Souvlaki GR: A Big Fat Greek Hit in New York!

Souvlaki GR's food truck was instantly popular, winning Vendy's 2010 rookie award in its first few weeks on the streets. Six months later, the owners took their Greek street food to a brick-and-mortar on the Lower East Side. The former laundry now recalls a Mykonos sidewalk café, with floors painted to resemble stones, a bright-blue and white color scheme and bougainvillea draped over the doors.

As with the food truck, which is still rolling, the menu is simple, centering on souvlaki, or "the hamburger of Greece." Marinated chicken or pork chunks are served on skewers ($2) or in warm pitas with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce. As in Greece, the french fries are tucked inside the pita ($4.50). There is an actual Greek burger ($5.50), also charcoal-grilled and served on a pita.
The souvlaki—or a salad—can be paired with the Greek fries, which are piled with a mountain of crumbled feta cheese, oregano, salt and pepper ($5).
 
The restaurant was recently approved for a beer and wine license. For now, finish things off with Ouzon, a nonalcoholic take on the Greek aperitif.

Souvlaki GR, 116 Stanton St. at Essex, is open noon to 11 p.m. daily; 212-777-011 6.

Monica Williams 

Source: The Wall Street Journal

*Thanks Katerina S. for the information!