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The outside of Parthenon Gyros provides people with a “Greek feel” due to its blue and white awning and decorative columns. The inside of the restaurant, however, is another story. Its bleak white interior resembles a bar fast-food restaurant rather than an establishment which boasts quality Greek food. Although its walls are decorated with pictures of Greece, this did not make me feel like I was in Greece. In fact, it reminded me of Burger King.

The employees at Parthenon Gyros do not exactly direct their attention to their customers. While one employee was bickering on the phone with a previous customer, he created an uneasy atmosphere for the others who stood in front of him.

Also off-putting is how the restaurant shaves the meat for gyros and other dishes at the counter in plain sight of the customers. Perhaps they do this because the counter is where they cook or fry their food or maybe they are trying to show that the meat is fresh, but it can make customers uneasy.

Although it was uncomfortable by the counter, the service is quick and they are not stingy with their delicious food. Not only is the food filling (and trust me, we were hungry), but delectable flavors are distinguishable in the sandwiches. One of these flavors is from the restaurant’s signature tzatziki, which, according to Parthenon Gyros’ website, Parthenongyros.com, is “a yogurt-based cucumber sauce with a hint of garlic and lemon.”

While enjoying your satisfactory meal, you can soak in Greek music radiating from the music videos, which are displayed on a television in the middle of the spacious restaurant. You can also venture on up to the roof garden and eat your meal outside. If you are contemplating hosting a dinner party for family or friends, the roof garden is available for private parties as well.

Parthenon Gyros offers Greek foods from salads, sandwiches and pitas to desserts such as baklava, a traditional dessert made from layers of phyllo dough, honey and chopped nuts. The majority of sandwiches (including gyros, chicken Caesar sandwiches and veggie sandwiches) are $6.64 not including tax, however, most of the meals, including drinks, were $9.24

Parthenon Gyros, located at 316 State St., has been open in Madison since 1972, and according to its website, it was the first restaurant in Wisconsin to serve gyros. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

2 1/2 stars out of 5