The place is a bit on the pricey side, but they have happy hour prices that more than make up for it if you can get there early. The food is excellent, especially the hummus.

My family and I have been huge fans of Yia Yias for several years and have referred several of our friends to this restaurant. Every time we pass through Houston, we make a point of stopping for dinner there. The big selling point for us was the quality of the food across the board (suvlaki, gyros, calamaris, lemon potatoes, hummus, dolmades, etc, etc.).

That said, our experience at Yia Yia's last week will be our last one. While the food was very good, the cost was totally disproportionate with the amount of food served and the experience. We ordered 3 chicken souvlaki dinners (8 skewered pieces of chicked each), a small side of calamaris (probably 12 pieces) and 2 iced teas...I subtracted potatoes/rice and substitued grilled asparagus (add $3.95)...and the total cost (food + tax + 15% gratuity) came to almost $88!! I'm not sure if the prices had changed since we were last there, but we definitely felt that the price was way out of line with the experience this time. Next time we're in Houston, we'll definitely look for a lower cost Greek food experience.
They use Multidecks
which i like the most.

My family and I have been huge fans of Yia Yias for several years and have referred several of our friends to this restaurant. Every time we pass through Houston, we make a point of stopping for dinner there. The big selling point for us was the quality of the food across the board (suvlaki, gyros, calamaris, lemon potatoes, hummus, dolmades, etc, etc.).

That said, our experience at Yia Yia's last week will be our last one. While the food was very good, the cost was totally disproportionate with the amount of food served and the experience. We ordered 3 chicken souvlaki dinners (8 skewered pieces of chicked each), a small side of calamaris (probably 12 pieces) and 2 iced teas...I subtracted potatoes/rice and substitued grilled asparagus (add $3.95)...and the total cost (food + tax + 15% gratuity) came to almost $88!! I'm not sure if the prices had changed since we were last there, but we definitely felt that the price was way out of line with the experience this time. Next time we're in Houston, we'll definitely look for a lower cost Greek food experience.
They use Multidecks
which i like the most.

The gyros are very good. (Usually better than Nico's) But the Greek salad has dressing that is way too acidic, to the point of being unpleasant. Also, the last couple of times we've gotten really bad service, so we haven't been back.

Должен сказать, что у вас очень интересный материал. Прошу вашего разрешения опубликовать его на моем блоге.

One of the best, if not the best, gyros in town. Eggplant dip is great! But don't forget to order the baklava cheesecake. It will make your eyes roll back in your head. To all those snooty (alomost wrote "snotty") Pappas haters..."Just stay away. You'll be happier and so will we."

I enjoy Yia Yia Mary's but I prefer Alexander the Great Greek. Alexander's has belly dancing on the weekend for the same price.

For a Pappa's restaurant this place ain't bad. I've had good souvlaki there and like the dessert menu.

To all of those complaining, you could of course stay home and not go out. Are restaurants expected to not wish to grow into a larger business and simply remain as a one or two location business?

I simply don't understand when people complain about places like Pappas becoming a "chain". Instead of being happy that a local family is doing well and creating jobs, they like to simply complain and say "it isn't as good of a value as it was 20 years ago, etc".

Well, do you expect them to simply charge cost for their items? Are they expected to be a benevolent group of nuns only looking to break even?

I just wish (and I by no means work for Pappas and have had bad experiences there myself at times) some folks would simply check their self important egos at the door.

At the end of the day it is just food. However that being said, with the evolution of foodnetwork, travel channel, DIY, TLC, etc. everyone considers themselves now an expert on food, wine, design of homes etc.

The simple fact is, if you don't like their food, simply don't go. At the same time, just because you think you make a great grilled lamb etc. doesn't mean that you know anything about running a restaurant.

Yia Yia Mary's is a favorite among my picky family and friends. Delicious appetizer sampler with warm pita. Melt in your mouth lamb. The best tzatziki around. And baklava that will melt in your mouth. The pistachio ice cream in a phyllo bowl with honey is a perfect way to top off a very enjoyable evening.

Why people feel the need to criticize successful restaurants because they belong to local chains is beyond me. Be grateful you have the the choices available to us here for every type of food imaginable at every possible price. Try doing that in a smaller city.

everybody told me it was horrible, i went anyway, it was horrible and overpriced.

Dining at a Pappa's restaurant is the same as dining at a Tillman restaurant. You are served food that isn't good but is priced ridiculously high. Yet every time you pass a location the parking lot is full. So they have no incentive to make any changes, except to increase the price of sub par food.

So, I've decided to change my platform. I don't have to eat there and I won't. However, in this economy I appreciate the jobs that these businesses have contributed to Houston's landscape.

horrible Greek food...the Monterrey House if Greek food....went once and not a Greek in the place.....

For my taste, It is a very good restaurant. Their food is above average. And yes, it is not inexpensive. Niko Niko is good too, however it feels like fast food, since it is counter service. I chuckle with some comments I am reading here. Some people need to get a life, whatever that means.

Dined at Yia Yia Mary's once a few years ago, not long after they first opened. Souvlaki plate really good, for a Pappas place it was reasonably priced and service good. Niko Niko's is a standout in its own right however their dolmas leave something to be desired - the grape leaves should never be tough and bitter.

I have to say I really don't care for Yia Yia Mary's. I got take out from there a few days ago because I really wanted some Greek food and didn't want to drive all the way over to Niko Niko's. The pita was very dry and tasted kind of stale and the Greek salad was very disappointing it just looked like salad mix from a bag. For what I got it was way over priced.

Next time I will drive the extra few miles to Niko Niko's which is by far my favorite Greek Restaurant.

I quit eating at all pappa's restaurants 12-15 years ago. Havent missed them a bit there are way too many great places to eat in Houston without having to go to a pappas joint.

If there is anything that ANNOYS the heck out of me is the ever increasing prices at any Pappas restaurant. They just raised them about 25% across the board at Yia Yia's, but the quality AND the quantity gets more spotty by the year.... Also, servers will never tell you the price of the "specials"they suggest at Pappadeux for example...so you usually get a very high priced surprise with your check....

As a Houston native that first starting being a loyal customer at the original Pappasitos on Richmond in the 80's, this is very diappointing....

This a horrible place, soggy calimari, old tasting huge chucks of potato and big chucks of meat that have no flavor

I haven't had anything but good experiences at Pappas restaurants. I think they're an asset to Houston and do a very good job of delivering good-quality food at a fair price.

My husband and I have been disappointed with the food quality the last few times we have dined at a Pappas restaurant

Yes on the fries. They are on the side and served fresh cut (a la greek style). Good portions as we have come to expect from a Pappas restaurant.

I was eager to try this place out until my cousin lost a tooth after he bit into a rock that was in a gyro. Needless to say, I won't be going any time soon.

I was eager to try this place out until my cousin lost a tooth after he bit into a rock that was in a gyro. Needless to say, I won't be going any time soon.

I happened to go here for lunch today! Great stuff. Must recommend the hummus. Best in city if you are garlic lovers!

Do they put the fries inside the gyro or on the side?