Colorado Restaurants Where Gyros Are A Local Favorite
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and outdoor adventures, but the state also boasts an impressive food scene.
Gyros those delicious Greek sandwiches filled with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce have captured the hearts of Coloradans everywhere.
From Denver’s bustling streets to small mountain towns, here are thirteen spots where locals flock for the best gyros in the Centennial State.
1. Melita’s Greek Cafe & Market
Tucked away in downtown Denver, Melita’s feels like stepping into a small corner of Athens. Their gyros feature hand-carved lamb and beef from a traditional vertical rotisserie, topped with homemade tzatziki that’s been perfected over three generations.
I love how they warm their pita bread on the grill just before serving, giving it that perfect slight char. The family-run spot offers both traditional and modern variations, including a Colorado-inspired bison gyro that locals rave about.
What makes Melita’s special? They import many ingredients directly from Greece, ensuring authentic flavors you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Their outdoor patio becomes a neighborhood gathering spot during summer months.
2. Gyros King in Boulder
Standing proudly on Pearl Street for over twenty years, Gyros King has become a Boulder institution. Their signature gyro combines lamb and beef with a secret blend of spices that owner Nikos refuses to reveal even to his own children!
The shop stays packed with university students and locals who appreciate the generous portions and affordable prices. My favorite part is watching the meat being sliced fresh off the spit right before your eyes.
During warmer months, grabbing a gyro to-go and enjoying it at nearby Boulder Creek has become something of a local tradition. Don’t miss their homemade baklava it’s the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
3. Papa’s Gyros in Colorado Springs
If you’re searching for a gyro that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean, Papa’s delivers every time. Family-owned since 1988, this Colorado Springs gem serves gyros with a perfect balance of meat, veggies, and sauce nothing overwhelming the other components.
The small shop might not look fancy from outside, but locals know that’s part of its charm. Their homemade tzatziki sauce contains a hint of dill and cucumber that complements the seasoned meat perfectly.
During lunch hours, you’ll find military personnel from nearby bases mixing with business folks and tourists. Papa’s also offers a vegetarian option with grilled halloumi cheese and extra veggies that even meat-lovers order regularly.
4. Mediterranean Café in Fort Collins
Hidden among the college bars of Fort Collins, Mediterranean Café serves what many locals consider the most authentic gyros in northern Colorado. The owners, originally from Thessaloniki, Greece, bring decades of family recipes to each plate.
What sets their gyros apart is the marinade a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano that permeates the meat for 24 hours before hitting the rotisserie. The café’s relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners.
CSU students flock here for the generous “Hungry Student Special” a full-sized gyro with extra meat and a side of hand-cut fries for under $10. Their homemade hot sauce adds an unexpected but welcome kick to the traditional gyro.
5. Yayas Euro Bistro in Denver
Yayas elevates the humble gyro to fine dining status without losing its street food soul. Located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, this upscale bistro offers a lamb gyro that features locally-raised Colorado lamb, house-pickled vegetables, and a mint-infused tzatziki.
The restaurant’s modern take includes unexpected ingredients like microgreens and pomegranate seeds that somehow work perfectly with the traditional flavors. I particularly enjoy their outdoor patio with views of the mountains there’s something special about enjoying Mediterranean food with a Rocky Mountain backdrop.
Though pricier than your typical gyro joint, the quality justifies every penny. Their lunch special pairs a smaller gyro with a Greek salad, making it a popular business lunch destination for Denver professionals.
6. Ali Baba Grill in Golden
Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Ali Baba Grill blends Greek and Lebanese influences to create gyros that have developed a cult following. Their signature “Mountain Gyro” features a mix of lamb and beef, grilled vegetables, and a garlic sauce that’ll stay with you (in a good way) long after you’ve left.
The restaurant’s proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre makes it a popular pre-concert destination. I always recommend their freshly-baked pita that comes out warm and slightly puffy perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
Locals appreciate the generous portions and family-friendly atmosphere. Their outdoor patio offers stunning views of Table Mountain, making even a quick gyro lunch feel like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean.
7. Olive & Finch in Denver
Breaking the mold of traditional gyro shops, Olive & Finch in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood brings a chef-driven approach to this street food classic. Their lamb gyro incorporates locally-sourced ingredients, including Colorado lamb and seasonal vegetables that change throughout the year.
The bright, airy café attracts a diverse crowd of food enthusiasts who appreciate their attention to detail. My favorite touch is their house-made pita bread slightly thicker than traditional versions and perfect for holding their generous fillings without falling apart.
