe tomatoes, fresh onions, and funky feta melding well with the sweet roasted peppers. A healthy take on pizza, but delicious as well. Vegetarian Combo ($8.95) Grilled falafel, grape leaves, and babaghanuj. The vegetarian combo showcases Bitar's falafel making skills. Crispy on the outside with a creamy blend of spices within, this was a great falafel. The sides were just as intense. Creamy babaghanuj highlighted the creaminess of eggplant. The hummus was similarly creamy, but with the taste and feel of meaty chickpeas accented by fresh, tangy lemon. The tabouli salad was just as tangy - highlighting the fresh, crisp veggies. The dolmades or stuffed grape leaves were filled with creamy, sticky rice. Mediterranean Combo Chicken ($14.95) Hummus, babaghanuj, tabouli, dolmades with tatziki sauce and feta or olives, chicken. The Mediterranean chicken combo was a similar mix of fresh items, but with the addition of huge chunks of feta and chicken! The chicken was perfectly moist - lightly marinated and grilled. The tahini sauce was a bit watery, but was a perfect sesame dressing for the requisite chicken gyros that had to be made with the accompanying pitas. Overall, Bitar's gets the job done if you're in the mood for fresh tasting, delicious, yet healthy Middle Eastern food. For those of you in South Philly, lucky you! For the rest of for the rest of us who are not within walking distance, DiningIn offers a quick, expedient way to deliver the food directly to your door!
(4)Aruna A.
I really like falafel. Like REALLY like it. In fact, I'm going to be heading to the Middle East soon, and I plan on subsisting on it for about 5 days. But I digress. I headed to Bitars one Saturday afternoon with my mother in tow, as we needed some lunch to go before we hit up a the mountains for a short hike. We were excited about the prospect of falafel, as we both share a deep seeded love for them. We got to Bitars, and ordered a few different falafel's, and some baklava. We got the falafel's with hummus and tahini, and had them a few hours later. They kept well - they were definitely NOT soggy when we got to eating them - which is a testament to how they were made. They came wrapped in a well grilled pita, with tomato and lettuce. The falafel itself was well made - not great, but well made. It was a tad bit on the salty side, and didn't quite have that amazing chickpea taste I was looking for, but it was good. Overall, pita bread was good - falafel was salty and a bit odd. The baklava was another story - I enjoyed that a LOT. I found it to be perfectly well made, and really delicious. Bitar's space itself seemed causal and airy, and the service was definitely good / fast. I'd go back, but only if I couldn't get myself to Mama's (my fav falafel place in this city).
(3)Veggie T.
The best middle eastern food in all of Philadelphia. Half grocery store and half restaurant. The interior is simple with a few tables and a couple of stools right by the grill. The staff always compliments my appetite because every time I'm there I order a falafel, bitza AND the fries which are served with grilled peppers, onions and tahini. I guess nobody is as greedy as me! The best part about this place is the young lady at the register with the N.A.S(niggas ain't shit) tattoo on her cleavage lol Those of you who are complaining about their falafels being dry were probably served that way on purpose. The staff here is really cool and their "asshole radar" is finely tuned.
(5)Christian S.
Was looking for a place to have Friday lunch with my coworkers. Everyone wanted something different, but didn't know what. A fellow coworker told us about Bitar's. I had the Chicken kebob sandwich; it was really good and filled with a lot of flavor from the grill. My two coworkers had the Angelo Cataldi and gave it two thumbs up. One of them ordered a Chicken Kebob because of the reviews I gave it. Will be back here.
(3)Jemma C.
Yum!!! So glad I found this place. So cheap and such lovely staff. I'll defo be back.
(4)Casey R.
Bitar's is the type of place that makes me wish I was unemployed so I could enjoy lunch here all the time. Their falafel is grilled when ordered, and I enjoy being able to customize it to my liking. I usually get feta and tzatziki on mine. Other options include tahini, hummus, baba and tabouli. Another favorite is the fry medley which is french fries, peppers and onions served with a tahini dipping sauce. They offer a wide range of gyros and the like but falafel is a favorite in my house so everyone I have been with always gets that. The market part of the store has the typical options, lots of take home sauces, hummus, pitas etc. Great if you are looking for specialty ingredients to make middle eastern food at home.
(5)Shereen C.
I've only tried the falafel sandwich, which tastes good, but was a bit dry.
(3)Sara P.
