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Athenian Bar & Grill
Categories: Restaurants Greek Food Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Food, Mediterranean [Edit]
600 Congress AveAustin, TX 78701
Neighborhoods: Warehouse District, Downtown
(512) 474-7775
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
100 reviews for Athenian Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
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"My new favorite for happy hour." In 22 reviews -
"The chicken salad is great, plus who doesn't love gyro." In 21 reviews -
"The gyro meat is really good, and the rice is yummy too." In 9 reviews
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100 reviews in English
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Review from Evan C.
Austin, TX
4/28/2012
I didn't even know this place existed for the longest time (neither did my coworkers). So far, I have tried the gyro plate and the combo plate. Both excellent choices. The portions are large and the meat and vegetables are fresh. The pita bread is great too. Pretty nice shaded patio area. The line is cafeteria style so it moves pretty quickly, but the food is high quality. Small bar area as well.
Be careful if you have to function later in the afternoon, as this place can cause a serious food coma. Also, the girl at the register during lunch hours is gorgeous, reason enough for me to keep coming back!
Overall, a great place to get a lot of food if you work downtown. -
Review from Zachary B.
San Marcos, TX
4/4/2012
We went here for lunch on a Saturday. The place was pretty much empty. They didn't speak english very well but we ordered. We accidentally placed one of orders wrong, which we didn't notice until after they brought the dish out, and they made no big deal out of it at all and quickly gave us the correct dish.
The gyro here is by far the best I have ever had. It was amazing. I wish it was closer.
And we ordered another hummus after sitting and the guy gave it to us on the house.
Check this place out. -
Review from Marc W.
Austin, TX
2/8/2012
So lunch rolled around today and I mentioned "Let's do something different" so we headed downtown in search of something new to the guys here.
My buddy Trey says "Greek?" The rest go, "Tell me more!" And we ended up at the Athenian.
Lunch counter/assemble line (like Chipotle) Greek food that had a line close to the door but we had food in hand within 8 minutes or so.
I got the combo plate #10 - for about $10.50, just over $12 for water and some pita too. The gyro was delicious. I men loved it. The chicken meat was very good and I ate all of the salad and most of the delicious rice. All 3 of us we're loving what we got.
By the end of lunch we mentioned "This one is going in the lunch rotation!" Seems like we need to try the happy hour next time... Not high end or fancy (for lunch) but the place was clean and had a good atmosphere and efficient waitstaff.
Very happy tummy. -
Review from Ali P.
Austin, TX
11/28/2011
As a Greek person, the quality of the food here made me want to cry, especially at those prices.
Awful.
I've given up finding a good Greek restaurant in Austin entirely.
The Arpeggio Grill is way better for Mediterranean food, but not specifically Greek. -
Review from Bobby C.
Austin, TX
12/28/2011
Lucky for me its the week between Christmas and New Years Eve. Because I imagine that this place is packed out for lunch during a normal week with the folks that work downtown.
Number Ten Combo Plate = Yummo! -
Review from Mely P.
San Antonio, TX
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very good food. Im sure it was loaded with a gazillion calories, but it was very much worth it!
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Review from Kelly A.
Austin, TX
10/29/2011
While the setting was very nice and the food was okay, I would rather eat at Arpeggio grill. There food is authentic and excellent there.
I started off with a dirty martini and it set the tone for the night. I probably wouldn't go here again, especially if I had the choice of other Greek restaurants. I tried the Greek sampler to get a bit of everything and it was edible, nothing great. My husband had a gyro and he said it was pretty good, but he agreed also that the food was mediocre. -
Review from Jesse L.
Austin, TX
9/15/2011
The Greek chicken salad is great for lunch and large enough that two people can have that and a pita and be pretty full.
I like the decor, I like the gyros and I like the scary lady behind the counter, watching my every move. -
Review from Patti E.
Pflugerville, TX
9/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have fallen in love with this Greek goddess of a restaurant, and often find myself craving their chicken salad. It's large, full of flavor and abundant in chicken! The pita bread that accompanies the salad (or can be purchased for $.25 with other meals) is amazing. Always the perfect warmth and texture. I simply cannot get enough!
I must say, I tend to feel as though I've walked into a sitcom whenever I visit and see the cast of characters that are ever-present at the restaurant to serve your needs. Pa is nearly always seated at the bar top to greet visitors and oversee that the place is running smoothly. Sis works behind the register and is friendly and beautiful as can be with her exotic accent. Ma sits stoically behind the counter, daring anyone to mistreat her family or business. Bro is seen occasionally behind the counter preparing food, but I tend to assume he is manning the kitchen.
