Pappa Gyros

While visiting Houston on a solo business trip, I knew I had to take advantage of the freedom to pick my own meals and see what kind of hidden gems I could find. I first looked at the most recent Yelp 100 to see if anything was reasonably close to my hotel in Katy, and lucky me, Pappa Gyros wasn't too far away!

The old school dinner aesthetic was welcoming and cozy. The laminated menu had so many items, front and back, that sounded delicious! I couldn't choose, so I asked the gal at the cash register what a popular chose is for someone who has never been. She recommended Taki's Combo Plate which had a little bit of everything--lamb, souvlaki, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), pilaf, and I chose to substitute fries rather than a salad. The food was so good--extremely authentic! Souvlaki is one of my favorite foods, and Pappa Gyro did not disappoint. The flavor and char was just right. I ended up eating nearly everything on my plate! I was also impressed their Koulourakia (Greek Easter Cookies). They were nearly as good as my mom's!

Pappa Gyros is definitely worth going out of your way for a bite to eat! I am so glad I drove a little extra to be able to enjoy during my most recent trip to Katy. The food was stellar. The aesthetic was comfortable, and the service was welcoming. I'll be back--I'm sure!

I've been here a couple of times and had really good experiences overall. The first time, I dined in. The interior aesthetic is really nice and cute. It feels like a Greek diner. Not something you see very often. The second time, I tried to use the drive-thru, but the speaker didn't work so I assumed their drive-thru just wasn't working. I went inside to place an order and when I asked if their drive-thru was down, the person at the counter said "it should be working" lol I think people were just driving up to the window to order as opposed to the speaker. If this is still the case when you come, check the order window.

Tip: All the gyros come LOADED with meat! I order extra pita bread to make extra bites with the meat that doesn't fit in the gyros lol I also get extra tzatziki because they never give enough. Try it out, it's worth it!

ORIGINAL GYRO: Delicious, of course! The lamb was moist and flavorful. They use Greek pita bread so it's thick, soft, and fluffy, just the way I like it. The only thing I didn't like was that there wasn't enough tzatziki sauce, but that's easily fixed by getting extra on the side next time.

CHICKEN GYRO: If you're not feeling lamb, a great option! I personally like the lamb better, but this was still delicious in almost all the same ways! Moist and flavorful!

THE PAPPA GEORGE GYRO: I think this may be my favorite gyro from here so far! I only had a bite, but the mix of lamb and chicken seemed to elevate the flavor compared to just the original lamb or chicken gyros.

PHILLY THE GREEK GYRO: My bf ordered this, so I only had a bite, but he and I agreed it was good. I feel like it would've been too heavy for me if I had to eat the whole thing, but that didn't seem to bother him. He did end up very full from just one though lol

ONION RINGS: These were SO GOOOOD! Maybe the best onion rings I've ever had! They had a great crunch and flavor, and were sliced nice and thick! Wasn't expecting to find a hidden gem when I ordered them but I'll definitely be getting them every time I come back now!

GYPSY FRIES: The actual fries were really good--well-seasoned and delicately crispy. The toppings were honestly way too heavy though when paired with a gyro. You'd probably be better off getting the gyro fries or plain fries and dipping them in a lighter sauce or condiment.

FETA FRIES: Good, if you like feta. There was a dipping sauce or dressing? Not sure what it was, but it complimented the feta fries really well. Definitely liked these better than the gypsy fries lol

For lunch, I stopped in to grab a chicken gyro Athens style, of course, with a side of fries. The tomatoes were fresh and juicy, the chicken was seasoned and moist, and the pita was fresh.

They have a variety of options on their menu, and everything is made fresh to order.

Saw the great reviews and we were craving some Greek food. My wife shared her Soutzoukakia Plate, Greek baked meatballs slathered in red sauce and feta cheese, came with Greek salad, and rice.....which she skipped....and pita bread. Hers was almost as good as mine. I thoroughly enjoyed and shared the Gyros plate which came with twice as much meat as their gyro sammy, it came with the same three sides, I should have kicked in a dollar more for hummus and pita so we could try more stuff....next time. I demolished a large piece of baklava. Everything we tried was superb. The only minor hiccup was they didn't have any diet fountain drinks, they did have cans of Vernor's diet ginger soda, which we liked....we buy it all time.

Food 2/5
Service 3/5
Ambiance 3/5

Pappa Gyros looks like an old diner. Really cool decor from the outside. Inside looks just like a diner with blue and white. I ordered the gyro meat plate.

The gyro meat itself was edible. 3/5
The rice was kind of mushy. 2/5
Hummus 2/5

I really dislike the fact that I've spent close to $20 and my food was served on a paper plate for dine in.

I used to love this place until I saw this sign (see below) which contained a quote from a public figure that I do not support as it made me uncomfortable. I'm sorry, but I don't support businesses that support these figures. Niko Niko's will be getting my business as they at least don't support these practices. Unless you guys remove the sign or modify it, I won't be back.

Okay, real talk. This place is on my list of FAVORITE places to eat out. The ambiance feels like you've been transported back in time to the good old diner days in Detroit! Such a fun spot to dine-in.

Great quality ingredients that are prepped/cooked right after ordering. The gyro plate is my classic go-to, but the "burger & fries" happy hour is something to talk about!

Such a cool's spot with staff that are ready to serve!

I love the history behind this place- it's the true American dream story. Family works hard and achieves great success in their family restaurant. The staff is friendly. The place is clean and they are constantly busy.

I went with the classic- the gyro. For a small gyro is was really fulfilling. The meat was tender and there was plenty of white sauce. Love how they didn't go cheap on the white sauce.

If I am in the area, I'd definitely go back.

Veryyy good gyros. The lamb was stuffed and had plenty of taziki sauce. Very cute blue aesthetic. Staff was nice and attentive.

Been a big fan of Pappa Gyros for a while now, but I just tried their original Gyro "Athens Style" for the first time and WOW. Blown away. Let's break it down:

Presentation: Neatly and securely wrapped. When opened, the toppings look a little messy, but honestly? I wouldn't trust a Gyro that wasn't!!

Texture: Some of the most tender lamb I've ever had, every time I go. Soft pita. Creamy tzatziki. Onions and and tomatoes cut so recently they still had some bite to them. Fries and feta just added that extra something special to the mix, crispy and crumbly. The entire thing was made so fresh that the meat was still warm and the sauce was still cold by the time I got it home.

Taste: What I would call "a perfect balance." Warm, savory spices from the meat and the fries contrasted perfectly with the acidity from the onions and tomatoes as well as the brightness from the tzatziki and feta. A plain (but not unwanted) taste from the pita serves as the perfect base for it all.

Service: Employees are always friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.

Overall: This is a must-see (must-eat?) spot in Katy. I would even say it's worth a trip out of the way. Wether you're just hitting the drive-thru or dining-in to check out the cool, bright-blue 60's atmosphere, you're sure to enjoy your meal.