Salonica Reviews

4 of us when for lunch. We each had something different and each found the food to be good. I, on the other hand, found the gyro to be very good. Service was good and pricing reasonable. We did agree we will be coming back.

Salonica is a solid neighborhood diner with reliable food and quick service. Frills are few, but the price is nice. Whether your destination is the Museum of Science and Industry or somewhere on the University of Chicago campus, this diner will have you satisfied and back out in no time. The menu includes a full range of traditional Greek items as well as all-day breakfast (eggs, pancakes) and cafe fare such as sandwiches and soups. Nothing seems elaborate or expensive. A bread basket is served with the food. Seating is packed pretty close together, so it's not a place to tell secrets around the table. Clientele appears to be mostly neighborhood and U. of C. people -- students and professors. Service is efficient and no-nonsense. You won't feel rushed, but the staff knows people probably have to get back to class. Street parking is available -- some metered and some free on side streets. Hyde Park is mostly a walkable destination, so find a spot, and don't hesitate to wander around the charming neighborhood.

This is my favorite resturant in Hyde Park. The neighborhood can gentrify as much as it wants, but none of the fancy or expensive places will ever hold a candle to Salonical. The omelets are fantastic for breakfast or brunch and the gyros as well as the souvlaki are amzing for dinner. The dinners also come with soup and if you’re lucky (or plan ahead) they will have egg lemon soup (I always ask for an extra lemon slice for mine, but I have a particular love of lemon). The portions are big and everything is well priced. Its hard to go wrong here.

Proprietor run great little Greek taverna in Hyde Park. Excellent moussaka and other Greek delicacies. Service friendly and attentive. Pity about the machine coke and BYO. will definitely become a regular when visiting Chicago

Went to museum and looking for place to eat. Nice and cozy restaurant. Booth and bar options. Very friendly staff. Lots of food options and pricing was very reasonable. Would eat there again.

Best sandwich of my life! Growing up in Milwaukee you get a far share of Gyro shops, but this had an out of this world twist on it. Normally you get gyro meat, raw onions, tomatoes on pita w/cucumber dip. On Nick's Delight, they grill the onions, add Swiss, and roast beef..., & I would travel back for the sandwich! That was actually my hubby's dinner & I had to force some of moussaka on him( which was also yummy)..., just cause I kept eating his sandwich! Bit run down inside but it added to the charm of this little old college neighborhood.

We spent a day at the museum and walked here for a good, unique dinner. Staff was super friendly. Good find.

We had skipped breakfast and were looking for a reasonable priced high quality place for lunch. After looking on tripadvisor I chose this restaurant based on location and menu. The dining room was not too overdone. Typical diner setup with comfortable booths that accommodated 4 to 6 people each. They also had a counter in the back with stools you could sit at. Our party ordered the 1/2 lb sirloin burger and the Scrambled Eggs with corned beef hash. The burger (deluxe option) came with a generous portion of hand cut fries and Lettuce and tomato. Service was quick and friendly. Would definitely go back there again.

I love greek food. We were visiting U Chicago and got take put for our hotel room. Food came out fast and hot. We got spanikopita and a Reuben. Spanikopita was a huge square, but rather hard to eat and was just warmed up. The salad was just lettuce and I was expecting a real greek salad. My son had a Reuben and fries. It was unremarkable and fries were not good at all. Overall, just not great.

My husband and I were going to the Museum of Science and Industry but wanted to get a bite to eat for lunch before we went. We came upon Salonica. There were lots of people there and we'd never really been to a Greek restaurant before so we gave it a whirl. Upon entering, it looked like something straight out of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I loved it. After seeing pastichio made on several cooking shows I've seen, I decided to try that. Pastichio is baked macaroni with ground beef, special seasonings and topped with bechamel sauce. It was fine. I usually eat my food pretty spicy and with lots of flavor and this was relatively bland. Like I said, I'd never eaten at a Greek restaurant before so this could have been the most authentic flavor outside of Greece. I got a large portion for a very reasonable price from a server with a very thick, presumably Greek accent. Even if I didn't love the food, it was a fun experience.

This place is not exquisite and s not pretending to be. I appreciated the simplicity and the great atmosphere.

We recently visited Hyde Park and wanted breakfast, so we stopped at Salonica and enjoyed it thoroughly. The food was tasty, plentiful, and reasonably priced, and the staff was very friendly. We liked Salonica so much that we went back a second time, and our second experience was just as good. The diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features many Greek specialties. I can't wait to try some of the specialties the next time I visit!

