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    Athens Café

    4.7 (75 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    ATHENS CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Athens Café

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    Manu
    Emily Y.

    Cozy place with great food, service, and surprised it wasn't busier for a sunday lunch around 12:30pm (only had another table of 2 at the time). The veggies in the salad were fresh, lamb warm and seasoned well, even better with the tzaziki sauce (did end up asking for a bit more sauce that they gave in a small dish), and the pita warm and flaky/slightly thicker than others I've had elsewhere, but in a good way. The loukoumades (honey doused fried dough balls) were a nice sweet dessert at the end too. If you have a big group (I came with a group of 6) the food might not all come out at the same time, but that's probably why the food that comes out when it does tastes like it's cooked right and like the meat just came from the grill. The workers there were helpful and gave recommendations on the menu. The location also had a large table in the middle that could probably seat about 12 people or so if you have a big group. Overall, a solid place for comfort Greek food at a good price or if you're looking to eat out but still want a fairly balanced meal. They recommended the pasticcio that I'll probably try next time!

    Lamb Gyro (front) Chicken Gyro (back)
    Pranil Z.

    Very delicious! The lamb gyro was tasty and I love the pita bread that was used. Falafels were delicious as well! Very friendly service on top of that.

    Menu QR code & dish photos
    Shannon B.

    If you live anywhere near Wells Branch & Mopac, hurry over to Athens Café for a wonderful Greek meal, served by the loveliest family, for a fair price. I feel so lucky to have this great new spot so close to my neighborhood. We stopped in for an early Sunday dinner during opening month and were treated like family from the moment we stepped inside. Right away, I was pleased with the makeover given this former crawfish joint. Good bye, Louisiana, hello, Santorini! Light blue accents and travel images from the Greek isles adorn the walls. After ordering at the counter, we were quickly served our cups of soup. Both the lemony chicken & rice option and the spicy lentil option were exceptionally good. We ate every spoonful. Both the lamb platter and the vegetarian plate were generously portioned, every ingredient fresh and delicious. The gyro-style lamb was shaved in thick slices. My falafel nuggets were the perfect texture, light & crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. And the sauces/dips, all so good! Hummus, baba ghanoush, and tzatziki, all full of flavor and each topped with a drizzle of olive oil. I should not forget to mention the pita bread. It's clearly slathered in fat of some kind, toasted, & served warm, making it the most addictive pita bread I've ever been served on a mezze plate. Forget the diet, eat this bread! Not sure if this will last indefinitely, or if it's a limited time situation during these first few weeks, but we were offered not one but two "on the house" items with our meal. First we received a comped dessert, the beignet-like loukoumades, airy & crispy, drizzled in honey. Then at the end of our meal, the matriarch insisted we go home with a to-go serving of her savory feta cheesecake. So nice! The food is great, the prices are great, the hospitality is a throwback to years gone by, and best of all, the precious Ya Ya (grandmother) who runs the place will give you all the love you've been missing each time she visits your table.

    Lamb plate
    Santana S.

    The staff is wonderful, and the food is delicious! Food is also at a great price point.

    Jasmine L.

    I made my husband try this place today. Amazing chicken! And amazing customer service this place is a gem! I really enjoyed how welcoming they were. I realized I wanted hummus after I got my plate and she was nice enough to get me a side of hummus which I offered to pay for.

    Interior decor and seating
    Melissa P.

    Unassuming spot in middle of strip center was such a pleasant surprise. Warm decor with tokens from home and art galore. We were welcomed by a sweet lady at counter. She helped describe some dishes to help us decide what to get to feed small group of teens that were with us. The service was kind and food so tasty. Can't wait to share this place with other friends and family. Seems like quintessential family owned restaurant here to share recipes and we loved everything about it.

    Chicken plate
    Bernadette G.

