Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, boasts another culinary gem: the gyro. This iconic Greek sandwich, filled with succulent meat, creamy tzatziki sauce, and crisp vegetables, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Chicagoans for decades. This article explores the top 20 gyro joints across the city, offering a delicious deep dive into the best places to satisfy your gyro cravings. We'll consider factors like meat quality, sauce, bread, and overall experience to create this definitive guide.
The Best of Chicago's Gyro Scene: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide
Chicago's gyro landscape is diverse, with hidden gems tucked away in various neighborhoods. This guide breaks down the top contenders by location, ensuring you can find the perfect gyro no matter where you are in the city.
Loop & Downtown
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The Original Gyros: A classic, this downtown institution has been serving up consistently delicious gyros for years. Their secret? Perfectly seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, resulting in juicy, flavorful gyro meat.
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Athenian Gyros: This Loop favorite offers a wide variety of gyro options, including lamb, chicken, and even veggie gyros. Their generous portions and friendly service are a big draw.
Lincoln Park & Lakeview
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Pita Paradise: Known for its authentic Greek flavors and fresh ingredients, Pita Paradise offers a vibrant gyro experience. Their tzatziki is a standout, made with fresh yogurt and herbs.
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Gyro Heaven: True to its name, Gyro Heaven lives up to the hype. They offer both traditional and innovative gyro combinations, catering to a wide range of tastes. Their unique gyro with spicy feta is a must-try.
Wicker Park & Bucktown
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The Rotisserie: This trendy spot combines classic gyro flavors with a modern twist. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, resulting in high-quality, flavorful gyros.
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Greek Islands: This neighborhood favorite boasts a casual atmosphere and consistently delicious gyros. Their lamb gyro is particularly noteworthy, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Andersonville
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Artopolis: This bakery/deli offers fantastic gyros alongside its bread and pastries. The combination of freshly baked pita and perfectly cooked meat is truly exceptional.
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The Gyro Shop: A no-frills gyro joint that gets the basics right. Their meat is juicy, their sauce is creamy, and the price is right.
Other Notable Spots Across Chicago:
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John's Gyros (West Loop): A popular spot known for its massive portions.
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Pete's Gyros (Rogers Park): A local favorite known for its consistent quality.
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Gyro Express (Lincoln Square): Fast, affordable, and surprisingly delicious.
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Gyro City (Uptown): A late-night haven for gyro lovers.
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Taste of Greece (Wicker Park): Offers more than just gyros, but their gyros are still exceptional.
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Greek Town (Greektown): An expected location for a great gyro, and they deliver!
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Mr. Gyro (Edgewater): Another late-night spot offering a quick and satisfying gyro experience.
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Kalamata (Lincoln Park): A more upscale Greek restaurant with excellent gyros.
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Avra Estiatorio (River North): While pricier, Avra's gyros are a luxurious experience.
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Milos (Streeterville): This high-end Greek restaurant offers expertly prepared gyros as part of their extensive menu.
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Santorini's (Lincoln Park): A Greek gem offering delicious, traditional gyros.
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D'Amici (Various Locations): Though primarily known for pizza, their gyros often receive positive feedback.
Beyond the Meat: What Makes a Great Chicago Gyro?
While the meat is undeniably the star, several other factors contribute to a truly exceptional gyro. Here's what to look for:
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The Meat: High-quality, well-seasoned meat is crucial. Look for a gyro that uses lean cuts of lamb, beef, or chicken that are perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful.
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The Tzatziki: This creamy yogurt sauce is the gyro's soul. It should be tangy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.
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The Pita: Fresh, warm pita bread is a must. It should be soft, fluffy, and large enough to contain all the fillings.
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The Toppings: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions add texture and flavor.
Choosing Your Chicago Gyro Adventure
This list is a starting point for your Chicago gyro journey. Each location offers a unique experience, so don't be afraid to explore! Consider your neighborhood, your preferred meat type, and your budget when making your selection. No matter where you choose, be prepared for a delicious and satisfying experience. Happy Gyro Hunting!