The food is terrific with a variety of dishes on the menu. The staff is professional and attentive and the food is always delicious and hot. Love the coffee.

have been coming here for years - in the Hyde Park - Univ of Chicago - neighborhood of Chicago. Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner - full meals, sandwiches, burgers & soup. also super for carry out/delivery. also offers Greek specialities all the staff is wonderful.

If you're in the Hyde Park area, or by the University of Chicago and want a decent meal, Salonica is an affordable and quiet option. Located on 57th street and Blackstone, it specializes in Greek and American food. Most of the dishes are very good; some (like the bland burgers) are not. A plus here is that they serve breakfast all day. They have excellent omelet options, pancakes and coffee. For lunch, I highly recommend the Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy- simply scrumptious! I was not too keen on their spaghetti and meat sauce; if you order it, make sure to ask for extra meat sauce. It's a bit watered down for my taste and needs a lot of flavoring. The Gyros meal is also pretty good, though I would again ask for extra flavoring (cucumber sauce in this case). Friendly staff and free refills on sodas and coffee. A Hyde Park original, so you will feel you're digging into more unique dishes. Family owned.

This is not a very fancy restaurant. It is a round the corner basic place where is the decent food but patchy service. The first time we went there, the food and service were great. Second time, service dropped a bit. The first time was for lunch and the second dinner. They don't have too many vegetarian choices but do have some pleasant ones. Their soups are particularly good but do ensure that the stock they use is vegetarian, if you are one. Their Mexican choices are quite tasty. The seating booths are quite cramped for four people.

Museum food is not my best favorite of it, so make the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago experience even more memorable, you can take a break and walk to this corner Greek restaurant. Staff were friendly and took our order as we were leaving the Museum and walking there! The food was good and tasty. Nice option.

Nothing fancy but the dishes that are good are delicious. Rueben was delicious and fries just as good! Turkey club was yummy. Chicken Caesar wrap was an oil base dressing. Tasty but not what I was expecting. So much dressing challenging to eat. Staff was great and service was quick! They do offer take out and delivery.

not bad, the food is quite good although the selection isn't that great-but it easily makes up for that with a kind and helpful staff.

The menu is typical breakfast, diner food and the staff is very friendly and efficient. They serve breakfast all day and the coffee is very good. Adjacent free street parking is available.

My family enjoyed Breakfast , lunch and dinner here multiple times. I recommend it to everyone looking for a home style great quality food. The service is professional and quick.very polite. I already miss this place. My kids loved it.

While our daughter was studying at UChicago we ate at Salonica many times. It's a wonderful place for breakfast; there were so many choices. It was easy to see that both locals and visitors frequented this restaurant - always a good sign. Service was friendly. The place was always packed. We always left feeling full and satisfied.

I went here for comfort food after a long day walking in the rain, and Salonica did not disappoint -- had a great open-faced turkey sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes, that just hit the spot. My daughter and I returned the next morning for breakfast and had good sausage, hash browns, eggs, coffee, and OJ. The service was fine, and the friendly staff even gave me directions where to buy flowers as a thank-you gift for the people I was staying with. Terrific walkable neighborhood just down the street from Powell's Books and other Hyde Park shops. Great find!

WE wandered in after brousing Powells Books. The service was quick and so friendly. They accommodated a family with kids who came in just after us. The food is tasty, filling and there's a good selection of Greek specialties - and best of all - All Day Breakfast that would be acceptable in the home of Breakfast, the U.K. Our tuna sandwich was delicious, and the coffee cup was refilled several times.

This is an affordable, delicious breakfast and lunch place in Hyde Park that we always hit when visiting our son at UChicago. Their coffee is the best coffee I have ever had. You should get the rice pudding, even at breakfast. They serve it with whipped cream and cinnamon on top. If you want a waffle, you gotta order before noon. Professional waitstaff is a plus.

Great local neighborhood diner, family-run for 39 years. My "Blue & Green" salad included a generous portion of fresh romaine lettuce with crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, and a sweet berry dressing. Service was prompt & friendly, food served quickly, and careful to refill our water glasses frequently. Prices very reasonable. Breakfast items served all day, baklava, rice pudding, & pies for dessert looked tempting! I would definitely visit again, and save room for dessert.