This is our go-to place for pita. If you want fresh wonderful pita at home or at a meal away from home, go to Bitars. Yesterday, we needed to take something to a party, but wanted to take something that no one else would bring (the usual cookies and cakes). So, we stopped in at Bitars on our way out of the city, got pita, grape leaves, hummus and falafel. What a great treat. The other guests were very happy with our selection. I was most impressed with the falafel, which was not as dry as it is in some stores and restaurants. Now we have a new go-to place for falafel. Thanks to the Bitars!
(4)Alexandra C.
A falafel that is not fried??? Yes!! Super cheap - I think only 3 bucks for this sandwich and add baba topping it came to $4. Great size portion and rather delicious!
(4)Michelle E.
I lived next door to Bitar's for over 2 years and came to the conclusion that it's a solid restaurant and market. The hummus is quite good while their pita is decent but not great. They have the usual menu items you'd expect but they are all well-executed. The service is quick and the owners are pleasant. The grocery selection is diverse. There are a few outdoor tables. Sorry if you ever sat at the outdoor tables and my dog snapped at you!
(4)Jess S.
Quick stop for a gyro and every-so-satisfying! Small little place also turned into grocery store, so it doesn't have to be a sit-down place if you don't want to. Feel free to walk in and order deliciousness to-go. I am not a big fan of red meat so I got the chicken, but my boyfriend got the lamb and he loved it. Definitely going back to try others on the menu!
(4)Erica M.
We stopped by Bitar's today in search of haloumi cheese and found several different brands. They also have huge bags of za'tar and a nice selection of desserts. The woman who helped us was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our baklava and other dessert (the name escapes me). The pistachio baklava was not very sweet and had very little syrup, but the walnut baklava had significantly more syrup, so maybe our try pistachio was a bit of a snafu. We will definitely go back to try their other food!
(4)Ron C.
We have been going here for years. The best Mediterranean fast food you ever had. The only problem are their hours. They recently removed some of the actual grocery and added a few more tables. Start with the Stuffed Grape Leaves, the Babaghanuj, the Hommus or one of their fantastic salads. My personal Fav is the Grilled Chicken Angelo Cataldi Sandwich (yes named for the Morning Show host after he stated public ally that he did not like Mediterranean food). Roasted pepper spread, marinated string cheese and lettuce but you can't deny the Grilled Fallafel or Gyros. SO basically what I'm saying is everything here is delicious. What are you waiting for, get there for lunch or before 7 (or 6 on Saturday).
(4)Kinnari A.
So good. My falafel was fresh and this place is totally affordable. My sandwich was less than 5 dollars. Amazing!
(4)Monica S.
I could basically copy/paste Jason F's review into the box I'm currently typing in. I too went to Bitar's in search of that perfect falafel sandwich. What did I find? Bland falafel balls overly drenched in hummus and tahini. Talk about a messy sandwich! I actually had to change my pants from all dripping that went down. I still look to Maoz as my favorite falafel sandwich. Perheps Bitar's can satisfy on the meat end of things? What say you Philadelphia?
(2)Chris M.
I've been ordering catering from Bitar's for years (they are very reasonably priced and reliable), but I'm happy to say that I've finally gotten to visit in person the restaurant and people I've called so many times. The restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern fare, with my favorites being their falafel pita and the chicken kabob pita. The other day, we took a break from an extended nerd board-game night to get something to eat, and strolled down the block to Bitar's. When you walk in, you order right at the kitchen area. I felt a little overwhelmed because there were so many choices of things to order and side dishes, but I went with my standard: the chicken kabob pita with hot sauce. To pay, you actually go into another room that is a small Middle Eastern grocery store. They have an amazing array of hard-to-find grocery options, all at very reasonable prices. You can also purchase desserts here, which are totally worth it. Check out the walnut backlava--so good. The tab for my humungous pita sandwich came out to something like $6, and I tipped the chef $1 to bring my total price to a grand total of $7. If I lived in this neighborhood, I would come here all the freaking time.
(5)Karen B.
you'll be psyched on bitar's as long as you don't go in expecting anything refined or flashy. come as you are to this place ... hell, come wearing just your undies if you feel like it (read: it's super casual) ... and enjoy a fabulous lunch. haven't tried the falafel, but the gyros are good and i really dig the heavily seasoned fattouch tawook salad.
(4)Shardule S.
Not-so-good: The hours are limited and very strange Limited sit-down area (this is more like a take-out place) Good: The food is incredible The employees are very friendly Prices reasonable Either come here for a quick meal with a friend or get some to go; this place is fantastic. My brother and I ordered falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj and loved everything! Just make sure it's open first!
