The Pita Pit

Quick, easy and quality can go hand in hand (or just fit in one)

By Dutch Randall, Jackie Fender on June 20, 2019

ANNOUNCER: The Pita Pit is a national chain that has smatterings around the South Sound, with each location individually owned and operated. Dutch and Jackie head to DuPont this week to check out the pita that inspired a former Tacoma police officer to open his own.

DUTCH: Ya gotta love an ownership story that starts and ends with a police officer that loved his lunch stop so much during his service that he opened his own Pita Pit franchise so he could share them with the rest of us.

JACKIE: Truth, it's hard not to admire it.

DUTCH: As a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, I was curious how they could pack this traditionally messy sandwich into a tightly packed pita-style sandwich. Well, they did it. The pita is stuffed full with seasoned steak, mushrooms and melty provolone cheese. This is where the tradition officially ends, however, as added peppers and onions are fresh instead of grilled alongside the steak. Additionally, there is a spicy sauce added to the mix. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the sauce with the Philly, but that is a personal choice as I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to a cheesesteak. The sauce on its own is packed with flavor, and I'm certain I would crave it on any other pita.

JACKIE: I, too, was impressed by the level of flavor loaded in these handheld savory meals. I opted for the Sriracha Chicken and was not disappointed. There was no lackluster warmth in the back but full on flavor town with diced jalapeños, peppercinis and a healthy dose of sriracha. Aside from that was all the fixins including chicken, lettuce, melted cheddar and tomato. Each bite was packed with spice that had me sucking down my soda swiftly. Bonus, you can opt for toasted or untoasted, depending on your preference.

DUTCH: I also gave one of the cold pita options a shot with the Club, which like all the others is packed tightly and rolled into a hand-holding friendly vessel. Turkey, ham, crisp bacon, and provolone cheese are all combined with crispy romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, pickles, and topped off with a mayo and honey mustard sauce. I loved this option as opposed to the customary stacked and toasted version with the fancy toothpicks. The pita is just as fresh, but in an improved mobile version.

JACKIE: The Boom Boom Black Bean skipped the meat but not the flavor. Within the pita you'll spy a tasty black bean patty, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, and cilantro all finished with a mojito lime seasoning and Pita Pit's Boom Boom sauce. This might become my standard go-to. Honestly, though, I usually frown upon hitting up chains, this franchise boasts big flavor and quality ingredients in a quick ‘n easy meal on the go.

THE PITA PIT, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 1175 Center Drive, DuPont, 253.441.6380, pitapitusa.com