Due to its convenient downtown location, it often gets crowded with worker bees during weekday lunches. Many folks comment about the prices - and yes, they're slightly on the steep side ($10 for a salad). But it's so worth it! -
Review from Jaye B.
Austin, TX
Updated - 4/2/2011
This is still the best standard Greek lunch food in Austin. From the gyro meat to the service to the size of that freakin' salad, I can't get enough of Athenian Grill. If I'm coming from work, walking is the best answer if the weather is cooperating. Parking can be iffy when you're looking for a spot on the street during the week.
I feel like the prices might have gone down a little in the past few years because I'm noticing that in a previous review my lunch set me back a lot more than it does now. Now I can usually get out for around $12 for my standard #1 salad and a water. And the salad is so big that I usually take half the meat home and make another salad for dinner.
The mediocre reviews here surprise me. But then, I keep seeing decent reviews of Zorba and Arpeggio so...well, yeah. That's all.Listed in: AustinLand (tm) in Waiting
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/23/2008
Well, when one door closes (Sazon), another opens (Athenian Grill). I've missed you baby, and now… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer N.
Austin, TX
4/26/2011
I really enjoy Greek food, so i decided to try this place out for my birthday dinner. BAD DECISION.
The ambience and decor are nice, and it was pretty easy getting a reservation for my large party of 12. It was a Monday night and the place was COMPLETELY empty except for ONE couple besides my large party. You would assume that we would have a good amount of speed and service considering there was virtually nobody else to worry about, but no, that was not the case.
The waitress was EXTREMELY slow with taking orders and even simple tasks like refilling water. If you're only going to worry about two tables, it should be the easiest thing to just look over and see how empty our water glasses are. She was also not very knowledgeable about the menu at all, when we asked for recommendations, she seemed confused and couldn't really recommend anything. And MOST restaurants seem to understand that when someone ELSE brings a birthday cake for the birthday girl, it's kind of a "surprise." So don't go up to ME the very obvious birthday girl with the flowers and presents and ask me, "Should I bring the cake out now?" Surprise ruined.
The food took AT LEAST 30 minutes to come out, and although I enjoyed my Gyro, it was extremely difficult to eat because it was too overstuffed with meat. I had to remove half of the meat within the gyro to even eat it without causing a huge mess. The badly recommended chicken pasta that my friend ordered had absolutely NO taste, and she had to smother it in hot sauce to get any kind of mild enjoyment from it.
I did enjoy the pita and hummus though. That was delicious.
I am extremely disappointed, not by the food, but rather the TERRIBLE SERVICE that my party received. I would have been understanding had I had this large party of 12 on a busy Saturday night, but an EMPTY Monday night?... Ridiculous. -
Review from Mitra S.
Austin, TX
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ah, Athenian. Years of sitting under their chandelier that is curiously reminiscent of a jellyfish for happy hour, lunch, and dinner, and I'm still coming back for more.
Do they produce Chicago Greektown street-food-quality gyros? Not quite. But close.
Is it the best spot for meze in Austin and worthy of your hard-earned cash? One 100%.
As a person of ambiguous Middle Eastern descent, I often feel that I need to downplay my seemingly hard-wired love for hummus (you know, so it doesn't seem so cliche). But these guys know how to make some HUMMUS.
In a nutshell, everything is good. The pita bread is soft where it's supposed to be, crunchy and chewy where it's supposed to be, hot, and plentiful. The spanakopita (made in house, unlike some other establishments around these parts) is the best I've had in Texas. I want to eat the dolmades by the truckload, and you should too. The chicken salad plates are tasty and filling, gyro meat is flavored and sliced nicely, and did I mention that they make hummus? And that it's delicious? Mousaka: good stuff. They have other entrees like fresh fish dishes with tasty Greek potatoes, a chicken with spinach entree that is not to be missed, and finally, they do right by my favorite indulgence in the Greek culinary world: Saganaki. If you don't know what it is, go order it with friends. Eat it. Love it. Gain five pounds. Be happy.
The only drawback, and what is keeping these titans of tzatziki from 5 stars is they got rid of their groovy happy hour food specials....However, the drinks are still cheap then, and the regular food portions are so gigantic you have no business eating a whole gyro salad or chicken plate by yourself anyway. Come here if you're hungry and not trying to count anything- carbs, calories, colors of the rainbow, or whatever else it is people are counting these days. -
Review from m g.
