Purple Onion Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
The Purple Onion (Deli & Grill) has carved out a unique niche in the casual dining landscape, particularly across Alabama, by blending traditional Mediterranean flavors with classic American deli favorites. Whether you are craving a flame-grilled gyro, a signature charbroiled burger, or a fresh Greek salad, the Purple Onion menu offers a diverse, flavor-packed range of options for every palate. Similar to the hearty, savory sandwich offerings you might find on the MSM Deli menu, Purple Onion focuses on large portions, robust flavors, and satisfying quick-service convenience.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Purple Onion menu, including updated pricing estimates, estimated calorie counts, and the most popular items to help you plan your next meal. We also dive into nutrition notes, allergen information, and editorial ordering hacks to ensure you get the best value for your money. Please note that prices and item availability vary by location (e.g., Birmingham, Hoover, or Pelham) and whether you are ordering in-store or through a third-party delivery app.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
For readers who want the menu fast, the Purple Onion is a Mediterranean-American casual dining chain known for gyros, kabob platters, and burgers. Entrees generally range from $8.00 to $18.00 depending on your location, with robust combo meal options offering the best value. Calorie information is not officially published, but vegetarian and high-protein keto options are abundant.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Purple Onion Menu Prices
The Purple Onion menu features a diverse lineup of Mediterranean staples alongside American deli classics. Because the chain operates multiple locations-largely in Alabama-prices can fluctuate slightly. The prices listed below are strong estimates based on available menu research for 2026. Always check your local restaurant's digital ordering page or mobile app for exact daily pricing.
Signature Gyros & Wraps
Traditional pita wraps are typically served with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and signature sauces like tzatziki or tahini.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb & Beef Gyro | Wrap | Est. $9.49 | Est. 650-750 | First-time visitors | The classic best-seller |
| Chicken Gyro | Wrap | Est. $9.49 | Est. 580-680 | Lighter protein seekers | Marinated grilled chicken |
| Spicy Chicken Wrap | Wrap | Est. $9.99 | Est. 620-720 | Spice lovers | Features signature spicy sauce |
| Steak Wrap | Wrap | Est. $10.49 | Est. 700-800 | Hearty appetites | Grilled steak with peppers/onions |
| Falafel Wrap | Vegetarian Wrap | Est. $8.99 | Est. 550-650 | Vegetarians / Vegans | Fried chickpea patties with tahini |
Charbroiled Burgers & Sandwiches
Freshly grilled beef and deli-style favorites proving this Mediterranean spot knows American food.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Purple Onion Burger | Burger | Est. $9.99 | Est. 850-950 | Burger enthusiasts | Signature toppings and proprietary sauce |
| Classic Cheeseburger | Burger | Est. $8.49 | Est. 750-850 | Traditional tastes | Standard American style |
| Philly Cheese Steak | Sandwich | Est. $10.99 | Est. 800-900 | Comfort food | Thinly sliced steak, cheese & peppers |
| Chicken Philly | Sandwich | Est. $10.49 | Est. 750-850 | Poultry lovers | Grilled chicken version of the classic |
| Patty Melt | Burger | Est. $9.49 | Est. 880-980 | Diner-style cravings | Served on rye or toasted bread |
Mediterranean Platters
Platters are generally served with yellow rice, Greek salad, and a side of pita bread.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Kabob Plate | Platter | Est. $15.99 | Est. 900-1100 | High-protein meals | Two skewers of marinated grilled chicken |
| Gyro Plate | Platter | Est. $15.49 | Est. 1000-1200 | Big appetites | Large portion of sliced gyro meat |
| Combination Plate | Platter | Est. $17.99 | Est. 1100-1300 | Variety / Sharing | Choice of two proteins |
| Kefta Kabob Plate | Platter | Est. $16.49 | Est. 950-1150 | Ground beef fans | Seasoned ground beef skewers |
| Veggie/Falafel Plate | Vegetarian Platter | Est. $13.99 | Est. 800-1000 | Meatless dining | Hummus, falafel, and a fresh salad |
Salads & Sides
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Salad | Salad | Est. $9.99 | Est. 400-550 | Lighter meals | Feta, olives, and Greek dressing |
| Gyro Salad | Salad | Est. $13.99 | Est. 700-850 | Low-carb protein | Greek salad topped with gyro meat |
| Hummus with Pita | Side/Appetizer | Est. $6.99 | Est. 500-600 | Snacking / Sharing | Traditional creamy chickpea dip |
| Baba Ghanouj | Side/Appetizer | Est. $7.49 | Est. 450-550 | Vegetarian starters | Roasted, smoky eggplant dip |
| Baklava | Dessert | Est. $3.99 | Est. 350-450 | Sweet tooth | Classic honey and nut phyllo pastry |
Popular Menu Items
When researching the most ordered items from the Purple Onion menu, it is clear that customers love the mix of traditional street food and hefty casual dining plates.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb & Beef Gyro | The quintessential Purple Onion experience, known for generous meat portions and fresh pita. | Usually under $10 | Not published (Est. 650-750) |
| Chicken Kabob Plate | A favorite sit-down meal offering well-marinated chicken paired with seasoned yellow rice. | Premium platter pricing | Not published (High protein) |
| Spicy Chicken Wrap | Uses a proprietary spicy sauce that elevates it above standard chicken pita sandwiches. | Usually under $10 | Not published (Sauce adds fat/calories) |
| The Purple Onion Burger | A massive, flavorful charbroiled burger that proves the deli can compete with American burger joints. | Around $10 a la carte | Not published (High calorie) |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
Lamb & Beef Gyro Combo
This is the cornerstone of the menu. Upgrading it to a combo gives you the full, authentic Mediterranean-American street food experience.
