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Athena Greek Restaurant

3.5 (1.1k reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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ATHENA GREEK RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Athena Greek Restaurant

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Chocolate cake
Drew F.

We love this place. Used to come here more often but the past few years maybe once or twice a year. Still a go to spot when we have guests from out of town for some of the best Greek food in Chicago.. All high-quality ingredients across the board, the dolmas are superb. Always quick friendly service always busy with a full restaurant whether we come at lunch or dinner. I've never seen this place slow. They no longer torch the flaming saganaki in the dining area in front of you like so many Chicago Greek restaurants have over the past number of decades. That was a show & highlight every time. I believe now they torch in kitchen and bring to your table. I miss that experience, perhaps a thing of the past. I can only speculate a plate of flaming saganaki met a litigious human at some point along the line in the Greek food world, ending an era. Alas, I Look forward to returning.

Rosie L.

The food was decent and the price was reasonable. Food came out decently quick. The only down side is that the server messed up our check a few times that we have to keep asking him to fix. But other than that, the atmosphere was nice and great for groups.

Jorge P.

What a nice time! Great food, service, overall quality. This place was such a good time, we decided to go here on my birthday. I haven't been here in a few years and it felt just like I remember. There was about 10 of us and we ordered a lot of food... even appetizers. Everything came out great & even got the flaming cheese! This is the kind of restaurant where you want to try everything on the menu to see if they make any bad food (haha). I noticed they had free parking AFTER we were done eating but very good to know. Great vibes overall. It's conveniently located in a great area with lots to do before and after your meal. I will definitely be back soon, thank you Athena, wishing the best! 8.8/10

Jim D.

Food was ok. I've definitely had better & worse. Chicken was tender & moist but could've used more seasoning my baklava old fashioned flavor was misted imo. The gyro plate portion was small. Most take out places in the city give you much more gyro meat than here. For some odd reason the dining room was freezing so much so that most in attendance wore their coats while eating.

Erica M.

Exactly what you want when you want Greek food. Efficient service and perfect flavors. The light that comes into the main room is lovely. No wrong notes.

Pastitsio
Mark M.

Stopped in for lunch during restaurant week. Checked in at the front desk and was quickly seated. Very cozy vibes with tons of seating. Wasn't very busy since it was a Monday so service was quick and continuous. I ended up ordering pastitsio. Watch out bc when I got my plate the portion was huge. Definitely filled me up. The noodles were soft and you can taste the nutmeg in the sauce with every bite. Definitely a hearty dish.

Bobbi N.

Amazing service. Beautiful space. Food was amazing. The Mediterranean martini made with gin is delightful . Just lovely.

Ciara W.

Really loved this place! The space is huge and absolutely gorgeous. Truly, one of the best Greek places still left in Greek Town. We got the gyros and the portions were HUGE. We also tried the hummus trio and were really impressed with the quality of the food. Service was spectacular and really made for a great overall experience. The blue lightning and trickling water really elevated the ambiance. I would definitely recommend coming at night for a prime experience!

Lamb shank
Sarah K.

Went here for a date night and the ambiance was so perfect. We got seated next to the garden and the weather was beautiful. Our server was so nice and really gave us good recommendations. We tried the hummus platter, lamb shank, Athenian chicken, and the cheesecake baklava. To be honest all the dishes were pretty regular. The lamb shank was probably the best since the meat was tender and juicy. The Athenian chicken was a bit dry and needed more sauce and seasoning. The hummus platter wasn't bad, the best one was probably the eggplant spread. Lastly, the cheesecake was good, exactly what you would expect for a baklava cheese cake, super sweet and cinnamony. Overall the place was a good time, but the prices of the dishes weren't worth it since the food wasn't anything special. If you go, go for the vibes and the sweet wine

Exohiko... 5/5 BUSSIN
Shad P.