(4)Christine R.
i have only had their baklava and hummus. THEIR BAKLAVA IS GREAT. or it could just be that i am obsessed with baklava. my boyfriend tried their gyro the other day. it was not special but it wasnt bad either. very nice people. i wish they were open later than 7 though.
(4)Kenneth V.
The food is great. I just wish they would give the place a much needed cleaning. It is really getting skeevy.
(3)Charles C.
For the past few years, I've unknowingly been enjoying the pita, humus and baba ganoush from Bitar's which a friend proudly served during his Friday night Shabbat meals. Mediterranean food is among my favorite cuisines, so I was pretty enthusiastic upon my first visit. All of the sandwiches looked really tasty, but I had to find out how serious this place was by sampling their falafel first. Sorry for the cliche, but it was love at first bite. There are a number of good falafel places in Philly, but in my humble opinion, nothing beats Bitar's. I've been back a number of times to sample the other menu items, and have never been disappointed. It's a relatively small place, so I wouldn't recommend going with a large party unless you're comfortable being seated at different tables. Nevertheless, with their many delicious offerings, Bitar's will surely satisfy your palate.
(5)Lori R.
Loved this! Great delivery with Dining In. Liked the gyro, hummus and little pizzas. Very fresh!
(4)Wedge W.
I got a groupon for this place and finally decided to use it yesterday. My boyfriend and I both got the vegetarian combo platter and it filled us up so much we couldn't order the soup. The platter came with a delicious tabouli salad, two falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, pickled turnip strips, and pita. Very delicious! The only thing was the disinterest flowing from the staff. Not rude, they just didn't seem to care that I was in there. It kept me from wanting to stay and try more things. Next time, I'll get takeout.
(4)Danan R.
They have a great selection of grocery items, all at low prices (tahini and rose water anyone?). The falafel is pretty good but just a tad on the bland side, which the hummus hides pretty well (at least in the sandwiches, which will only cost you about $3.50). The owner is very pleasant so plus 1 star for service. The place itself is small but you can rest assured that everything is freshly prepared. The baba is pretty good too. I will return to try the kabobs and gyros.
(3)Marica A.
Great Middle Eastern Food in Center City PHiladelphia! My friend Keri introduced me to Bitar's a few months ago and I am so grateful to her. It was very helpful to order at Bitar's for several events that I had planned. The food is fresh and tasty and all my guests who had it loved it as much as I do. The service is friendly and accurate. For the luncheon I hosted recently I ordered their spanakopitas and their chicken sandwiches as entree and when I went to pick up the order I also was able to grab at the store olives, feta cheese, humus and pita bread without needing to order these in advance. They have three kids of feta cheese, the Greek one which is a bit more hard and very salty and is great for greek salads, the Bulgarian which is less salty and more moist and the French feta which is very moist and creamy. I usually get the Bulgarian one but I think I will try the French next time for a change. I have tried other middles eastern restaurants and this is the best!
(5)Fran S.
I've been getting take out from Bitar's for years. The inside dining space is cozy, but a bit cramped, and not very private - more like an indoor food stand serving wonderful sandwiches and platter combos than a restaurant setting. They serve Middle Eastern fare and pricing is very reasonable and the food consistent. Two can eat well for around $10 to $15. The grilled falafel is delicious and the pickled turnip adds a wonderful umami flavor that elevates the sandwich. Baba ghanoush and hummus are both standouts and with a pita (whole wheat for me) make a wonderful light lunch. The other cool thing about Bitar's is a small attached grocery opposite the restaurant. An easy one stop shop to pickup falafel, pita or hummus to go, and don't forget dessert. Check out the pistachio baklava- lovely!
(4)Dave K.
I was in the mood for a gyro/falafel type sandwich for lunch on a lazy Saturday so I decided to try this place for take-out on the recommendation of my fellow Yelpers. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. I went with a Wilson's sandwich, fries and an order of grape leaves. The Wilson's sandwich is genius. Why have two separate sandwiches of meat or falafel when you can combine them into one awesome one? The sanwich came with grilled chicken, falafel, veggies, tzaiki sauce, olives, hummus and special hot sauce all wrapped in a homemade pita. It was messy, but it was delicious. The fries tasted good, but were soft and soggy probably due to the stryofoam container they were transported in during my walk home. I could've done without them. I was going to get a piece of pistachio baklava ($1.25) but only had 50 cents left to my name. Next time you will be mine sweet baklava... On a side-note, besides the "Wilson's", they also have a sandwich called the "Angelo Cataldi" which I guess is a salute to the venerable figure of Philly sports radio and such notable events like Wing Bowl. Right on Bitar's, right on. .
