37+ years in business as of 2015 & the reason is the quality of food. Still the best gyros around AND delicious french fries. Owner is on-site almost always but the crew knows their business & are always positive. Ok, so the decor is also 37+ years old but hey, consider that part of the charm. Prices are extremely reasonable. If two people order the gyro plate (bigger than the gyro sandwich & $1.00 more) you just may be bringing home leftovers. Menu looks pretty good & there are photos of the menu items.
(5)
Hannah H.
I used to tutor in the area, and The Works has always been my go-to lunch spot :D This place in a plaza off of Golf offers Grecian specialties (gyros and the pork shishkabobs), Athenian chicken, fried shrimp, fish, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sides (such as tamales, onion rings, garlic bread, and chicken tenders). I've tried their Char Cheddar Burger, their Cheddar Dog, the Polish, the Pizza Puffs (of course!), as well as their gyros. All are pretty tasty and are cooked to-order. The staff here are also pretty friendly and efficient, and there are plenty of seating inside for you to sit down and chow down on your food. For solid Greek and American fare, check The Works out! +pizza puff +gyros +Polish +friendly and efficient staff +plenty of parking
(4)
Gin G.
Our "go to" for hotdogs n gyros cuz it's a couple blocks from home. Hit or miss sometimes on the Gyros. For the most part gyros are great. Once in a while it's really dry meat. Burgers are flame broiled but doesn't really hit the spot for me. How can you go wrong with a Chicago style hotdog with everything on it? Yum! Think I'll have to start exploring the menu more to see what the 4 star rating is about.
(3)
Tiffany L.
Grabbed take out here for lunch for a group. Hubby said gyros are a Chi-town staple. I definitely liked the gyros (VERY generous with the meat) more than the hotdogs. Not sure why people rave about the cheese fries, which I thought were not that great. What was better were the deep fried mushrooms!
(3)
Jessica L.
We've been coming here for years, since I was a little girl. The gyros, burgers, and hot dogs are delicious. Cheese fries are a must! Inexpensive and great tasting. Friendly staff!
(4)
Peter S.
Have been coming there for years Very friendly service, great steak sandwich Must have one at least one a month !
(5)
Steven B.
The front decor didn't leave me with a ton of expectations, but there are many hole in the wall places with great food, so I took a leap today. The 3-star review I am giving today is one not of "mediocrity" but rather "you've got runway to grow if you want to." Very good portions, larger than I expected even in a playe combo. The meat was very flavorful on my kabob plate, and I happily at that. However, the cucumber sauce was fairly bland, the pita is not homemade so it's flavorless, and the fries were just lifeless and disappointing in terms of taste. That's the shame of it. Really nice people with frankly some good protein. But the other 40% of the plate was disappointing, and you aren't coming here for the ambiance. Have courage to use more seasoning. Be more bold with what you're serving, and please give the same love and attention to "everything else" that you give to the entree. I wish you all the best!
(3)
Liz P.
Very good food. Fair pricing. Staff is always friendly. And oh my god those chocolate shakes are so delicious.
(4)
Mike L.
Been coming here for the last 20 years since I was in high school. Never disappoints. Best cucumber sauce for the gyros hands down. Love this spot.
(5)
arpan s.
Good gyros nothing epic. Lot of tziki. Seating for a whole lotta people. Def have had better gyros. Lyric was kind high for what it is too. Fries were meh as well.
(3)
Heather Y.
I'm from California but I come to The Works every time I visit family in Illinois. They have the best gyros around and their fries are also delicious!
(5)
Dennis R.
Pretty decent food from a place you wouldn't be skeptical to dine in, yet not exactly the best joint you've been to. I used to live in this area as a kid and the BEST polish I ever had was at Hotdog Island which used to stand on the corner of this property. Sadly it shut down 10yrs ago or so and I have not found a polish that can match theirs. The Works had an alright polish but nothing remarkable. The burger might have been ok had they used cheese slices, but using the same melted cheese they spoon onto the cheese fries? No thanks. The gyros are good because they get them from the same place all the good Chicago gyro joints are supplied from. My only issue with the gyro was the onion came in big awkward chunks rather than sliced in a normal fashion. Maybe an off day? The service was fine but the guy who took our order didn't ask any follow up questions or otherwise seem positive about taking our large order. I'm not saying the guy should roll out the red carpet but as a customer I give repeat business to places that take initiative and ask how I want something cooked or any extras, and as an owner I'd want customers to feel welcome and asked if they want anything else. This could have been an off day or something so I'd overlook it, but when it comes to food I'd only buy a gyro as long as they cut the onion smaller.
(3)
Anita H.
This place has the best of everything! The gyros, the pizza puffs, the cheese fries, the cheeseburgers, the hot dogs, the combos, you name it it's great! We have been coming here for 15 years and we will keep coming here as long as they're open. The guys are all so friendly. Andy is the best! It's like hanging out with family when we go there. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know! If you haven't eaten here you need to!
(5)
Sarah Beth B.
We are weirdly obsessed with The Works. It is not close to our house. The decor is lacking. But it is an INCREDIBLE gyro so we don't care about anything else. This place is old school greasy Greek fast food, with a handful of regular old american fast food stuff thrown in. Just get the gyro (though the mozzarella sticks are weirdly satisfying) and don't look back. And delicious fries! Occasionally they just give us all the fries they have, because they made too many, and it's enough fries for like 5 people, and it's just the best.
(5)
Corn M.
Excellent Service! Friendly and Funny Staff!! Excellent Food. I had cheese fries and a gyro! Will def stop next time in Glenview!!!:)
(5)
Amanda W.
Found this place on yelp and decided to give it a try today. When I called to place my order for carry out the person who took my call was very friendly and helpful. When I arrived to pick up my order- every person working there said hello and smiled at me. The restaurant is not fancy- but who wants that when you are ordering burgers and fries? Not me. I left with my bag of food thinking- there is no way this food is going to taste as good as those folks just were to me in there. But I was wrong. I ordered two gyros sandwiches, fries and fried mushrooms. The gyros were awesome- lots of meat, delicious toasted pita and the sauce was fantastic! The fried mushrooms were incredible and were perfectly fried with absolutely no oil dripping from them. The prices are good too. It's easy to love this place. I plan to visit on a regular basis and I highly recommend The Works. Not only is the food fantastic- but being greeted genuinely by smiling, friendly faces goes a very long way in my opinion.
(5)
Zach E.
The works, well, it is what I thought it was...with all apologies to Dennis Green (football joke). Ok, so I moved in literally a few hundred yards from the place and was using Yelp to find a place for an early dinner- whalla, The Works. Very friendly, lively staff and everything is laid out clearly for ordering....also, pretty damn clean for a Greek greasy spoon. I ordered the Gyros platter and cheese fries because people on here are raving about, and it was about a 7 minute wait for my food. No problem, I would rather wait an extra five minutes and get fresh fries, than the alternative. Everything is made fresh and in front of you because the prep is open to the eating area. On to the food.... The cheese fries were an average portion, but for under 3 bucks that works. I can't say they lived up to the hyper tbh....the type of fries they used are just ok....not as good as other local Chicagoland eateries of this type like Portillos where the fries are just insanely good. The cheese was ok and of a just right amount I suppose. The gyros was the pressed gyro meat you can find pretty much anywhere, but I would add the portion was gigantic. So huge in fact I asked for an extra "pita"- these aren't exactly normal pitas- and surprisingly they gave me one without extra charge YMMV. They also added sliced onions a few tomato slices and a good amount of thick greek suace which was excellent. All in all a good, not great gyro at a fair, not spectacularly cheap price- 10.30 tx incl. If I could give it a 3.5, I would have. I cannot and I give it 3 tars based on the fact that normally you'll be left paying for an extra pita...and that is ridiculous given how much meat is on a platter.
(3)
Marcus K.
Best gyros in town! Andy the owner is the man he always hooks me up and is always watching out for the customers. Everyone who goes there knows Andy!
(5)
Steve B.
Greek diner. Very straightforward - burgers, gyros, whole or 1/2 chicken, and hand-painted murals on the walls. However, what other diners are going to feature Homer's ice-cream (a quality suburban brand that predates the foodie craze of the past few years) and gyros by the pound? Stop in expecting a quick, tasty bite, and you won't be disappointed. Stop in expecting high cuisine, then we will wonder what you expected from an establishment called "The Works" with a picture of a lady eating a gyro in the window.
(5)
Mark H.
Love this place! Great food and great service! Been coming here for the last 10 years. Thank you guys!
(5)
Elle S.
I wasn't expecting The Works to be so yummy! Their gyro meat was delicious, the pita bread was soft and warm and the staff was friendly! I will definitely be back!
(5)
George S.
Greatest gyros in Chicago. Get the gyros and cheese fries you won't be disappointed. Everyone is super friendly here and it's a comfortable place. I highly recommend it!!
(5)
Chris M.
Ha, reading my old review and now it's scary that I DO live within a 10 mile radius of the Works!! All is still excellent on the Works homefront. Fresh made pitas, and still the same amazing gyro meat that is to DIE for and I have not found anything else like it anywhere!! A MUST to try the gyros if you're in the area!!!
(5)
Dale L.
Haven't been to The Works in a couple of years, and was a little surprised to find that the gyro's are not as tasty as I had remembered. Gyro's are easy to make well and just as easy to do badly. The Pita, the meat and even the onions were good. Even the fries are done well and they give you plenty for the price. However I was disappointed by the tzatziki. It was basically just yogurt and a little bit of cucumber, far from the quantity to make it taste more than just yogurt. No dill, no basil, just bland, ugghhh. I always liked visiting here for a meal, but I hope they read this and make this better to really give their gyro's the kick it deserves to finish off every bite with a superior flavor and a smile. One other note, the staff here are super nice and want to make sure you want to come back. I know I will, but hope that they improve on this menu specialty.
(4)
Pamela L.
This place has the very best Gyro I have ever had! In fact all their food is very, very good! No it is more then that, it's Great! I have gone to this place many times over the years and the food has always been exceptional. The staff here are very friendly and very nice. They are personable and have excellent customer service. I admit to being partial to the gyros here and if you enjoy a gyros, you won't eat one any better then at this place. They are absolutely delicious! I highly recommend this place. I think it may be a family owned business because the same staff have been there for as long as I can remember. The hot dogs and burgers are very good too. If your in the area do yourself a favor and stop in and treat yourself. I personally being a huge gyro fan highly suggest and recommend you have one here. Love their food! The only negative is its a bit over priced.
(5)
AJ M.
I love gyros so i had to come here and try it out! The menu was pretty large for a fast food spot but I was not gonna mess around, I got the gyros combo which came with pork kabob. The gyro meat was really good crispy and full of flavor. The pork kabob was not that great. Unlike most places you don't get a whole pita u get couple of small pieces which was a little weird but its alright the meat was the main attraction. And like others said the Tzataki sauce was one of the best I have ever had. It was thick full of flavor. Many places are watered down. Overall pretty good gyro spot idk if its the best in Chicago as some people think but really good for the suburbs. Will be coming here more often!
(4)
Jimmy J.
Walking in here is like walking straight into 1982 and that's not a stretch. This is old school Greek Bros owned. I heard George died which is a shame because he was a good man. Hard working. Kind to customers. After a hard night of partying, we oncd drove from.Iowa City to Niles because we were jonesing so hard for a gyros from the Works. Shisk Kabob-Gyros Combo Plate, extra pita with cheese fries and root beer on crushed ice..are what dreams are made of.
(4)
Anthony B.
I have been coming here for years. By far one of the best gyro's around.
(4)
Doug R.
Very good hot dog joint. Has been a staple in Glenview for a long time. Always a local favorite with very good hot dogs and friends. Great location as there aren't a lot of places like it in the area.
(3)
Benjamin S.
Once again the guys at The Work's have done it by serving the best gyros in the area along with the family atmosphere they have had here for over 30 years. A true gem!
(5)
Matt A.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. The tzatziki(gyros sauce) is the best around! Reasonable prices and the same owners for 30 years. Can't lose greasy spoon.
(5)
Andrew P.
I've been all over the Western Hemisphere, but every time I come back to the Chicagoland Suburbs, my time here isn't complete until I've had a Gyros (extra tzatziki sauce), cheese fries, and a side of pickles. I have yet to find a better Gyros this side of Chicago, and believe me I've tried! Growing up, I always went with a chili cheese dog, which is also outstanding and deliciously hard to eat (they don't skimp on the chili OR the cheese). The place has been family-owned and operated for the past 30 years, my dad still remembers going there the day it opened. It brings back wonderful memories of years past for me, but even if it's your first time, it's never too late to start making memories of your own.
(5)
Chebureki M.
Been going there for years, best gyros and cheese fries anywhere.
(4)
Arshad A.
If your in the mood for a gyros look no further. They have one of the best gyros n the area. The other food is good too like the chicken pita sandwich and others. Service is decent.
(5)
April M.
I have been eating here for 30 years. Best food. Best people. Best price. I will eat here until the day I die.
(5)
Adam R.
A family favorite. Great staff and great food!
(4)
Joseph D.
You can't get a better gyro anywhere! ANYWHERE! It's a classic spot with delicious food and friendly service that's been great to the neighborhood since I was little kid. Hands down the BEST gyro I've ever had!
(4)
George J.
The BEST gyros in town hands down!!! I love this place, their chicken pita, their burgers, everything here is great! And the owner and cooks are very friendly. If your looking for a local spot that on point with everything this is the place!
(5)
Brokelyn G.
Been stopping in for over 30 years and it's the same great food run by a friendly staff that is always welcoming. As a kid the fries basket always looked enormous and now as an adult it is still a huge mound of happiness. The Italian beef, like the gyros, is overstuffed into a perfect shell. Gets the right amount of soggy without getting disgusting. I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor each bite. On the way out two guys behind the counter chirp their thanks but I am the one who is thankful that The Works has survived while my other childhood favorites in the Talisman (Shasta and The Name is Games) have succumbed to time.
(5)
Kevin D.
I've been coming to the Works since I could walk pretty much. It's been interesting to see the people come and go, but the same welcoming attitude whenever I walk in. It's located in a sketchy, run-down strip mall right next to a brand new Walgreens. There's plenty of parking and lines are never too long. Onto the food. It's delicious. It's that simple. Is it the healthiest? Hell no. But if you want a greasy, delicious, calorie-ridden gyro sandwich, burger, etc. you'll get it here. It used to bother me that the burgers were cooked well done to the point of almost being burnt, but I realized it gives it that charred and delicious taste. Prices are reasonable, though I have noticed a steady incline over the years (although that is expected). Overall, I'll definitely keep coming back here as long as they are open.