Came here a few weeks ago when I visited Chicago and I'd definitely go again. For apps we ordered the SOUTZOUKAKIA & the SAGANAKI (& yes I'm copy & pasting from the online menu lol). They were pretty delicious and it was cool how they flambéed the cheese! For dinner we had the village salad with chicken, Leg of Lamb and Exohiko! That was my first time having an Exohiko and I'll definitely try it again! It's lamb mixed with feta cheese and spinach and wrapped in a crispy phyllo dough and it was made with perfection. I took a bite of the lamb from my girlfriend's plate and it was pretty tasty. I felt it was cooked a second too long though but still pretty good! Ambiance was beautiful! I visited Athens for a week last summer and it felt as if I was right back (including how hot it got in there lol we were sweating at a point and it was 40 degrees outside). Service was pretty good, although our server took a while to come back to us at a point it wasn't anything to really complain about.

Braised Lamb
Reemadree M.

Excellent food! Streamlined menu with all the classics. Service was fantastic even on a busy Friday night. I ordered the braised lamb and my husband got the stuffed chicken. A little loud but very lively!

Incredible GF dessert!
Bill W.

We usually go to Greek Isles and this time tried Athena. We only ordered salads and Av. Soup. My salad had dressing that came out a little off and I mentioned it to one of the owners and he immediately brought me another one. It was perfect! We loved the outside environment as it seemed very Greek-like. The service was great and we will be back to try more items. As it was our anniversary, the waiter gave us a complimentary piece of HF chocolate cake and it was more of a creamy cake that was fantastic!! Thanks very much for that and now we know there is another great Greek place to eat in Greek town.

Greek stuffed chicken

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Ask the Community - Athena Greek Restaurant

Is there a luncheon menu?

I don't think there's a separate lunch menu.

Hi! Does this restaurant offer live entertainment or music for a large group birthday dinner!?

Right now we do not offer live entertainment but that is something we would consider for the future!

Most popular dish?

Appetizers: Saganaki! (Flaming cheese) Main entree: Paidakia (Thin cut lamb chops) or Arni Fourno… 

Does this restaurant offer a happy hour?

No, neither does Greek Islands. Athena stocked with some muy bonita Greek Lassies however.

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Bisous - interior

Bisous

4.4(129 reviews)
0.6 mi•Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

Bisous is a Parisian-inspired romantic cocktail lounge in Fulton Market, and it delivers on…read moreatmosphere and craft. The cocktail menu mixes clever plays on classics with their own signature creations, and everything we tried was fantastic. It's no surprise they were named one of the 50 Best Bars in North America for 2026. I had what might be the best pink squirrel I've ever had: creamy, balanced, and a perfect take on the classic. We also tried one of their freezer martinis, which was beautifully cold, exactly how a martini should be. I can't wait to get back and work my way through more of the menu. If you're in Chicago and want a date-night spot or just a really well-made drink, put Bisous on your list.

I had a really positive experience at Bisous back in February when I went with my family. The…read morebartender paid attention to us, the cocktails were well made, and we left in a good mood. Because of that, I decided to stop by again on a recent Sunday evening around 7pm. The second visit was completely different. We got there early, knowing it would probably get busier later. Even so, tables near the bar stayed open the entire time we were there. Instead of seating us up front, they put us in the back area by ourselves, where there was no dedicated server. We basically had to wait until the bartender happened to look over and notice us before we could order. He was friendly when he came by, but having to rely on random glances from the bar is not how service should work. The drinks themselves were on the sweet side but acceptable. The bigger issue was the seating and the lack of attention. We were left alone in the back while open seats closer to the bar remained empty the whole night. I don't want to assume the hostess or manager treated us differently because we're Asian, but the decision felt strange and left us without real service. That person should be retrained or let go. Given how good the first visit was, this one was disappointing enough that I won't be coming back or recommending the place.

