Souvlaki Lady Elpida

GREECE 🇬🇷

For over 25 years, Ms. Elpida has grown in significance and character in Astoria, serving her beloved souvlaki. On Facebook, a review pronounces boldly "She's been feeding me for my entire life!" History is a big part of the reason to go here, and can probably be viewed with each visit. Neighbors seem to gather and greet here, argue, and laugh together.

The bare bones of souvlaki is grilled meat on a stick. She offers this as chicken and pork for $3. You can have your meat put into a pita ($4.50, below) as well, and this option also opens up the gyro (beef) meat.

The meats have obviously been marinating for a good long time, the smells are simply mouthwatering. They all seem to be a bit chewy, but in a good way. The platter ($6, below) gives you the option of your choice of all three meats served with rice or fries, accompanied with pita and salad. After comparing the options, I think filling up with rice is not my recommendation and would stick to the lesser items. One man continuously ordered simple sticks over and over as we ate, downing at least four.

She also advertises a few non-traditional recipes as "pita creations", but these are all achieved with sauces rather than marinades, and did not look as appetizing. Smothering a chicken souvlaki stick with caesar dressing just did not seem appealing to me after enjoying her real talent for the meat.

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ASTORIA Queens

Ditmars Blvd and 33rd Street

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