One recent Saturday afternoon, I visited Samos Restaurant -- a take-out joint and sit-down eatery in Baltimore's Greektown. The first thing I noticed about Samos was that everyone eating there seemed to know one another. Not in a frat-house kegger sort of way, but more like a gossip-sharing family reunion sort of way. The waitresses knew everyone by name and, surprisingly, my waitress Joyce even knew a relative of mine who had lived in the area years ago. Freaky.
There are only about 10 tables in the whole place, and these were peppered with a diverse group of customers. One table was occupied by two college students, another by a couple -- child in tow -- and, in the corner, a group of four 20-somethings shared Friday night recollections.
Samos offers plenty of home-cooked Greek fare but also occasionally strays from tradition -- for instance, the menu includes Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta that come with an added Greek touch. Overall, selections range from 10-inch pizzas (under $10) and subs and sandwiches ($4.50-$6.50) to huge platters ($12 and up) that could easily feed two diners with large appetites. So, Samos is laid back enough that you can stop in to grab some takeout before a football game, but it's also fine for a casual evening date. Plus, you'll score extra points if your date is vegetarian, since there are several veggie options.
Dish: The first item ordered was the tzatziki; the yogurt-cucumber-garlic dip came served with toasted pita bread. The pita was toasty while the yogurt dip was rather gooey with only a hint of garlic. There are four other variations of dips (including hummus) which you can try in a sampler ($9.99). While I considered what type of handmade pizza to order, Joyce demanded that I try "the best gyro you will ever eat in Baltimore." The gyro (rhymes with "hero" if you want to pronounce it correctly) lived up to its name with heaping amounts of tomato, meat and plenty of shirt-staining tzatziki inside the pita. It was about the size of a Chipotle burrito and just as filling.
Damage: The tzatziki was only $4.75 and the portion of dip and pita bread would be perfect for two or more people to share as an appetizer. The heaping gyro was only $5.75 and well worth it. Thanks, Joyce. My bill came in at approximately $13 -- and those portions were huge.
Decision: After the meal, owner Nick Gorgalas came out of the kitchen to talk to some of the customers and welcome them to the family. A meal at Samos makes everyone feel Greek, and leaves you saying, "Thank you, sir. May I have another?" without any unnecessary hazing.
There are only about 10 tables in the whole place, and these were peppered with a diverse group of customers. One table was occupied by two college students, another by a couple -- child in tow -- and, in the corner, a group of four 20-somethings shared Friday night recollections.
Samos offers plenty of home-cooked Greek fare but also occasionally strays from tradition -- for instance, the menu includes Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta that come with an added Greek touch. Overall, selections range from 10-inch pizzas (under $10) and subs and sandwiches ($4.50-$6.50) to huge platters ($12 and up) that could easily feed two diners with large appetites. So, Samos is laid back enough that you can stop in to grab some takeout before a football game, but it's also fine for a casual evening date. Plus, you'll score extra points if your date is vegetarian, since there are several veggie options.
Dish: The first item ordered was the tzatziki; the yogurt-cucumber-garlic dip came served with toasted pita bread. The pita was toasty while the yogurt dip was rather gooey with only a hint of garlic. There are four other variations of dips (including hummus) which you can try in a sampler ($9.99). While I considered what type of handmade pizza to order, Joyce demanded that I try "the best gyro you will ever eat in Baltimore." The gyro (rhymes with "hero" if you want to pronounce it correctly) lived up to its name with heaping amounts of tomato, meat and plenty of shirt-staining tzatziki inside the pita. It was about the size of a Chipotle burrito and just as filling.
Damage: The tzatziki was only $4.75 and the portion of dip and pita bread would be perfect for two or more people to share as an appetizer. The heaping gyro was only $5.75 and well worth it. Thanks, Joyce. My bill came in at approximately $13 -- and those portions were huge.
Decision: After the meal, owner Nick Gorgalas came out of the kitchen to talk to some of the customers and welcome them to the family. A meal at Samos makes everyone feel Greek, and leaves you saying, "Thank you, sir. May I have another?" without any unnecessary hazing.
