Spectrum Bar & Grill

I had a fantastic experience at Spectrum today during the Taste of Greek Town. Despite the crowded scene, I found a spot at their outdoor seating area adjacent to the bustling restaurant. The food was an absolute delight, boasting incredible flavors and authentic Greek dishes that transported me straight to the Mediterranean. My gyro sandwich was huge and easily could have fed two people! What stood out even more than the food was the staff's exceptional friendliness – their warm hospitality truly added to the overall enjoyment of my meal. Although I couldn't secure a table inside, the outdoor seating and the culinary journey made it an unforgettable visit.

This place is awesome. Stopped in around 11pm on a Saturday night. Bonus the kitchen was open. We loved everything we ordered. Hummus, kebabs, salads, etc...Great blues band playing. And our server was spot on. Stays open to 4am.

The wings were amazing, and the ribeye steak was exceptional. I have the photos the prove it. The service was amazing, and they take care of their customers. Don’t sleep on the goat gyro plate either. I just finally had to get something different after 5 trips of the same order. Music is pretty sick too.

We were waited on by the owner and we truly amazing. We arrived earlier in the day so he didn’t have much staff there to help him… we noticed that everyone who came in was treated with a hello or even a handshake. As more staff members came in for their shift it showed that even the staff was happy to help and be working there. We will most definitely eat there again

The atmosphere and the people and waitress are awesome. I will keep going here, a spot to hang out with the ladies and guys. Food awesome

The sign of an excellent restaurant starts in one place.....the bathroom. Although small, every square inch of the bathrooms are clean enough to eat off. After eating the piles of food they serve at an excellent price, venture to the bathroom to leave a pile of your own! OPA!

I really enjoyed my evening at Spectrum the bartenders was awesome the food was excellent and the atmosphere was plush

We have paid $40 to get 2 raw meats. Horrible meat I have ever tried.. You can see the pic I took

Excellent food and service! Andy, the owner, is so gregarious and nice! Highly recommended

Very rude wouldn't let our group of 6 in because we were "too drunk" after one drink bar before.

Rude staff, no care for customers. Only want your money. Not worth your time. Visit another bar in the area.

The service was horrible. An older gentleman with glasses who was our waiter refused us service last night because we asked for water. He told us this isn't a water bar we serve drinks. Never spending money here ever!!!!!

We came to Spectrum for Greekfest. I ordered the chicken off the spit with salad and rice. The chicken was cooked really well in that it was still juicy when I got it. The salad and rice really complemented the chicken and the flavoring. As far as service goes, they were super busy, but they paid attention to detail and made sure i as a customer was satisfied. They asked me if I wanted the sauce on the side or on top, which I appreciated instead of just putting it straight on top like most places would do. Overall, very refreshing and savory!

i am sitting in this bar as i write this review, and i have never felt so compelled to write a review so fast until now. this is literally probably the worst bar ive ever been to in my life and ive probably been here for about a total of 10-20 minutes. upon sitting down at a table, an older guy came up to us and rudely said, "you order from bar, you do not sit at table." .....ok.....so this made me not want to sit at his table and give him any sort of tip so we moved to the bar and as we were placing our order at the bar, the bouncer starts flashing his flashlight in our faces and tells us we need to clear the aisle????? it was literally the most aggresive and rude service i've ever received in my life. i absolutely loveeeeee to drink and spend my money at bars but this one didn't even get a dime out of me because what the literal fuck is going on in here? my first time here and 10 minutes is enough to make me never want to return. as a bar tender and server myself, this is literally embarrassing and despicable service. do better.

The door guy refused to let in one of the people in our group because he was wearing sandals. When I asked him if it was a policy, the door man restates that my buddy wasn't getting in. I commented that I didn't see any policy signage displayed on the window, and then he refused to let me in as well because I was "trouble." After 10 years of working in hospitality I know how to handle myself in a respectful manner and have never been denied entry to any establishment. The doorman then just let 3 people in blindly without checking their IDs. This is not standard protocol by any legal measurement. When I asked what the doorman's name was, he responded with "for what?" I asked him several more times and he would not oblige. One person in my party spoke to him and found out his name is Jorge. After Jorge's lack of tact, we gathered the remaining members of our group (including the people already inside) and left. 10 people who are all in the hospitality industry walked away being given poor service from the get-go. Not only would I not recommend going here, but I would strongly discourage any industry savvy person from going to this toxic place and suggest avoiding it like the plague. I will make sure that my fellow hospitality friends and family know not to go here.

