The Greek Bar - Review - South Austin - Austin - The Infatuation
"The Greek Bar looks like a taverna that鈥檚 been airdropped in from somewhere along the Mediterranean Sea, with a small, soothing dining room and an outdoor patio that鈥檚 ripe for leisurely hangouts. What the restaurant lacks in waterfront scenery鈥攊t鈥檚 located on a residential stretch of East Oltorf鈥攊t makes up for in delicious ouzo- and yogurt-fueled cocktails and impossibly tender lamb chops, which are reason enough to beeline your way here. The chops are coated in lemon oregano vinaigrette, and they make us want to live on a farm in Crete. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pause Unmute The interior is a pleasant blend of rustic and elegant, but the patio tends to be more fun. Wherever you sit, split a handful of plates, starting with a medley of usual-suspect spreads like spicy whipped feta and skordalia. In general, portions here can run small, which we treat as an excuse to try more dishes. The Greek Bar is a come-as-you-are kind of place suited for a casual weeknight dinner, but sundresses and chinos will complement the sunny backdrop if that鈥檚 the kind of mood you鈥檙e in. Food Rundown Greek God Bless You The cocktail menu isn鈥檛 long, but this is the drink to get鈥攁 blend of greek yogurt, piney liqueur, thyme, and lemon that鈥檚 smoother than Ryan Gosling on a red carpet. Or if you鈥檙e big on ouzo, the Evia Fizz mixes it with pear liqeur and sparkling wine. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pikilia Why settle for one spread when this platter lets you choose three? Make sure your order includes the tirokafteri, a spicy whipped feta with roasted peppers. There鈥檚 a good chance you鈥檒l keep lapping up the dips despite insisting you鈥檙e saving room for the entr茅es. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Keftedes Skip the skimpy spanakopita in favor of these zucchini fritters that manage to be both crispy and creamy. Each arrives with a fresh pickle on top and a little pool of mint yogurt underneath, creating a burst of flavors. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Paidakia The tender lamb is easily the menu鈥檚 MVP. Reserve a few dollops of the lemon oregano vinaigrette dripping off the chops for the potatoes. The only disappointment is that the serving isn鈥檛 larger, partly because it鈥檚 not cheap ($45) and partly because you鈥檙e going to want more. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Big Fat Greek Fried Chicken On our most recent visit, we were initially inclined to bypass the fried chicken. Too American for a Greek place. But the server recommended it as a surprise standout, and for that we are grateful. The feta-brined, cabbage-topped cutlet turns slightly sweet from the honey that coats the plate. photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL" - Matthew Jacobs