Hummus with Pita Plate
For roughly $7, you get a filling, high-fiber plate of scratch-made hummus and warm pita that works as a light meal or a shared appetizer.
Combination Plate
The combination platters come with massive portions of rice, meat, and salad. Adding an extra side of pita makes this extremely easy to share.
Chicken Kabob Plate (Sub Salad)
You can request to swap the yellow rice for extra Greek salad. This transforms a heavy, carb-loaded platter into an excellent lean-protein, keto-friendly meal.
The Purple Onion Burger
If you aren't in the mood for Mediterranean, this charbroiled burger topped with the restaurant's signature sauce is an absolute standout.
Gyro Salad
Taking the fresh components of a Greek salad and adding exactly the gyro meat and sauce you prefer creates a highly customizable, flavorful bowl.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Navigating the Purple Onion menu for the best deals is straightforward once you understand their portion sizing and combo structure. Here are some top strategies for getting more value out of your order.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Meal Upgrades | Adding fries and a drink to any sandwich usually costs $3-$4, significantly less than ordering them à la carte. | Don't upgrade if you aren't actually hungry for fries-the gyros are filling alone. | You can often swap fries for a small side salad or rice for a minor upcharge. |
| Platter Sharing | Platters are loaded with rice, salad, and meat, making them huge meals. | It only comes with one standard pita. | Order an extra side of pita bread (usually under $2) and easily split a platter between two people. |
| Hummus / Baba Ghanouj | Priced around $7, these side plates are heavy, nutritious, and act as a cheap light lunch. | App-delivery markups can make sides disproportionately expensive. | Pick this up in-store or at the drive-thru to secure the lowest price. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
As a regional casual dining chain, Purple Onion does not currently publish a standardized nutrition guide or calorie counts for their menu items. Customers tracking macros should use general Mediterranean cuisine estimates.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabobs & Grilled Meats | Excellent sources of lean protein, especially the chicken kabobs. | Muscle building, high protein diets | Medium (General knowledge) |
| Gyros & Wraps | Calorically dense due to fatty meats (lamb/beef blend) and rich tzatziki sauce. | Cheat meals, heavy lunches | Medium (General knowledge) |
| Rice & Pita Bread | High in simple carbohydrates. | Energy before workouts | High (Ingredient nature) |
| Salads & Olives | Healthy fats, but likely high in sodium due to feta cheese, olives, and marinades. | Low-carb diets (watch the dressing) | Medium (General knowledge) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Official allergen charts are not published. Diners with severe food allergies must speak directly with the manager at their local Purple Onion before ordering, as cross-contact in the kitchen is highly likely.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Check pita bread, fried appetizers, and baklava. | While rice and meats are often naturally gluten-free, cross-contact on grills and fryers is common. |
| Dairy-Free | Check tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and certain meat marinades. | Request "no cheese" on salads and substitute tzatziki with tahini on wraps. |
| Vegetarian | Check the Falafel Wrap, Veggie Platter, and Hummus plates. | Purple Onion offers excellent, filling vegetarian options without major modifications needed. |
| Vegan | Check Falafel, Hummus, and Fatoush Salad. | Specify no feta cheese and ensure the dressing used is oil/vinegar based, not dairy based. |
Special Menu Sections
Breakfast Menu
While some standalone locations open early, Purple Onion does not feature a traditional breakfast menu. While they don't have an extensive morning selection like the Oconee Diner menu, they make up for it with late-night drive-thru hours perfect for evening cravings.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Options | Not available; standard menu served all day. | N/A | Lunch and late-night diners |
Drinks and Desserts
If you're looking for extensive artisan coffee options, you might prefer a dedicated spot like the OK Cafe menu, but Purple Onion satisfies simple dessert cravings with classic Mediterranean sweets.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baklava | Layers of phyllo dough with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey. | Est. $3.99 (Check local menu) | Authentic dessert |
| Fountain Drinks & Tea | Standard American sodas and sweet/unsweet tea. | Varies by location | Pairing with combo meals |
Catering or Family Meals
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catering Pans | Large pans of gyro meat, rice, salad, and hummus. | Call local store for bulk pricing | Offices, parties, and large groups |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This menu guide is designed to provide quick, reliable answers for:
- Budget-conscious diners checking estimated prices before visiting their local restaurant.
