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Athenian Room
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
807 W Webster Ave(between Dayton St & Halsted St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 348-5155
- Nearest Transit:
-
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
282 reviews for Athenian Room
Review Highlights
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"Kalamata chicken and skirt steak = delicious." In 32 reviews -
"The skirt steak was incredible as well." In 26 reviews -
"The gyros are some of the best in the city." In 70 reviews
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282 reviews in English
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Review from Blair R.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2012
Anyone who knows me knows I think there is nothing better than a piece of feta, so the fact that I can get a feta cheese appetizer at Athenian Room already makes me a big fan. But I also enjoy the Athenian room because is is inexpensive, good food, easy and reliable.
I returned last night with my Vegan friend. I typically order the Chicken Shish Kebab dinner and that's what I stuck with, but I also like the chicken pita sandwiches and salads. My vegan friend went with the vegetarian salad option that is topped with french fries. It's not that any of these dishes are amazing. But they are good and simple and you won't leave feeling like a hefer. We love to finish our meals off with a piece of baklava or by walking around the corner to Annette's!
For a no brainer, safe bet on a weeknight, Athenian Room is the way to go. -
Review from Colleen R.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2012
Chicago Classic! Get the Kalamata Style Chicken Dinner (with the Greek fries) for a treat!
Wish they were BYOB! -
Review from Juniper N.
Oak Brook, IL
5/2/2012
I love this place! The kalamata chicken is amazing. Add the feta when you get a salad...it is some of the best I've had.
That being said, when I first visited, I was a little confused. At other Greek restaurants, I have always gotten chicken that comes with a side of rice. Greek rice is my favorite. If that is what you are looking for, you won't find it at the Athenian Room. The chicken comes with Greek fries (which are basically steak fries, but magical. They sit under the chicken in oil but somehow they don't get soggy).
The price is great. I've never had bad service. -
Review from Jessica M.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2012
Athenian Room has ALWAYS been a favorite of mine. I hadn't been in a while, so I revisited last night, and was reminded how much I LOVE it!! The food is so good!!! My favorite is the Chicken Kabob Salad!! You get a little bit of everyhting: their amazing dressing, feta, perfectly grilled chicken, taziki, and pita. The service is just whatever, but nothing too bad, and the owner is always there supervising things in the kitchen which makes you appreciate the quality of the food you are about to eat. If you are looking for a ton of options, definitely not the best choice, but if you are looking for amazing greek food then this is it!
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Review from Royal L.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2012
I have been going to athenian room for a bit now, just forgot to review it. I went here with my brother and mother this past Saturday after visiting my dad in the hospital. Ironically enough, he had a portion of his colon removed. So, I figured this was a logical spot to catch up with him (I'm aiming to be a father-son duo where we both have 2/3rd of a colon).
I really love the food here. The thing that originally attracted me to it is the simplicity of the menu. I'm not Greek, and I'm not a self-proclaimed Greek food expert. I am a chicken shish-kebob and gyros lover (how can you not be when you grow up in Chicago). The menu is mainly comprised of those, some salads, some burgers, and a chicken platter. In summation, that's basically it. To me, that's great. It's steps and steps above fast food Greek food, but it has a nice cozy sit down feel.
I love the greek salad here, it's only missing the pepperoncini (disappointing). The chicken shish kebob dinner is my favorite thing on the menu and maybe my favorite greek food item overall.
I feel as if it's pretty authentic (god I really need to stop fetishizing the authentic and just go with the flow a little more), but either way - it tastes freakin' good. Those grecian fries are to die for, and definitely a heartstopper. Lemoney, oily, and thick like a steak fry.
Nice, and more convenient to most of the north side than greektown is. Also valet parking is only $8, which is almost necessary in Lincoln Park. Parking in Lincoln Park is always a lolworthy matter so don't even bother trying.