(4)
gale l.
did take out from here once and it was delicious. or maybe I was famished. but whichever it was, I have been wanting to go back and order again! unfortunately I'm trying to be - ugh - responsible and actually cook my own food, plus there's too many new (to us) restaurants to try here yet! we had their gyros platter which was family-sized. all the fixin's. if you're a pita-bread hound like me, add extra because there's plenty of that juicy compressed gyros meat! i called my order in over the phone, first time ever, and they were so nice and amenable, and really seemed sincere when they thanked me for the order. it made a real positive impression. I want to try a lot more on their menu.
(4)
Michael S.
Gyros done right! Hot Soup is always tasty. we always get the fried mushrooms to go with our Gyros Plate.
(5)
Doug U.
I have been a patron of the Works for well over 25 years and now my kids bring their friends for the same great food. It is a family friendly, casual environment great for young and old. Do not expect a fancy sit down dinner. This is just plain great Greek and American fast food. Every lunch hour this place has a line, but the orders are taken so fast the wait is never more than a few minutes. I love the Gyros and my wife loves the Shish-kebab plate. The kids, who are now grown up, have moved from hot dogs to Gyros, but still love the cheese fries! We are always greeted with a smile when we arrive. When the kids were young they were often surprised with a taste of the homers ice cream by George or Andy. These days I often call in an order for a pound or two of gyros to go and they pack it up with toasted pita and all the fixings. If you are in Glenview and just want a good old fashion Gyros give this place a try.
(5)
William M.
Friendly staff, fast service, good food. Their menu is surprisingly large for the size of the place. It's the sort of old fashioned diner that you don't see enough of these days.
(4)
Pari P.
Even after 15 years, The Works still stands as my favorite place for gyros. I was in the area and had to make a stop. The owner and the employees are still there and surprisingly haven't aged a bit. It was almost like stepping back in time. The gyros must be the new fountain of youth. It had been several years since I had been here so I bought two pounds of gyros. It's not often that you can buy gyros by the pound. An order came with pita, vegetables, and sauce. For only $11.50 a pound, this was an awesome deal and it tasted just as good as I remembered. Get The Works - eat gyros and live long.
(5)
Sarah S.
The Works has been open as long as I can remember! It was always a hot spot for my family, one uncle in particular makes it a point to stop here with his family when in town from South Carolina. I used to walk here many times a week after school when I went to Springman Jr High! When I was in junior high and came all the time with my friends, the workers all knew us and we all knew them. I also came here many a times throughout the years for their yummyness! I'm sad to admit I've never tried their Gyros----ever! Blasphemy I know, but everyone who tries them falls in love. I would always go for a hot dog, cheese fries and pop. Their hot dogs are sooooo good! I might even think they are the best in Chicagoland! And their cheese fries are much better than anywhere else I've tried, too! Delicious!
(5)
Kam D.
WOW all of these 4 and 5 star reviews are puzzling me. Went to The Works today because we were near by and we were thoroughly disappointed. This place is not good. First of all the service was pretty bad. The guy insisted we pay in cash, when we didn't have enough and had to pay with a card we got major ATTITUDE from the creepy guy working the register. After our order I went out to my car for my phone while my girlfriend ordered a coke. The guy was calling my girlfriend "baby" and being overly creepy. Not cool and I didn't find out about this until we left. The place is a dump in a really sketchy old strip mall. There are tacky paintings inside And on to the SUBPAR gyros. We got the 1lb which was $13 not $9 like other reviews mentioned. The gyros themselves were average and seemed greasier than most gyros I eat. The onions were NOT FRESH and the tomatoes were cut so thick they'd fall out of the gyro. Also, maybe the WORST cucumber sauce i've ever tried. The pitas were the only good part of the meal. Sorry, Yelp, but you failed me this time. If you want a real, delicious gyro do yourself the favor and take an extra 5 minute drive to WALLY'S in Park Ridge where you won't be disappointed.
(1)
Matt S.
I just moved to Glenview a few months ago and have been here several times. I promised to try a variety of items once before repeating an order, but the gyro plate was so good that I failed in that mission by the third visit. I bring friends here every time, even my buddy from Israel who loved his burger. It's not a fancy place and doesn't pretend to be, but it is a place loaded with tradition, a great atmosphere, a very friendly staff, and great food. For someone like myself who appreciates affordability, great taste, and a great atmosphere, this is the go-to place!
(5)
AudLee E.
Best place to eat in town for quick, cheap yet always fresh and delicious food! My husband and I split one Gyros plate and have dinner for two for about $7! But we always leave a tip! $10 out the door! And their chicken is SO good.... Hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings (all made to order!) Best PITAS around! Best tzatziki sauce EVER! All the people working behind the counter, cashiers, owners, cooks are all really cool, get along, and love food- it shows. There is no tip jar but leave a few bucks on the counter for them and they will be stoked! You are always getting a great deal there anyway!
(5)
Michael C.
I don't live in Glenview anymore, but I come here every year when I visit family. Not sure if their is a nostalgia factor in my rating since my family has been coming here for maybe 20+ years. When I was a kid I had the hot dogs, but now nothing beats the Gyro. Matter of fact, I have never had a bad gyro from them. I live in new york now, traveled Greece, but I always love The Works.
(5)
Lisa A.
Solid cheap eat in Glenview. My lady friends and I always order the $9 pound of gyros which is a perfect amount for the 3 of us. Gyros are juicy, pitas are fluffy and warm, and the cucumber sauce is goood. Gyros aroma for dayzzzz. Even if i pick up food and wait for less than 10 minutes, my clothes always smell of fried oil and grease when I leave here.... I don't mind! It's a true greasy joint.
(4)
Justin J.
This place is simple, straight forward, and relaxed. They don't try to act more formal than it is, they all call you "boss" when you're ordering, and the food is anywhere from pretty standard to good. Cash only, but that's what you would expect from a place like this. Super respectful, didn't even get to stand up fully before a guy came out to clean up my table. Awesome service!
(5)
Debbie I.
Mediocre to sub-standard food. I found the gyros to be very greasy resulting in a stomach ache. I have ordered grilled cheese on pita and found that to be very dry and hard to swallow. I will definitely not repeat. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!
(1)
Danny K.
Long ago a friend and I were on a missions trip to Dominican Republic. Every night while setting up our mosquito nets over our mattresses we would inevitably talk about going to the Works the second we got back. I've gotta say, what was true then is true now. This place serves up some terrific gyros. And though I may have it up high on an untouchable pedestal forged in my youth, the works dog puts a smile on my face whenever I order it. Cash only, ample parking, be sure to wear stretchy pants.
(4)
Lenny W.
I would give them five stars for their italian beef sammich,but I have to knock off two stars because they only take cash and,as mentioned elsewhere,they will give you an attitude about this.
(4)
Heather V.
Five star for the owner shaking my hand when he realized it was my first time there. 4.5 for the food. Burger are yummy cheese fries were yummy. THink I am going to try the gyro soon. Never had a gyro in my life. They are within walking distance which is even better.
(5)
Eric V.
The Works may be a hole-in-the-wall joint in a nondescript strip mall, but it's hard to knock a solid gyro. The gyros, shaved from the spit and finished on the flat top to add a little extra crust to the meat, are topped with the familiar onions, tomatoes, and some cool, homemade tzatziki. Throw in an order of cheese fries and you've got yourself the perfect diet buster. Just remember to bring your paper currency as they only take cash (there's an ATM inside in case you forget).
(4)
Danny C.
THIS IS THE BEST GYRO IN THE WORLD! I have tried gyros from all over Chicago, and other parts of this great nation of ours but none comes close to the quality of their gyro sandwich. Traditional gyro should come from a rotating spit. Unlike in California where they grill the meat (WTF!) and puts lettuce and mayo on it (what a disgrace). The meat is slightly crisp and tender/moist on the inside. The pita is dipped in the gyro juice and then grilled for a nice toasty texture with full flavor. They give you mounds of gyro meat where you have to eat it with a fork first and then eat it like a sandwich. Granted the restaurant itself is very "retro" but who cares! If the food is that great, I wouldn't even care if they had patio furniture for seats or serve warm cola (which they don't). They also service pizza puffs, burgers, chicago dogs, chicken, etc.... I don't know how it tastes because I always get the gyro. Whenever I fly back to Chicago, I make sure to have one gyro at this joint before leaving, otherwise it would be a wasted trip. =) Eat, drink and repeat. =D
(5)
Debi K.
Recently revisted this place after 30 years, they were great then and they are holding the greatness title 30 yrs later! Gyros were amazing as well as the cheese fries! My son was doing flip flops for the bacon cheese burger! Glad we moved back to the area, a no brainer, this place will be revisited!
(5)
Jay K.
I've had just about everything on the menu here and it's all really good. Excellent gyros. Grilled chicken cooked to order, excellent. The Works hot dog is a double dog on french bread with all the Chicago dog trimmings, excellent. The place is locked in the 60's with the table and chairs. Plenty of inside seating.
(5)
Will P.
I had a legendary time at this place. I've been looking for a good gyro place in my new surroundings, and the Works is now it. There are lots of colorful characters from all walks of life coming through the doors to enjoy some greasy food, and I always end up talking to people. If you're getting gyros, I would recommend the sandwich over the plate, since the plate is just the sandwich with pita on the side. Great place, will be back again and again.
(5)
Ania R.
The gyros here are delicious!! Just great!!
(5)
Jim F.
We love Yelp. When we're traveling as a family, it's almost never let us down. When I travel for work, it's great for finding locally-owned places to eat. So man were we bummed when it failed us is epic-fashion. On the way back from Six Flags, we stopped at ABT Electronics and wanted to find a place to eat in Glenview. Four and a half stars for the Works - how could we go go wrong? Not sure where to start. Let's go in order: Location: it's in a run-down strip mall next to several vacant lots. Interior: run-down, and about 90 degrees with no air conditioner in the middle of July. Food: we ordered a gyro sandwich, gyro combo, fried chicken, and hamburger. The gyro sandwich and combo tasted pretty good going down... but about an hour later both my son and I were feeling really ill. The hamburger was a 2 on a 1-10 scale, the fried chicken was a 0. Oh, and the still-cold fries were terrible. Really awful food. So we just don't get all the five star reviews here for The Works. It's a nasty grease pit with bad food. Seriously, as you drive through glenview, there's a Jersey Mikes, Chipotle, Portillo's, and many more well-run establishments. If you're looking for a quick, cheap place to eat, do you and your family a favor and skip The Works.
(1)
Wesley B.
I moved to Glenview from Milwaukee and in Milwaukee it's all about Oakland Gyros on Oakland & Locust for a gyro fix. Boy was I lucky to end up near this place. The gyros are fantastic, the pitas are delicious, and the gyro platter is a good value. You get a ton of gyro goodness for under $10. My only complaint is they're stingy on some essential components to the gyro: Feta is extra and they don't sell it in a single-person portion, you have to bug them for extra cucumber sauce, and sometimes they're stingy with the vegetables. (I need lots of onion on my gyro so I'll have excellent make-out breath. The ladies always thank me.) I honestly have only ever ordered their gyros, and sometimes onion rings to go with it. Frankly, I don't think I need to order anything else.
(5)
HY L.
i LOVE visiting foodies who drive miles out of the city to share what is clearly the best Gyros in the 50 United States plus Puerto Rico and Guam. Tzatziki alone is worth driving way out there. Do not let the weird strip mall deter you. This place is serious Gyro business. The meat is perfectly seasoned and juicy. The pita bread is perfect soft and textured. I had no idea this place was so far away, but well worth the drive!
(5)
Justin G.
I had a solid cheeseburger here. After reading all the reviews, maybe I should have had the gyros...actually that gyros salad sounds good. Their bathroom is much cleaner than expected for a fast food establishment. Tiny, but immaculate. I dare you to say I'm wrong on that matter. I DARE YOU.
(4)
Rob S.
This review is based on their Gyros only! : I have been eating at this joint since my early childhood (which might have a little bit to do with my childhood chubby years). I have NEVER gotten anything BUT, the Gyros sandwich which to this very day I have never eaten a better one. Their meat is perfectly roasted on the spit and their guys shave it perfectly thin. Their Cucumber sauce is awesome and the right textures and they give you plenty of meat in your sandwich. I also get an order of fried mushrooms which is typical greasy spoon fare but they do it right. This place will always be my standard for good gyros.
(5)
Lee T.
My mom wanted to come here for her birthday dinner. She loves their Italian beef (dipped, add lots of peppers). The beef looked good and the peppers tasted yummy. My burger was pretty good. I loved the cheese fries. Its that melted cheese-like stuff that tastes delicious and they serve a generous portion (of cheese and fries). BE ADVISED: They only accept cash.
(4)
Eric P.
juicy tender beautiful lamb/beef fusion with grilled juicy onions, with a perfectly light pita bread that is grilled to a crisp (the secret is they dip the pita in the oil of the gyro meat) that gives it that rich taste. All this with fresh pickle and tomatoes makes this absolutely THE BEST GYRO EVER! They claim it and there's no denying it. So try it for yourself! And yes I have had gyros in greek town (Mr. Greeks and across the street and yes it puts these to shame), kostas, and hot dog richies. Do yourself a favor and get the gyro plate (double the meat) and get an extra pita on the side. You will thank me later and possibly send me a money for this tip, if so please look at my profile and email me and we'll figure something out.
(5)
Art C.
Been coming here since I was a kid. I always get the two hot dogs in a french roll smothered in "cheese" based sauce. Whats there not to like? I'm also pretty sure the staff here hasn't changed in 15 years. The only gripe are the fries. You get a lot of it, but a lot of them turn out to be those overcrisped ones that were in the fryer just a wee bit too long. Now if they switched to crinkle fries, it would be a game changer for me!
(4)
Steven M.
This place has been here forever and a month. It used to have it's own building back in the 80's. It is a little dingy when you get inside. And most of the people that were in the back look as though they should be in a nursing home. They weren't eating or reading the paper? The service is fast and the food is greasy good. They cheese just slides off of a double burger. The fries are ok to. Those I mind being to greasy. Next time I will have to have a gyros. The meat on the spit looked really good.
(3)
Tex N.
Local joint with just the right amount of panache. Been going there for years. Recommend take out, it's like a mom and pop deli. Definitely not a dinner joint. Mmmmm fresh gyros.
(4)
Amanda Y.
I've been going to The Works since high school. Whenever I come back to the area after high school, I'd always make sure that I stop by to get my fill of gyro sandwich. Now that I've moved back, I definitely go there at least once a month. Here are a few of the stuff I love from their menu: 1. Gyro Sandwich or Platter. I love the cucumber yogurt sauce! They heat the pita on the grill and I love the crispiness of the pita with the sandwich. 2. Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich. Again, it's served on that delicious grilled pita... 3. Pizza Puff. I have it when I am nostalgic ... 4. Fried Chicken Wings. It's recently added to their menu. Initially, I was skeptical... but it was actually delicious! I like the red sauce that comes with it... Service is generally great. It does get crowded and busy during lunch so be prepared to wait for your food.
