Pappa Gyros — Restaurant in Katy

There are certain cravings that get under your skin and stay there for life. For me, it’s Portillo’s. Not just the food, though a beef sandwich, crinkle-cut fries, and a chocolate cake shake can make a grown man cry. It’s the memory of a place and a time. Fox Valley Mall. Pumping quarters into Aladdin’s Castle arcade. Flipping through cassette racks at Musicland. Ending the night with grease on my fingers and that smug, satisfied quiet you only get after a perfect meal.

Fast forward a couple decades. I’m in Katy, Texas, chasing a burger. My pastor- yes, my pastor—drops a strange little grenade into the conversation. “Best burger in town? A gyro shop inside a gas station.”

I’ve been around. I know that some of the best food in the world is made in tiny rooms behind flickering neon beer signs, next to gas pumps, by people who give a damn. So I went.

This was Pappa Gyros in its first life, jammed into a Shell station at Kingsland and the Grand Parkway. The place was chaos in the best way- line out the door, drive-through backed up, the air heavy with lamb fat, toasted bread, and that intoxicating smell of “you’re about to make a very good decision.”

I came for the burger. I really did. Then I saw it. Italian beef. Bread soaking in rich gravy, roast beef spilling out like it couldn’t be contained, loaded with hot peppers. No sweet. No mercy.

One bite and I was gone- straight back to Fox Valley, cassette in hand, arcade tokens in my pocket. I’ve eaten at Michelin-starred temples. I’ve sat at tables run by James Beard winners, two in the past month. I went to Le Cordon Bleu once, thinking maybe I’d cook for a living. None of it, none, left me as happy as I was in that moment.

And then there’s Chris. Christos Batsios. The man cooking like someone who understands that food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a lifeline. It’s memory and friendship and connection, all stacked between two halves of a roll.

Today, Pappa Gyros has a shiny standalone on Franz Road. Still crowded, still loud, still serving food with teeth. But part of the magic, for me, will always live in that cramped little gas station kitchen on Kingsland.

Chris, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. For the friendship, for the care, for the best Italian beef sandwich I have ever...

Pappa Gyros is a hidden gem in Katy that serves up some of the best Greek and Mediterranean food in town. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the friendly staff make you feel right at home. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, this spot delivers on both quality and flavor.

I started with the Avgolemono Soup, and it was fantastic. The broth was rich and velvety, with just the right balance of lemon and chicken. It had a homemade taste that felt comforting and authentic. For my main dish, I went with the Original Gyros, and it did not disappoint. The lamb was perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy, wrapped in a warm pita with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Every bite was flavorful, and the portion size was generous.

One of the standout features here is their drink selection—they serve Stubborn Soda, which is a huge plus. It's not something you find everywhere, and the unique flavors make the meal even better. I highly recommend trying one to complement your food.

The service was excellent, with staff checking in just enough to make sure everything was perfect without being intrusive. The ambiance is casual and cozy, making it a great place for both solo diners and families. Pricing is reasonable for the quality and portions you get, and the location is convenient with plenty of parking.

If you're craving delicious gyros, comforting Greek flavors, and a solid overall dining experience, Pappa Gyros is absolutely worth a visit. I'll definitely be...

My fourth time coming here, and first time at their new location, I went through the drive thru. Burgers: Nicely seasoned, I personally ordered the chili burger, and it was neatly put together. Most chili burgers from other places tend to be messy, but they've pulled it off here very cleanly. Gyros: I always order one when I go here, they're very generous with the toppings. Veggies always stay nice and cool and don't get hot, it's a nice contrast to the hot gyro meat, meaning that the cooks inside know what they're doing when it comes to timings. Hot dogs: Like the gyros, they don't skimp out at all on the toppings. I ordered the New York dog and the Chicago dog, the Chicago was my favorite of the two. Maybe it's just my own taste, but there was a bit too much mustard on the NY dog, the onions were great though. And as for the Chicago dog, they seasoned all of the veggies nicely, great stuff. Overall, this is the most consistent restaurant on this side of Houston. The staff are always friendly, and know what they're doing in the kitchen. Not only is the food good, but it's obvious they have their timings down as well, which seems like it'd be tough in a place that tends to be rather busy like this. Looking at the replies left by the owner in some of the angry reviews, I'm glad that the owner has his employees backs' when faced with unreasonable customers. I'd recommend coming here at least once, you...