Gabriel’s Giant Grinders

Crap. How is a roast beef like substance heated in a stove like machine for 3 minutes even remotely considered a steak and cheese grinder? Quantity doesn’t make up for quality. The star is for a good roll. Won’t waste my time returning.

As mentioned in my previous review for Izote my brother and I have a monthly lunch date and Gabriel’s Giant Grinders has been within the rotation since almost the inception of this almost two year tradition.
Housed in a former Quizno’s sandwich shop, they have not done much to change the aesthetics since they opened, but what they lack in ambiance they make up for in the giant grinders, salads and several Mediterranean dishes. The meat on the grinders are sliced to order and they have a «toasting» oven which is the only way I like to eat my grinders. I will also recommend that what ever grinder you order you ask for them to add roasted peppers or just get them on the side. The owners roast them in house and they are so tender and flavorful.
In addition to grinders they have several Mediteranian menu items including hummus, gyros, and tabbouleh. I have not really been blown away by these items but it gives a nice option to those who want to try something different.
Service is fast and efficient and the employees have always been accommodating to any additions or substitutions that I usually make when I order :).
Another great place to grab a quick inexpensive bite for lunch and be able to spend more time talking and eating then waiting for the meal to arrive

I think this place tries hard to please their patrons through the mere size of the grinders they serve and the quantity of meat they put on them. Problem is… I am over the idea that by just placing a large portion of food in front of me, I will be automatically satisfied. Even the largest of portions doesn’t cover mediocre quality components. They make an alright sandwich here. I would prefer a better quality sandwich that was much more reasonably sized, than an overwhelming portion of a so-​so sandwich.
I am a fan of family run businesses, and this place is just that, but the owner and his brothers have several grinder shops between Windsor and Windsor Locks that all fame themselves on the sizes of their sandwiches. The owner and his nephew are always polite and welcoming. They do their best to please. I just wish they would take a minute to better understand what makes a good sandwich.
We stop in from time to time to get falafel because it was good, better than most of the other items they offer. Problem is, they never have it anymore. When we ask, we get the standard story of… we are trying to make it a permanent option, but…
This location was clearly a Quiznos before. They didn’t do much besides put up paper signs to re-​brand it as their own. Can’t help but feel out of place when you are there.

A hole in the wall sandwich shop living in a former Quizno’s location. The owner is super friendly and it’s a family business so he’s always there every time I’ve gone in.
The sandwiches are good. Their gyros use the standard frozen lamb slabs you’ll find at most other places. They have falafel… sometimes. I’ve seen it one time and never again. It’s like the Gabriel’s Giant Grinder Shop unicorn; nobody believes me when I say I saw it. It was good, but like I said, good luck asking about it, you’ll probably hear about how they run out all the time before you actually get some to eat.
The crowd is local and the business is usually very slow whenever we go in. It’s clean enough, but they could use some redecorating to sharpen up that rough around the edges feel. Prices are alright.

To get the best gyro in central Connecticut, we have always gone to Tangiers in West Hartford. Imagine our surprise when we found even better one in our own town of Windsor! It is less expensive and twice as big as the above mentioned competition. Choice of white or wheat wrap. Loaded with beef and lamb, veggies of your choice and yummy tzatziki sauce. Chicken is the other option. Can’t wait to go back and try their kebob flat with tahini dressing.

This is an interesting place. It has all of the usual grinder/​sandwich/​wrap suspects– roast beef, turkey, sausage, meatball etc– but a few unusual choices like corned beef, buffalo chicken, and salami. What distinguishes this place from its competitors is the Mediterranean menu items. How often do you see hummus, baba ghannooj, tabbouleh, kabobs, or gyros in a grinder place? Well maybe gyros, but the rest? Not too often. I tried the gyro ($ 6) and it was very good. Tasty pita, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, flavorful tzatziki sauce and a good portion of grilled meat. Not a bad place to drop by for an old favorite or something new.