(4)
S T.
This is a lunch spot we go to. Char broil grill is what they use so the burgers are tasty. Gyros, kabobs and beef is good. They don't salt the fries and don't give you salt to put on your self. Over all this I'd a good spot.
(3)
Elvira V.
For that mad gyro craving - this is where I go. They way they toast up the pita bread always makes me weak. When I am feeling really 'bad' I get cheese fries and some Homer's ice cream too. If I want to be good then I get a grilled chicken on a pita. Their shish-ka-bob (sp?) is darn good too and I've had it on a french roll - that's for when I yearn for some meat! My mate has been going there since he was a kid who would go to the (now defunct) arcade next door and he loved it then and still does. TG! for a place that hasn't changed their menu and has stayed consistent. FYI - the decor is your standard eighties fast food joint with wacky greek inspired murals -not fancy at all.
(5)
Brendan M.
best gyros i have ever had.....gyros, cheese fries, fruit punch....done.
(5)
Justin K.
Great food and quick service, this is a great local place to have a quick grab to eat. I recommend their gyro sandwich with everything on it!
(5)
Martin M.
Love this place, best gyros in town...rhe other day i had there burger n it was amazing too. But you can never go wrong with there gyros. Its the best
(5)
Kristen L.
I've been going to The Works since I can remember. My grandfather used to own a business that was right next door to the works and because my brother and I would constantly be with my grandparents, The Works would be a hangout spot for us. I remember getting their cheese fries and their vanilla ice cream and having the only woman who was ever behind the counter take a bite of it before giving it to me. Now after 18 years, I still go back every now and then for their gyros and their cheese fries. The gyros are carved off the spit as soon as you order it and then put on the grill for a couple of minutes or so, giving the pieces a nice crisp edge. With their tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and wrapped in a warm pita, it is the perfect lunch or dinner. Their cheese fries taste the way I always remembered them tasting. The fries are nice and crisp while not overly greasy and the cheese sauce they use is my absolute favorite to this day. The restaurant is still owned by the same Greek family and the employees are still the same people I remember when I was younger. Whenever I go with my brother, they still refer to him as "BJ's grandson." Sadly, they don't remember who I am, but they are still as friendly as they were. The decor of the restaurant hasn't changed and is a bit dated, but for someone who's been going there since she was 5, it's as good as home to me.
(4)
Nari L.
Friendly service, fast service, great food and cheap! How great is that? Their food is just as good as the good food you would get in the city in Greektown. I'm glad we don't have to go too far whenever we are craving some good gyros. I will definitely come back again!
(5)
Susan B.
I will simply say first-- they have the best gyros in town. We ordered a chicken dinner each Friday for more than 5 years, and one nigh again, t we got one (to go) and it was stringy, hard, meatless, and old. We told them the folowing week how bad it was--& that we could not eat it. Then we were told that "Next" week it'd be on him. Bad business. We never went back. Now, I found out- the owner, John- has passed away. He put his heart and soul into that place. I'm sorry that he didn't have more years to enjoy his life.He was a very nice man .My sincere condolences to his family.
(3)
Simon K.
The gyros here are amazing. They load it up with so much meat, you can't even hold it at first. You'll slowly pick away at the meat until you can finally eat it like a sandwich. The pita bread is perfectly toasted and the Tzatziki sauce is very fresh. They sell it at a very reasonable price and you'll be full after one gyro and some fries. Personal Recommendation: Gyro with grilled onions
(4)
Eric E.
Great burger and coleslaw. Burger was done perfectly, slightly pink, and with ample toppings! Slaw was tasty and a good amount was served. Service was polite, though the person at the cash register didn't listen to my questions, just gave me what I was asking about. "How much is that drink?" - pulls one out and rings it up. Overall, great place to come and will try the Gyros next time!
(4)
B. S.
Very poor service. Owner and cashier are very rude! Cooks are welcoming though. Not going back. If there was a category for negative stars, I would give them a negative for sure!
(1)
Michael F.
I've been going here since I was a kid, and when I'm in Chicago I usually refuse to have a gyro from anywhere else. I still recognize the same workers from when I was a kid at Washington Elementary across the street. However, I don't think their recipe has been as consistent. I'm pretty sure they changed up where they get the ingredients from 3-4 years ago, because the gyro's went from "out of this world good" to "amazing" (terrible, I know). Luckily their cheese fries are still as delicious as ever (need to eat with a fork, not the type you dip in a cup of cheese.). Overall their menu has been great whenever I dare venture away from their all-mighty gyro. As a kid I had their shrimp platter all the time (still delicious, especially for a hole in the wall fast food shop). A decent veggie pita my dad gets all the time. Good fried mushrooms. I would not recommend this place for Chicago style dogs though. They're always falling apart and just don't seem that well done. Same goes for the burgers - always a bit burnt and everything is falling out of the bun. Regardless, if you live in the area and still haven't had this diamond in the rough you ought to get on fixing that immediately. Also, two warnings: closes a little early in my opinion, and they only take cash (there is an ATM inside though).
(5)
Heather P.
Probably the best gyros, bar none. They only take cash, so leave your plastic in your wallet. The staff was friendly, and the place (even in a strip mall), had a very Greek feel to it. But the best part was the food! Like I said, best ever gyros.
(5)
Paula G.
By no means am I a gyo expert, but the gyros at the works are quite possibly the best I've ever had. They are seasoned fantastically and will make your mouth and your stomach very happy indeed. The owner is super nice and service has always been quick. My only gripe is no credit cards but it's not really a big deal since the food is so good!
(4)
Tasha P.
I've never had a better gyro. The Works is the yardstick by which I measure all other gyro places. I've never had anything here besides gyros and fries, and I always take it to go. Like everyone else says, this place is definitely cash only. Do yourself a favor and get the gyro before trying anything else. It will knock your socks off.
(5)
Kostas Z.
The best gyros and chicken breast plate in The whole Illinois!..
(5)
Giggly C.
OMG, excellent gyros. pass on onion rings. did i mention the gyro?
(5)
Beatriz D.
This place is as basic as you can get. Old decor, cash only. It doesn't look like much, and then you actually eat. It's awesome! Service is super fast, and I always like places that have an established clientele. I'm not very fond of gyro meat, but I tried some of what my husband ordered, and it was really good. I had a double hot dog, probably the best one I've had in the Greater Chicago Area. Love exploring! Portions are big, prices are very decent, and the atmosphere gives the place its special touch.
(5)
Mike O.
If this place was in the way of where we usually go, I fear it would displace my favorite local eatery: Papa Chris on Touhy. Luckily, it's somewhat northeast of where I usually travel, straddling the Niles-Glenview border, so it is rare I stop by here for lunch. We came here on a Sunday for lunch with the kids. The Works is located in a spacious strip mall, just off of Golf & Washington, with an oversized parking lot in front of it. Inside, the scent of burgers on the grill gets you right away as you walk in. This is your classic family-run Greek burger & gyros joint right down to the Vienna Beef signs on display. The walls have these huge paintings all around the dining area, all done by the same artist from the look of their style. I always go for the flame-grilled cheeseburger here and my wife had a Maxwell-style Polish. Excellent is all I can say. Fast service too. The dining area can use a bit of updating, but the place "works" - simple as that. Not pricy either. The 4 of us were well-fed for under $15. And I have a story to share about this restaurant from a number of years ago, when we only had my older son and he was not quite 3 years old at the time (the Stunt Baby wasn't born yet). We were here for lunch once and he was running around the place after his meal till he ran into a column and whacked his head. He started crying. The owner, an older gentleman in a white dress shirt behind an apron, came out and told us he has something that will make it go away and he presented my son with a kid-sized ice cream cone. And sure enough, no more tears. He forgot about his bump and had the ice cream. The personal touch at this place makes me appreciate them even more.
(4)
Matt S.
Cash only! Leave your plastic at home, folks. I was smelling my fingers while driving home from this place. Is that gross? Or was the food really that good? The food was really that good. Nestled in an unassuming strip mall on Golf Road, it feels like one of those places you've driven past a hundred times but never bothered to stop in. But once you do, you'll realize that this place has been around for a while, and for good reason--the food and service are both GREAT. There are definitely regulars who lunch here in this divey-looking place. I have yet to explore their extensive menu, but from the looks of it, the gyro plate (which is enormous!) and the double char cheeseburgers are the big winners here. Warning, though: prepare to get messy. The burgers are heavy, juicy, and dripping with cheese, so arm yourself with napkins from the counter while you wait. And bring a designated driver or eating buddy, because the food coma will most definitely hit you on the drive home. Oof. So much deliciousness.
(4)
David R.
A serviceable hot dog/gyros joint. Just the quality, prices, atmosphere, cleanliness, clientele, etc that you would expect. You will wait 3-5 minutes for your food, as they cook most of it to order, even at lunchtime. Grilled onions are available as a topping. The register guy is a likeable comedian. It's dingy but not dirty. No "meal deals" but a sandwich, fries, and soda will run about $7-8. They also sell soup, Greek chicken, and Homer's ice cream. Oh--and NO credit cards....Um, that's all that I can think of. Polish: B+, good crust, almost overdone Hot Dog: B-, just your regular Vienna Beef; my roll was stale when I tried this one Fries: C, a bit mealy, medium-thickness Onion rings: C+, thankfully not the minced variety but fried hard and nothing special Fried mushrooms: B, again fried hard but pretty darn good
(3)
Andrea G.
I've been going here for their awesome gyro sandwich for years.
(4)
Kip W.
First, I'll start by acknowledging some of the , uh, "quirks" of this place that could possibly be construed as negatives: The decor hasn't changed in thirty years; the bathroom is, well, uh, not the place you want to spend too much time hanging out in; and sometimes watching people wipe away tzatziki sauce off their chins can be less than appetizing. But, for over thirty years, this place has been serving up the best gyros in Chicagoland. Yes, it's as good as-if not better than-gyros I've eaten at many other places including different places in Greek Town. Aside from the gyros, they also serve up a perfect Chicago-style hot dog, an awesome Polish, and a tasty char-broiled burger, among other tasty menu items. Finish it off with a chocolate shake, and you're good to go. The Works holds a TON of sentimental value for me as well. It is the ultimate "where time stood still" place from my childhood, and as life's milestones come & go, the Works has always been there, one of the few constants. While I no longer live in the neighborhood, I make a point to stop in at least every once in a while to experience fond memories as well as killer fast food.
(5)
Joshua Q.
I grew up with the works and I think it is about high time that I reviewed it. Ever since I moved out of town, whenever I visit my folks, I make it a point to go here. I always get a gyros and a side order of a hotdog with everything on it. I think my parents get mad at me because I inhale my meal whenever I go. I recommend eating here and have been every time I go. I have to say, I am kinda glad I moved because if i didn't, I probably would spend all my money herr. Here is my review: Food = 10/10 I have been to places where they only give you about 4 slices of the meat they use in the gyros. This place stuff the gyros with meat. if you look at the pictures they have for "are these photos helpful?" area, I think they should double the meat on those pictures and I think that is what a normal order is. also for the hotdog, you get that nice snap when biting into the dog. I think the food it great here and I really can't see it getting any better unless they give it away for free. note: I usually eat with my dad and he gets the Italian Beef, which he loves. he states that "it is not greasy like other Italian beefs he has tried". Price = 10/10 You definitely get what you pay for. The quality of the food and the amount is definitely worth the price. Service = 9/10 It's fast. you walk up, order in a line fashion, pay and sit down/wait for your food. I don't ever remember waiting for a long time for the food to get ready. of course, i usually eat their on their off time (3-4 or later that 7), so I don't really know how it is during when it is at the peak feeding times. Settings = 9/10 Place seems clean and lighting is good. I would say about the same cleanliness as about the newer McDonald joints. there is a small television there and the noise around is not annoyingly loud where you can not hear what other people (your company, I don't encourage listening in on other people's conversations) are saying. there are a few paintings on the wall and some pictures of celebrities on the wall. Overall: I love coming here. The staff seem friendly and the food is great and worth the price you pay. Like i said before, I make it a point to come here every time i visit my folks. I even crave it at times which sucks since I am out of town... I even have an uncle that craves the gyros here. I really enjoy this place and I think I might be beating a dead horse seeing as there is about 82 other reviews on this place. note: this review is based on the gyros and hotdogs I eat here. I don't really recall getting anything else so I can't really comment on them other than word of mouth. I know they have ice cream, but I haven't tried them...
(5)
Tina T.
My family has been coming here for years. My grandparents started coming when they were first married, and now over 70 years later, we are still regulars. I refuse to get a gyro from anywhere else. Friendly staff, family owned, and amazing food. They're homemade gyro sauce is to die for, as is their homemade ice cream!
(5)
Kim J.
Gyro heaven, oh my! Since I take the Metra to work, I have to rely on the kindness of my coworkers to get out of the office for lunch. Lucky for me, they invited me out to the Works the other day. If you're looking for ambience, head elsewhere. If you're looking for a fantastic gyro, you've come to the right place. Since I'm cutting out gluten for awhile, I had the gyro plate, which is basically just a big plate of gyro meat with tzatki (sp?) sauce and veggies. And man, the meat was delicious. Tender, flavorful, juicy, you name it. I ordered extra meat and was still ready to nom some more when I was done. Hopefully my coworkers will continue to come here. It's almost enough to make a girl consider driving to work.....
(4)
Sourma K.
I think The Works has one of the best gyros in Chicago (as much as I love Dengeo's and grew up eating it) there's something about The Works that knows how to work a gyros. Its perfectly crisp on the one side of the meat and tender on the other. The tzatziki sauce is the best by far its garlicky, tangy from the red wine vinegar, a crunchiness from the shaved cucumbers and the yogurt is just as fresh. I don't get the gyros that often because of the calories so don't feel hesitant to go because its your typical "fast food" place. I get the grilled chicken sandwich on a pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce on the side. You can't beat that I would say its about a 600 calorie sandwich and compared to a gyros that's a healthier choice. The chicken sandwich is char-grilled so it taste like its homemade. The place is sort of a dive and only accepts cash. Be prepared, come hungry and leave satisfied.
(4)
arlene d.
Found this place on yelp while traveling to Glenview. I grew up eating good gyros so had high expectations. It met them got 2 gyro plates and a hot dog $16 bucks great deal. CASH ONLY so be prepared
(4)
Pete C.
If you love Gyros or Italian Beef as much as I do, you cannot do better than this place. This place is even better than Hubs, which I never thought would be possible. Not only is it tasty, but also very generous portions. I cannot find any place even remotely close to The Works in Southern California. I guess it's a good thing or else I would be as big as a house.
(5)
Nicole B.
