Chicago Fun With a Greek Touch

Over the last few decades, Gyros has certainly gained a reputation as one of the more popular Greek food items on menus across Chicagoland.

Gyros are essentially sandwiches made with thinly-sliced beef, lamb or chicken which is then placed in a pita or flatbread. Most gyros are topped with onions and tomatoes and enjoyed with Tzatziki sauce, a white creamy topping made from strained yogurt, cucumbers, salt, pepper, garlic and dill.

With this flavorful mixture served relatively cheap, it’s no wonder that Gyros has been a popular choice for hungry Chicagoans for over 50 years.

As the meaty dish is thought to have originated in Greece, the very first Gyros in America was actually served in the Chicagoland area. According to Elk Grove Village based Devanco Foods, the first gyros was reportedly served in 1965 at The Parkview Restaurant in Chicago by owner George Apostolou, also known as “Papa George,” the father of today’s gyros.

Also prominent in the early days of gyros was Chris Tomaras who opened Kronos Gyros in 1975 and is responsible for developing and marketing “Gyrokones,” large uncooked masses of gyro meat. Tomaras also invented the Kronomatic vertical meat broiler which helped standardize mass gyro production thus allowing gyros to spread to restaurants across the country.

Today Kronos is the world’s largest manufacturer of Gyros providing enough of the savory meat for 600,000 sandwiches per day. Other notable suppliers include Grecian Delight, Devanco Foods and Olympia.

The secret behind Kronos success? Tomaras told reporters in 2009 that it’s all in the ingredients...”we use the best beef and lamb and then run the meat through a four-ton grinder where bread crumbs, oregano and special seasonings are added.”

Incidentally, Gyros comes from the Greek word “Geero” which means “turn.” And nothing seems to be turning consumer’s heads - and taste buds - like those wonderful cones of
meat spinning every day in restaurants across America.

We now turn your attention to our favorite gyros spots across Chicagoland.

• Billy Boy's (Chicago Ridge)

Popular eatery on the south side known for flavorful gyros, outstanding bbq ribs, burgers, Greek Chicken, hot dogs and unique sandwiches. Hard working crew keeps this place clean and running smooth. Proudly serving Chicago's south suburbs since 1976.
6400 95th Street, Chicago Ridge IL • (708) 599-8406
Visit Billy Boy's website...

• Charkies (Carol Stream)

A genuine passion for food excellence drives this friendly eatery where guests can feast on great gyros, burgers, chicken sandwiches, Italian beef, pasta dinners, kabobs and more. Try the spinach pie and baklava. Free soup with any dine-in purchase every day. Video gaming available.
570 Schmale Road • Carol Stream IL 60188 • (630) 510-1212
Visit the Charkies website...

• Brandy's Gyros (Chicago - Des Plaines - Hanover Park - Schaumburg)

Known for their famous gyros, bbq ribs and Athenian chicken, Brandy's uses only fresh ingredients to bring you a wide array of delicious Greek specialties and American favorites. Char-broiled burgers, chicken sandwiches, vienna beef hot dogs, italian beef and tasty mexican choices are just part of an extensive menu that has something for everybody. Four convenient locations to serve you.
6262 N. Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 763-5862
Visit the Brandy's Gyros website...

• Charcoal Flame (Morton Grove)

Mediterranean delights are prepared by house chefs Gregory and Gus at this cozy diner where customers love their famous gyros, kabobs, gourmet burgers, salads, hot dogs and Italian beef. Try the skirt steak sandwich, barbecued ribs, pastichio, avgolemeno (egg-lemon) soup and the boneless Greek pork chops. Full Catering menu also available.
6800 W Dempster Street, Morton Grove IL 60053 • (847) 966-1200
Visit the Charcoal Flame website...

• Franksville Restaurant (Chicago)

Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, Franksville is proud to serve their famous gyros, Chicago-style Vienna hot dogs, burgers, tacos, chicken, barbecued ribs, homestyle milkshakes and more. Still one of Chicago's favorite food spots, the iconic restaurant also serves cheese fries and their famous foot long hot dog served with generous amounts of green relish, onions, mustard and tomato slices.
3550 N Harlem Ave • Chicago IL 60634 • (773) 237-5848
Visit the Franksville website...

