Going Greek at Pete’s Gyros Place

Sometimes when I write a restaurant review, the memory of the good things I ate there are still so vivid, brought back to life as I write the words, that I grow increasingly hungry and desirous to return. It’s all I can do to not close up my computer, grab the keys and head over there. This is one of those times.

Pete’s Gyros Place at 2819 E. Colfax (just east of East High School) is our favorite place to get a Gyros sandwich. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Gyros is an odd but wondrous thing. It’s highly-seasoned beef and lamb pressed together (let’s not think how) and placed on a spindle like a spool of thread. The cook uses a special tool to shave off pieces of meat to fry up and place in a warm pita bread, topped with tomatoes, onion and tzatziki sauce (plain yogurt and seasonings) that is a cool foil to the hot meat. Pete’s also takes this wonderful meat blend and adds it to salad, burgers, eggs and even breakfast burritos. Think of it like bacon – it just makes everything better. Do not, I repeat, do NOT pronounce Gyro like “ji-ro” or “guy-ro.” You will be horribly, terribly wrong and will mortify yourself and Zeus himself will strike you down! It’s pronounced “yee-ro.”

Slide into a booth, notice the checkered floor, Greek tourism photos on the wall, Pete’s face on the seasonings bottles and the efficiency of waitresses who will call you “honey” even though they’ve just met you. Then get down to business ordering. You can go for a typical big, American breakfast or put a Greek twist on it like the Greek Omelet, a monstrous thing filled with Gyro, tomato, onion and feta cheese with fried potatoes on the side. Or order from the main part of the menu where you can get  gyros, souvlaki (marinated, cubed pork) or grilled chicken in the form of your choice – sandwich, salad, or a platter which incorporates it all – the meat, veggies, bread, tzatziki sauce and fries!  One word of advice – ask for the salad dressing on the side. Although a tasty red wine vinaigrette with Greek seasonings, they are a little heavy-handed with it and the salad ends up drowning.

I recommend first-timers order the Greek Sampler Plate with meat or chicken, Greek olives, Feta cheese, dolmades (rice rolled into grape vine leaves-fabulous), pepperoncini peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes, served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce. It’s a bargain. Or, you and a couple of friends could try The Big Greek Combo for which gives you heartier fare like Pastitsio, Mousaka, Spinach Pie and Gyros served with soup or salad and pita. Think of it like different kinds of Greek pasta dishes.

A little background on Pete himself: Drive down a certain section of East Colfax and you’ll see the name “Pete” on both sides of the street including Pete’s Satire Lounge, Pete’s Kitchen and Pete’s Greek Town plus, of course, Pete’s Gyros Place.  There’s also Pete’s Central One on Alameda and Pete’s University Café near DU. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Pete Contos has been in the restaurant business for more than 50 years and maintains the family run business. He is an institution.

Pete’s Gryos Place happens to be our favorite of his restaurants because it’s of its friendly diner vibe where you’re as likely to see a large family as you are a multi-pierced, hipster. But Pete’s Kitchen (open 24-hours) also deserves special mention. It’s where you go after a movie/concert/bad date to commune with fried potatoes and garlicky food. Expect to wait in line by the security guard for an empty table. It’s just the kind of edginess you want after hours.

Once you’ve waded into the waters of Pete’s Gyros, give Pete’s other restaurants a try. They each have a different vibe and slight twist to the menu. All are good, authentic and reasonably priced. Opa!