    My sister and I have been road-tripping like modern-day Thelma and Louise (minus the cliff), and after hours of driving, we were in desperate need of two things: a sit-down meal and a little hospitality. Enter: Athens Café, which, according to the glowing reviews, was supposed to be the Mediterranean holy grail of delicious food and friendly vibes. Act I: The Twilight Zone We walk in around 2:30pm on a Friday, expecting warm pita and warmer smiles. What we got instead felt like walking onto the set of a live performance titled "Employees in Various States of Phone-Induced Trance." One guy was fully committed to watching a YouTube video on speakerphone--an immersive sound experience whether we liked it or not. Another employee was busy admiring herself in her phone's front-facing camera like she was prepping for a Vogue cover shoot. The woman at the register? Imagine if a shrug could be personified. I greeted her with a cheerful "Hello!" and was met with a sound I can only describe as a distant mumble from beyond the grave. I asked for a recommendation with chicken, and she summoned the strength to utter: "chicken plate." No eye contact. No emotion. Just the stare of someone who had truly seen too much...or not enough. Act II: The Hopeful Pause Despite the ambiance of what I'll call "Greek Funeral Chic," we placed our order. I opted not to tip up front, which is very unlike me, but at this point, the only service I'd received was ambient speakerphone noise and a dose of existential dread. Fifteen minutes passed. Still no sign of life behind the counter, but hey, at least that video must've been entertaining because my guy hadn't moved an inch. Act III: A Plot Twist And then--surprise!--the food arrived. And it. Was. Delicious. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, perfectly seasoned everything. If I could Yelp the kitchen separately, it'd get five stars and a standing ovation. I said thank you. The cashier replied: "Mmmhmmm," with all the warmth of a voicemail from your dentist's office. As we left, my sister belted out a boisterous "THANK YOU!" just to stir some life into the room. The response? You guessed it: "Mmmhmmm." Final Thoughts: Would I eat here again? Maybe, if I wore noise-canceling headphones and entered with the understanding that I'm here strictly for the food and not the feels. Athens Café: come for the flavor, stay for the surrealist performance art.

    mian g.

    So glad Athen's Cafe is open here in the Wells Branch area. The greek food here is legit. We had the lamb plate and chicken souvlaki plate. Then closed it with some baklava. Loved it. This is my go to when craving for greek food now.

    Lamb gyro w a Greek salad
    A D.

    Stopped by to get something to go. Decent service at the counter - the chef actually brought me my order which was a nice touch! The gyro came w a Greek salad and an order of Loukoumades w/c was a nice surprise. The pita bread was slightly crunchy which I loved and the lamb meat was rich in flavor. If I have time to go back, I will definitely!

    Lamb gyro with tzitziki sauce and salad. Superb!

    My son and I love this Greek restaurant! The food was superb, and the service was so warm and exceptionally friendly, really outstanding. We had the lentil soup (A+), lamb gyro (A+), mousaka (A+++), and loukumades for dessert (A+). My son, age 10, says he wishes he could eat there every day! We also appreciated the ambiance -- the Greek music and decor. We are excited to return and explore more of the menu.

    Lamb gyro plate with hummus & pita
    Caitlin K.

    Food was amazing! The staff was friendly and checked on me multiple times. The place was calm as well for lunch. I am very impressed! Will be returning!

    Lamb plate

    Athens Café is hands down the best Greek restaurant in Austin! Having visited Greece multiple times, I can confidently say their food is just as fresh and delicious as what you'd find there. The restaurant's décor mimics a traditional Greek tavern, complete with Greek music and a slideshow of stunning Greek landscapes, which brought back wonderful memories and made me long to return. My husband and I dined there and ordered the Saganaki, lamb gyro, an order of fries (which was huge), and the lamb plate, which came with salad, pita bread, tzatziki sauce and 2 dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. We placed our order at the counter and then took a seat. Our server brought out complimentary lentil soup, which was delightful. Shortly after, he served us the saganaki (fried cheese), which was beautifully flambéed. The rest of our meal arrived soon after we finished our appetizer, and the lamb gyro meat was phenomenal--so tender and flavorful. Even my husband, who isn't a fan of lamb, devoured his entire plate. If you're hesitant about lamb, don't be; the mix of lamb and beef is sure to impress. We were thoroughly stuffed after our meal, but just when we thought we were done, our server surprised us with complimentary loukmades for dessert. It felt like being in Greece, where it's common to receive a complimentary drink or dessert. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!

