Avli River North
R Javier · 121 Google reviewsAvli River North — dependable mediterranean in River North. Good energy here, especially on weekends. Strong bar program alongside the food. "The establishment looks incredible, especially for what a deal their happy hour is" — George Clydesdale [$$, patio]
What 965 diners keep saying
What 965 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Avli is a wonderful place for wonderful greek food and offers terrific outdoor seating. The happy hour before 6pm is good value, and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. We enjoy particularly the warm pita with spreads, the zuccini chips, and even the shrimp is just so artful and delicious.”
“If you’re looking for exceptional Greek cuisine in Chicago, Avli River North is always at the top of my list. Every visit is consistently outstanding. Their happy hour is a wonderful way to explore the menu, especially the incredible house spreads, the flavorful phyllo-wrapped shrimp, and the Burrata Peach & Tomato Salad, which is simply unforgettable. The hospitality is just as memorable as the food. The team is genuinely warm, welcoming, and attentive, making you feel as though you’ve been transported to a charming corner of Greece. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, meeting friends, or simply craving an extraordinary meal, I recommend Avli River North without hesitation. It’s one of Chicago’s finest dining experiences.”
“The eggplant (Melitzanosalata) was a revelation! 🤩 I wasn’t expecting much - in general I find Greek restaurants a perpetual disappointment (there’s only so much one can spruce up a Greek salad & lamb chops) - but Avli’s food was really really excellent & perfectly executed. Flavours were exceptionally well balanced - delivering a great balance between authenticity (familiarity), curiosity (innovation) and craft (for such a big restaurant, the dishes didn’t have a production line feel to them). In the summer, grab a patio seat if you can. A really great, Greek-nouveau if you will dining experience and I will definitely be back.”
“Walked in without a reservation and was able to be seated at the bar right away. I have celiac and they were more than accommodating and knowledgeable about cross contamination and what I could order! Highly recommend, the food, people, atmosphere was fantastic!”
“Graduation celebration for daughter. Food and drinks were very good. Waitress was attentive and checked on us periodically. Didnt feel rushed to leave once we finished eating. I recommend this place.”
“Fantastic service, super friendly, explained everything, and phenomenal portion sizes. The food tasted great. Highly recommend the roasted cauliflower. I ordered the pork gyros with fries.”
“Loved it here, food was amazing, service and atmosphere all were A1”
“Came here for lunch on our second to last day of restaurant week. So glad we did, good Greek where we live is hard to come by but we both love it so much. This place does amazing. My wife is pregant so we both got the eslyian rose mocktails and they were SO good and looked so appealing. With a starter of saganaki which was I incredible with the bread they brought out as well. My wife got the chicken souvlaki and I got the monastiraki gyros with chicken. Both were so flavorful and absolutely the epitome of excellent Greek food! Couldn’t have been happier with how good the food was and the service was so friendly and nice. Awesome little place would absolutely come back!”
“Cheat code for a Chicago happy hour! Great deal and great food! Had the Trio Spreads: Tzatziki, Tirokafteri, & Melitzanosalata & Greek Graviera Fries. I'm obsessed with the fries! Agouri & Teach Me to Dance were unique and delicious drinks. Angie was a FABULOUS server! Would highly recommend.”
“I will be first person to admit that I’m the type of guy who needs to escape into a mid-week happy hour when work gets stressful. Not only is Avli my favorite neighborhood happy hour spot, but also a traditional Greek establishment that feels like home to me. Personally, I have only come in for the happy hour specials, but the experience does not disappoint and has kept me coming back. As an Eastern European food connoisseur new to the Chicago area, I have carefully constructed a rating system that reflects my personal thoughts, feelings, and experience. Food 9/10: The regular menu has many offering that look incredible, but I typically just order from their happy hour menu, which offers amazing, small dishes for a great price. Below is a typical experience: Spreads (Trio: Hummus, Tzatziki, Tirokafteri): The spread come with seemingly unlimited pita triangles which are soft and perfect for dipping. If you get the trio, they let you enjoy three out of their five spreads. Their hummus offers a rich and garlicky complex with sudden hints of citrus. I wouldn’t say this is a typical hummus…. It’s taken to a more professional level. Their tzatziki sauce is sharp, tangy, and refreshing with a prominent cucumber complex. Everything about the tzatziki sauce is phenomenal. The tirokafteri spread is the most unique to me. Its rich and sharp notes come together in harmony through the bell pepper and the feta cheese. Greek Graviera Fries: Some of the best things in life are thin, long, and crispy… including these fries. These fries have a shape and texture that I crave but are also taken to the next level with their Greek seasoning and creamy, mayo based dipping sauce. These are perfect to snack on. Kataifi Shrimp: If you are getting 4 of these, it is cheaper to order them from their main menu (professional tip offered by our wonderful waiter). Between my fiancé and I, this is our favorite thing on the menu. The shrimp is tender and cooked to perfection, but what really makes these little devils delicious is the shredded filo on top of each shrimp. Each bite is crunchy, yet tender. When paired with the spicy mayo dipping sauce, you might be ordering a second plate. Drinks 8/10 All the happy hour cocktails are delicious and refreshing. The cocktails all are Greek inspired and extremely good for the price. I am a beer drinker, and they only offer one lager on the happy hour menu (but hey its only 5 dollars). It would be nice to see them add one stronger beer on their happy hour menu, but for the price its really difficult to complain. Atmosphere 10/10: The restaurant has a white and vibrant theme that makes you feel like you are in Greece. When the weather allows for it, they have outdoor, sidewalk seating that always looks extremely full and vibrant. The establishment looks incredible, especially for what a deal their happy hour is. Likelihood of Return 10/10: For the price, this is the best value happy hour we have found in the area. The service is great and so are the food and drinks. We are so happy to have this spot in our neighborhood. Thank you all, George Clydesdale”
“Excellent food and service. The horta are a must, a great spin on a classic side dish. We had everything to share, and not a thing to complain about. The portions were perfect and love the innovation on the kataifi shrimp. The octopus was tender and super flavorful. Desserts were perfect portions and not overly sweet. Can't wait to go back and try the other dishes. As Greek, it was Greek done right.”
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