The Loaded Gyro

I'm going to have to agree with Stephen P. on this, but want to add some much needed detail.

The first thing I noticed as I walked in on a cold January evening is that the inside temperature is barely higher than the 20 degrees outside.  In fact, the two people working were huddled around a small electric heater because the small gas wall heater hasn't worked since two restaurants ago.  In fact, the entire interior design looks like they just dusted off what the last owner had, maybe mopped the floor, and opened the doors.

The menu is pretty much a copy of the basics from Sam's Chili over on Glenway.  Gyros, fish, chicken, burgers, etc...  In fact, they seem to use the same supplier.  Same ketchup packs, same napkins, same Styrofoam containers.  Though the menu isn't quite as extensive as Sam's, probably because they don't have the equipment.  

One thing I do have to give them credit for is their pricing.  All the major items like gyros, burgers, and such include an order of fries and a can of soda.  So the $7 gyro you might buy elsewhere is suddenly a complete meal at the same price.  And they accept credit cards, but don't expect a printed receipt.  They use one of those "Square" service gizmos that plugs into the headphone jack of an iPhone and processes your charge through the phone.  Rather an odd proposition the first time you see it, but its the way of the future.  And that receipt?  You can have it emailed to you if you like.

As to the food, very underwhelming.  I had the loaded gyro.  Standard seasoned gyro meat a bit on the dried out side, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and banana peppers all in good proportions.  (Hold the jalapeños, thanks!)  And whatever they're passing off as tzatziki sauce was pathetic and in short supply.  The fries were a bit overdone, but acceptable.  Again, the same crinkle cuts Sam's Chili uses.  And a can of Mountain Dew... can't really mess that up.

Since the place is a freezer, I take my meal home.  Three bites into it and my tummy starts gurgling in that "you're going to have bad gas later" sort of way.  That concerned me a bit, but it seemed to pass.  That is, until about half an hour after I ate.  And lets just say that gurgle was a warning of worse to come.  I'm pretty sure something was a bit "off".  My bet's on that tzatziki sauce being a bit dodgy since I couldn't observe their kitchen hygiene standards.

I hope these folks can get things straightened out and improve their business.  But after the dismal experience and sour stomach tonight's adventure gave me I won't be holding my breath.  I'll be going to Sam's Chili instead.

Service was slow (15 minutes).  Food was meh and menu was really poor for a Greek restaurant.  2 courtesy stars for being family owned and operated in my area.