Avli Taverna

"An airy downtown outpost of Chicago’s mini-empire of modern Greek restaurants with a breezy rooftop space and stunning views of the city and Navy Pier." - Naomi Waxman

"The Lincoln Park hub of this fast-growing modern Greek restaurant group promises a Mediterranean-influenced Thanksgiving for those who opt to choose from its holiday meal packages. Entree options include oven-roasted lamb shoulder, Greek-style half chicken, slow-cooked whole leg of lamb, and pastichio (a casserole of pasta, ground beef, and bechamel) by the tray. The lamb shoulder and chicken come with sides such as avgolemono soup, oven-baked Greek potatoes, and walnut cake. Place pre-orders via Tock for pickup Monday, November 20 through Wednesday, November 22." - Naomi Waxman, Samantha Nelson

"This Greek restaurant has a a few specials you should know about. The first is a to-go Valentine’s Day lobster pasta dinner for two. It includes a salad, Greek lobster pasta, chocolate mousse, and a bottle of Avli's red wine. The second is a $25 bottomless brunch all weekend long. Oh, and they're doing an outdoor movie showing of John Tucker Must Die on Sunday at 5:30 pm." - adrian kane

"Avli, a contemporary Greek mini-chain, will open its fifth location in Time Out Market's food hall. The menu will feature popular dishes like kataifi prawns, spinach pie, twisted chicken souvlaki, and pork gyros sandwich." - aimee.levitt

"Every neighborhood should be lucky to have a Greek bar with stellar food like Avli Taverna. Hidden on a tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, chef/co-owner Louie Alexakis challenges customers with plates like perfectly textured moussaka with roasted lamb and more. It’s a spin-off of his suburban Winnetka restaurant, and bartenders are happy to show patrons how to properly drink ouzo. Alexakis continues to expand his burgeoning restaurant empire into a new location in River North and has another opening slated for April in Lakeshore East." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam