Chicagoans have enjoyed quality Mediterranean cuisine for decades thanks to one of the country's highest concentrations of Greek Americans, many of whom originally settled along Halsted Street in the West Loop. Whether it's basic staples like gyros and baklava or traditional dishes such as spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves, these establishments have delights to please nearly every diner.
Greektown has lost several longtime stalwarts in recent years, including 48-year-old destination the Parthenon and 31-year-old legendary seafood spot Santorini. Despite the sea change, there are still excellent options in the neighborhood. Still, the neigbhorhood isn’t the be-all, end-all of Greek dining in Chicago: Several areas — including the suburbs — now boast classic and modern Greek specialties. Dig in while dreaming of post-pandemic adventures along the Mediterranean Sea.
As of March 2, Chicago restaurants are permitted to serve customers indoors with a 50 percent maximum capacity per room, or 50 people — whichever is fewer. At the same time, despite winter weather, a number of Chicago restaurants continue to offer outdoor seating. Regardless, the state requires reservations for both indoor and outdoor dining. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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