4 stars overall, minus one because it's a little dirty in there sometimes, (there was nearly a half order of gyros meat under my table the whole meal and the busboys definitely saw it) but I have never gotten sick and I can guarantee I will go back. -
Review from Whitney K.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2012
I thought we had found a hidden neighborhood gem...well, apparently 300 other people found it also!
I think Athenian Room is probably more like a 3/3.5 in my book, but I gave them a 4 for one reason: PRICE.
For under $20, BK and I were able to stop in on a Saturday night and have a fairly good meal in a cozy, cute atmosphere just down the street. Which is nearly impossible in this city, even if you get (gasp!) fast food .
We got the Chicken Kalamata plate and the Chicken on Pita. BK loved his greek chicken, as most others have noted, but neither of us was very impressed with the fries. I think maybe ours were just overcooked a little for our taste, but they also were a little bland to me. The pita that I got was fresh and warm, but the grilled chicken was just so-so. The tzatziki sauce helped though, and the man used the rest of it to give his fries a little flavor.
This was our first time, but we'll probably be back to try it again once the patio opens since its so close. We saw several other orders go by our table that looked good-gyros! The service was quick, even for a Saturday night we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes. I do wish that they had their own restroom separate from the bar next door, though. It was dirty and gross even at 7pm, but oh well! -
Review from Temi C.
4/5/2012
4 stars for food, but 1 point deduction for service.
The gyros and kalamata chicken are really good. I was hesitant to order the kalamata chicken (a Tina Fey favorite) because I thought it might be prepared with olives, but to my joy it's only named after the Greek city. It's succulent, lemon-y, and very well seasoned.
The taramosolata is also worth ordering. We've dined here and ordered carry out from time to time. Service is always lacking.
Last time I ordered extra tzatziki and pita, paid for it, then found out when I was all the way home that it wasn't in my order. I called and the lady asked if I paid by credit card. I said yes and asked her to refund me those items. She said she would.
I check a week later and no refund. I called the restaurant and was now told that they never refund anyone. Next time I order I will be given those items free of charge. STFU. I paid for something I didn't receive and now I have to go back, and spend more $ to get it? Who says there's going to be a next time?
Who am I kidding? Their gyros and taramosalata are too good for there not to be a next time, but it's still the principle. Work on the customer service Athenian Room because I would love to give you the 4th star. -
Review from Foodie S.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2012
BEST CHICKEN IN CHICAGO! HANDS DOWN. Tina Fey wasn't kidding when she said "You need to order the roasted chicken. It's cooked on a spit, it comes on a bed of steak fries and the chicken juice gets into the fries. Unbelievable." Not only do the chicken juices get into the fries, the fries STAY CRISPY!!! I believe this is because they are fried in DUCK FAT. Duck fat ='s DELICIOUS! The service is also just as great as their food!
They do not serve liquor but you can buy drinks at the bar next door and bring them to your table. THEY ARE NOT BYOB. If you prefer to drink alcohol during your entire meal, you can dine in at Glascott's (the bar next door) and they do serve the full menu. -
Review from Glenn S.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2012
Love, love this place! It's basic, simple and GOOD. I get the same thing every time so I can just tell you to get the chicken shish-kabob dinner (I get my fries dry)... be prepared to wait if you come on the weekend... I'd personally wait a little longer for outdoor seating if weather permits. Go there and love it! Love the owners too;-)
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Review from Rebecca N.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
I LOVE this spot! I have been coming here my entire life with my parents and thought it was a little hole in the wall that only my parents knew of--boyyyy was I wrong!
FAVORITES:
The Greek chicken with fries is unreal! It is less than 10 dollars for enough food for two. The fries soak up all the flavor from the chicken and it is spectacular.
The Greek salad with feta cheese and gyro meet is also one of my favorite dishes.
For an appetizer I can NEVER skip the taramasalata. I get it with pita bread instead of the french bread that comes with it.
