Melanthios Greek Char House---Lakeview

This is more alert than report, as I have only had occasion to take out a gyros plate, which does no justice at all to the place's aspirations or, one hopes, capabilities.

Walked by the space hungrily for weeks as it took shape. It has opened and is quite cozy and handsome in a rustic, "Greek" but not kitschy way. They have seemed to be doing a pretty brisk business any time I've peeked through the windows at dinnertime. Given the price point, perhaps the economy, locally at least, is indeed picking up. Though the price range info I pasted in came from the Metromix listing, when I was there the chalkboard specials at lunch included one for $24 and a spanakopita for $13. (I assume that represents a full meal's worth of accompaniments, but it's still no $5.95 pad thai lunch special.)

One very appealing thing about the design inside is the large window into the kitchen where you can watch the always (to me) compelling theatre of a white-uniformed line at work. In addition, they grill on a large fire pit that sits at the front of this window into the kitchen, so the meats are sizzling and perfuming the air very front and center, depending on where you're seated. There was also something large and whole on a spit. I wasn't there long enough to ascertain what it was, though I suspect a lamb.

I ducked in just to see if they actually did any take-out because I confrere was jonesing for gyros. They made me a plate and service was quick and friendly. The room is warm, cozy, yet with the tables nicely spaced.

My gyros ($9+) was perfectly good but not special. The tzatziki on the side was nicely rich and the fries included were excellent.

Till I go in for a sit-down, I can't tell any more except that they seem ambitious with a promising front of house vibe so far. There is a nice blurb on Metromix which I thought I might include, but then I became concerned about permission issues. It's easy enough to find, for anyone interested.


3116 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
773-360-8572
Price range: $$ ($9-$15)

Any idea if the gyros and fries were house made?

Thanks for the report.

I was on the run and so didn't get to chat anyone up. Evidence was not compelling either way, except that if not house made, they were both very good products. (I'd hate to think that a restaurant with a huge grill area up front and and a whole lamb on a spit was ordering frozen fries.)

Featured at Groupon today - $20 for $40,

Any recent intel on this place? Given the location, cuisine and purportedly wood-roasted lamb and pork I would expect a review or two.

Anyway, I bought a Groupon. Will report back after my next trip to Chicago.

H

We ate here sometime last year and found it to be the most awful greek experience we've had in Chicago. Anything in greek town would be better than this place and we were really excited to have a greek sitdown restaurant on the northside. We're not interested in gyros, I remember having the wood roasted lamb or whatever it was and feeling completely underwhelmed. It was bland. Very generous portious, of course, but the whole experience from start to finish was blah.