(4)Michael P.
Continuing my trend of reviewing the nice little lunch places I frequent, I come to Bitar's It's closed by the time I get home from work unfortunately, but at my last job I used to enjoy popping in a few times a month for a quick dinner before going out for the evening. Service is usually incredibly fast, from your order directly onto the grill, wrapped up and into your hands. I love the gyros and other pita sandwiches . The falafel I had was good, but a bit dry. They also have baklava by he piece, which is delicious A friend of mine thinks they're never open, but really, the hours are better than a lot of the other delis in the neighbourhood. They also have a few tables to eat at, but usually I just get it to go. The store also has a small grocery section that I really ought to browse through at some point.
(4)Michael F.
Bitar's is such a gem. Time and time again, it is hard to get a better sandwich, at a better price, anywhere. This place has remained consistent in S. Philly for years. I generally wind up getting one of the three gyro sandwiches, or the Angelo Cataldi sandwich. Then, I always grab a bunch of the freshest pita anywhere (steam in the bag from being fresh baked), olives, feta, taboulah salad, hummus, grape leaves and falafel balls to go.
(5)Carolyn L.
I am adding a star because the owner of the store took the time to contact me and apologize for the my last experience there (95 degree day, broken air conditioning, rude worker, etc). 1-star for good follow up customer service. It means a lot to an unsatisfied customer, that he took it upon himself to right things. He even offered me a free sandwich of my choice. I will visit here again, but no free sandwich needed. I will pay for what I consume, since the food IS pretty good.
(4)Ben D.
I've been to Bitar's a couple times and find the food from the restaurant side to be pretty good. Not the best middle eastern food around but pretty decent. The grocery side is small but definitely covers all your basic middle eastern food needs and everything I've purchased from there has been outstanding. I especially love their pita bread. It's probably the best pita that I've purchased from a "grocery" store and will definitely be back if only to buy some of that. So I would definitely rate this place four stars if not for the fact that the employees are rather rude. They seem pretty bothered to serve you or god forbid you have a question about something. Particularly the guy at the grill cooking the food. Not the end of the world though. If you're in the area, stop in but I wouldn't go too far out of my way... except to pick up some of those pitas. The pita's are dirt cheap too, so pick up at least two bags while you're there. Update: After going there a few times I wouldn't say that all the employees are rude. The grill guy couldn't care less every time I've been there but what else is new? The register lady named Delia often seems kinda distracted but this last time we had a nice little conversation and she told me how they would ship pitas or whatever I want right to my door cause I come all the way from the suburbs. It was nice and makes me feel a little better about coming back.
(3)Cherryl L.
I met Amin (Bitar's owner). I returned the molded pita bread last week and got refunded for it. He apologize and I did appreciate that, since I always buy my pita bread from Bitar's! I'm so happy that he could also help me do a bakesale at his store so that I can raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. I and my team "CHEF CHERRYL" will be walking a 5k on Dec 4, 2011 in Metuchen, New Jersey. If anyone is interested to join my team or want to support me on this great cause please visit my personal webpage: jbrmetuchen.kintera.org/… Thank you for your time reading this!! Che
(4)Kimberly S.
I live only a block away, but had never been here until I purchased a Groupon deal recently. It's a seemingly authentic take-out restaurant/grocery store of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean products. I think the food is okay. Not exceptional and not bad either. I would give everything a 3 out of 5 stars. I think my own tabouli salad is better than theirs. The hummus is good, but I've had better at Zahav, S and H Kebab, and the grocery store. The gyros are okay, but I've definitely had better. Bitar's is a nice change though to the standard Italian, Mexican and cheesesteak fare that is so plentiful in this neighborhood.
(3)Felicia D.
*This review is for Bitar's market-side of groceries and prepared foods, not the lunch counter/sandwich side* I never really appreciated proper Middle Eastern fare until I started dating a good-looking half-Lebanese fellow whose family members are all superior cooks -- coincidentally also named Bitar! Though his mom's baba ganouj is tasty, even she admits it's not as good as Bitar's smoky, creamy eggplant mash. Scooped up with their housemade pita and studded with bits of Bulgarian feta (so cheap at only $6/lb.), or rolled into a wrap with tons of arugula, their baba is one of the most satisfying vegetarian items in existence. Bitar's also prepares huge party trays of baba, hummous, grape leaves, tabbouleh salad, spanikopita and other hand-made edibles for catering purposes. We also pick up grocery items like tahini, chickpeas and rice here at very competitive prices.
