Athenian Room Chicago: Your Guide to a Greek Culinary Gem

Welcome to the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, where the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs beckons you to a true culinary institution: The Athenian Room. Nestled at **807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614**, this beloved establishment has been serving authentic Greek cuisine for decades, carving out a special place in the city’s diverse dining scene. When you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that balances casual comfort with a distinct touch of Hellenic warmth. The ambience is unpretentious, inviting, and bustling, often filled with the lively chatter of regulars and first-time visitors alike, all drawn by the promise of exceptional food and generous portions. It’s the kind of place where memories are made over shared plates and hearty laughter.

The Athenian Room is renowned not just for its incredible food but also for its consistent availability, making it a reliable spot for a delicious meal almost any day of the week. Their doors are open to welcome you with the following convenient hours: from **Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM**, perfect for a delightful lunch or a relaxing dinner. As the week winds down and the city buzzes with more energy, they extend their hours for your enjoyment on **Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM**, allowing for late-night Greek cravings. On **Sundays, they offer a slightly later start, opening from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM**, ideal for a leisurely weekend meal. Should you wish to make a reservation, inquire about a dish, or simply confirm their current hours, you can easily reach their friendly staff by calling **(773) 348-5155**. Whether you’re planning a quick bite, a family dinner, or a celebration with friends, the Athenian Room promises a truly memorable dining experience steeped in Greek tradition and Chicago charm.

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Menu Highlights: A Taste of Greece in Chicago

The Athenian Room’s menu is a testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Greek cuisine, offering a comprehensive selection of dishes that range from classic appetizers to robust main courses, all prepared with traditional techniques and the freshest ingredients. Each item is crafted to transport your taste buds directly to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, promising an authentic and satisfying culinary journey.

Orektika (Appetizers)

Begin your Greek feast with an array of tantalizing appetizers, perfect for sharing and whetting your appetite for the culinary delights to come. These starters are designed to introduce you to the vibrant and fresh flavors that define Greek cooking.

Saganaki (Flaming Cheese): Pan-fried kefalotyri cheese, flambéed tableside, served with lemon, a dramatic and delicious start. Experience the exhilarating “Opa!” as this delectable cheese is ignited, creating a spectacle before your first bite. Its crispy exterior gives way to a warm, gooey interior, perfectly complemented by a squeeze of fresh lemon, offering a salty and tangy delight that’s truly unforgettable.
Tzatziki: Creamy Greek yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill, pita bread for dipping. This cool and refreshing dip is a staple of Greek cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumber, pungent garlic, and aromatic dill. It’s the ideal counterpoint to richer dishes and a delightful spread for their warm, fluffy pita bread.
Hummus: Smooth chickpea dip, tahini, lemon, garlic, olive oil, with warm pita. While often associated with the Middle East, hummus is a beloved staple in Greek homes, celebrated for its velvety texture and earthy flavors. The Athenian Room’s rendition is rich, zesty, and perfectly seasoned, providing a comforting and nutritious appetizer alongside their soft pita.
Melitzanosalata: Smoky roasted eggplant dip, garlic, fresh herbs, drizzled with olive oil. This rustic and flavorful dip captures the essence of roasted eggplant, infusing it with a delightful smokiness and vibrant notes of garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a wonderful option for those seeking a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, dip to enjoy with bread or as part of a meze platter.
Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves): Seasoned rice and herbs, wrapped in tender grape leaves, avgolemono sauce, savory and delicate. These meticulously crafted bundles of flavor are a testament to traditional Greek home cooking. The tender grape leaves encase a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and spices, all brought together with a tangy, creamy avgolemono sauce that adds a bright finish.
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie): Flaky phyllo pastry, savory spinach, feta cheese filling, baked golden, a classic delight. Layers upon layers of delicate, buttery phyllo pastry enfold a rich and flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, salty feta cheese, and fragrant herbs. Baked to a perfect golden crisp, this iconic pie is a comforting and utterly satisfying appetizer.
Feta & Olives: Creamy barrel-aged feta, Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, with olive oil, simple and authentic. A celebration of two of Greece’s most iconic ingredients, this dish showcases the intense flavor of barrel-aged feta cheese, its salty tang beautifully balanced by the briney, fruity notes of Kalamata olives. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with fresh oregano, it’s an ode to Mediterranean simplicity.
Gigantes Plaki: Hearty baked giant beans in rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs, a comforting vegetarian option. These large, tender white beans are slow-baked in a robust tomato sauce, infused with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. The result is a deeply savory and satisfying dish, perfect as a substantial appetizer or a light vegetarian main.
Keftedes: Savory Greek meatballs, seasoned with herbs and spices, served with tzatziki, flavorful and tender. These delectable meatballs are a cherished part of Greek cuisine, expertly seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. Pan-fried to perfection, they offer a tender interior and a slightly crispy exterior, ideal for dipping into cooling tzatziki.
Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes): Crispy pan-fried zucchini patties, fresh mint, feta, with dip, light and tasty. A delightful vegetarian option, these golden-brown fritters are bursting with the fresh flavors of grated zucchini, vibrant mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Their crispy texture and savory taste make them an irresistible appetizer, often served with a cool yogurt-based dip.