This is my go-to spot for Greek food in Chicago. I've been coming for literally decades now and I'm never disappointed with the high quality food and service. Management couldn't be more hospitable and they make it such a fun environment. And now they have these amazing new halloumi cheese rolls! Can't wait to be back soon!

I went here during Greek Town Fest. Great food and service as always. Do not pass on the lamb chops and chicken! I need to come back here when there isn't a fest.

The service!!!! The service is terrible I visited this place and the bartender not friendly at all The waiter rude and not friendly Food was ok except for the frozen wings Drinks ok The moment I started to control the juke box the volume was turned down twice They really need to recruit customer friendly upbeat staff it's borderline discriminatory at times

By far the best Greek food in Greek town. And although their menu is limited and they have the appearance of a bar, you will not have better Greek souvlaki on a stick or Cypriot food items anywhere else in the city. This place is a sleeper for sure.

I tried to place on order over the phone and offered to prepay for the order they refused Not great customer service

We stopped here for some live music, a few drinks and apps. Upon sitting down the waitress Lana told us that we had to start a tab and she needed a credit card and ID. I then asked what if we don't want to start a tab. She responded by saying that she still had to hold a credit card as safety that we won't walk out. I have NEVER been in an establishment where you had to show payment before services rendered. I feel like we were being racially profiled because we are Black, and she was extremely rude cutting me off mid sentence. We chose to not to patronize this business. We paid for the Pepsi and beer and left. The band was great, but the waitresses there have horrible customer service. We won't be back!!

How specialties are amazing, it is a great little spot that has been around for 35 years, they must've done something right. One of my favorite spots in Chicago

I was really surprised at the quality of the food here. I was expecting it to be mediocre bar food but it was delicious! Our server was also super nice!

Service not great. We were the only ones in there and still took a long time to get food. Overpriced to boot. Wouldn't bus the table during meal and ignored me when I asked. I could forgive this if food were good. Gyros meat was dry, pita was hard. Daughter said lamb chops, Greek fries and chicken were tasty though so only reason is not 2 stars

Ah yes. This is the walk of shame. You know, the one you say you'll never do again. Yet here we are, makeup is a mess, you are disheveled, your heel is probably broken, or your slacks have a hole from doing somethingstupid throughout the night. Not that any of us have ever done that... well, good ole Spectrum is the drinking equivalent to being a hot mess in the morning. This is somewhere you promise yourself you'll never end up again. Then you realize that they are a 4am bar, and you need "just 1 More." The drinks are stiff, the bartenders are fast, and prices are reasonable. Why wouldn't you visit? So, if you need 1 more at a reasonable price, and are in the area, pop in here. If you wanna keep your date from looking at you with judgemental eyes, go somewhere else. Whatever you do, don't go during daylight hours.

Decent enough spot to grab a couple drinks, but may want to skip out on the food. We were the only ones in the place, but service was still slow. We ordered the quesadilla appetizer, which was just melted cheese folded over in a corn tortilla. Can't complain too much because prices are reasonable, but there are plenty of nicer places in the area if you're willing to spend a bit more!

I came here once with my classmates when I first come to Chicago. The lamb is very yummy!that's what I remember! This is the second time I come here! Today is Greek festival. My friends ordered the lamb and we ate it outside! Very interesting!

Anyone that gave less than 3 stars is looking for a 5 star downtown restaurant. This is a local bar with good food. Everyone is kind, drinks are tasty and the food hit the spot! Can't wait to go back!!

Horrible service, the food was disgusting. The place is a waste of time and space. Do yourself a favorite and satisfy your midnight hungry with something better. No favor

Spectrum has been a spot that I've gone to for years for reasonably priced drinks and average food. Flaming saganaki here has always been cool. However on this particular night, I stopped in with some friends to grab a quick bite to eat before we all went our ways. I wasn't super hungry so I opted to get the spinach artichoke dip. It was repulsive. It's BLATANTLY a obvious that the spinach dip was the Tostinos chip dip from the jar and all they did was heat it up. The chips came directly out of a bag too. Super salty and some stale. Probably Tostinos chips as well. What really pisses me off is that they have the nerve to charge 10 bucks for it. Smh Highly disappointing

An absolutely great neighborhood place! Lavros is the best and takes care of all his guests everytime. This is definitely a wonderful place for neighbors and industry alike! The service is always above and beyond and the care for the locals is unmatched! Hope that this local gem thrives!!!

