My family and I used to drive by this place, year after year, so we decided to give it a try for once! The interior is very pretty. One strange thing that we noticed when we walked in was the odd silence--there was no music playing in the background so it gave the dining area a weird hollow feeling. Our waiter was very friendly and professional. He was able to answer all of our questions about the traditional Greek dishes. Although the restaurant was packed, he was attentive at all times. The food was certainly the best part. I ordered the Chicken Kabob, and it was perfection. The portion, flavor, and presentation were all spot on. I love that they serve the meal with bread and olive oil, a favorite snack of mine. The Baklava we split for dessert was also marvelous! This is a great place to check out if you're bored of the ten thousand seafood joints in the area. Highly recommend.
(4)
Loretta J.
Need a side of excitement with dinner? Saganaki! This molten cheese dish is brought table side in a cast iron skillet. The server pours ouzo on top and sets it on fire. Everyone yells OPA! I'm not crazy about the heavy bread boule served with it. Some soft pita would work better for sopping up the decadent cheese. The Greek lemon chicken soup is perfect for a light dinner and the spanikopita is good if you have a bigger appetite. This place is definitely not hip, but for a casual date, it is very enjoyable and affordable.
(4)
Mike M.
Wonderful place. Delicous food, delicious homeade bread, great atmosphere. Owner walked up and introduced himself. Will definetly return.
(5)
Peonia E.
I had not been to Athens restaurant in such a very long time and I always forget about it even though it's not too far from my house. My friend Connie brought over takeout from there the other night and I must say it was way better than I remembered. Chicken was very tasty and very tender and had a delightful lemony flavor not overwhelming and not greasy. The Greek potatoes were good again very nice flavor in a better texture and I had remembered. I'll be honest I quit going there because everything was so damn greasy I don't what kind of oil or grease that is olive oil chicken oil fat it just never seem very healthy when I ate it in the past but this last meal I had with Connie was very good I would've given 3 1/2 stars if I could have, it's not four-star worthy just stay with the three. Maybe next time I go will be dine in and I'll give an update.
(3)
Sade G.
This place was amazing again The first time me and my husband went with our boys the second time we went with my husband whole family first time I had the lamb leg which was so good this time I had the Greek chicken the best thing I ever had so favorable the potatoes were season well I would recommend this place because my husband family is veryyyyyyyyyyyy picky it took at least 30 minutes to get there they were complaining abt how we could've went to thousands other Greek places right next to our home but once they are the food nothing but nice words to say !!!
(5)
John I.
My wife and I, after spending a wonderful weekend in Charleston, were looking for a delicious meal that we could enjoy before heading out this pat Sunday afternoon. Athens was incredible. Lemon chicken for her and a hamburger steak for me. So simple yet upon delivery, the execution was unparalleled. The simple hamburger steak was like no other! The best seasoning, portion, mix of beef and lamb creating a superb flavor and served at a perfect temperature. Complimented by some of the best Greek potatoes I've ever tasted, even while visiting Greece. The wife's lemon chicken was too some of the best ever. Would definitely recommend and will most definitely return again.
(5)
Mazz M.
Might have to try again.... our server was awesome but my shrimp and scallops pasta special (not really a special it is on there dinner menu but on the sign as you walk in was listed for dinner special) anyways nothing fresh about the scallops or shrimp had a really plain blain taste and the alfrado sauce was way to thick almost the consistency of pudding or cake batter over all not impressed
(2)
Rich G.
We ate here over the weekend after a soccer tournament. The party was 20+ people with a mix of adults and kids. We were seated promptly and had drinks in our hands very quickly. The food was great and came out very fast based on the number of people in our party. Our waitress did a great job in splitting our checks and helping out during dinner service. If you have a large party, your should consider going here. They have a great selection of salads, Greek an items and pizza.
(4)
John K.
Good and bad, bad outweighs the good unfortunately. Good: Staff was friendly, restaurant was clean if a little confusing when you walk in the front. Bad: Pit in my olive (Greek/House Salad **they're the exact same. Delivery times were 1 hour and 45 minutes despite the place being empty when I got there, the estimated time for pickup was off by double so I waited. The spinach pasta and meat sauce was shockingly bland, under seasoned and seemed but a bit lazy. You can tell they put the sauce on while the pasta was still wet. Again, lazy or "day 1" mistakes. Biggest concern, the prices are way off imo. $16 for 6 ravioli's with meat sauce (presentation was nil) and a tiny salad (they forgot my bread) and the turtle cheesecake was surely cut up by a miser, at best. Very small sliver for $6. I'm sure there's better greek places out there. BYOS&P (Bring your own salt & pepper).
(3)
Kevin P.
Good gyros and veggie Greek pizza. Only gotten delivery. Never been inside. Good be more affordable as is a pricey take out/delivery meal but a welcome change from typical pizza/Chinese places
(4)
Frida G.