Salates (Salads)

Freshness is key in Greek salads, and the Athenian Room delivers with crisp vegetables, rich feta, and classic dressings that complement any meal.

Horiatiki Salata (Greek Salad): Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, feta, Kalamata olives, classic and refreshing. This quintessential Greek salad skips the lettuce, focusing instead on the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp red onion, colorful bell peppers, a generous slab of creamy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, all dressed simply with olive oil and oregano.
Prasini Salata: Crisp romaine, fresh dill, green onions, crumbled feta, lemon-oil dressing, light and zesty. A lighter and brighter salad, the Prasini Salata features finely chopped crisp romaine lettuce, abundant fresh dill, and thinly sliced green onions. Crumbled feta adds a salty kick, while a simple lemon-olive oil dressing ties it all together with a refreshing zest.
Athenian Chicken Salad: Grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, walnuts, dried cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette, hearty and satisfying. For those seeking a more substantial salad, this option combines tender, perfectly grilled chicken breast with a medley of fresh mixed greens. Toasted walnuts and sweet dried cranberries add textural contrast and bursts of flavor, all brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Soupes (Soups)

Warm up with traditional Greek soups, offering comforting and authentic flavors that soothe the soul.

Avgolemono: Classic creamy lemon-egg soup with chicken and rice, comforting and bright, a beloved staple. This iconic Greek soup is a masterpiece of balance, featuring a rich chicken broth emulsified with eggs and lemon juice, giving it a characteristic creamy texture and a zesty tang. Tender chicken pieces and rice add substance, making it both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Fasolada: Traditional hearty white bean soup, vegetables, olive oil, rustic and filling, a peasant classic. Often referred to as the “national food” of Greece, Fasolada is a rustic and deeply satisfying soup. Packed with white beans, an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and simmered in a rich tomato broth with generous olive oil, it’s a wholesome and nourishing meal.

Gyros & Pitas

Experience the iconic flavors of Greek street food, elevated for a sit-down dining experience. These dishes are perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Gyro Plate: Slices of seasoned rotisserie lamb/beef, pita, fries, tzatziki, tomato, onion, a Greek classic. The quintessential Greek dish, the Gyro Plate features succulent, thinly sliced rotisserie-cooked lamb and beef, seasoned to perfection. Served alongside warm pita bread, crispy French fries, cool tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, and onions, it’s a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Chicken Gyro Plate: Marinated grilled chicken, pita, fries, tzatziki, tomato, onion, a lighter alternative. For those who prefer poultry, the Chicken Gyro Plate offers tender, marinated grilled chicken slices, bursting with flavor. Accompanied by all the classic fixings – warm pita, crispy fries, creamy tzatziki, fresh tomato, and onion – it’s a delicious and slightly lighter take on the beloved gyro.
Pork Souvlaki Plate: Skewers of marinated grilled pork, pita, fries, tzatziki, tomato, onion, smoky and robust. Juicy cubes of premium pork are marinated in a blend of traditional Greek herbs and spices, then perfectly grilled on skewers, yielding a smoky and tender result. Served with the customary pita, fries, tzatziki, tomato, and onion, this plate is a celebration of simple, robust flavors.
Chicken Souvlaki Plate: Skewers of marinated grilled chicken, pita, fries, tzatziki, tomato, onion, lean and flavorful. Tender pieces of chicken breast are marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, olive oil, and oregano, then expertly grilled on skewers until golden and succulent. This lean yet incredibly flavorful dish comes with pita, fries, tzatziki, fresh tomato, and onion, making it a wholesome choice.
Vegetarian Gyro: Grilled vegetables, crumbled feta, tzatziki, wrapped in warm pita, a refreshing option. A fantastic choice for vegetarians, this gyro swaps meat for a generous filling of perfectly grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Crumbled feta and a dollop of creamy tzatziki complete the package, all wrapped snugly in soft, warm pita bread for a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Athenian Room Special: Gyro meat and chicken breast, served with Greek potatoes, legendary and delicious. This iconic dish is a must-try at the Athenian Room, combining the best of both worlds with generous portions of their famous gyro meat and tender grilled chicken breast. It’s accompanied by their signature lemon-oregano Greek potatoes, creating a truly legendary and incredibly satisfying meal that many consider their absolute favorite.