Austin, TX
2/14/2011
First of all, I USED to love this place, so much that I ate here consistently every Monday for months! I always got the same plate, #9 the chicken without the tzatziki, salad without feta and EVERYTIME they got it wrong. It became a joke at the office! I would look into the server behind the counter and say, "NO FETA and NO TZATZIKI please" and yet somehow it would get doused and I would have to explain, I am allergic... I came every Monday because I loved the food so much and it became a ritual with my fiance.
Then on the night of the Downtown Tree Lighting, we decided to try dinner. We were greeted by the usual man who is either the manager or the owner, since he's there day and night. He told us they were running behind because several waiters had not shown up for work. He said he could seat us but that it would be 15 minutes before a server would come to our table. We really love the food so we waited. And waited. Waited past the 15 minutes and watched other tables arrive after us get seated, offered water, given wine, served hors d'oeuvres and we still didn't even have silverware. We waited 35 minutes after and then I got up and walked out to eat elsewhere. The man saw us leaving and said nothing to us.
The next Monday I went in as usual. I spoke to him and asked him if he remembered me from last night. He said yes and asked how it went. I told him how we sat for 45 minutes waiting for a server and how everyone around us was getting drinks and food. I told him how disappointed I was and how I had always valued their restaurant. He didn't apologize at all, seemed bothered I was bringing it up and then offered to give me 20% off a bottle of wine at my next dinner. At that point he lost me as a customer forever. There are too many places in Austin that have great food and I don't like giving my money to establishments that don't care about their customers. I didn't feel 20% off a bottle was acceptable. Why not offer me a free bottle of wine at my next dinner? I would have been happy with an apology. I used to eat here, but I decided to spend my money where they deserve it. -
Review from Hadley H.
Austin, TX
12/23/2010
My new favorite for happy hour. $4-$6 happy hour plates, including their INCREDIBLY GOOD hummus and pita. I think they have cheap pitchers of margarita and sangria as well (which seems weird for a Greek restaurant, but I'll roll with it). If you ask, they also have splits of champagne (or sparkling wine, to be really exact) for I think $6.
I went back recently for lunch and was overwhelmed by the portion sizes. You are seriously getting 2-3 full meals worth for somewhere in the $8-$12 range. The gyro meat is really good, and the rice is yummy too. All around awesome, and large enough that it doesn't seem to get overcrowded. It's not super noticeable from the outside, but worth making a point to look for it. -
Review from Patrick M.
Austin, TX
11/18/2011
This is my favorite Greek Restaurant in Austin. Why.. lots of reasons.
First, I wouldn't compare it to Arpeggio Grill, that is apples & oranges, but some people seem unaware of the differences, so I'll explain them.
The Athenian is in the heart of downtown, at 6th and Congress. It is a classy, has a chic design with a subtle and beautiful Greek design features. It has great, downtown-bar-quality drinks. It is upscale yet still affordable.
I have been to Arpeggio grill. Its nice, I like it as well, but its off West Airport Blvd, in North Austin. The food is similar, but the Athenian offers more unique dishes and drinks (mixed drinks) and imported wines that are Greek, if thats what you're looking for. Personally, I prefer the Athenian over Arpeggio grill, but I like them both.
While Arpeggio is Mediterranean, but it's not Greek-Mediterranean: Arpeggio grill is Middle East-Mediterranean. Arpeggio Grill does not have a bar (that I know of, nor happy hour, but I could just be unaware). The Arpeggio's interior design features are much different. It is smaller, more cafe feeling, with a section of tables on rugs so patrons can sit on the ground if they like. Arpeggio Grill is also affordable, but to me, it is not as cleanly designed, chic, and well designed as the Athenian Grill. And by clean, I am soley referring to design features, in that the Athenian's interior is minimalist, beautiful, undistracting. Arpeggio has a beautiful Mediterranean countryside mural on its wall. While its nice, it makes it feel more like a cafe/cafeteria than an upscale restaurant, which I believe also differentiates the Athenian, which has its tables spaciously centered around a bar.
Thus, there are some major differences. The Athenian is authentically Greek-Mediterreanean. The Owner, Anil is from Albania, which is Greece's neighbor to the North. If you're downtown, and feel like something healthy and delicious, try the Athenian. I love this place's atmosphere, its food, and its people.
