Generally speaking chili seems popular with the older crowd, those whom aren’t afraid or embarrassed to eat a dinner consisting predominantly of beans. It’s rare to see a teenager on a date say, “I’ll take the chili”; but I guess it does happen on occasion. If you’ve never had a gyro then you’ve either been living under a rock, or, doing your taste buds a severe injustice. Our mysterious benefactor Mike apparently specializes in both, that’s what led us to sample his cuisine one brisk day last October.
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On my side of town, the “East Side”, we’ve been graced with the presence of a Mike’s Chili & Gyros for nearly a decade. It’s in a relatively small building that used to be a Gold Star Chili. It’s got a lot of charm, though; a nice or unique atmosphere goes a long way in making a restaurant memorable. The Mike’s Chili & Gyros we’re reviewing is on the “West Side”, just opening last year, moving into a reasonably new building that was once a Great Steak & Potato Co. The interior is much more modern than its sister store, and in terms of design, I can say from experience that it’s nearly the exact same as it was when Great Steak was in business there.
Here we are, Amanda and I, on a break in-between classes. I was sporting a much shaggier hairstyle then, one I hope to surpass in the future.
Amanda was particularly saucy that afternoon – she’s capable of extreme sauciness on occasion, predominantly when she’s had red wine, or, discussing art history.
I took the picture on the left randomly, as kind of a memento of the burgeoning fall. It makes the dining experience seem more poetic, which I can assure you, it wasn’t. I had Pepsi; but, since it’s been nearly six months, I can’t recall if I enjoyed it very much. I’m going to guess I did, because, were it horrible, that’d likely leave a lasting impression.
Here’s the food! I had the classic lamb gyro, with delicious feta cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber sauce. Amanda had a similar meal, except she substituted chicken for lamb. The gyros here are top-notch – I’ve eaten gyros at a least a half-dozen places, and these are easily some of the tastiest I’ve had. Gyros can be a bit pricey, but the quality of the ingredients and overall satisfaction usually warrant the cost. Their fries are really good, too; the photos don’t really show it, but they sprinkle a seasoning on them that’s really yummy, and something you just don’t get anywhere else.
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As you can tell, we were pleased with our choices and experience. I do like the food at Mike’s Chili & Gyros. I know a lot of people locally who have never given the restaurants a chance, and they’re definitely missing out. They also serve burgers, chilidogs, and more. While I’d hate to see the building on the “West Side” end up vacant again, I honestly don’t see myself going there too terribly often, as I’m just not over on that side of town much. The “East Side” location is nearby, and, I think inside, both atmosphere and ambiance, is much more satisfactory. I look forward to frequenting Mike’s in the future, giving a smaller business more patronage, and immensely enjoying gyros.
Overall Grade: B