You know a place must have something going for it if there are people lined up outside in freezing weather waiting to order their food. That something might be the fact that the place is tiny, but when it comes to the Greek Deli, that is only part of the equation. The other is that the food is top notch.

Those of you who work in the vicinity of 19th and L, NW probably already know about the Greek Deli. You’ve likely been eating there once a week for years. For those of you a little further afield, the Greek Deli is a hole in the wall wedged in between Nooshi and its carryout—but it is well worth a trip downtown. Owned and operated by Kostas Fostieris, the Greek Deli is the place to go if you’re jonseing for authentic dolmades, moussaka, or gyros; or if you’re looking for a time to chat up your fellow cubicle drones. Don’t be dissuaded by the line either, it moves surprisingly fast. Besides, if you can wait for food at Potbelly or Cosi, you can damn well wait for something not out of a can.

Ordering your food at the Greek Deli can be a little stressful, between the seemingly impatient cashier (who is actually really nice) and the crush of humanity behind you, the pressure can really build. More than once I’ve reached the front of the line with an order ready to go, only to see the cornucopia of that day’s menu spread before me, hurling me back into indecision. But, when the guy behind you in line is giving you the “I hate you, you slow asshole” look, you learn to trust your gut feelings.