Avli Taverna

“Enthusiastically endorsed by my Greek girlfriend, Avli had a reputation to live up to.”

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

Will Robson

Dec 2025

“I had an exceptional dining experience tonight, and the true highlight was Nicole, hands down the...”

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!

Dr. Gabriel J Martinez-Diaz, MD

Dec 2025

“Really cool neighborhood vibes and great food and cocktails.”

Jessica Schwartzman

Aug 2025

“I would give Avli 6 stars.”

I would give Avli 6 stars! We stopped for lunch on a very rainy Tuesday and instantly felt we made the right choice. Order the lunch special! Three magnificent courses that easily shared by two. The pita bread and hummus were magic. The salad second course we crisp and tasty. The chicken on a skewer and Greek fries were perfect. Their olive oil is very special. I bought a bottle to test at home! Wow! We will be back for sure! We even got a gyro to go for the dinner at MDW!!!

Phil Pasteris

Oct 2024

“The food is delicious, however I think the thing that sets this place apart from others is the service.”

The food is delicious, however I think the thing that sets this place apart from others is the service. Our sever, Rene was exceptional. He was kind and explained the menu to us and made recommendations. He checked in frequently and never forgot anything. I was so impressed!!!

Taja Thompson

Sep 2024

“The outside area is awesome, our server was just great, and our food came out so FAST, my husband...”

The outside area is awesome, our server was just great, and our food came out so FAST, my husband and I had a great time! The food was delicious, definitely coming back again

Samantha Rusnak

Jul 2024

“This is an amazingly fire Greek spot that’s tucked into a quiet Lincoln park location.”

This is an amazingly fire Greek spot that’s tucked into a quiet Lincoln park location. The service and vibes were professional but still relaxed and not uptight. All the dishes we had were excellent and every dish I saw people around me ordering looked amazing. Definitely check this spot out.

Jason Powell

Jun 2024

“Avli is a cute Greek restaurant in Lincoln Park.”

Avli is a cute Greek restaurant in Lincoln Park. My girlfriend loves Greek food so she has been wanting to try it. It was definitely worth stopping by. The saganaki is always a good option to start. Then, I grabbed some chicken souvlaki for the main course. Everything was delicious and hopefully I will be back again some time soon.

Clay Goldman

Jun 2024

“The food was very good and large portions.”

The food was very good and large portions. Staff was very nice and helpful. The Baklava is two very large pieces and so good ! Reasonably priced. Definitely will go back.

Lisa

Mar 2024

“My favorite Greek spot in Chicago.”

My favorite Greek spot in Chicago. I love the fresh ingredients, preparation of dishes and presentation. This is a great location on a quiet street in Lincoln park and has a lovely outside seating area as well as inside. There are heaters too for chilly nights. This place is very accommodating to families and has great customer service from the hostess to the wait staff. Everything feels clean and of good quality. The portions are perfect - not too big or too small. Both the melitzanosalata & moussaka are light and filling at the same time. Dessert is awesome. I love every dish here.

alyson marie

Feb 2024

“Made a last second reservation on a Saturday night during the holidays and three of us were sat right away.”

Made a last second reservation on a Saturday night during the holidays and three of us were sat right away. Service was great and we got our drinks and food SO quickly. Great atmosphere - darker lighting, cool bar and the outdoor area has intrigued me since I first saw it in the summer! The beef and chicken souvlaki were delicious.

Elizabeth

Dec 2023

“This place has the ultimate comfort Greek food.”

This place has the ultimate comfort Greek food. The restaurant is beautiful inside, they have a nice lunch menu and swift service. I stuck with more traditional fare when I ordered, for starters I got the hummus plate which was fresh, delicious, and had a kick of spice. I also ordered the lamb gyros which tasted really fresh and you could tell they pickle their onions in house- yum! I had a good experience here, please try it if you can!

kiki9chan

Nov 2023