Vibes:
Lounge-y (as in, I could lounge and snack and drink here for a long time)
Romantic (as in, good place for first dates)
Classy and upscale (beautiful, professional, clean, plus delicious)
Recommended (by a mostly vegetarian occasional chicken eater):
Spanokopita
Athenian Chicken Salad
Gyro Plate
Greek Sampler
Chicken Souvlaki -
Review from Kelly S.
If last night were a newspaper story it would read: Local Woman Dies With Creepy Clown Smile On Face After Incredible Happy Hour
So Athenian Grill's HH was so great I almost went into anaphylactic shock. (Yes, I had to figure out how to spell that.) Met up with lovely ladeez Sabrina S, Whitney F, Amber D, Ina S & Krista K for a CMHH last night here. I anticipated cheap but when we ordered a pitcher of sangria, a pitcher of margarita, three appetizers, two small champagne thingies, two glasses of wine and a chicken salad and walked out for $85, it was like this weird moment where I checked the bill to make sure it was enough. Insert twilight zone music here.
Our server, Blake, was whippet thin and really nice. They even set a table for us and reserved it on their adorable patio. Next time I'm getting into the $3 martinis... and also getting into a taxi. Alcohol brings me so much joy.Listed in: Five Star Studs, South Austin, Support Local Business, Hummus Hullabaloo, Cultural Meccas
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/21/2010
Best gyro meat in Austin so far. My mom is strangely obsessed with gyros -- i think it has something… Read more »
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Review from Mary F.
Austin, TX
Hands Down to this restaurant. REALLY good Mediterranean food! This place has been my favorite since 2009 and STILL my favorite! Best time to go is lunch time and happy hour! Get the Athenian salad, chicken salad or any of the plate vegetarian, gyro and chicken combo and you will never regret it! Actually try everything on the menu! The prices for lunch are about $8-11 per entree but the portion size is incredible! Love love love my Athenian Bar & Grill.
I think this place is even better than El Greco and SO MUCH BETTER THAN Marakesh! -
Review from Jill J.
Austin, TX
11/5/2010
Meh, I've experienced better about sums it up, however if 2.5 stars was an option that is more in line w this lunch. Ate lunch here for the first time, and it is cafeteria style. One thing that I can say is that they are efficient. Got through the line in record breaking time. Arrived at 11:45 and there was no line, however by noon the line was 20 deep. (but did seem to move along quite fast.)
I was really excited, bc the yelp reviews (albeit most recent were all about happy hour), and I love mediterranean food, and to see the 2 huge meat ladened spits twirling away. Met a friend and i will say that we both ordered chicken dishes so that is all i can comment on.
I got the number 1 - salad w chicken on top and tzdtziki sauce. The chicken was DRY DRY DRY. so unfortunate bc the flavor was great and portions are huge. Friend ordered the (cant remember the #) chicken wrap w side salad. Also a huge portion, but way too much tzadtziki sauce and still very dry chicken. So, that being said I will at some point give this place a try again. Goes w/out saying chicken will not be on the menu next time. -
Review from Luna J.
Austin, TX
10/24/2011
After I read some reviews I wanted to give it a try, I was in the mood for Mediterranean food and after walking back and forth between 5th,6th and 7th and congress we finally found it!!! Not to impressed with the food the pita bread was good, the gyro had a great flavor but the humus was very blend and very watery? the chicken was dry. Not sure if we'll returned :( It didn't give us the WOW
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Review from Megan H.
Austin, TX
12/5/2011
Went here for a work luncheon and if it was my decision on where to go that day, we wouldn't have gone to Athenian. I had a chicken salad, which was okay but the chicken was dry and I wasn't full after eating it. I might go again to try something different, but probably not. On the plus side, ordering is quick and easy, prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is nice. Maybe I'm just not a fan of Greek food?
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Review from Nicole S.
9/1/2010 12 Check-ins Here
I don't know if I NEED a $10 salad for lunch but I sure GOT a $10 salad for $10. The chicken salad is super duper yum yum and darn near put me in a coma. The gyros are huge and the pitas are fresh and warm and mmmm....
It would be nice if they had a smaller, cheaper option for those of us who don't want to have to take a greek induced nap after lunch but I'm not complaining. Athenian is a great option if you want good, high quality food quick and cheap. -
Review from Tom B.