This is an awesome spot if you are looking for a good lunch or easy low-key dinner. I have been here with friends and family and everyone is always impressed. -
Review from Keyla R.
2/18/2012
Isn't it funny how well you get to know some places in your neighborhood so that they no longer seem that special to you? Now try going with for a while and you will realize how much you miss them!
Such is the Athenian Room. Nothing fancy about the place. Been there forever, it seems. And the decor is completely nondescript. So you start to take them for granted. Try not to do that with this place.
Go have a leisurely meal one nice summer evening, sitting at their outside patio area. Enjoy their utterly fantastic Chicken Kalamata, which is a grilled chicken with a lemon sauce. Or enjoy their BBQ chicken, or just have a gyro. The taziki sauce is great.
Oh, and if you are ordering the gyro, they are huge! We sometimes order just one with two piece of pita so we can split it between us. '
Couple all this with friendly service and reasonable prices and you can see why you might miss the place if you could no longer get to it. -
Review from John W.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2012
This place is delicious. The chicken, steak, and gyros are all excellent. My girlfriend's parents (who are greek) have been going to Athenian Room for 30 years and love it as well. You also can't beat the price!
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Review from Samar N.
2/7/2012
So I am not going to lie, Part of my initial attraction to this place is that Tina Fey says in her book that it is one of her favorite places to eat in Chicago. My boyfriend ventured here, shortly after we listened to the book on tape,during a guys trip to Chicago and could not stop raving about it. So after all that I KNEW I had to try it.
Decided to go check it out with my boyfriend and 2 friends who are Chicago Locals but had never been to the place. It is a cute little no frills kind of restaurant, when we walked in they had about a 20 minute wait so we decided to go to the connected bar and get a few drinks and play some ski ball ( BONUS!!!). They do not serve alcohol but you can go grab a drink next door and bring it back in with you.
I got the Chicken Kalmata and OMG it was to DIE for. I still get random cravings for it and look up flights to Chicago at these times thinking that maybe I could fly over a get my fill??
The Chicken comes over a bed of french fries and all the juice get all of the french fries making them soggy and amazing!!
My boyfriend got the Gyros and one of my friends got the greek burger, I can't seem to remember what her boyfriend got but both of these items were delicious but if you are coming here for the first time i would say ORDER THE CHICKEN!!!! -
Review from Laura G.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
The chicken at Athenian room is just SO delicious. For $9.50, you get half a chicken and delicious fries. The fries sit under the chicken and soak up all the juice. People love the skirt steak as well.
Service is usually good and quick; we only waited 5 minutes on a busy Friday night. However, The waitress we had the other night was very unfriendly, and I was surprised because service has been much better in the past. Maybe she is new? Besides that, a Chicago staple for yummy Greek food. A definite must try! -
Review from PingPing N.
Houston, TX
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Chicken Kalmata $9.50-- Roasted chicken on gumby-shaped french fries on a lemony liquid sauce bath, Chicken skin baked to the crisp and was perfect. Chicken was kinda dry and tasteless. Kind of like the rotisserie chicken you buy in the pre-packed boxes at the grocery store. But hey, thats the meaning of rotisserie, right. Only the skin has flavor??? I picked a dish thats not my style but wanted to see what everyone was raving about.
Gyro King Sized $6.50-- Worth it. LOADED with thin slices of meat and onions. The tzaitki sauce wasnt all that though. Needed a pinch more salt, garlic, something. We prefer thicker cuts of meat, not so thin that you can Almost see through it, though.
Caviar Hummus-- I didnt even have a taste but the Mr says he couldnt even detect the caviar at all. It was light in flavor and just your typical hummus. -
Review from Johanna P.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012
Delicious chicken and I LOVE steak fries! Can't wait to go back and try the steak. Oh and great prices!
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Review from Samantha L.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012
I have been eating here since I was in grammar school, and I like the fact that the food is still the same!
