It's not gourmet, it's not fancy. You won't find yourself engulfed in the smokey sweet aroma of lamb rotating and caramelizing on tall grills, or surrounded by the colorful bellows of burly Mediterranean chefs directing kitchen traffic from behind the scenes. At Dino's, the same pleasant young chap taking your order may have schlepped burgers down at Burger King last week, no real food experience necessary. But it's the quality of food at reasonable prices that has kept the neighbors coming back over the years.
The gyros themselves are generously sized and served on soft Greek pitas, along with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes and thinly sliced raw onions. The spicy gyros, Tony's favorite, come with a tangy sauce and crisp lettuce. There are many chicken options, as well as a falafel sandwich and several salads if you prefer to go the vegetarian route. The kids' menu is one of my favorite benefits at Dino's, since their gyro meat is one of the few things on the planet my daughter will eat. That, and their French fries, which are simple and delicious, crisp on the outside, super tender on the inside.
Dino's is fast food, but it's still a family built, family run, local chain. Although it has expanded with new franchised locations since it's humble beginnings as a tiny family restaurant in a run-down strip mall on Snelling Avenue, all locations have maintained the family feel of the original, serving good Greek food with a warm smile.
The original location has since been moved a few yards up Snelling, and now boasts a sparkling clean interior and a cute little patio. Other locations include Woodbury and Edina. And let us not forget their giant stand in a lovely permanent structure at the Minnesota State Fair. I always think it's funny when I see the long lines at the fair, considering most visitor had to have driven or walked right past the original restaurant on their way into the fair. But then again, maybe I am being just a little arrogant because I am lucky enough to live just a few blocks away from Dino's and can enjoy it throughout the year.
Dino's Gyros
Zach loves it,I think it is a little pricey for fast food, but it's decent.
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