Athenian Room: A Mediterranean Gem in the Heart of Chicago

A no frills Greek spot with incredible food. No reservations and cash only. I’ve been dreaming of the Kalamata chicken since I had it. Service was great and the prices are insanely reasonable. Between two people I think we spent $50 after tip. Expect to have to wait, but it’s worth it.

We tried the highly recommended Greek caviar and it was an unexpectedly pleasant experience. Great feta and olives as well. The real banger was the skirt steak and fries. Tender and juicy, the meat along with the fries are perfectly smothered in a zesty, herbaceous, lemony sauce. Just perfection all around. An absolute lovely time here. Quality food. Lively atmosphere. Fast service. Generous fixes for fantastic prices. Cash only.

I love rotisserie/roasted chicken so much because it is the world's food. It is the same basic chicken, with all different cultures and regions of the world bringing their own unique twist to it. The Peruvians prepare it drastically different than the Chinese who prepare it drastically different than the French, and so on. It's beautiful if you really think about it. All this to say I was beyond excited when Athenian Room, a no frills cash only Greek restaurant, was the most recommended rotisserie chicken spot in Chicago. I couldn't even remember the last time I had a bird from a Greek spot, so I was ready to see what the Greeks had to bring to Chicken Wars. I walked into the dimly lit tavern-like ambiance and sheepishly asked "Table for 1..?" I got seated at a 4 top which I felt terrible about, but told the server I'd be quick. I ordered their iconic Chicken Kalamata ($16) - which is a boiled and grilled crisp-skinned half chicken over an ample amount of thick cut Greek fries drenched in olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and lemon. I was slightly perturbed as I awaited my chicken, as this place was so mellow and calm that I knew filming myself dogging this chicken with my ring light would bring way too much attention. This is by FAR my least favorite part of the job. I'm a people pleaser by nature and I just know everyone in the restaurant hates me, which is totally fair and valid. I opted to not touch the bright ring light, and just use the flash on my phone. I didn't even want to do that, but the quality of the video is just 10x better with some sort of light. I wish I could just write and never have to film myself, but you gotta play the game to change the game. The Chicken Kalamata came, it looked like what I imagine a chicken would look like if that's what they gave you upon arrival into heaven. A tight, crispy, golden brown skin with visible seasoning over a bed of thick cut fries. Does it get any better? When you rip it apart, you can literally hear the crunch of the skin as it breaks and steam escapes into the atmosphere. I've never seen anything like it. It genuinely makes me wonder if it is flash fried or something. This turned out to be some of the best chicken skin, flavor, and dark meat I've had, but in a tale as old as time, the breast was pretty dry. Dipping it in the olive oil at the bottom of the plate solved that, but I always judge a bird without sauce or additions. It's still easily worth the $16 I paid and I'd recommend this to anyone when in Chicago, but a truly elite bird needs to have a tender breast. Fries were touched by Zeus though. Thick cut with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior... some of the best fries I've had this year. As I was wrapping up, the sweet server came over and said “Are you like a food influencer or something!?” I looked down and shook my head in embarrassment, and gave her the spiel. The word “influencer” or “content creator” gives me the ick, even though it is exactly what I’m doing. It just sounds so self serving and yucky. I do truly enjoy writing, telling stories, editing videos, and highlighting good businesses. Anyways, shoutout to the Athenian Room. SOLID bird here, but even better vibes. I’ll 100% be back when I’m in Chicago again. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

Can’t wait to come back! The food is unbelievable. We got the shrimp appetizer, kabobs, gyro, fries. Even on a weeknight, this place was busy but tables flipped quickly. Nice big outdoor seating area too. The service was good. Highly recommend!

Athenian Room is amazing. Owner Alex and manager Marci and Vasily and Matti and Alethea are very nice. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. I like how attentive the staff is and how nice the atmosphere is. Cash only and ATM next door. The skirt steak literally melted in my mouth! Amazing gyros and Greek chicken and fries. Must come back. 10/10.

Amazing food. This is personally one of my favorite places. I travel all over and this place stays consistent. It’s my first stop always when arriving in Chicago. It is the best food I ever had in my life. There is no better and there is no changing my mind. I highly recommend coming here. You have to get the wine steak the half chicken the Gyro and feta burger

We tried skirt steak Alexander and it was delicious, tasty, and juicy meat. Is a bar next to it if you want to drink other wise they have soft drinks as well

Chicago staple! Platinum level authentic Greek food that every local loves. Bring your appetite and enjoy the Kalamata Chicken and Skirt Steak drenched in their famous secret juices! Stop by you won’t regret it! Bring cash!