I'm from out of state and I've had gyros where I'm from, but my boyfriend decided to take me to this spot 'cause he says it was one of the best, Unfortunately, we didn't experience that the night we came in. The place was empty when we walked in on a Thursday night and we ordered two gyros and large fries to go. They grabbed the meat from a pan that had been sitting there for who knows how long and we got the last batch of fries (the worker put a new batch for a customer that came after us). Needless to say, when we got home (which is only 5 min away), the gyros were room temperature and the fries were stale. One star for tender meat and the toppings were yummy. Another star for the burnt fries I found within the stale ones....and I happen to love the burnt ones. Ha! read more

This is where you go when you are drunk. That is it. You forget that your meal should taste better and be better priced. The gyro meat is good but the prices are astronomical for a gyro. The fries are crinkle cut right out of the bag. They are completely tasteless. In addition, the sauce is really tart. Tzatziki sauce should have a creamy taste to compliment the gyro. The sauce is so pungent that it ruins the flavor of the gyro. The people are nice, the service is quick and the outdoor patio is gorgeous. Otherwise, skip it. read more

I honestly can't comprehend the hate this place gets from some folks. Maybe it's because Parthenon served the first gyro I ever tried, but this place remains my favorite years later. I will admit, this place has been a bit of a crapshoot at times. There's been a lot of inconsistency in the speed of service, the portion sizes, the "freshness" of the ingredients, and cleanliness. I've determined that the best time to hit up Parthenon is when it's busy--they're best when they're shaving the meat directly off the spit and putting it right into your gyro. On that note, I'll also admit that I've only ever tried their gyro. I've had friends try their souvlaki and I always mean to try something else, but I always end up just ordering the gyro because I know it's good. The sauce is always tangy and garlic-ey, and there's just enough of it to make a mess. The meat is always delicious and a bit salty. I don't know what it is about other gyro places, but the meat is always where they seem to drop the ball. The texture and flavor of Parthenon's meat succeeds where other gyro places fail. The décor isn't anything fancy, but since the remodel it seems pretty nice. (This place used to look like a dump, not so much anymore.) The roof garden upstairs provides a nice enough view of State Street and the State Capitol. Being open late, this place can bring the drunks in. If you're not a fan of that scene I would avoid the Parthenon at night. If you are, the gyros are even better when you're drunk. read more

This is a great place to stumble into after bar time for some greasy grub. Of course, it's not the greatest Greek ethnic restaurant I've ever been to... so far, nothing compares to any restaurant in the "Greek Town" area of Detroit. But I digress. The Parthenon isn't trying to compete on that level, so it's not fair to hold them to that standard. This is a greasy spoon that caters to drunk college students... and it does that well. Very well. Order yourself a gyro, and make sure to get an order of fries... If not for yourself, at least to share. They are amazing. read more

Fantastic to be back living in Madison with the Parthenon one of my FAV dinner options! (lunch too!)..the crew simply rocks..great food at a reasonable price with fantastic atmosphere...(the rood deck is awesome!..as is the inside) on a GREAT American Downtown Street..State Street! Go there..eat...be merry! read more

Firstly, I want to say... They need to update their prices on their menu. After my family ordered and I looked at the receipt I noticed everything that we ordered was either .25 or .50 cents more than the menu stated. The guy behind the register said too bad. read more

Gyros was good! Not the best I have had but good- portions are huge- get the regular size- no need for the jumbo.

I stopped by this place when I was strolling around state street cause I was really itching to have a gyro. The gyro was good, not bad, but not amazing either. I was a little surprised by the price, 7 dollars for just the gyro, and then 10 for a meal which seemed just a tad pricey for me. Pros: Super fast, convenient location, pretty tasty gyro, plenty of seating. Cons: A little pricey. read more

Gyros here were great. Sadly the cashier got our order wrong, but corrected it when we brought it to their attention after starting eating. Bathroom appeared as if it had not been cleaned in a long time. read more

Freaking amazing greasy gyros. I headed in here with my Mom and my Aunt. My Mom's been going there for years (maybe even since she was going to UW in the 60s?) and it's the place to hit for a drippy, messy gyro. read more

Excellent food best gyro in town! The gyro platter is fantastic as well. The guy that takes the order is a so rude. He makes me think twice about sating there. The restaurant itself is dirty and the seating really needs to be updated. read more

