Athenian Express

Gyros is one of those "ethnic" foods so popular and so embedded in American culture that it can be found nearly everywhere, even in restaurants that have almost no link to the dish's Greek heritage. At Athenian Express, located just two blocks south of the Roosevelt / Central Avenue Station, the Greek origins of the food are not forgotten. Athenian Express is not a full-service Greek restaurant, but it serves both Greek and American lunch dishes in a fast-casual environment with consistently good quality.

Greek favorites include a variety of pita subs, essentially open-faced pita sandwiches featuring gyros, other meats, or grilled vegetables; most are accessorized with generous portions of crumbly feta cheese. Because Athenian Express serves flatbread-style pitas that are topped rather than stuffed, the best way to consume a pita sub is by wrapping one's hands around the sandwich and folding or rolling it. Athenian Express also serves a variety of American-style subs, as well as salads and hamburgers. All sandwiches comes with a choice of side dishes, including a garden salad, a fruit salad, fries, and potato salad.

For those looking for more Mediterranean options, Athenian Express offers a falafel special (center photo below) with chickpea patties that are just right in terms of flavor and texture, spanakopita, dolmas, and even taramosalata. Customers who like their food spicy will find a large variety of hot sauces at a condiment bar near the ordering counter. The house dessert is the baklava (right photo below), which is moist and nutty without being too sweet. Beverage options are limited to fountain sodas and iced tea. Although empty bottles of ouzo and other Greek spirits adorn the walls, no alcohol is served. Athenian Express is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM until 5 PM.

814 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 712-0011

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