East Side Pockets

Middle Eastern restaurant · College Hill

East Side Pockets

Middle Eastern restaurant · College Hill
278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906

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East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null
East Side Pockets by null

Highlights

This buzzing little Middle Eastern counter is a haven for oversized falafel and kebab wraps, dishing out authentic tastes that’ll have you coming back for more.  

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278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906 Get directions

eastsidepocket.com
@eastsidepocketss

$10–20 · Menu

Information

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278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906 Get directions

+1 401 453 1100
eastsidepocket.com
@eastsidepocketss

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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AnnaMarie

Google
Small place, but big with taste. The tabouhleh was so fresh on top of the salad. We ordered the Middle Eastern Platter and a side of Kibbeh. The hummus was very smooth, and the tzatziki was light and cool. We finished it off with baklava that had the right amount of honey. Looking forward to going back.

W M

Google
This is one of my most favorite places to eat... anywhere. Many great choices at great prices. The staff is friendly. Space in the dining area is limited yet clean and comfortable.

Pin Kasemsri

Google
So delicious and authentic (according to my Turkish friend), very refreshing. Chicken gyro was bug enough to split between 2 people and be comfortably full. Would love it even more if they had Fattoush salad on the menu.

Cristina

Google
Wow! Providence has not disappointed with the food options on our trip but I was taken aback by how delicious the food here is. I love middle eastern cuisine and this the best gyro I’ve had. I ordered the wrap with hummus and Tzatziki sauce and finished every bite. The wraps are huge! Lines move quickly.

Ghufran

Google
It’s not often I come across Middle Eastern food in the U.S. that truly captures the authentic flavors of home, but this place exceeded my expectations. The food is genuinely authentic, reminding me of dishes from back home. I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality and taste. The owner is incredibly warm and welcoming, even offering free falafel samples with delicious hummus. I tried the chicken shawarma, kafta, and falafel sandwiches, all wrapped in Arabic bread, and everything was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back!

Matthew Thompson

Google
The cashier was nasty and rude. She barely opened her mouth when I asked her questions. And owner or the owner's son didn't even acknowledge me while I was here until he had to. I won't be coming back. This little thing wrapped in foil was the pita that came with my meal. It looked and tasted stale. The meat portions were small, slightly charred too much. But there was plenty of lettuce and hamburger pickles (?!) on my plate. The lentils and rice needed salt, too. And I only came here because there was a line at the Chinese restaurant across the street. If I read the response right, you own the Chinese place across the street too. No wonder because the food doesn't taste authentic. McDonald’s hamburger pickles don’t seem very Syrian or Chinese. You can't master both Syrian and Chinese food. The rude cashier messed up the order, by not putting in the walnut pastry. When I asked her about this she acted as if she didn't understand what I was saying. One of the cooks tried to clarify what happened, and she responded to him: "I didn't charge him for it." However I ordered it and expected it in my bag. To the person who responded to me: instead of talking about how the workers are trained just apologize or say you'll do better next time or you want another opportunity to make it right.

Jaideep Naik

Google
Genuinely worst establishment I’ve been to consistently. Last time I came, I got a chicken wrap. The meat was so rubbery and hard to chew it was like I was eating tendons. I came back recently and ordered a falafel/dolma combo platter. The staff fumbled the order and didn’t put the dolma in it (see picture!). The dolma was the one thing I was hoping would be good, but I couldn’t even get that. The staff also didn’t properly seal the lids on the plastic sauce cups they gave, causing it to spill in my take out bag and create a huge mess as I walked back. Problems aside, for $15, the food was overpriced and underwhelming. Overall, not a place worth trying or visiting again.

Sachy Trinidad

Google
I got the chicken gyro it came to about $11 after tax. The overall experience was amazing. Although most of the times there’s a line, it goes by extremely quick. The staff haven’t gotten my order wrong which I appreciate. They are always very friendly and smiling. Also, the taste is immaculate! Just one gyro will fill you up and you can also taste how fresh all the ingredients are.

Philip G.

Yelp
I first visited this place before I moved to Rhode Island and thought it was good but I really discovered my love for East Side Pockets this past Summer. Through the course of a week I went here 5 times. I've tried all of the types meats in their protein "wraps" minus one- the beef steak- next on my list. I get the wraps with 'everything' and sometimes add feta. My favorite wraps that I've tried in order are: 1) chicken falafel wrap 2) gyro falafel wrap 3) gyro wrap 4) kafta wrap The line can sometimes get long but moves fast. You can order online in advance but I believe there is a small service fee. There is a small interior to eat with a clean bathroom for customers. You can't go wrong at the classic East Side Pockets known for one of the best falafel in town!

