Andrea H.
Yelp
I spent the night in Jackson, MS on my way from Texas to Georgia. The next day, I searched Yelp for a place to eat, and this place was highly rated. I love gyros, but I expected more of a hole-in-the-wall shack. That...was...not...this...place!
This place, this amazing place is a huge house with a wrap around porch. The kind of porch you find at a plantation that can accommodate multiple tables and chairs and plants and people. The inside was just as amazing. There were so many brightly painted rooms, and they were large and spacious and filled with people getting their Sunday brunch. Jackson is not a very big city. It seemed like everyone was here. This is a place to be seen and catch up with friends.
The parking lot is large and it was packed with cars, but I was lucky enough to find a spot. I was surprised to see a security vehicle parked in the lot and a security guard on premise near the entrance. I'm not sure what kind of problems they have had in the past, but they seemed prepared to give their guests a hassle-free experience. The businesses and houses in the area all seemed normal and decently maintained. I didn't see anyone panhandling nor were there any tent cities to be found. Perhaps the security on staff prevents that problem from developing.
Everyone entered through the main entrance of the house near the fountain and sign out front. The woman at the register was busy closing out customer tabs, but she would stop periodically and offer those of us who entered a menu and invite us to seat ourselves. There were a lot of available tables both inside and out. The spring weather was glorious and the numerous trees and greenery around the building kept the area cool and comfortable, so I opted for a table on the patio.
A young man rushing from table to table stopped at mine to take my drink order and was back in a flash even though he was busting his butt to work at least a dozen tables of various group sizes. Service was hurried, but quick and efficient. My gyro was out in a flash.
Even though the CDC was no longer recommending masks for those who were vaccinated, all of the staff were wearing masks and signage on the front door still required customers to wear a mask to enter. Once seated, customers did not wear masks. Even though I was vaccinated against COVID, I thought it best to eat outside on the patio and wear my mask until my food was served. Other customers at the restaurant clearly didn't care. It truly felt like the pandemic had never hit here.
My gyro was packed with meat, tzatki sauce, onions, and lettuce. Had there not been a paper wrapper around the pita bread, the sandwich would have fallen apart. It was busting at the seams, but managed to stay together with every bite and gentle tear at the wrapper to expose more deliciousness.
I didn't have to wait for the waiter, but gladly would have in order to enjoy the relaxed ambiance. Instead, I grabbed my tab and headed to the register at the front to checkout. I even got a refill of sweet iced tea for the road. They were so quick and efficient there. Whether you are in a hurry or not, they will take care of you.