The largest patio in bustling Greektown features a menu packed with appetizers.
(312) 361-8445
212 S Halsted St
(Adams Street)
Chicago,
IL
60661
41.8789
-87.6474
Neighborhoods: Greektown, West Side
Athena
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Athena Restaurant
The Owner
Athena Restaurant
Owner
Located at the heart of down town Chicago, our restaurant was established in 1997 and ever since is providing its customers with excellent quality Greek Cuisine. In an effort to guide our patrons through a journey full of flavors, Athena Restaurant has become the medium between the Ancient Greek Tradition and the Modern Western World. Our restaurant is dedicated to the city of Athens, capital of Greece, which carries the longest history from any other city in the world for at least 4 millenniums. This is the city that gave birth to democracy, and set the foundations of the Western…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – On summer nights, the huge patio is jammed until the wee hours with locals and in-the-know tourists. Inside, the dining room is more subdued. Dishes include cold dips like melitzana (eggplant) and skorthalia (potato-garlic) with pita bread; broiled octopus; and seafood kabobs packed with shrimp, salmon and swordfish. Roast lamb and other grilled meats are also available.
The best Greek Food I've ever eaten!
by SarahBethK at Citysearch
My husband and I went to Chicago as a Christmas present to one another. We were wandering through Greektown trying to decide where to eat when an Greek man saw us looking through the window of his establishment. We were trying to decide if it was too dressy inside for what we were wearing. He asked us if he could help with anything and we asked him if it was dressy inside. He said "Be comfortable like you are at home." and ushered us inside.
From then on it was one of the nicest dinners I have ever had. The wait staff was professional and courteous. And the food, oh the food was SO good. We had a gyro platter for an appetizer and it was the best gyros I have ever eaten. My husband had a sample plate with a few different foods on it like mousaka. He loved it. I can't remember what my dish was called but it was like a little pot pie type of food with meat and vegetables inside of phylo dough. It was so good! By far my favorite experience in Chicago!
- Pros: Great food, wonderful service
- Cons: No cons, it was a great experience.
Horrible experience
by JillGeorge at Citysearch
I went to Athena for lunch today, and, while biting into my octopus was horrified to discover a metal fishing hook. We pointed this out to our waiter, and the manager came rushing over, yelling "It is the fisherman's fault, not our chef's fault. What do you expect us to do?! Check every piece of fish?!" He acted as though as I was the "bad guy" for mentioning it. Then he called the owner over, who also yelled at us, claiming it was not their fault. No comped food, no apology, no graciousness. ...and somehow, during this encounter, the hook "disappeared." Awful experience, and the food was not very well prepared, by the way. Don't bother.
- Pros: Average food
- Cons: Terrible Service
SO VERY SALTY
by george2007 at Citysearch
The staff was great, but the food was so salty.
My party of six all agreeded how salty everything was, down to the green beans.
I was so looking forward to having a good Greek dinner and was so turned-off by the food. I will stick with Central Gyros and Rodity's where I have never had a bad meal.
- Pros: Ambience
- Cons: Food
The Details on Athena Restaurant
Where to Sit:
Table space is at a premium on the patio when the weather is nice, despite a two-hour limit on tables. Get there early.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, Group Dining, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Message from Athena Restaurant
- In the Heart of Greektown
- Perfect for Holiday Parties
- Authentic Greek Preparation
Located at the heart of down town Chicago, our restaurant was established in 1997 and ever since is providing its customers with excellent quality Greek Cuisine. In an effort to guide our patrons through a journey full of flavors, Athena Restaurant has become the medium between the Ancient Greek Tradition and the Modern Western World.
Our restaurant is dedicated to the city of Athens, capital of Greece, which carries the longest history from any other city in the world for at least 4 millenniums. This is the city that gave birth to democracy, and set the foundations of the Western Civilization.
Feel the warmth of the place and enjoy your dining experience next to one of our two fireplaces, or relax under the candle lights. Even share your best moments with friends by booking your parties at one of our private rooms that can accommodate up to 100 guests.