The Calamari was delicious.... but the gyro platter..... ehhhhh. I wish I would've gotten more calamari instead. Maybe I just have high expectations, but I'm used to having more flavor in a gyro, thinly sliced and a little bit more in portions. The potatoes could've used some more flavor too. I love that you had delivery, but I'm not sure about ordering a gyro from here again. I think I'm going to try a few other locations to see how they compare.
(3)
Shannon P.
Expansive Greek and Italian menu; good wine list and specialty cocktails. The food was truly a homemade treat beginning with the bread--fresh from the oven, flaky, crusty outside and soft pillow of goodness inside; next the salad was crisp, hand torn greenery with a tangy dressing. The veal parm was perfectly cooked, topped with a homemade crushed tomato sauce; the side of spaghetti was al dente not starchy at all. Dessert menu was a challenge to choose one--the baklava was outstanding! GO... lunch specials are terrific and the dinners are perfect end to the day.
(5)
Amelia A.
A few of us stopped in for dinner last night after making our annual trip to the Festival of Lights. We had eaten there many years ago after the festival and loved the food and atmosphere. Sadly, we had the complete opposite this time around. The restaurant was clean and not very busy when we arrived around 7:30pm. We sat down and were told our waitress would be there soon. After a few minutes another waitress arrived and took our drink order because our waitress, Angela, hadn't been by. While waiting for the elusive Angela, an employee keep opening a side door next to where we were sitting and stepping out to mess with her phone letting in the cold. Just our luck, this employee was Angela. She finally put away her phone and came to bring our drinks and take our order. We ordered the pizza and a greek plate and the kids had spaghetti and meatball. I told Angela to please do not put the sauce on it because my kid is weird. After our drinks were gone and the only sign of Angela was to step out to check her phone, our food arrived. First up is the food for the kids and though the spaghetti did not have sauce the meatball was covered in it. Next was a very soggy pizza and the the greek plate that looked fine. I did finally get a refill of my drink but it was when we were done eating. I guess Angela was so busy she couldn't remember what I had so she just poured water into my glass instead of what I was actually drinking. The final laugh was how she prepared out leftover pizza. We had over half a large left and asked her to please box it to go. Instead of getting a pizza box she grabs a small take out box and crammed all of it slice on top of slice into the box and could barely close the lid. I think next year and the years following we'll find a different restaurant for our annual trip.
(1)
James T.
Food = 3 (not terrible... but, needs some work) Price = 2 (lunch - greek lasagna, small salad and water = 12.50!!!) Experience = 4 (nice service... but, the pricing is way out of line)
(3)
Drew C.
Athens is a solid Greek restaurant with all the standards and a solid selection of pastas as well. The food is pretty good- not the best Greek in town, but definitely not a bad place to grab lunch of dinner. I always get one of the entree salads since they're usually pretty large and topped with a lot of the delicious Greek goods. The cost seems to be a tad high for what you're getting, but, it's Charleston and it didn't kil me to eat there. Staff was super friendly and attentive. 5 stars for the staff for sure! The restaurant itself is clean, spacious, nicely lit, and somewhat quite. Very enjoyable atmosphere for a meal. There's also a nice patio outside for dining out when the weather is nice. If you haven't been here before, you'll enjoy it. Maybe not my "go to" Greek place, but never mind meeting friends here if it's suggested!
(3)
Gina B.
Delicious foods, generous portions with a lot of homemade stuff. I loved their leg of lamb and the dessert with the custard inside!!! Excellent service. I will definitely go back again.
(5)
Jennifer A.
This place is good. My moussaka was perfectly seasoned and delicious. My fiance had the chicken kabob with rice and really enjoyed his meal.
(4)
Sean B.
Nice job Athens! Owner visited table five freaking times making sure all was well, and it was!
(5)
Sarah S.
Stopped in for a late lunch at 3:30. Had Greek salad with grilled shrimp and the beef souvlaki. Just as fresh and flavorful as it would have been during a regular dining hour.
(4)
Sue M.
Yikes! We wanted Greek and were in that neighborhood so .... now we know why it was DEAD certainly compared to what was going on across the street. We ordered a Greek salad ($7.95) and the Gyro platter ($9.95). The salad was a huge pile of leaf lettuce with 2 black olives with pits!, 2 tomatoes and 2 pepperincini with a sprinkling of feta. the gyro had "Greek" Potatoes that were fried floating in a weird, watery red sauce and the taziki was watered down! The pickle came out of a huge bucket and was limp. The gyro meat had zero flavor! our server was nice and attentive and ,fortunately did not once ask ; how was everything? Never again! We should've gone to Odessey behind Walgreens on Folly road!
(1)
Johnny D.
