Project: LOOP

In the heart of Greek town rests a 24-hour diner that stands above the rest, offering unbeatable gyros and Greek fries. Near the University of Illinois at Chicago, Greek Town Gyro’s, is usually packed…but that’s only a result of the hypnotizing smells and devouring food the place offers.

Since my friend from UIC lives in Greek town, I have a tendency to visit the quaint diner on Jackson. Offering traditional Greek food such as the Yeeros Market Plate for only 6.25, and Baklava for 1.25, the diner also serves up some traditional goodies. On my trip to see her once or twice a week, I usually step in to grab a grilled cheese sandwich for 1.75 that comes with pickles and sometimes I pick up their fried zucchini sticks, served with ranch dressing. The staff, which usually has four or five guys working, are physically exhausted from the endless lines and the stammering heat, but always serves up the same great tasting food. The diner tends to attract the UIC crowd and typically during the late hours of the morning. The Chicago police like to poke their head into the place to grab a sandwich or two, and if they have time, arrest any fights that may have broken out. The one downside to the diner is the unnerving crowd that tends to wander in around the hours of 1 a.m.-2 a.m. After watching several occasions of various fights break out between women, that still doesn’t stop the locals from grabbing their favorite greasy sandwich. On a different night when I came down to Greek town with my boyfriend, Mike, several weeks ago, we happened to stop into Greek Town’s Gyro’s to grab their mouth-watering beef sandwich, topped off with jalapeno peppers. And if Greek Town Gyro’s doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, another 24-hour diner is just right across the street, Mr. Greeks, offering most of the same food, at a reasonable price. With a much larger area to sit in, the food offered across the street isn’t as good, but will definitely grab your attention. The two diners resting on the corner of Jackson and Halsted are located right near local Greek restaurants, including, bars, and some cozy cafes. Overall, while the inside isn’t anything to rave about, it’s worth standing in line for their famous gyro. This place definitely lives up to what a diner should offer, compared to White Palace.Pros: Open 24-hours, good food, and cheap!Cons: Almost always crowded

For more gyro action, check out Sultan’s Market located on North Ave, just west of the crotch.