G-Vegas Magazine.com - Food Critic Corner with Bigus

Fifth Street Fare

Fifth Street, the heart of Greenville Nightlife has long been occupied by watering holes, concert halls, and member’s only clubs. What many night-lifers, students, and townies often forget, is that downtown Greenville is home to some very tasty, and in some cases, legendary eateries.

Sup Dogs: This recently opened quick order restaurant fills a long vacant section of Downtown Greenville. Occupying the former location of La Vista’s and several short lived establishments, Sup Dog’s serves….you guessed it….Hot Dogs. Despite the cheesy name and menu theme, Sup Dogs has some great things going for it. Besides having my favorite deck in Greenville, Sup Dogs serves up hot dogs that rival’s Greenville’s hot dog legend Warren’s. Sup Dogs features many specials including two for $4 hot dogs. Though young and having some kinks to work out, Sup Dogs is defiantly worth a try. Come on. What’s better than watching the Pirates play on flat screen TV’s, having a beer, and a great hot dog?
Overall Grade: B- | Best Menu Item: The Sup-Dog

Pita Pit: This Canadian based chain delivers a pleasant change from the ordinary. Besides serving breakfast, veggie, and meat packed Lebanese-style pita sandwiches, Pita Pit also offers extremely tasty smoothies, salads, and soups. Much like Subway restaurants, Pita Pit allows you to pick all your condiments, sauces, and spices while your meal is being prepared. Though their prices are a bit higher than your familiar submarine peddler, the quality of their food is a bit higher. Offering a healthier option, Pita Pit is a great alternative to burgers, pizza, and fried food. If you’re too lazy to leave the house for healthier food, don’t worry, they deliver.
Overall Grade: B+ | Best Menu Item: Dagwood Pita

Omar’s: Twenty one year downtown veteran, Omar’s, is definitely a Greenville staple. Open for downtown late night eating, Omar Chahid and wife Sheila serve the hoards of G-Vegas night owls a great menu of Greek and American inspired food. From gyros to subs, Omar’s has long been one of my favorite late night stops.
Overall Grade: B | Best Menu Item: Cheeseburger Sub

Cubbies: Yet another Greenville staple (best known for the “Freedom Fry” craze), Cubbies offers a delicious greasy-spoon style menu. Offering burgers, sandwiches, and cheese-steaks, Cubbies is a place that ECU alumni flock to every home game just to get a taste of their college days.
Overall Grade: B+ | Best Menu Item: Cubbies Cheese steak

Pirate’s Den: Entering it’s second year of operation, Pirate’s Den gives downtown yet another venue to do what Greenville does best….watch sports. Though the restaurant has an eclectic concept (club, live music, sports bar, arcade, etc) it definitely knows what to put on a plate. The Den offers a great Americana menu that features slow cooked ribs, wings, burgers, tuna steaks, and eastern North Carolina BBQ. Not to mention being one of the first downtown eateries to offer fried pickles.
Overall Grade: B | Best Menu Item: Bath BBQ Plate

Alfredo’s: Not really being a big fan of this long time downtown establishment, I can’t ignore its hold on Greenville. First, let me explain, I don’t really care for pizza. However, I have been known, on several occasions to beg Alfredo’s staff to fill my empty stomach. Serving up NY style pizza by the pie or the slice, Alfredo’s has been feeding its starving (and slightly inebriated) customers by the hundreds for years. Alfredo’s is tossing their dough for you’re pleasure during lunch hours, as well as satisfying your pepperoni cravings at 2am. The prices are reasonable and the food isn’t bad. Though, you may want to bring along some tums.
Overall Grade: C+ | Best Menu Item: Giant Slice of Cheese Pizza

Boil’s: Yet another long time downtown favorite, Boil’s serves up a great variety of Italian American eats. Specialty pizzas, stromboli, calzones, pastas, and late night breakfast items can all be found in this multi-tasking restaurant/bar. This live music venue, sports bar, and Italian eatery houses one of my guiltiest late night indulgences. For many years, my friends and I have almost killed each other over Boli’s famous queso-dip. It should be named “liquid drugs in a bowl with tortilla chips.” I highly recommend this place.
Overall Grade: B+ | Best Menu Item: Queso-Dip

Wings to Go: After a very rocky startup in January, Wings to Go re-opened under new ownership in June. Looking to step out of the shadow of the former BW3’s location, Wings to Go offers a predictable yet delightful menu featuring chicken wings, ribs, sandwiches, and lots of appetizers. Armed with 20 sauces, Wings to Go serves up the sports fan’s favorite food while offering competitive drink specials. With the familiar layout, NTN trivia, and plenty of TV’s, Wings to Go is sure to be a hotspot for wing lovers and sports junkies.
Overall Grade: B | Best Menu Item: Bernie’s Garbage Fries

note: Since this article was published, Wings to Go closed its doors, in it's place is Armadillo Grill. Also, Alfredo's has been replaced by Michelangelo's Pizza.

Want to see your favorite restaurant in G-Vegas Magazine? Email your suggestions to thebigus@yahoo.com.