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TBites
Master Critic Review
TBites
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
TBites is a tiny Middle Eastern counter on 2nd Avenue focusing on shawarma, mezze, and house-made date sweets at budget-friendly prices. Regulars call out the chicken shawarma, labne, and toum as standouts, making it a reliable quick-stop option around the UN and Turtle Bay offices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Beef Kibbe, Nutty Date Delight
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Tiny counter spot specializing in Albanian-influenced Middle Eastern plates and sandwiches.
Who should go: Nearby workers and locals chasing inexpensive shawarma and mezze combos.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening for the freshest grilled meats.
What to order: Chicken shawarma sandwich, beef kibbe, labne with toum and pita.
Insider tip: Grab takeout; seating is limited to a few counter stools.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Avenue is limited and turnover is low; metered spots open up more after 7pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — office attire, gym clothes, and everyday wear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic. Easy to hold a conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait; usually 5–10 minutes since most orders are takeaway.
Weekday lunch: Short line during peak UN and office rush, but moves quickly — expect 5 minutes to order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including falafel, labne, hummus, baba ghanoush, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and vegetable mezze are safe picks.
Gluten-free options: Many mezze and plates are naturally gluten-free; pita is the main item to avoid, but substitutions are easy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — the space is tiny and primarily for takeout, better suited to casual solo bites than date-night ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. There are only a few counter stools, and they're first-come, first-served. Most diners take their food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick takeout with kids, but the cramped layout and limited seating make it less comfortable for dining in with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive shawarma and mezze with consistent flavor and friendly service — especially strong for quick solo meals and nearby office workers.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, larger groups, or broader Middle Eastern menus with ample seating.