• Rose Garden Cafe (Elk Grove Village)

Serving delicious and hearty portions in a relaxed setting, Rose Garden Cafe is proud to serve classic breakfast items plus great burgers, salads, pasta, gyros, broasted chicken, steaks, bbq ribs and more. Daily specials include their famous stuffed peppers (Thursdays) and cream of chicken soup (served daily). Banquets for up to 140 people.
111 E Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007 • (847) 952-1881
Visit the Rose Garden Cafe website...

• Mykonos Greek Restaurant (Niles)

Serving Chicago's northwest suburbs since 1981, the mainstay eatery is proud to serve authentic Greek dishes including char-grilled octopus, fresh sea bass, roast leg of lamb, pastichio, greek-style meatballs and famous homemade gyros. Enjoy cocktails, extensive wine list, daily specials and lush outdoor dining in Mykonos cozy patio area.
8660 W Golf Road • Niles IL 60714 • (847) 296-6777
Visit the Mykonos website...

• Goodi's Restaurant (Niles)

Now under new ownership, Goodi's maintains its reputation for great food and service offering great burgers, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, beef sandwiches and famous gyros. The extensive menu also includes salads, pastas, pulled pork, Athenian skirt steak, kabobs, wraps, paninis and more. Check the board for great daily specials. Private parties for up to 40 people. Catering available.
9645 N Milwaukee Ave • Niles IL • 60714 • (847) 583-9500
Visit Goodi's website...

• Paps Ultimate Bar & Grill (Mount Prospect)

This friendly bar and grill has been serving the Mount Prospect area for over 21 years with their famous gyros, pizza, black angus burgers, wings and other favorites. Great drink specials, plenty of tv screens for sports fans and fun activities in the spacious bar area.
1904 S. Elmhurst Road • Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 • (847) 806-7733
Visit Paps Bar & Grill website...

• Nick's Drive In (Chicago)

It's all about the homemade gyros at this casual old-fashioned diner celebrating 50 years on the northwest side. Also known for their burgers, hot dogs, Greek chicken, Italian Beef and more. Check the daily specials board and try their famous rice pudding and spicy Greek potatoes.
7216 Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 631-5045

• Squabs Gyros (Melrose Park)

Bustling restaurant popular for its fresh homestyle cooking and generous portions. Grecian specialties include kabobs, Athenian style chicken, souvlaki, Greek salad and Squab's famous gyros. Other signature items include barbecued ribs, italian beef, broasted chicken, char-broiled burgers and more, including homemade soup prepared every day. Catering also available for your upcoming special event.
2348 Mannheim Road • Melrose Park IL 60164 • (847) 455-5205
Visit the Squabs Gyros website...

• QP Greek Food With a Kick (Hoffman Estates)

Greek-style pitas, meatballs, wings, pork chops, ribs, chicken and flaming Saganaki are just the beginning at this cozy and stylish Mediterranean eatery. Enjoy unique flavors with a kick in the clean and contemporary setting. Daily specials available along with QP's famous Gyros and Avgolemeno Soup. Try the popular Greek Feta Pizza and Caesar Salad. Full bar and catering.
830 N Roselle Road • Hoffman Estates IL 60169 • (224) 353-6999
Visit the QP website...

• Papa Chris' Place (Chicago)

A true neighborhood favorite, this popular spot on Chicago's northwest side serves their signature gyros, burgers, hot dogs, Polish sausage, Greek salad, barbecued ribs, kabobs and more. Try their homemade rice pudding and baklava. Celebrating over 30 years of great food, friendly service and catering.
6235 W Touhy Ave, Chicago IL 60646 • (773) 631-4322
Visit Papa Chris' website...

• Dengeos (Skokie)

Friendly and spacious eatery serving up their signature Gyros plus BBQ Ribs, Greek Chicken, Skirt Steak, Salads, Burgers and more. Staff is friendly and attentive while portions are very generous.
3301 Main St, Skokie, IL 60076 • (847) 677-7911 (Two locations including Skokie and Buffalo Grove).
Visit Dengeos website...