Omg the food here is absolutely disgusting. I ordered the combo sampler and buffalo wings. The zucchini didn't taste like anything and was soaking inside with grease. I'm not sure the onion rings were even onions...they were like solid inside.... the fried mushrooms were repulsive. The Wong's were just okay, but the buffalo sauce tasted different than any other I've ever had, not in a good way. The atmosphere was kinda cool, may stop back in for a drink, but I would pass on the food...

Food was excellent! Calamari outstanding! Later, they had entertainment that was fantastic. Recommend for a fun night out.

Came here for the Greek town fest and this place was amazing. Chicken fell off the bone and the lamb was outstanding. Highly recommended

This place is amazing. The owner is absolutely incredible and wants everyone to enjoy the food they serve. We went during taste of greek town and he was so nice and the food was amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough.

they don't let people eat there under 21. you must be 21 years old to eat here? ridiculous and rude staff

Food is decent . Service is even better. Music is amazing - I mean it takes you back in time. The oldies are the best!

Great bartenders and great food . This bar is in the middle of greektown . Offering wonderful grill food and a friendly atmosphere until 4 am everyday . I went on Thursday and I got chicken souvlaki for 2 $ each and one of the best mojitos in my life !

Didn't want to serve me, because I didn't had valid I'd, although I did! Had no plan to order alcoholic drinks, just food, but they asked me for my I'd, I showed them my valid SC driving listens, and they said that they won't accept it, because it was a little piled on the side. Terrible place, won't suggest to anyone. Total disrespect

The food was slightly above average and the service was not good at all. We were in on Friday night and it was pretty quiet but still the work staff seemed overwhelmed with how hectic it wasn't. I love dive bars and this one needs some help with their service.

What I thought could have been a cool spot due to the live band turned out to have a server named Jimmy who is just terrible. I'm not sure why he has chosen serving people as a occupation, but he should give it up. He is extremely rude and wants to rush you to place an order. Instead of maybe going to get us water he proceeded to stand over the table and wait. I literally had to tell him to give me a minute. After I ask him to come back he then told me in the rudest way "you need to order something there is a minimum we have a live band". Me and friend decided this is clearly not the place for us. After walking out I spoke with the bouncer and he let me know that this guy always has a bad attitude. Well that doesn't make me want to come back. If yelp would allow me to post with no stars that what they would get.

Good place to finish an evening with a tasty gyros meal after 3 AM. Surprisingly, the gyros has a generous serving with plenty of fries. A live blues band may be present on a Saturday night into the early morning hours. Located in Greek town, this establishment is reliable for good food and good entertainment for your final stop prior to tapping out for the night.

When every bar is closed and you don't want to go home, Go to Spectrum. Its a chill spot, bar food and the drinks are ok. They play music and even had a juke box. Its a diverse crowd of people.

If you are looking for a place to see and be seen- this is not it. What Spectrum is, however, is sort of an 80's style bar located smack in the middle of Greektown. They pour a good, cheap drink and the cast of characters alone in this place is worth stopping in for. Was here on a Tuesday and I was actually pleasantly surprised. There is an interesting assortment of patrons- from the expected Greek guys to couples, to a woman alone singing along with the jukebox at the top of her voice. My favorite was one fine fellow at the bar who bought my friend and I a drink the second we sat down! All right then! Free drinks- this is looking up! The jukebox seems to have every song known to man in it and if you ask- the bartender will turn it up as loud as you want (or don't want as the case may be!) I also hear that there are blues bands on Saturday nights in the front section. We ended up not staying too long as the free drink gifter was also a little intense for us- but a nice enough fellow. All I can say is "interesting collection of people". We didn't eat, only drank. And since we didn't even pay for some of our drinks due to our benefactor- I'd have to say check it out! Who knows? You could add another dimension of quirkiness to the place.

Spectrum was not what I was expecting. It has a bit of an identity crisis with what kind of bar it wants to be. Had an order of the Greek fries which were good, but they lacked something to put them over the top. The $2 Miller lite special was appreciated, but there was no signage to let people know about this awesome deal. Is it a sports bar? A neighborhood bar? The logo and sign outside makes it look like a boystown spot. They have some really good specials, but you'll need to look hard for them

Don't bother going during lunchtime. The older male server is extremely rude. I used to love going to this place, but I will not because the service is just too bad. He rushes you, berated us for drinking too much pop, and overall just unpleasant.

We just had late drinks here. Staff quick. Prices average for the area. Dive sports bar feel. The overall atmosphere was cool with the patrons. Food looked good.

