The West Loop Big New Restaurant Power Rankings - Chicago - The Infatuation

"This Greek spot is a party restaurant, so if you’re here celebrating a 29th birthday on someone else's budget with a group of shout-talkers unbothered by expensive and average food, it’s fun. Lyra is loud, crowded, has a gigantic bar area, an even larger dining room, and hit-or-miss Greek food. There is a selection of spreads that are just fine, and an overly-acidic tuna tartare that’s wet like a ceviche. But there is also flaky spanakopita and gyros (“carved tableside”) that are tasty enough that you forgive it for being a plate of lamb shoulder that’s half-heartedly shredded with a fork by a server who’s in a rush to get away from your table. It’s all pretty expensive though, so you should only come here if you’re in the mood to be somewhere buzzy while surrounded by an absurd amount of wicker lampshades." - adrian kane