(5)tim c.
Came here for lunch with a $10/$20 Groupon. I expected to grab a sandwich and take home some goods from their market but I did a bad job of reading the fine print (menu items only). Anyway, I went with the Greek beef/lamb gyro which was very good. I also ordered a Wilson sandwich (chicken, falafel, lettuce, tomato, onion, olives, hummus, tahini and hot sauce), a side of pita and hummus and a couple pieces of walnut baklava to take home. The hummus is great. Creamy in texture with nutty notes. The Wilson special is sitting in the fridge until later but if the chicken/falafel platters that I saw coming out while I was there are any indication, I won't have disappoint. Fresh food at reasonable prices. If you're complaining about a lack of A/C or the staff's "attitude' (the latter of which I didn't experience at all) then you're paying attention to the wrong details. Will be returning.
(4)Scott D.
Bitars is nothing special on the inside and that is why I love it so much. It is such a home feeling inside that is simple. The gyro's are probably one of the best I have ever had in my life, but please don't tell my grandmother that. The selection in their market is pretty awesome and their selection of pastry's are super and everything tastes great.
(4)Adam L.
There is a lot to love about Bitar's. A cute little sandwich/Mediterranean grocery shop tucked away right outside of the Italian Market, Bitar's has been an institution in the neighborhood for well over 20 years. Let's be honest here: South Philly is a mecca for a lot of different cuisines, but finding a good gyro isnt the easiest thing to do. Even Mazzo's which has my favorite hummus in the world, falls a little short. Bitar's however, is fabulous. Oh, I could just swoon for their fresh, tasty tzatziki sauce. I can feel it on my tongue now. The dancing combination of creamy yogurt, smooth dill and sweet mint is almost too much to bear. The lamb meat is so thin, cook perfectly. All piled high inside of a pita and stuffed into a handheld aluminum wrapper. Forget the overrated, over-indulged cheesesteak, Bitar's Greek gyro is a far superior sandwich within a stone's throw of those true South Philly dumps.
(4)Vicki M.
Dude Two awesome discoveries from Bitar's: 1- Huge, cheap jars of tahini (in the neighborhood of $10 for 32 oz.) 2- Cypress cheese! (aka- Haloumi) And for a close runner-up: the olives. Inexpensive, nice looking, and they'll let you sample one beforehand. Yum!
(5)Grant B.
The food is very good and GREAT prices. The falafel is AMAZING. It also has a neat little market. Over all a good place to go if your in the area.
(5)Kim A.
I love that there is a grocery side and a restaurant/take out side to the store. Grocery side : delicious hummus, babaghanuj, tatziki, falafel, pita bread, olives, and baklava. Can't say I ever picked up something and didnt like it. All was obviously high quality and better than any junk you would pick up at your grocery store. Restaurant side: the bitizza is delicious! I usually get the greek which is feta, olives, tomatoes and onions on zaatar bread. Different but delicious. Kabobs and gyros were flavorful and delicious.
(4)Rob S.
Wow, with all the fab reviews I had been looking forward to trying Bitar's for awhile, but we ended up quite disappointed. We saw a Groupon, nabbed it and gave it a try. We each got combination platters take out. I got the gyro combination. It came with a box that had veggies (lettuce, tomato, onions), gyro meat with tzatziki, as well as bread, a side of hummus, and a side of tabbouleh. I will give it to them, a big portion. I was actually confused whether I should use the bread and make a sandwich or use it for dipping in hummus. With no other options for dipping I used the bread to dip in the hummus and ate the gyro and veggies on their own. Unfortunately, I wasn't enthralled. The gyro meat didn't taste very good, almost burnt, and the tzatziki didn't cover it up. I guess it's a matter of taste, but the tabbouleh was so overwhelmingly filled with garlic that I couldn't eat it. Even the bread was disappointingly very thin, not the nice thickness that I'm used to with pita. I rarely leave a plate unfinished but I just coudn't do it with this one. My girlfriend's platter was also disappointing as she only received two balls of falafel. The hummus was the only saving grace, The hummus was very good, and my girlfriend got a side of a different style of hummus that was amazingly tasty. But, sadly, that only gives one extra star. Because of the great reviews I may willing to go back another time and try something different.
(2)Shannon C.
I love Bitars. I can get all my spice, wheat, and bread needs in their store and then sit down to enjoy a delicious falafel sandwich. I'd give it 5 stars--- but it REALLY needs a makeover. Don't use the bathroom.