I have to admit that it has been many years since I have dined in, my work usually just orders take out, but I remember that the atmosphere is no frills and quaint. Perfectly adequate.
My absolute favorite thing here are the Greek fries! They are swimming in all sort of oil & vinegar & spices. They are so good. I usually get the gyro plate. The portion sizes are really big.
So glad that the Athenian room is still around and I plan to keep coming back for years to come! -
Review from Zoe H.
Chicago, IL
Came here cause of Tina Fey.
Chicken is soft and cuts like butta (chicken kalamata style).
Cheap & huge portions.
If you're in the burbs though, Omega restaurant in Niles does it better. -
Review from Pete P.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2012
This place is deliciousness They have some of the best gyros in the city. The kabobs are great as well and so are the fries. The service is reasonably fast and the waitresses are all friendly. All in all a great greek spot
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Review from geri s.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
I really don't like giving bad reviews, especially to small business owners but this has been a long time coming.
DON'T FALL FOR THE FETA CHEESE SCAM! When you order a meal that comes with salad,they ask you if you would like Feta cheese on top of the salad.... The same way servers ask if you want pepper on top (implying that it doesn't cost anything extra) When in reality they charge $2.50. The same exact price as the Feta Cheese appetizer. If someone wanted an appetizer, I'm sure they would have ordered it with their dinner. A simple solution could be to inform the customer that it does cost $2.50 extra and ask if it's okay. I guarantee if people knew in advance they would say it was not okay.
The service is so bad it's unbelievable. The place is owned by an older couple. I honestly don't know how the sweet man puts up with the lady I believe to be his wife. I've never seen her smile, not even once and I've been frequenting this place for over 10 years.
I once ordered a burger to go, and when I opened it, the bun was literally a ball of wet dough as they didn't package the burger bun separate from the juice they drench the fries in. When I called to complain the lady acted as if it was no big deal that my burger was completely ruined. She didn't even offer to have me come back for a new one. All she said was that she will let the cooks know. I gave her a piece of my mind and then decided to boycott the place for a good six months.
I couldn't fight my craving any longer... I caved and went back today with three friends for my old time favorite, the Chicken Kalamata Dinner. I warned them about the "scam" and they witnessed it, along with the terrible customer service. One friend had to leave about 20 minutes before the rest of us but her finished dishes remained on the table till well after we all finished lunch and paid for it. We all walked by the owner on our way out and she didn't even say goodbye to us. This time I reserved my right to complain
on Yelp since going directly to the source did absolutely zero. -
Review from Bart S.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
To me, 5 Stars- I have been coming here for over 20 years! Hadn't been in a while only because I have moved further west, and the parking around here is a bit of nightmare....but the food is the same great quality ....
For me, it's the Greek Style Chicken Kalamata , in the lemon juice and olive oil, with the thick cut Fries in the juice..KILLER! I also like the Gryo's here.
Place was packed, but the awesome Dutch Lady owner said 10-15 min wait, and it was about 10 to get a table. The service was quick and good.
I will be back sooner rather than later this time. -
Review from Ashley A.
11/30/2011
I tried some of my friend's gyro & it tasted the same as any other gyro I've had.
This place only gets two stars because the lady at the front desk was so rude and because this place doesn't have a washroom. The lady told me the place was closed when I walked in, even though there were still a few minutes left and I wasn't planning on ordering food, just went there to meet up with a couple friends before heading down the street somewhere else. I told this to the lady, but she was still very rude & made us feel rushed. I pulled up a chair at the table where my friends were seated and the same lady stated I couldn't sit there because the chair was blocking (partially) the isle and that it was a fire hazard. This is understandable, but she was continuously rude & I only planned on sitting there for about five minutes while my friends finished their food.
Our server was nice & timid, probably because she felt awkward about the drama with the lady.Listed in: restaurants
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Review from Liz K.
Hoffman Estates, IL
1/9/2012
Yumm-o! The Athenian Room is awesome!
