St Louis Taco and Pita Grill — Restaurant in Ballwin

I really wanted to like this place but we should have turned around and left. It's pretty rough around the edges and it's just hard to enjoy my food in a restaurant that isn't clean.

It appears to be an old KFC. They layout of dining area is odd. They still have the clear plastic divider up from their covid era. A note taped on the divider says, "preferred cash" that we noticed when I handed my card to them. We ended up paying cash but didn't really want to.

We both ordered falafel sandwiches and made sure they were vegan. Unfortunately, their tzatziki was not vegan so just hummus, falafel, lettuce, and vegetables on the pita. There were not many vegetables, like onions or tomatoes, but quite a bit of shredded iceberg lettuce. The falafel tasted like it came from a fryer that was shared with other foods. The sandwich was very average and not very flavorful.

The trash cans over by the bathrooms smelled like urine. I don't mean to bash the place, some might like the food, and can look past the rough edges. It just wasn't a meal my wife or I really enjoyed. I like giving little independent restaurants my business but I think we're going to stop going to these kind of places. The preferred cash stuff, the cleanliness, drinks were cans/bottles (no fountain). Nice guys working but just average food/service and below average...

Dined in last night. When we asked, the gentleman at the counter who helped us told us "everything is good.." giving us no real guidance or recommendations as we hoped for. I ordered the Chicken 65, not knowing it was a deep-fried chicken dish. The flavor of the dish was quite good, but not exactly what I was expecting when I thought I was making a health-conscious decision. The chicken gyro was good (I'd come back to try the lamb), and the steak tacos were light on meat and heavy on cheese IMO. St. Louis Taco and Pita Grill couldn't care less about the environment. Everything is served on styrofoam or paper, plastic utensils, styrofoam cups for water, etc. They should make the little changes to keep customers coming back. Who dines in at a restaurant and wants to eat with a plastic fork? While waiting for our food a couple was served by a lady behind the counter. She helped them make a decision on their entrees and even gave them a little background of the restaurant. This restaurant was previously three separate St. Louis restaurants that merged into one. Hense the Greek / Mediterranean, International / Indian, and Mexican / American cuisine options. There is something for everyone here. From the hot dogs to the tandoori chicken, you'd probably find...

They have an extensive menu! Taco & Pita seems totally out of place located prominently in Ballwin on Manchester. It feels like it should be hidden from view. A treasure stumbled upon...

The food is diverse, a short order diner housed in a "renovated" fast food chain building. The falafel and French fries is my fav while others of the group have sampled from various categories: Greek, American, Mexican. The vegetarian menu is extensive and fantastic. On one visit the fish and chips combo was ordered and the fish was less than stellar. But their specialties; gyros, saffron rice, chimichanga, tamalas (did I mention their awesome French fries??) are always pleasers.

With a group of 9, various ages and tastes, all went home with a pleasantly full belly. The employees are always generous with explanations of the menu and attention.

My favorite aspect, beyond the falafel, might be the eclectic interior. This isn't a Michelin star joint; if you're a fan of hole in the wall establishments like me, your senses are in for a delight. It is a place you want to shout about & bring your friends and yet, selfishly don't want this secret...