For 45 years Mr. Filet has been a fixture of downtown dining. Not just the restaurant, but Mr. Filet himself (real name: George Hatzigiannakis). He’s the one taking your order as you enter the restaurant. On a normal lunch period, that line can stretch from the cash register out the door, but you won’t normally be waiting long.
We walked in on a Friday afternoon and were greeted by a long line of people waiting to order steaks, tenderloins and gyros. Within five minutes we had placed our order and were seated and waiting for our plates.
They arrived promptly. After years of getting things like steaks and Italian sausages from Mr. Filet, I decided to finally try the gyro. The lamb is constantly rotating on a spit near the grill, and you can watch as Hatzigiannaikis slices off the meat to pile on your pita. The meat has great seasoning, and was covered with cucumber sauce, lettuce, onions and tomatoes. The gyro is going to have to make it into my regular routine at the restaurant.
My co-worker ordered the tenderloin, which like most tenderloins, is much bigger than the bun it’s served on. He described it as “good and crispy” but not over breaded. The tenderloin was a little on the thin side, but the width and flavor helped make up for that.
We both got steak fries with our orders, but neither of us were especially impressed. They weren’t bad, just your general steak fries. Basically, these fries will do, but they’re by no means “destination fries.”
Despite the long line, we were in and out in about half an hour. It’s hard to find a meal this tasty for such a satisfying price and with such friendly service. One bite of the food here and you’ll understand why patrons are lining up.
Mr. Filet Steakhouse
Where: 510 Seventh St. (ground level of parking ramp)
Hours: 5 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday
Info: 244-4600
Our Receipt
Tenderloin ..... $6.40
Gyro ............... $7.60
Total: .............. $14
