Hot Lunch: Atcha Bakery

3221 Nicholson Drive

Open 9 a.m. – 8:45 p.m., Monday – Friday (closed between 1:30 and 2:20 Friday afternoons for prayer services), 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Saturday

(225) 383-PITA

No American Express

Middle Eastern chow abounds in Baton Rouge, but few spots feel and taste as authentic as Atcha Bakery and Café, a quirky dive at the LSU North Gates known for perfect-pitch Lebanese. Atcha started as a bakery exclusively, and still supplies local restaurants with its toothy, memorable pita bread. But Atcha also reels in regulars with classic combos of fresh-made falafel, shawarma, gyro, as well as chicken, cheese or spinach-stuffed fattera. Check out the Middle Eastern groceries peppered throughout, and don’t miss the dozen or so homemade pastries, especially the pistachio baklava.