Since I work within walking distance, one of my new favorite corners in the Chicago is Jackson and Halsted. Meli Cafe is the area's best breakfast place, for those who appreciate breakfast; there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner, the wonderful Artopolis and my new favorite Gyros place, Zeus. I've passed by it for few years, and always wondered why it was so crowded; now I know. The meat seems so much more flavorful at Zeus than many of the other nearby joints, and the Tahini sauce provides a fine, tart balance. Additionally the Fries are perfectly prepared and the Grilled Chicken is terrific, too.

Zeus
806 W. Jackson
Chicago, Ill 60605

Two places for gyros.....Western Suburbs......


Smokehouse Restaurant
(630) 668-0645
1825 N Main St, Wheaton, IL 60187

radiator wrote: there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner,

Did it open up?

Habibi wrote:

One more joint - you are not THAT far from Prospect heights, where you can experience one of the bestest wrongest items I've had in recent history: The Gyroburger.

As far as whacky gyros combinations go, the Pakistanis are definitely in the running for a gold medal. Ghareeb Nawaz proudly displays a picture of gyros pratha and I believe Italian Express, a little east of Western on Devon does Gyros pizza. Haven't tried either. Anyone care to comment?

Gyros on pizza is fantastic. My brother routinely orders the gyros pizza from Italian Express (right off Devon at Western, as you've said). It's always the first item to disappear when he has guys over for a Bears game.

. . the second item to disappear is the Bears' offense, but that's for another time.. . .

So just to confirm, the only places we have mentioned that make their own Gyros from scratch are:

1) Parthenon in Greektown
2) Nick's Drive In @ Harlem and Touhy

Ghazi wrote:So just to confirm, the only places we have mentioned that make their own Gyros from scratch are:

1) Parthenon in Greektown
2) Nick's Drive In @ Harlem and Touhy

Doesn't Greek Islands (Greektown, Lombard) make their own? I'm not sure but I seem to remember hearing that at one point in time.

=R=

seebee wrote:

jrapacz wrote:Thanks for The Dog Walk recommendation. About 5 minutes ago I rapidly consumed a gyro burger, a pizza puff, and a large cheese fry. Good balance of flavor on that gyro burger. I'll definitely go again.

Lol - the joke around the office with the gyroburger is: "If you're gonna go, go BIG!" Usually everyone who orders a gyroburger, gets a pizza puff on the side. I have yet to find anyone who has not gone BACK for a gyroburger after their first one. They also have a sammich they dubbed the beef-o. Cheeseburger topped w/ Italian beef topped with bq sauce, and hot giardiniera. Never had one, but three office mates have. It pales in comparison to the gyroburger from what they say.

Well I wouldn't get it again. It was smaller than I thought it would be, with a rather smallish portion of overdone gyros meat, and a dry bun that fell apart. I'd rather get their regular gyros sandwich. The fries were very good and crispy, but again, not enough of them, as I had eaten them all by the time I got to the nearby forest preserve.

The truly forgettable Backyard Grill claims to make their own. I find that claim suspect, but they make it all the same.

Backyard Grill
6355 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 478-8802

Psistaria, a full service Greek restaurant on Touhy, has house made gyros.

Enjoy,
Gary

Psistaria
4711 W Touhy
Lincolnwood Il, 60712
847-606-9400

ronnie_suburban wrote:

Ghazi wrote:So just to confirm, the only places we have mentioned that make their own Gyros from scratch are:

1) Parthenon in Greektown
2) Nick's Drive In @ Harlem and Touhy

Doesn't Greek Islands (Greektown, Lombard) make their own? I'm not sure but I seem to remember hearing that at one point in time.

Yes, according to their menu.

Greek Islands
(312) 782-9855, 200 S. Halsted St., Chicago
(630) 932-4545, 300 E. 22nd St., Lombard
http://www.greekislands.net

These places also say they make their own:

545 North
(847) 247-8700
545 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
(Might be lunch only)

Mykonos
(847) 296-6777
8660 W. Golf Road, Niles

Valley Lodge
(847) 724-7440
2132 Waukegan Road, Glenview

stevez wrote:The truly forgettable Backyard Grill claims to make their own. I find that claim suspect, but they make it all the same.