(4)Jenna N.
I don't know if I went here on a bad day (I like to give the benefit of a doubt) but the sandwich I got was just... egh. I couldn't finish it. This is a great place to get your dolmas fix (they sell them in the large cans) or fresh pita bread or hummus. They also sell tahini if you've just bought a food processor and you're overly ambitious with the amount of new dishes you want to make (hello, baba ghanoush). I'm not a fan of their seasoned pita bread - it's overloaded with spices and makes my tongue shrink with unhappiness. I reallyyyyy want to try their desserts, but I spend too much as it is whenever I stop in.
(3)Sudo N.
I live far away from Bitar's in West Philadelphia, but I have to come here every so often because they have the best price on the best feta cheese. They sell the Bulgarian kind in two- and three-pound lots for something like $6 a pound. Then I always pick up a bag of pita, which is baked fresh every day. My favorite menu item is no longer there: it's a little snack called a bitza, which is a round flat bread grilled with little bits of tomato, cheese, and sumac on it. The chicken sandwich is good though. And if aliens landed and demanded that I bring them seven different varieties of mamool (Lebanese filled cookies) I would not know where else to go. Update 2009-09-01: Went by there last Saturday. Here are some other things they carry: Dried fava beans. Tahini. Fig marmalade. Bulgur wheat in three different sizes. Lebanese pastry. Olives.
(5)Tracy L.
I am happy to report that the owner contacted me to say that they are revamping the grocery area and will be glad to offer my preferred tahini again. That's service!
(5)G S.
As far as Middle Eastern-Lebanese cuisine goes, felafel is simply not the only thing on a menu, it's minor yet people hinge their impressions on a place based on that one food thing. That one thing which is usually the only thing they will ever try in a place. Too bad for them. The baba ganoush and hummus are terrific. Best baba ganoush I've ever had, actually. They have a nice selection of pita breads, spices, deserts and a limited but perfect cheese and olive selection. There are three types of feta cheese - the Greek which is kind of harder, the Bulgarian which is crumbly yet creamy and the French which is creamy. All three brands they carry are excellent. The lamb platters and sandwiches are perfect - loaded with sauces and good stuff. All-in-all, it is a fine place deserving of good and great reviews. If all you've ever tried is felafel then maybe its time venture to other dishes.
(5)Tim O.
So good. So cheap. The falafel sandwich is rolled up like a burrito with a pita. $4-5 depending what you add as a topping. A nice sized portion. Once i had one sitting in my fridge all day and when i got home from work and it was still excellent. Always on my mind.
(5)Drew S.
Love it. Love it, love it, love it, love it, love it. I'll give them a human 97% success rate-- once out of the 30+ times I've eaten there I had a dry falafel with not-so-good pita, but it's almost always absolutely excellent. My one recommendation would be to explore the menu-- there are a ton of different ways to have your falafel. As you go through the menu, you can find a number of interesting combinations. Three last points on Bitar's: (1) They do better with the pickled vegetables they put in the sandwiches than any of the other local joints I've seen. The genius of grilling the falafel patties goes without saying. (2) The halva is wonderful-- one of my favorite dessert treats. Just don't think about it or ever look at nutritional information. (3) Ajvar (pr: "eye-var"). Red peppers, eggplant, a little garlic and a little vinegar. It's the best thing to spread on anything-- sandwiches, crackers, vegetables, pasta . . . I actually go through about a 16-ounce jar every two weeks. I go with the mild and add my own spice.
(5)To M.
I miss my mom's (Greek) baklava...it was buttery and not too sugary--been trying to replicate it for years. When my sister and I tried Bitar's baklava (with walnuts), it was like home.
(5)M P.
This place is not close to my house, but its worth the 20-30 minute walk. Cheap and mostly authentic Middle Eastern food. The Gyro/Shwarma and Babaganouj were both great. Even better was the little market where I can buy a giant tubs of Tahina, grape leaves, and other hard to find Middle East foods.
(5)Lauran T.
I decided to check this place out because of the rave reviews I've heard from my friends. I did enjoy the delicious falafel with everything on it. I also like the fact that they grill their falafel instead if frying them. However, the service was awful. The guy who took my order was acting like someone stole his blankie! Minus the poor service I would still go back. Who knows? Maybe he was just having a bad day.
(4)Lauren D.
