A recent trip to Milwaukee’s internationally lauded lower East Side has yielded an unfortunate discovery. Curry Hut has closed. The Indian restaurant with a sprawling menu opened in the ground floor of Kane Place Lofts on the high-traffic corner of Humboldt Ave. and Kane Pl. in late 2023. Shortly after it opened, we paid Curry Hut a visit and said it had “staying power” while also declaring it could be the business to finally end the streak of closures in the high-turnover property we previously considered to be “cursed.”
Less than three years later, Unit 101 at 1888 N. Humboldt Ave. has said farewell to yet another dining establishment. Curry Hut is the latest casualty on an ever-growing list of bygone businesses that also includes the likes of Wisconsin Pizza Authority, Baba Ghanouj, Greek Village Gyros, Maglio, and various other now-exiled eateries. It’s not all bad news though! Another restaurant has already moved in to try its luck in the building.
That newcomer is The Gyro Grill, a halal restaurant that specializes in kebabs and gyros, and also offers a small selection of sandwiches, a burger, Philly cheese steaks, chicken wings and tenders, falafel, fries, and salad. Most items on the restaurant’s menu are less than $15 before tax and tip.
Apparently, The Gyro Grill opened in September and we somehow had no idea, but upon learning of its existence late last week, we stopped in to see what they’ve done with the place and to grab a bite to eat. We instantly took note of how the interior was virtually identical to that of Curry Hut, including the same bright paint job, much of the previous tenant’s framed prints still hanging on the wall, and even some Curry Hut signage tucked in a corner beside a table.
The similarities stop when it comes to the food. We ordered a Chicken Seekh Kebab Over Rice Platter ($14.99, though we were erroneously charged $17.99), one of The Gyro Grill’s signature platters. The long, sausage-like pieces of seasoned and grilled chicken was tender and juicy. The house white sauce was reminiscent of ranch dressing and added a dash of unexpected depth of an otherwise straightforward item. The platter also included fluffy and flavorful rice and a fairly standard salad, which we also topped with white sauce. We can’t judge an entire restaurant off the strength of just one menu item, but the platter was ultimately fine. Maybe we’re unfairly comparing it to how much we legitimately liked Curry Hut. Maybe our kebab meal was just okay. Perhaps it’s a little of both.
If you’re seeking a halal option on the East Side or you’re just craving a gyro, a cheese steak, or various chicken and lamb preparations, stop by The Gyro Grill to dine in or carry out. With your patronage, maybe the curse at 1888 N. Humboldt Ave. will finally end once and for all. The Gyro Grill is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. You can order online, over the phone (414-766-8989), or over the counter in person.