If you're looking for a cozy and inexpensive place for dinner, this is the spot! All of their menu items are Greek foods and their proportions are HUGE! Literally, one platter is definitely enough for dinner and then leftovers.
I had the Gyros Dinner Platter and I have never seen so much gyros in my life. The bottom of the plate is blanketed in Greek fries. Deeeelush! Also, that whole plate of lovin' was about $9.50. -
Review from Kit G.
12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best inexpensive meal in Chicago. I am addicted to the Kalamata Chicken, which is also Tina Fey's favorite meal in Chicago - there is a video online about this. Anyway, that video did inspire me to try the Kalamata Chicken and I am now obsessed. It is crispy and tender. The vinegar and wine sauce that covers the Greek Fries is incredible. The fries are still crispy even though they are soaked in the delicious sauce, it is magic. The meals come with bread and a salad - why don't more restaurants do that these days? Let's recap, bread, salad, delicious chicken and fries - and it is only $9.50!
Things to know:
The do not take reservations. I got really lucky and got a table at 8pm for 2 on a Saturday.
They do not serve alcohol, but you can go next door to Glascotts and get a drink and bring it over. You have to carry the drink over yourself (because Athenian Room doesn't have a liquor license). -
Review from Todd K.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2011
Wow!!
Went to Athenian Room with a group of co-workers on a random Thursday. I wasn't sure what to make of the place from the outside, but looks can be quite deceiving.
We had a group of about ten and ordered several appetizers. We tried the spanikopita and Greek olives. I'm not a huge fan of either, but the samples I had were awesome.
I ordered the Kalamata Chicken, raved upon by Tina Fey. Let me just say - I've had lots of Greek food over the years - this place wins hands down. The chicken was tender and crispy, tender fries served as a nice nest for the bird. I ate every last bit of the fries.
And, yes, they charge for Feta cheese on top of the salad, but it's worth every cent.
Bring everyone you know - just not at the same time I'm there. -
Review from Gab R.
Hurleyville, NY
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well, Tina Fey was right.
Go to the Athenian Room. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Order the Athenian chicken dinner Kalamata style.
(Gyro dinner is good, too. Pass on the shrimp Kalamata style unless you're looking for six fried shrimps with fries.) -
Review from Alexandra B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/27/2012
This place... Is now one of my favorites in Chicago. Apparently Tina Fey has mentioned she likes this place, which is a plus, but the food itself is really good. I had the chicken kalamata, with feta on the side... Basically half a chicken over fries drenched in this lemon vinagarette, Nom Nom, I had to keep myself from eating the entire thing, for fear of my stomach exploding. So tasty. Sooooo tasty. Next time I'm in the city it's a must.
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Review from Ariel L.
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a totally biased review because I have been eating here since i was in the womb. My parents moved to Fremont and Webster in 1971. I was born in 1973. My mother says she ate there the weekend i was born, which I believe, because i have had a love affair with the place ever since. Over the years i have taken friends, dates, colleagues there, and all have been satisfied. The skirt steak is one of the best on the north side, an the Chicken Kalamata is outstanding. Gyros are also very good. Don't waste your time with the salad though, as it probably has zero nutritional value. Prices, which only went up in the last 10 years, are still very reasonable for the amount off food you get.
I think the biggest complaint i hear is that this doesn't compare to the Greek restaurants in Greek town. That is a fair complaint. There is no Saganaki, and a lot of other traditional items are not on the menu. My response is that the Athenian Room has a small kitchen, so they can't make everything, but what they do make is gold.
Glascotts bar next door serves liquor, so you can go over and get a drink and bring it back, and on a nice day they have outdoor seating on a beautiful street.
