G Wiv wrote:

nr706 wrote:Top notch + North 'burbs = Avli.

NR speaks the truth. Psistaria in Lincolnwood is just fine, but Avli is top notch.

Avli is indeed great and they just had 3 of their dishes named by Mike Sula among his 110 Tasty Things From 2010.

I also have to give a big shout out to one of my all-time favorites: Greek Islands.

=R=

Avli Estiatorio
566 Chestnut St (in The Laundry mall)
Winnetka, IL 60093-2228
(847) 446-9300

Greek Islands
200 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855

Has anyone been to Menalon in Lake Zurich?

Last few times I've driven past, it's been questionable whether or not it's open yet.

500 Ela Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047-2386
(847) 540-8100

Also, the place at Dempster and Milwaukee in Niles that used to be Rossini's is now a Greek place...Elia's, maybe?

ronnie_suburban wrote:Avli is indeed great.... I also have to give a big shout out to one of my all-time favorites: Greek Islands.

Both are great in their different ways, and although more upscale and intimate, Avli owes a part of its greatness to its owner's long tenure at Greek Islands and the imported foods his father-in-law, Greek Islands' owner, brings in from Greece for both of them.

And perhaps out of the range of the recent querier, but I've also had very good meals recently at Odyssey in St. Charles (perhaps the most potent skordalia anywhere!) and Greek Village Taverna in Schaumburg.

Odyssey
3755 E. Main St.
St. Charles, IL 60174
630/443-6600
http://www.odysseygreektaverna.com

Greek Village Taverna
795 E. Golf Road
Schaumburg
847/885-4950
http://greekvillagetaverna.net

abe_froeman wrote:Has anyone been to Menalon in Lake Zurich?

Last few times I've driven past, it's been questionable whether or not it's open yet.

500 Ela Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047-2386
(847) 540-8100

Also, the place at Dempster and Milwaukee in Niles that used to be Rossini's is now a Greek place...Elia's, maybe?

The parking lot of Menalon looked almost completely full when I drove by it tonight. I am also waiting for someone to review the place.

My top favorite in Greek Town is Greek Isles. In the suburbs (Niles), I like Mykonos. I know it's not fancy, but the food I have had there is consistent.

Looking for a local mom/pop Greek restaurant that serves fresh fish dishes and good lamb dishes. I have tried Athens and Parthenon in Greek Town, but looking for something less touristy. Will be staying in the downtown area near the CTA lines.
Doug Chin Louisville, KY

Most of our Greek restaurants are in Greektown, and since most of the people eating there are from Chicago, I wouldn't say it's too touristy. If you're looking to get away from flaming Saganaki, it ain't going to happen anywhere in Chicago And those large animals being grilled in the window aren't for show. People eat them!

Outside of Greektown, I have been to Melanthios Greek Char House which is in Lakeview, not in Greektown, and it was pretty good. You could take either the 22 Clark or 36 Broadway bus north, or take the Red line to Belmont then walk over to Broadway (or take the 77 Belmont bus east).

Melanthios Greek Char House
3116 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
773-360-8572
http://www.melanthiosgreekcharhouse.com/

edited to fix my directionally challenged directions

If you're willing to travel a bit further via Metra, Avli is a good option - viewtopic.php?f=14&t=25396&hilit=avli

You might want to check out Taxim, discussed in this thread. It's steps from the Blue Line Damen station, so easily accessible from downtown.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
DPChin