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City Cast Test City

Natalia Aldana

“Yee-ros,” “jai-roh,” “guy-roh” … Chicagoans have many pronunciations for the dish piled high on pita. The original Greek word, “gyros,” means “to turn.” Historically, in Greece, gyros was seasoned pork turned on a rotisserie. Then Chicago put its own spin on the spinning meat.

Now, I’m on a quest to find the best in town.

, the gyros recipe changed to reflect our beef-loving town, evolving into a lamb-and-beef combo. It became more popular once 

local engineer and Greek immigrant Peter Parthenis

 designed a sturdier meat rotisserie. And that’s not all he innovated.

In the early ‘70s, Parthenis started mass-producing frozen meat cones that restaurateurs could easily warm and slice off the spit. Parthenis opened Grecian Delight, which later merged with Kronos — still the world’s largest gyros manufacturer and still headquartered in Chicagoland, 

Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve seen (and smelled) this meat turning in diners and hot dog stands across the city. Despite Kronos’ ubiquity, however, not all gyros are the same.

I started my gyros journey at Central Gyros in Belmont Cragin simply because it’s been around for 52 years. I figured, after those decades, their strategy must be perfect.

Ambience-wise, it was: the casual sit-down blasted Greek string music and boasted friendly service. My waiter, Osvaldo, explained that while many restaurants get meat from Grecian Delights Kronos, Central Gyros and others order unique blends. Central Gyros uses more beef than lamb, which helps retain a smooth shape. (Only 

A pita sandwich, including tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki, costs $10.75. (That doesn’t include fries, but of course I needed fries. The lunch meal deal costs $15.75.) Worth it if only for the massive amount of meat crammed in — that was one beefy sandwich, no pun intended. The strips weren’t as well done as I personally prefer (l love a near-crunchy gyro) but the tzatziki was smooth and fresh, effectively cutting the greasiness.

It wasn’t the best gyros I’ve ever had, but I had a great time in the old-fashioned dining space, shouting “Opa!” at noon on Wednesday. And yes, I tried the saganaki. (I had to!) It was crisp and excellent.

Got gyros spots to recommend? I’m hungry for more: 

Tell us your best gyro experience!

Check out our quest to find the best gyros around Chicago.

A Search for the Best Gyros

Chicago, Explained

Mayor Bowser wants to expand D.C.’s youth curfew this summer, but 

will it actually help curb youth crime in the District

? The emergency legislation is going to D.C. Council for a vote tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know.

🤔 Bowser’s Proposal To Expand DC’s Youth Curfew

Right now, D.C. has a youth curfew that starts at midnight on weeknights during the summertime for kids 16 and under. Now, the mayor wants to extend it to begin at 11 p.m. and to include 17-year-olds. The emergency legislation would also let police create designated "extended juvenile curfew zones” where the curfew would start at 7 p.m. for up to a month.

Violation of the curfew could result in community service, detention at the Youth Services Center, and up to a $500 fine for guardians.

The proposal comes after several instances of youth crime in the District. Earlier this month, police shut down part of U Street NW after kids 

 and one boy got shot. And over Memorial Day, The Wharf instituted a temporary curfew after police say there was a series of 

. It is not unusual for youth crime to increase in the summer while school is out, but increased community concerns have placed the issue front and center this year.

 — reducing foot traffic that keeps neighborhoods safe and distracting police from more important tasks. 

 for police to spend limited resources on solving crimes rather than enforcing curfews.

Another concern is that the enforcement of youth curfews will 

disproportionately affect young people of color

 and can worsen the relationships between kids and the police.

D.C. Council will vote on Bowser's youth curfew proposal tomorrow.

Because it’s an emergency legislation, it will need nine votes to pass, rather than the typical seven.

What Cops Think of The Curfew

Mayor Bowser wants to expand D.C.’s youth curfew this summer, but will it actually help curb youth crime in the District? Evidence shows curfews may actually be counterproductive.

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In Washington, DC

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In DC

July in D.C. isn't for the weak, but if you’re brave enough to face the heat you’ll be rewarded with some of the funnest events of the year. 

The National Building Museum has a new crazy installation that transforms the museum's main hall into an 

. They have coaches on hand to help you learn about the sport and you can test your skills.

One of the shows that we’re most excited for this month, local band Aunt Katrina is 

 to celebrate their debut album. Local acts Lean Tee and Berra will be opening. It’s going to be a night of pop, punk, and experimental tunes to remember.

Trick yourself, romanticize it, do whatever you need to do, but there’s no getting around sweating in D.C. over the summer. And honestly who cares, we’re all doing it. It’s sexy, feral, and freeing. B.O. is different though, please still use deodorant.

🎆 See Fourth of July Fireworks From The Potomac

I have a soft spot for the fireworks, but not the crowds. For a pristine fireworks display, rent a kayak or paddleboard and head out onto the Potomac by the monuments and look up.

☕ Bring Your Coffee To the Club: Daybreaker

There’s nothing like starting your morning with a dance party. 

 is happening on Flash’s rooftop on July 20. We went last year and it was the most surprising fun we had all summer.

 is 2.5 hours away and a personal favorite. 

 has (slightly nosey) wild ponies and is 3.5 hours away. And of course there is 

More Things To Do In DC This July 

July in D.C. isn't for the weak, but if you’re brave enough to face the heat you’ll be rewarded with some of the funnest events of the year. Here’s what we're looking forward to the most this month.

Your Guide To Washington, DC In July 2025

Your Guide To DC In July 2025

April showers bring … flooding and tornadoes! It’s spring in Chicago, and there are many ways that you can prepare for this bad weather. Here are just a few tips!


The city places “Rain Blockers” in catch basins throughout Chicago. These slow down the flow of water from the street and run into the sewer only when it can handle it.

 if the streets are flooded for a few hours after rainfall. This is because the rain is slowly moving into the sewers and not going into your basement.

Talk with your neighbors about flooding prevention. You and your neighbors share an underground network of pipes.

. This also means cleaning your gutters, extending downspouts, and installing a sump pump.

 like copper, aluminum, resin, and plastic.

Adding rolling or plywood shutters can help protect your windows.

Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to keep it safe. If a garage isn’t available, consider using a car cover or blankets to shield your vehicle from the elements.


Create an emergency kit to prepare for a tornado, including essentials like food, water, a can opener, medications, a flashlight, cash, and other necessities.

Know where your tornado shelter is in your home, apartment, school, and workplace.

If your home doesn't have a basement, the bathtub is a safe place to take shelter, or you can move to an interior room with no windows.

Trim or remove dead, damaged, or rotting trees and limbs.

Secure all objects outside your home so they don’t fly away and cause more damage.

Close your shades/blinds to prevent sunlight from further warming your home.

Open windows during the cooler times of the day for more airflow.

Clean and replace your AC unit filters about once every 1-2 months.

Chicago, Explained

A Search for the Best Gyros

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In DC

Your Guide To DC In July 2025

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