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The Parthenon Restaurant And Banquets310 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL | Directions 60661
41.877505 -87.647587 View Website
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Best in greektown, inventor of flaming cheese and source of all things opa!
Next time we come back to Chicago, Parthenon will be our first stop!. Being first time vistors to Chicago and excited about visiting Greektown, we were more than impressed with Parthenon. We are always exploring authentic Greek restaurants and this one tops our list. After being told it was an hour wait at the neighboring Athena restaurant, where there were empty tables everywhere and no one waiting to be seated, we walked into Parthenon where hungry, waiting people were crammed in the front area, the bar, and even flowing out the front doors. We were told that it could be an hour or more, but decided the wait would be worth it. We were seated after only 30 minutes (this was Valentine's day and a Saturday night) and served bread and drinks straight away. Being quite familiar with Greek cuisine, we were impressed at the variety of choices on the menu. We chose the family style menu, and the food started coming right away. The waiters were hurried, but never rude. The portions were generous and the prices extremely reasonable. There was so much food, that by the time our main courses came out, we had to box it all up and take it back to our hotel. Parthenon made our first visit to Greektown pleasant and memorable!
The Greek restaurant for all. I spent the month of September in Chicago and went to the Parthenon several times -service was fine the food consistently good and the atmosphere is lively and spirited-being Greek I am not easily fooled-I have been in hundreds of Greek restaurants and ran one previously---I look for consistency and flavor-and since my first visit in 1972 I have never been disappointed--Chris,Jonna and the Chef run an outstanding business-you would be wise to try it and see for yourself!!!
Simply brillant!. The service was fantastic, the waiter was very acute to the timing of the dishes. We (my girlfriend and I) had basically a little of everything on the menu, and everything was easy to split and share making it great for first timers or date night. The bathroom was clean, and the whole experience, it was a very good experience at that! was more than a meal it was an event. I will go again and again.
Great Greek food, Good atmosphere. Had never really experienced Greek food before but was told that no Chicago trip is complete without a trip to Greektown and was recommended to try the Parthenon. Was impressed, seated quickly and the service was the same. Food was good and the servers were fund to watch and the fire flew up from the dishes in the restaurant. Overall I was very impressed with this place and would recommend checking it out.
great food and atomosphere. I love this restaurant and frequent here all of the time. The staff is friendly and the food is great. Some of the best looking waoiters around! (hahaha) I have never had to wait long for a table and I usually go here with a group of friends. Try the eggplant it is amazing!
Great Greek food at extremely reasonable prices.. I have patronized the Parthenon since 1968, and have never had a bad meal or poor service. Skip the Saganaki appetizer, (Opaa), and go straight to the eggplant or zucchini appetizers, served with skordalia. A garlic lover's dream! The fried calamari is highly recommended, as is the lamb with artichokes. The ecclectic crowd can be anything from the pre/post Lyric Opera crowd to tour busses from out of state. It is always crowded and lively. Make a reservation.
This loud and lively restaurant is a long-established favorite in the center of Greektown..
The Scene
Established in 1968, Parthenon is abuzz with waiters zipping around and patrons enjoying hearty conversation. Both stop frequently to yell "Opa!" when a flaming dish passes by. Murals of Greek landscapes and an appropriately classical touches, including faux colonnades, honor the restaurant's venerated namesake. Big Greek families, parties of friends, groups of co-workers and tourists choose the Parthenon for festive outings.
The Food
Traditional and creative Greek dishes come in huge portions, with a menu that offers a multitude of choices from whole fish to roast pig. The special saganaki (cheese flamed in brandy) is always a favorite, as are spicy gyros and delicious navy bean soup for starters. Pastitsio--macaroni baked with meat, bechamel sauce and cheese--and crispy phyllo-wrapped chicken are alternatives to the selection of lamb and seafood dishes. Chicken kefte, a good choice for fat content-watchers, are meatballs made with chicken and served with grilled vegetables.
Excellent...we're always pleased.. We've always had good luck at Acropolis...the calamari and gyro meat is superb. No complaints.
The anti 'Opah'!. I read the messages on this board while trying to figure out where to take my friends to lunch. I figured that we would give Parthenon a try despite the few negative ratings I read. Unfortunately, I must agree with the negative feedback. The food was average and not well presented. The service was not good. The server was pushy, impolite, and he scoffed as he looked over my shoulder to see the tip he 'earned'. For example, the server watched over us as we looked over the menu. My friends were not ready to order and he said, "What you want?" I asked my friends if they were ready, just trying to make sure that we weren't rushed . In addition, the owners did not make us feel welcome, nor did they show any appreciation for our patronage. I will likewise not bother returning to the Parthenon.
excellent.
very good food, you need to like lamb.
kids enjoy flaming cheese.
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