Backyard Grill used to be Nick's II. So it is possible they make their own gyros, since Nick's makes their own. I don't know if it is still owned by the same family.

My favorite Gyros is from Cross-Rhodes in Evanston. I don't think they make their own, but they definitely use the premium grade meat without fillers.

Cross-Rhodes
913 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL
(847) 475-4475

radiator wrote:
there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner,



Did it open up?

Gus:
Yessir. The Customary Dining Companion and I were discussing it Saturday at the Evanston Farmers Market, and I found him the latest incarnation of the menu at home. He ordered Sunday night, and was quite pleased. He's a Cheez Whiz guy.

radiator wrote:Since I work within walking distance, one of my new favorite corners in the Chicago is Jackson and Halsted. Meli Cafe is the area's best breakfast place, for those who appreciate breakfast; there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner, the wonderful Artopolis and my new favorite Gyros place, Zeus. I've passed by it for few years, and always wondered why it was so crowded; now I know. The meat seems so much more flavorful at Zeus than many of the other nearby joints, and the Tahini sauce provides a fine, tart balance. Additionally the Fries are perfectly prepared and the Grilled Chicken is terrific, too.

Zeus
806 W. Jackson
Chicago, Ill 60605

You had me really interested right up until the point where they put Tahini on a gyro. Ick. Don't get me wrong, tahini has it's place, but it's not on a gyro IMO (just like ketchup is good on fries, bad on hot dogs).

Kman wrote:You had me really interested right up until the point where they put Tahini on a gyro. Ick. Don't get me wrong, tahini has it's place, but it's not on a gyro IMO (just like ketchup is good on fries, bad on hot dogs).

I suspect radiator actually meant tzatziki not tahini.

Based on this post, I visited Nick's Drive In for the "deluxe Gyros plate" and, simply put, it was the best gyros I ever had. The meat was supremely tasty and crisp around the edges (I had them make it well done). The pita was very good as well. It was very warm and slightly crisp around the edges. Everything about the dish was just perfect. It should be mentioned that they give you so much meat that I need to purchase an additional pita to finish (most) of it. I highly recommend visiting Nick's.

Nick's Drive In
7216 N. Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-631-5045

Glad you liked it! I used to live above the owner & his family, and we've been going for over 20 years. I always had the problem of not being able to finish, but it made for a nice lunch the next day. Sure could go for one now!

I don't see how anyone can find a gyro better than those found at the Parthenon, in greektown. For 10.25 you get imho, the best gyro meat there is, perfectly crisp on the edges and juicy on the inside, and it's their own house made recipe. Another plus is that they are open daily until midnight. I went in on monday at 11pm for a late dinner, and was the only one in there, I was worried as I saw the huge hunk of gyro meat sitting around and the machine was off, I wondered if this was a bad time to order one. But they fired it up and sliced it up, and when I got home it was just as good as before, well seasoned and crispy on the outside, cut very thin and with their unique meaty flavor that is hard to find at other establishments. Not to mention they give you 2 pita breads and 2 sauces, and a good portion of flavorful onions, whereas at Greek Islands they charge for additional sauce as well as pita breads. At 10.25, I don't think there is a better gyro plate out there in the entire chicagoland area. Yes there are cheaper options well under ten dollars but I have yet to find a place that will make me switch from the Parthenon. If anyone knows a place better than the Parthenon, please let me know, because I have yet to find one.




The Parthenon
314 South Halstead Street
Chicago, IL 60661
(312-726-2407)
www.theparthenon.com

Cafe Orchid (of which I am a devoted customer) on Addison & Lincoln makes their own Gyros. They are Turkish, so of course, it's called Doner. Either way, it is exactly similar to the Greek variety (ground lamb/beef) and is an exemplary version. Charred on the edges, fatty and lamby. Took some of my cousins there the other day (lifelong Gyros and Shawerma devotees) and they all hailed it as some of the best they have had. Oh and the place is BYOB, and everything else they make (that I have tried) is fantastic.