Friendly little Greek diner in a quaint neighborhood. Good food. Sit in a comfortable booth with a hanging plant overhead. I had a gyros sandwich, others had ham and cheese, gyros omelette with hash browns, toast. All very good. They are open until 3 pm. If you want waffles, go before noon. I recommend.

Classic Greek diner with good food at reasonable prices, conveniently located near the U of C campus. We went for dinner and were delighted that there was a live harpist playing one evening.

Like eating at your favorite aunt’s table. They take good care of you and the food is quite nice. I had the Eggplant Parmigiana served over spaghetti. Well seasoned eggplant and lots of gooey cheese all placed on a generous potion of pasta topped with a very nice tomato sauce. Served with bread and salad! So much food I had to take some home!!

After a morning spent at the Science and Industry museum we needed lunch. Salonica is a pleasant walk away and highly recommended. The service was excellent and the two of us had Nick's Delight - yum. No room for dessert unfortunately.

Their steak and egg meals are amazing. The time I was there with my boyfriend, we went there for brunch every other day. The hash brown doesn't taste too greasy and heavy. My siblings ordered French toast and pancakes and they loved it too! For the health conscious folks, there are wheat options available too. Reasonably priced and the service staffs were prompt in serving us. They are friendly and approachable. The ambience of the place is lovely. Not too dark and sufficiently warm. Would definitely recommend it!

Stick to the basics and you won't go wrong. A nice omelet with cheese and spinach, or some gyros, would be a smart choice. Don't try to get fancy.

We were on our way to the Museum and we found this place on the corner! AMAZING some of the best gyro meat ever, add that to an omelet and feta cheese one of the best breakfast! Oh and the baklava! Must try!

The food quality is so-so. Be careful paying with a credit card. They wrote off the extra money as a tip. Requests for explanations of the reason are ignored. I do not recommend visiting.

Cozy, with great comfort food and excellent service. Locals and college students frequent this family-owned business. Try any of the omelets, and the coffee is good too. Try momma's baklava...ahhhhh!

This a lovely old Greek Diner a short walk from the University of Chicago and Robie House. It's a remnant of the past from the menu to the decor. Reminds me of the Greek diners I used to visit in Brooklyn. The food was pretty average, I especially enjoyed the egg lemon soup which was made to perfection. Looks like a great place for breakfast too.

Amazing breakfast burritos. Great vibe. Staff was hard working and friendly! Will definitely be back!

On a family trip (including 3 children), we were looking for a restaurant to help us avoid the over-priced food at the Museum of Science and Industry. We also wanted to see the Robie House. This restaurant was a 5 minute walk from the museum, and about 10 minutes from Robie. The food was excellent and the service quick and efficient. Despite being busy, we were seated immediately, and were well taken care of. My kids had corn dogs and burgers...my daughter had the chicken kebob, my wife the regular kebob, I had spanakopita. They came with a small, fresh salad. All were flavorful, and in large quantities (I was still full at dinner 5 hours later). The only reason I give it a 4 out of 5 is because the prices were a bit higher than previous reviews suggested. $50 (before tip) is what I would have preferred to spend on dinner, and was a bit high for lunch. Even so, I would certainly recommend it.

cozy neighbourhood gyros place.

We like to re-visit this place whenever we visit Chicago. The location is great - close to the best bookstore in the City - and the Greek food really is Greek. Try the Mousaka and the spinach pies, or just go for breakfast. The staff are super-friendly and helpful. Your coffee cup will always be re-filled. The place is clean and the atmosphere of people enjoying each other's company is nice.

"We eat here every week", my friends said. It is a few blocks from their house, so I wondered if proximity colored their judgment. Well, not exactly. I had a great burger, my friends had salads. The place was almost filled, a mix of students from the University of Chicago and locals. The staff is cheerful and efficient. No liquor license, yet lots of coffee and soda refills.

We happened by this small restaurant and are glad we did. It was a busy alumni weekend - so the owner said they were busier than normal. We enjoyed sitting at an outdoor table and had a tasty gyro and wonderful egg lemon soup. Service was efficient and pleasant. A very nice afternoon lunch.

Nothing fancy, just good eats in a family Greek atmosphere. The reuben is good. The lemon chicken soup maybe too thickened. Locals with us love the service and the cozy feeling of the place. A fair value and an asset to the area.

This is one of those "neighborhood gems" when it comes to restaurants. Nothing fancy, not the greatest location, just great service and excellent food.