I have been a steady at Athens over the last twenty-plus years, both at its old location and now its new location. It is a wonderful place with a very professional staff and chefs. Over the years, the servers have mainly been college-aged, well-trained, and have always been attentive and polite. When I was in college, the cute waitresses were an attraction to the place (and still are - LOL!). I have eaten in Athens at least 50 times in my 20+ years of patronage (my parents live nearby as I am out of state), and have NEVER had bad service. The food has also NEVER disappointed. I am a big fan of their Leg of Lamb, Eggplant, and Moussaka. The Leg of Lamb would be part of my last meal on Earth along with Dukes' BBQ (Orangeburg, SC), Zum Stammtisch's Sauerbraten (Glendale, NY), Athens' Grill's Moussaka (Gaithersburg, MD), The Harp's Corned Beef Rolls (Cleveland, OH), Riverdale Tavern's Frog Legs (Riverdale, MI) and Woodman's Seafood Platter (Essex, MA). My parents eat a variety of their meals, so I know the other dinner items are also fabulous. We love the meatball with tzatziki sauce appetizer as well! Desserts are awesome too! I have had the pizza a few times and it is always good. They now have a separate pizzeria from the restaurant at the new location. The new location is easy to find and the restaurant ambiance has been upgraded tremendously. The owners have always done it right, and as a family-owned single restaurant, Athens never falls short. If you are in Charleston, and looking for excellent Greek food in a casual setting, this is a great chioice!!!
(5)
Jennifer B.
I was the youngest person in the restaurant by at least 30 years. That doesn't bother me as long as the food is good. The waitress was friendly and brought me some warm bread. Apparently it's house made daily, and it's really very good. I got the gyro platter with roasted potatoes. The potatoes were the stand out on the plate. Hot, crispy, and just the way my French grand-ma used to make them. The other reviewers mentioned large portions, but I actually thought they were a little skimpy on the gyro meat. We will definitely return just for the potatoes!
(3)
Michael T.
The food is terrific! Try the greek chicken with roasted potatoes. The chicken and potatoes are drenched, soaked, marinated, bathed, and rubbed with excessive amounts of only the finest quality imported olive oil. The flavor that this creates is impossible to put into words. The portions are huge as well! Great place!!! Go hungry - leave stuffed!
This place used to good. The food and the service has gone down a great deal. The waitress was annoyed that I asked questions about the menu which is huge.The food took forever and was incorrect the management didn't seem to care. Never Again.
(1)
Janis Z.
Chicken kabobs are soooo yummy. Greek salad fresh. Staff could be a little more energetic-they don't seem happy.
(4)
Joel P.
While at as good a review as I.F., I want to make sure people know that more than one person has eaten here!! The food is fantabulous! the pizza was great!, and I could eat Eggplant Ala Athens everyday until died from the saturated fat in the cheese!!! The description in the menu does no justice to absolutely delicious and humongous appetizer!! no need for a meal, this will fill up anyone! And if you don't mind the cheese, it vegetarian too! (ie not vegan). While I was eating there with my wife the owner arrived to check on things (apparently a waiter did not show up on time), and started helping the staff out. Very nice guy and obviously cares about his business. They also have a new location in West Ashley (Athens Pizza Express)
(5)
David R.
Very Good Greek food. I like the location on Maybank Hwy. versus where it used to be in the old shopping center behind Nason on Folly Rd.. I have always had good service.
(4)
Brett S.
We have eaten several times over the years at Athens with mixed experience. This time I tried the chicken gyro in a pita with some shredded lettuce and rosemary potatoes. This was tasty, but the shredded lettuce should be replaced by salad. My son in law had the Chicken Alfredo and thought it was too creamy. They did serve a very nice side salad. The service was very attentive and quick as we had time constraints with a movie across the street. This restaurant offers a lot of choices some very good and others fair - hence the three star rating.
(3)
Jackie D.
We had lunch at Athens this week. The food was fresh and served within a very reasonable amount of time. If you order from the luncheon menu be sure you check the prices on your check. Our mid-day lunch was billed from the dinner menu. When we called it to their attention it was corrected. Price was very reasonable. Good value. Good Authentic Greek food.
(4)
Kevin O.
I had a very mixed experience here. The waitress was awesome and the stuffed grape leaves were good. Then came the main course. I'd ordered the leg of lamb. It came out looking like pork chops, very tough and dry. Who cooks lamb well? I wasn't asked how I wanted it done, so I assumed it would be cooked medium rare like lamb is suppose to be cooked. I'm not normally one to settle for meat that overcooked, but it pretty much killed my desire to continue eating here. My wife had a much better experience with the moussaka she ordered.
great food with very good service. we have eaten in and ordered take out. both experiences were great. try the "meal for two" or something with a similar name. it has a little of everything.
(4)
Starorchids C.
