Pitas in Paradise — Restaurant in Crested Butte

Recently I visited the Pitas in Paradise on Elk Avenue in Crested Butte (they also have a location in Gunnison, which I have not yet visited).

It was lunchtime on a weekday, and the patio was packed on a beautiful June afternoon.

We waited in line to order inside near the bar area, and there were about 10 people in line ahead of us.

Once you order, they give you a number and then the wait staff brings your food to your table.

I ordered a large Caesar salad with gyro meat, and my brother ordered the O.G., which is a gyro with curly fries.

The gyro meat on my large Ceasar salad was a little dry, and their dressing was a little uninspired.

The curly fries were the highlight of the meal.

However, the patio seating was festive and there is great people-watching. The inside bar was pretty packed for a weekday afternoon, and there is ample...

An accessible restaurant with an impressive looking soup bar. But I was in no mood for soup. I hankered lamb. Spiced and juicy lamb.

Enter the Happy Hour OG (signature original gyro sandwich)! While it did not come with fries, the thinly sliced lamb was supposedly slow-roasted. It was tasty spiced with sautéed onion, lettuce, feta cheese minus the tomato. And messy tzatziki sauce, chunky yum with cucumbers, which, mixed with lamb juices and greases, spilled out of the pita on to shirts, faces, floors and seating areas. It was good. Packed with lamb. Napkins required.

Patio seating out of doors as well. Great old building with color. The basket of fries were hearty. The iced tea did not taste fresh brewed.

I recommend a visit here. You'll be glad you did. I would like to try other things on the menu. Like the...

The pitas here are bomb. And they include the sauce and toppings you would naturally want unlike some places I've been where those things cost extra to add. A greek style pita should definitely automatically include feta and tatziki, and this place delivers. They're also still reasonably priced - ~$15 for a pita and chips/coleslaw. Not too bad! Plus, if you dine in during happy hour that's just $11.

Every employee I've interacted with has been perfectly friendly, and the food always comes out quickly.

The atmosphere at this location is great. Cute little spot with plenty of personality inside. I'm only passing through CB, but I know for sure I will be frequenting this restaurant...