
East Side Pockets
A bustling Middle Eastern counter-serve joint on Thayer Street, famous for its authentic falafel and kebab wraps, generous portions, and friendly serv...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

East Side Pockets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Middle Eastern counter-serve joint on Thayer Street, famous for its authentic falafel and kebab wraps, generous portions, and friendly service.
"This is THE best Syrian food in Providence, RI, a true neighborhood gem."
Try the Falafel or Gyro
The falafel wrap and chicken gyro are highly recommended for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Consider Takeout
Seating is limited; consider ordering to go, especially during peak hours when lines can be long.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Price
$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic & Generous Middle Eastern Fare
Savor fresh, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with incredibly generous portions at reasonable prices.

Phenomenal Falafel and Wraps
Experience some of the best falafel and loaded wraps, bursting with fresh flavors and perfectly crispy falafel.

Friendly & Fast Counter Service
Enjoy quick, friendly service in a cozy setting. The crew's generosity and passion shine through in every dish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Falafel or Gyro
The falafel wrap and chicken gyro are highly recommended for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Consider Takeout
Seating is limited; consider ordering to go, especially during peak hours when lines can be long.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, try visiting during non-peak hours for a quicker dining experience.
Have Your Order Ready
Know what you want to order to help the line move quickly. They have a separate line for appetizers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Falafel or Gyro
The falafel wrap and chicken gyro are highly recommended for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Consider Takeout
Seating is limited; consider ordering to go, especially during peak hours when lines can be long.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid long lines, try visiting during non-peak hours for a quicker dining experience.
Have Your Order Ready
Know what you want to order to help the line move quickly. They have a separate line for appetizers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
East Side Pockets is a beloved Middle Eastern counter-serve spot known for its authentic and generously portioned dishes, particularly its falafel and wraps. Diners consistently praise the fresh ingredients, delicious flavors, and friendly service, making it a go-to for both students and locals. While the cozy setting and limited seating can lead to lines during peak hours, the value and quality make it a highly recommended stop in Providence.
"Delicious felafel and kafta sandwiches made with love!
The falafel sandwich was loaded with fresh herbs, pickled turnips, creamy tahini, and the crispiest falafel. It was layered beautifully and bursting with flavor. The kafta sandwich was just as unforgettable. The meat was tender and seasoned perfectly, paired with creamy yogurt garlic sauce, hummus, tomato, and tabbouleh tucked into soft, warm bread.
The owner and his crew excellent customer service and warm welcome made this experience even better. The owner is incredibly generous and kind, and it shows not just in how they treat you, but also in how much love they put into each dish/sandwich."
Aseel Alkazzaz
"Good value, good food, and large servings! This is a good healthy alternative if you’re on a budget and live in Providence. They also have baklava!
There’s a long line during peak lunch and dinner hours but it moves fast. Limited seating in the store but the food is packed to go anyway.
This is a good go-to place for us since our Son is vegetarian and there’s plenty of options at this place.
Enjoy!"
Ariel Lacsamana
"Phenomenal pockets.
Some of the best falafel I’ve ever had as well. Easily blows NYC halal carts’ falafel out of the water.
The fresh bread, ingredients, tabouleh, hummus, tahini, were all excellent. Absolutely recommend.
I’ll be back"
Ronak Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is most famous for its falafel wraps and kebab wraps, which are consistently praised for their flavor and generous portions.
Yes, East Side Pockets offers excellent vegetarian options, with falafel being a popular choice. Many dishes can be customized.
It's a small, bustling counter-serve joint with limited seating. Many diners opt for takeout.
Diners consistently mention that the portions are very generous, offering great value for the price.
Yes, they offer traditional Middle Eastern desserts like Baklava.
The service is generally quick and friendly, though lines can form during peak lunch and dinner hours.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island
Located in Providence, East Side Pockets is a hidden gem offering falafel and kebab wraps that have earned them a stellar reputation among Middle Eastern food aficionados. Dishing out chicken gyros that are described as “immaculate” and chicken Caesar salad wraps that are deemed the “BEST in RI,” this bustling counter-serve spot is a must-visit for quality seekers. From the moist and tender grilled chicken to the flavorful grape leaves and top-notch customer service, East Side Pockets delivers an authentic culinary experience that rivals even meals enjoyed in Turkey.
Mediterranean Restaurants in Rhode Island
Talk about a pocketful of sunshine: This popular spot has been a destination for Providence students and professionals alike for nearly thirty years. And for good reason. Whether you’re in it for the four-piece fried kibbeh (football-shaped bulgur wheat shells stuffed with ground beef, onions and pine nuts), the lemon-marinated chicken kabob, the spinach and feta pie, or the homemade lady finger baklava, you’ll never go home hangry.
La Crêperie Restaurant Providence RI Reviews