My husband and I stopped in here on vacation and was pleasantly surprised at how great it was. The service was great. Dorothy, our waitress was super friendly and made you feel right at home. They have an awesome appetizer she had recommended that's listed on the dinner menu but not lunch that's fantastic. It's an eggplant roll up with cheese and baked. The bread was fresh and made from scratch. The owner came out and greeted everyone in the restaurant table by table. The gyro platter was superb. The restaurant is clean, welcoming and overall we were highly satisfied and will come back here if ever in town again!
(5)
Amy Lauren S.
I went to Athens for lunch with a group of friends (4 ladies total). I'm a big fan of Greek food and they seemed to have a pretty good menu, so I was excited to try it. After it was suggested, I checked it out on Yelp but I still went with an open mind. FIrst, if you want a quick lunch, this is not the place. Our lunch took quite a long time- well over an hour. It seemed like it took awhile to get our orders, bread, salads, entrees, and checks. Our server didn't really come back to check on us either. The restaurant was steady but not crowded. Maybe they were short staffed in the kitchen, or maybe it just takes this long, but none of us had a special order. It took awhile for us to get our checks, which was frustrating since I had to go back to work. Along with the service, I also found the food disappointing. I had the vegetarian lasagna which came with a side salad and we had a basket of bread for the table. The bread was okay, but the olive oil for dipping was good. The salad only had one olive, one tomato, one cucumber, but it had enough feta cheese. For a side salad, I did not expect a meal, but I really could have used a few more olives and tomatoes. The lettuce was romaine, at least, and not iceburg. My entree, the vegetarian lasagna, was quite deceiving. It came out and looked like a good meal, but the actual portion of lasagna (cheese/pasta/vegetables) was smaller than a Stouffer's entree. The bowl was mostly marinara sauce and melted cheese. The lasagna was fine, but I could have used a bit more. It was only a few bites. After eating it, I was left with a lot of marinara sauce. My friends' portions were not that big either. One friend had the salmon salad and the piece of salmon was quite small, and the salad lacked a lot of toppings. Another friend had the gyro platter which looked a bit bland. I can think of better places to get Greek food in Charleston and better places for Italian foods like lasagna. It's frustrating to pay $11.95 for an entree for lunch and leave wanting more food.
(2)
Patrick K.
I've never eaten in the physical restaurant before I've always called for delivery. Athens isn't anything too special. The food is pretty bland. I've tried ordering a few different things from them, but unfortunately a lot of the things on their menu are for in dining only and not for delivery. Which is a shame. Overall I think I've ordered from this place so much because when I get lazy and don't want pizza again this was a nice alternative. On a positive note, the meals come with salad and bread. Sometimes I'm so filled by the salad and bread that I don't even get to the main course until the next day. Delivery is quick and they've all been super nice. Average price is between 30-40 dollars for 2 people. We usually don't order appetizers that much, but if you do, try the stuffed mushrooms, they're really good! Overall, I think I'd rate this place a C.
(3)
Brian M.
Went to Athens recently on a Friday night, around 8pm and it was dead. Perhaps they have other busy times, and/or their delivery/pickup business is really great. I was not a huge fan of the service, waiter made some odd comments and removed the bread before we were clearly done with it, but overall, nothing horrible. I had their Gyro platter a few years ago and it could use some improving. The lamb is a tad bland and the potatoes were average. I got a meatball pizza during my last visit, and this is what will have me returning. I was surprised, but they have one of the best pizza's in Charleston. If I were them, I would make their pizza a feature item on their menu.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Rachel K.
My family and I used to drive by this place, year after year, so we decided to give it a try for once! The interior is very pretty. One strange thing that we noticed when we walked in was the odd silence--there was no music playing in the background so it gave the dining area a weird hollow feeling. Our waiter was very friendly and professional. He was able to answer all of our questions about the traditional Greek dishes. Although the restaurant was packed, he was attentive at all times. The food was certainly the best part. I ordered the Chicken Kabob, and it was perfection. The portion, flavor, and presentation were all spot on. I love that they serve the meal with bread and olive oil, a favorite snack of mine. The Baklava we split for dessert was also marvelous! This is a great place to check out if you're bored of the ten thousand seafood joints in the area. Highly recommend.
(4)Loretta J.
Need a side of excitement with dinner? Saganaki! This molten cheese dish is brought table side in a cast iron skillet. The server pours ouzo on top and sets it on fire. Everyone yells OPA! I'm not crazy about the heavy bread boule served with it. Some soft pita would work better for sopping up the decadent cheese. The Greek lemon chicken soup is perfect for a light dinner and the spanikopita is good if you have a bigger appetite. This place is definitely not hip, but for a casual date, it is very enjoyable and affordable.
(4)Mike M.
Wonderful place. Delicous food, delicious homeade bread, great atmosphere. Owner walked up and introduced himself. Will definetly return.
(5)Peonia E.
