Restaurateur Louie Alexakis knows a thing or two about Greek cuisine, having spent nearly three decades working in the restaurant biz in Greektown and nearby suburbs. He and partner Lou Canellis drew from that experience to open Avli Taverna—a concept that puts a contemporary spin on regional Greek dishes—in Lincoln Park in 2018. Four years and two additional Chicago locations later, Alexakis has brought a highlight reel of dishes to Time Out Market, with a menu broken into three categories that capture the full spectrum of Avli’s approach to Greek cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for flaky spinach pie, filo-wrapped prawns or chicken souvlaki served on house-made pita bread, Avli delivers an authentic taste of Greece and its diverse food culture.
MENU:
Avli Originals
Kataifi Prawns
Three shredded filo-wrapped prawns, spicy mayo, Greek yogurt sauce
Feta Saganaki
Greek feta cheese, sesame seed and honey crust
Dips
Spicy feta, tzatziki or eggplant, served with house-made pita
Greek Street Food
Twisted Chicken Souvlaki
House-made pita, tzatziki, tomato, onion, oregano, served with house-made fries
Avli's Pork Gyros
House-made pita, tzatziki, tomato, onion, oregano, served with house-made fries
Greek-style Fries
Served with grated graviera Greek cheese, oregano
The Classics
Greek Salad
Grape tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta, Kalamata olives, Greek olive oil vinaigrette, add a chicken skewer or pork gyros
Spinach Pie
House-made filo pie stuffed with seasonal greens, feta, fresh herbs
Braised Leg of Lamb
Red wine and tomato sauce, served with roasted Ikarian-style ratatouille
Drinks
Greek Iced Frappe Coffee
Since 1957, this is the original iced coffee created in Thessaloniki; "skehto" - black, "meh ghola" - add milk, "glyko" - add sugar
Water
Evian, Ferrarelle sparkling
Soft Drinks
Coke/Diet Coke, Greek Cherry Soda, Greek Lemonade