Kyria Piata (Main Courses)

Delve into the heart of Greek home cooking with these robust and flavorful main dishes, each a testament to centuries of culinary tradition.

Pastitsio: Layers of seasoned ground beef, pasta, béchamel sauce, baked to perfection, a hearty casserole. Often called “Greek lasagna,” Pastitsio is a magnificent baked pasta dish featuring layers of thick pasta, a rich and savory ground beef mixture seasoned with aromatic spices, and a crowning layer of creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and deeply flavorful casserole.
Moussaka: Classic baked layers of eggplant, seasoned ground beef, potato, béchamel, rich and comforting. A true icon of Greek cuisine, Moussaka presents a symphony of flavors and textures. Layers of tender sautéed eggplant, seasoned ground beef, and thinly sliced potatoes are baked together, topped with a luscious, golden béchamel sauce. It’s a decadent and incredibly satisfying dish.
Lamb Chops (Paidakia): Tender grilled lamb chops, seasoned with Greek herbs, lemon, olive oil, succulent and aromatic. A connoisseur’s delight, these succulent lamb chops are expertly grilled to perfection, boasting a beautiful char and a tender, juicy interior. Marinated in a simple yet potent blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and traditional Greek herbs, they offer an unforgettable taste of the Mediterranean.
Braised Lamb Shank (Arni Psito): Slow-cooked lamb, fork-tender, rich tomato sauce, orzo, meltingly delicious. Experience the ultimate comfort with this slow-cooked lamb shank. Braised until it’s literally fall-off-the-bone tender, the lamb is enveloped in a deeply flavorful, rich tomato-based sauce, often served with delicate orzo pasta that soaks up all the delicious juices.
Lemon Chicken (Kotopoulo Lemonato): Roasted half chicken, crispy skin, zesty lemon, oregano, potatoes, classic and aromatic. A timeless Greek classic, this roasted half chicken is infused with the bright flavors of fresh lemon and aromatic oregano. The skin crisps beautifully while the meat remains incredibly juicy and tender, often served with the delicious, lemon-infused Greek potatoes.
Dolmades Entree: Large plate of savory stuffed grape leaves, avgolemono sauce, rice pilaf, a satisfying vegetarian choice. For those who adore Dolmades, this entree-sized portion offers a generous serving of their perfectly seasoned rice and herb-filled grape leaves. Drizzled with the creamy, tangy avgolemono sauce and accompanied by fluffy rice pilaf, it makes for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Grilled Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet, simply grilled, drizzled with lemon-dill sauce, healthy and flavorful. For seafood lovers, the Grilled Salmon offers a lighter yet equally satisfying option. A perfectly cooked, flaky salmon fillet is simply seasoned and grilled to highlight its natural flavors, then elegantly finished with a bright and herbaceous lemon-dill sauce.
Shrimp Saganaki: Sautéed shrimp, rich tomato sauce, crumbled feta, a delightful seafood dish, bursting with flavor. This vibrant seafood dish features plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich, savory tomato sauce that’s infused with garlic and herbs. Finished with a generous crumble of salty feta cheese, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors that transports you straight to the Greek islands.
Vegetarian Moussaka: Layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, lentil ragu, béchamel, a robust meat-free option. A thoughtful and incredibly satisfying alternative to the classic, the Vegetarian Moussaka layers tender grilled eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes with a hearty, spiced lentil ragu. Topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, it offers all the comforting richness without the meat.
Briam: Hearty baked mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, olive oil, fresh herbs, robust flavor, a wholesome vegetarian stew. This traditional Greek baked vegetable dish is a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and bell peppers, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with plenty of olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s a wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying stew.

Synodeftika (Sides)

Enhance your meal with these classic Greek side dishes, perfect for complementing your main course.

Greek Fries: Crispy fries, oregano, crumbled feta, lemon wedge, delicious and unique. Take your French fry experience to the next level with these Greek-style spuds. Golden and crispy, they are generously seasoned with fragrant oregano, topped with salty crumbled feta cheese, and served with a lemon wedge for an irresistible zesty kick.
Oven-Roasted Potatoes (Patates Fournou): Lemon, oregano, olive oil, tender inside, crispy outside, a flavorful staple. These iconic Greek potatoes are slow-roasted to perfection, infused with the bright flavors of lemon juice, aromatic oregano, and rich olive oil. They emerge tender on the inside with a beautifully golden and slightly crispy exterior, making them the ultimate accompaniment to almost any dish.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice, cooked in savory broth, a perfect accompaniment, simple and comforting. A classic side, the Rice Pilaf at the Athenian Room is light, fluffy, and subtly seasoned. Cooked in a savory broth, it offers a comforting and neutral base that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the main courses, absorbing all the delicious juices.