Been here a few times now. Agree with many of the reviews that it's a wonderful, homey family diner that will always satisfy, even if the food is not amazing. The experience is, however, always pleasing; the staff terrific; and the clientele as diverse as any in Chicago. Don't leave home without paying a mere $11 for a quart of olive oil direct from the family olive grove in Kalamata, Greece - clean and fruity in the classic Greek style. They also sell olives from the same grove and their proprietary Greek seasoning.

We stopped here for a late (3 p.m.) lunch while visiting Chicago. We loved it. All 3 in our party ordered Greek entrees and we thought they were all very good. Moussaka, gyro....we cleaned our plates. Friendly staff.

When many places around had a waiting time during lunch, that was available. Cooking was nice. The interior may need upgrade, including restrooms. There was a line, and it is a risky situation with small kids.

May be great for other meals, but visited Salonika twice for breakfast on a recent visit to Chicago. A typical neighborhood restaurant. You have the feeling that all of the customers there are regulars, but you are made to feel at home. Try the Athenian omelet it is so good that I have always have it when I should be trying something else - but why mess with success. Love it and will go back whenever I can.

This is the best place to go for breakfast. Cheap, wonderful. I get pancakes, eggs, and hash browns there. Any of their combos are worthwhile. The service is superb, go a couple times and they'll remember you and their order. It's classic Greek diner, New Jersey–style. I adore it there, and try to go once a week when I can. I recommend the pancakes or the Athenian omelette. It's comfort food, good, simple, and impressively fast. A neighborhood breakfast institution I stand behind.

Very busy local place and the cheerful service and delicious breakfast were a treat. Close to the University of Chicago. Paid street parking is available and the cops are vigilant about tickets.

Stopped in here after finishing up moving into the neighborhood and was very happy knowing this was down the street. Food is very, very good---served freshly made and piping hot. Very authentic flavors and warm cozy atmosphere. Looks like the owners know everyone in the place--many return customers---add me to the list!

We wanted to this Greek Diner to be awesome, but it was only ok. The food was not so good and the service was slow. Try something else when you are in Hyde Park.

Delicious food, friendly staff, and great atmosphere! Here's one you probably haven't heard of but you need to check it out.

It has some kind of American charm. Like you might be watching on TV. But... The dishes are poor and not tasty. It's rather cheap, but that's it. They even have a plastic tableware, like cups and glasses. It's not a good point. definitely. Will not go anymore.

I wish they would start delivery before 4:pm. A lot of people would like to get breakfast before 4:pm

After spending the morning at the Museum of Science & Industry, my husband and I wanted to find a locally owned restaurant to enjoy a reasonably priced simple lunch. Salonica was a perfect choice. We decided to split a deluxe BLT (that didn't skimp on the bacon) with french fries once we realized how big the portions were. With a Coke and iced tea, our tab was just over $12, and we were comfortably full. An amazing (and very tasty) deal! We'll happily be returning to Salonica whenever our travels bring us to the south side of Chicago!

flaming cheese!

We have visited Salonica a few times and have found it to be a good restaurant to have solid Greek food. It is very much in the old US diner style with tuck and role naugahyde vinyl booths and chairs. The food is good but not fantastic. The prices are very reasonable and the quantity if well worth the prices.

Breakfast lunch and dinner. They have it all. And everything I had was good. The kids loved it. Good size portions. Fair prices.

First time and last time, I had Sunday brunch here with a friend. I got the waffles with strawberries and cream as well as a fruit bowl. The food was very plain, but not bad. However, the chairs and table are greasy and you could tell they do not do a good job, if at all, at cleaning. I paid with my credit card and when I got the statement later, I noticed I was charged $1 extra in tip than the amount I had written in. In other words, Salonica changed the amount on their receipt. This is simply dishonest. Shame on Salonica. By being greedy for that extra $1, you lost a customer.

This is another must for us in Chicago - close to Powell's Book Store and to the lake shore. The all day breakfast is nicely done and never disappoints - love those hash browns. We also tried the burritos with dipping sauce. Mmmmm! The service is super friendly and efficient, as much coffee as you can drink and decent tea. As well we enjoy the cross-section of society in the clientele more than the university crowd who tend to hog the seating at other cafes.

I won't say that the food at Salonica is the best in the world. I will say that given their purpose and clientele, they do they job better than almost any place I have ever eaten. Solid diner fare, with an attentive, but not intrusive staff. Still the best spinach-feta omelet on the planet though!