Unlike many gyro spots, Olive & Finch offers fantastic breakfast options too, including a morning gyro with eggs and feta that’s become my weekend tradition. Their craft coffee program makes it easy to linger over your meal in their Instagram-worthy space.
8. Greek Town Café in Englewood
Don’t let the strip mall location fool you Greek Town Café serves some of the most authentic gyros in the Denver metro area. The tiny family-owned restaurant has been operated by the Pappadakis family for three generations, using recipes brought directly from Crete.
Their traditional gyro features a perfect balance of meat (a beef/lamb combination), onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce that’s thick enough to coat the meat but not so much that it overwhelms. I love watching Mr. Pappadakis carve meat from the vertical spit with incredible precision.
The café’s walls are covered with family photos and Greek memorabilia, creating a warm atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. Their homemade Greek potatoes make the perfect side to complete your meal.
9. Baba & Pop’s Handmade Pierogi in Aurora
Surprising everyone in Aurora’s food scene, this Eastern European pierogi shop created a fusion gyro that’s become legendary. Their “Polish Gyro” wraps traditional gyro meat in their homemade potato flatbread instead of pita, topped with a dill-cucumber tzatziki and pickled cabbage.
The unexpected combination works brilliantly, bringing together Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors. I was skeptical at first but now find myself craving this unique creation regularly.
The casual spot in Stanley Marketplace draws crowds for this cross-cultural creation. While not strictly traditional, even Greek customers admit it’s delicious. Don’t miss their Romanian-style fries with feta and herbs that pair perfectly with the gyro for a truly international meal experience.
10. Gyros House in Lakewood
Family recipes and old-world techniques make Gyros House a standout in Lakewood’s dining scene. The small, unassuming restaurant serves what many consider the most authentic Greek gyros in the western suburbs of Denver.
Their traditional method includes marinating the meat for 48 hours before it ever touches the vertical spit. When you order, you’ll notice they slice the meat thicker than most places a regional style from northern Greece that allows you to really taste the quality of the meat.
The owners are known for remembering regular customers by name and order preferences. Even their pita bread is made in-house daily, giving it a freshness you can taste. Their homemade hot sauce, available upon request, adds a wonderful kick to their already flavorful gyros.
11. Falafel King in Vail
Despite its name, Falafel King has earned a reputation among Vail locals and visitors alike for serving exceptional gyros. The small counter-service spot provides a welcome break from the typical après-ski fare found throughout the mountain town.
Their lamb gyro features meat that’s remarkably tender and well-seasoned, wrapped in warm, fluffy pita with fresh vegetables and a tzatziki sauce that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. I love grabbing one after a day on the slopes it’s filling without being too heavy.
During ski season, expect a line out the door around lunchtime. The owners maintain quality even during the busiest times, never rushing the preparation process. Their mountain location influences their menu with a “Skier’s Gyro” that includes extra protein for hungry snowsports enthusiasts.
12. Niko’s Gyros in Durango
Hidden in the mountain town of Durango, Niko’s serves gyros that rival anything you’d find in bigger Colorado cities. The restaurant stands out for its commitment to authentic preparation methods, importing specific spices directly from Greece.
Their signature gyro features a house blend of lamb and beef, slow-roasted on a vertical spit until the exterior develops a perfect caramelized crust. The meat is then thinly sliced and served on warm, fluffy pita with locally-grown tomatoes and onions when in season.
College students from Fort Lewis College keep this place busy, especially during their late-night weekend hours. The owners’ Greek hospitality shines through in every interaction, making even first-time visitors feel like regulars. Their homemade baklava makes the perfect sweet finish to your meal.
13. Demos Greek Food in Grand Junction
Bringing authentic Greek flavors to Colorado’s Western Slope, Demos has built a loyal following in Grand Junction. Their gyros stand out for their exceptional meat-to-topping ratio generous without being overwhelming.
The small family-run restaurant makes everything from scratch daily, including their tzatziki sauce that has just the right balance of garlic, cucumber, and yogurt. I particularly appreciate how they grill the pita bread with a light brush of olive oil right before assembly, adding a subtle flavor dimension many places overlook.
Demos offers both traditional and contemporary options, including a popular “Colorado Gyro” featuring green chiles and locally-raised lamb. Their outdoor patio with views of the Book Cliffs provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying these Mediterranean delights in Colorado’s high desert landscape.