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    8 days ago

    I so enjoyed the food here and highly recommend it to one and all! Here's authentic Greek food in Austin!! Opa!!!

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    2 months ago

    Delicious food, great staff, fun vibes! Would absolutely recommend this place. The dolmas are amazing.

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    7 months ago

    We patronized Athen's Cafe a few weeks ago. Food was good, atmosphere was a little underwhelming staff was kind.

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service! Chicken gyro was great and it came with some delicious desert I wasn't expecting.

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    1 year ago

    Such a hidden gem. The owner is fantastic and kept bringing us things to try. The food is incredible! Everything is 10/10.

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    7 months ago

    Best Greek food ever!! Service was amazing and the place is super cute!! 10/10 recommend.

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    Aba - Crispy Short Rib Hummus*

    Aba

    4.4(1.9k reviews)
    13.1 miSoCo (S. Congress Ave.), 78704 (South Austin)
    $$$

    This is one of the few places in town where I know I'm guaranteed to have an amazing experience…read more There are no misses on the menu, everything is pretty much assured to be absolutely delicious. There's really nothing to complain about, the patio and interior are stunning and transport you out of south congress. Service has always been prompt and good, they always refill the pita when you're running low. My personal favorites are the steak frites and the eggplant dip, seriously SO good. Everytime I come here I look forward to the next time I can go again

    We recently visited Aba on a Sunday evening for dinner, and it turned out to be a wonderful…read moreexperience overall. I absolutely love the vibe of this place--it's definitely a high-end Mediterranean restaurant, perfect for special occasions. What really stood out was how beautifully everyone was dressed; it added to the upscale, elegant atmosphere of the entire space. The restaurant offers both indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor seating area, which really elevates the overall experience. The outdoor space, in particular, adds to the charm and makes it a great spot for a relaxed yet upscale evening. Since reservations weren't available, we decided to arrive early, expecting a long wait. Luckily, being a Sunday evening, it wasn't too crowded, and we were seated within about 20 minutes. For drinks, I ordered a Tender Robot Hazy IPA, while my husband went with the Verdant Mai Tai. I was a bit disappointed to learn they only serve canned beer and don't offer draft options, as I personally prefer draft beer and am not a big fan of cocktails, which tend to be too sweet for my taste. For the main course, I had the Heirloom Chicken Thighs, and my husband ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Both dishes were cooked to perfection--flavorful, well-seasoned, and the meat was incredibly tender. That said, the portion sizes felt a bit small considering the price point. We ended the meal with the Sticky Date Cake, and it was hands down the best I've ever had--rich, perfectly balanced, and absolutely delicious. Overall, we had a great experience. Between the beautiful ambiance, flavorful food, and exceptional service, it's a place I'd definitely return to. I'm giving it 4 stars mainly because of the lack of draft beer and the smaller portion sizes for the price, but it's still a fantastic spot worth visiting.

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    Aba - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Aba - Shawarma-Spiced Prime Skirt Steak Frites

    Shawarma-Spiced Prime Skirt Steak Frites

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    Almarah Mediterranean Cuisine - Half order of falafel with hummus

    Almarah Mediterranean Cuisine

    4.2(932 reviews)
    7.3 mi
    $$

    Checked the place out based on Yelp reviews and was absolutely floored. Clean space, friendly…read morestaff, quick service, and excellent food! We ordered the half order falafel with hummus, mint lemonade, lamb kabob platter, and beef kabob platter. Everything but the salad came in large Texas style portions. I requested the beef be cooked to medium and the temperature was perfect. Tips: Substitute the tahini in the kabob platters for tzatziki and request garlic sauce on the side. The garlic sauce enhances the flavor of rice.