Got out of day 1 of Riot Fest, came down to Greektown in search of late food. First bar we went to was trying to close early and the kitchen was shut down, but the bartender directed us to Spectrum. We walk in, sit at the bar, and Bartender Glenn has two bottles of Lagunitas Maximus in front of us before we can order them. Tells us we want the souvlaki, one chicken one pork, and a plate of hot wings, trust him. We shoot the shit with him and listen to Pearl Jam on the stereo while we wait. Wings were fantastic, souvlaki was amazing, esp with the chili sauce he brought out, and we now have a favorite bartender when we head back to Chicago :] thanks Glenn!

Hosted my team holiday party there last night. We had an incredible time as the place is nicely decorated and the food was amazing. We had cheese pastry, shrimp cocktail, chicken wings and kabobs. Kudos to Andy, Jimmy and the rest of the folks at Spectrum for making my team party a success!

A terrific spot for a surprisingly delicious meal. I recommend the greek specialities like the souvlaki, the gyros, and the cypriot meatballs. And the saganaki (flaming cheese). And any shrimp dish. Honestly there are so many great options just go and dig in!

Food: good selection and is good and cheap. Bartender: very much "down to business" and nothing else. Drinks: about 10 beers on tap and decently priced. Think I'll come back when the live music is playing.

Some of the most bland food I've had I've ever had. Server was very pleasant, but the food was just bad.

divey with good music, cheap drinks and classic bar food. (get the souvlaki and cheese fries, you wont regret it!) always have had quick, attentive service. some live music, and great specials. check it out!

Love spectrum! I've lived in Chicago for years and I still have yet to find better Greek food in the whole city. The employees are all super super sweet. I met the owner one time and he really makes every customer feel like family. My server on Monday night was Ourania. She knew what we needed before we even had to ask for it. Awesome music. Love Spectrum. Can't wait to come back next taco Monday!!!

Came here late at night (open til 4am) a few Saturdays ago. I was treated incredibly disrespectfully by the bouncer. I went outside to have a smoke and when I tried to come back in I was informed that the bar was closing and I was refused reentry. I tried to walk past this man and he aggressively blocked my progress through the doorway, causing my head to hit the door frame and while hitting my mouth in the process. I am sure it was an accident on his part but the next morning I had to go to the ER at Rush Hospital to get 6 stitches in my mouth. It did not only lose $300 dollars paying for the ER, but I lost complete and total respect for this establishment. A business is only as good as the people that represent it. This gentleman has completely changed the way I view Spectrum. I now shudder at the thought of just walking past this place.

I think we were just unlucky. Looking around, others had a good experience. Anyways, started out good. Got served drinks and appetizer. Then ordered dinner and waited and waited and waited, while other parties coming after us were being served. Wanted to flag down our waiter, but he was in the back of the dining room eating his own dinner. When he finally came around, I asked him to look into our order. Gives the runaround that the meatballs take a long time to cook. Finally served. Eating pita sandwiches, seemed kind of dry. Half way through, realize there's no tzatziki sauce on the sandwiches. Maybe it's their style not to include tzatziki (which is kind of strange), or maybe the cook forgot. Sometimes you fall through the cracks. I might give them another chance, but my first experience was not good.

What?! I haven't reviewed this place yet? The only reason I can think of is of some sort of subliminal desire to forget my behavior at Spectrum, which somehow always turns from shy to relaxed to having a good time to ultimately unacceptable by any earthly standard. Don't go to Spectrum on a Friday or Saturday night. People reserve those nights for cool bars. Rather, the best time to come here is if for some reason you decide you'd like to go out late on a Wednesday or a Tuesday - and on these days, it's packed. There's often a really great blues band playing - the best part, though, is the fact that this bar is always filled with weirdos. From all walks of life. I met this lovely young woman from Kentucky, killing time at the bar while waiting for her bus to leave. She showed me a picture of her kids and her husband. By the end of the night, she was making out with an Algerian cab driver on one of the tables. Another time, I found myself having to split up a fight between a transvestite that looked about seventeen years old and a die hard Ron Paul supporter wearing the mask from the movie "Scream." Everyone is puzzling here: the guy from Australia who had a German accent and quite a bit of trouble speaking in English when drunk. The soft spoken elementary school teacher who ended up threatening to punch me in the face because I grabbed her souvlaki. The guy who looked Mexican and spoke Spanish but claimed to be from Winnipeg. He did a tap dance number for me. Ack! For some reason I get crazy when I walk in here too. It's something in the beer . . .

Besides the slow wait for food, it wasn't off putting at all...until I got my check. For a small bar, you'd think they would AT LEAST have table numbers, or a solid memory for the 4 people in the bar on a slow Monday afternoon, instead of labeling me as their 'Asian' customer on my receipt. Rude.