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WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Gyro In Minnesota

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) -- If you're hankering for a little Greek food, the quintessential meal on the go is the gyro. The ingredients are deceptively simple, but there's only one spot making the Best of Minnesota. You voted and sent Natalie Nyhus to Gyropolis in Bloomington.

No matter how you pronounce it, the gyro sandwich at Gyropolis in Bloomington will make you say "Opa!" It's a family-owned and operated restaurant, and if you had any doubt about its authenticity, just ask who runs the place.

Panorea and Thanasi immigrated from Greece in 1972. Their sons Dino and George have been serving gyros since they were just little Greek boys, helping mom and dad at festivals.

"We went down to Mankato for our first event. At that event I remember without training or anything, it must have been in my blood to be a little sales person. I don't know what it was, but I really enjoyed selling food and making people happy," said Dino.

Fast forward to 2005. Dino and George opened their own shop, now voted Best of Minnesota. In their 10 years open, they've done zero advertising. The daily line out the door is all word-of-mouth.

They serve sandwiches, falafel, hummus, Greek salads and of course plenty of gyros.

"The gyro sandwich is beef and lamb in pita bread with tzatziki sauce and onions and tomatoes. We take pride in being the first in Minnesota to let customers build their own gyros," said Dino.

It's basically the Greek version of a burger. Ingredients here are A-1; the veggies grown on their own farm.

"We enjoy providing what we can with the bounty that Minnesota's farmland can provide. They are very flavorful veggies. Customers know when they see the deep red tomatoes and crispy green peppers. We really take pride in that," said Dino.

Here, quality is the most important quality. Even if you can't pronounce your order.

"I never laugh because the most important thing is that I know what they're trying to say," said Dino.

Because the Greeks will never let you leave on an empty stomach.

"Greek hospitality is making you want to eat more than you came for. We don't call it pressure sales. We call it hospitality," said Dino.

Gyropolis is open daily except for Sundays. Even if there's a line, don't be discouraged; it moves fast. Your other favorite spots for a gyro are It's Greek to Me and Holy Land, both in Minneapolis.

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