Honestly, walking into Papa Cristo’s on Pico Boulevard always felt less like going to a restaurant and more like crashing a family reunion in Athens. If you’ve ever scrolled through papa cristo's greek grill photos online, you’ve seen the vibe: blue-and-white checkered tablecloths, shelves overflowing with imported olive oils, and that iconic, smiling face of Chrys Chrys.
But here is the thing. As of May 4, 2025, those photos are essentially digital museum pieces.
The legendary spot officially closed its doors after 77 years of service. It's a gut punch for the Pico-Union neighborhood. Since 1948, this place wasn't just about the food; it was a cornerstone of the Greek community in Los Angeles. When people look up those photos now, they aren't just looking for a menu. They’re looking for a memory of a time when you could get a rack of lamb and a side of history for under thirty bucks.
What the Camera Captured: The Soul of the Taverna
If you look at some of the older papa cristo's greek grill photos, you’ll notice how the space evolved. It started as C&K Importing Co., a simple market founded by Sam Chrys. It wasn't until his son, Chrys Chrys, took over in the 70s that it morphed into the full-blown taverna we knew.
The photos usually show a few specific "characters" of the building:
- The massive deli cases filled with wheels of kefalotyri and kasseri cheese.
- The wire shelves packed with nearly 1,800 different Greek imports.
- The "Papa Photo for you" sign that sat near the dining area.
- That upstairs office window where Chrys would sit, overlooking the hustle like a benevolent Greek king.
It was messy. It was loud. It was perfect. You’d see crates of olive oil stacked next to flattened cardboard boxes in the back entrance. Most "influencer" spots today are curated to look clean for the ‘gram, but Papa Cristo’s was curated for soul. The photos of the interior often captured the Mediterranean murals and the walls lined with pictures of satisfied customers, many of whom had been coming since they were four years old.
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The Big Fat Greek All You Can Eat BBQ
Sundays were the peak for anyone trying to snap a good food shot. The "Big Fat Greek All You Can Eat BBQ" on the patio was a local legend. For $29.99, you’d see plates piled high with lamb ribs, chicken, and those thick-cut lemon potatoes that had been soaking in oregano and oil for hours.
The photos from these events are vibrant. You can almost smell the charcoal. People weren't just eating; they were shouting, laughing, and passing around pita bread like it was a sacred rite.
The Dishes That Defined Your Feed
When people talk about papa cristo's greek grill photos, certain dishes always pop up. They were the stars of the show.
1. The Roasted Lamb and Feta Sandwich
Los Angeles Magazine once called this one of the top 17 sandwiches in the city. It was simple. Crusty bread, tender lamb, and a massive slab of salty feta. In photos, it looks humble, but the flavor was anything but.
2. The Grilled Octopus
You’ve seen the shots of the charred tentacles topped with Greek seasonings and a heavy squeeze of lemon. It was one of the few places in LA where you could get octopus that didn't feel rubbery or over-refined. It felt "village-style."
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3. The Artisan Yogurt
This wasn't the stuff you buy at the grocery store. It was made by a local "yogurtist" specifically for the market. Photos of the yogurt topped with imported sour cherry or fig preserves look like something out of a high-end food magazine, but it was served in simple plastic containers.
4. The Saganaki
Few things look better on camera than pan-seared cheese being set on fire. The "Opa!" factor made it a staple for anyone with a camera phone.
That Ja Rule Commercial (Yes, Really)
You can't talk about the digital footprint of this place without mentioning the 2020 Ja Rule commercial. It was a bizarre, high-energy ad where Ja Rule promotes the gyros and calls Papa Cristo's the "best kept secret."
The stills from that video—Ja Rule throwing pita bread in the air and Chrys Chrys acting like a club DJ—went absolutely viral. It introduced a 70-year-old institution to a whole new generation of kids who probably couldn't find Pico-Union on a map. It was weird, it was fun, and it was peak Papa Cristo’s.
The Reality of the Closure
Why did it close? Basically, the whole corner was put up for sale for $5.5 million. The property had been in the same family circles since the 40s. While Chrys’ daughters, Dena and Annie, are still keeping the brand alive through their online store, the physical space is gone.
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When you look at papa cristo's greek grill photos today, there’s a bit of sadness there. The market that provided the food for the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding is now a "permanently closed" pin on Google Maps.
However, the "Big Fat Taste of Greece" hasn't vanished entirely. You can still find their signature seasonings and those imported olives at their website. It's not the same as sitting at a blue table across from St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, but it's something.
Practical Next Steps for the Papa Cristo Fan
If you're missing the food and scrolling through old photos isn't enough, here’s what you can actually do:
- Check the Web Store: The family still sells their "Papa Cristo's Greek Seasoning" online. It's the same blend they used on the lamb chops. It's the easiest way to replicate the flavor at home.
- Visit the Neighbors: The area around Pico and Normandie still has deep Greek roots. While Papa Cristo's was the anchor, the community around St. Sophia remains active.
- Support the Family: Annie and Dena are the ones keeping the legacy going. Following their social media is the best way to see if they ever do pop-ups or catering events, which they have hinted at in the past.
- Archiving the Memories: If you have your own papa cristo's greek grill photos from over the years, keep them. In a city like LA that changes every five seconds, 77 years of history is a miracle.
The grill might be cold, but the impact of three generations of the Chrys family isn't going anywhere. Sometimes a restaurant is just a place to eat, but sometimes, as Chrys used to say, "where you live, that's your palace." For thousands of Angelenos, that corner of Pico was the palace.