6/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Another reviewer noted that they may charge you for Pita bread and that's helpful but keep this in mind. The owners of Athenian Grill are from Albania and Greece so you may as well just pay it or you might end up in someones trunk.
Those of you who have seen 'Taken' will understand. Don't mess with Albanians.
Anyway... I'm kidding...
A close friend of mine (from Albania) had Athenian Grill host her entire family the night before her wedding and I was lucky enough to be invited too.
Best Greek I've had in Austin so far AND they have 3 dollar Grey Goose Martini's (at Happy Hour) which, let's face it, is an amazing deal on top of excellent food specials.
Love this place.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Marla C.
7/23/2008
Opa! Athenian is back, and in a bigger, swankier spot. Parking still sucks (it's downtown, so of course it does), but it's totally worth it because this place is still the bomb.
Yes: it's a bit more expensive than when they were in their old digs (which will cause me to go here with less frequency than I used to, and my ever-embiggening butt and guttular area will thank me for that fact). And they've got a few kinks to work out (PLEASE put the iced tea dispensers AFTER the machine that dispenses the ice). But the staff is still friendly, the food is still YUMMY, and the servings are still enormous. (Another pet peeve? Don't serve a HUGE mountainous salad an a plate that just barely contains it. It's a recipe for messiness.)
If you're going to go for lunch in the next month or so, don't think that getting there early is going to mean you beat the crowds. Go later. We got there at 11:45am today, and the line was all the way to the door. But by 12:30, there was hardly any line at all. -
Review from Anna S.
Ames, IA
12/5/2009
Looks are not always what they seem...Athenian Grill appeared emply and on the brink of closing. From the street I wasn't even sure it was open--but I knew my friends were inside waiting. SO-I went in.
Looks-not spectacular, by any means. THEN I took a sip of sangria. FIREWORKS! LOVE! Okay, now we're talking. Warm pita bread? Why yes, I think I will indulge. yummmm. Delicious hummus-great creamy consistency. I was not very ladylike--think chips and salsa greek style.
I really hadn't ever eaten greek food other than a "greek salad" aka anything involving feta and tomatoes prior to last night. I was semi clueless looking over the menu. My friends told me to go for the gyro plate--I was kind of skeptical. Not sure about lamb. I am SO glad they convinced me to go for it. The plates came out steaming hot piles of lamb, a big meatball, tasty rice, tzatziki. Flavor was fabulous and portions plentiful.
Service was slightly lacking--but I don't think that's the norm. My friends I was with go there all the time and sing praises for their usual waiter. Our server was brand new (only been there a week) and we were a bit of a rowdy bunch. I think we made him nervous. He had a few mishaps, but had great service recovery. His tableside manner could be improved-he meant well, but came across as a little bit rude.
I will definitely be back for another round of sangria and gyros. Maybe I'll even give that server another shot--see if a few weeks practice warms him up. -
Review from V G.
Austin, TX
9/24/2011
I've been here for lunch and dinner. I recommend lunch at Appreggio since to me it tastes about the same and you get a better deal; however, I did enjoy their dinner items that cannot be found at Appreggio.
I'd go back for dinner! -
Review from rick p.
Austin, TX
5/17/2008
For all you missing the Athenian Grill's great greek cuisine, construction is complete. The Athenian faithful will have the same great food but should expect HUGE IMPROVEMENTS in the atmosphere of the place, keeping with its namesake. A hopeful Happy Hour scene will be complimented with a great new bar & outdoor seating. Those interested in a special downtown dining experience in the evenings will receive table service, versus their cafeteria style lunch line.
Though the address is Congress Avenue, their entrances are on W. 6th Street across from Ruth's Chris. As is the case with all of my reviews, AG is locally owned. I went twice lastweek, for lunch & dinner. I preferred the dinner atmosphere to the hustle of the lunch crowd without a doubt.Listed in: welcome to Austin..., Top Restaurants
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Review from L L.
Austin, TX
4/15/2010
Two words: Happy Hour. A few more for ya: $3 dirty martinis.
I only had the hummus and pita (tasty!), so I can't really comment on the restaurant, but happy hour is a steal and a half. Lovely outdoor patio, as well. -
Review from Bobby A.
Austin, TX
7/29/2007
Disappointing. I fear it will be some time before Austin comes into Greek cusine.
Instead, go to Whole Foods and pick up some Kalamatas, Feta, Yigande Beans and have a picnic at Town Lake. Oh sorry, "Lady Bird" lake. -
Review from Sabrina S.
