Calamaki

Calamaki had recently been renovated and revived for they changed their name from «Kalamaki» and even updated their website. But don’t let the trendy logo and rave reviews below fool you. Maybe it’s because they’ve recently changed, but the menu was super disorganized and confusing for a first-​time-​costumer. They have 2 menus: one with their classic pre-​determined orders and another that offers «make your own» souvlaki, bowl, or salad. I tried to order the classic menu’s «Classic Zeus,» described as a chicken souvlaki with the fixings tomato salad, cucumber salad, tzatziki, and lettuce. Firstly, a souvlaki is a Greek fast food consistinf of grilled meat served on a skewer and in a pita. I had no idea what that was when I came in, and only know now after Googling, so it would have been nice for there to be some sort of background given. This would certainly cut down on confusion for newcomers and also help educate the public about Greek fast food, which Calamaki claims to be delivering. Secondly, the costs per protein and topping was very confusing, as it said that $ 2 per protein selection and $ 1 per grain/​veggie. I had to ask to know what standard fixings came with the build your own. Additionally, the classics menu had the choices souvlaki, bowl, or salad listed in the heading too, which lead me to order the «Classic Zeus» as a bowl instead of as a pita sandwich. When I was paying, I was told that because I ordered a bowl instead of a sandwich, that I would be charged the price of building your own ($ 8) instead of the $ 6.50 listed. All this was very confusing for me, as a first-​time customer and eater of Greek fast food. Finally, while the vegetable salads tasted fresh and the meat was marinated just okay, nothing in particular stood out about the flavors of my box. I was also given a very small amount of food and was left hungry after finishing my box in 7 minutes. For the $ 8.60 price that I paid, I would much rather go across the street to Med Deli and get a Moroccan Chicken plate for around the same price and 5x more food. Maybe I should give this place the benefit of doubt with its recent renovations, but all the confusion in ordering and the disappointment in the food isn’t letting me be very forgiving.

I’ve been here a couple of times the past maybe… Two years?! And I’ve seen it grow so much in popularity (which unfortunately includes raise prices but I understand) and it definitely deserves it! Simple menu with a charming eating area, Kalamaki is my go to place for good food and a good time with anyone! The chicken gyro is sooo good and the meat is just marinated in something amazing and cooked perfectly. The fries are amazing too and I’ve only had maybe two times where they were mediocre but still not even bad! The baklava is awesome too and comes in a huge chunk. The cashier that I have pretty much every night I go is so friendly and accommodating. He’s seriously the best! He even asked if I wanted my baklava cut up into smaller pieces. I love this place so much! Haha

This food was wonderful! Come here for lunch, have a gyro, watch the birds play in the trees. It’s great.

This is a super cheap option when you want some quality food. Everything is pretty much under ten dollars, and you can get any of the classic Greek staples. This includes gyro, chicken souvlaki, kabobs, and a vegetarian option. I had the chicken kabob on rice and it was delicious. Oh, and don’t let the name fool you, even though this is called «street food,» there are plenty of chairs and tables outside (and even one inside) for dining!

Ordered from Kalamaki through Takeout Central delivery service. Wish I didn’t believe the rave reviews because this food was terrible and nothing like the flavorful Greek food I’m used to.
Their Greek salad was basically just lettuce with 2 slices of tomatoes and 2 of cucumbers, with a pinch of feta cheese — basically, you’ll be eating lettuce and little else. The lamb kabob was one tiny skewer of dry lamb meat, accompanied by tasteless rice.
Will not be trying this place again…

Our main go-​to for take-​out (via takeout central). Always delicious — fresh, flavorful and healthy — perfect! While I am still in love with my Pita Jungle (AZ, CA), they come in at a close 2^nd (big shoes to fill…). Would recommend to anyone who enjoys simple, flavorful, tasty Greek food!

Simple, delicious greek food. This order-​at-​the-​counter shop was a delightful find for a casual lunch. The man working behind the counter was super friendly and polite, made a great first impression. We had the chicken souvlaki and chicken gyro, which were both simple and delicious in flavor. The herb fries were perfectly crispy, and the outside dining experience was perfect on a beautiful spring day. Parking was easy to boot. We will be back for sure!

Sample some of the food from Kipo’s, without the commitment. Perfect on a nice day, get it to go and sit outside.

What a great little place! Stopped by for supper one night and had some delicious chicken souvlaki. Fries are great, also got an appetizer plate of pita bread with dips that was delicious.

