Hello, Gyro

I love gas station food. Not the fast food chains with their mediocre predictability, but the locally made delicacies that give you a sense of place. I suppose this began after college when I lived in Mississippi and was introduced to the late night wonder that was “chicken on a stick” from the local Chevron. In areas of car-centric America, gas stations can be the venue for a kind of grab-and-go street food not unlike the hot dog carts of New York City or the taco trucks of San Francisco.

Whether you drive down “Old 22” or “New 22” through Murrysville, you are bound to see the signs for Leena’s, which claims to make “the best gyro in the world.” I have to tell you, this is the best gyro I’ve ever had.

The meat was incredibly tender, lacking the usual bits of tough meat one finds in a gyro. It was flavorful and shaved just as I made my order. The pita was made fresh that morning. I prefer to order a gyro or shawarma with minimal sides, but because I was enjoying my conversation with the owner so much, I forgot to stop him from piling on toppings. I’m so glad he did. The flavors of the toppings were fresh and complimentary to the meat, and it seemed like every bite was the perfect bite. 

I also had the falafel, which was fresh from the fryer (the only way to eat falafel, in my opinion). It was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect. I recommend getting the pepper sauce which is made on site with the owner’s homegrown peppers. The next time I visit, it will be a challenge to determine what to order – the falafel or the gyro. The hummus is smooth and fresh and even better with the fresh pita. Don’t leave without ordering the baklava.

“Best gyro in the world?” Definitely possible.