Not sure what happened to this little hole in the wall, used to be very good. Last time my fiance and I ate there we ordered gyros and think the meat was extremely old. We were sick the entire next day! It was super greasy, no taste and smothered in sauce probably to hide the week old meat! This is a used to be a go to place and now it's a never again!
(1)
Anoni M.
The five stars is for the gyros sandwich. I've spent what could be considered community college tuition at the Works so I feel I should get some sort of recognition for eating here as often as I have. The spinning gyros is no different than any other joint that has those rottisserie broilers. But they seem to have perfected a cooking system in which one is spinning with full fire, another at half fire and another in defrost mode. You'd think I'd have asked one of the owner operators, but yes, they're pretty intimidating. The cucumber sauce is perfect. It's cool, it's tangy and it complements the lamb perfectly. Tomatoes and onions are always fresh. First off, they carve the meat off with a sword, unlike some places that use something to the effect of a men's hair clipper. They load up the gyros sandwich with so much meat that I usually take off a third of it to eat with a fork. But most importantly, the pita is unsurpassed in its flavor and texture. They dip the pita in some vegetable oil or some oil from the drip pan of the spinning gyros and grill it to perfect crispness. Basically it's what makes the gyros meat say to the pita, "You complete me." Other notables here are the Italian beef with hot peppers, Chicago style hot dogs, cheddar fries and Homer's ice cream. Yes, I know. I'm a healthy person. I've never been so much a fan of their hamburgers as they use shredded lettuce, relish and put the condiments and toppings underneath the patty. But now I'm just being picky. I'm glad they've kept the place pretty much the same. It's basically the only survivor in the strip mall since I was a kid. I remember it when there was a auto store and a crappy Euro trash club on either side of it.
(5)
neil c.
I hadn't eaten here for quite a while - not since High School. But we stopped by here on the way back to my Parent's today, and now I remember why I used to go here in High School - THE GYROS ARE FANTASTIC. Yeah, it's not something you should eat often, and it's good I live a few thousand miles away, so I can't, but if you're going to eat gyros, you'd be hard pressed to find a place that does it better. I like to get the tzatziki on the side -it's delicious, but I like to meter it out to my own choosing. A piece of advice - eat the gyro as you would a San Francisco burrito - leave it in the foil and peel the foil down as you eat. Otherwise, just like with the burrito, you'll have a big mess on your hand. A big delicious mess.
(5)
Janice L.
i live minutes away but never gave this place a chance. so i was craving a burger one night and did not want to drive to jim's originals by UIC so i ordered a cheese burger with extra grilled onions with the works.. delish! so were the onion rings. my boyfriend had the gyros plate and cheese fries and cole slaw.. we were very hungry that night (: everything was amazing, did not expect that.. i guess i don't have to drive all the way to paradise pup anymore.
(5)
Dan H.
I love gyros. Growing up in Skokie, I had delicious gyros at Hub's quite often. So, unfortunately for every place I'll ever eat at after this, their gyros most be awesome. This place is pretty good, but not amazing. If you want Gyros or an awesome charburger, head 2 blocks west and go to Goodi's on Milwaukee. I would only eat here instead of the joint down the road if A.) my car broke down in the parking lot. B.) well there's no need for B.)
(3)
George D.
I've been coming to The Works since my high school days, which were longer ago than I care to admit. In all that time, the staff, the menu, and the furniture have not changed. They even still have the same old poster on the wall--the Three Stooges "Golf with your freinds". Every time I see that poster, I get a mad gyros craving. If you eat here, you'll feel a sandbag weight in your stomach for at least half a day, and you'll notice that the pressure on your spare tire has been increased. But all the good things in life come at a price. Do what I do: Skip breakfast before coming. Order the gyros. It is hands-down the best in Chicagoland. They grill the pita to a golden crispiness. The meat is roasted perfectly (and also sliced perfectly--slicing gyros is a skill). Don't remove it from the foil wrapper, or you'll be wearing tzatziki sauce. Order the cheese fries. Squirt ketchup on them and mix them up with two plastic forks until they're swimming in an amber/brownish colored sauce. Eat them with a fork.
(5)
Jay W.
2 stars because it isn't absolutely terrible, and no mishaps. But it's nothing special. And the fries are just BAD. I've been in the area for years and never ate here. Tried it today. Not so hot. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Their gyros is OK. Small for the price ($5.30). Plus it's, well, for lack of a better term - depressing - inside. It's dark and the decor is really dated. Not a cheery place for lunch. I just can't get why all the beaming reviews. Booby's is 5 minutes away, and so much better. Sorry, never again.
(2)
Scott B.
Short and Sweet of it, I ordered the Athenian Chicken with Well Done Fries. The fries were PERFECT. The chicken, however lacked any flavor at all. The meat, even the Dark half was much to dry and overcooked. it tasted like it had been cooked yesterday, and could not taste any Greek seasonings.. I prefer MoonDoggies at Euclid-Lake and Milwaukee without a doubt. One last thing, is it is like and old Greek restaurant in there. No windows poorly lite . The employees are quite friendly.
(2)
Nikki C.
pass the duct tape, my ass just grew another 2 inches and i have no time to shop for new pants. yes i know i should really stop eating at places that serve food. I should walk and exercise, drink more water and masturbate less too, but life is too short to pretend I am going to be on tv's "So you think you can dance" Get whatever you want here...its all good. Yes greek food is supposed to be healthy, but in moderation, which is a word I have yet to meet. Shakes, burgers, hot dogs, salads...(see SALADS!)... So if you find yourself in the country, stop on by and chow down... not so far from the burlington coat factory too and plenty of parking!
(4)
Leah J.
Grease, big portions and angry greek men in a mini-mall restuarant...what's not to love! Once in a while, I yern for food from the motherland (grandma's land). The Works makes a a great huge gyros. It's enough to feed me "I'll eat you out of house and home" and my mother "she eats like a tiny bird." I'd like to say the menu is extensive and filled with fast food fare, but I dare not compare it to McDonald's or Burger King. They can offer you everything except the kitchen sink. Beef, sausage, hot dogs, fries, chicken and pizza puff items...all for a cheap price. Next time I go, I must try the spinach pie.
(4)
Greg K.
I grew up in Glenview and went to Washington School in the 70's, so my childhood is filled with fond memories from The Works. I moved to Ventura, CA and I came back to visit three months ago. I had to stop by and get a gyros and cheese fries - a must! Cindy had never been to Chicago, so I brought her to The Works. One of the original owners (I believe it was George) was there and he remembered me and my friends when we were kids. I still remember The Game Room next door and Playback records on the other side (later a stereo place). Okay, back to the incredible food! In all my travels, I have not had a gyros as good as The Works. Ditto for their cheese fries (I dump ketchup on top and eat them with a fork) in the cool 70's plastic basket! Oh my, what a delight it is to have a delicious meal like this. The guys who own the place are really good people - maybe they don't smile a lot, but they're truly good, honest guys. Living in Ventura, CA, I crave a good gyros and there isn't a place that compares. All of you in Chicago are lucky to have a place like this. I'd love to see The Works out here! Thanks guys for putting up with our stupid stuff as kids and for doing a great job all these years.
(5)
Elena A.
Mmmmm....cheese fries.... I don't know what it is about The Works, but their cheese fries are fabulous. And these are real cheese fries, none of the "sliced cheese melted on fries" crap that the East Coast is so fond of. Then again, the East Coast thinks that gyros are pronounced like "gyro" in gyroscope. Silly East Coasters. The gyros here are also worthy of praise for being so delicious. The guys behind the counter are kind of intimidating but they know how to make a tasty gyros & cheese fries. Mmmmm...this stuff is heart-healthy in the way that you give your heart a workout to continue beating after eating too much of this stuff.
(4)
Tom G.
The Works has the best Gyros in the whole world. It's better than the gyros in Greece.. I'm not kidding!!! Their tzatziki sauce is amazing, I always get extra. I was away for school in Phoenix, and it drove me crazy that there was no good gyros anywhere. Every time I came home the first place I went was to the Works for Gyros! Seriously I can't express how good it is. The guys who work there are awesome too, especially George!
(5)
Cameron F.
Very Good food for the price. Very classic place.
(4)
Kim P.
BEST GYRO EVER! The pita is perfect, the meat plentiful, the sauce amazing. Yum! Worth the drive even though no-one I know lives in this area anymore.
(5)
Daniel A.
Been going here for 11 years, and it's still amazing. Best gyros and delicious cheese fries. Staff is always friendly/great.
(5)
Jim R.
You want a real A+ gyro......U got a real A+ gyro. No BS if you want get extra sauce & everything will be OK. Burgers are very good. Flame broilrd....Yummy
(5)
Y.D. K.
Hey, the staff at this place aren't angry or anything! In fact, they are cool, its just they don't smile all the time. The "old man" is great - no matter if you are a simpleton for ordering or a Meg Ryan and want this and that and this and that and something on the side, he will get your order correct the first time! Gyros are excellent, no matter who's cooking/making it; shish kabab sandwich is excellent also, though you have to wait 5-10 minutes and the staff will tell you that; cheese fries are heavenly; and the hot dogs, well, one of my buddies swears by it. Soft drinks are standard fair, and of course, balkava and Homer's (I think) ice cream are available. Staff cleans up rather quickly, and tables and chairs are a bit oldish but functional and won't break or cut you. Watch out for the lunch/dinner rush hour, though the long ordering line will go faster than you think. Hungry writing this right now! Just go, don't think!
(4)
Jim S.
Always the best. My wife and I have been going here for 25 years and there is nothing like it. Char-broiled burgers, fries made to order and the BEST gyros in Chicagoland.
(5)
Chris L.
The best fast food Greek place in northern burbs outside of chicago . I've being coming to this place for 20 years and within the years nothing has changed from the owner to the menu. Once in a while I would see the cook act as a cashier.
(3)
Kent B.
Smallish, family owned joint, serving typical fast food faire. Their grilled chicken sandwich on pita is tasty. The rib eye steak sandwich is very good and I also enjoy their Gyros. However, their hot dogs are Vienna skinless--not the preferred natural casing franks found in most Chicago stands. Surprisingly, the hamburgers are not great. The decor is dated and the air is stuffy. It's not my favorite bathroom either. Victor, one of the cooks, is always smiling and has a great attitude.
(4)
Alex R.
Always excellent food. The owners are the guys who service you - friendly as can be. Best Gyros around - period.
(5)
Grace Z.
The place is a total dive, but the gyros are good. On the menu, they have gyros and gyro plates. The only difference between the two is that the gyro plate has more meat. So if you're getting two gyros and the person you're eating with is game for this, order a gyro plate with one extra pita. There's enough meat to split into 2 gyros and then some meat to spare! The ambiance is highly lacking, but that's clearly not where their focus is. We ate there one time but the tables/chairs seemed old and oily/sticky. Definitely much better to just bring the food home. Call in your order and it's ready for pick-up when you arrive. My kids are not gyro fans so we get them cheeseburgers instead.
(4)
Ron C.
Gyros at the Works are the best and a great value. I like to get my gyros meat and pita extra done, just for the extra texture. I've been going to the works since the late 70's (I used to go to the arcade with my brother next door to the Works as a teen) and it's always nice to see the same owner and a lot of the same workers. It looks like the son has been getting more involved in recent years so enjoy this special little place. Also a great place for a Chicago hot dog and fries.
(5)
Andrew B.
I've been coming to The Works since I was a wee one, since my grandmother lives within spitting distance. The gyros - oh lordy, the gyros. Perfect. Loads of perfectly sliced meat, tzatziki, and fixins. They do something magical with the pita, too - nicely crispy. It's a meal, it usually drops me into an hour-long food coma within 10 minutes or so, but it's a damn satisfying coma. This family run place has been serving up the staples of Chicago food - gyros, hot dogs, and burgers far, far longer than I've been around, and it's well worth a stop if you happen to find yourself in the North suburbs.
(5)
James G.
I work in the area and was looking for a quick bite last week. Went inside expecting to find it to be a bit of a dive. Instead what I found was friendly staff and a nice atmosphere. The place was also more crowded than I expected My food was ready in a few minutes and I was out the door. I had the Polish Sausage, a large fry and a Coke. The sausage was fantastic, the fries were also excellent (not soggy or greasy like a lot of hot dog joints you find in the area). I ate on the way back to work and the only thing disappointing about the meal was when I took the lid off my drink to get a swig of ice, I found a strange black substance stuck on the inside of the cup and whatever it was it was not food residue (it almost looked and felt like mold). I immediately felt sick, probably a psychological reaction. It was likely nothing, but it was enough to keep me from going back.
(2)
Tom Z.
Great Food! I think they are one of the best Gyros Sandwiches in Chicago. The Cheddar Cheese burger with Cheddar Fries is a great meal. I will say it again "Great Food" Very friendly people. If you are in the Niles/Glenview area this is a don't miss.
(5)
Yo U.
Meh. The Works offers an entirely average and over priced gyro plate. The same can be said for the soup that is offered here. The pita was the only above-average thing on my tray. What are you people thinking?
(2)
Ali L.
i've been eating here since i was a little girl. my standby: gyros plate, extra pita please, to go. reasonably priced and soooooo freakin good!! this place is the only reason why i'm bummed to be moving back to chicago from morton grove - only because i'll be spending more for gas for my gyros fix. totally worth it though :) best in the country!
(5)
Eric H.
The best gyros in Chicagoland. I've been going since the 80s as a kid when we'd go after going to the dentist in the strip mall. I wish they'd open up The Works in Mountain View CA!
(5)
Geoffrey P.
Not only the best Gyros in the northern suburbs, but the best service too! I went in there today for my roughly bi-monthly gyros and cheese fry fix. After placing my order, I realized I had forgotten my wallet. I told ol' George at the counter I would be back in ten minutes, and he tells me "No, you just pay next time! Don't worry about it till next time". How awesome is that? I'm only in there twice a month, but he knows I'll be back for more, and he'll remember me when I do!
(5)
Trey L.
been eating here since 1985 and I think its been the same 4 guys behind the counter ever since (how do they do it?!) Anyway these guys are as consistent as death and taxes. If you want indulge, get the chez fries, and gyros. the chicken breast on a pita is great too.
(5)
David V.
Oh how I love the Works. I've evolved my tastes over my time going here from the hot dog & fries to the every famous gyros. You must go for the Gyros. The pita is absolute perfection. I always get an extra one on the side to enjoy in all it's glory. But let's not forget the huge portion of gyros that goes in your sandwich. I have yet to find a larger portion for that price ANYWHERE. And yes, the same guys behind the counter work there all the time. I've only been going there for about 4-5 years, but it's still the exact same in every way. I think their newest renovation was an ATM machine. But it does bring a point that there's no improving on perfection, and these guys have pretty much achieved that.
(5)
Roy A.
