Avli Taverna
Dr. Gabriel J Martinez-Diaz, MD · 222 Google reviewsAvli Taverna — reliable mediterranean in Lincoln Park. If you drink, start at the bar. The team can walk you through the menu. Louis Azevedo: "The lamb gyro is excellent, one of the best in Chicago" [$$, patio]
What 668 diners keep saying
What 668 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I stopped in here based on someone's recommendation. That person was right, I loved what I ate, loved the atmosphere. I was looking for a place where I know I can order a great Greek Salad. Avli, did not disappoint. Salad vegetables were well seasoned, not bland, and they added a generous slice of Fetta Cheese. It was lovely. I also had a coconut flavored drink. There was no alcohol but it was delicious. Great place to meet your friends, coworkers and have a tasty meal in style.”
“The Greek Salad and Chicken Souvlaki were incredible! We can’t stop thinking about the feta used on the salad, it was amazing. Nice quiet outdoor patio too.”
“We had a reservation on a Friday night at 5:15. We had two of our grandkids with us (3yo and 1 month). The seating on the patio was very accommodating for the highchair and the stroller. It must be known for being kid friendly because we noticed other families with small children. The atmosphere reminded of some of the places we've been to in Greece. We started with the trio of spreads and drinks. Both were delicious. I had the Smoky Trellis and highly recommend it. Our main meals were very good (pork souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, gyros). Potions were also generous. Even though we were full we ordered dessert. We had the Rolled Baklava and the Bougatsa. Service was excellent. They kept the table clear of our dirty dishes which I always appreciate. We will definitely be back.”
“If you’re looking for a patio scene that makes you feel like you’ve actually successfully escaped your neighborhood for once, Avli Taverna is a legitimate win. Don’t let the polished online presence fool you into thinking this is some hushed, adults-only sanctuary; it is aggressively child-friendly. Seriously, almost every table on the patio had a kid in tow, making it the perfect spot if you’re dining with a mini-human or just enjoy the ambient noise of suburban domesticity. The service is impressively sharp, and the kitchen operates with a level of speed that suggests they know exactly how long a toddler's patience lasts. We started with the Greek salad, which was fresh, well-balanced, and seasoned exactly the way a salad should be. But let’s be honest: the zucchini chips are the only reason we’re all here. They are sliced so thin and fried so perfectly that they should probably be classified as a controlled substance. They are a mandatory, non-negotiable order. For the main event, the Chicken Souvlaki is a total crowd-pleaser—tender, well-seasoned, and universally liked by every age group at the table. The only real speed bump was the A-GOURI cocktail. It’s a bit of a sugar bomb, which is a shame because it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to settle in and enjoy the weather, but the sweetness level makes ordering a second one feel like a dare. Stick to something a bit drier so you can actually justify staying for another round of those chips.”
“Great authentic food. Amazing drinks too. Came back for a second visit and it was just as good if not better.”
“Avli Taverna brings a bright, Mediterranean energy to Lincoln Park that immediately stands out. The space feels like a modern Greek island taverna—clean, airy, and full of natural light, with white and blue accents that make it feel transportive without being overdone. It has a lively but polished atmosphere that works well for both date nights and group dinners. From a vegetarian perspective, there are solid options, especially across appetizers and spreads. The mezze-style plates are where Avli really shines—dishes that are easy to share and layered with flavor. Items like melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), grilled vegetables, salads, and traditional Greek sides feel thoughtfully prepared rather than like afterthoughts. The portions are generous, and the food leans toward clean, fresh Mediterranean flavors—olive oil, herbs, citrus, and balanced seasoning. While not every dish is groundbreaking, the overall execution is consistent and satisfying. Service during our visit was attentive and efficient, even with a fairly full dining room. The restaurant has a celebratory feel to it—great for birthdays, brunches, or group gatherings where you want energy without chaos. Overall, Avli Taverna is a strong choice in Lincoln Park for approachable Greek cuisine in a beautiful setting. It’s especially enjoyable if you’re dining with a group and want to share multiple plates in a lively, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere.”
“Enthusiastically endorsed by my Greek girlfriend, Avli had a reputation to live up to. Hungry for happy hour, we found ourselves at the chic Mediterranean bar enjoying the friendly staff, seasonal drink menu, and neighborhood-famous appetizers. The star of the show - soutzoukakia - a hand shaped riff on the merely mediocre Italian meatball we’ve all grown used to. Surprisingly spiced and severely under portioned, the beef soutzoukakia held its own, thanks in part to the bold pepper sauce and generous topping of graviera cheese. To wash it down we went for the “teach me to dance”. This citrusy vodka cocktail was infused with Greek mountain tea and garnished with thyme. It tasted like Squirt soda in the best way possible. But a trip to Avli wouldn’t be complete without the Pita trio featuring hummus, tzatziki, and my new obsession - tirokafteri. This feta-meets-chili dip is worth doubling up on, and had us ordering another batch of pita just to prolong the enjoyment. Arrive with an appetite and an uber home because happy hour at Avli can quickly turn into a full-blown feast that lingers well past sunset. Thanks to Davonte for the stellar service. @wilba on Beli”
“I had an exceptional dining experience tonight, and the true highlight was Nicole, hands down the best server at the bar. She was incredibly attentive, professional, and warm throughout the entire evening. Nicole anticipated everything I needed without ever being intrusive — a level of service that genuinely exceeded expectations. The food was delicious, the atmosphere inviting, and Nicole’s hospitality elevated the whole experience to a new level. Avli is lucky to have someone of her caliber on their team. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and asking for Nicole if you want flawless, thoughtful service. Will definitely return!”
“Really cool neighborhood vibes and great food and cocktails”
“Lovely outside patio!!! The solomos is a little dry but very well seasoned on a delicious celery puree… Hummus is nice, but it’s very hard to screw up.”
“A great place to have a drink, good food and excellent service. If you end up there, I hope you’re being attended by Jesus. Best server !!”
“Vibes are immaculate- especially on the patio. The food is 🤌🏽🤌🏽 I highly recommend going for the lunch special or for happy hour! The house wine is delicious (all three but white and rose have to be my favs) and it’s at a great price during happy hour for half carafes! The servers are awesome and I always have a good time!”
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