On The Cheap

The Pita Pit

Make a Pit stop in Brookline

By JEREMY SAUER | August 22, 2006

I don’t know who Bostonians have to thank, Ana Sortun (chef/owner at Oleana, in Cambridge) or Joel Zwick (director of My Big Fat Greek Wedding), but the recent proliferation of Greek- and Turkish-influenced restaurants in the Boston area has been staggering. Now, even fast-food restaurants are looking to capitalize on the trend. Leading the charge is the Pita Pit, a refreshing take on the average sandwich shop that trades Hellmann’s and pickles for hummus and pitas.

A new addition to Harvard Street, the Pita Pit takes its “fresh thinking, healthy eating” motto seriously. On the vegetarian-friendly menu, you’ll find more than 25 types of pitas, most served hot off the griddle by the baby-faced staff. Try the tender, cumin-spiked falafel pita ($4.95) rolled with garlicky hummus and tart tzatziki sauce, or the feta pita ($4.25), with baby spinach, red onions, and briny olives. A lamb-and-beef gyro ($5.25), although light on lamb flavor, is another filling option, especially when loaded with some of the 20-plus toppings and sauces available at no additional charge.

Even if you’re not feeling adventurous, the Pit’s got you covered: the hot Dagwood club ($5.95), with roast beef, ham, and turkey, and the house favorite, fajita pita ($5.25), are pretty darn tasty too. The next time you’re in Brookline and you’ve got a hankering for a taste of the Mediterranean, make a Pit stop. Just don’t forget to bring your appetite.

The Pita Pit, 479 Harvard Street, Brookline | open daily, 11 am until late | Call 617.738.PITA.