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Pi-Hi Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pi-Hi Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Tucked into a strip mall near Lane Tech, Pi-Hi blends shawarma plates, falafel, and wood-fired “Pi” pizzas into one of the area’s best low-cost Mediterranean options. National attention from Yelp’s Top 100 list and steady crowds for takeout underline its status as a long-running neighborhood favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Pizza Pi with shawarma, Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel plate with hummus and salad
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Strip-mall Mediterranean cafe known for shawarma, generous portions, and hybrid pizzas.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners and students wanting filling Mediterranean plates.
When to visit: After-school and early evening for fastest counter service.
What to order: Mediterranean Pizza Pi, chicken shawarma plate, falafel side.
Insider tip: Split a pizza and a platter; portions are big for the price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; usually manageable outside of school dismissal and peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Totally casual — hoodies, jeans, and game-day gear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation is easy, especially for dine-in or while waiting on takeout.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, longer if there are large takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — falafel, salads, spreads, and several pizzas work well.
Vegan options: Moderate options — falafel, salads, and some mezze can be ordered dairy-free.
Gluten-free options: Limited — platters without pita are your best bet, but pizzas and wraps are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works best for a low-key, casual meet-up — more takeout counter than romantic dinner setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only. Seating is limited, so peak hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed atmosphere, quick service, and familiar options like pizza and shawarma make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Big portions and strong value — ideal when you want filling Mediterranean plates or pizza without a big spend.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, full-service dining, or an alcohol program.
Pi-Hi Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Across from Lane Tech, Pi-Hi Cafe blends Middle Eastern staples with wood-fired "Pi" pizzas topped with shawarma and vegetables. It’s a go-to for students and neighbors looking for affordable plates, reliable takeout, and an unusually deep menu for a small strip-mall space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Pizza Pi, Chicken Shawarma Plate, Falafel with Tahini
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hybrid Middle Eastern café and pizza shop where shawarma shows up on wood-fired pies.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners craving hearty Mediterranean plates and slices.
When to visit: After-school hours or early evenings for the fastest turnaround.
What to order: Mediterranean Pizza Pi, chicken shawarma plate, side of falafel.
Insider tip: Split a pizza and a plate so you can sample both menu lanes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on nearby residential blocks; spots open up more easily in evenings.
Dress code: Totally casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-day tees all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy for conversation, especially for takeout or quick meals.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait, though carryout orders may stack up during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait with fast counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, falafel, and veggie pizzas are available.
Vegan options: Some options — falafel, hummus, salads, and select pizzas without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice plates work, but pizzas and wraps rely on bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-key, casual date — more relaxed counter-service than romantic destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's walk-in only, and finding a seat is usually easy outside of short rush periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple food, quick service, and affordable pricing make it comfortable for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, filling Middle Eastern plates and quirky pizza mashups without fuss or attitude.
Skip if: You want cocktails, a polished dining room, or an extended sit-down experience.