As much as I love living in South Philadelphia, I'll be the first to admit that we're seriously lacking in terms of having a variety of ethnic food. I love my tacos and burritos as much as the next person, but my major weakness is Middle Eastern/Mediterranean food. Thus, when I succumbed to curiosity and checked out Bitars, I was in heaven. That was about a year ago, and I haven't stopped going since. Bitars is a very unassuming place, despite the burgundy exterior and hookah-filled window. When you first enter it, it's almost hard to notice that it's both a market and a restaurant. That being said, the atmosphere is very cozy and reminds me of some of the places I went to get food in Israel. The store aspect of Bitars offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious products at a way better price than the supermarket conglomerates. The middle contains bins of fresh, delicious, and fluffy pita bread of all sizes; the coolers offer home made hummus, baba, tabouli, falafel, grape leaves, juices, delectable feta cheese and olives; and the shelves house a variety of spices and herbs that normally cost a bajillion dollars at Acme but are extremely reasonable. On top of that, they also have a dessert case that offers some of my favorite baklavah and halvah of all time. I'm not exaggerating in the least when I say that I was here religiously once or twice a week when I lived at 9th and Tasker buying their hummus, tabouli, and desserts. It's absolutely phenomenal. The grill part of the restaurant is equally as good. They offer a really good amount of both vegetarian and meat sandwiches, as well as delicious and big salads. I personally recommend the falafel, although you really can't go wrong with anything there. They are also willing to customize a bit so your sandwich or platter becomes exactly what you want. Unfortunately, it's probably better to get your food to go because it really only has two small tables in an already small room. Bitars really is one of the best gems that South Philadelphia has to offer. Their food rivals some of the bigger names in Middle Eastern cuisine, and their market selections give you the opportunity to create your own versions of traditional favorites. The owners have created a gold mine and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not check it out. Seriously.
(5)Jackie B.
I'm not even a huge fan of falafel, but this place is great. I love their vegetarian falafel - fresh veggies, good size, and cheap. I recently tried their pork gyro with tzatziki which was also good. Wish it would have been chunks of pork rather than long slices, but it was still tasty. Also, they have a large beverage selection and a small store where they sell awesome Mediterranean food and ingredients (I think they're the only place in Philly that sells grape molasses, which is mighty tasty). Oh, and they take credit!
(4)Brad B.
Awesome falafel and humus. A great neighborhood find.
(5)Herb L.
Great stuff. Good falafel (with hot sauce). Good baklava. Only lament, inflation. What used to be the cheapest lunch at $2 is now among the cheapest @ $2.75 or so.
(4)Rachel F.
I miss this place! I used to come here weekly when I lived in Philly. The food is great! And I remember loving this little shop - buy the pita bread. It is so soft. Can we get a Bitar's in SF?
(5)Jaime K.
Such a gem in South Philly! I love getting my labneh and other Middle Eastern goodies at this place. Fill your cart with homemade dips, breads, spices and sweets and enjoy a full Mezze dinner!
(5)John R.
Bitar's is a great local middle eastern place. It's half grocery store, half take-out place. I usually stop by here and get a falafel but they got other things too. Their falafel isn't deep fried like what I would normally expect. Instead they just put it on the griddle until its crisp. The result is a light, flavorful sandwich that will only set you back less than 3 bucks. I haven't decided if I prefer Bitar's over Maoz. Usually when I eat at Maoz, I end up stuffing myself silly on the salad bar. At Bitar's you get your sandwich for a nice cheap price and eat a reasonable amount. They're two different experiences. The grocery store half of Bitar's is good too. They sell all kinds of middle eastern foods, among such goods are fresh pitas, hummus, and some pastries. Bitar's is a solid neighborhood establishment and I'm glad to have them right down the street.
(4)Susan M.
The food is always fresh and consistently good. A can't miss.
(4)Thad S.
Love this place. The wraps are good, freshly grilled ingredients and I can get 300% harissa. Don't really know what that means, but I am into it. Great if you want something sort of healthy in the Italian market area that also takes cards. Also a great little ethnic market area that carries some hard to find items at good prices.
(4)Trauts N.
Very unexpectedly good. Had the gyro platter. And the walnut baklava was perfect - had the right blend of crispness and chewiness.
(5)Nicole R.
I can't believe nobody has reviewed Bitar's. They have very inexpensive falafel sandwiches which are grilled and not fried, some of the best hummus in Philly, a little grocery area where you can buy dried fruit, beans and middle eastern pastries. The food here is very consistently good. I'm a huge fan of the Angelo Cataldi chicken sandwhich whish has this very yummy red pepper sauce. It's actually making me hungry just thinking about it. Mmmm. I just found out that they opened new locations in W. Philly and Society Hill. This is good news for folks in those neighborhoods. Definitely stop by and check it out.