I had not been to Athens restaurant in such a very long time and I always forget about it even though it's not too far from my house. My friend Connie brought over takeout from there the other night and I must say it was way better than I remembered. Chicken was very tasty and very tender and had a delightful lemony flavor not overwhelming and not greasy. The Greek potatoes were good again very nice flavor in a better texture and I had remembered. I'll be honest I quit going there because everything was so damn greasy I don't what kind of oil or grease that is olive oil chicken oil fat it just never seem very healthy when I ate it in the past but this last meal I had with Connie was very good I would've given 3 1/2 stars if I could have, it's not four-star worthy just stay with the three. Maybe next time I go will be dine in and I'll give an update.
(3)Sade G.
This place was amazing again The first time me and my husband went with our boys the second time we went with my husband whole family first time I had the lamb leg which was so good this time I had the Greek chicken the best thing I ever had so favorable the potatoes were season well I would recommend this place because my husband family is veryyyyyyyyyyyy picky it took at least 30 minutes to get there they were complaining abt how we could've went to thousands other Greek places right next to our home but once they are the food nothing but nice words to say !!!
(5)John I.
My wife and I, after spending a wonderful weekend in Charleston, were looking for a delicious meal that we could enjoy before heading out this pat Sunday afternoon. Athens was incredible. Lemon chicken for her and a hamburger steak for me. So simple yet upon delivery, the execution was unparalleled. The simple hamburger steak was like no other! The best seasoning, portion, mix of beef and lamb creating a superb flavor and served at a perfect temperature. Complimented by some of the best Greek potatoes I've ever tasted, even while visiting Greece. The wife's lemon chicken was too some of the best ever. Would definitely recommend and will most definitely return again.
(5)Mazz M.
Might have to try again.... our server was awesome but my shrimp and scallops pasta special (not really a special it is on there dinner menu but on the sign as you walk in was listed for dinner special) anyways nothing fresh about the scallops or shrimp had a really plain blain taste and the alfrado sauce was way to thick almost the consistency of pudding or cake batter over all not impressed
(2)Rich G.
We ate here over the weekend after a soccer tournament. The party was 20+ people with a mix of adults and kids. We were seated promptly and had drinks in our hands very quickly. The food was great and came out very fast based on the number of people in our party. Our waitress did a great job in splitting our checks and helping out during dinner service. If you have a large party, your should consider going here. They have a great selection of salads, Greek an items and pizza.
(4)John K.
Good and bad, bad outweighs the good unfortunately. Good: Staff was friendly, restaurant was clean if a little confusing when you walk in the front. Bad: Pit in my olive (Greek/House Salad **they're the exact same. Delivery times were 1 hour and 45 minutes despite the place being empty when I got there, the estimated time for pickup was off by double so I waited. The spinach pasta and meat sauce was shockingly bland, under seasoned and seemed but a bit lazy. You can tell they put the sauce on while the pasta was still wet. Again, lazy or "day 1" mistakes. Biggest concern, the prices are way off imo. $16 for 6 ravioli's with meat sauce (presentation was nil) and a tiny salad (they forgot my bread) and the turtle cheesecake was surely cut up by a miser, at best. Very small sliver for $6. I'm sure there's better greek places out there. BYOS&P (Bring your own salt & pepper).
(3)Kevin P.
Good gyros and veggie Greek pizza. Only gotten delivery. Never been inside. Good be more affordable as is a pricey take out/delivery meal but a welcome change from typical pizza/Chinese places
(4)Frida G.
The Calamari was delicious.... but the gyro platter..... ehhhhh. I wish I would've gotten more calamari instead. Maybe I just have high expectations, but I'm used to having more flavor in a gyro, thinly sliced and a little bit more in portions. The potatoes could've used some more flavor too. I love that you had delivery, but I'm not sure about ordering a gyro from here again. I think I'm going to try a few other locations to see how they compare.
(3)Shannon P.
Expansive Greek and Italian menu; good wine list and specialty cocktails. The food was truly a homemade treat beginning with the bread--fresh from the oven, flaky, crusty outside and soft pillow of goodness inside; next the salad was crisp, hand torn greenery with a tangy dressing. The veal parm was perfectly cooked, topped with a homemade crushed tomato sauce; the side of spaghetti was al dente not starchy at all. Dessert menu was a challenge to choose one--the baklava was outstanding! GO... lunch specials are terrific and the dinners are perfect end to the day.
(5)Amelia A.
