Best Greek Food In Chicago
Chicago has a well known and long established Greek community. Greek food is a healthy alternative to traditional American fare with great fish and vegetable dishes. Most Greek restaurants are family friendly and offer good value. While Greektown (located just west of the loop) gets most of the attention, there are other great options to explore. - Jeff Rapp
Artopolis Bakery, Café and Agora
306 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 559-9000
www.artopolischicago.com
One benefit of Greektown is it offers more than just restaurants. Artopolis is the place to go to bring home your favorite Greek pastries and desserts. The café is a popular lunch destination for local college students and people looking for a quick and affordable meal.
Athenian Room
807 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-5155
No website
Athenian Room offers the Lincoln Park crowd an affordable and quaint Greek experience. The menu focuses on salads and kabobs, with a good dinner special. There is also a patio open in the summer.
Greek Islands Restaurant
200 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855
www.greekislands.net
My personal favorite Greektown restaurant is Greek Islands. They serve the best fried zucchini with skordalia (garlic dipping sauce) in town, and put on a nice "opaa" show for the saganaki. The free valet parking is also a bonus.
Greektown Gyros
239 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60686
(312) 236-9310
No website
Sometimes you simply need a good and cheap gyros sandwich available at all hours of the day. Greektown Gyros is the go to spot for Greek "fast food" and late night options. Located in the UIC neighborhood, people speak very highly of the gyros and cheese fries.
The Parthenon Restaurant
314 S Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 726-2407
www.theparthenon.com
A Greektown staple, the Parthenon is well known for delicious saganaki (mild kasseri cheese flambed in brandy) and the family-style dinner. For $20 per person you receive three appetizers (saganaki and gyros of course), salad and three main dishes all to share. Dessert includes baklava and galaktoboureko (baked phyllo dough filled with vanilla custard). That is a great deal for a lot of food.
Pegasus
130 S Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 226-3377
www.pegasuschicago.com
Another Greektown favorite (and affiliated with Artopolis Bakery), Pegasus serves all the great food but with the unique attraction of rooftop dining. During warm months the Pegasus roof is filled with happy customers drinking great Greek wine and enjoying the traditional Greek food.
Periyali Greek Taverna
9860 Milwaukee Ave
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 296-2232
www.periyaligreektaverna.com
Periyali is a great Greek choice for suburban families. They have a large menu with plenty of fresh fish as well as traditional Greek favorites. This family-owned restaurant is well prepared for large groups and families of all ages.
Roti Mediterranean Grill
10 S. Riverside
Chicago, IL 60686
(312) 775-7000
310 W Adams
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 236-3500
www.rotiusa.com
A favorite for lunches in the loop, Roti serves healthy Greek and Mediterranean food. There are many menu choices of kabobs, rice plates, and sandwiches. The outside patio at Riverside is delightful in the summer.
Taxim
1558 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1558
www.taximchicago.com
Named one of Chicago's best new restaurants for 2010, Taxim specializes in regional Greek fare of the Agean Islands and the old Ottoman Empire. Do not leave this wicker park storefront without trying the baby okra, duck gyros or the wood-grilled octopus.
Jeff Rapp is a Chicago native currently living in the Lakeview neighborhood. When he is not eating and writing, Jeff enjoys skiing, mountain climbing and running. Follow Jeff on Twitter and you can find his blog at jjrappeats.blogspot.com.
