Best Gyros in Chicago and Suburbs
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.
• Greek Islands (Chicago & Lombard)
A classic restaurant destination for over 50 years, Greek Islands serves homemade gyros and traditional Greek specialties. Known for their quality and consistency, the popular restaurant serves Pastichio, Dolmades, Roasted Lamb, Moussaka, Greek chicken, desserts and more. Full bar and banquets also available.
200 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 • (312) 782-9855
Visit Greek Islands website...
• Charcoal Flame (Morton Grove)
Mediterranean delights are prepared by house chefs Gregory and Gus at this cozy diner where customers love their famous homemade 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...
• Tasty Waffle (Romeoville & Plainfield)
Spacious and bright eatery renowned for tasty entrees including oven baked pancakes, french toast, crepes, paninis, salads, wraps, USDA certified black angus burgers, steak sandwiches and more. Guests can enjoy their flavorful gyros in various dishes including the gyros skillet, burrito, benedict, gyros & feta omelet and pita sandwich.
642 S Weber Road, Romeoville IL 60446 • (815) 439-8151 / 24020 W 119th Street, Plainfield IL 60585 (815) 782-4270
Visit the Tasty Waffle 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. Five convenient locations to serve you.
6262 N. Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 763-5862
Visit the Brandy's Gyros website...
• Niko's Red Mill Tavern (Woodstock • Pingree Grove • Elgin • Marengo • Belvidere)
Part of the Niko's regional chain, this popular restaurant and bar serves juicy burgers, homemade pizza, crisp salads, sandwiches, wraps, pulled pork, their famous gyros and more. Spacious outdoor patio is home to comfortable dining and live entertainment. Great drink specials and gaming available all week long.
1040 Lake Ave • Woodstock IL 60098 • (815) 338-6455
Visit Niko's website...
• Grecian Kitchen (Skokie)
Well established old-school eatery serves up American and Greek specialties including char-broiled burgers, Italian beef, Philly steak sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken wraps, Greek salads, Souvlaki, delicious Gyros and more. Enjoy homemade rice pudding, baklava cheesecake and specialty shakes. Catering available for any occasion.
3938 Dempster Street • Skokie IL 60076 • (847) 677-5507
Visit the Grecian Kitchen website...
• Billy Boy's (Chicago Ridge)
Popular eatery on the south side known for flavorful gyros, legendary bbq ribs, black-angus 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...
• King Gyro (Merrillville IN)
The best kept secret in northwest Indiana, King Gyro serves their famous gyros, barbecued ribs, Italian beef, chicken sandwiches, burgers and more. Try the spicy Feta fries, Greek salad, Chicken lemon rice soup and rib eye steak. Open seven days a week.
5500 Broadway, Merrillville IN 46410 • (219) 980-4949
Visit the King Gyro Page website...
• Pappys (Evergreen Park)
A fixture on the south side for over 20 years, Pappys is proud to serve quality bbq ribs, burgers, Italian beef, hot dogs, wraps, their famous gyros and more. The family-friendly restaurant is also known for serving the best cones, shakes and sundaes in the area. Catering and event planning available. Visit our sister restaurant, Tavern In The Green.
3301 W 95th Street, Evergreen Park IL 60805 • (708) 952-0400
Visit the Pappys website...
• Kostas Gyros (Algonquin)
Friendly neighborhood restaurant serves delicious roasted chicken, barbecued ribs, beef sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, wraps, souvlaki and more. Nice variety of gyros sandwiches includes regular gyros plate, tuscan gyros, southwest gyros and Italian gyros. Kosta's can also cater any special event. Video gaming available inside restaurant.
4053 Algonquin Road, Algonquin IL 60102 • (847) 515-7181
Visit the Kostas Gyros website...
• Charcoal Delights (Des Plaines & 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. Try their charbroiled steaks and Maxwell Street Polish.
1090 E. Oakton Street, Des Plaines IL 60018 • (847) 803-2777
3139 W. Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 • (773) 583-0056
Visit Charcoal Delights website...
• Sports Page Bar & Grill (Arlington Heights)
Since 1985, this friendly neighborhood sports bar has been proud to serve their famous spicy chicken wings, black angus burgers, taco salads, bbq ribs, skirt steak sandwich, gyros wraps and more. Full bar with a large selection of domestic and imported beers. Catering also available.
