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A  juicy and flavorful gyro with a side of crispy french fries and a refreshing soft drink sounds like a wonderful way to treat yourself.

If you happen to be in Des Moines, you are in luck, because Ted’s Coney Island has that and more. 

Ted’s Coney Island is a restaurant specializing in gyros and coney sandwiches, as referenced in the name. They have two popular locations, one in Des Moines located on Ingersol Avenue and one in Urbandale. The restaurant has a perfect variety of street food that is American and Greek. 

Ted’s is a family-owned business owned by Ted Velman, a Greek immigrant who opened the very first Ted’s Coney Island in 1985. Stacy Velman, Ted’s son, now takes care of Ted’s Coney Island. Ted still occasionally helps at the restaurant in Urbandale. The restaurant is a favorite among many Greeks in the Des Moines area who want to get a kick of the classic tastes of a juicy and flavorful gyro. 

I went to their Des Moines location to capture the atmosphere and enjoy their food. I enjoyed the open-ness of the restaurant. It felt spacious and refreshing to be there. The interior design was simplistic and well-lit with beautiful big windows. While Ted’s in Ingersoll fits a more casual atmosphere, the food’s flavors bring all the excitement. 

 Nathan Limas, a Grand View student and first-time customer of Ted’s in Ingersoll, expressed how the atmosphere added to the experience. 

 “I liked the decorations; the staff was nice. Everything was nice, calm, and it is also in an accessible part
of town, so it is easy to get in, easy to get out. All the people there were friendly”, he said. 

Every time I have had their gyro, I have never been disappointed. I decided to go back to the classic gyro, as well as a side of fries and a drink. The prices were not too bad at all. After finding a place to sit, I noticed small factors of the place that made a significant difference. From the cozy Christmas decorations and music to the fast service.    

I thought the food I got was a fulfilling amount for the price. I was genuinely surprised to receive it in under five minutes. It was nice that there were napkins at each table, instead of having to grab them.  

The presentation was great. The food looked delicious and smelled pleasant. The gyros they serve consist of a roasted lamb and beef combo that does amazing with its onions, and tomatoes, all wrapped in a pita. 

Their homemade tzatziki sauce in the gyro enhances the flavor and added extra juiciness. The french fries had a crispy coating and a perfect amount of saltiness. The meal I had in front of me left me very satisfied.  

Ted’s also has a variety of burgers, salads, tenderloins, falafel, the Chicago-style hot dog, and more. 

They feature desserts, like chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Another delicious dessert they have is baklava, a well-known Greek treat which is a must-have for those who love a sweet and flavorful pastry
complimented by walnuts and delicate layers of honey-drizzled dough.

I gathered two customer’s ratings for Ted’s. “If you could rate Ted’s Coney Island out of ten, what would you rate it and why?” I asked. 

“Ten, because it’s the best gyro place in town!” said Miles, who keeps his tradition of visiting Ted’s yearly.

“Probably about eight and a half, maybe nine out of ten. I’ve only been there twice, so I think I need to go there more often to really understand. But for now, I’d give an eight and
a half or nine out of ten,” Limas said. 

 If you enjoy gyros, I advise you to check out Ted’s Coney Island. It might just become your favorite place to enjoy a popular Greek dish. The price is good, the food is fresh and flavorful. It has all the great qualities that pay tribute to a quality restaurant.