in the silicon valley, which is america's _real_ heartland, the best falafels i've found are at the valley's longtime favourite, year after year after year: falafale's drive-in. sure, it's not the most authentic persian experience, nor is it got much atmospher other than being rather kitschy. it's a cheap place for a quick bite, people would agree.
back in berkeley, i had the best falafels and middle eastern food at a joint called beirut operated by two brothers. unfortunately, when one went through a messy divorce, they place got sold to a nice southeast asian family, which did run it well for a while before it went under after a little while. that was an awesome falafel joint and had good kebab-type sandwiches. now, if you were to ask me for the best falafels in the entire bay area, i'd recommend eat-a-pita, also in berkeley. bongo burger up there is also good, but eat-a-pita is better and was even paradied in the great simpsons animated tv show.
anyway, down in the silly valley, i stick to falafel drive-in. filfela on el camino real opened in my neighbourhood, but i find it to be not worth the extra price over falafel drive-in.
there's a very cute website at http://www.falafeldog.com by the way.
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