My family and I have been taking my grandmother (or as we call her, YiaYia), out for lunch to Gus' Diner, a Greek place on Route 33 in Manalapan, for years.  It's her go-to spot (besides Perkins!) and when we went this past Saturday, it was bustling as usual. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long for a table. 

YiaYia orders the same thing every time -- never fails -- the spinach pie with a Greek salad.  I tried a bite of the pie, but I was in the mood for something else (it is also a little too onion-y for me too, but that's a me problem -- and most people love it).  

Like any other diner, they do offer an overwhelmingly delicious and extensive menu, for Greek food lovers and all other food lovers alike.  

I was in the mood for tzatziki when we went, and was torn between the Chicken Gyro Pita with tzatziki, tomato and a side of fries, or the hot-pressed Athenian Panini with sliced gyro, tomatoes, feta, oregano and a side of tzatziki.

Having had a typical gyro before, I went with the panini, and didn't regret it.  My brother ordered the Beef Gyro Pita with a side of fries. We were both very happy with our choices.

My Dad ordered another comfort food diner item -- the classic Reuben on rye bread with fries and a side of Russian dressing.  

My mom ordered the Monte Carlo wrap with chicken, grilled portabella, asparagus, fresh spinach, fresh mozzarella, grilled vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette, served with fries as well.  

Of course there was another expected bonus -- all meals came with a pickle and a side of coleslaw.  

I think if I frequented Gus' even more than I do, I probably would have sampled the entire menu already.  

Some previous notable mentions is the Greek Mac, a beef patty on pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki, and the Mediterranean Panini with grilled chicken cutlet, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese and  a side of pesto.  

I would also like to sample any of their salads, classic diner sandwiches (think BLT, grilled cheese and Corned Beef), tuna salad or even breakfast.

I am not much of an egg person, but their pancakes, french toast, waffles and crepes all sound delicious.  If you are an egg person, maybe try the spinach, feta and tomato omelette. 

Gus' boasts all their baking is done right on the premises, and given my YiaYia's opinion, this place is legit. I decided to get a piece of baklava (one of my favorite desserts) to go. A few hours later, gyro digested, I enjoyed the deliciously flaky and sweet pastry.  

For more information, visit www.gusscatering.com, call 732-294-0006 or stop in.  They offer takeout and catering as well.