Gyros By Ali

As an OU alum, I find myself craving juicy piled high gyro platters that only a 45 minute drive to Norman could fulfill (Greek House anyone??) BUT THEN I found Gyros by Ali. If you're looking for tender succulent gyro meat, soft pita, and garlicky tzatziki sauce in the metro - Ali is your man. Loved the variety on the menu too- Philly gyro? YUM!!  They also had great sides (fries, hummus, rice, tabbouleh...).  You'll get the standard big portion sizes, and everything is REALLY good! Glad to have a place with great gyros (and other Mediterranean eats) with a good atmosphere to boot!

We’ve got some pretty great Gyros around N.
OKC (Zorba’s, Mediterranean Imports), but I believe the new Gyros by Ali beats
them all.  We've been there several times and it's one of those
situations where I WANT to try their other menu items, but the Gyros are so
good I can’t not order a sandwich or platter.  The secret may be the rich, garlicky tzatziki.  Indoor/outdoor seating, nice vibe, and hookah
setups, though I’m not familiar enough with this to comment.

Seriously addicted to their falafel, it's like none other than I've had before.

Mediterranean flair in OKC. It had been far too long since I ate delicious Mediterranean food, but that changed Tuesday afternoon, thanks to Gyros by Ali: Restaurant & Hookah Bar.

In an attempt to scarf down some food in between meetings and all of the other work-day related activities, I chose to stop by to see what they had to offer on my way back to the office. It wasn't as easy to find without the Jeep Wrangler on a giant pole sitting out in front of the newly owned and renovated building sitting on Classen, but still not difficult with it being right off the busy stretch of the street.

Maria greeted me at the cash register and asked what I wanted. The menu wasn't the largest, but still had a good variety to choose from. A Prince Ali Platter including gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, rice and a side of hummus ($8.49), a Falafel Sandwich including tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a side of fries ($6.99), another side of hummus ($4.99) and two sides of baklava ($1.50 each) - one with cashews and the other walnuts - was what I chose (I was taking some back for coworkers, promise!).

While she was ringing all of that up I asked her if they were getting a good amount of business since opening their Oklahoma City location towards the end of 2014. She said it wasn't bad, that people were still starting to learn about it.

Gyros by Ali started off as a food truck in Tulsa by brothers Tariq and Adnan Ali, according to the Tulsa World (link is external). They opened a restaurant there in 2013, and then decided to branch out.

I have to admit, they gyros were not the only thing that attracted me to this location. I am a sucker for a hookah bar, even though I own a hookah, it's fun to get out and enjoy shisha in different settings.

I asked Maria if it was similar to a restaurant and hookah bar you would find in the Middle East, where you eat and smoke at the same table, indoors. She said it was not, due to the kitchen being so close to the eating area. She pointed me in the direction of their covered patio where customers can smoke, eat and smoke, or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Naturally, I had to go peak around even though I wasn't partaking in a hookah session, yet, and was pleasantly surprised. Walking out of the back door leads to a large covered patio that is warm enough to withstand the still-winter weather we are feeling and it is nicely decorated with Turkish lanterns hanging from the ceiling. With plenty of seating and a TV to watch games, I'm going back.

Now you're probably wondering, is she going to get to the food? There is a reason I gave this place five Rusty's...

I happily and quickly devoured the Prince Ali Platter that had just the right amount of tender and tasty gyro meat, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and my personal favorite, a hefty portion of tzatziki sauce. The hummus was freshly made with a nice kick of red pepper and olive oil, with naan pieces to scoop it all up.

After Andrew ate his Falafel Sandwich, his thoughts were, "crumbly" as it wasn't packed in there as tightly as it could be to keep all of the ingredients in its pita. He said you definitely get a portion that you pay for and that the fries were decent.

Tim and I both enjoyed our baklava, which was the perfect amount of sweet and flaky.

I highly suggest this place to any and every one. Maybe we'll run into each other because I know I'm going to become a regular!

Went there for lunch yesterday and it was fantastic!!! I can't wait to go back when they get the hookah bar setup.

Excellent gyros, great service, never too busy... Probably they should work on marketing a little because this place slides right by you if you aren't looking for it, despite being a big building. I work in Midtown, not too far from the Asian District, and this place is a must for anyone in the vicinity.

Great food! Chunky gyro meat, not shaved. Perfectly cooked and seasoned rice. Seasoned with anise and sweet chili sauce! Hip environment. Hookah available.

I really enjoy this place for lunch. Staff is friendly and helped me pick something beside the standard Gyro special. I'll definitely be back.

Best gyros i have ever had. The service is fantastic. Love the owner. He is amazing!

Great gyros and platters. Great service in a unique atmosphere