Cafe Orchid
1746 W. Addison (just east of Lincoln)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3808

Kman wrote:

radiator wrote:Since I work within walking distance, one of my new favorite corners in the Chicago is Jackson and Halsted. Meli Cafe is the area's best breakfast place, for those who appreciate breakfast; there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner, the wonderful Artopolis and my new favorite Gyros place, Zeus. I've passed by it for few years, and always wondered why it was so crowded; now I know. The meat seems so much more flavorful at Zeus than many of the other nearby joints, and the Tahini sauce provides a fine, tart balance. Additionally the Fries are perfectly prepared and the Grilled Chicken is terrific, too.

Zeus
806 W. Jackson
Chicago, Ill 60605

You had me really interested right up until the point where they put Tahini on a gyro. Ick. Don't get me wrong, tahini has it's place, but it's not on a gyro IMO (just like ketchup is good on fries, bad on hot dogs).

An aside...
Donald's hot dogs (various locations)
The one on Central just S of the stevenson has a sign "proudly" displayed:
"Our Gyros Sauce is made from 100% real Sour Cream!"

I do realize that for some reason (probably stability) sour cream is being used, but I thought tzatziki was made with yogurt?

seebee wrote:

Kman wrote:

radiator wrote:Since I work within walking distance, one of my new favorite corners in the Chicago is Jackson and Halsted. Meli Cafe is the area's best breakfast place, for those who appreciate breakfast; there's a new Philly's Best just around the corner, the wonderful Artopolis and my new favorite Gyros place, Zeus. I've passed by it for few years, and always wondered why it was so crowded; now I know. The meat seems so much more flavorful at Zeus than many of the other nearby joints, and the Tahini sauce provides a fine, tart balance. Additionally the Fries are perfectly prepared and the Grilled Chicken is terrific, too.

Zeus
806 W. Jackson
Chicago, Ill 60605

You had me really interested right up until the point where they put Tahini on a gyro. Ick. Don't get me wrong, tahini has it's place, but it's not on a gyro IMO (just like ketchup is good on fries, bad on hot dogs).

An aside...
Donald's hot dogs (various locations)
The one on Central just S of the stevenson has a sign "proudly" displayed:
"Our Gyros Sauce is made from 100% real Sour Cream!"

I do realize that for some reason (probably stability) sour cream is being used, but I thought tzatziki was made with yogurt?

you are correct, typically plain yogurt allowed to pass through cheesecloth. I have never used sour cream, & it does not sound very good.

the sour cream tzazikis taste better to me; the yogurt based one might be good for some, but i prefer a more greasy spoon type of gyros sandwich, and i think the sour cream based tzazikis are superior in that respect. i believe nick's drive in uses a yogurt base

Habibi wrote:Cafe Orchid (of which I am a devoted customer) on Addison & Lincoln makes their own Gyros. They are Turkish, so of course, it's called Doner. Either way, it is exactly similar to the Greek variety (ground lamb/beef) and is an exemplary version. Charred on the edges, fatty and lamby. Took some of my cousins there the other day (lifelong Gyros and Shawerma devotees) and they all hailed it as some of the best they have had. Oh and the place is BYOB, and everything else they make (that I have tried) is fantastic.

Cafe Orchid
1746 W. Addison (just east of Lincoln)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3808

"exactly similar" I need to think about this

Man, I miss living just down the block from Squabs.

How about the best possible gyro location in the Arlington Heights / Mount Prospect area?

I'm saddened to see no one has mentioned BBQ Patio in Palatine. The best gyros I have found in the NW burbs. If a lunchtime parking lot full of cop cars, work trucks and UPS guys is a ringing endorsement, they have one.

BBQ Patio
828 S Hicks Rd
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 991-6858

Marshall K wrote:

Habibi wrote:Cafe Orchid (of which I am a devoted customer) on Addison & Lincoln makes their own Gyros. They are Turkish, so of course, it's called Doner. Either way, it is exactly similar to the Greek variety (ground lamb/beef) and is an exemplary version. Charred on the edges, fatty and lamby. Took some of my cousins there the other day (lifelong Gyros and Shawerma devotees) and they all hailed it as some of the best they have had. Oh and the place is BYOB, and everything else they make (that I have tried) is fantastic.