Maria M.

Yelp
The best falafel I've had! It's full of flavor and packed with fresh veggies and crunchy pickles. One thing I hate is a dry falafel and theirs is always full of creamy white sauce and the most delicious sweet and slightly spicy hot sauce. You gotta try it! They also have mezze plates, soups, salads and a great chicken kebab, among other things!

Kevin M.

Yelp
East side pockets is a Thayer street staple and a must go when you're visiting. They have real god food options but the one I always order is the gyros! This is a super tasty and delicious wrap that is very affordable. The service is quick and reliable. The eating and seating area is small but works if it's not busy. Most people on Thayer street seem to take their food to go anyways. A solid place to visit for a reliable meal

Maryssa M.

Yelp
I forgot how much I loved this place! My favorite thing to do is order takeout and then go eat in in a nearby park. The food is always amazing and reasonably priced... also, they are open late! Small inside and some space to eat outside. There is a small updated bathroom for customers only if you ask for the key. I've tried almost every protein wrap and they are all fantastic. Gyro, gyro/falafel and chicken/falafel with everything are some of my favorites. I do also love the kafta and next on my list to try is the beef steak kabob. If I want extra protein I might try the gyro/chicken combo. The salads and plate dinners are amazing as well- so much to chose from! The line can sometimes be a bit long but it moves decently fast. Not much else to say, just great quality food! I'm glad this place has survived Thayer St. for so long:)

Jackie D.

Yelp
Succulent, flavorful, and filling chicken kabob wraps that always hit the spot! We also love the falafel wraps that are cooked to perfection - crispy without being oily with plenty of spices. With wraps ranging from $9-12, it doesn't get much better than this. You're getting a great meal at a great price! Great thing to eat on the go, but they also have tables inside in case you can't wait to devour your food. Staff is always efficient, and one time we went they even gave us some falafel with hummus to try! So sweet, so yummy, so dangerously addicted to East Side Pockets! Eat here to your heart's content!

Annie R.

Yelp
I love this place..been coming here for years....also used to work here back in the day lol not biased at all! Hahah but they have one of the best falafel wraps. I usually get it with everything on it except sour ass pickles (I do like pickles...but I like them alone...not on my food). Also! You got to ask for their hottest sauce there. For the not too daring, just ask for it on the side. But that sauce is woooow...gets your scalp steamy! Its Healthy and delicious. There's also some seating so you got room. The staff is nice and really quick. Def recommend!

Maggie F.

Yelp
Fast service and really good wraps! Im so happy to have found this hole in the wall, the food is super fresh and the flavors mix together so perfectly. I also got the walnut baklava and it was incredible!

Daisy B.

Yelp
Hands down BEST gyro I've ever had! Personalize it or ask for suggestions! Great customer service!! It's one of my go tos when in town! Yum

Edward H.

Yelp
This is my first time to ES Pockets. I ordered the steak kabob wrap which did not disappoint. As I waited for my food, I was given a falafel sample which was delicious. I grabbed a small table and soaked in the ambiance of this small and bustling restaurant on college hill. A must return spot.

Elizabeth K.

Yelp
Staffs were so friendly and nice. Food was a huge hit! I told them I came from Boston and asked them to recommend, and they gave me one falafel and baklava as a complimentary service. Chicken wrap was so good - full of flavors with chicken that has been juicy and fresh. Wrap was made instantly after the order so it was so tasty Falafel was great- never had this type of falafel before - it was so soft and warm and crispy outside Cashew baklava was also crispy and sweet - great dessert for sure! The price was reasonable ($10-13) per big wrap that can be shared :)

Robert G.

Yelp
I tried East Side Pockets for the first time and it was delicious. I've known about this sandwich shop for a while now but never actually ordered from them until now. I picked up my order which it looks like many people do, but there are some indoor seats. The inside was clean and smelled fantastic and the staff were very pleasant. I ordered two chicken kabob wraps and a meat pie. Everything tasted fresh and the portions were satisfying. I will definitely visit again!

Laurie I.

