Midtown Lunch

I didn’t think much of South Street Souvlaki anytime I passed it while strolling down South Street, but after a few friends praised the food, I figured it was about time to go and get over my silly preconceived notions based solely on the generic facade. They must be doing something right, as they are currently celebrating their 33rd anniversary.

By the time I stopped to look at the menu in the window, I was already intrigued. You gotta appreciate any restaurant that acknowledges that crappy economic times calls for cheaper lamb.

About a year ago, South St Souvlaki adjusted their menu by making most of their entrees $9. I guess they decided to add some more options with this “new stimulus menu”.  The figs and sausage were hard to pass up, but I had to go with the waitresses whole-hearted recommendations instead.

To start, I passed on the spanakopita, in favor of their prasopita- same idea, baked filo and cheese, but with leeks instead of spinach. Nice taste, could have been a bit fresher.

I haven’t ever met a moussaka I didn’t like.  This moussaka ($9) was not the best I have ever had, but all the layers of meat, eggplant, and bechamel with a side of roasted veggies and spinach make a hearty, satisfying lunch.

Chicken over pasta is not something I would normally order. I guess maybe I am turned off by the plainness? But the adorable waitress insisted that I would not be disappointed with her favorite dish-Kastoriani Kota- chicken over penne with kasseri cheese ($9). Just as she said it would be, the very un-Italian tomato sauce turned something plain into something lively, that pasta had some sass.  And all the cheesiness didn’t hurt either.

If you have room, you should probably swoop in on some rice pudding. I am a lover of rice pudding, and South St. Souvlaki has an exceptional version. See if you can guess the secret ingredient.

I ate in the dining area and on my way out past the take out counter, I caught a glance of the Imam Baldi, “sauteed onions and tomatoes stuffed in eggplant and baked with pignoli nuts”; that sounds and looked absolutely amazing. I will be back for that!

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Most platters are $9, and you get a lot of food
• The menu has a great array of meat, poultry, seafood, and pastas
• Very cheery staff
• The food comes out quickly
• Sandwiches are available for a less massive lunch

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• They put out pita for you, but no tziziki to dip it in
• I have had better moussaka

South Street Souvlaki, 507 South St (@ 5th St.), 215-925-3026