A few of us stopped in for dinner last night after making our annual trip to the Festival of Lights. We had eaten there many years ago after the festival and loved the food and atmosphere. Sadly, we had the complete opposite this time around. The restaurant was clean and not very busy when we arrived around 7:30pm. We sat down and were told our waitress would be there soon. After a few minutes another waitress arrived and took our drink order because our waitress, Angela, hadn't been by. While waiting for the elusive Angela, an employee keep opening a side door next to where we were sitting and stepping out to mess with her phone letting in the cold. Just our luck, this employee was Angela. She finally put away her phone and came to bring our drinks and take our order. We ordered the pizza and a greek plate and the kids had spaghetti and meatball. I told Angela to please do not put the sauce on it because my kid is weird. After our drinks were gone and the only sign of Angela was to step out to check her phone, our food arrived. First up is the food for the kids and though the spaghetti did not have sauce the meatball was covered in it. Next was a very soggy pizza and the the greek plate that looked fine. I did finally get a refill of my drink but it was when we were done eating. I guess Angela was so busy she couldn't remember what I had so she just poured water into my glass instead of what I was actually drinking. The final laugh was how she prepared out leftover pizza. We had over half a large left and asked her to please box it to go. Instead of getting a pizza box she grabs a small take out box and crammed all of it slice on top of slice into the box and could barely close the lid. I think next year and the years following we'll find a different restaurant for our annual trip.
(1)James T.
Food = 3 (not terrible... but, needs some work) Price = 2 (lunch - greek lasagna, small salad and water = 12.50!!!) Experience = 4 (nice service... but, the pricing is way out of line)
(3)Drew C.
Athens is a solid Greek restaurant with all the standards and a solid selection of pastas as well. The food is pretty good- not the best Greek in town, but definitely not a bad place to grab lunch of dinner. I always get one of the entree salads since they're usually pretty large and topped with a lot of the delicious Greek goods. The cost seems to be a tad high for what you're getting, but, it's Charleston and it didn't kil me to eat there. Staff was super friendly and attentive. 5 stars for the staff for sure! The restaurant itself is clean, spacious, nicely lit, and somewhat quite. Very enjoyable atmosphere for a meal. There's also a nice patio outside for dining out when the weather is nice. If you haven't been here before, you'll enjoy it. Maybe not my "go to" Greek place, but never mind meeting friends here if it's suggested!
(3)Gina B.
Delicious foods, generous portions with a lot of homemade stuff. I loved their leg of lamb and the dessert with the custard inside!!! Excellent service. I will definitely go back again.
(5)Jennifer A.
This place is good. My moussaka was perfectly seasoned and delicious. My fiance had the chicken kabob with rice and really enjoyed his meal.
(4)Sean B.
Nice job Athens! Owner visited table five freaking times making sure all was well, and it was!
(5)Sarah S.
Stopped in for a late lunch at 3:30. Had Greek salad with grilled shrimp and the beef souvlaki. Just as fresh and flavorful as it would have been during a regular dining hour.
(4)Sue M.
Yikes! We wanted Greek and were in that neighborhood so .... now we know why it was DEAD certainly compared to what was going on across the street. We ordered a Greek salad ($7.95) and the Gyro platter ($9.95). The salad was a huge pile of leaf lettuce with 2 black olives with pits!, 2 tomatoes and 2 pepperincini with a sprinkling of feta. the gyro had "Greek" Potatoes that were fried floating in a weird, watery red sauce and the taziki was watered down! The pickle came out of a huge bucket and was limp. The gyro meat had zero flavor! our server was nice and attentive and ,fortunately did not once ask ; how was everything? Never again! We should've gone to Odessey behind Walgreens on Folly road!
(1)Johnny D.
I have been a steady at Athens over the last twenty-plus years, both at its old location and now its new location. It is a wonderful place with a very professional staff and chefs. Over the years, the servers have mainly been college-aged, well-trained, and have always been attentive and polite. When I was in college, the cute waitresses were an attraction to the place (and still are - LOL!). I have eaten in Athens at least 50 times in my 20+ years of patronage (my parents live nearby as I am out of state), and have NEVER had bad service. The food has also NEVER disappointed. I am a big fan of their Leg of Lamb, Eggplant, and Moussaka. The Leg of Lamb would be part of my last meal on Earth along with Dukes' BBQ (Orangeburg, SC), Zum Stammtisch's Sauerbraten (Glendale, NY), Athens' Grill's Moussaka (Gaithersburg, MD), The Harp's Corned Beef Rolls (Cleveland, OH), Riverdale Tavern's Frog Legs (Riverdale, MI) and Woodman's Seafood Platter (Essex, MA). My parents eat a variety of their meals, so I know the other dinner items are also fabulous. We love the meatball with tzatziki sauce appetizer as well! Desserts are awesome too! I have had the pizza a few times and it is always good. They now have a separate pizzeria from the restaurant at the new location. The new location is easy to find and the restaurant ambiance has been upgraded tremendously. The owners have always done it right, and as a family-owned single restaurant, Athens never falls short. If you are in Charleston, and looking for excellent Greek food in a casual setting, this is a great chioice!!!
(5)Jennifer B.
