Maskay guide

What are some of Chicago’s best Greek restaurants?

Greek Islands, Athena, Andros Taverna, and Avli River North compare Greektown institutions with two contemporary interpretations.

4 Greek restaurants to compare in Chicago

Short answer

Chicago retains a historic Greektown while developing a new generation of Greek restaurants beyond Halsted Street. Greek Islands is the highest-volume, long-running institution; Athena combines classic plates with a well-known patio; Andros Taverna brings a chef-driven focus to breads, mezze, and meats; Avli River North presents a contemporary reading and a more urban drinks program.

4 restaurants with different strengths

Greek Islands is the essential Greektown institution, with more than six thousand reviews, classic dishes, fish, and shareable portions. Google Maps showed 4.6/5 from 6,046 reviews when checked on September 16, 2026.

Athena Greek Restaurant is the traditional patio alternative, with a classic menu and more than 3,500 reviews in the heart of Greektown. Google Maps showed 4.4/5 from 3,544 reviews when checked on September 16, 2026.

Andros Taverna is the chef-driven Logan Square interpretation, with baked pita, mezze, and lamb and a solid review base. Google Maps showed 4.5/5 from 1,226 reviews when checked on September 16, 2026.

Avli River North is the urban River North choice, with contemporary cooking, wine, cocktails, and nearly one thousand reviews. Google Maps showed 4.4/5 from 991 reviews when checked on September 16, 2026.

How to choose

Choose Greek Islands for classics, fish, and families, Athena for a patio and traditional Greektown experience, Andros for pita, mezze, and a chef-driven Logan Square dinner, or Avli for a central location and contemporary atmosphere. Reserve Andros or Avli on weekends.

Before visiting

Google ratings and review counts are dated snapshots. Menus, prices, hours, reservation policies, and locations can change. Confirm current details on the official website and Google Maps before traveling.

Bottom line

There is no universal winner: choose by specialty, atmosphere, location, and meal type, then recheck variable details before visiting.

Verification

Sources & references

These independent references add context or corroborate key facts used in this guide. Restaurant websites are kept on the business profiles rather than repeated here. Current information can change after the access date shown below.

  1. Official website of Greek Islands ↗ Primary source Greek Islands · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of Athena Greek Restaurant ↗ Primary source Athena Greek Restaurant · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Andros Taverna ↗ Primary source Andros Taverna · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Avli River North ↗ Primary source Avli River North · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Google Maps listing for Greek Islands ↗ Community source Google Maps · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.

  6. Google Maps listing for Athena Greek Restaurant ↗ Community source Google Maps · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.

  7. Google Maps listing for Andros Taverna ↗ Community source Google Maps · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.

  8. Google Maps listing for Avli River North ↗ Community source Google Maps · Accessed September 16, 2026

    Direct check of rating, review count, operating status, and address; variable data.