- Health-conscious individuals looking for context on calories, proteins, and keto-friendly swaps.
- Vegetarians seeking reliable meat-free platters and wraps.
- Delivery customers wanting to understand menu options before facing app surcharges.
- Families planning a large takeout order or looking for shareable platters.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Make the most of your trip to Purple Onion with these practical ordering hacks and strategy tips.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform, so local menus are always the most accurate.
- Compare combos with à la carte items. A combo can be better value, but only if you actually want the drink and side. Otherwise, stick to the solo sandwich.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees on platforms like DoorDash or UberEats may be notably higher than in-store or pickup prices.
- Use the drive-thru for speed. Several locations, particularly in the Birmingham metro area, feature a drive-thru window-a rarity for fresh Mediterranean food.
- Customize your sides. You aren't strictly locked into french fries with a combo; many locations will let you substitute rice or a side salad.
- Ask about cross-contact if you have allergies. Because official allergen guides are not published, always confirm safety protocols directly with the staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Purple Onion have a menu with prices online?
Yes, you can view location-specific menus with exact prices through the official Purple Onion website's ordering portal or through their third-party delivery partners.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes, slight price variations (usually around $0.50 to $1.00 per item) may occur based on local operating costs across different Alabama cities.
Where can I find calories for the Purple Onion menu?
Purple Onion does not officially publish calorie counts or a nutrition calculator. Customers tracking macros will need to use estimates based on standard Mediterranean ingredients.
Does Purple Onion have an allergen menu?
No official allergen menu is publicly available. Customers with severe gluten, dairy, or nut allergies must speak with restaurant management regarding cross-contact risks before ordering.
What are the most popular items?
The Lamb & Beef Gyro, the Chicken Kabob Plate, and the signature Purple Onion Burger are consistently the most popular items ordered.
What are the best things to order?
For a first visit, the Lamb & Beef Gyro Combo is the safest, most satisfying choice. If you want a heavier sit-down meal, the Combination Platter offers the best variety.
What are the cheapest value items?
A la carte sandwiches like the Classic Cheeseburger and sides like the Hummus with Pita plate offer the lowest entry prices for a filling snack or light meal.
Can I order online or in the app?
Yes, most locations support direct online ordering for pickup via systems like Toast, which can be accessed through the official restaurant website.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes, if you order through DoorDash, UberEats, or Grubhub, menu items are typically marked up by 15% to 30% compared to ordering directly in the restaurant.
Is the gyro meat gluten-free?
While meat is naturally gluten-free, commercially prepared gyro meat cones often contain wheat-based binders to hold the meat together on the spit. Check with your local location if you have Celiac disease.
Is Purple Onion Mediterranean or American food?
It is a hybrid concept. They are famous for Middle Eastern and Greek staples like kabobs and gyros, but they also serve classic American deli food like Philly cheese steaks and burgers.
Does Purple Onion serve breakfast?
Generally, no. While hours vary by location, they focus entirely on lunch, dinner, and late-night menus rather than traditional morning breakfast plates.
Conclusion
The Purple Onion menu provides a rare, satisfying balance between fresh Mediterranean platters and comforting American deli favorites. Whether you lean toward a high-protein Chicken Kabob Plate, a classic Lamb & Beef Gyro, or a massive charbroiled burger, there are excellent values to be found-especially if you utilize combos or share large platters. Because prices can fluctuate and official nutrition data isn't standardized, always check your local store's digital menu for the most current information before finalizing your meal.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.