Tucked into an alley on Providence's East Side, just off quirky Thayer Street, La Crêperie is a student hangout from morning to night. The ambience amounts to a few rickety tables, a counter with stools and a couple of random Art Nouveau prints. But what the eatery lacks in sophistication it more than makes up for with the zest of its folded crêpes, Belgian waffles and sandwich wraps: all made to order.
25 Must-Visit Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island
The gaggles of Brown University students who line up at this Thayer Street restaurant have clearly done their homework, as the award-winning eatery has been a local favorite since opening in 1997. Pop quiz: Should you get the kafta wrap of perfectly grilled beef, or the falafel version full of fried-chickpea-ball goodness?. Answer: Get a combo wrap (duh) with both.
5 Top Halal Restaurants in Rhode Island
If you’ve been on Thayer Street in Providence, you’ve seen this restaurant, a permanent fixture on the street since 1997. East Side Pocket serves halal Middle Eastern cuisine in a clean, calm, and casual environment. The restaurant serves the best falafel in Providence in addition to gyros, baklava, grape leaves, hummus, tzatziki, salads, and wraps.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Providence, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (303 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (5.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Fast Food, Mediterranean- Price: $- Address: 278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906-1548- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Most common domestic destinations from Rhode Island TF Green International Airport
Providence Outdoor Recreation & Activities
Providence's East Side neighborhood is steeped in history, from the sprawling Brown University campus to the Colonial-era homes along Benefit Street. Be sure to save some time for a visit to Prospect Terrace, a tiny jewel of a park featuring an iconic statute of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams overlooking the city.
Why You Should Visit Providence This Summer
If it is later in the day and you are looking for some lunch or dinner, you should try East Side Pockets or Caserta’s. East Side Pockets is a Middle Eastern-style takeout place with foods like falafels and kebobs. Caserta Pizzeria is another popular takeout place in Providence that specializes in pizza.
15 Best Restaurants in Providence, RI for 2025 (Top Eats!)
278 Thayer StreetProvidence, RI 02906(401) 453-1100 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Opened in 1997, East Side Pocket brings the bold flavors of the Middle East to Providence. This restaurant offers an array of unique dishes, such as Falafel, Lahamajeen, and some tasty Baklava.
12 Restaurants That Make a Trip to Providence 100% Worth It
This fast food restaurant is located in the popular night-life area of Providence called Thayer Street. Its Middle Eastern counter food features falafel and kebabs that are well worth the wait in the long lines. The homemade falafel is cooked to order and comes out piping hot.
32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Providence (RI)
One you can locate to get the best of meals in a friendly, comforting environment. This is a family-owned restaurant located in Thayer Street. They have been serving some of the best meals in Middle Eastern fare for a very long time and to date, still have their credibility.
15 Providence Restaurants That Will Blow The Tastebuds Out Of Your Mouth
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 616 reviews East Side Pockets grills meat so good, you might not be able to think of anything else all week. But their other Middle Eastern dishes are outstanding, too, like their stuffed grape leaves, falafel pita wraps, and outstanding hummus.
Providence RI Restaurants - New England: Dining
There are no middle-eastern restaurants that I know of save for East Side Pockets on Thayer St, which is the ol' reliable felafel joint in town. There are good middle eastern stores (Baroudi on Smith Hill, and another shop on Mineral Spring Ave), however.
Eat Your Way Through Thayer Street
With their quick service and late hours, East Side Pockets is a great place to satisfy a falafel jones and their grape leaves and tabouleh are equally delish. Esquire magazine called their gyro “the best Syrian street food outside Damascus.
Highest-rated cheap eats in Providence, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (301 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (5.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Fast Food, Mediterranean– Address: 278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906-1548– Read more on Tripadvisor
Our Favorite Quick Eats in Providence, RI
East Side Pockets - This unique spot offers amazing middle eastern cuisine with a fun counter-serve environment. They have short wait times so it’s great when your time is on a budget. This joint is also located on Thayer Street.
37 Best Restaurants in Providence
278 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906Phone: 401-453-1100 Visit Website. A post shared by East Side Pockets (@eastsidepocketss). Just north of the Brown University campus on Thayer Street is East Side Pocket.
Best restaurants on Thayer Street in Providence RI: Where to eat
Pick up a kabob or falafel pocket - stuffed with hummus, vegetables and a yogurt cucumber sauce - at longtime favorite East Side Pockets, 278 Thayer St., Providence, (401) 453-1100, eastsidepocket.com.
Top 7 Rhode Island Restaurants for Delicious Takeout
The fresh falafel, gyros, and more at this spot are fresh, flavorful, and a wonderful value – you'll get tons of food without spending much money. Check it out at 278 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02906.
A Foodie's Paradise - Exploring the Best Restaurants in Providence
East Side Pocket – Have a hankering for falafel, gyros or Kabobs?. Then you’ve found the right place. Located on Thayer Street, right by Brown University, it’s also a popular hangout for students.
Top 10 Late Night Food Places Around Providence
They are open until 2 am every day except Sundays and they do take out, so if you’re not in a state to eat out, take an uber over to Thayer (it’s a bit expensive) and get take out!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit