Most people have never eaten a traditional "Döner Kebab," so they have no point of reference for comparison sake. But, having served with the US Army in Germany for several years, I probably ate my weight in "Döner!" These delicious treats were a favorite of soldiers, pretty much whenever they had opportunity to partake. The way I understand it, the "traditional" Döner Kebab, made with pieces of lamb and beef, and NOT "Gyro" meat, and NOT Chicken) roasted on a vertical spit, was not actually a staple, per se, in Turkey, but was introduced to "Westerners" and thus, soldiers in Germany. And, the rest they say, is history!
Okay, so back to the question at hand: Is Soulard Gyro worth a visit? Well, the answer to that is a resounding "YES!" My wife and I have tried Soulard now a few times and every time, everything has been served up fresh and delicious. There is a single exception, but I'll get to that near the end of this review.
On our first visit, we sat inside and ordered and ate our Döner Kebab. We ordered the chicken, since we wanted as close to a traditional Döner as possible. Also of note here, if we want to eat Gyros, we go to a Greek restaurant... because, they ARE Greek! Anyhoo, I digress... a little. Our second visit was again, a chicken meat Döner via takeout and it too was served fresh and delicious!! Our third visit was also takeout and also a chicken Döner, but this time, we both ordered the Döner Plate with chicken meat. The main differences being that, the entire Döner ingredients is placed atop a bed of Basmati Rice, and the bread is traditional Pita bread, versus the bread that gets filled when one orders a Döner Kebab.
About our first visit... while there, we met the Owner, after he was kind enough to let us sample both the chicken and gyro meats. And, the Owner made it a point to come out and check on us, since we mentioned that I served in Germany and that we were introduced to Döner Kebab there. The Owner was personable and friendly. He spoke German with my wife and left us both with a great impression!
We enjoyed the Quick Service Counter ordering and appreciated that the restaurant was very clean. The drink station, while simple, was clean and well kept! There was no "slime in the ice machine," and that's ALWAYS a major Plus! I could not tell whether or not the Iced Tea was brewed or bagged. It was already flavored with lemon, which I was not expecting, but once I realized what was going on with my palate trying to figure it out, it was just alright. That, and the single exception alluded to above are the ONLY reasons this review is a solid 4 Stars and not a solid in 5.
So, what is the single exception? Well, once one has tasted an authentic, "traditional" Döner Kebab, nothing really compares; not even very well seasoned and tasty chicken meat roasted similarly! It just does not!
All things considered, and especially if you've no point of reference for comparison, you will absolutely fall in love with the food offerings at Soulard Gyro! Especially if you order the chicken Döner!! One final note about the food: the "spicy" seasonings and sauces are NOT spicy. I'm talking "1" on the 1 through 10 heat scale. Forewarned is forearmed, so with regard to getting it spicy, you'd best take some Red Pepper Flakes along to douse shake into your Döner Kebab or Plate.
I do hope you will give this eatery a try. You will not be disappointed!! And, remember, if you're not one to eat with your hands no matter what, get the Döner Plate and use a fork! Restaurants don't survive if we consumers don't go to them. So, go! Now! Go. Get. A. Döner!!!
Eat well. Be well. Cheers! read more