Cross-Rhodes Restaurant

“The food here is one of a kind.”

The food here is one of a kind. A true gem. We love the vegetarian salad with gyros meat and the veggie sandwich — a pita wrapped around generous portions of cucumber red onion and tomatoes on top of feta. Ive also had the half chicken. Lower stars for atmosphere only because the place is old (but clean) and the drinks in house are pricey and small $2.50 for 12 ounce can. Oh and be warned, cash only. But they do have an ATM in the atrium. Still this place is a must for the food. We no longer live in Evanston but when work takes me there I carryout. The salad traveled well with a bit of preparation and separation for reheating.

Arnold Grahl

Jul 2024

“A staple in the neighborhood!!”

A staple in the neighborhood!!! ALWAYS GOOD. It's possible Crossrhodes is the most consistent restaurant in America. great vibes, just the perfect diner ❤️

Christina Drill

Jul 2024

“I've been living in the neighborhood for 2 years and finally gave Cross Rhodes a try, please don't...”

I've been living in the neighborhood for 2 years and finally gave Cross Rhodes a try, please don't wait that long and try it ASAP! Loved the food so much that that I came back a second night in a row. Staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the space a wonderful reminder of Rhodes Greece. Trust that I'll be coming back more often than before.

Arnold Moctezuma

Dec 2023

“Was introduced to this place by the love of my life in college back in '97.”

Was introduced to this place by the love of my life in college back in '97. Always loved it, the staff, the owner and food. After more than a decade so glad it's still here, still great food and his daughter is carrying the torch. Best mom n pop resto in the north shore. Thank you for keeping it real! Will always come in when I'm near! Ps, yes I know it's a cardinal sin to put bbq on the gyro...but their bbq sauce is the bomb! And, the same it's always been 😇. AND REMEMBER CASH ONLY...only downside to me.

Judge Scot

Nov 2023

“An Evanston institution.”

An Evanston institution. The BEST gyros and Greek fries that I know of. Huge servings. The one thing to know is that Cross-Rhodes is CASH ONLY.

Matthew Parrilli

Aug 2023

“This is one of the best, no-nonsense mom-and-pop/family diners in town.”

This is one of the best, no-nonsense mom-and-pop/family diners in town. Cash only, which is important to know as well as kind of symbolic of the old-school mentality you'll run into here. It's my go-to for spanakopita, and we would live on the Maria fries if we could. Portions are substantial and prices are low. Service is brisk -- your order will usually be ready in less than ten minutes even at peak times. I haven't been to Greece but I've been to numerous other Greek restaurants in Chicago's Greektown and elsewhere. Cross-Rhodes may not be as fancy as some of those Greektown establishments, but they still offer a great meal at a great price.

Jon Shay

Aug 2021

“Phenomenal as usual.”

Phenomenal as usual. King size gyro and Greek fries never disappoints.

Brad Newell

Jun 2018

“Good place to go, variety of greek dishes and good service.”

Astghik Mkhitaryan

Feb 2023

“The souvlaki meat (both pork and chicken) were very flavorful and juicy.”

The souvlaki meat (both pork and chicken) were very flavorful and juicy. The Maria fries had lemon sauce and were covered with crumbled feta. Service was quick and efficient. Parking is metered on the street outside. Cash only. There's an ATM next door.

TKO

Mar 2019

“We used to eat here in 2005 when we lived on Lee Street and returned today for lunch.”

We used to eat here in 2005 when we lived on Lee Street and returned today for lunch. The Greek Fries are legend and as good as we remembered. He had the gyro and she had the veggie sandwich. Satisfying drive back to Michigan.

Rob Franzo

Apr 2018

“Got the Charburger based on a recommendation from a friend.”

Got the Charburger based on a recommendation from a friend. The feta was good but otherwise it seemed like a pretty standard pub burger. The Rhodes burger looked MASSIVE but I wasn’t ready to commit to that!!

Joe Cunningham

Jan 2018

“My wife wanted some vegetarian mousaka for mothers day so I called in and placed a pick up order.”

My wife wanted some vegetarian mousaka for mothers day so I called in and placed a pick up order. I was told 15-20 minutes for the food to be ready, and it took me over 25 minutes to get there. Upon arriving I was told my order wasnt ready, and one of the guys at the counter was bothering me trying to get me to buy one of their over priced $6 macro brews while I waited. I paid for my order and waited at the counter. Ultimately my order wouldn't be ready until 45 minutes after I placed it. While standing at the counter I had the displeasure to watch my wife's mousaka be prepared. It was from a frozen tray of food not even prepared there, but rather at Athenian Foods in Melrose Park. And it was re-heated on the same grill they were using to cook burgers, meaning this previously vegetarian dish was no longer vegetarian. I think it is safe to assume any even minorly complex dish which is more involved than heating something on a griddle, is purchased from a food service company like Sysco and is just re-heated to order. When I got home I began unpack the char-burger I ordered. Neither the burger nor bun was charred, nor do I think they have an actual grill to do so. And it was the saddest burger i've ever seen, worse than even McDonalds fare, just a thin patty of beef in a crushed bun. The bottom bun was also sopping wet due to the white wine they coat their "greek" fries in. Most curious of all is that I was forced to pay $44 and some change for this Sysco-tier slop. I have no clue how they arrived at this total, as according to their menu prices the Mousaka was $15, the burger was $14, a half order of fries was $4.50 and the minestrone soup was $4, or $37.50 in total. With tax I should have only been charged $41.34 assuming 10.25% sales tax. This business is cash only, and I can only assume it is because they have been kicked off their payment processor due to excessive chargebacks for habitually over billing customers. So in summary if you want poorly re-heated frozen food or the saddest burgers imaginable, that take twice as long as quoted to be ready, from a restaurant who lies about whether or not dishes conform to your dietary restrictions, go to Cross-Rhodes, if not i'm sure Yelp can help you find a far better Greek diner that wont steal your money.

Matt Burnett

May 2024