Photos
Bisous - Interior

Interior

Bisous - Interior bar

Interior bar

Bisous - Freezer Martini - Morning Blossom - Gin Lane Old Tom, Koval Gin, Smoked Mango Brandy, Blanc and Dry Vermouths cold & curious

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Freezer Martini - Morning Blossom - Gin Lane Old Tom, Koval Gin, Smoked Mango Brandy, Blanc and Dry Vermouths cold & curious

Dearly Beloved - Zeal without the rest

Dearly Beloved

4.3(139 reviews)
1.5 mi•Near North Side
•$$$

We went to Dearly Beloved for my birthday and it was such a fun night. The lounge is beautiful --…read morevelvet, chandeliers, and just a really cool, cozy atmosphere. It felt like the perfect place for a birthday celebration. The dirty martini was honestly the best I've ever had, and we happened to go during happy hour so the half-off appetizers were a great bonus. The owner and waitstaff were all so friendly and welcoming, which made the night even better. We had such a great time and I'm already looking forward to going back!

I'm not quite sure why this place has pretty good reviews. Overall, it's pretty average. We came…read morefor happy hour and sat outside. While the table was on the sidewalk it was slightly set off and not on a busy street, so that was nice. While I only went inside to use the restroom, the vibes are interesting... I had their aperol spritz and it was okay. It was strong which was good. Then a pornstar martini. I thought the pornstar martini was really good and the best item of the evening. We shared oysters, the crab dip, and tuna tartare. The oysters were alright. The crab dip was funky. It was a bit fishy and maybe too heavy on the dill? I'm not sure but something was a bit off. The tuna tartare tasted fresh and was a good combination of flavors. It would be the only food item I'd reorder from the happy hour menu.

Photos
Dearly Beloved - A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - the miracle berry pixi stick transforms sour into sweet.

Dearly Beloved - Interior

Interior

Dearly Beloved - Bubbles

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Bubbles

Sparrow - Bar area Hotel Nacional

Sparrow

4.3(350 reviews)
1.9 mi•Near North Side
•$$

Right before starting writing this one, I wrote a review for Kibbitznest, another phenomenal…read moreChicago bar with a totally different theme and vibe. That is to say: I am not throwing words of praise like "one of a kind" and "phenomenal" around lightly. Both are different and still amazing. Sparrow has a vibe straight out of the 1920s. The decor, signage, use of color, and absence of screens or TV's all contribute to the theme. The music is also appropriate and plays at the perfect volume to be pleasant without forcing one to raise their voice. I tried the Green Daisy and a House Old Fashioned. The Green Daisy was boozy and had some herbaceous notes. A little tartness and a little sweetness helped balance the drink out and make for a phenomenal sipper. I loved the creativity with this one! The House Old Fashioned was also well done, assembled with quality ingredients in balance with one another. Nothing wrong with a well-executed classic. The prices are more or less reasonable considering the location and overall market, with bevies costing around $16. The bar staff is excellent! Very friendly and welcoming! Final verdict: A spot where I can say come for the drinks and stay for the vibe. It's the kind of place where walking in you are transported a century into the past. Everything about the experience, including the atmosphere, drinks, service, and prices, is calling me to return and bring some people with me.

This might be my favorite rum bar in the country. If you want intimate spaces, moody lighting,…read moreextensive rum selections, and drink specials come here. Monday nights are my favorite because they offer a different specialty rum in special. It's a great way to try different kinds. They also serve beer, wine, and every other spirit you can imagine. Cocktails are on point. Seating options are varied: bar seats, small tables in back, bench seating with tiny tables up front. Quiet and comfortable.

