The Munchies

The name “Munchies” sounds like it might describe a restaurant building its image on a certain “herb,” much like the Cheba Hut, which takes the stoner theme about as far as possible without breaking the law. Actually, aside from the clever name, which is probably more a reference to a late closing time than any controlled substance, the Munchies is a straightforward Greek and Middle Eastern quick service restaurant in the heart of Downtown Tempe. Look for the Munchies on the short cul-de-sac of Sixth Street that extends east from Mill Avenue, three blocks south of the Mill Avenue / Third Street station.

If the restaurant’s name does little to suggest its ethnic identity, the decor inside doesn’t help either. Aside from a flat-panel television showing news in one corner, the space is plain and could use a few posters or plants to give it a facelift. Since the Munchies does not have printed menus, it’s necessary to take a few minutes to study the menu above the counter. Some of the menu items are described with words only; others are pictured. Ask the friendly person behind the counter if anything is unclear.

The menu includes Greek-influenced favorites such as gyros and kabobs, Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, and thoroughly American specialties such turkey subs and burgers. As at many restaurants that serve gyros, the meat comes from a packaged cone. In the case of the Munchies, the origin is Devanco Foods of Chicago. Many other foods are cooked from scratch on site. An order for falafel results in the reassuring sound of a deep fryer in operation in the kitchen. The final product, whether delivered in sandwich form (center photo below) or as part of a platter, is of high quality. As with the best falafel from Tempe to Tel Aviv, the interior is most, soft, and mildly spiced. The exterior is crunchy but not brittle in the manner of some Greek falafel.

Sides include fries and Mediterranean favorites like dolmas, hummus, baba ghanoush, and a very good tabouleh (right photo below). All are well prepared; the tabouleh has a strong note of lemon and is not as overwhelmed with parsley as some versions. While there is ketchup available at most of the tables, a request at the counter will also yield a small cup of hot sauce – a perfect way to give an extra flavor boost to a falafel or gyros sandwich. The only disappointments at the Munchies are in the limited selection of desserts and beverages. Sweets are limited to slices of cheesecake, which is perfectly good, but some baklava or kateifi might be a welcome addition. Likewise, aside from bottled water and energy drinks, there are few drink options beyond the soda fountain. Some fruit juices, lemonade, or unsweetened ice tea would offer needed variety.

Because almost everything at the Munchies is prepared to order, the food will not come quite as quickly as at typical order-at-the-counter places. It’s worth the wait, however – not only during normal lunch and dinner hours, but also late at night when the Munchies becomes one of the few options available after bars close on Mill. The restaurant stays open until 3 AM during the six days a week it is open. Sunday is the one day of the week that the Munchies is closed.

11 E. 6th St., Tempe, AZ, 85281
(480) 967-0096

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