I don't think there is much to complain about truthfully. Good food at cheap prices. If you need something more elaborate, go elsewhere (that's fine by me because then you won't take my table). -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm fairly certain that I ate my first gyro sandwich at Athenian Room back in high school (which was just a block away). My bff in high school was so continental, introducing me to the likes of a good gyro sandwich or shrimp tempura from the little Japanese restaurant across the street (curiously, it's also still open). This was of course back when the most exotic thing to ever touch my lips was a crepe.
Many years later, my tastes have changed and improved but I still enjoy a gyro sandwich every now and then. Last night brought on a craving for one like no other but I didn't feel like going all the way to Greektown and really, I just wanted a more quick, casual option, but I also didn't want to do takeout.
It was a lovely warm later summer evening so we decided to drive down to Lincoln Park and sit outside on Athenian Room's patio to enjoy our food. It was filled with families and even a few well-behaved doggies. Everyone was in good spirits, eating their food. It was a nice sight to see.
On to the food. It's still as good as it ever was. Their gyro plate comes with pita, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and it's served over their Greek fries, which are fries tossed with a lemon // oil // vinegar dressing with oregano. It's a lot of food (easily enough for two servings or leftovers) for a decent price. I'm sure it's the same Kronos gyros that's served in every one of the 19654 restaurants in Chicago that offer a gyro.Their kalamata chicken is also delicious. Really, everything here is quite good. It may not be the best Greek food you've ever experienced, but you won't be disappointed, you won't leave hungry, and it won't break the bank.
Service is amiable (it's usually college-age girls) and efficient. AR doesn't have a liquor license, but you're free to grab a pint from Glascott's next door. In fact, a quite-enterprising bartender from Glascott's came around and offered up beer and wine to AR's patrons. Athenian Room also does a brisk takeout business if you'd rather enjoy their gyros in your own friendly confines.Listed in: Baby, It's Warm Outside, Eatin' Good in Lincoln Park
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Review from Zack S.
Cook, IL
11/10/2011
I had always wanted to check this place out after I heard that it's Tina Fey's favorite restaurant in Chicago. Oh man was she right! The Kalamata Chicken is outrageous. The fries are an unbelievable compliment to the salty delicious chicken juice. Can't believe I'm saying this but it might be the best chicken dinner I have ever had!
I was so moved by the first dinner that I went back again the next night for the Skirt Steak dinner. Wowza. Amazeballs. -
Review from Cesar M.
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to few Greek restaurants in the past and this is on of the best.
In previous restaurants portions were small and prices were big (Greek town specially) but on this one prices are reasonable for the portions.
I went there with a friend on the way to the movies, so we did not have time to wait around for a table or slow service. And we did not, we got seated practically as soon as we walked in and the service was fast and friendly.
We had the Kalamata chicken, skirt steak, salad and feta pita. Everything was good, but I enjoyed the feta pita the most. The feta cheese was flavorful but not too strong and combined with the tomato well it was perfect. The potatoes were a little too crunchy but again everything else was good so.
I asked the waitress what kind of iced tea they had. "cinnamon iced tea" she replied. I thought did she say cinnamon??? I never had cinnamon iced tea before so, I will take that please. it was different and good.
And just as fast as we walked in, got seated, ordered, ate, we left to the movies. Good food and service. -
Review from Karla I.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2011
Oh how I love A-room.
It is very Americanized but everything is delicious. You cannot go wrong with gyros, a Greek salad, a cheeseburger....and especially the terramosalata. So delish, just don't ask what it is made of.
The owners here are super sweet. I'd like their baklava to be a little less sweet though. -
Review from Ambrosia S.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
I have an addiction - Kalamata Chicken + Greek Fries! The place is packed over the weekend. Would be easier to go during the week. The food is unbelievable and good price too.
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Review from Amy L.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
3.5-4 stars fits this spot perfectly! My bf and I are regulars here; good family run business. The food is above average, the servers are efficient, and the overall experience is decent. Their menu is limited though I usually get the same thing each time so this does not bother me. Definitely worth a visit. If we didn't live so close, we would still probably come here every few months. Also, the staff turnover seems to be quite low here so they must be doing something right...