Epidorpia (Desserts)

Conclude your Greek culinary adventure with something sweet, ranging from flaky pastries to refreshing yogurt creations.

Baklava: Flaky phyllo, chopped walnuts, honey syrup, sweet, rich, traditional, an iconic treat. This legendary dessert features countless layers of delicate, buttery phyllo pastry, generously filled with finely chopped walnuts and a fragrant blend of spices. Baked until golden brown, it’s then drenched in a sweet, aromatic honey syrup, creating an irresistible sticky, crunchy, and utterly delightful experience.
Galaktoboureko: Creamy semolina custard baked in phyllo, lemon syrup, comforting and sweet, a Greek favorite. A truly heartwarming dessert, Galaktoboureko is a decadent baked custard pie. A velvety smooth semolina custard is lovingly encased in layers of crisp, golden phyllo pastry, then bathed in a light, fragrant lemon-infused syrup. It’s a comforting blend of creamy and crunchy textures.
Yogurt with Honey & Walnuts: Thick Greek yogurt, local honey, crunchy walnuts, simple, refreshing, and wholesome. For a lighter, yet equally satisfying sweet ending, this dessert showcases the natural goodness of authentic, thick Greek yogurt. Drizzled with rich local honey and sprinkled with crunchy walnuts, it offers a refreshing, wholesome, and perfectly balanced taste.

Pota (Drinks)

Quench your thirst with traditional Greek beverages, from strong coffee to refreshing beer.

Greek Coffee: Strong, traditional, finely ground coffee, served in a small cup, rich and invigorating. Experience the authentic taste of Greece with a traditional Greek Coffee. Finely ground coffee is brewed slowly to create a rich, strong, and frothy brew, served in a small cup. It’s an invigorating and culturally significant way to end your meal.
Frappe: Iced frothy coffee, refreshing, customizable with milk and sugar, a popular choice. The Frappe is Greece’s iconic iced coffee, a wonderfully refreshing beverage perfect for any time of day. Made by vigorously shaking instant coffee with water and ice until frothy, it can be customized with milk and sugar to your preference, offering a cool and creamy pick-me-up.
Mythos Beer: Popular Greek lager, crisp, refreshing, perfect with Greek food, light and clean. A favorite throughout Greece, Mythos Beer is a crisp, clean, and refreshing lager that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Greek cuisine. Its balanced bitterness and smooth finish make it an ideal choice for cooling down and enhancing your dining experience.
Retsina: Traditional Greek resinated white wine, unique pine aroma, acquired taste, culturally significant. For the adventurous palate, Retsina offers a unique journey into Greek winemaking tradition. This distinctive white wine is flavored with pine resin, imparting a characteristic aromatic profile. It’s an acquired taste that many find incredibly refreshing and perfectly suited to traditional Greek dishes.

Beyond the Plate: Ambiance, Service, and What to Expect

The Athenian Room isn’t just about the food; it’s about the complete experience. The interior boasts a charming, somewhat nostalgic decor with subtle Greek touches, creating a warm and welcoming environment that feels both authentic and unpretentious. The service is consistently friendly and efficient, ensuring your meal arrives promptly and your needs are met with a smile, embodying genuine Greek hospitality. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere, especially during peak hours, which adds to its beloved neighborhood charm. In terms of pricing, the Athenian Room offers exceptional value, providing generous portions of high-quality, authentic Greek cuisine at very reasonable prices, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy a fantastic meal without breaking the bank.

Our Verdict: Why Athenian Room is a Must-Visit

The Athenian Room stands as a beloved Chicago institution, a beacon for authentic Greek cuisine that consistently delivers on flavor, portion size, and a welcoming atmosphere. While every dish sings, the **Athenian Room Special** with its combination of famous gyro meat and tender chicken, alongside those irresistible Greek potatoes, is the undisputed star and a dish you simply must try. The **Saganaki (Flaming Cheese)** is another show-stopping classic that provides both culinary delight and theatrical flair. This restaurant is perfect for anyone seeking a no-frills, deeply satisfying meal – from families looking for a comforting dinner, to friends gathering for a lively evening, or even solo diners craving genuine Greek flavors. It’s ideal for those who appreciate hearty portions, robust traditional tastes, and a friendly, bustling environment over white tablecloths. In short, the Athenian Room offers an unpretentious, delicious, and memorable dining experience that truly captures the spirit of Greece right here in Chicago. Come for the food, stay for the warmth, and leave planning your next visit!

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