(4)Molly S.
amazing. they have halva for $3.75 a pound. eat that specialty health food store that sells it for $20. phenomenal food. excellent ingredients. great prices. 90 cents for a tub of anise seeds.
(5)Jon L.
Great falafel Syrian/Lebanese style (as apposed to Israeli style)---rolled not pocketed, in other words. I never order anything but the falafel, but I find their balls are as crispy on the outside, as moist and delicious on the inside, as any I've tried. And they only run you, what is it, like $2, give or take 75 cents. There few lunches this good for so little.
(4)Elyse W.
Falafel is such a cool food. It's one of those tastes that I crave at least once a week, but the falafel joints that crowd center city are either fake falafel (ie. maoz), or not good and too expensive (ie. Sahara Grill) as compared to Bitar's on 10th and Federal. My favorite thing about this place (besides the price of $2.50 for a huge falafel sandwich) is that the falafel is grilled instead of fried making it not as heavy, greasy and unhealthy as the fried variety. I love their falafel there so much i never order anything else off of the menu, although they do have an assortment of chicken, lamb, and beef pita sandwiches. They also have a case of excellent filo deserts that all pretty much taste the same but are delicious and highly addictive. With prices ranging from 75 cents to $1.25 go for it! My old standby is the pistachio baklava . If you plan to sit and eat, there are only 3 small bar-height tables, or some seats outside now that the weather is nicer. Sometimes it can get a little smoky in there from the grill -- its only a few feet from the seating area. Overall, delish - I love it and I'm glad to be so close! The people who work there are very friendly as well.
(5)Katie D.
This place is one of the best for great Greek food for low prices in the downtown area. Not only do they give you a load of food, but it's fresh and delicious. I went there today and ordered the vegetarian combo. For 8.95 I got a giant scoop of hummus, babaghannoush, two BAKED falafel (which I love that), grape leaves, and tabbouleh with salad. A warm pita comes on the side and it was all delicious. Though not the best hummus or babaghannoush I've had, it was all really good. This is one of those places which is a hidden gem, homey atmosphere, and friendly staff. HIGHLY recommended!
(4)Ellen O.
I just "discovered" Bitars after trying out some stuffed grape leaves of theirs at an art opening a while back and was sold. Bitars serves up yummy Greek/Meditteranean food at very cheap prices. The chicken kabob sandwich is my favorite and the hummus allllllmost tastes like my favorite hummus from a place called Kassab's back when I lived in Pittsburgh. Believe me, I have been searching far and wide for hummus that tasty since I moved here and Bitar's is a great substitute. My only complaint is that they tend to mess up orders, so if you get take out be sure to check your order before you leave the restaurant.
(4)Colin C.
why can't they open one in center city? Their falafel is delicious, and it never seems greasy like some other places. Plus, they have a great shop to grab ingrediants if the food inspires you.
(5)John N.
Hooray! Found this little place when looking for something nearby when I was down there. Had an excellent sandwich - falafel and tatziki. Was so delicious and hot, got to love it.
(4)Alison H.
i like that its inexpesive. got a steak and potato lunch special and grape leaves!! I was stuffed.Very yummy
(4)Mike W.
Had a mid-eastern gyro today with Mike F. This place is a delight. Forget the gyro's you had in the burbs or shore. This place makes them with added mid-east ingredients that just makes them special. It's not a date place either. Just a small place to eat with an added market area. I spend in both.
(5)matthew l.
Bitar's was there long before ethnic became main stream. They are the real deal and nice people. Their gyros, hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, outstanding pita and authentic dried and jarred Middle Eastern ingredients with your choice of several fetas, Greek, French, domestic etc. A gem!
(5)Pamela S.
I first stumbled upon Bitar's on a sweltering August day. Having just moved to the city, I was on the search for something that would fit my student budget. I ended up settling on pizza in the Italian Market., but little did I know I only had to walk half a block from home to delight in the best falafel in the city. A little family-owned corner store at 10th and Federal, Bitar's houses exotic Middle Eastern treats, fresh and satisfying pita bread, various cooking and bulk items, and a manned grill that produces $3 falafels and proportionately inexpensive lamb and chicken gyros, vegetable platters and authentic toubouli salad. For dessert try the baklava; pistachio is my favorite. At Bitar's service is fast, and the staff friendly, but seating is minimal. If there's no space for you to enjoy your chicken and feta gyro, there are several neighborhood parks that are ideal for two common urban activities: people watching and eating great food.
(5)