This place is pretty good. I think it's comparable to Goodi's down the road. Cash only. Real good gyros and the dogs, etc are not too shabby either. Food comes out fast and pretty good portions. Pretty much the same, in my opinion, as various other gyro joints littered around the city. Certainly worth visiting more than once if you're in the area. Nothing that really wows you though.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
Kevin L.
37+ years in business as of 2015 & the reason is the quality of food. Still the best gyros around AND delicious french fries. Owner is on-site almost always but the crew knows their business & are always positive. Ok, so the decor is also 37+ years old but hey, consider that part of the charm. Prices are extremely reasonable. If two people order the gyro plate (bigger than the gyro sandwich & $1.00 more) you just may be bringing home leftovers. Menu looks pretty good & there are photos of the menu items.
(5)Hannah H.
I used to tutor in the area, and The Works has always been my go-to lunch spot :D This place in a plaza off of Golf offers Grecian specialties (gyros and the pork shishkabobs), Athenian chicken, fried shrimp, fish, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sides (such as tamales, onion rings, garlic bread, and chicken tenders). I've tried their Char Cheddar Burger, their Cheddar Dog, the Polish, the Pizza Puffs (of course!), as well as their gyros. All are pretty tasty and are cooked to-order. The staff here are also pretty friendly and efficient, and there are plenty of seating inside for you to sit down and chow down on your food. For solid Greek and American fare, check The Works out! +pizza puff +gyros +Polish +friendly and efficient staff +plenty of parking
(4)Gin G.
Our "go to" for hotdogs n gyros cuz it's a couple blocks from home. Hit or miss sometimes on the Gyros. For the most part gyros are great. Once in a while it's really dry meat. Burgers are flame broiled but doesn't really hit the spot for me. How can you go wrong with a Chicago style hotdog with everything on it? Yum! Think I'll have to start exploring the menu more to see what the 4 star rating is about.
(3)Tiffany L.
Grabbed take out here for lunch for a group. Hubby said gyros are a Chi-town staple. I definitely liked the gyros (VERY generous with the meat) more than the hotdogs. Not sure why people rave about the cheese fries, which I thought were not that great. What was better were the deep fried mushrooms!
(3)Jessica L.
We've been coming here for years, since I was a little girl. The gyros, burgers, and hot dogs are delicious. Cheese fries are a must! Inexpensive and great tasting. Friendly staff!
(4)Peter S.
Have been coming there for years Very friendly service, great steak sandwich Must have one at least one a month !
(5)Steven B.
The front decor didn't leave me with a ton of expectations, but there are many hole in the wall places with great food, so I took a leap today. The 3-star review I am giving today is one not of "mediocrity" but rather "you've got runway to grow if you want to." Very good portions, larger than I expected even in a playe combo. The meat was very flavorful on my kabob plate, and I happily at that. However, the cucumber sauce was fairly bland, the pita is not homemade so it's flavorless, and the fries were just lifeless and disappointing in terms of taste. That's the shame of it. Really nice people with frankly some good protein. But the other 40% of the plate was disappointing, and you aren't coming here for the ambiance. Have courage to use more seasoning. Be more bold with what you're serving, and please give the same love and attention to "everything else" that you give to the entree. I wish you all the best!
(3)Liz P.
Very good food. Fair pricing. Staff is always friendly. And oh my god those chocolate shakes are so delicious.
(4)Mike L.
Been coming here for the last 20 years since I was in high school. Never disappoints. Best cucumber sauce for the gyros hands down. Love this spot.
(5)arpan s.
Good gyros nothing epic. Lot of tziki. Seating for a whole lotta people. Def have had better gyros. Lyric was kind high for what it is too. Fries were meh as well.
(3)Heather Y.
I'm from California but I come to The Works every time I visit family in Illinois. They have the best gyros around and their fries are also delicious!
(5)Dennis R.
Pretty decent food from a place you wouldn't be skeptical to dine in, yet not exactly the best joint you've been to. I used to live in this area as a kid and the BEST polish I ever had was at Hotdog Island which used to stand on the corner of this property. Sadly it shut down 10yrs ago or so and I have not found a polish that can match theirs. The Works had an alright polish but nothing remarkable. The burger might have been ok had they used cheese slices, but using the same melted cheese they spoon onto the cheese fries? No thanks. The gyros are good because they get them from the same place all the good Chicago gyro joints are supplied from. My only issue with the gyro was the onion came in big awkward chunks rather than sliced in a normal fashion. Maybe an off day? The service was fine but the guy who took our order didn't ask any follow up questions or otherwise seem positive about taking our large order. I'm not saying the guy should roll out the red carpet but as a customer I give repeat business to places that take initiative and ask how I want something cooked or any extras, and as an owner I'd want customers to feel welcome and asked if they want anything else. This could have been an off day or something so I'd overlook it, but when it comes to food I'd only buy a gyro as long as they cut the onion smaller.
(3)Anita H.
This place has the best of everything! The gyros, the pizza puffs, the cheese fries, the cheeseburgers, the hot dogs, the combos, you name it it's great! We have been coming here for 15 years and we will keep coming here as long as they're open. The guys are all so friendly. Andy is the best! It's like hanging out with family when we go there. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know! If you haven't eaten here you need to!
(5)Sarah Beth B.
We are weirdly obsessed with The Works. It is not close to our house. The decor is lacking. But it is an INCREDIBLE gyro so we don't care about anything else. This place is old school greasy Greek fast food, with a handful of regular old american fast food stuff thrown in. Just get the gyro (though the mozzarella sticks are weirdly satisfying) and don't look back. And delicious fries! Occasionally they just give us all the fries they have, because they made too many, and it's enough fries for like 5 people, and it's just the best.
(5)Corn M.
Excellent Service! Friendly and Funny Staff!! Excellent Food. I had cheese fries and a gyro! Will def stop next time in Glenview!!!:)
(5)Amanda W.
Found this place on yelp and decided to give it a try today. When I called to place my order for carry out the person who took my call was very friendly and helpful. When I arrived to pick up my order- every person working there said hello and smiled at me. The restaurant is not fancy- but who wants that when you are ordering burgers and fries? Not me. I left with my bag of food thinking- there is no way this food is going to taste as good as those folks just were to me in there. But I was wrong. I ordered two gyros sandwiches, fries and fried mushrooms. The gyros were awesome- lots of meat, delicious toasted pita and the sauce was fantastic! The fried mushrooms were incredible and were perfectly fried with absolutely no oil dripping from them. The prices are good too. It's easy to love this place. I plan to visit on a regular basis and I highly recommend The Works. Not only is the food fantastic- but being greeted genuinely by smiling, friendly faces goes a very long way in my opinion.
(5)Zach E.
The works, well, it is what I thought it was...with all apologies to Dennis Green (football joke). Ok, so I moved in literally a few hundred yards from the place and was using Yelp to find a place for an early dinner- whalla, The Works. Very friendly, lively staff and everything is laid out clearly for ordering....also, pretty damn clean for a Greek greasy spoon. I ordered the Gyros platter and cheese fries because people on here are raving about, and it was about a 7 minute wait for my food. No problem, I would rather wait an extra five minutes and get fresh fries, than the alternative. Everything is made fresh and in front of you because the prep is open to the eating area. On to the food.... The cheese fries were an average portion, but for under 3 bucks that works. I can't say they lived up to the hyper tbh....the type of fries they used are just ok....not as good as other local Chicagoland eateries of this type like Portillos where the fries are just insanely good. The cheese was ok and of a just right amount I suppose. The gyros was the pressed gyro meat you can find pretty much anywhere, but I would add the portion was gigantic. So huge in fact I asked for an extra "pita"- these aren't exactly normal pitas- and surprisingly they gave me one without extra charge YMMV. They also added sliced onions a few tomato slices and a good amount of thick greek suace which was excellent. All in all a good, not great gyro at a fair, not spectacularly cheap price- 10.30 tx incl. If I could give it a 3.5, I would have. I cannot and I give it 3 tars based on the fact that normally you'll be left paying for an extra pita...and that is ridiculous given how much meat is on a platter.
(3)Marcus K.
Best gyros in town! Andy the owner is the man he always hooks me up and is always watching out for the customers. Everyone who goes there knows Andy!
(5)Steve B.
Greek diner. Very straightforward - burgers, gyros, whole or 1/2 chicken, and hand-painted murals on the walls. However, what other diners are going to feature Homer's ice-cream (a quality suburban brand that predates the foodie craze of the past few years) and gyros by the pound? Stop in expecting a quick, tasty bite, and you won't be disappointed. Stop in expecting high cuisine, then we will wonder what you expected from an establishment called "The Works" with a picture of a lady eating a gyro in the window.
(5)Mark H.
Love this place! Great food and great service! Been coming here for the last 10 years. Thank you guys!
(5)Elle S.
I wasn't expecting The Works to be so yummy! Their gyro meat was delicious, the pita bread was soft and warm and the staff was friendly! I will definitely be back!
(5)George S.
Greatest gyros in Chicago. Get the gyros and cheese fries you won't be disappointed. Everyone is super friendly here and it's a comfortable place. I highly recommend it!!
(5)Chris M.
Ha, reading my old review and now it's scary that I DO live within a 10 mile radius of the Works!! All is still excellent on the Works homefront. Fresh made pitas, and still the same amazing gyro meat that is to DIE for and I have not found anything else like it anywhere!! A MUST to try the gyros if you're in the area!!!
(5)Dale L.
Haven't been to The Works in a couple of years, and was a little surprised to find that the gyro's are not as tasty as I had remembered. Gyro's are easy to make well and just as easy to do badly. The Pita, the meat and even the onions were good. Even the fries are done well and they give you plenty for the price. However I was disappointed by the tzatziki. It was basically just yogurt and a little bit of cucumber, far from the quantity to make it taste more than just yogurt. No dill, no basil, just bland, ugghhh. I always liked visiting here for a meal, but I hope they read this and make this better to really give their gyro's the kick it deserves to finish off every bite with a superior flavor and a smile. One other note, the staff here are super nice and want to make sure you want to come back. I know I will, but hope that they improve on this menu specialty.
(4)Pamela L.
This place has the very best Gyro I have ever had! In fact all their food is very, very good! No it is more then that, it's Great! I have gone to this place many times over the years and the food has always been exceptional. The staff here are very friendly and very nice. They are personable and have excellent customer service. I admit to being partial to the gyros here and if you enjoy a gyros, you won't eat one any better then at this place. They are absolutely delicious! I highly recommend this place. I think it may be a family owned business because the same staff have been there for as long as I can remember. The hot dogs and burgers are very good too. If your in the area do yourself a favor and stop in and treat yourself. I personally being a huge gyro fan highly suggest and recommend you have one here. Love their food! The only negative is its a bit over priced.
(5)AJ M.
I love gyros so i had to come here and try it out! The menu was pretty large for a fast food spot but I was not gonna mess around, I got the gyros combo which came with pork kabob. The gyro meat was really good crispy and full of flavor. The pork kabob was not that great. Unlike most places you don't get a whole pita u get couple of small pieces which was a little weird but its alright the meat was the main attraction. And like others said the Tzataki sauce was one of the best I have ever had. It was thick full of flavor. Many places are watered down. Overall pretty good gyro spot idk if its the best in Chicago as some people think but really good for the suburbs. Will be coming here more often!
(4)Jimmy J.
Walking in here is like walking straight into 1982 and that's not a stretch. This is old school Greek Bros owned. I heard George died which is a shame because he was a good man. Hard working. Kind to customers. After a hard night of partying, we oncd drove from.Iowa City to Niles because we were jonesing so hard for a gyros from the Works. Shisk Kabob-Gyros Combo Plate, extra pita with cheese fries and root beer on crushed ice..are what dreams are made of.
(4)Anthony B.
I have been coming here for years. By far one of the best gyro's around.
(4)Doug R.
Very good hot dog joint. Has been a staple in Glenview for a long time. Always a local favorite with very good hot dogs and friends. Great location as there aren't a lot of places like it in the area.
(3)Benjamin S.
Once again the guys at The Work's have done it by serving the best gyros in the area along with the family atmosphere they have had here for over 30 years. A true gem!
(5)Matt A.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. The tzatziki(gyros sauce) is the best around! Reasonable prices and the same owners for 30 years. Can't lose greasy spoon.
(5)Andrew P.
I've been all over the Western Hemisphere, but every time I come back to the Chicagoland Suburbs, my time here isn't complete until I've had a Gyros (extra tzatziki sauce), cheese fries, and a side of pickles. I have yet to find a better Gyros this side of Chicago, and believe me I've tried! Growing up, I always went with a chili cheese dog, which is also outstanding and deliciously hard to eat (they don't skimp on the chili OR the cheese). The place has been family-owned and operated for the past 30 years, my dad still remembers going there the day it opened. It brings back wonderful memories of years past for me, but even if it's your first time, it's never too late to start making memories of your own.
(5)Chebureki M.
Been going there for years, best gyros and cheese fries anywhere.
(4)Arshad A.
If your in the mood for a gyros look no further. They have one of the best gyros n the area. The other food is good too like the chicken pita sandwich and others. Service is decent.
(5)April M.
I have been eating here for 30 years. Best food. Best people. Best price. I will eat here until the day I die.
(5)Adam R.
A family favorite. Great staff and great food!
(4)Joseph D.
You can't get a better gyro anywhere! ANYWHERE! It's a classic spot with delicious food and friendly service that's been great to the neighborhood since I was little kid. Hands down the BEST gyro I've ever had!
(4)George J.
The BEST gyros in town hands down!!! I love this place, their chicken pita, their burgers, everything here is great! And the owner and cooks are very friendly. If your looking for a local spot that on point with everything this is the place!
(5)Brokelyn G.
Been stopping in for over 30 years and it's the same great food run by a friendly staff that is always welcoming. As a kid the fries basket always looked enormous and now as an adult it is still a huge mound of happiness. The Italian beef, like the gyros, is overstuffed into a perfect shell. Gets the right amount of soggy without getting disgusting. I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor each bite. On the way out two guys behind the counter chirp their thanks but I am the one who is thankful that The Works has survived while my other childhood favorites in the Talisman (Shasta and The Name is Games) have succumbed to time.
(5)Kevin D.
I've been coming to the Works since I could walk pretty much. It's been interesting to see the people come and go, but the same welcoming attitude whenever I walk in. It's located in a sketchy, run-down strip mall right next to a brand new Walgreens. There's plenty of parking and lines are never too long. Onto the food. It's delicious. It's that simple. Is it the healthiest? Hell no. But if you want a greasy, delicious, calorie-ridden gyro sandwich, burger, etc. you'll get it here. It used to bother me that the burgers were cooked well done to the point of almost being burnt, but I realized it gives it that charred and delicious taste. Prices are reasonable, though I have noticed a steady incline over the years (although that is expected). Overall, I'll definitely keep coming back here as long as they are open.
