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Hungry Pocket Falafel House
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hungry Pocket Falafel House
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Serving fresh Mediterranean staples since 1958 from a bright yellow cottage across from Santa Monica College. The tiny counter-service spot maintains original recipes with generous portions and some of LA's crispiest falafel at budget-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Gyro Plate, Shish Kabob
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Over 60 years serving Santa Monica with unchanged recipes and $8 falafel sandwiches
Who should go: College students, budget diners, and falafel purists
When to visit: Monday or Wednesday for all-you-can-eat falafel special
What to order: Classic falafel sandwich, gyro plate, fresh-squeezed juices
Insider tip: Monday & Wednesday feature all-you-can-eat falafel for $8.75
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Pico and side streets, typically easy to find. Small lot behind building for 4-5 cars.
Dress code: Ultra-casual - gym clothes, beach attire, whatever you're wearing is fine
Noise level: Quiet - counter service with minimal seating, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, no table wait (mostly takeout)
Weekday lunch: Busy 12-1pm with SMC students, 10-15 min line, otherwise quick
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, multiple veggie plates
Vegan options: Yes - most menu is vegan-friendly, skip tzatziki and request no feta
Gluten-free options: Limited - can do plates over rice or salad, but pita is standard
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both ultra-casual and budget-conscious. It's a tiny counter-service spot with minimal seating - better for established relationships or very laid-back vibes. Great for a beach day lunch date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's walk-up counter service only. Very limited indoor seating (a few stools), plus a couple outdoor picnic tables. Most people get takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - fast service, simple menu, outdoor seating, and unbeatable prices. Popular with SMC student parents. Kids love the fresh juices and crispy falafel.
How long does it take to get food? 10-15 minutes from order to pickup during busy times, 5-7 minutes when slow. Everything made fresh to order - you'll smell your falafel frying.
Is the all-you-can-eat falafel deal worth it? Absolutely if you're hungry - $8.75 on Mondays and Wednesdays for unlimited fresh falafel balls, pita, and sides. College students have been testing the limits for decades.
Best For
Better for: Authentic budget Mediterranean with 60+ years of unchanged recipes, crispy-on-outside falafel, genuine hole-in-the-wall charm, and unbeatable price-to-quality ratio. This is old-school LA at its finest.
Skip if: You want ambiance, table service, craft cocktails, or a place to linger. This is grab-and-go excellence, not a dining destination. Also skip if you need extensive gluten-free options beyond rice bowls.
Hungry Pocket Falafel House
7.7
This Mediterranean counter spot tucked in a Pico Boulevard strip mall has served exceptional falafel for decades, but also turns out solid charbroiled burgers and gyros. The bright yellow exterior hides a family-run operation with house-made everything and prices that feel like a time warp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Gyro Plate, Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Over 50 years of house-made Mediterranean fare with exceptional value
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners and Santa Monica College students
When to visit: Lunch hours when everything is freshly prepared
What to order: Classic falafel sandwich, gyro plate, house-made hummus
Insider tip: The hot sauce is legendary - ask for extra on the side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind the strip mall - plenty of spaces, never full
Dress code: Whatever you're wearing - gym clothes, work attire, all fine
Noise level: Quiet counter service - easy conversation at outdoor tables
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for order prep, no line typically
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during SMC lunch rush, otherwise walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, veggie plates are their specialty
Vegan options: Yes - most Mediterranean items are vegan (falafel, hummus, tabbouleh)
Gluten-free options: Limited - can do salad plates and hummus, but pita is standard
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both laid-back and value-conscious - it's counter service in a strip mall. Better for casual early dates or 'let's grab something quick' scenarios than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or taken - it's fast-casual counter service with outdoor seating. Just walk up, order, and grab a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere, quick service, and mild Mediterranean flavors kids usually like. The outdoor seating means noise isn't an issue. Good for all ages.
How long does a meal take? 30-40 minutes total - order takes 8-12 minutes to prepare, then eat at your pace. Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners when you're not lingering.
Is it worth the trip from outside the neighborhood? If you're nearby or passing through, absolutely - the value and quality are exceptional. But it's not a destination spot worth driving 30+ minutes for unless you're craving nostalgic, old-school falafel.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value, authentic Mediterranean done right for decades, and when you want fresh-made everything without the markup. The falafel and gyros rival spots charging 2-3x more.
Skip if: You want table service, a scene, or Instagram-worthy ambiance. Also skip if you're looking for elevated burgers specifically - their burgers are solid but basic charbroiled, not their main attraction.