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Sparrow - Entry

Entry

Sparrow - Menu

Menu

Sparrow - Perfect Perfect

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Perfect Perfect

The Nook

The Nook

4.4(11 reviews)
7.1 mi•Andersonville, Edgewater

So... I'd parked my scooter on my way to Elixir, and couldn't help but notice The Nook as I was…read morewalking towards the entrance. After my drink next door, I would be remiss if I didn't stop in. What I got was one of the more unique and interesting cocktails I'd tried! It was the Sick Day, and while I don't command the English language or my palate enough to do it justice, I can tell you that it was definitely a great sipper. The absinthe mist, despite being just that, has a way of doing that. I want to give some credit to the service. While the bar was shorthanded at the time, the barman on duty did his very best as a one-man show. Can't fault them too much, someone calls out sick last minute, and that's that. However, if there is something I can hold against them it's the heat! I'm not sure why, but the upon coming in, the place was HOT! After settling in, it became more bearable, but this is the kind of thing that sometimes persuades me to leave before I order anything.

New favorite cocktail bar in the city!!…read more It's the perfect spot for a winter night-- the bar has moody lighting, an outdoor fireplace, and phenomenal cocktails. We tried a couple of drinks and our favorites were the espresso martini and the n/a garden smash. The espresso martini is a must order! It's clear and made with chocolate and a coffee foam. We got to speak with the beverage manager Alex and he told us all about how they make all of their syrups and juices in house, the drinks do not contain any major allergens, and many of them have no added sugar. You can tell that eveyone here is very proud of what they do!

Photos
The Nook - Another design highlight is the dark wood against the ornate ceiling pattern

Another design highlight is the dark wood against the ornate ceiling pattern

The Nook - Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

The Nook - Custom old fashioned

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Custom old fashioned

Machine Cocktail Bar - Dirty little secret

Machine Cocktail Bar

4.8(44 reviews)
1.4 mi•Near North Side

Beautiful Ambiance, Good Food & Creative Cocktails…read more I went to Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink on Saturday for a friend's birthday celebration, and the ambiance was amazing! The decor is absolutely beautiful and really adds to the overall experience. The food was tasty. I had the truffle fries and grilled flatbread, and I enjoyed both. For cocktails, I tried the Side Piece, which was really good. It wasn't overly sweet, but had just enough sweetness and was nicely balanced. I also tried the Dirty Little Secret. I'm more of a cognac drinker, so while the drink was okay, I think next time I would choose a different liquor that better fits my taste. The only thing to keep in mind is that the food and drinks were a little slow coming out. Cocktails took about 10-15 minutes, and the food took around 30 minutes. However, we were there with a large birthday party, so I definitely took that into consideration. Overall, we had a great time! Beautiful atmosphere, tasty food, creative cocktails, and a fun vibe. I would definitely recommend Machine for a birthday celebration, date night, or a night out with friends. Good experience overall!

Service was decent. Food and cocktails were overall not good and extremely overpriced. Decor is…read moreaggressively hip but lacks warmth. When my husband and I checked in for our reservation, we were offered bar stools or a table. The table we were given was super awkward: low plush armchairs with a table that was way too high for them. Eating there would have been pretty difficult so we asked to move to an actual dining table. We had the chicken flatbread and truffle fries. The fries were actually really good and they accommodated my request for the mayo on the side. The flatbread was on what seemed to be a prefabricated cracker crust topped with some chunks of Sysco Foods-quality diced grilled chicken with feta cheese spread, arugula, mint and chili oil. The chicken cubes were VERY not-fresh. They had a dried-out edge on each cube, like they'd been sitting in a fridge too long inadequately covered. They tried to dress it up but the food quality was just subpar. Neither of us liked our cocktails. Gimmicky presentation but the flavors didn't come together. Our bill for 2 cocktails and two shareable plates was $100 including tip. I saw on the back of the menu that this place is owned by the same group as Dearly Beloved, where I have had SEVERAL mediocre-to-bad experiences. Had I known that beforehand, I would not have booked this place. Would not bother coming back.

Photos
Machine Cocktail Bar - Bar area

Bar area

Machine Cocktail Bar - Before pouring Duck Duck Goose

Before pouring Duck Duck Goose

Machine Cocktail Bar

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Athena Greek Restaurant - greek - Updated November 2026

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