A good representative of an off-campus restaurant. The food -- I had the soup-and-half chicken combination; my wife had a large salad -- is certainly adequate, but it should not be mistaken for gourmet fare.

We decided to eat here on a whim after visiting the Museum of Science and Industry. Easily walkable from there. Food was definitely not fancy, but all of it was solid. diner food. Service was good and prices were reasonable.

The grits were amazing and the hash browns perfect. Has Cholula my favorite hot sauce too... great service and nice cozy atmosphere.

This was our first visit to Hyde Park and UChicago. We knew we had to stop here. Great gyros, Greek specialities (especially the egg lemon soup), and simply good breakfast. Our waitress was excellent which we really appreciate!

This excellent neighborhood gem is right on the east edge of the university of Chicago campus and was one block from our airbnb. The service was friendly and fast, the food delicious, and the bill delightfully low. For $8 I got an egg, hash browns, bacon, toast AND coffee. Pumpkin pie was amazing! (Son got that). If your group is 4 or less, sit in the first dining room if you can - cute booths unlike anything I have seen. Love this place and will be back!

Delicious! I went here because I wanted to try something new, and I did! I went with a group of 10 but we were still served speedily. The prices were pretty good, too. I had more than I could eat - and trust me, I wanted to - and it was only $10.50. I'll probably go back while I'm still in the area!

Stopped here for lunch late on a Sunday morning (it just happens to be across from one of our favorite Chicago bookstores, Powell's, as well as close to the U of Chicago campus and Museum of Science and Industry). The place was packed with many folks still eating breakfast (we think they serve breakfast until 1, at least on the weekends), but we were able to find a spot at the counter at the back. Our server didn't speak English very well which, coupled with the noise level, made communication even more difficult, but we eventually got our order across - the braised lamb with rice, vegetables, and a bowl of the soup of the day (lemon). Oddly enough, we never could get her to understand our drink order, so just went with the glass of water that she gave us when we sat down. The lemon soup (avgolemono - basically an emulsion of lemon juice and eggs) was fantastic, served with a basket of bread (sadly not warm, but still nice and fresh) that really started the meal off right. There was a bit of a wait on the lamb, but it was also very good. A couple of thick slices with some (not enough in our opinion) of the tomato braising liquid, along with some seasoned rice and steamed green beans and zucchini (somewhat overcooked). We've had better braised lamb at other Greek restaurants, but it was still very good - just not as fall apart tender as we'd like and more sauce would have been really good to go with the rice. The language/noise problem aside, our server was attentive and friendly, and the value for our dollar was very good with good sized portions - definitely worth a try if you want some Greek food and you're in the neighborhood.

Salonica is in Hyde Park adjacent to The University of Chicago campus. This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, because of its wide range of menu options -- omelets, sandwiches, soups, salads, main dishes, and a list of daily specials. The wait staff is efficient and food comes from the kitchen quickly and hot. Salonica is ideal for a quick meal when time is tight, such as before a meeting or before heading to the airport. It's a place with lots of regulars, especially from The University. A drop-in guest is welcomed and treated very well. The restaurant is spotlessly clean and booths are padded and comfortable. You'll enjoy this place and look forward to coming back again, too.

A nice Greek restaurant that also offers some variety for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Always full, which shows the quality of the food. Prices are fair, quantities are large. i usually go there to get a Gyros sandwich which can be shared (but once you bite into it, you don´t want to stop...). The sour cream comes on the side, which is good for those who are lactose intolerant. The servers do not stop, all very nice and prompt. Restaurant clean, nice vibe! And the prices are very fair and honest, and portions are generous.

Had breakfast here for the first time in 10 years this past weekend. Ate here frequently 40 years ago when I lived in Hyde Park and again my last two visits. Lots of good food, big servings and very reasonably priced. Highly recommend Salonica for breakfast ( my only recent meals). Looks good for other meals as well. Casual atmosphere.

Decent food for college kids in a college town. It's a good break from dorm food and enjoy Greek cuisine for those who have never been to Greece or that part of Chicago.

Wonderful casual family restaurant Great food with professional courteous service The braised lamb was exceptional Street parking is a challenge as usual in Hyde Park Moderately priced menu Lunch for 2 was $49 including tax tip was extra Will definitely be coming back 👍👍👍