The Greek Bar - Review - South Austin - Austin - The Infatuation

"The Greek Bar looks like a taverna that’s been airdropped in from somewhere along the Mediterranean Sea, with a small, soothing dining room and an outdoor patio that’s ripe for leisurely hangouts. What the restaurant lacks in waterfront scenery—it’s located on a residential stretch of East Oltorf—it 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’s the kind of mood you’re in. Food Rundown Greek God Bless You The cocktail menu isn’t long, but this is the drink to get—a blend of greek yogurt, piney liqueur, thyme, and lemon that’s smoother than Ryan Gosling on a red carpet. Or if you’re 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’s a good chance you’ll keep lapping up the dips despite insisting you’re saving room for the entrées. 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’s 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’t larger, partly because it’s not cheap ($45) and partly because you’re 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