I was the youngest person in the restaurant by at least 30 years. That doesn't bother me as long as the food is good. The waitress was friendly and brought me some warm bread. Apparently it's house made daily, and it's really very good. I got the gyro platter with roasted potatoes. The potatoes were the stand out on the plate. Hot, crispy, and just the way my French grand-ma used to make them. The other reviewers mentioned large portions, but I actually thought they were a little skimpy on the gyro meat. We will definitely return just for the potatoes!
(3)Michael T.
The food is terrific! Try the greek chicken with roasted potatoes. The chicken and potatoes are drenched, soaked, marinated, bathed, and rubbed with excessive amounts of only the finest quality imported olive oil. The flavor that this creates is impossible to put into words. The portions are huge as well! Great place!!! Go hungry - leave stuffed!
(4)I. F.
Reborn Like a Phoenix This restaurant was originally located in a strip mall on the corner of Maybank when I was first introduced to it by a friend. I liked the food and the hand-painted wall murals of Greek statuary. I visited it whenever I passed through James Island. Then it closed and I despaired. . . . years passed through the smoky mists of time . . . Then I found it again! Ithaca at last! After some searching on the Internet for a good Greek restaurant, I found that Athens wasn't gone forever, just relocated nearby, and it is now slightly more upscale. They have the Athens Restaurant and Grill, Express Café, and the pizza thingy at the same location. The restaurant is decorated well, with tile floors, bigger, fancier, clean, but it doesn't have the same warmth of a family restaurant as it did before. The food, however, is still terrific. I'm a fan of their Athens Salad. It is almost big enough for 2 people, and they're covered with feta and many different kinds of meat. This is a man-salad like Leonidas would have eaten before going into battle. They have all the traditional dishes you'd expect, If you like the strong flavor of feta cheese and herbs, you might like the Spanakopita. If you like vegies, try the Athens Pie. You can't beat a good Gyro Platter, though--gyro, tzatziki sauce, potatoes. Mmmm. Whatever you order, they're going to fill you up. You don't want to eat here and then go swimming at Folly Beach because you'll sink to the bottom. The desserts: I like the traditional stuff with honey like Galaktobureco and Baklava; what they offer here doesn't have honey--it's a sugar syrup with cinnamon, but it's pretty darn good. However, they have cheesecakes, napoleons and other things, so you are guaranteed to find something else you like. If it's not on the menu, then walk over to the café/bakery and peruse the stuff they got there. They offer specialty coffees and home baked pastries. If I lived in the area, I would alphabetize their menu, start with the As and work my way to Z. Yes, I'm just that quirky and obsessive. And the food is that good. Kali Orexi
(3)Amber F.
This place used to good. The food and the service has gone down a great deal. The waitress was annoyed that I asked questions about the menu which is huge.The food took forever and was incorrect the management didn't seem to care. Never Again.
(1)Janis Z.
Chicken kabobs are soooo yummy. Greek salad fresh. Staff could be a little more energetic-they don't seem happy.
(4)Joel P.
While at as good a review as I.F., I want to make sure people know that more than one person has eaten here!! The food is fantabulous! the pizza was great!, and I could eat Eggplant Ala Athens everyday until died from the saturated fat in the cheese!!! The description in the menu does no justice to absolutely delicious and humongous appetizer!! no need for a meal, this will fill up anyone! And if you don't mind the cheese, it vegetarian too! (ie not vegan). While I was eating there with my wife the owner arrived to check on things (apparently a waiter did not show up on time), and started helping the staff out. Very nice guy and obviously cares about his business. They also have a new location in West Ashley (Athens Pizza Express)
(5)David R.
Very Good Greek food. I like the location on Maybank Hwy. versus where it used to be in the old shopping center behind Nason on Folly Rd.. I have always had good service.
(4)Brett S.
We have eaten several times over the years at Athens with mixed experience. This time I tried the chicken gyro in a pita with some shredded lettuce and rosemary potatoes. This was tasty, but the shredded lettuce should be replaced by salad. My son in law had the Chicken Alfredo and thought it was too creamy. They did serve a very nice side salad. The service was very attentive and quick as we had time constraints with a movie across the street. This restaurant offers a lot of choices some very good and others fair - hence the three star rating.
(3)Jackie D.
We had lunch at Athens this week. The food was fresh and served within a very reasonable amount of time. If you order from the luncheon menu be sure you check the prices on your check. Our mid-day lunch was billed from the dinner menu. When we called it to their attention it was corrected. Price was very reasonable. Good value. Good Authentic Greek food.
(4)Kevin O.
I had a very mixed experience here. The waitress was awesome and the stuffed grape leaves were good. Then came the main course. I'd ordered the leg of lamb. It came out looking like pork chops, very tough and dry. Who cooks lamb well? I wasn't asked how I wanted it done, so I assumed it would be cooked medium rare like lamb is suppose to be cooked. I'm not normally one to settle for meat that overcooked, but it pretty much killed my desire to continue eating here. My wife had a much better experience with the moussaka she ordered.
