This Greek-American spot has served specialties like mousaka and spanakopita since 1984 in suburban Evanston. Located inside one of the area’s oldest buildings — a meat packing plant built in 1895 — Cross-Rhodes remains a local favorite even after the passing of founder Jeff Russell in 2012.

Restaurants outside of Greektown can be a hit-or-miss affair so can be a bit of a delightful surprise to find an authentic tavern out in suburban Lincolnwood. The kithcen serves up an abundance of traditional dishes, such as crispy spanakopita and well-seasoned lamb chops, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Prices are affordable, portions are generous, and the menu also includes family-style dinners that usually leave diners happy and full.

Andersonville’s BYOB counter-service spot for Greek street food has developed a loyal following among residents for its casual yet flavorful dishes and charismatic owner, Vicky Zervas. Hits include taramasalata (imported fish roe, olive oil, lemon spread) with pita, pork belly yeeros stuffed with crunchy french fries, and a selection of imported Greek sodas in flavors like sour cherry.

There’s a strong Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises feel to this Logan Square restaurant from a former LEYE executive chef. Doug Psaltis, who helped mold Lettuce’s RPM division, and pastry chef Hsing Chen (French Laundry) have teamed up with the owners of Gemini for wood-burning affair off Milwaukee Avenue. Chen’s brunch pastries help make the menu stand out, and there’s plenty of lamb chops and octopus to keep carnivores happy.

Quality Greek food in the city isn’t just limited to Greektown. This popular restaurant has been a Lincoln Park staple for more than 40 years, serving a small menu of Mediterranean specialties like chicken Kalamata and flavorful gyros. The roast chicken, in particular, is such a hit that comedian Tina Fey (formerly of Second City) declared the Athenian Room one of her favorite places to eat in Chicago.

For casual sandwiches and salads, Greek Corner is reliable for affordable and quality meals at Augusta and Damen. The chicken is moist, and the gyros are off the spit. The Spartan Wrap with chicken is a highlight.

Considered by many to be the finest Greek restaurant in Chicago, Greek Islands offers an all-encompassing selection of classic dishes. Tourists and locals alike pack the house every night to try everything from fried zucchini with skordalia (garlic-potato dip) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) to roast lamb and fresh red snapper. “Opa!” indeed.

Many Greektown restaurants are popular but none have a spacious outdoor terrace (complete with a retractable roof and waterfall) for al fresco dining like Athena. The scenic view and old-world bites like housemade pork sausages and lamb with artichokes in lemon sauce draw crowds to this longtime spot. Many top it all off with galaktobouriko, a dessert of lemon custard in honey-dipped filo dough.

Sommelier Elizabeth Gartelos Morris has a successful catering company that focuses on charcuterie, but she’s since expanded to the general public offering meze and gyros plates to the masses. Order delivery via Tock and prepared to be dazzled by one of the most intriguing virtual restaurants born during the pandemic. Keep an eye out for specials.