Souvlaki GR
Greek restaurant · Lower East Side
116 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002
Highlights
Authentic Greek island ambiance with delicious dips, souvlaki & skewers.
Authentic Greek island ambiance with delicious dips, souvlaki & skewers.
"It’s obvious you’re about to have a fun time at Souvlaki GR on the Lower East Side before you even step foot inside. A blue-and-white facade that looks like a set from the latest Mamma Mia! sequel greets you, and on weekend nights, the roar of groups catching up over dips and $40 bottles of wine often spills out to the street. The tiny tables are packed so close together, you’re liable to knock elbows with your neighbors, but that’s just the charm of this Greek spot. Despite its small dining room, it’s always easy to get a reservation here, and walk-ins are seated fast. Everything on their menu is consistently good and comes in massive portions, but your best bet is to order one of their pitas that’s stuffed with grilled meat, vegetables, and fries. Food Rundown photo credit: Ciera Velarde Mezedes You could come to Souvlaki GR just eat their dips and spreads and leave 100% satisfied. And we actively encourage that. The best way to sample as many as possible is their $24 dip trio. Pick three out of the seven dips—make sure the chunky, slightly spicy tyrokafteri is part of that selection. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Kolokithokeftedes These zucchini croquettes are a solid appetizer, but we just wish they were a little more crispy. You only get five, and they’re pretty small, so prioritize the dips over this, especially if you’re dining with a big group. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Souvlaki Pita Tylikto Our favorite main course option. You choose your grilled protein (or just vegetables) and whether you want tzatziki or spicy feta slathered inside. It’s filling, affordable at just around $10, and the meat is always perfectly charred. photo credit: Ciera Velarde Handcut Greek Fries You could get these without the feta and oregano sprinkled on top, but that’s the wrong choice. Always order a platter to share, and feel free to dig in with a fork. It’s the best way to ensure a perfect fry-to-cheese ratio in every bite." - Ciera Velarde
"Work ran late because your boss insisted that everyone present their Myers-Briggs personalities to the team at 6:05pm and you have 20 minutes before Julia Louis Dreyfus’ son goes on at the Mercury Lounge. Souvlaki GR is your move here. It’s quick, close to the venue, and has solid and inexpensive Greek food. Plus, they’re open late if you’d rather eat after the show." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren
"Souvlaki GR feels like the kind of casual spot you might stumble into after a run along the coast in Greece, and the white-walled space with hanging lights and flowers is a nice place to eat salads, dips, and various types of skewers after a run. In fact, when you dip a bifteki skewer or pita with Greek sausage in tzatziki here, you might mistake the rumbling J train for a herd of sheep on the Greek countryside. Well, no it won’t, but you get the idea." - matt tervooren
"The taramasalata at Souvlaki GR should come with two little yellow strips of mouth caution tape for after you eat it (it’s intensely fishy, amazing, and we think about it all the time). Aside from the fish dip, we rely on the Greek wraps and other mezzes at this place for a quick and inexpensive meal that’s consistently good." - hannah albertine
"The taramosalata at Souvlaki GR should come with two little yellow strips of mouth caution tape for after you eat it (it’s intensely fishy, amazing, and we think about it all the time). Aside from the fish dip, we rely on the Greek wraps and other mezzes at this place for a quick and inexpensive meal that’s consistently good." - Hannah Albertine, Bryan Kim, Neha Talreja, Carina Finn Koeppicus