1330 E Rand Road, Arlington Heights IL 60004 • (847) 392-5332
Visit the Sports Page 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
• Bentley's Pancake House (Wood Dale)
Cozy pancake house and restaurant serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week where customers enjoy old-fashioned pancakes, cheese blintzes, benedict florentine, sandwiches, crisp salads, certified angus burgers, wraps, paninis, their famous Gyros "off the spit" sandwich and more. Homemade soup and daily specials available. Outdoor patio during seasonal months.
477 Georgetown Square, Wood Dale, IL 60191 • (630) 595-5556
Visit the Bentley's 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• Dino's Cafe (Bloomingdale)
Homey restaurant and pancake house serves everything from amazing skillets to specialty pancakes, classic crepes, salads, paninis, broiled pork chops, steaks, bbq ribs and more. Signature sandwiches include blackened chicken, cheezy beef melt and gyros sandwich (or platter). Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
171 E Lake Street • Bloomingdale IL 60108 • (630) 924-6200
Visit the Dino's 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...
• Basil's Greek Dining (Aurora)
Contemporary Greek dining with old school vision, Basil's is committed to providing authentic Mediterranean dining in a beautifully refined setting. Popular items include their homemade gyros, kabobs, lamb meatballs, moussaka, Mediterranean sea bass and more. Spacious dining room with adjacent bar. Private parties and catering also available.
4000 Fox Valley Center Drive • Aurora IL 60504 • (630) 692-1300
Visit Basil's website...
• Christy's Restaurant & Pancake House (Wood Dale)
This friendly, old-school diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and is known for their signature pancakes, omelets, skillets, sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. Try their amazing dinner specialties, pasta dishes, southern fried chicken and popular Greek selections including gyros platter, grecian chicken, chicken gyros platter and greek style skirt steak.
200 E Irving Park Road • Wood Dale IL 60191 • (630) 595-4845
Visit the Christy's 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.
800 E Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village IL 60007 • (847) 952-1881
Visit the Rose Garden Cafe website...
• Eggs Inc. Cafe (Naperville & Chicago)
Bright and cozy cafe serves a wide variety of breakfast entrees including pancakes, skillets, crepes, eggs benedict and more. For lunch, enjoy charbroiled burgers, philly steak, Mediterranean Greek salad, chicken wraps and freshly sliced gyros off the spit. Homemade soup served daily.
220 S. Washington Street, Naperville IL 60540 • (630) 717-5555
680 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 • (312) 429-4919
Visit the Eggs Inc. Cafe website...
• Burnt Toast (Algonquin & Elgin)
Contemporary breakfast and lunch spot serves their famous banana split pancakes, breakfast tacos, chocolate crepes, smoked sausage skillet, gyros with eggs and more. Try the gyros sandwich and great daily lunch specials including chicken pot pie. Catering and outdoor patio available at both locations. Private room available at Elgin only.
2520 Bunker Hill Dr. Algonquin IL 60102 • (847) 854-9552
Visit the Burnt Toast website...
• Omega Pancake House & Bakery (Downers Grove)
The famous restaurants are both known for serving quality food in newly remodeled dining rooms. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Omega's extensive menu offers classic breakfast entrees plus sandwiches, burgers, wraps, chicken, pasta, steaks, salads and their famous gyros. The popular in-house bakery also serves various cakes, pies and pastries.
1300 E Ogden Ave, Downers Grove IL 60515 • (630) 963-0300
Visit the Omega website...
• Around The Clock Restaurant & Bakery (Crystal Lake)
Long standing family restaurant serves their famous 3-egg omelets, belgium waffles, french toast, sandwiches, crisp salads, wraps, pastas and more. Enjoy the gyros plate, chicken souvlaki, broiled skirt steak and great daily specials. In-house bakery prepares award-winning cakes, pies and pastries.
5011 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake IL 60014 • (815) 459-2100
Visit the Around The Clock 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• Annie's Pancake House (Skokie)
Relaxed and cozy eatery, this pancake house serves hearty and generous portions of their famous omelets, french toast, crepes, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, chopped steak, wraps and delicious daily specials. The popular gyros omelet is a must try. Homemade soups prepared every day.
1706 E. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056 • (847) 813-9412
Visit the Annie's 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...
• 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...
• Athenian Room (Chicago)
Charming and cozy neighborhood restaurant serving delicious gyros, Greek feta burger, chicken kalamata, kabobs, spinach pie, pastichio and more. The dining room is reminiscent of a small taverna in Greece with brown brick features. Family owned since 1972.
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