    Food is very good, service not so good... I can tell people…read morecome for the food alone. The place is nice and has a nice layout. However, I'll think about coming here again because I didn't feel a good vibe with the service. We had to go look for someone to show us the table even though the place was empty for early lunch. Then, to get drinks or even the order was a problem. It took so much longer than usual. Our waitress was rude, and seemed bothered that we showed up. Then someone else came as the waitress and she was preoccupied with other tables and barely checked on us. A regular lunch which would've been one hour became almost two because of the lack of service. My friend had to stand and look for someone to give us a box to take out the good we couldn't eat because it was getting late and also to get the check because No one came in to check on us at all. It was almost like pulling teeth to get a regular service let alone good service. Again, the food was really good, and that alone was the only positive.

    Photos
    Almarah Mediterranean Cuisine
    Almarah Mediterranean Cuisine - Mixed grill

    Mixed grill

    Almarah Mediterranean Cuisine - Mint lemonade

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    MezzeMe - ChickMe Out

    MezzeMe

    4.4(622 reviews)
    8.7 mi
    $$

    I come here exclusively for the pistachio baklava cheesecake. The parking situation is a bit of a…read moreheadache but totally worth it. I've only ever ordered takeout at the counter so I can't speak to the dine-in experience, but the service is smooth and efficient. Dessert is ready in about 5 minutes and food orders during busy dinner hours have taken around 20 minutes, which honestly wasn't bad at all given how packed they get. Everything is always packaged nicely and securely, and the food is consistently delicious. They also carry other sweets worth trying like honey cakes and pistachio baklava. On the savory side, some dishes I've really enjoyed are the Mezze Platter, Beef and Lamb Doner, and Ribeye Steak Shish Kebab. It's not super loud but the front can get a bit overstimulating when it's busy, so if you're not a fan of crowds I'd recommend coming outside of peak hours. This most recent time, I didn't realize until I was home that they forgot to pack one of the baklava cheesecakes I'd ordered. They were able to refund me over the phone when I couldn't come back to pick it up. Highly recommend!

    Recently visited MezzMe and was genuinely impressed -- definitely a place I'd come back to…read more We started with the Iskender kebab -- presentation was . The meat was juicy and tender, topped with a rich tomato sauce, and the yogurt added a perfect balance. The bread soaks up all the juices, making every bite incredibly flavorful. You can tell this isn't just "Turkish food" -- it's made with real attention to detail. For the main course, we had a mixed grill: doner, kebab, and chicken. Everything was cooked just right -- nothing dry, with a nice charcoal flavor. The doner stood out in particular -- very juicy with great texture. The rice was fluffy, sides were fresh, and the sauces complemented everything well. We also tried the pide (a Turkish-style flatbread/boat pizza). The dough was soft inside with a crispy crust, and the topping was rich and well-balanced. Overall: -- generous portions -- fair prices for the quality -- fast service -- casual but cozy atmosphere If you like Turkish food or just want a solid, satisfying meat-based meal -- this spot is definitely worth checking out.

    Photos
    MezzeMe - Interior view

    Interior view

    MezzeMe - Governor's (Mix Kebap) Plate

    Governor's (Mix Kebap) Plate

    MezzeMe - In front of the restaurant

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    In front of the restaurant

    Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet

    Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet

    4.5(307 reviews)
    17.0 mi
    $$

    We've been here a couple times now, on a Sunday and Saturday for lunch and it has yet to…read moredisappoint. It's one of those places that's reliable and feels pretty consistent, knowing you're going to leave happy and full after eating here. The two times we've been there, theres always plenty of seating and are able to walk right in. It's a walk in and seat yourself experience and then you pay upon leaving. The staff keeps the dining area and buffet line consistently stocked and clean. They even provide hand sanitizer and gloves for you. Even when foot traffic picked up while we were there, the food was replenished quickly and didn't look picked over. Now let's talk food...Everything tastes fresh, well-seasoned, and like it was made with care instead of just being "buffet food" an under seasoned. The variety is also amazing, and it's easy to build a plate for pretty much any type of diet whether you're keto, high protein, balanced, veggie-forward, vegan, etc... Some of our favorite dishes we keep coming back for: Shredded beef (SO good), Baked fish (tender and not fishy), Garlic baked chicken (wonderful crispy skin), Fried chicken, Baked kafta, Kafta kebab, Gyro meat, Roasted cauliflower, Eggplant, Greek salad, Fatoush, Kale Caesar salad, Zaatar pizza, Cheese pizza (pro tip: top it with shredded beef- a life changing buffet hack), Rice with lentils, Rice with mixed veggies. For the quality, variety and amount of food you get, this is easily one of the best deals in the city! It's rare to find a buffet that's both affordable and consistently this good! If I had one small wish, it would be for desserts to match how strong the rest of the food is. They're not bad, just a little more "fine" compared to how amazing everything else is. I've seen another Dimassi's (I think in Cali) that had a frozen yogurt machine and I'd LOVE to see that here because it would be the perfect finish! Make a cup and then crumble up some baklava on it! Overall we've LOVED it here and we'll absolutely keep coming back! Great food, clean, consistent, and worth it every time!

