Bites Nearby: Greek Family Recipes at Gyro Palace Cafe

Overview: Gyro Palace Cafe, located in a nondescript plaza in Rocky Point, cooks up classic Greek-American fare -- mostly for takeout.

Decor: Casually situated and clearly geared towards take-out or a quick bite, the storefront features a few cafeteria-style tables next to the long main counter and open kitchen.

The Drinks: Bottled soda, teas, beer and wine, from the dining room display case.

Appetizers: A variety of mezedes (the Greek term for appetizers) await, including well-known items like Spanikopita ($5.75) and Dolmades ($7.45) -- stuffed grape leaves, and Hummus ($7.45), as well as less-common nibbles like Tarama ($7.45), a whipped Greek caviar, and Saganaki ($9.95), imported kefalograviera cheese sauteed and served over onion and tomato.

Salads are also a big part of the menu and range from the Small Greek Salad ($7.45) all the way up to the Mount Olympus ($15.99) described as "The Largest Greek Salad West of the Atlantic." It's meant to serve six or more people.

Entrees: Classics like 100% beef Gyro ($8.55), Falafel ($7.75), and both  Souvlaki and Chicken Souvlaki ($8.55) lead off the menu, but you'll also find Lucanico ($7.95), a Greek-style sausage served on a pita, burgers ($6.25-6.65) and Greek Pizza ($7.75) on the casual menu.

Dinner specialties --which all come with rice pilaf, Greek salad, pita and a choice of Tzatziki or onion sauce -- include Moussaka ($17.45), baked eggplant and potato with meat sauce and bechamel and Pastitso ($17.45), which is ziti pasta baked with meat sauce and bechamel, but also more ambitious preparations like Filet Mignon Souvlaki ($21.45) and Lamb Souvlaki ($20.45).

Combo platters ($37.55 - $42.75) serve 2-3 people and include a variety of menu items.

Sides: Extras are affordable with Pita ($1.25), Rice Pilaf ($3.99), Greek Olives ($4.35) and extra sauce -- either tzatziki or onion ($1.25 for 40 ounces).

Desserts: Greek pastries like Baklava and Kataifi are $4.75 while cookies are $6.99 ($7.99 if you want them dipped in chocolate).

Service: They get busy -- especially on weekends -- and this isn't fast food. Order ahead and pick up later.

Signature Dish: Various souvlaki and the all-beef gyros.

Address: 379-J Route 25A, Rocky Point, NY

Cost: $-$$