Print this articleThe Pita House: Sami’s Gyros - A Review
by Jonathan Moore
On the corner of Wealthy Street and Ethel Avenue stands a small corner store called The Pita House: Sami’s Gyros. When we first walked in I was struck by the crazy character of the place. It looks like a gas station and sub shop ran the stop sign on Ethel Ave and hit an ethnic grocery and old time diner driving east on Wealthy. But don’t let that scare you off, or you’ll miss the unique and fascinating nature of the place.
As we walk in the door, to my right is a huge gumball machine. We walk through a small group of teal booths and tables, past a couple rows of Middle Eastern groceries, and take a look at the huge menu that displayed on the wall. Hmm… the place is named after the guy, so it only makes sense to try Sami’s Gyro. I walk up to the sneeze guard that protects all the toppings and place my order. Sami’s brother, Basel, runs this location. He takes a huge knife, walks over to the slow roaster and slices off some stripes of lamb and beef. My wife orders the chicken gyro and pays for the meal, about $7 a piece.
As we walk back to a booth I note the tan linoleum tiles on the floor, and the standard white drop ceiling. We take our seats in a booth by the window looking out on wealthy street and dig in. My gyro was amazing (and still is as I finish it later in this evening while I write the column…) and my wife enjoys hers as well.
While we eat we note the wall of glass doors encasing drinks like your average 7/11. But we also notice the huge jars and cans of olives, crushed sesame seeds, cuscus, and tahini. The place is uncrowded, and despite it’s mishmash of appearance, the odd combination gives it a real sense of authenticity.
I hit the bathroom on the way out and notice a wall full of rewards, not the least of which is “The Gold Townie Award” for the best Middle Eastern/Greek food in Grand Rapids for the last 8 years and running. So it’s not just my imagination, this gyro really is that good, mmm… as is the hummus. So, the next time you think about hitting up the nearest national sub chain, think local. Go to The Pita House and grab a gyro to go, or take up a seat in one of the old timer booths, but my wife would want me to warn you, bring a coat, the window seats are a little chilly.
1450 Wealthy Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Hours:
Sunday 11am-7pm
Monday - Wednesday 10:30am-9pm
Thursday - Saturday 10:30am-2am
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