Whenever I travel somewhere new I make it a point to try and eat (at least once) off the “beaten path” so to speak. Chain restaurants can be great, and they are certainly consistent and reliable. You know exactly what you are going to get every time you visit. They make you feel safe. But most of these establishments lack the most important ingredient, a true love for their food.
However, every once in a while I highly recommend taking a trip off the main roads and eating at a place you wouldn’t normally visit. Those tiny places. Those hidden places. Those places that you barely notice from their dull camouflage of obscurity. As part of the blog aspect of my website, I would like take time to highlight some of these very places I’ve come across. The first place I’ve chosen to bring to your attention is Pita Way in Anderson, South Carolina.
This place is as unassuming as it gets. From the outside it looks like a long forgotten Huddle House. The inside is much of the same. The decor is non existent, the equipment hasn’t been updating in decades, and much of the restaurant has fallen in disrepair. But please don’t let that scare you away, because the food is very delicious and very affordable. If you must, order to go, but don’t miss out on this hidden gem.
The place is run by an older gentleman that is more than happy to share his food and his stories. He hand cuts and marinates his own philli cheese steak meat (no one takes the time to do that anymore) and his Mediterranean food is truly mastered. If that isn’t your thing, I hear the American fare is quite good as well, but I can’t bring myself to get anything except a beef gyro with a side of hummus and pita bread with a tabouli salad and fries (which are perfectly cooked every time).
He makes unequivocally the best hummus in Anderson, and arguably the upstate. My wife swears by the chicken gyro, and my best friend the phili cheese steak, but whatever you get, I virtually guarantee you’ll enjoy it. His food is simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. His passion for what he does shows, and his life’s work deserves entirely more recognition than it gets. So, by all means, pay him a visit. I’ve also come to understand much of his clientele is catering work, so if you’re looking to cater an event he can help you with that as well. Give the place a chance, you won’t be sorry.
Where to find it: 1507 N Main St, Anderson, SC 29625