(3)Jerri M.
Have been here twice. Once for appetizers and cocktails - not too bad. Good calamari the first time. Second time tonight for dinner. Bad experience all around. We were the second guests in the restaurant. We asked for extra pita for our cheese. No pita at all was delivered when they put the flaming cheese (which took two matches, more Ouzo, and no flame). We had to ask for bread to come and said "we did order an extra serving of pita." The person helping our waiter out said that they would have to have more made - okay, that's your job!!! We waited as our cheese got cold and hard. My cousin ordered the spinach ravioli in Alfredo sauce. It was not an Alfredo sauce, it was a Béchamel sauce. No garlic or seasonings, very bland and most definitely a roux based sauce. Asked for bread twice, had to ask twice for water. My husband ordered the pork kabob. After the waiter put in our order he had to come back to tell us that they were out of pork. So my husband ordered the beef instead. It had a LOT of fat and gristle. That being said, I ordered the Moussaka and it was really great. And very good bread also. The waiter was really sweet - but apology after apology does not make up for good service or good food. We won't be coming back.
(2)Al L.
great food with very good service. we have eaten in and ordered take out. both experiences were great. try the "meal for two" or something with a similar name. it has a little of everything.
(4)Starorchids C.
My husband and I stopped in here on vacation and was pleasantly surprised at how great it was. The service was great. Dorothy, our waitress was super friendly and made you feel right at home. They have an awesome appetizer she had recommended that's listed on the dinner menu but not lunch that's fantastic. It's an eggplant roll up with cheese and baked. The bread was fresh and made from scratch. The owner came out and greeted everyone in the restaurant table by table. The gyro platter was superb. The restaurant is clean, welcoming and overall we were highly satisfied and will come back here if ever in town again!
(5)Amy Lauren S.
I went to Athens for lunch with a group of friends (4 ladies total). I'm a big fan of Greek food and they seemed to have a pretty good menu, so I was excited to try it. After it was suggested, I checked it out on Yelp but I still went with an open mind. FIrst, if you want a quick lunch, this is not the place. Our lunch took quite a long time- well over an hour. It seemed like it took awhile to get our orders, bread, salads, entrees, and checks. Our server didn't really come back to check on us either. The restaurant was steady but not crowded. Maybe they were short staffed in the kitchen, or maybe it just takes this long, but none of us had a special order. It took awhile for us to get our checks, which was frustrating since I had to go back to work. Along with the service, I also found the food disappointing. I had the vegetarian lasagna which came with a side salad and we had a basket of bread for the table. The bread was okay, but the olive oil for dipping was good. The salad only had one olive, one tomato, one cucumber, but it had enough feta cheese. For a side salad, I did not expect a meal, but I really could have used a few more olives and tomatoes. The lettuce was romaine, at least, and not iceburg. My entree, the vegetarian lasagna, was quite deceiving. It came out and looked like a good meal, but the actual portion of lasagna (cheese/pasta/vegetables) was smaller than a Stouffer's entree. The bowl was mostly marinara sauce and melted cheese. The lasagna was fine, but I could have used a bit more. It was only a few bites. After eating it, I was left with a lot of marinara sauce. My friends' portions were not that big either. One friend had the salmon salad and the piece of salmon was quite small, and the salad lacked a lot of toppings. Another friend had the gyro platter which looked a bit bland. I can think of better places to get Greek food in Charleston and better places for Italian foods like lasagna. It's frustrating to pay $11.95 for an entree for lunch and leave wanting more food.
(2)Patrick K.
I've never eaten in the physical restaurant before I've always called for delivery. Athens isn't anything too special. The food is pretty bland. I've tried ordering a few different things from them, but unfortunately a lot of the things on their menu are for in dining only and not for delivery. Which is a shame. Overall I think I've ordered from this place so much because when I get lazy and don't want pizza again this was a nice alternative. On a positive note, the meals come with salad and bread. Sometimes I'm so filled by the salad and bread that I don't even get to the main course until the next day. Delivery is quick and they've all been super nice. Average price is between 30-40 dollars for 2 people. We usually don't order appetizers that much, but if you do, try the stuffed mushrooms, they're really good! Overall, I think I'd rate this place a C.
(3)Brian M.
Went to Athens recently on a Friday night, around 8pm and it was dead. Perhaps they have other busy times, and/or their delivery/pickup business is really great. I was not a huge fan of the service, waiter made some odd comments and removed the bread before we were clearly done with it, but overall, nothing horrible. I had their Gyro platter a few years ago and it could use some improving. The lamb is a tad bland and the potatoes were average. I got a meatball pizza during my last visit, and this is what will have me returning. I was surprised, but they have one of the best pizza's in Charleston. If I were them, I would make their pizza a feature item on their menu.
(3)