East El Paso’s Urban Gyros and Slap Burger: A culinary duo

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Two culinary experiences await those in East El Paso, where Urban Gyros and Slap Burger, owned by Mohammed Panjawani, come together to offer a unique dining experience.

Urban Gyros, located on one side of the building, serves Mediterranean food, while Slap Burger, located on the other side of the building, provides comfort food. The spots are located at 1550 N Zaragoza.

Urban Gyros.

Slap Burger.

Urban Gyros offers Mediterranean food with a twist, such as bowls, salads, gyros, and loaded fries. I was able to try a bowl, which comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and other veggies, beef and chicken, and some spicy sauce to top it off. The spot offers different proteins such as beef, chicken, shrimp, and falafel.

Assistant manager Andrew Jacquez says Urban Gyros is most known for their beef gyro, which has won best in El Paso in 2022 and 2024.

Slap Burger offers comfort food such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, ice cream, sundaes, and dirty sodas, which are called slap sodas.

Jacquez says Urban Gyros was opened first, and Slap Burger was opened two years later. Both spots have been open for a combined four years.

“We share the same building, and then we share the same kitchen. So customers can order different foods on either side.”

Jaquez says Urban Gyros was inspired due to the owner, Panjawani, having ties to Pakistan. Panjawani was born and raised in El Paso. However, both of his parents are from Pakistan, which inspired the food spot.

Jacques says they are trying to implement Halal meat into the menu and make the menu more cohesive for everyone.

He then decided to open up Slap Burger, which was inspired by food that’s trending in El Paso as well as American culture.

Both spots have decor that corresponds to either side. Urban Gyros has a black, white, and red decor, and Slap Burger has an orange decor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.