• Johnny's Beef & Gyros (Chicago)

Serving the Lincoln Park area since 2005, Johnny's serves world class Chicago street food including their popular gyros, black angus chuck burgers, Italian beef, specialty salads and more. Other popular items include charbroiled chicken sandwiches, Maxwell street polish, homemade tzatziki spread and other Greek specialties. Two locations to serve you (Chicago and Joliet)
2300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 • (773) 697-8885
Visit the Johnny's Beef & Gyros website...

• Apolis Greek Street Food (Lisle)

Traditional and authentic gyros is made from top-sourced pork, lamb and chicken at this Greek hot spot in Lisle. Using hometown recipes, the family owned restaurant prides itself on serving quality gyros, kabobs, greek-style fries, spinach pie, dolmades, flaming Saganaki, pork chops and more. Delivery available.
1109 Maple Ave • Lisle, IL 60532 • (331) 775-2135
Visit the Apolis website...

• Zeus Restaurant (Chicago)

Unassuming and casual hangout known for their huge portions and clean environment. Enjoy their famous Gyros Sandwich/Plate, Gyros Cheeseburger, Italian Beef, Kabobs. Greek Chicken and more.
806 Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607 • (312) 258-8789
Visit Zeus Gyros website...

• Charcoal Delights (Chicago)

This bright and welcoming eatery uses an old-fashioned cooking process, "charcoal barbecued broiled," to serve delicious burgers, Vienna hot dogs, country broasted chicken, beef sandwiches, bbq ribs and their famous gyros. Friendly staff with top notch service.
3139 W. Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 • (773) 583-0056
Visit Charcoal Delights website...

• Mr. Greek Gyros (Chicago)

Long time Chicago favorite serving their famous Gyros Pita, Gyros Dinner Plate, Gyros Philly plus homemade beef, burgers, kabobs, hot dogs and more. Open 'til 4am for your late night cravings. You'll love their thick-cut fries.
234 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607 • (312) 906-8731
Visit Mr. Greek Gyros website...

• Greek Islands (Chicago)

A classic restaurant destination for 48 years, they serve homemade gyros and traditional Greek specialties. Known for their quality and consistency, the popular restaurant serves Pastichio, Dolmades, Roasted Lamb, Moussaka, desserts and more.
200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 • (312) 782-9855
Visit Greek Islands website...

• Athenian Room (Chicago)

Charming and cozy neighborhood restaurant serving delicious gyros, Greek feta burger, chicken kalamata, kabobs, spinach pie and more. The dining room is reminiscent of a small taverna in Greece.
807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 • (773) 348-5155

• Twins Gyros (Harwood Heights)

Known for their famous gyros and juicy chicken, this family owned restaurant makes their own tzatziki sauce and serves a very extensive menu. Popular items include their homemade soups, Italian beef, hot dogs, burgers and wings. The Greek fries are highly recommended!
4870 N Harlem Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60656 • (708) 867-1313
Visit Twins Gyros website...

• Gyros Express (Villa Park)

Flavorful and tender gyros is the main attraction at Gyros Express where an extensive menu also features burgers, souvlaki, Greek chicken, rib-eye steak, flaming Saganaki, Avgolemeno (Egg Lemon Soup), Spinach Pie and tempting desserts. Soft drinks, beer and wine available.
750 N Addison Road • Villa Park IL 60181 • (630) 530-4433
Visit the Gyros Express website...

• Gyro Grill (Tinley Park)

Serving Chicago's southside, this exciting new eatery serves fresh Greek street food including gyros, kabobs, pitas, wings, spinach pie and more. Try the Saganaki bites and their unique egg rolls stuffed with gyro meat, feta and grilled onions. Fresh, fast and delicious food using time-tested Greek family recipes seven days a week.
15960 S. Harlem Ave. Tinley Park IL 60477 • (708) 620-8440
Visit the Gyro Grill website...

• Craving Gyros (Lake Zurich)

This cozy little spot in downtown Lake Zurich will surprise you with their famous gyros, vienna hot dogs, italian beef, charcoal broiled angus burgers and more. Very friendly staff is known for their personalized service. Gyros is fresh and hot served with homemade tzatziki sauce! Dining area is clean and comfortable which also includes outdoor patio.
2 E. Main Street, Lake Zurich IL 60047 • (224) 677-5115