Anthonino’s Taverna
Episode 14 | STL City SC vs Nashville | August 9, 2025 | Result: 3–1 win
Energizer Park felt different the moment the third goal hit the net. A mix of relief and joy ran through the stands. After a few tough nights, that 3–1 win over Nashville finally landed. Wins pair well with good food, so I headed to Section 120 to check out Anthonino’s. This stop delivered two very different stories on one menu. One dish missed the mark. The other saved the visit.
The setup: market style and hands off
Anthonino’s operates inside a market space that looks and runs like Wally’s in the South End. You scan your app or authorize your credit card at the entrance. Cameras track what you pick up. When you have what you want, you walk out. Your account gets charged automatically. The process is fast and smooth. There is no line dance with a cashier and no waiting for a receipt.
The flip side is the lack of customization. There is no counter chat to ask for extra sauce or to hold an ingredient. You get what is prepped. If you enjoy simple and efficient, this system works. If you want to tweak your order, it will not.
Before you leave the hot window, look to the left for the small area with toppings and sauces. That station matters for both dishes in this review.
Dish one: falafel
Price: $15.99
Description: Four house falafel, topped with feta, wrapped in pita
First look
I opened the wrapper and saw four falafel balls sitting in a pita. That was it. No built-in crunch. No layered veggies. The feta and a small container of toppings were on the side. The presentation felt flat. Some people will see that and move on without giving it a fair try, but I have to try everything!
Budget friendliness: ★☆☆ (1/3)
Sixteen dollars for four falafel is a hard sell. If you count the pita as a free add-on, that is four dollars per ball. Stadium pricing is always higher, but this still feels light on value. There isn't enough filling to make it feel like a complete meal.
Shareability: ★★☆ (2/3)
You can split four balls without much effort. That part is simple. The problem is volume. If you share with more than one person, no one gets enough to feel satisfied.
Flavor: ★☆☆ (1/3)
The falafel itself was fine, but not special. The texture was there, and the seasoning was mild. The feta and sauce helped a little, but it still came off bland when compared to the strong standard set by other stadium vendors. If you are looking for a low-spice option with a soft profile, this might be your goal. If you're looking for bold, this is not it.
Bottom line on the falafel
I would not order it again. The value is not there, and the flavor is too quiet for the price. I did share a bite with a friend who had never tried falafel before. He liked it more than I did because he had no expectations. If you are curious and want a gentle intro, you might feel the same. For most fans, there are better options in the building.
Dish two: gyro
Price: $15.99
Description: Beef and lamb gyro with feta in a pita
First look
After the falafel, my hopes were low. The gyro changed that in a hurry. I opened the pita and found it stuffed with meat and feta. It looked like a full meal from the start. This is the kind of sight that makes you smile before the first bite.
Budget friendliness: ★★★ (3/3)
Portion size makes the value. This gyro was loaded; go check out the pictures. The amount of beef and lamb felt comparable to the portions I have seen from stadium favorites, such as the beef kebab at Balkan Treat Box. That is high praise in my world. Sixteen dollars is never cheap, but inside a stadium, this is fair for what you get.
Shareability: ★★★ (3/3)
There is enough meat to split. If you are fine with eating extra gyro meat without the pita, you can share several bites and still keep a filling portion for yourself. If you prefer clean halves, a straight cut down the middle also works. Even at this point the meat was still falling out.
Flavor: ★★★ (3/3)
The meat tasted like a classic gyro. Tender, seasoned, and familiar. It hits the profile that gyro fans look for. If you do not like gyro meat in general, this will not change your mind. If you do, you will be happy. The pita leaned a bit dry, but the topping bar helped. A drizzle of sauce and a few crisp add-ons rounded it out.
Bottom line on the gyro
This is a strong stadium choice. It feels like a meal, eats like a meal, and satisfies like a meal. I would come back for it.
Atmosphere and vibe
The market area was calmer than the surrounding concourse. It never felt cramped. Besides the hot food window, there are plenty of grab-and-go snacks and drinks. If your group wants different things, this is a good stop. You can gather a variety and check out fast.
Tips and small wins
Do not skip the sauce and toppings station. It makes a difference on both items.
If you value speed, the market system helps. Scan, shop, and go.
If you need custom changes, choose another spot. This setup is not built for modifications.
Kids and families
There is no kids menu. Both the falafel and the gyro come with a low spice level, which is friendly for younger eaters. The gyro is the better value for a hungry kid or teen.
Best time to visit
This location rarely looks packed. Even when it is busy, the market format moves people through. If you are chasing a quick bite before halftime, this is a reliable stop.
Suggested improvements
A warmer look at the hot counter would help. Right now it looks like a old cafeteria.
Post-meal check
Falafel did not satisfy. Gyro did. I left full and ready to watch the closing minutes without thinking about a second food run.
Ratings recap
Falafel
Budget friendliness: 1/3
Shareability: 2/3
Flavor: 1/3
Verdict: Skip it unless you want a mild, simple option.
Gyro
Budget friendliness: 3/3
Shareability: 3/3
Flavor: 3/3
Verdict: Strong buy for fans who enjoy classic gyro meat.
Will I order again?
I would not return for the falafel. I would order the gyro again, especially on a night when I need something filling but still easy to carry back to my seat.
Final take
Anthonino’s gave me a split decision. The falafel fell flat on value and flavor. The gyro delivered on both. If you have to choose one, make it the gyro. Grab sauce, add a few toppings, and you will be set for the game.
If you want more picks like this, head to thethe other reviews and guides on the blog. I will be starting a running set of recommendations for solo visits, date nights, and family trips. You will also find my hot-weather and cold-weather game plans, plus gear I use on match days.
