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Nick The Greek
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nick The Greek
7.7
This authentic Greek street food spot serves vertical rotisserie gyros, souvlaki skewers, and loukoumades (Greek beignets) with honey. The casual counter-service format with outdoor seating makes it ideal for quick, satisfying Greek classics without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita, Greek Fries, Loukoumades with Honey
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Authentic Greek street food at wallet-friendly prices
Who should go: Gyro lovers, quick lunch crowd, students
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fast service
What to order: Gyro pita, greek fries, frozen yogurt with honey
Insider tip: Add fries inside your pita for the full experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Arizona, metered until 6pm. Small lot behind building fills quickly at lunch
Dress code: Come as you are - it's counter service. Anything from gym clothes to business casual
Noise level: Outdoor seating gets street noise, but conversation is easy. Inside ordering area can be hectic during rush
Weekend wait: 5-10 min line to order, food ready in 10 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min line during 12-1pm rush, minimal wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel pita, veggie souvlaki, Greek salads, spanakopita
Vegan options: Limited - falafel and salads available, ask to hold tzatziki and feta
Gluten-free options: Bowls without pita work well, gyro meat and most sides are naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than dinner. The counter service and outdoor picnic tables keep things low-key and low-pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's first come, first served for outdoor seating. Turnover is quick, rarely more than 5 min wait for a table
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere, kids love the french fries and chicken souvlaki. No high chairs but outdoor benches work for all ages
Best For
Better for: Authentic gyro meat on a vertical spit beats most Greek places using pre-formed meat. Best value Greek food in the area
Skip if: You want table service, wine selection, or upscale Greek dining. Not the spot for business dinners or special occasions
Nick The Greek
7.6
Greek street food specialist delivering authentic gyros and souvlaki in a casual counter-service setting. The pork gyro with house tzatziki captures traditional Athens flavors while the Greek fries topped with feta elevate standard sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Gyro, Chicken Souvlaki Bowl, Greek Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Authentic Greek street food at budget-friendly prices.
Who should go: Gyro lovers and quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service
What to order: Pork gyro, Greek fries, baklava
Insider tip: Add extra tzatziki sauce for free
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th St and Arizona, paid meters until 6pm ($2/hour), free evenings
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual counter service
Noise level: Lively but manageable - easy conversations at tables
Weekend wait: 10-15 min line at peak times, quick once ordered
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during lunch rush (12-1pm), no wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel wraps, Greek salad, veggie bowls, spanakopita
Vegan options: Limited - falafel and salads (request no feta/tzatziki)
Gluten-free options: Yes - all bowls can be made GF, skip the pita
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual lunch dates than dinner - it's counter service with fluorescent lighting, but the food quality and prices make it work for low-key meetups
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - order at counter and grab any open table. Peak lunch may require a short wait for seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere, kids menu with chicken souvlaki, quick service keeps little ones happy
Best For
Better for: Most authentic Greek street food flavors at this price point - their tzatziki and pork gyro beat any fast-casual Mediterranean chain
Skip if: You want table service or date night ambiance - try Taverna Tony in Malibu for upscale Greek instead
Nick The Greek
7.8
This counter-service Greek street food spot serves authentic gyros and souvlaki with generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Known for their beef/lamb gyro loaded with tender meat and house-made tzatziki, they deliver consistent Mediterranean comfort food in a casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita, Chicken Souvlaki Bowl, Greek Fries with Feta
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Greek street food with unbeatable value in downtown Santa Monica
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners craving authentic Greek flavors
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service
What to order: Gyro bowl, Greek fries, baklava
Insider tip: Order the bowl version for more food than the pita wrap
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters ($2/hr), gets tight during lunch rush. Small lot behind building fills quickly
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, gym clothes to business casual all normal
Noise level: Bustling counter-service energy - easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: 5-10 min line typical, 5 min food prep
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line during 12-1pm rush, walk right up other times
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel wraps, spanakopita, Greek salads, veggie sides
Vegan options: Limited - falafel plate without tzatziki, hummus, salads (ask to hold feta)
Gluten-free options: Bowl options work great, skip the pita. Salads and meat plates naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates - it's counter service with fluorescent lighting. Great for low-key lunch dates where good food matters more than ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations - it's counter service. Grab your food and find a table. Seating usually available except peak lunch hour
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the Greek fries and chicken souvlaki. High chairs available, casual vibe means no stress about noise
Best For
Better for: Best value authentic Greek in Santa Monica - portions crush Tender Greens, more authentic than Mediterranean chains
Skip if: You want table service or date night ambiance - hit Taverna Tony in Malibu instead