If you like Open Sesame in the East Village, or just enjoy a good gyro, you’ll love sister store, Gazali’s! Owned by the same family, Gazali’s is more of a quick-service restaurant (you know, order at the counter and pay and then chose your own table and clear your own table) as opposed to the full service Open Sesame, but you’ll still get the quality food like at Open Sesame. The menu is a wide selection of gyros including spicy, classic, garlic chicken, falafel and more with side salads, hummus and even gyro quesadillas.
While I had heard of Gazali’s before, I hadn’t been in and I’m not really sure why. The location is pretty convenient. It’s right next to the Varsity Theater in the heart of the Drake neighborhood. Right across from the Drake Law school.
Owner, MJ was nice enough to invite us in the other day and we got to sample the garlic chicken gyro and classic gyro. Both were awesome! I was impressed with the fresh sliced gyro meat (shawarma) that was cooking right there. A lot of times you get that “steak-ums” type chopped and formed meat which I don’t care for, but not here.
I especially loved the sauce with the garlic chicken gyro. The service was ultra quick and the staff was very friendly. And I got a kick out of the decor which included these guys —>
MJ has plans of expanding to the open space next door and offering live music and an expanded menu. I can’t wait to check that out along with the Italian restaurant he’s developing in the East Village.
Lots of exciting stuff going on for these guys! Check Gazali’s out for a lunch option if you’re nearby or work downtown (my hubby was able to get here in 8 minutes for lunch from downtown).
Show them some love by following them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gazalis-Gyros-Mediterranean-Specialities/170901839622441 and Twitter twitter.com/Gazalis1