(4)gale l.
did take out from here once and it was delicious. or maybe I was famished. but whichever it was, I have been wanting to go back and order again! unfortunately I'm trying to be - ugh - responsible and actually cook my own food, plus there's too many new (to us) restaurants to try here yet! we had their gyros platter which was family-sized. all the fixin's. if you're a pita-bread hound like me, add extra because there's plenty of that juicy compressed gyros meat! i called my order in over the phone, first time ever, and they were so nice and amenable, and really seemed sincere when they thanked me for the order. it made a real positive impression. I want to try a lot more on their menu.
(4)Michael S.
Gyros done right! Hot Soup is always tasty. we always get the fried mushrooms to go with our Gyros Plate.
(5)Doug U.
I have been a patron of the Works for well over 25 years and now my kids bring their friends for the same great food. It is a family friendly, casual environment great for young and old. Do not expect a fancy sit down dinner. This is just plain great Greek and American fast food. Every lunch hour this place has a line, but the orders are taken so fast the wait is never more than a few minutes. I love the Gyros and my wife loves the Shish-kebab plate. The kids, who are now grown up, have moved from hot dogs to Gyros, but still love the cheese fries! We are always greeted with a smile when we arrive. When the kids were young they were often surprised with a taste of the homers ice cream by George or Andy. These days I often call in an order for a pound or two of gyros to go and they pack it up with toasted pita and all the fixings. If you are in Glenview and just want a good old fashion Gyros give this place a try.
(5)William M.
Friendly staff, fast service, good food. Their menu is surprisingly large for the size of the place. It's the sort of old fashioned diner that you don't see enough of these days.
(4)Pari P.
Even after 15 years, The Works still stands as my favorite place for gyros. I was in the area and had to make a stop. The owner and the employees are still there and surprisingly haven't aged a bit. It was almost like stepping back in time. The gyros must be the new fountain of youth. It had been several years since I had been here so I bought two pounds of gyros. It's not often that you can buy gyros by the pound. An order came with pita, vegetables, and sauce. For only $11.50 a pound, this was an awesome deal and it tasted just as good as I remembered. Get The Works - eat gyros and live long.
(5)Sarah S.
The Works has been open as long as I can remember! It was always a hot spot for my family, one uncle in particular makes it a point to stop here with his family when in town from South Carolina. I used to walk here many times a week after school when I went to Springman Jr High! When I was in junior high and came all the time with my friends, the workers all knew us and we all knew them. I also came here many a times throughout the years for their yummyness! I'm sad to admit I've never tried their Gyros----ever! Blasphemy I know, but everyone who tries them falls in love. I would always go for a hot dog, cheese fries and pop. Their hot dogs are sooooo good! I might even think they are the best in Chicagoland! And their cheese fries are much better than anywhere else I've tried, too! Delicious!
(5)Kam D.
WOW all of these 4 and 5 star reviews are puzzling me. Went to The Works today because we were near by and we were thoroughly disappointed. This place is not good. First of all the service was pretty bad. The guy insisted we pay in cash, when we didn't have enough and had to pay with a card we got major ATTITUDE from the creepy guy working the register. After our order I went out to my car for my phone while my girlfriend ordered a coke. The guy was calling my girlfriend "baby" and being overly creepy. Not cool and I didn't find out about this until we left. The place is a dump in a really sketchy old strip mall. There are tacky paintings inside And on to the SUBPAR gyros. We got the 1lb which was $13 not $9 like other reviews mentioned. The gyros themselves were average and seemed greasier than most gyros I eat. The onions were NOT FRESH and the tomatoes were cut so thick they'd fall out of the gyro. Also, maybe the WORST cucumber sauce i've ever tried. The pitas were the only good part of the meal. Sorry, Yelp, but you failed me this time. If you want a real, delicious gyro do yourself the favor and take an extra 5 minute drive to WALLY'S in Park Ridge where you won't be disappointed.
(1)Matt S.
I just moved to Glenview a few months ago and have been here several times. I promised to try a variety of items once before repeating an order, but the gyro plate was so good that I failed in that mission by the third visit. I bring friends here every time, even my buddy from Israel who loved his burger. It's not a fancy place and doesn't pretend to be, but it is a place loaded with tradition, a great atmosphere, a very friendly staff, and great food. For someone like myself who appreciates affordability, great taste, and a great atmosphere, this is the go-to place!
(5)AudLee E.
Best place to eat in town for quick, cheap yet always fresh and delicious food! My husband and I split one Gyros plate and have dinner for two for about $7! But we always leave a tip! $10 out the door! And their chicken is SO good.... Hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings (all made to order!) Best PITAS around! Best tzatziki sauce EVER! All the people working behind the counter, cashiers, owners, cooks are all really cool, get along, and love food- it shows. There is no tip jar but leave a few bucks on the counter for them and they will be stoked! You are always getting a great deal there anyway!
(5)Michael C.
I don't live in Glenview anymore, but I come here every year when I visit family. Not sure if their is a nostalgia factor in my rating since my family has been coming here for maybe 20+ years. When I was a kid I had the hot dogs, but now nothing beats the Gyro. Matter of fact, I have never had a bad gyro from them. I live in new york now, traveled Greece, but I always love The Works.
(5)Lisa A.
Solid cheap eat in Glenview. My lady friends and I always order the $9 pound of gyros which is a perfect amount for the 3 of us. Gyros are juicy, pitas are fluffy and warm, and the cucumber sauce is goood. Gyros aroma for dayzzzz. Even if i pick up food and wait for less than 10 minutes, my clothes always smell of fried oil and grease when I leave here.... I don't mind! It's a true greasy joint.
(4)Justin J.
This place is simple, straight forward, and relaxed. They don't try to act more formal than it is, they all call you "boss" when you're ordering, and the food is anywhere from pretty standard to good. Cash only, but that's what you would expect from a place like this. Super respectful, didn't even get to stand up fully before a guy came out to clean up my table. Awesome service!
(5)Debbie I.
Mediocre to sub-standard food. I found the gyros to be very greasy resulting in a stomach ache. I have ordered grilled cheese on pita and found that to be very dry and hard to swallow. I will definitely not repeat. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!
(1)Danny K.
Long ago a friend and I were on a missions trip to Dominican Republic. Every night while setting up our mosquito nets over our mattresses we would inevitably talk about going to the Works the second we got back. I've gotta say, what was true then is true now. This place serves up some terrific gyros. And though I may have it up high on an untouchable pedestal forged in my youth, the works dog puts a smile on my face whenever I order it. Cash only, ample parking, be sure to wear stretchy pants.
(4)Lenny W.
I would give them five stars for their italian beef sammich,but I have to knock off two stars because they only take cash and,as mentioned elsewhere,they will give you an attitude about this.
(4)Heather V.
Five star for the owner shaking my hand when he realized it was my first time there. 4.5 for the food. Burger are yummy cheese fries were yummy. THink I am going to try the gyro soon. Never had a gyro in my life. They are within walking distance which is even better.
(5)Eric V.
The Works may be a hole-in-the-wall joint in a nondescript strip mall, but it's hard to knock a solid gyro. The gyros, shaved from the spit and finished on the flat top to add a little extra crust to the meat, are topped with the familiar onions, tomatoes, and some cool, homemade tzatziki. Throw in an order of cheese fries and you've got yourself the perfect diet buster. Just remember to bring your paper currency as they only take cash (there's an ATM inside in case you forget).
(4)Danny C.
THIS IS THE BEST GYRO IN THE WORLD! I have tried gyros from all over Chicago, and other parts of this great nation of ours but none comes close to the quality of their gyro sandwich. Traditional gyro should come from a rotating spit. Unlike in California where they grill the meat (WTF!) and puts lettuce and mayo on it (what a disgrace). The meat is slightly crisp and tender/moist on the inside. The pita is dipped in the gyro juice and then grilled for a nice toasty texture with full flavor. They give you mounds of gyro meat where you have to eat it with a fork first and then eat it like a sandwich. Granted the restaurant itself is very "retro" but who cares! If the food is that great, I wouldn't even care if they had patio furniture for seats or serve warm cola (which they don't). They also service pizza puffs, burgers, chicago dogs, chicken, etc.... I don't know how it tastes because I always get the gyro. Whenever I fly back to Chicago, I make sure to have one gyro at this joint before leaving, otherwise it would be a wasted trip. =) Eat, drink and repeat. =D
(5)Debi K.
Recently revisted this place after 30 years, they were great then and they are holding the greatness title 30 yrs later! Gyros were amazing as well as the cheese fries! My son was doing flip flops for the bacon cheese burger! Glad we moved back to the area, a no brainer, this place will be revisited!
(5)Jay K.
I've had just about everything on the menu here and it's all really good. Excellent gyros. Grilled chicken cooked to order, excellent. The Works hot dog is a double dog on french bread with all the Chicago dog trimmings, excellent. The place is locked in the 60's with the table and chairs. Plenty of inside seating.
(5)Will P.
I had a legendary time at this place. I've been looking for a good gyro place in my new surroundings, and the Works is now it. There are lots of colorful characters from all walks of life coming through the doors to enjoy some greasy food, and I always end up talking to people. If you're getting gyros, I would recommend the sandwich over the plate, since the plate is just the sandwich with pita on the side. Great place, will be back again and again.
(5)Ania R.
The gyros here are delicious!! Just great!!
(5)Jim F.
We love Yelp. When we're traveling as a family, it's almost never let us down. When I travel for work, it's great for finding locally-owned places to eat. So man were we bummed when it failed us is epic-fashion. On the way back from Six Flags, we stopped at ABT Electronics and wanted to find a place to eat in Glenview. Four and a half stars for the Works - how could we go go wrong? Not sure where to start. Let's go in order: Location: it's in a run-down strip mall next to several vacant lots. Interior: run-down, and about 90 degrees with no air conditioner in the middle of July. Food: we ordered a gyro sandwich, gyro combo, fried chicken, and hamburger. The gyro sandwich and combo tasted pretty good going down... but about an hour later both my son and I were feeling really ill. The hamburger was a 2 on a 1-10 scale, the fried chicken was a 0. Oh, and the still-cold fries were terrible. Really awful food. So we just don't get all the five star reviews here for The Works. It's a nasty grease pit with bad food. Seriously, as you drive through glenview, there's a Jersey Mikes, Chipotle, Portillo's, and many more well-run establishments. If you're looking for a quick, cheap place to eat, do you and your family a favor and skip The Works.
(1)Wesley B.
I moved to Glenview from Milwaukee and in Milwaukee it's all about Oakland Gyros on Oakland & Locust for a gyro fix. Boy was I lucky to end up near this place. The gyros are fantastic, the pitas are delicious, and the gyro platter is a good value. You get a ton of gyro goodness for under $10. My only complaint is they're stingy on some essential components to the gyro: Feta is extra and they don't sell it in a single-person portion, you have to bug them for extra cucumber sauce, and sometimes they're stingy with the vegetables. (I need lots of onion on my gyro so I'll have excellent make-out breath. The ladies always thank me.) I honestly have only ever ordered their gyros, and sometimes onion rings to go with it. Frankly, I don't think I need to order anything else.
(5)HY L.
i LOVE visiting foodies who drive miles out of the city to share what is clearly the best Gyros in the 50 United States plus Puerto Rico and Guam. Tzatziki alone is worth driving way out there. Do not let the weird strip mall deter you. This place is serious Gyro business. The meat is perfectly seasoned and juicy. The pita bread is perfect soft and textured. I had no idea this place was so far away, but well worth the drive!
(5)Justin G.
I had a solid cheeseburger here. After reading all the reviews, maybe I should have had the gyros...actually that gyros salad sounds good. Their bathroom is much cleaner than expected for a fast food establishment. Tiny, but immaculate. I dare you to say I'm wrong on that matter. I DARE YOU.
(4)Rob S.
This review is based on their Gyros only! : I have been eating at this joint since my early childhood (which might have a little bit to do with my childhood chubby years). I have NEVER gotten anything BUT, the Gyros sandwich which to this very day I have never eaten a better one. Their meat is perfectly roasted on the spit and their guys shave it perfectly thin. Their Cucumber sauce is awesome and the right textures and they give you plenty of meat in your sandwich. I also get an order of fried mushrooms which is typical greasy spoon fare but they do it right. This place will always be my standard for good gyros.
(5)Lee T.
My mom wanted to come here for her birthday dinner. She loves their Italian beef (dipped, add lots of peppers). The beef looked good and the peppers tasted yummy. My burger was pretty good. I loved the cheese fries. Its that melted cheese-like stuff that tastes delicious and they serve a generous portion (of cheese and fries). BE ADVISED: They only accept cash.
(4)Eric P.
juicy tender beautiful lamb/beef fusion with grilled juicy onions, with a perfectly light pita bread that is grilled to a crisp (the secret is they dip the pita in the oil of the gyro meat) that gives it that rich taste. All this with fresh pickle and tomatoes makes this absolutely THE BEST GYRO EVER! They claim it and there's no denying it. So try it for yourself! And yes I have had gyros in greek town (Mr. Greeks and across the street and yes it puts these to shame), kostas, and hot dog richies. Do yourself a favor and get the gyro plate (double the meat) and get an extra pita on the side. You will thank me later and possibly send me a money for this tip, if so please look at my profile and email me and we'll figure something out.
(5)Art C.
Been coming here since I was a kid. I always get the two hot dogs in a french roll smothered in "cheese" based sauce. Whats there not to like? I'm also pretty sure the staff here hasn't changed in 15 years. The only gripe are the fries. You get a lot of it, but a lot of them turn out to be those overcrisped ones that were in the fryer just a wee bit too long. Now if they switched to crinkle fries, it would be a game changer for me!
(4)Steven M.
This place has been here forever and a month. It used to have it's own building back in the 80's. It is a little dingy when you get inside. And most of the people that were in the back look as though they should be in a nursing home. They weren't eating or reading the paper? The service is fast and the food is greasy good. They cheese just slides off of a double burger. The fries are ok to. Those I mind being to greasy. Next time I will have to have a gyros. The meat on the spit looked really good.
(3)Tex N.
Local joint with just the right amount of panache. Been going there for years. Recommend take out, it's like a mom and pop deli. Definitely not a dinner joint. Mmmmm fresh gyros.
(4)Amanda Y.
I've been going to The Works since high school. Whenever I come back to the area after high school, I'd always make sure that I stop by to get my fill of gyro sandwich. Now that I've moved back, I definitely go there at least once a month. Here are a few of the stuff I love from their menu: 1. Gyro Sandwich or Platter. I love the cucumber yogurt sauce! They heat the pita on the grill and I love the crispiness of the pita with the sandwich. 2. Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich. Again, it's served on that delicious grilled pita... 3. Pizza Puff. I have it when I am nostalgic ... 4. Fried Chicken Wings. It's recently added to their menu. Initially, I was skeptical... but it was actually delicious! I like the red sauce that comes with it... Service is generally great. It does get crowded and busy during lunch so be prepared to wait for your food.