My only complaint is that the people who run the cashier (probably owners) can be a bit more friendly and genuine. I understand the stress of running a business but those emotions do not need to be shown to customers. Oh yea, no music in the background; would be nice for some Greek music to be playing softly in the background to make the experience more authentic.
Overall, keep up the good work. -
Review from Quinn M.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2012
Disappointed that after 15 years of giving them business I was pushed behind three tables of two who were all behind me....after waiting for 15 minutes and watching couple after couple get seated before me I had to go give my business elsewere.
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Review from Marisa A.
Updated - 2/5/2012
The food here is still very tasty, but the service is so meh. Tonight I was never asked if I wanted anything to drink, the salad that was supposed to come with my gyros evaporated, and I had to look animatedly bored in order to get the check. This isn't the first time at the Athenian room when I felt like I was better versed in my please and thank yous than the staff, and I don't like that when I'm the diner. The hostess has just rubbed me wrong too many times. See ya, Athenian room.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/8/2009
I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've ever eaten at the Athenian Room, but the two standouts are… Read more »
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Review from Heidi O.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2011
I came here after a recommendation from Tina Fey involving phrases like "chicken juices on fries" and I wasn't disappointed.
I got chicken juices all over a blouse I had bought for the occassion (not a chicken eating blouse per-se, but I was going on a date with a very special man and wanted to look like I didn't belong on public transportation)
It was a magical evening and I think of it fondly as a night where there was lots of making out.
Eat here and you too will have the opportunity to gorge yourself on the aphrodisiac that is greek chicken. -
Review from Jaime G.
10/2/2011 2 photos
God i love greek food. I loved this little lincoln park greek place despite the deep fried shrimp i ordered. Had the greek salad with delicious fetal, side of kalamata olives, greek fries and the shrimp. Wouldnt recommend the shrimp or the dipping sause at all but the outdoor seating and everything else was excellent. I must of ordered the one thing that bad on the menu. however I did try my wife's Greek chicken entree with garlic sauce and fries and it was absolutely Delish.
So come here and stick to the traditional dishes. They are yummy. And try the outdoor deck. It's heaven on a beautiful night but you'll have to be patient with the svc outside (really slow). -
Review from Jeff J.
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came for lunch with a friend on Saturday. He mentioned how packed it always is when he walks by, and Saturday was no different. We scored a table outside to take advantage of the nice weather.
We were surprised to see a woman taking alcohol orders for the place next door-- I'm guessing Athenian Room doesn't have a liquor license and has a deal with this other place. Pretty sweet arrangement if you ask me.
We each ordered the chicken kebab off the kalamata section, per many people's reviews. I'm not really sure what the fuss is all about. The chicken is not moist, as discussed in other reviews, but actually rather tough. The moistness could come from the puddle of oil it's sitting in (but who wants to eat their food in a lemon-y, oily mess?). And the yogurt sauce, which should have been the highlight, seemed like it was your run of the mill sauce, unceremoniously dumped into a small plastic saucer.
It's fairly priced, so if you're looking to stay within a budget, it might be a good choice, but otherwise, I didn't find anything good to write about. -
Review from Melanie B.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
So, I bring everyone here, and I'm always singing this place's praises and sending people this Yelp page, so I thought it was time to add my own review. This place is wonderful. I have not ever gone wrong here. My faves are the gyros plate, the Greek salad (with a side of yummy, shareable feta), and, of course, the kalamata chicken, which is served over a huge plate of steak fries and topped with a vinegar-and-oil sauce. The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy -- it's perfect. We live around the corner, and I pass it every night on my way home...it's SO hard not to order takeout all the time! In the summer, they have outdoor seating, and the sparkly lights add such a charming atmosphere. You can also get drinks from the bar that's attached, and sometimes the bartender comes over to you for your order. It's casual and comfortable, but the food always delivers.
