Avli River North

Greek restaurant · River North

16

@eater

"After finding success last year with his first city restaurant, restaurateur Louie Alexakis is preparing to unleash his second Chicago restaurant in River North. Avli River North, the follow up to Avli Taverna in Lincoln Park and Avli Estiatorio in suburban Winnetka, is finally slated to open sometime in September in the former Sumi Robata Bar space at 702 N. Wells Street in River North, a news release announces. The new restaurant continues Alexakis’ mission to expand Chicago diners’ Greek palettes beyond the Greek-American specialities in Greektown to more modern and creative flavors that exist in other markets, which he uses the term “inspired Greek” to describe. And while Avli Taverna is a neighborhood restaurant with a prominent bar program, burgers, and gyros, Avli River North will be more formal. It will serve some dishes that are available in Lincoln Park — such as saganaki with honey and figs and prawns wrapped in filo dough — but it will also have some dishes including stuffed mini eggplants, tomato fritters, and Greek egg noodles with braised short ribs, manouri cheese purée, candied pine nuts, burnt currant dressing and fried mint leaves. A seven-course tasting menu dubbed “the Greek feast” will also be available for just $45, with an option to add wine pairings for $25 more. Avli River North will also have a bar focus, with a selection of Greek wines living on the wine list and acclaimed barman Peter Vestinos designing a cocktail list that includes twists on classics using Greek liquors. The Sumi Robata Bar space held three floors — including a basement cocktail lounge and a picturesque patio — and Avli River North will make use of most of them. The first floor will hold the bar and a dining space, the main dining room as well as private dining will live on the second floor, and the patio will hold 56 seats. The design is inspired by summers in Greece — think lots of whites, wood, stucco and brick — the release trumpets. Sumi Robata Bar closed in August 2017 and Alexakis announced five months later that he planned to open there in summer 2018. Now, a year after that, Avli is finally nearly ready to roll into River North. Stay tuned for more coverage." - Daniel Gerzina

Avli Greek Restaurant to Open in River North in September - Eater Chicago

702 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 Get directions

avli.us
@avli

16 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Open Books

Book store · West Loop

Open Books is a cozy nonprofit bookstore in the West Loop, teeming with a vast and well-organized collection of used and new titles, where every purchase supports local literacy programs.

2 Postcards

George's Gyros

Gyro restaurant · Bridgeport

George's Gyros serves up a nostalgic mix of mouthwatering gyros, chili, and hot dogs at pocket-friendly prices, creating a beloved community hub since '75.

1 Postcard

Boeufhaus

Steak house · Humboldt Park

Boeufhaus is a cozy French-German brasserie where mastery meets casual dining, featuring stellar dry-aged steaks, cheeky short rib beignets, and a top-notch wine list.

15 Postcards

Flo & Santos

Restaurant · South Loop

Flo & Santos is a South Loop gem blending a lively pub atmosphere with Italian and Polish classics, serving up thin-crust tavern-style pizzas and delicious pierogi on a spacious patio perfect for summer hangs.

10 Postcards

Anor 1985 Restaurant

Eastern European restaurant · Sheffield Neighbors

Anor is a cozy spot in Lincoln Park serving up hearty Central Asian fare, where friendly service meets flavorful dishes and a warm atmosphere.

2 Postcards

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery

Bakery · East Pilsen

In the heart of Pilsen, Kristoffer's Bakery is your go-to for best-in-town tres leches cakes alongside cozy vibes, great coffee, and casual breakfast options.

8 Postcards

Vincent

American restaurant · Andersonville

Vincent is a charming Andersonville bistro where you can indulge in cozy American fare, especially their standout mussels, in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

7 Postcards

Fort Willow

Gastropub · Bucktown

Funky neighborhood lounge for cocktails, happy hour, lunch & dinner in an artist-designed venue.

4 Postcards

The Baton Show Lounge

Bar · Uptown

Iconic since '69, Baton Show Lounge is a drag haven where bachelorette parties thrive, featuring fabulous queens and a lively atmosphere in Uptown.

5 Postcards

Eden

American restaurant · Avondale

Eden serves up vibrant New American dishes with Mediterranean twists in a chic setting, complemented by craft cocktails and an inviting greenhouse vibe.

17 Postcards