Houston, TX
Athenian's happy hour is fantastic. Same great food during happy hour, only smaller portions, but at a cheaper price. I'm partial to the Athenian Salad with 1/2 chicken and 1/2 lamb or the Gyro. Both get me every time. Aaaand of course, it wouldn't be happy hour without some adult bevies.
I pray to the man (or woman) up above the Athenian never changes the recipe to the BEST margarita I have had in a long, long time. (Are you listening Athenian? Just. Don't. Do it.) This margarita puts Tex-Mex restaurants to shame. Athenian does not use a store bought mix. Woohoo! Their margarita is full of fresh limes, orange liquor, a fresh piece of orange, and tequila. I can't taste any fake stuff and I can't be any happier.
I sure am happy I finally found a fresh margarita somewhere, even if it doesn't make any sense I found it at a Mediterranean restaurant downtown. I'll take it though, and I will love it. -
Review from Dean K.
Austin, TX
7/29/2008
As a Greek-American leaving in Austin, it has been a challenge to say the least, to get authentic Greek cuisine. So Athenian to me, is a God-send. The new version is a big improvement over the last one and I love the fact that it's around the corner from where I work. The Congress St. area is pretty devoid of anything ethnic, diverse or interesting in the food department so again, a massive win for downtown Austin. I highly recommend the gyro-chicken salad. Ask for a take out container and the Tzatziki sauce on the side. Immediately put half of the salad in the take out container and you have a snack or dinner for later. Totally justifies the wait and the price for this plate. And it's delicious. A tasty and healthy way to enjoy lunch and exhibit portion control.
Efxaristo Athenian!! -
Review from Alex A.
Austin, TX
7/8/2009
Gyro plate is a little too greasy for my taste.
Showed up at 4 PM for the happy hour food specials, and they couldn't / wouldn't serve me because the 4 PM cashier wasn't there. Bit of a mindfuck in my book.
Portions are big, so come hungry.
Lunch line is fast.
I wouldn't suggest eating here unless you come for lunch hour. There is stronger food competition downtown. -
Review from Ainsley D.
Austin, TX
2/10/2010
Considering I've been implored over the past year to join my fellow yelpers and start cataloging my culinary adventures, I find it somewhat ironic that my first official review is going to a place that indeed has savory food, yet nothing to make me clap my hands and say YEAH! Alas, if it's good enough for Plato, Philosophy, and the Parthenon, Athenian Grill it is....
Walking into A.G., I felt as though I was walking into an ornate, over-sized cafeteria that had been vandalized by blue paint-loving bandits. I won't spend too much time elaborating on the decor except to say it's a hodgepodge and I'm...perplexed. You walk directly into the dining space, which is a bit awkward as the host stand is off to the right. As you make your way over to said stand, you can't help but notice the bar -- a glittering tower of babel that attempts to look chic but feels more like a displaced sports bar. Then you are directed by a kindly older gentleman with a warm smile (the owner I'm guessing) to a cafeteria-style serving line behind the Tower.
Here is where the (food) fun begins...I tend to be skeptical of places that show pictures of their food, but in this case, the food is also laid out in front of you. We had the gyro and lentil soup with hummus.
The good: Very flavorful meat with a nice texture and plenty of it -- huge portions.
The unfortunate: Upon attempting to open the foil-encased gyro, everything fell apart, and while I certainly don't mind eating with utensils, I wanted to wrap my hands around a big ol' sandwich today...the hummus was fresh, but we didn't care for the Italian-style dressing they added to it -- why not just fresh olive oil? The yogurt sauce was a tad on the sour-cream tasting side and accompanied a plethora of red onions, one small slice of tomato, and wilty lettuce. And the soup: Campbell's. Thank you, food gods, for the meat!
And while I'm thinking about it (and apparently in a whiny, wordy mood...apologies), we thought it was a bit overpriced -- $10 for a gyro? Perhaps a surcharge for location and a monopoly on Greek.
All in all, I have yet to find a Greek go-to since leaving D.C. and my beloved Zorbas, and while Athenian could improve, I left with my tummy full and mostly content, and the owner put a smile on my face. -
Review from Dillar S.