(4)S T.
This is a lunch spot we go to. Char broil grill is what they use so the burgers are tasty. Gyros, kabobs and beef is good. They don't salt the fries and don't give you salt to put on your self. Over all this I'd a good spot.
(3)Elvira V.
For that mad gyro craving - this is where I go. They way they toast up the pita bread always makes me weak. When I am feeling really 'bad' I get cheese fries and some Homer's ice cream too. If I want to be good then I get a grilled chicken on a pita. Their shish-ka-bob (sp?) is darn good too and I've had it on a french roll - that's for when I yearn for some meat! My mate has been going there since he was a kid who would go to the (now defunct) arcade next door and he loved it then and still does. TG! for a place that hasn't changed their menu and has stayed consistent. FYI - the decor is your standard eighties fast food joint with wacky greek inspired murals -not fancy at all.
(5)Brendan M.
best gyros i have ever had.....gyros, cheese fries, fruit punch....done.
(5)Justin K.
Great food and quick service, this is a great local place to have a quick grab to eat. I recommend their gyro sandwich with everything on it!
(5)Martin M.
Love this place, best gyros in town...rhe other day i had there burger n it was amazing too. But you can never go wrong with there gyros. Its the best
(5)Kristen L.
I've been going to The Works since I can remember. My grandfather used to own a business that was right next door to the works and because my brother and I would constantly be with my grandparents, The Works would be a hangout spot for us. I remember getting their cheese fries and their vanilla ice cream and having the only woman who was ever behind the counter take a bite of it before giving it to me. Now after 18 years, I still go back every now and then for their gyros and their cheese fries. The gyros are carved off the spit as soon as you order it and then put on the grill for a couple of minutes or so, giving the pieces a nice crisp edge. With their tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and wrapped in a warm pita, it is the perfect lunch or dinner. Their cheese fries taste the way I always remembered them tasting. The fries are nice and crisp while not overly greasy and the cheese sauce they use is my absolute favorite to this day. The restaurant is still owned by the same Greek family and the employees are still the same people I remember when I was younger. Whenever I go with my brother, they still refer to him as "BJ's grandson." Sadly, they don't remember who I am, but they are still as friendly as they were. The decor of the restaurant hasn't changed and is a bit dated, but for someone who's been going there since she was 5, it's as good as home to me.
(4)Nari L.
Friendly service, fast service, great food and cheap! How great is that? Their food is just as good as the good food you would get in the city in Greektown. I'm glad we don't have to go too far whenever we are craving some good gyros. I will definitely come back again!
(5)Susan B.
I will simply say first-- they have the best gyros in town. We ordered a chicken dinner each Friday for more than 5 years, and one nigh again, t we got one (to go) and it was stringy, hard, meatless, and old. We told them the folowing week how bad it was--& that we could not eat it. Then we were told that "Next" week it'd be on him. Bad business. We never went back. Now, I found out- the owner, John- has passed away. He put his heart and soul into that place. I'm sorry that he didn't have more years to enjoy his life.He was a very nice man .My sincere condolences to his family.
(3)Simon K.
The gyros here are amazing. They load it up with so much meat, you can't even hold it at first. You'll slowly pick away at the meat until you can finally eat it like a sandwich. The pita bread is perfectly toasted and the Tzatziki sauce is very fresh. They sell it at a very reasonable price and you'll be full after one gyro and some fries. Personal Recommendation: Gyro with grilled onions
(4)Eric E.
Great burger and coleslaw. Burger was done perfectly, slightly pink, and with ample toppings! Slaw was tasty and a good amount was served. Service was polite, though the person at the cash register didn't listen to my questions, just gave me what I was asking about. "How much is that drink?" - pulls one out and rings it up. Overall, great place to come and will try the Gyros next time!
(4)B. S.
Very poor service. Owner and cashier are very rude! Cooks are welcoming though. Not going back. If there was a category for negative stars, I would give them a negative for sure!
(1)Michael F.
I've been going here since I was a kid, and when I'm in Chicago I usually refuse to have a gyro from anywhere else. I still recognize the same workers from when I was a kid at Washington Elementary across the street. However, I don't think their recipe has been as consistent. I'm pretty sure they changed up where they get the ingredients from 3-4 years ago, because the gyro's went from "out of this world good" to "amazing" (terrible, I know). Luckily their cheese fries are still as delicious as ever (need to eat with a fork, not the type you dip in a cup of cheese.). Overall their menu has been great whenever I dare venture away from their all-mighty gyro. As a kid I had their shrimp platter all the time (still delicious, especially for a hole in the wall fast food shop). A decent veggie pita my dad gets all the time. Good fried mushrooms. I would not recommend this place for Chicago style dogs though. They're always falling apart and just don't seem that well done. Same goes for the burgers - always a bit burnt and everything is falling out of the bun. Regardless, if you live in the area and still haven't had this diamond in the rough you ought to get on fixing that immediately. Also, two warnings: closes a little early in my opinion, and they only take cash (there is an ATM inside though).
(5)Heather P.
Probably the best gyros, bar none. They only take cash, so leave your plastic in your wallet. The staff was friendly, and the place (even in a strip mall), had a very Greek feel to it. But the best part was the food! Like I said, best ever gyros.
(5)Paula G.
By no means am I a gyo expert, but the gyros at the works are quite possibly the best I've ever had. They are seasoned fantastically and will make your mouth and your stomach very happy indeed. The owner is super nice and service has always been quick. My only gripe is no credit cards but it's not really a big deal since the food is so good!
(4)Tasha P.
I've never had a better gyro. The Works is the yardstick by which I measure all other gyro places. I've never had anything here besides gyros and fries, and I always take it to go. Like everyone else says, this place is definitely cash only. Do yourself a favor and get the gyro before trying anything else. It will knock your socks off.
(5)Kostas Z.
The best gyros and chicken breast plate in The whole Illinois!..
(5)Giggly C.
OMG, excellent gyros. pass on onion rings. did i mention the gyro?
(5)Beatriz D.
This place is as basic as you can get. Old decor, cash only. It doesn't look like much, and then you actually eat. It's awesome! Service is super fast, and I always like places that have an established clientele. I'm not very fond of gyro meat, but I tried some of what my husband ordered, and it was really good. I had a double hot dog, probably the best one I've had in the Greater Chicago Area. Love exploring! Portions are big, prices are very decent, and the atmosphere gives the place its special touch.
(5)Mike O.
If this place was in the way of where we usually go, I fear it would displace my favorite local eatery: Papa Chris on Touhy. Luckily, it's somewhat northeast of where I usually travel, straddling the Niles-Glenview border, so it is rare I stop by here for lunch. We came here on a Sunday for lunch with the kids. The Works is located in a spacious strip mall, just off of Golf & Washington, with an oversized parking lot in front of it. Inside, the scent of burgers on the grill gets you right away as you walk in. This is your classic family-run Greek burger & gyros joint right down to the Vienna Beef signs on display. The walls have these huge paintings all around the dining area, all done by the same artist from the look of their style. I always go for the flame-grilled cheeseburger here and my wife had a Maxwell-style Polish. Excellent is all I can say. Fast service too. The dining area can use a bit of updating, but the place "works" - simple as that. Not pricy either. The 4 of us were well-fed for under $15. And I have a story to share about this restaurant from a number of years ago, when we only had my older son and he was not quite 3 years old at the time (the Stunt Baby wasn't born yet). We were here for lunch once and he was running around the place after his meal till he ran into a column and whacked his head. He started crying. The owner, an older gentleman in a white dress shirt behind an apron, came out and told us he has something that will make it go away and he presented my son with a kid-sized ice cream cone. And sure enough, no more tears. He forgot about his bump and had the ice cream. The personal touch at this place makes me appreciate them even more.
(4)Matt S.
Cash only! Leave your plastic at home, folks. I was smelling my fingers while driving home from this place. Is that gross? Or was the food really that good? The food was really that good. Nestled in an unassuming strip mall on Golf Road, it feels like one of those places you've driven past a hundred times but never bothered to stop in. But once you do, you'll realize that this place has been around for a while, and for good reason--the food and service are both GREAT. There are definitely regulars who lunch here in this divey-looking place. I have yet to explore their extensive menu, but from the looks of it, the gyro plate (which is enormous!) and the double char cheeseburgers are the big winners here. Warning, though: prepare to get messy. The burgers are heavy, juicy, and dripping with cheese, so arm yourself with napkins from the counter while you wait. And bring a designated driver or eating buddy, because the food coma will most definitely hit you on the drive home. Oof. So much deliciousness.
(4)David R.
A serviceable hot dog/gyros joint. Just the quality, prices, atmosphere, cleanliness, clientele, etc that you would expect. You will wait 3-5 minutes for your food, as they cook most of it to order, even at lunchtime. Grilled onions are available as a topping. The register guy is a likeable comedian. It's dingy but not dirty. No "meal deals" but a sandwich, fries, and soda will run about $7-8. They also sell soup, Greek chicken, and Homer's ice cream. Oh--and NO credit cards....Um, that's all that I can think of. Polish: B+, good crust, almost overdone Hot Dog: B-, just your regular Vienna Beef; my roll was stale when I tried this one Fries: C, a bit mealy, medium-thickness Onion rings: C+, thankfully not the minced variety but fried hard and nothing special Fried mushrooms: B, again fried hard but pretty darn good
(3)Andrea G.
I've been going here for their awesome gyro sandwich for years.
(4)Kip W.
First, I'll start by acknowledging some of the , uh, "quirks" of this place that could possibly be construed as negatives: The decor hasn't changed in thirty years; the bathroom is, well, uh, not the place you want to spend too much time hanging out in; and sometimes watching people wipe away tzatziki sauce off their chins can be less than appetizing. But, for over thirty years, this place has been serving up the best gyros in Chicagoland. Yes, it's as good as-if not better than-gyros I've eaten at many other places including different places in Greek Town. Aside from the gyros, they also serve up a perfect Chicago-style hot dog, an awesome Polish, and a tasty char-broiled burger, among other tasty menu items. Finish it off with a chocolate shake, and you're good to go. The Works holds a TON of sentimental value for me as well. It is the ultimate "where time stood still" place from my childhood, and as life's milestones come & go, the Works has always been there, one of the few constants. While I no longer live in the neighborhood, I make a point to stop in at least every once in a while to experience fond memories as well as killer fast food.
(5)Joshua Q.
I grew up with the works and I think it is about high time that I reviewed it. Ever since I moved out of town, whenever I visit my folks, I make it a point to go here. I always get a gyros and a side order of a hotdog with everything on it. I think my parents get mad at me because I inhale my meal whenever I go. I recommend eating here and have been every time I go. I have to say, I am kinda glad I moved because if i didn't, I probably would spend all my money herr. Here is my review: Food = 10/10 I have been to places where they only give you about 4 slices of the meat they use in the gyros. This place stuff the gyros with meat. if you look at the pictures they have for "are these photos helpful?" area, I think they should double the meat on those pictures and I think that is what a normal order is. also for the hotdog, you get that nice snap when biting into the dog. I think the food it great here and I really can't see it getting any better unless they give it away for free. note: I usually eat with my dad and he gets the Italian Beef, which he loves. he states that "it is not greasy like other Italian beefs he has tried". Price = 10/10 You definitely get what you pay for. The quality of the food and the amount is definitely worth the price. Service = 9/10 It's fast. you walk up, order in a line fashion, pay and sit down/wait for your food. I don't ever remember waiting for a long time for the food to get ready. of course, i usually eat their on their off time (3-4 or later that 7), so I don't really know how it is during when it is at the peak feeding times. Settings = 9/10 Place seems clean and lighting is good. I would say about the same cleanliness as about the newer McDonald joints. there is a small television there and the noise around is not annoyingly loud where you can not hear what other people (your company, I don't encourage listening in on other people's conversations) are saying. there are a few paintings on the wall and some pictures of celebrities on the wall. Overall: I love coming here. The staff seem friendly and the food is great and worth the price you pay. Like i said before, I make it a point to come here every time i visit my folks. I even crave it at times which sucks since I am out of town... I even have an uncle that craves the gyros here. I really enjoy this place and I think I might be beating a dead horse seeing as there is about 82 other reviews on this place. note: this review is based on the gyros and hotdogs I eat here. I don't really recall getting anything else so I can't really comment on them other than word of mouth. I know they have ice cream, but I haven't tried them...
(5)Tina T.
My family has been coming here for years. My grandparents started coming when they were first married, and now over 70 years later, we are still regulars. I refuse to get a gyro from anywhere else. Friendly staff, family owned, and amazing food. They're homemade gyro sauce is to die for, as is their homemade ice cream!
(5)Kim J.
Gyro heaven, oh my! Since I take the Metra to work, I have to rely on the kindness of my coworkers to get out of the office for lunch. Lucky for me, they invited me out to the Works the other day. If you're looking for ambience, head elsewhere. If you're looking for a fantastic gyro, you've come to the right place. Since I'm cutting out gluten for awhile, I had the gyro plate, which is basically just a big plate of gyro meat with tzatki (sp?) sauce and veggies. And man, the meat was delicious. Tender, flavorful, juicy, you name it. I ordered extra meat and was still ready to nom some more when I was done. Hopefully my coworkers will continue to come here. It's almost enough to make a girl consider driving to work.....
(4)Sourma K.
I think The Works has one of the best gyros in Chicago (as much as I love Dengeo's and grew up eating it) there's something about The Works that knows how to work a gyros. Its perfectly crisp on the one side of the meat and tender on the other. The tzatziki sauce is the best by far its garlicky, tangy from the red wine vinegar, a crunchiness from the shaved cucumbers and the yogurt is just as fresh. I don't get the gyros that often because of the calories so don't feel hesitant to go because its your typical "fast food" place. I get the grilled chicken sandwich on a pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce on the side. You can't beat that I would say its about a 600 calorie sandwich and compared to a gyros that's a healthier choice. The chicken sandwich is char-grilled so it taste like its homemade. The place is sort of a dive and only accepts cash. Be prepared, come hungry and leave satisfied.
(4)arlene d.
Found this place on yelp while traveling to Glenview. I grew up eating good gyros so had high expectations. It met them got 2 gyro plates and a hot dog $16 bucks great deal. CASH ONLY so be prepared
(4)Pete C.
If you love Gyros or Italian Beef as much as I do, you cannot do better than this place. This place is even better than Hubs, which I never thought would be possible. Not only is it tasty, but also very generous portions. I cannot find any place even remotely close to The Works in Southern California. I guess it's a good thing or else I would be as big as a house.
(5)Nicole B.
Not sure what happened to this little hole in the wall, used to be very good. Last time my fiance and I ate there we ordered gyros and think the meat was extremely old. We were sick the entire next day! It was super greasy, no taste and smothered in sauce probably to hide the week old meat! This is a used to be a go to place and now it's a never again!