Parthenon Gyros - Greek Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The gyros I have eaten on many a drunken night here really remind me of the gyros I have eaten on many a drunken night in Chicago. And so does the seedy, butt-ugly atmosphere of this place. But if eating some of the best gyros ever in Chicago has taught me one thing, it's not to judge a gyro place by its cover. Parthenon Gyros is no dirtier than the kitchen located right next to the counter, in true big-city style. The fries are usually cooked and seasoned very well, and they don't do a bad job with things like the spanakopita either. I love the tzatziki sauce; you get a good 50/50 mix of yogurt and mint in the aftertaste. Like every other topping, including the gyro meat, it is generously piled on top of the bread (another one of their most outstanding ingredients). Parthenon is very fast-foody, but I don't know a good gyro place that isn't. So if you want to escape the dining room that looks like a bathroom, go to the rooftop tables. You can watch State Street go by while you eat one of the best gyros in Madison. Oh, and they serve beer. read more

I was shocked when I saw Parthenon had only 4 stars as an overall score. Must be all those Greek students in Madison who have only eaten Gyros in Athens and it's just not as good as dear old moms. Without a doubt the Gyro at Parthenon is the best this side of the Mediterranean- so don't let the lonely empty star stand in the way of your tastebuds getting a delight. read more

Got the classic plate and a chicken gyro. Overall pretty good. Fast service, friendly staff. The food was good, but nothing special. The chicken seasoning was better. Fries were somewhat on the soggy side. read more

After a late night of bar hopping around Madison I was happy to find a place open late walking back to my room. The Parthenon was exactly what I needed. A large warm pita stuffed with a hearty selection of gyro meat, onions and cool cucumber sauce with a basket of fries, good price and a friendly guy to chat up that was working there. A 2am savior! read more

I don't know whether it's because I was too hungry or just because the gyro is too damn good that I wanted a second one...or maybe a third one ? read more

Parthenon Gyros - Oh boy I love tzatziki - Greek Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

You cannot get more authentic than this. Did you know they make their own gyro meat in house?$?! I promise you'll never have a better tasting gyro, and the staff is extremely attentive. Comfortable atmosphere and just a great experience. Highly recommend!! read more

Parthenon is THE place to get gyros. Gyros are amazing and fries are perfect. It's so much cleaner than it used to be. They recently had a redecoration/remodel. Although prices have gone up a bit, this place is still worth it. read more

We had a pretty tasty gyro and fries meal here. The gyro was hearty with a tasty pita. The fries were well fried and thick. They also had some really affordable beer options. Service was quick and friendly. All in all a pretty good, quick meal option on State Street! read more

The undisputed champion Gyro of the world. Gyro cones made on site Wednesday evenings with the best spices and meats around. read more

I really love their gyros. They really are the best I have had in Madison. I think $10 for a sandwich is expensive, but they really can't be beat. You do get a very generous portion of food for your $. I found the people behind the counter to be a bit rude and rushed (they weren't that busy), but because they are the best gyros in town I will keep going back. They have outdoor dining on the roof which I think is great for a nice day. The indoor dining is just ok. They have really loud Greek music playing in the background. read more

I used to think it was good in college, went back last week for a late night gyro and it tasted old. Not good.

The gyro meat was the least flavorful of any gyro I have ever had. Tzatziki sauce was also bland....needs more onion? Fries were cooked perfectly, crisp and hot. I can't recommend this place with so many better options around the area. read more

This is basically a fast-food place to get your Gyros. But they are delicious and huge and the fries are great too. They have indoor and outdoor seating. It is not the most modern, up-to-date establishment but the food is good. When the weather is nice we enjoy taking our food and eating upstairs in their out door seating area. read more

I moved away from Madison in 2001 and this restaurant is the one I missed the most. Good people and good food, it was a nice stop for a gyro and a beer(or two) when I bicycled around the capitol every weekend. Simply wonderful. read more

Small menu: gyros and french fries- but if you're in the mood for an awesome gyro, bursting with meat and dripping with juice, and thick delicious french fries, then this is the place to go for lunch, dinner, or late night food. atmosphere is like a fast food restaurant, as is the service, but that just means you get to eat your food faster and it doesn't matter if there is a line out the door after bartime. read more

We visited Parthenon this evening for dinner - and they were SUPER busy, and their customer service was ON POINT despite the chaos customers brought. We've frequented here because we live nearby and their food is fantastic. Tonight was extra great, as aforementioned, customers were particularly unruly this evening and the staff, specifically Raquel (I believe her name was?) who was working the register. She was incredibly patient and kind despite how stressful the customers were causing everyone else to be around them. As we approached the register, she greeted us with the utmost kindness especially considering we were just getting the delicious Baklava! Thanks Raquel! read more

Hercules platter was delicious Vera lamb gyro age better season than the other spot that I have visited in the area and less greasy. The chicken and pork tasted ordinary and yogurt was quite tasty. read more

Parthenon Gyros - Hercules Plate - Greek Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Delish Gyros. Highly recommended by many fellow Wisconsinites! Will definitely stop here again when the Mad City!

