BIZNOTE: Gyros on Alki Avenue uncloaks

Thanks for the tips! The former Phoenecia space at 2716 Alki Avenue SW has an awning up announcing its future tenant – Gyros on Alki Avenue, promising (along with gyros) shawarma, falafel, and salads. Online records indicate the proprietor also has been associated with other restaurants including Dino’s Grill in Tukwila and Dino’s Gyros in Burien. We have messages out seeking details such as when they plan to open on Alki. The space has been vacant for three years (as you likely know, Phoenecia has long since reopened in The Junction). As for the other half of the building – the former Alki Cleaners space, it still has “For Lease” signage; we reported four months ago on a tentative plan for a market, and are checking back to see what happened to that.

Kathy December 7, 2021 (1:24 pm)

Open soon, please. Our favorite takeout Sunfish has a sign saying they are closed until January 19th.

Erithan December 7, 2021 (4:46 pm)

This time of year they usually take a trip home to Greece which is why they close for a little bit. 😊
- Kathy December 7, 2021 (10:09 pm)
  
  They said they were not traveling this year but they work very hard and probably could use a good rest. I think business ticked up for them during the pandemic since their menu adapts well to takeout.

andreea December 7, 2021 (2:24 pm)

Yassssss!!! I have been dreaming of this. So excited!

johnny December 7, 2021 (3:12 pm)

Good to know. I am looking forward to trying their gyros and falafel – wondering how it will compare with the gyro place on Admiral.

Elton December 7, 2021 (3:18 pm)

I thought that Phoenicia couldn’t renew their lease because the building was being redeveloped, did that get canceled?

WSB December 7, 2021 (6:39 pm)

They wrote in their farewell note at the time that the building was being “sold to developers.” However, there has been no application or proposal for any kind of redevelopment – just some improvements in the second-floor apartments.

Erithan December 7, 2021 (4:48 pm)

Curious if they’ll be Greek style Gyros, while the place in Admiral is good, they aren’t authentic Greek. I have such a craving for an authentic one!I imagine the food will be tasty either way, excited to see them open and try the food. 😊

Ly December 7, 2021 (8:32 pm)

The place in Admiral is Arab/Palestinian so that is definitely not Greek gyros.
Kathy December 7, 2021 (10:14 pm)

Christo’s on Alki serves Gyros. They are definitely Greek.

B December 7, 2021 (5:20 pm)

Has anyone tried that small place in the Junction, down by the diner? Wondering how that place holds up……

onion December 7, 2021 (5:50 pm)

B, Falafel Salam is phenomenal, but probably more middle eastern than Greek. Love their sauces, spices, and pillowy bread.
Sue H December 7, 2021 (7:19 pm)

Yes, Falafel Salam is amazing! The chef is from Israel, so definitely middle eastern and not greek style, but definitely worth checking out. Much of their menu is organic, so it’s not inexpensive, but it’s definitely high quality food. I love the Hesitator Combo which is a little bit of everything. The soft, fresh pita bread is definitely worth it – get extra!
Amy December 7, 2021 (8:52 pm)

Another vote for Falafel Salam! Great food and great service every time.

Rob December 7, 2021 (5:37 pm)

@Johnny and Erithan- agree! We used to love Gyro Hero’s on Admiral but it seems like they’re just not as good as when they first opened, not sure what’s changed. Excited to see how this place stacks up!

raywest December 9, 2021 (6:21 am)

Sounds great and hope they do really well, but this can be such a tough business area to survive in with so many establishments dependent on the seasonal summer crowd. I’ll definitely be giving them a try.

Neighbor December 7, 2021 (6:18 pm)

I love Gyro Heroes! The food is excellent and the staff is extremely friendly. They’re always busy, so there’s probably room for a similar option on Alki, but I wish Gyro Heroes ongoing success!

newnative December 7, 2021 (7:50 pm)

I love Gyros Heroes too. Gyros come in different styles and there should be room for more, especially on the beach.

CarDriver December 7, 2021 (8:42 pm)

WSB. The 2nd floor duplex did get a lot of renovations and new tenants moved in last month. Don’t know what their being charged for rent.

Alki guy December 7, 2021 (9:03 pm)

Another Gyros Heroes fan… excellent fast food… wonderful service…I won’t pretend to be an expert at Greek or Middle Eastern food but the Gyros Heroes guys make good food that tastes great and is a great value…I look forward to checking out this new option too

Kate December 7, 2021 (9:08 pm)

Remember Kokoras (just north of Morgan Junction on California) ? I LOVED that place. And Costas Opa (Fremont, now Chase Bank :( )? If this new place is half as good as those former restaurants I’ll be happy!

Tone December 8, 2021 (8:48 pm)

Kokoras was our all time favorite west Seattle restaurant, loved the food and the people. Miss that place so much.

SlimJim December 8, 2021 (10:26 am)

I hope the gyros here are better than the ones they make at Dino’s in Burien (in the Safeway plaza). My wife and I tried it once (admittedly a small sample size) and didn’t care for them. It takes a lot to make a gyro bland, so they’ll have to up their game if they are going to last a while. I hope they do, as I love gyros.