You have to be pretty sure of yourself to proclaim you're the purveyor of "the best gyros anywhere," and Central Gyros has the chops—or beef—to back up such a statement. This Greek restaurant has been racking up awards since 1974—the very same year it started carving seasoned beef and lamb from the rotating spits that spin in the restaurant's front windows.

Gyros-seekers drive for miles to pick up an order to-go (no doubt balancing their meals on their laps and munching on the fries on the way home), but you don't have to follow the in-and-out masses. Central Gyros offers much of the same perks as your Greektown favorites: ample seating, Greek-themed wall murals, a full bar and a menu of standards like moussaka and dolmades. You can come for the meat or you can come with your mom…either way, you can order saganaki and yell 'opa!' with the best of them.

When deciding what to eat after that flaming start, you'll have no shortage of choices. The menu is a hefty one, and offers plenty of simple grill fare, should three broiled lamb chops seem a bit beyond your ability. Gyros, lamb and Greek sausage sandwiches are wise noon-time bets, but you can easily go heartier with the gyros combo, which ups the ante with one souvlaki, sausage, fries, pita and tzatziki sauce for $10.95. Family-style dinners are available (about $17.25 per person), as is catering.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Schwartz