Review: Jimmy John’s New Chicken Gyros Put All Other Wraps to Shame

If you got into the chicken sandwich and wrap wars, where virtually every chain offered their take on poultry, veggies and carbs, this meal will end your search. The tzatziki is creamy and refreshing, with plenty of dill and cucumber to really brighten up the chicken. The tomatoes were juicy and firm—not mealy, as many served at chains are—and the sliced chicken was succulent and well portioned. Better yet, the onions offered a nice crunch without souring your breath or overpowering the wrap, which was tempered by the shredded lettuce and cucumbers.

But the real star was the pillowy, almost cloud-like pita. All too often, that’s what ruins the gyro. It can easily turn stiff and stale, becoming a fight to chew. This was tender and chewy.

If you like even more crunch, you can add in some peppery Kickin’ Ranch chips, as a colleague did, or spice things up with a dash of hot sauce. (The wrap is pretty mild on its own.)

Whatever you do, order it alongside the new Greek Cucumber Salad. It’s a tangy-yet-creamy combo of cucumbers, tzatziki, pickles and onions that feels made for summer cookouts. Or sitting in your car during your lunch break and feeling like you’re at the beach, even if you’re 12 minutes away from needing to file that TPS report.

Something tells me my Yia Yia wouldn’t even mind this variation. As long as I don’t mess with her pastitsio recipe.

Prices and availability may vary by location. In New York, where I’m currently based, a regular chicken gyro costs $11, and the combo—adding a side and drink—will set you back $13.25. (It costs 50 cents more to upgrade the side to the Greek Cucumber Salad, instead of a pickle or chips.) In an area where burritos often cost $15 and gourmet salads can go for $20, Jimmy John’s chicken gyro makes for a satisfying meal—and solid value.