Cafe Orchid
1746 W. Addison (just east of Lincoln)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3808

"exactly similar" I need to think about this

Hah...I actually thought about that right after I posted. Let's write it off to typical law student speak......

Oh and BTW, Cafe Orchid serves a yogurt based sauce with its Gyros, which unlike others I have had (yogurt or otherwise) is a tad milder with the garlic - something that I like.

Seriously people. Check out the gyros at Orchid and report back!

Headed over to Nick's yesterday for a late breakfast ( i had just gotten off a plane and was starving!).

Being that it was homemade, it was certainly coarser and grainier than the typical gyros. The texture took a minute to get used to but i really enjoyed the near-chunkiness and substance of the meat. As far as flavor, it was bold and spicy. It reminded me of the garlic afterburn of a homemade sausage. It was certainly more potent than the pre-made gyros variety and carried a complexity that took me a few bites to get used to.
Once used to it, it was fantastic and i will certainly be stopping by again.

For those interested in sauce, the tzatsiki was a little runny, but the flavor was well balanced, which is the most important aspect to me. It also made a great dipping sauce for the fries.

Nick's Drive In
7216 N. Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-631-5045

Had a take away gyro from East of Edens last week, cardboard texture tomatoes, scant bits of see-through onions, neutral taziki sauce, loads and loads of decent grade well managed gyro meat, nicely grilled pita.

An ok sandwich, nothing special, I post about East of Edens gyro simply as data point, not recommendation.

Enjoy,
Gary

East of Edens
6350 N. Cicero Ave.
Chicago, IL 60646
773-545-8888

G Wiv wrote:Had a take away gyro from East of Edens last week, cardboard texture tomatoes, scant bits of see-through onions, neutral taziki sauce, loads and loads of decent grade well managed gyro meat, nicely grilled pita.

An ok sandwich, nothing special, I post about East of Edens gyro simply as data point, not recommendation.

Enjoy,
Gary

East of Edens
6350 N. Cicero Ave.
Chicago, IL 60646
773-545-8888

I find East of Edens and the sister restaurant West of Edense (Skokie) make a tzatziki sauce that is so sour that it kills that flavor of the gyros meat. Not recommended.

Having said that their leg and thigh chicken deal is the most bang for your buck in the neighborhood, and highly recommended.

We had gyros from Fodrak's on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville last night. The fries were a soggy waste, but several of us were impressed with the tender, moist succulence of the meat. So often the meat you get on gyros is dry or even tough to the point of tugging-on-it-like-shoe-leather.

Habibi wrote:Cafe Orchid (of which I am a devoted customer) on Addison & Lincoln makes their own Gyros. They are Turkish, so of course, it's called Doner. Either way, it is exactly similar to the Greek variety (ground lamb/beef) and is an exemplary version. Charred on the edges, fatty and lamby. Took some of my cousins there the other day (lifelong Gyros and Shawerma devotees) and they all hailed it as some of the best they have had. Oh and the place is BYOB, and everything else they make (that I have tried) is fantastic.

Cafe Orchid
1746 W. Addison (just east of Lincoln)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3808

Habibi,

I always drove by this place for years it seems and always said I would stop in and never did. Then when I read your post I kept it in mind and drove by today and wouldnt let myself pass by again.

I had been by a few weeks ago but it was around closing so I didnt see anything on the spit and deiced to go with falafal which was good. Thanks for the tip you weren't lying, thats for sure. I opted for the Turkish wrap over the pita which was slightly grilled and my sandwich was filled with beef described exactly as above. A great lunch for $6.50 combined with the fries and almost too much food for a huge eater. I see this going into my steady rotation. Thanks again.



Not sure if its just a lunch thing or if they only have the spit out on wkds but they had the homemade mixture going and it was sliced thin and browned very well. The sauce was also top notch and the toppings were fresh.