As the Bronx deals with a slow economy and constantly changing demographics, few family owned businesses withstand the test of time.

The Perista Coffee Shop and Restaurant on Kingsbridge Road is a notable exception.

Aris Patilis opened the venerable coffee shop in 1978. His son, Tom Patilis, 36, now operates and manages Perista, but Aris, 62, still works regularly behind the counter. Over the years, the demographics have changed, but Perista cultivated a loyal customer base from day one. 

“We have at least five or six people that have been coming in for breakfast, almost every morning, since ’78,” the younger Patilis said on a recent Tuesday afternoon, as he pointed at the line of people sitting at the counter.

Meanwhile, nearly every storefront on the same block has changed ownership several times.
Perista gives off a real Bronx neighborhood vibe.

There is nothing fancy about the décor. It’s well lit and not gaudy or cheap looking. The walls are covered with pictures of the Bronx and Greece, where the Patilises are originally from. 

The place, which sits just up the road from the Kingsbridge Armory and across from the Bronx VA hospital, is a true melting pot of cultures. Sitting at the counter of one of their booths on any given day you might overhear conversations in Spanish, Greek, Japanese or Russian.

Perista’s menu is simple and relatively cheap. It’s hard to find any items that cost more than $10. The breakfast menu is traditional diner fare — eggs, pancakes, etc. For lunch and dinner there is a seemingly endless list of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other diner staples from around the world.

As March is Greek History Month, it may be worth a trip to Perista, to try out one of their  Greek dishes. In addition to gyros and souvlaki, they also offer many other Greek dishes such as moussaka (meat and eggplant casserole) and pastitsio (baked pasta with meat).

Breakfast and lunch are their busiest hours, Patilis says. The staff is extremely quick and efficient, rarely having to write down orders while shuffling around the customers, tables and chairs with ease.

Diners are usually known for their convenience and low prices, but Perista also offers quality. Based on customer votes, the Bronx Times honored Perista with the distinction of pouring the best cup of coffee in the Bronx.

“We are very proud to serve the community with quality food and service, and we don’t plan on changing,” Patilis said with a look of extreme satisfaction on his face. The Patilises have plans on opening up new diners in the Bronx, but say they will put in the same effort as they always have at the original location on Kingsbridge Road.

Ed. Note: Perista Coffee Shop and Restaurant is located at 101 W. Kingsbridge Rd. (between University and Webb avenues). It is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day. Delivery and catering are also available. For more information, call (718) 548-4178 or visit peristanyc.com.