    In my family, we really like Demassi's. Not necessarily because everything there is amazing, but…read morebecause there is genuinely something to please everyone. Between me, my husband, and my mom, we have a lot of overlap in what we like to eat, but we also have some pretty distinct preferences, and Demassi's is one of those places where that works. My husband really loves Middle Eastern / Mediterranean food. I generally do not. I tend to find the meats too dry, I don't particularly like the spice profile, and I also find a lot of dishes in that category to be overly sour. It's hard to explain, but there's often a sharp, tangy acidity that I don't enjoy. For whatever reason, I don't have that issue at Demassi's at all. Here my husband can get his fix of dry, spiced meats, while I'm happy eating from the huge selection of rice dishes, cooked veggies, and soups. As far as protein goes, I actually really like the fish here, so I almost never eat the meat and still leave satisfied. It usually feels like a healthy pescatarian day for me, which I like. Then there's my mom, who just loves the abundance and variety of a buffet. She's happiest when she can sample a little bit of everything, build plates with lots of small bites, and then go back for more. Demassi's is perfect for that. On top of all of this, it's very reasonably priced, especially for lunch or on weeknights. It's always clean, the staff is consistently courteous, and they are really on top of bussing tables, which matters a lot to me at a buffet. Dirty dishes piling up are never an issue here. Overall, it's a solid, reliable spot for us and a place we're always happy to suggest when we're trying to please multiple people with different tastes.

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    Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
    Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
    Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet

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    Ezov - Whipped feta, halloumi, and pecan muhammara

    Ezov

    4.4(253 reviews)
    12.8 miEast Austin

    Went out for a ladies night here and let me tell you this place keeps up to all the hype !…read more They offer free Valet parking on Friday and Saturday- so parking was a breeze ! We had made a reservation so as soon as we walked in we were seated inside in a booth ! The place felt cozy and comfortable as well as nice vibes ! They even offer bar seating ! They have a covered and temperature controlled patio too ! Our server was amazing and professional and answered all our questions about drinks and other stuff ! The cocktail were amazing - I was curious about their onion bagel drink I think that's what's it's called and my server got me a sampler ... definitely I went with something else . We ordered few dips and appetizers and 2 entrees! Everything was delicious! To end the night we got the Krembo dessert and OMG it's a must try !! Can't wait to ge back soon !!

    The food here was tasty, but the service was what really stood out. Attentive, friendly…read moreknowledgeable staff who did not make us feel rushed and paced the food out nicely. They were happy to chat with us without forcing conversation. As a group of 3 we ordered the traditional hummus, whipped bulgarian feta, beet tahini, the cucumber labne, falafel, pan fried halloumi and baklava apple pie for dessert. The group was not what I would call big eaters so we had leftovers (we likely should have ordered 1 less dish), they recommend 2-3 dishes per person (dips and meze). The hummus was decent, but I would not feel the need to order it again, the bulgarian feta was delicious and was tied with best dish of the night with the falafel. The falafel had perfect texture, crispy on the outside without cutting your mouth and soft on the inside. The beet tahini just tasted like beets and nothing else so I would not get that again. The cucumber labne was tasty and the halloumi was the only dish I took a bite of and would not take another. The texture of the cheese was rubbery, so despite having a crunchy exterior and delicious sauce underneath, I found the halloumi to be extremely disappointing. I am not a chef, but if they simply grilled the halloumi and served it on top of the sauce I think it would be much better. Desserts are not my thing but my friends enjoyed it even though they admitted the baklava apple pie was painfully sweet. I liked that it came with labne ice cream to make it a bit different. Overall it was a nice meal, the ambiance is modern and clean and the service was fantastic. A good spot for a nice dinner out.