(1)Anoni M.
The five stars is for the gyros sandwich. I've spent what could be considered community college tuition at the Works so I feel I should get some sort of recognition for eating here as often as I have. The spinning gyros is no different than any other joint that has those rottisserie broilers. But they seem to have perfected a cooking system in which one is spinning with full fire, another at half fire and another in defrost mode. You'd think I'd have asked one of the owner operators, but yes, they're pretty intimidating. The cucumber sauce is perfect. It's cool, it's tangy and it complements the lamb perfectly. Tomatoes and onions are always fresh. First off, they carve the meat off with a sword, unlike some places that use something to the effect of a men's hair clipper. They load up the gyros sandwich with so much meat that I usually take off a third of it to eat with a fork. But most importantly, the pita is unsurpassed in its flavor and texture. They dip the pita in some vegetable oil or some oil from the drip pan of the spinning gyros and grill it to perfect crispness. Basically it's what makes the gyros meat say to the pita, "You complete me." Other notables here are the Italian beef with hot peppers, Chicago style hot dogs, cheddar fries and Homer's ice cream. Yes, I know. I'm a healthy person. I've never been so much a fan of their hamburgers as they use shredded lettuce, relish and put the condiments and toppings underneath the patty. But now I'm just being picky. I'm glad they've kept the place pretty much the same. It's basically the only survivor in the strip mall since I was a kid. I remember it when there was a auto store and a crappy Euro trash club on either side of it.
(5)neil c.
I hadn't eaten here for quite a while - not since High School. But we stopped by here on the way back to my Parent's today, and now I remember why I used to go here in High School - THE GYROS ARE FANTASTIC. Yeah, it's not something you should eat often, and it's good I live a few thousand miles away, so I can't, but if you're going to eat gyros, you'd be hard pressed to find a place that does it better. I like to get the tzatziki on the side -it's delicious, but I like to meter it out to my own choosing. A piece of advice - eat the gyro as you would a San Francisco burrito - leave it in the foil and peel the foil down as you eat. Otherwise, just like with the burrito, you'll have a big mess on your hand. A big delicious mess.
(5)Janice L.
i live minutes away but never gave this place a chance. so i was craving a burger one night and did not want to drive to jim's originals by UIC so i ordered a cheese burger with extra grilled onions with the works.. delish! so were the onion rings. my boyfriend had the gyros plate and cheese fries and cole slaw.. we were very hungry that night (: everything was amazing, did not expect that.. i guess i don't have to drive all the way to paradise pup anymore.
(5)Dan H.
I love gyros. Growing up in Skokie, I had delicious gyros at Hub's quite often. So, unfortunately for every place I'll ever eat at after this, their gyros most be awesome. This place is pretty good, but not amazing. If you want Gyros or an awesome charburger, head 2 blocks west and go to Goodi's on Milwaukee. I would only eat here instead of the joint down the road if A.) my car broke down in the parking lot. B.) well there's no need for B.)
(3)George D.
I've been coming to The Works since my high school days, which were longer ago than I care to admit. In all that time, the staff, the menu, and the furniture have not changed. They even still have the same old poster on the wall--the Three Stooges "Golf with your freinds". Every time I see that poster, I get a mad gyros craving. If you eat here, you'll feel a sandbag weight in your stomach for at least half a day, and you'll notice that the pressure on your spare tire has been increased. But all the good things in life come at a price. Do what I do: Skip breakfast before coming. Order the gyros. It is hands-down the best in Chicagoland. They grill the pita to a golden crispiness. The meat is roasted perfectly (and also sliced perfectly--slicing gyros is a skill). Don't remove it from the foil wrapper, or you'll be wearing tzatziki sauce. Order the cheese fries. Squirt ketchup on them and mix them up with two plastic forks until they're swimming in an amber/brownish colored sauce. Eat them with a fork.
(5)Jay W.
2 stars because it isn't absolutely terrible, and no mishaps. But it's nothing special. And the fries are just BAD. I've been in the area for years and never ate here. Tried it today. Not so hot. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Their gyros is OK. Small for the price ($5.30). Plus it's, well, for lack of a better term - depressing - inside. It's dark and the decor is really dated. Not a cheery place for lunch. I just can't get why all the beaming reviews. Booby's is 5 minutes away, and so much better. Sorry, never again.
(2)Scott B.
Short and Sweet of it, I ordered the Athenian Chicken with Well Done Fries. The fries were PERFECT. The chicken, however lacked any flavor at all. The meat, even the Dark half was much to dry and overcooked. it tasted like it had been cooked yesterday, and could not taste any Greek seasonings.. I prefer MoonDoggies at Euclid-Lake and Milwaukee without a doubt. One last thing, is it is like and old Greek restaurant in there. No windows poorly lite . The employees are quite friendly.
(2)Nikki C.
pass the duct tape, my ass just grew another 2 inches and i have no time to shop for new pants. yes i know i should really stop eating at places that serve food. I should walk and exercise, drink more water and masturbate less too, but life is too short to pretend I am going to be on tv's "So you think you can dance" Get whatever you want here...its all good. Yes greek food is supposed to be healthy, but in moderation, which is a word I have yet to meet. Shakes, burgers, hot dogs, salads...(see SALADS!)... So if you find yourself in the country, stop on by and chow down... not so far from the burlington coat factory too and plenty of parking!
(4)Leah J.
Grease, big portions and angry greek men in a mini-mall restuarant...what's not to love! Once in a while, I yern for food from the motherland (grandma's land). The Works makes a a great huge gyros. It's enough to feed me "I'll eat you out of house and home" and my mother "she eats like a tiny bird." I'd like to say the menu is extensive and filled with fast food fare, but I dare not compare it to McDonald's or Burger King. They can offer you everything except the kitchen sink. Beef, sausage, hot dogs, fries, chicken and pizza puff items...all for a cheap price. Next time I go, I must try the spinach pie.
(4)Greg K.
I grew up in Glenview and went to Washington School in the 70's, so my childhood is filled with fond memories from The Works. I moved to Ventura, CA and I came back to visit three months ago. I had to stop by and get a gyros and cheese fries - a must! Cindy had never been to Chicago, so I brought her to The Works. One of the original owners (I believe it was George) was there and he remembered me and my friends when we were kids. I still remember The Game Room next door and Playback records on the other side (later a stereo place). Okay, back to the incredible food! In all my travels, I have not had a gyros as good as The Works. Ditto for their cheese fries (I dump ketchup on top and eat them with a fork) in the cool 70's plastic basket! Oh my, what a delight it is to have a delicious meal like this. The guys who own the place are really good people - maybe they don't smile a lot, but they're truly good, honest guys. Living in Ventura, CA, I crave a good gyros and there isn't a place that compares. All of you in Chicago are lucky to have a place like this. I'd love to see The Works out here! Thanks guys for putting up with our stupid stuff as kids and for doing a great job all these years.
(5)Elena A.
Mmmmm....cheese fries.... I don't know what it is about The Works, but their cheese fries are fabulous. And these are real cheese fries, none of the "sliced cheese melted on fries" crap that the East Coast is so fond of. Then again, the East Coast thinks that gyros are pronounced like "gyro" in gyroscope. Silly East Coasters. The gyros here are also worthy of praise for being so delicious. The guys behind the counter are kind of intimidating but they know how to make a tasty gyros & cheese fries. Mmmmm...this stuff is heart-healthy in the way that you give your heart a workout to continue beating after eating too much of this stuff.
(4)Tom G.
The Works has the best Gyros in the whole world. It's better than the gyros in Greece.. I'm not kidding!!! Their tzatziki sauce is amazing, I always get extra. I was away for school in Phoenix, and it drove me crazy that there was no good gyros anywhere. Every time I came home the first place I went was to the Works for Gyros! Seriously I can't express how good it is. The guys who work there are awesome too, especially George!
(5)Cameron F.
Very Good food for the price. Very classic place.
(4)Kim P.
BEST GYRO EVER! The pita is perfect, the meat plentiful, the sauce amazing. Yum! Worth the drive even though no-one I know lives in this area anymore.
(5)Daniel A.
Been going here for 11 years, and it's still amazing. Best gyros and delicious cheese fries. Staff is always friendly/great.
(5)Jim R.
You want a real A+ gyro......U got a real A+ gyro. No BS if you want get extra sauce & everything will be OK. Burgers are very good. Flame broilrd....Yummy
(5)Y.D. K.
Hey, the staff at this place aren't angry or anything! In fact, they are cool, its just they don't smile all the time. The "old man" is great - no matter if you are a simpleton for ordering or a Meg Ryan and want this and that and this and that and something on the side, he will get your order correct the first time! Gyros are excellent, no matter who's cooking/making it; shish kabab sandwich is excellent also, though you have to wait 5-10 minutes and the staff will tell you that; cheese fries are heavenly; and the hot dogs, well, one of my buddies swears by it. Soft drinks are standard fair, and of course, balkava and Homer's (I think) ice cream are available. Staff cleans up rather quickly, and tables and chairs are a bit oldish but functional and won't break or cut you. Watch out for the lunch/dinner rush hour, though the long ordering line will go faster than you think. Hungry writing this right now! Just go, don't think!
(4)Jim S.
Always the best. My wife and I have been going here for 25 years and there is nothing like it. Char-broiled burgers, fries made to order and the BEST gyros in Chicagoland.
(5)Chris L.
The best fast food Greek place in northern burbs outside of chicago . I've being coming to this place for 20 years and within the years nothing has changed from the owner to the menu. Once in a while I would see the cook act as a cashier.
(3)Kent B.
Smallish, family owned joint, serving typical fast food faire. Their grilled chicken sandwich on pita is tasty. The rib eye steak sandwich is very good and I also enjoy their Gyros. However, their hot dogs are Vienna skinless--not the preferred natural casing franks found in most Chicago stands. Surprisingly, the hamburgers are not great. The decor is dated and the air is stuffy. It's not my favorite bathroom either. Victor, one of the cooks, is always smiling and has a great attitude.
(4)Alex R.
Always excellent food. The owners are the guys who service you - friendly as can be. Best Gyros around - period.
(5)Grace Z.
The place is a total dive, but the gyros are good. On the menu, they have gyros and gyro plates. The only difference between the two is that the gyro plate has more meat. So if you're getting two gyros and the person you're eating with is game for this, order a gyro plate with one extra pita. There's enough meat to split into 2 gyros and then some meat to spare! The ambiance is highly lacking, but that's clearly not where their focus is. We ate there one time but the tables/chairs seemed old and oily/sticky. Definitely much better to just bring the food home. Call in your order and it's ready for pick-up when you arrive. My kids are not gyro fans so we get them cheeseburgers instead.
(4)Ron C.
Gyros at the Works are the best and a great value. I like to get my gyros meat and pita extra done, just for the extra texture. I've been going to the works since the late 70's (I used to go to the arcade with my brother next door to the Works as a teen) and it's always nice to see the same owner and a lot of the same workers. It looks like the son has been getting more involved in recent years so enjoy this special little place. Also a great place for a Chicago hot dog and fries.
(5)Andrew B.
I've been coming to The Works since I was a wee one, since my grandmother lives within spitting distance. The gyros - oh lordy, the gyros. Perfect. Loads of perfectly sliced meat, tzatziki, and fixins. They do something magical with the pita, too - nicely crispy. It's a meal, it usually drops me into an hour-long food coma within 10 minutes or so, but it's a damn satisfying coma. This family run place has been serving up the staples of Chicago food - gyros, hot dogs, and burgers far, far longer than I've been around, and it's well worth a stop if you happen to find yourself in the North suburbs.
(5)James G.
I work in the area and was looking for a quick bite last week. Went inside expecting to find it to be a bit of a dive. Instead what I found was friendly staff and a nice atmosphere. The place was also more crowded than I expected My food was ready in a few minutes and I was out the door. I had the Polish Sausage, a large fry and a Coke. The sausage was fantastic, the fries were also excellent (not soggy or greasy like a lot of hot dog joints you find in the area). I ate on the way back to work and the only thing disappointing about the meal was when I took the lid off my drink to get a swig of ice, I found a strange black substance stuck on the inside of the cup and whatever it was it was not food residue (it almost looked and felt like mold). I immediately felt sick, probably a psychological reaction. It was likely nothing, but it was enough to keep me from going back.
(2)Tom Z.
Great Food! I think they are one of the best Gyros Sandwiches in Chicago. The Cheddar Cheese burger with Cheddar Fries is a great meal. I will say it again "Great Food" Very friendly people. If you are in the Niles/Glenview area this is a don't miss.
(5)Yo U.
Meh. The Works offers an entirely average and over priced gyro plate. The same can be said for the soup that is offered here. The pita was the only above-average thing on my tray. What are you people thinking?
(2)Ali L.
i've been eating here since i was a little girl. my standby: gyros plate, extra pita please, to go. reasonably priced and soooooo freakin good!! this place is the only reason why i'm bummed to be moving back to chicago from morton grove - only because i'll be spending more for gas for my gyros fix. totally worth it though :) best in the country!
(5)Eric H.
The best gyros in Chicagoland. I've been going since the 80s as a kid when we'd go after going to the dentist in the strip mall. I wish they'd open up The Works in Mountain View CA!
(5)Geoffrey P.
Not only the best Gyros in the northern suburbs, but the best service too! I went in there today for my roughly bi-monthly gyros and cheese fry fix. After placing my order, I realized I had forgotten my wallet. I told ol' George at the counter I would be back in ten minutes, and he tells me "No, you just pay next time! Don't worry about it till next time". How awesome is that? I'm only in there twice a month, but he knows I'll be back for more, and he'll remember me when I do!
(5)Trey L.
been eating here since 1985 and I think its been the same 4 guys behind the counter ever since (how do they do it?!) Anyway these guys are as consistent as death and taxes. If you want indulge, get the chez fries, and gyros. the chicken breast on a pita is great too.
(5)David V.
Oh how I love the Works. I've evolved my tastes over my time going here from the hot dog & fries to the every famous gyros. You must go for the Gyros. The pita is absolute perfection. I always get an extra one on the side to enjoy in all it's glory. But let's not forget the huge portion of gyros that goes in your sandwich. I have yet to find a larger portion for that price ANYWHERE. And yes, the same guys behind the counter work there all the time. I've only been going there for about 4-5 years, but it's still the exact same in every way. I think their newest renovation was an ATM machine. But it does bring a point that there's no improving on perfection, and these guys have pretty much achieved that.
(5)Roy A.
This place is pretty good. I think it's comparable to Goodi's down the road. Cash only. Real good gyros and the dogs, etc are not too shabby either. Food comes out fast and pretty good portions. Pretty much the same, in my opinion, as various other gyro joints littered around the city. Certainly worth visiting more than once if you're in the area. Nothing that really wows you though.
(3)