Avli River North

“Cheat code for a Chicago happy hour.”

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.

Lauren H

Jan 2026

“I will be first person to admit that I’m the type of guy who needs to escape into a mid-week happy...”

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

George Clydesdale

Jan 2026

“Excellent food and service.”

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.

Antonia Rapatas

Nov 2025

“We have been walking past here for more than a year and noticed crowds of people there so we decided to give it a shot.”

We have been walking past here for more than a year and noticed crowds of people there so we decided to give it a shot. We had an amazing meal, great service - we never had trouble getting assistance from any of the staff, and the sunny patio made the experience even better! Go, enjoy, and do not let any neg reviews stop you. Truly a winner in River North.

Christina F

Nov 2025

“I’m keeping it at five stars because of the delicious food and terrific service, but the acoustics...”

I’m keeping it at five stars because of the delicious food and terrific service, but the acoustics in the upstairs dining room were the pits. When the room is filled with people, the sound bounces so hard around the room that it’s painful. After two hours I was exhausted from the discomfort. Ceilings baffles could change the experience up there completely! Otherwise great

Heather French

Jul 2025

“Enjoyed the trio appetizer for happy hour (3-6pm).”

Enjoyed the trio appetizer for happy hour (3-6pm). The tzatziki and tirokafteri were my favorites choices. Nice place in a great location. Has outdoor seating. While I didn’t have dinner, the menu looks great so I plan to visit again.

Lily A

Jun 2025

“Another local friend recommendation when visiting for the weekend.”

Another local friend recommendation when visiting for the weekend. Great experience - very authentic vibe - kind server who was from Greece. Patio (was fully enclosed on my visit - it was 35 degrees outside 😅) is bright and comfortable. Split the tzatziki, kale & sweet potato salad, octupodi and moussaka. The pita with the tzatziki dip was fresh, warm and soft. Would try the Greek salad and another seafood entree next time! Delicious espresso martinis. A must go while in Chicago!

Kristina I

May 2025

“Avli was a wonderful experience for our wedding reception.”

Avli was a wonderful experience for our wedding reception. The administrative staff were punctual and professional, helping us to navigate the booking process with kindness and decisiveness. The day-of-staff were accommodating and respectful and provided the utmost level of service on our big day. Alvaro, Nikko, Bobby and Eric were exceptionally helpful in ensuring the day went perfectly. The food and drinks were exquisite and their service made everyone feel welcome. Every single one of my guests loved the experience.

Taylor Mason

Mar 2025

“One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago.”

One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! My wife and I went for Valentine’s Day, and had a fantastic time. We got most of the hot mezze and the dips. We wanted a retsina to go with the meal, and they were able to get us a 500 ml bottle instead of a full sized bottle, which was perfect. We will be back!

Jordan Griffith

Feb 2025

“We recently visited Avli, and it was an amazing experience.”

We recently visited Avli, and it was an amazing experience! The service was top-notch; the staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting.

Tatyana Nyrova

Jul 2024

“Hello everyone! Thank you for reading my reviews! I love this place! I often go to this Greek...”

Hello everyone! Thank you for reading my reviews! I love this place! I often go to this Greek restaurant! Everything is real here: food, wine and staff)) The staff works great. I like to drink a glass of wine and eat Greek salad and fish. It's a pleasure! I bring friends here! Thank you, owner, for organizing your business properly!

Roman Sher

Jun 2024

“Just recently I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful place on a rainy day in Chicago.”

Just recently I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful place on a rainy day in Chicago. After I went there, it was as if I was in an establishment not far from the Mediterranean Sea in Greece, and even in the summer. The atmosphere transports you to those lands and your soul immediately becomes warmer. The design of the establishment gives a pleasant impression of lightness and summer, something that we have been missing lately. Smiling and pleasant staff can talk to you about anything. I was lucky enough to meet a pleasant waiter Niko, who knows his job 10/10. Pleasant memories, delicious food, delicious wine! I liked literally everything! I recommend!

Damir Talantbekov

Apr 2024