Great food! Cheesy decor. But lots of tables to choose from. Fast service. But not so friendly employees. Just let the gyros take you awayyyyyyyyy! read more

The best of Madison for a good reason! Delish. Fast, good and worth it. Definitely. None better. Recommended.

Like being back in the home land! Can't wait to go back and try something new. Love to tip just so I can hear that Opa!

Voted the Best Of.....in Madison for many things, over many years, you know this place is doing something right. If you like gyros or love them, you will love this place. Why? Gyro meat is awesome and servings are generous. Traditional toppings, topped by what makes it the best for me: a yogurt sauce like none I've had. A soft pita bread gives this a landing pad. Get the fries too. And a lemonade. Even those are stupid good. Well done! read more

Madison Born and Raised since '96; my opinion holds a weight stronger than many who have been to Parthenon. As a wee child, I was first introduced to the goodness of Gyros at Parthenon on State. The musky, savoury, tender, succulent, juicy-ness of the Lamb Meat is so good that its flavors are forever engrained into my taste buds and etched into my mind forever. Each visit re-enforces its taste. The Tatziki sauce is creamy with a type of zing that compliments the meat in a peculiar yet loving way. I always get mine with the Fresh and Watery Tomatoes that have a soft crunch and a fresh bite. The onions are probably the bwst part that ties it all together. Such a strong flavor and crisp with a watery-ness that is delicate and refreshing. And the soft and fluffy Pita bread is so warm and loving it offers a nice chew and a good bite. There is no perfect gyro outside of Parthenon. All the meat is cooked on the giant skewers behind the counter in which the staff shreds in to nice thin slices. Each Gyro for me is complete with their cooked to order Fries that are fresh and hot and crispy but fluffy and wonderfully salted and sizeable. And I get a Pepsi to wash it all down. I normally don't drink Pepsi or soda period but as a child, this was the staple meal for me and is the only place I will have a Pepsi. The scenery has Greek Style Wall Designs, tiles with White and blue. The floor is of a mosaic concrete. They have comfy booths and chairs. The counter is right in from of the entry way and you can see them cook everything in front of you, an authentic feel. Never been on the rooftop but I've heard it is nice. Summer is coming soon so I'll have my chance to enjoy the view of State Street. I believe they have a tip jar in which if you tip they say some celebratory saying similar to "Opa!" (Maybe it is Opa haha) and they ring a bell which is authentic and festive to the Greek culture they provide to the Madison Community. They also have a TV that plays the same vintage videotape I remember as a kid, of some Greek talk show that also hosts concerts with lots of singing and dancing of Greek Music which sets the whole atmosphere of the restaurant. The Bathrooms, can't lie still look the same from 15-20 years ago, not the greatest looking but it doesn't bother me a bunch. But the overall cleanliness of the restaurant is good. It's been a year or two since I've been back, however like I said before, the flavors are pungent and eternal where I can say the food is always consistent so much so fhat I haven't tried their entire menu simple because the Gyros are that good I am never persuaded to try anything else though it is likely just as good. Moral of the story; Gyros+Fries+Pepsi= Love read more

Love these Gyros! Save yourself and don't get the fries- you will not be able to eat them after the huge sandwich. If there are two of you, get one fry to share! read more

Best gyros in the Midwest. Wonderful atmosphere, great customer service, and my favorite places to eat in Madison

Food is good but the portion was small for the price of gyro sandwich. The place was nice. Service was fast

The mega gyro was fantastic and the fries were awesome! The staff were really nice and really helpful. They also have a variety of local beers. I will go back for sure! read more

Parthenon Gyros - Mega Gyros - Greek Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Parthenon is another drunk food staple for those late nights downtown. After a long night out this has been my go to for greasy food that hits the spot. I normally just get a gyro with all the fixings (vegetables and onion, and the sauce) and of my friends and I are feeling particularly gone we will get the fries covered in nacho cheese. I normally hate nacho cheese but it always hits the spot in the moment. Plus the fries are amazing by themselves. read more

I had the chick-a-bob... the chicken was a bit dry, but otherwise it was pretty good for a ''mock' gyro. Clean atmosphere and very awesome roof top view of Madison's strip. read more