I miss The Parthenon, seeking replacements

I know the food at The Parthenon (now defunct) wasn't reveltory, but it was our family's faithful stalwart for cheese saganaki, excellent homemade gyros with incredibly thick and garlicky tzatziki and lovely super dry Roditis. We are also missing some chicken spanaki and rotisserie lamb (rib cuts, please).

We've tried Athena, Greek Islands and Roditys but none have matched up. Does anyone have any suggestions for us other than making it at home (yes, I have the cookbook)? We are in the south burbs if it makes a difference.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Back in the '80s and early '90s our family regular was It's Greek To Me until they closed. Since then Pegasus has been a reliable alternative in Greek Town, and Psistoria has been our go to in the north suburbs.

Buddy

I can't be too confident that you'll enjoy it, but the clearest omission in your list of alternatives that have been exhausted is Santorini (http://www.santorinichicago.com). They specialize in fish and seafood, but the general caliber of their food makes it a possible winner on the dishes you listed.

I can't really fathom how Greek Islands isn't seen as better than Parthenon, so there may very well be a disconnect in palates, as indicated by the fact I never opt for any of your favorite dishes. IIRC, the entire reason Psistaria has been rejuvenated is they were taken over (ownership, operation or both) by former Greek Island veterans. If you get the craving in the Niles/Glenview area, Plateia (http://www.plateiachicago.com) is a gem!

luvdylan76 wrote: Does anyone have any suggestions for us other than making it at home (yes, I have the cookbook)? We are in the south burbs if it makes a difference.

Both of these are a bit of a drive from the south suburbs, but GNR Psistaria is the standard bearer for me these days.

Honorable mention goes to Avlifor it's more upscale version of Greek classics.

Psistaria Greek Tavern
4711 W Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 676-9400

Avli Estiatorio
566 Chestnut Street
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 466-9300

Psistaria!
-Richard

Thank you for all of your suggestions. Totally bummer that the 2 best suggestions are an hour away from us.

@buddy - Pegasus downstairs, correct?

@by bweiny - We liked Greek Islands for other things just not the things we were looking for (namely homemade gyros, good saganaki & good Roditis (Tsantalis comes close but not quite).


We will keep plugging away on our search!

Yes, the downstairs room for Pegasus. Never been up on the roof. I guess they only serve an appetizer menu and charge a premium price for it. Being the cheap-ass bastard I am, that ain't gonna happen.

Buddy

I also like Pegasus and Santorini, altho as mentioned,
Santorini is more of a seafood-heavy choice.
But they do have the classics, psistichio, moussaka, etc.
Santorini is also are where my half-Greek friends likes to go when they are in Chicago BTW.