I am proud to say I am Athenian's biggest fan.
I've eaten at this authentic Greek restaurant four days a week for nearly three years (except for the occasional sick day and holiday, during which I pine for my daily chicken salad fix). I honestly think they get a little worried when I miss a day.
The plates are so generous--not to mention scrumptious--that you could very easily take home leftovers for dinner.
I can't live without the chicken salad (#1 on the menu and their specialty). The chicken is marinated in some special sauce that owner/chef Anil keeps secret (but promises is very healthy) and grilled on a sort of upright broiler which browns the chicken to a light crisp. I love watching them thinly slice the chicken off the spit. It's an art. Add the veggies--romaine lettuce, red onions, bell peppers--and a bit of feta cheese and homemade Italian-like dressing and you've got yourself a little bit of Heaven.
But my actual favorite (can't have it now because I'm supposed to be gluten free) is the chicken sandwich, which is the same delicious chicken and veggies on a warm, homemade pita topped with the absolute most divine tzatziki sauce (they never laugh at me when I mispronounce it). It's a sour cream base rather than yogurt. Wonderfully fresh tasting!
I also love the hummus and the yummy baklava. My husband prefers the lamb dishes. The menu is quite extensive and offers vegetarian dishes as well.
Layout is perfect for the busy lunch crowd, with a buffet-type line led by the most efficient and speedy staff (See, I've gotten to know everyone). Then for dinner it turns into a beautifully appointed, white-tablecloth restaurant with a full bar and a great wine list.
I promise you will be a repeat customer if you just try it once...
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