7/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Star 1 - mouth watering perfectly cooked meats - gyro and chicken and FREE PITA
Star 2 - pocket friendly prices
Star 3 - variety - salads, combos, gyros, sides,
Star 4 - Happy Hour prices - cheap drinks $4 and $6 plates
I can't believe I am just finding out about this 6th jewel and can't wait to go back for one of everything! -
Review from Niki A.
Austin, TX
5/16/2009
Not quite 5 stars, but still okay. Not sure if was my lactose intolerance or something else that jacked my guts...but for that reason, it's not quite a 4, either.
We sat outside and enjoyed our meal on a perfectly lit patio. The service was prompt and attentive. The hummus was good, but I would have preferred it without the tomatoes and cucumbers all over the top. The sea bass was sllliiiightly undercooked, but portions were good. My boy got the kebab, and veggies were slightly charred, but lamb was cooked to perfection.
Maybe I'll try this place again, but during lunch, as dinner plates were only of a modest size, and a little pricey--around the $15 range.
Bonus for badass margarita (at a greek joint!) made with real lime juice and a Makers and water that coulda knocked a horse on his ass.
To sum it up, I give it a "meh." -
Review from Michelle T.
Austin, TX
8/14/2010
First of all, I wasn't charged for Pita, but then I didn't ask for any extra as there was more than enough for the meal. Their pita rocked! It was warm and soft, just absolutely delightful.
The Greek Meze provided a great sampling of appetizers. They all had great flavor with the exception of the spanikopita. It was truly the most disappointing aspect of the meal.
I'm not really into salads - so the Greek salad was fine for me. It doesn't have olives though. (Not a big disappointment since I never eat them anyway.)
The Greek Summer martini was good but there wasn't a lot of it and the citrus flavor was overpowered by the ouzo. (Not necessarily a bad thing...)
The service was outstanding. We were there at 6pm on Friday and we were seated right away. Our server was really helpful and very prompt with everything.
The portions are huge! I can eat three meals off the food. I ordered the lamb chop plate, my friend ordered the gyro plate. Both dishes were wonderful.
And the dolmades were so good that I ordered extra to go. -
Review from Alyssa D.
Austin, TX
8/29/2011
Yes, so good :-D. I love this place. It's super fresh and delicious. They have a great outdoor seating area too. I need a reason to go downtown again and eat here. Yummmm.
-
Review from Elana F.
Austin, TX
3/23/2009
I really only get one thing here: Super F****** Huge Garlic Chicken Salad.
Here's the thing: it can feed my entire neighborhood, but I only want to eat it for lunch (dwtn worker).
It makes sense that it costs me 12 bucks...but I would give Athenian 5 stars if they offered HALF PORTIONS. I'm begging you!
It is never as good the next day!!! Can I tell you how many times I've dripped garlic dressing everywhere all over my car and my clothes and the office fridge?
BTW, I totally can and will eat the entire thing. -
Review from Denise S.
Austin, TX
2/23/2010
Damn. I always seem to forget about this place and I work downtown. For some reason I had an epiphany this afternoon that this place does indeed exist, maybe on account of the snow and I was quite pleased with the entire experience. It's totally as expected.
To preface this review, I have only ordered one thing at Athenian Grill--the colossal Chicken Salad. The thing is enormous, but it's packed with yummy goodness. Since I'm somewhat of a veteran, I also asked for a To Go box as I was ordering my salad. It's the perfect 1/2 for lunch, 1/2 for dinner combo.
The salad itself is packed with tons of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, chicken and taziki. My boyfriend ordered the chicken plate, because he's a boy, and that too looked pretty damn good. Way too much food. He also asked for a To Go box upon ordering.
All in all, it's as expected. If you work downtown, give it a go. I would probably give this place a 3.5 instead of a 4, but it's better than a 3. -
Review from Ashley P.
Austin, TX
7/29/2010 13 Check-ins Here
This place is very near where I work and I never hesitate to stop in and get a margarita or happy hour draft. The chicken salad is great, plus who doesn't love gyro? Warm pita accompanies most dishes...and the portions are huge.
Cafeteria style, yet personable...the same older man brings us an ashtray every time...It's great for a quick bite or drink!
Plus the patio is great for people watching...6th street is never boring. -
Review from Isabelle K.
Austin, TX
7/24/2007
Good Greek restaurant. I like their lamb dish and baklava. when I got there, the restaurant was full of people.
It's very hot inside during winter. One of my friend wore leather pants in winter. She was totally sweaty there.
They put several Santonrini's pictures on the wall. So I told my friends that I have been there.
