Abe's Pitaria — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

Abe's Pitaria has a serious issue, and that is their employee attitude and cleanliness of the restaurant. Most places I would just dismiss and never go back, but the thing is I actually really really like their Falafel and Gyro. It is probably my favorite Falafel in the area (pretty authentic compared to a normal greek place). Their Gyro also has a special sauce that kicks it up a notch that I have always been a fan of.

So I keep coming back because of the food, but based on appearance and personnel - it almost seems like they want to close up shop. They used to deliver and now no more, which is odd since this is perfect delivery food. When you call, they will sometimes just hang up on you. You can just tell they take no pride in the place. This is sad as I like this place and want it to succeed, but unless they make changes they may be in trouble. Hopefully some of these reviews will get them to change as I want to see them stick around...

This place is a hole in a wall..maybe 3 or 4 tables tops but this place being a dive definitely adds to the charm not to mention little mom and pop dives always have the best food and Abe's is definitely no exception! The chicken orzo soup is delicious with big chunks of chicken and potatoes I was sad I got the smallest size. Now the star of the show..the chicken gyro. Hands down the best chicken gyro I have had outside of Greece! Seriously..it was outstanding. So fresh and delicious..in addition to the classic white sauce they put a red sauce on it which is tasty and gives it a little kick without taking away from the classic chicken gyro taste. I definitely found my new go-to place for Greek food...the prices are rock bottom as well. I used to pay upwards of 9.00 for mediocre gyros..less than 7.00 for outstandingly delicious gyros and its a no brainer..Abe's is the place to be...

For 30+ years I would have given here a 5. After many times for at least a year unsuccessfully trying to place an order and getting very nasty responses it's with a heavy heart that 5 has dropped so low as 1 star. I really tried over and over. Their lack of delivery even through 3rd parties during covid and still now, mean attitude, lying, and routinely having only one person on staff by choice has ruined them. Their approach to food service during covid is self-sabotage. Like most other locals according to social media I will have to switch to one of the other local Greek restaurants that has delivery and...