Yelp
Just great good So good and great fafal donuts. Tell them what you want. I find the food fresh but they really just like you to order what on the menu. Not sure what is on TV but not loving it.Why are the bathrooms locked so customers can use it? But all and all they do make a good Tabouli

Mahasan C.

Yelp
I love east side pockets. I come here regularly as a quick go to meal. I get the same thing every time- the falafel wrap. ( I always ask for the pickled turnips--) everyone here is so kind And occasionally they'll pass out freshly fried falafels while you wait-that's my favorite.

Kamal B.

Yelp
The food was STEAMING! Wow! I mean I honestly did not expect to be as good as it was. The falafel and chicken was FRESH off the oven/stove and man it was delicious. Definitely recommend this place. Fast, efficient, and tasty. Make sure to get all the side sauces because wow oh wow.

Ludovica F.

Yelp
Love this place and their delicious Mediterranean dishes at a reasonable price!!! My favorites are the falafel wrap and the grape leaves appetizer! The place is very small so I would recommend getting your food to go, especially on a busy weekend!

Rachel O.

Yelp
These folks are true professionals. I kept an eye on the line & the service the whole time I was in the store (less than 10 minutes) & couldn't believe how quickly & deftly they moved the line along & sent out orders. The store had good energy, too. The staff was very friendly & seemed to be having, maybe, just a little bit of fun behind the counter. I love to see it. The falafel was, without a doubt, the best falafel I've ever had in my life. THANK YOU for making them gluten-free! I can't wait to come back for them. I also got a gyro salad, since there was no GF wrap option & therefore I couldn't get a classic gyro sandwich. I was a bit bummed about that. The salad was fine. The falafel was the real star of the show. Thanks, East Side Pockets. I'm going to buy you out of falafel now.

Abigail P.

Yelp
Best Mediterranean takeout in the city. Fast lines and happy people working there. The workers always give me a little thing or two extra in the bag when I check out. The food is so fresh. Falafel top notch and the chicken is so juicy never dry. Always kind with great affordable prices and the chicken salad with falafel hits so different and they make their own Caesar dressing.

Lexi D.

Yelp
By far the best falafel around! Nothing else compares. The service is quick and friendly and also the hummus is amazing. Highly recommend.

Paula M.

Yelp
I saw all the overwhelmingly positive reviews, so I was curious to see if this place lived up. It 100% did. The lamb gyro wrap -- delightful. Hearty, flavorful, generous. The baba ghanoush -- big yum. Though next time I'd probably ask them if they can warm the pita that comes with it. The pistachio baklava was **so** good. I took two pieces to go, and was planning to give one to my boyfriend...suffice to say the second one didn't make it to him... Also the staff are super friendly as other reviews mention, and I was given a sample falafel without even asking! Like everything else, it was delicious. 10/10 would recommend, and I'm excited to return next time I'm in town!

Kristi B.

Yelp
I have been going here for well over 30 years, I will drive from Coventry just to have their Fallafe.

Seo Youn C.

Yelp
Obsessed with East Side Pockets - their falafel is so good and the portion size keeps me full throughout a long day. The best part of East side Pockets is their long hours and reliability. Providence is often a food desert for late night delivery so it's great to have this place as an option when working past midnight. I also want to add their pita chips (not pictured here) are made in house and really worth paying extra for.

Zoe S.

Yelp
We stumbled upon this place while roaming around Providence! So glad we stopped by. The warp was so good and flavorful and very generous portion. All the veggies looked so fresh. After ordering our food we were given falafel to taste and it was also sooo good!! Definitely a must try place on your Providence visit!

Anne Marie V.

Yelp
Wonderful! We ordered through Grubhub, My husband had Gyro wrap which was excellent! I'm not feeling well and ordered homemade chicken soup and Jedra appetizer which was perfect. Added hummus which is amazing!

Bianca S.

Yelp
Nothing like walking into a gyro joint and hearing Latin music. East Side Pockets might not be a super authentic, family owned Greek restaurant, their food definitely hits the spot. They're as consistent as it gets, and the quality is also off the charts. Their falafel is some of the best I've had, almost always get a gyro falafel combo wrap when I come here. No matter what I order, though, I e never had a disappointing meal here. Prices are reasonable, and even though it can be a pain to go down Thayer, this place is worth it!

Derrick C.

Yelp
Always fresh quality food. You can never go wrong. Also such a friendly staff and your order will always be correct.

Sarah L.