    Photos
    Ezov - Ambiance

    Ambiance

    Ezov - Frena bread with whipped feta

    Frena bread with whipped feta

    Ezov - Parking

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    Parking

    Peace Bakery & Deli - Falafel served as part of the plate with sides

    Peace Bakery & Deli

    4.5(618 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    One of my favorite restaurants is Peace Bakery & Deli. This place is one of those true Austin gems…read more It's casual, friendly, and serving seriously flavorful Middle Eastern food. For my main dishes, I usually go with the lamb shank and sometimes the beef shawarma. The lamb shank was fall-off-the-bone tender, rich, and perfectly seasoned. It comes with a generous portion of rice that soaks up all those savory gravy, making every bite incredibly satisfying. The beef shawarma is thinly sliced, well-marinated, and packed with that classic shawarma flavor. It had the perfect balance of spices, and the portion size was no joke. Paired with their fresh pita and sides, it's easily one of the best shawarmas I've had in Austin. My favorite sides are the potatoes (must get), beet salad, tabouleh, hummus, and babaganoush. Pro-tip: ask for half sides, so basically you can choose up to 4 things instead of 2 full regular sides. The half side portions end up to be almost a full sized side. Pita comes with the meals and their desserts are good too. Service is quick, and the staff is kind. Whether you're grabbing something to-go or sitting down for a hearty meal, Peace Bakery & Deli is a must-try for anyone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu!

    Yummm definitely recommend So many options to pick from n…read morebuild your own plate Super flavorful n hearty serving sizes Customer service is kind n always friendly Inside is homey nothing fancy just a homey feeling Clean n lots of seating Prices are reasonable depending on what u get u can easily share a mixed plate DELISH deserts !!! They have coffee to go along but it is super strong like an espresso

    Photos
    Peace Bakery & Deli - Restaurant

    Restaurant

    Peace Bakery & Deli - Mixed Shawerma with 3 Sides

    Mixed Shawerma with 3 Sides

    Peace Bakery & Deli - View from my table

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    View from my table

    Mezze Cafe

    Mezze Cafe

    4.5(280 reviews)
    14.0 mi78704 (South Austin), Bouldin Creek
    $$

    The food, everything, was very good. I had the Shish Tawook (chicken) with tabbouleh and hummus…read more The tabbouleh was fantastic! I don't know if it was authentic or not, but it was so good! The staff member that I dealt with was personable, pleasant, etc. Only one negative--I wish I could give the place a 4.5, but I don't think a 4 is fair--After I indicated that I was finished eating and ready for the bill (maybe I didn't communicate it so clearly?), it seemed to take quite a while before they came with the check. Otherwise, great food! (I did not try the hookah at all.) Oh, I forgot to mention: I was served a bottle of spring water rather than a bottle of "purified" water. That was fairly impressive.

    I gave 4 stars to give them the benefit of the doubt, but my actual experience felt closer to 2…read morestars. The main problem was the noise. The acoustics were very bad. The hardwood ceiling and the glass window in front of me seemed to amplify sound from every direction. I was with a group of six men, and none of us could hear each other. As the noise increased, every table seemed to raise its volume just to communicate, and it became painful. The food had a BBQ flavor, which was different for Mexican food. Some people may like that, but it was not what I expected. It was 4 star food. I think sitting outside would probably be much better.

    Photos
    Mezze Cafe - Outside

    Outside

    Mezze Cafe
    Mezze Cafe - Indoor seating

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    Indoor seating

    Athens Café - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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