Best Greek street food in Chapel Hill!
This place keeps it simple. Basic menu. Start with lamb or chicken, gyro or souvlaki. You can choose a (delicious!) side Greek salad or seasoned fries. Easily under $ 8 for lunch. Uconnection discount can not be beat! On a sunny day it’s beautiful to sit outside in the courtyard as well.
Ample parking in the rear, friendly staff, fresh ingredients, delicious fare. Try a Greek beer!

I live right behind it so I am biased, but this is my favorite cheap food in Chapel Hill. The menu is limited primarily to Greek street food but they’ve been expanding with more specials such as soups, stews, and kabobs over saffron rice. I eat here at least once a week, it’s that dependable and good. My go-​to order is chicken gyro with fries or side salad, depending on my mood. The gyro is one of the best I’ve had, comparable to a couple places I’ve been to in DC, Rome, and Florence. It’s only $ 7 for a gyro plus half a tray of fries or tossed Greek salad. If I’m feeling healthy I’ll get a full salad with skewered meat. Recently they’ve introduced excellent soups, the eggplant stew and chicken & rice are both great. Although I get a huge plate of food I’ve never spent more than $ 9 on food.
One benefit is this place is still not very well known. While Vimalas, Med Deli, Al’s Burgers, IP3, and other restaurants are packed on weekend nights you can walk in here and get food in 10 minutes. Every time I’m with my friends waiting in line in one of these places we say screw it let’s head to Kalamaki. Please check it out, the menu is small but their food is better than Med Deli and cheaper.

The food is awesome! Best gyro I have ever had! They may not have a huge variety of food but the ones that they have are great. Beef gyro is my favorite.

This place is amazing! The food is so flavorful, the portions are large, and it is quick and cheap! The first time I went I got the lamb gyro, which I would definitely reccommend, and ate it in the courtyard, and now my family likes to get takeout often too! I love finding cute, hidden places like this– Kalamaki is definitely worth checking out.

This is a wonderful little shop. The staff is friendly, and the food is tasty. Kalamaki reminds me of Greek food shops in larger cities, but it isn’t as heavy and greasy as some can be. The lamb gyros are wonderful, and the hummus has a lovely citrus tone that you don’t find in the hummus from other Mediterranean shops in the area. It’s easy on the wallet, and you really can’t beat a good piece of pita. The store is tucked away behind Kipos and is across the courtyard from the Curry Blossom, so it isn’t visible from Franklin. Be sure to check it out!

Delicious, fresh and cheap! This is everything I want in a gyro-​cery. I especially like their fries that come with each gyro. Very glad to have this new addition to Chapel Hill.

The gyro and chicken skewers are really good here. The flavor of this place on all their food is delicious. Surprisingly a Greek place has some of the best French fries I have eaten. Price is pretty cheap and service is fast. Recommend this place to all!

I have had my fair share of gyros and souvlaki. I have even been to Greece. This is not as good as the real stuff but it is still fantastic. I have been here three times this week. I LOVE the lamb souvlaki. They have good fries with spices and the Greek salad is simple and delicious. The baklava is on a whole new level. It’s fantastic. Call and ask when they are making new so you can get a warm slice! The eggplant dip… the eggplant dip… THE EGGPLANT DIP. I have no words other than try it and be amazed. Every time I have been the staff has been really friendly and welcoming. It’s a good place if you want to eat outside and enjoy the nice weather. Pretty much I might make it four times in one week… it’s that good.

Delicious! Found this place accidentally when my car was trapped on the street by a parade! Fresh, authentic and flavorful. The hummus had a nice spice to it and the Greek salad was chocked full of simple flavor with huge chunks of feta and meaty/​not too salty black olives. One of those meals that satisfies all of the cravings but doesn’t leave you feeling full!

Loved it. Love love loved it.
Stopped by after some activities at the wonderful Franklin St Yoga, we were looking for some delicious food and wine to mosey through the end of summer evening with. We ended up going with the lamb gyro+fries to share, tazhiki, back lava, glass of white wine and bottle of some liquor/​wine combo (this wine was divine and we will be purchasing it by the case to have at home).
All of the food was delicious and prompt (and reasonably cheap). The staff was super fun and conversational, and nothing beats eating outside in the courtyard.

The lamb skewer was excellent, well-​seasoned chunks of lamb, although the portion was small. I had the skewer over Greek salad — had I ordered the skewer alone it would have been paltry. The Greek salad had potential, but the liberal coating of olive oil was overwhelming. The souvlaki was also very good.
Prices however were much too high for «street food» served at a counter. The beer and wine were also very expensive.

Very good Gyro, lamb is from LAMB not compounded meat by products. Salads were good– beet salad and greek salad are very clean. Its new and still have some kinks to work out but the food is authentic and from scratch… a great new addition to the Courtyard with Vimalaas