Yelp
Best Halal food ever! It was first time trying this spot, and it did not disappoint! We ordered the Chicken Kebob Wrap and Beef Steak Wrap and it was so delicious. The food was prepared hot and fresh. The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the beef steak was so flavorful. Both were so amazing, I'm not sure which one I liked better (but maybe the beef steak). I want to try their falafel and baklava next time!! Service was fast and friendly and food was incredible. Will definitely return! Not too big inside, but we were able to find seating. Totally recommend! Great location and great wraps.

Patrick B.

Yelp
We go here after PPAC. Absolutely love the falafel wrap. No other falafel comes close to the flavor or texture. Employees are always fast and sweet.

John K.

Yelp
I was joking to my friend that this is the best restaurant in Providence, which maybe seems a little strange for a small kebab shop. But quite seriously when you think about taste, quantity, service and price, it's hard to beat! Nothing fancy, just tasty kebabs at a reasonable price with quick service.

Ann D.

Yelp
One of my favorite staple places to eat in Providence. The food is affordable, filling, healthy, and fresh. The falafel wrap is my go-to but the gyros are delicious too. I love the baba ghanoush, it's super garlicky and has that delicious roasted eggplant flavor. I also love the tabouleh - it's so fresh and herb-y! They sometimes throw in free baklavas if you come pretty regularly too. :) You really can't go wrong! East Side Pockets is one of Providence's top restaurants on Yelp for a reason. Agreed that the lines can be long during lunch hour but it moves fast! I've also catered from here and it's really easy to order large trays of food for reasonable prices; you just email someone and can confirm on the phone. You just gotta love East Side Pockets!

Putri N.

Yelp
a good shawarma spot for the providence area! we got both the steak and falafel dinner plates. they're good, hearty, flavourful. the lines went by very quickly and the service is nice as well. I like that they open late!

Jennifer K.

Yelp
Excellent every single time! Makes for an amazing late night bite - I always get the wrap with chicken and falafel!

Barry S.

Yelp
East Side Pockets catered a team event at Brown for 35 people. The food was exceptional and the manager and his team was extremely responsive, providing amazing service. Consider our five stars multplied by 35 because everyone was thrilled by the lunch. I'm posting this review on other sites because this place deserves the recognition!

Jessica P.

Yelp
Totally unoriginal and not worth a stop. They serve preformed patties as gyro meat. I can't believe this place had a line to order

Eugene W.

Yelp
Holy crap, this place is bomb. The prices are super affordable, around $9 for a wrap and $12 for a plate. I feel like the wraps are pretty filling already, so a plate must be a LOT of food. We tried the gyro wrap and the steak wrap. I liked the gyro wrap better, but they were both delicious! Their appetizers are also SO value. 8 oz of baba ganoush for like $4... Actually so worth. It's definitely enough for like 4 people, but the baba ganoush to pita ratio is a little low. Ideally they'd give like one more pita, but either way I'm satisfied. The baba ganoush is a little more sour than I would have liked, but it's still great! I'm definitely coming back the next time I'm in town. I want to try their desserts! They have pistachio baklava, walnut baklava, and a bunch of other desserts. I NEED MORE.

Meghan C.

Yelp
i come here after work with my friend all the time it's our favorite place to go the food is good (the falafel wrap especially), price is good, and they make the orders quick always space at a table when i go & the staff is always friendly also open very late which great in the summer

Martin M.

Yelp
East-side pockets was a great place to get legit food near the Brown University. Wait can be a bit long but the food is definitely worth it! The portions are meaty and big. Price point is also very affordable for what you are getting. There is a quite a lot of meat and protein, and they're well-balanced with veggies and sauce as well. I would stay away if you want a quick meal during rush hour. However if you want a decent sized, reasonably priced meal that is sure to be filling, then go check out east side pockets!

Cecilia T.

Yelp
Just go. Just freaking go. Freaking delicious food with friendly staff. They let us sample the falafel as it was our first visit. And holy shit. I've never been a huge fan of falafel but I'm a believer now. Got. Damn. Got the gyro wrap as well and it hit the spot. I wish y'all were in Atlanta!!

Dany E.

Yelp
The shawarma is fantastic, friendly service, quality is very nice and clean, it's a very pleasant place to eat!

Vicki C.

Yelp
This restaurant is the best in terms of food, taste, quality, and value. Other things to mention is the service, which is efficient even durian busy hours. I will keep going back over and over again.

Wendy G.

Yelp
It's been over 20 years, and I've still never found another falafel wrap as good as East Side's. The perfectly textured pita, veggies and sauces inside that blend together into one harmonious whole, and oh the savory flavor of the falafel itself. It's just not the same anywhere else. Staff always goes the extra mile to expedite and be friendly. One of my Yelp Top 10 bites in the U.S.

JJ A.

Yelp
Fast, friendly service. Central location for everything on college hill (and they deliver all over the city). Food is fresh and if you don't like it, you have only yourself to blame as they make it right in front of you. Everything I've had tbere is good, but I usually get a falafel wrap and backlava (either kind). I've also asked them to feed a group of 25, which they did with the same speed and personalization they do when you walk in alone. If you're 'dining in' sit in the window if you can and enjoy the life of Thayer St

Maddy G.

Yelp
Consistently delicious with fast service, you can't order wrong at East Side Pockets! This is a staple of Thayer St and hugely popular, so sometimes there's a line out the door, but don't let that deter you, it moves very quickly! I like to order the plate which comes with rice & lentils, a protein of your choice, a side salad, and 3 sauces of your choice. Because it's so customizable you can make it vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, etc to fit your needs. The portions are generous, you can easily get 2 meals out of the plate, and for the price, it's unbeatable! Plus, I love that they make their baklava with walnuts instead of pistachios, if you haven't tried it, treat yourself sometime :)

Danielle D.

Yelp
East side pockets is one of my go to spots. The food is allll delicious but my fav is the falafel wrap. They do have a small dine In area with like 3 tables & 4 booths. This place is always packed (obviously because its delicious) but the service is fast! Check it for suree

Matthew H.

Yelp
Stopped by Providence to grab lunch with a friend who suggested this place - seemed like a pretty popular (and somewhat lowkey) place for Middle Eastern food. I ordered a chicken kabob wrap, which was HUGE - I ended up only eating half and saving the other half for dinner later that night. The wrap was actually really good (I was pleasantly surprised because I'm not the biggest fan of Middle Eastern food) - a healthy, generous serving of a bunch of fresh veggies, nicely cooked chicken, and delicious sauces. Unfortunately, I don't find myself in Rhode Island a lot (ever!), so I don't think I'll be back anytime soon - but I'd highly recommend it!

Meghan O.

Yelp
I am always up for East Side Pockets Falafel Wrap. The food is delicious, made quickly, and always satisfies. I legit get the same thing everytime - a falafel wrap with everything. Their falafel are perfectly crispy and with all the other toppings it is just pure perfection. Got one last night because I happened to be on Thayer street - and I can't NOT get East Side pockets when I'm on Thayer.

Jordan M.

Yelp
I'll be honest with you. I'm not sure what else is good here besides the one thing I get but damnit I've ordered it 24 times (according to my snackpass account and bank statement) and it has never let me down. I get the combo wrap with falafel and chicken and OMG. It contains: Hot sauce, Hummus, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Hot Peppers, Pickles, Tabouleh, Tahini, Tzatziki. Everything is amazing, the flavors blend so well. This is my favorite place to eat on my way to work. I'd recommend ordering from the "snackpass" app because you can rack up rewards after a while. Definitely worth the visit.

Caitlin T.

Yelp
East side pockets is a weekly purchase for me as a student. I often get the falafel plate that will get me through two meals. The folks who work there are quick and considerate enough to give you a piping hot falafel to try while you're waiting for your order. I usually take it to go since there is not a lot of space inside. Would recommend to anyone looking for healthy and fast eats!

Allison L.

Yelp
This place is amazing! Very value, with great food at very affordable prices. I got a steak wrap for about $9, and you can watch the cooks make the wrap right in front of you. It comes with rice and you can choose what toppings and sauces to put on there, kind of like Chipotle. The wrap was absolutely delicious. The steak was seasoned very well and it was tender and flavorful. They are very generous with their portion size, and I was more than filled up after I was done. It was also a comfortable kind of full, and not a I-wanna-throw-up-because-the-food-was-too-greasy kind of full. I also tried the Baba Ganoush here, which was very value ($4 for 1/2 pound) and very sour (and smoky). It was still good though! I'd love to come back here! I want to try all the different things they have here.

Robert H.

Yelp
Great falafel sandwich. Reminded me of the Falafel King in Boston. Excellent service. It is clear to me why so many folks love this place.