Avli Taverna - Lincoln Park

“I stopped in here based on someone's recommendation. That person was right, I loved what I ate, loved the atmosphere. I was looking for a place where I know I can order a great Greek Salad. Avli, did not disappoint. Salad vegetables were well seasoned, not bland, and they added a generous slice of Fetta Cheese. It was lovely. I also had a coconut flavored drink. There was no alcohol but it was delicious. Great place to meet your friends, coworkers and have a tasty meal in style.”

“The Greek Salad and Chicken Souvlaki were incredible! We can’t stop thinking about the feta used on the salad, it was amazing. Nice quiet outdoor patio too.”

“We had a reservation on a Friday night at 5:15. We had two of our grandkids with us (3yo and 1 month). The seating on the patio was very accommodating for the highchair and the stroller. It must be known for being kid friendly because we noticed other families with small children. The atmosphere reminded of some of the places we've been to in Greece. We started with the trio of spreads and drinks. Both were delicious. I had the Smoky Trellis and highly recommend it. Our main meals were very good (pork souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, gyros). Potions were also generous. Even though we were full we ordered dessert. We had the Rolled Baklava and the Bougatsa. Service was excellent. They kept the table clear of our dirty dishes which I always appreciate. We will definitely be back.”

“If you’re looking for a patio scene that makes you feel like you’ve actually successfully escaped your neighborhood for once, Avli Taverna is a legitimate win. Don’t let the polished online presence fool you into thinking this is some hushed, adults-only sanctuary; it is aggressively child-friendly. Seriously, almost every table on the patio had a kid in tow, making it the perfect spot if you’re dining with a mini-human or just enjoy the ambient noise of suburban domesticity. The service is impressively sharp, and the kitchen operates with a level of speed that suggests they know exactly how long a toddler's patience lasts. We started with the Greek salad, which was fresh, well-balanced, and seasoned exactly the way a salad should be. But let’s be honest: the zucchini chips are the only reason we’re all here. They are sliced so thin and fried so perfectly that they should probably be classified as a controlled substance. They are a mandatory, non-negotiable order. For the main event, the Chicken Souvlaki is a total crowd-pleaser—tender, well-seasoned, and universally liked by every age group at the table. The only real speed bump was the A-GOURI cocktail. It’s a bit of a sugar bomb, which is a shame because it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to settle in and enjoy the weather, but the sweetness level makes ordering a second one feel like a dare. Stick to something a bit drier so you can actually justify staying for another round of those chips.”

“Avli Taverna brings a bright, Mediterranean energy to Lincoln Park that immediately stands out. The space feels like a modern Greek island taverna—clean, airy, and full of natural light, with white and blue accents that make it feel transportive without being overdone. It has a lively but polished atmosphere that works well for both date nights and group dinners. From a vegetarian perspective, there are solid options, especially across appetizers and spreads. The mezze-style plates are where Avli really shines—dishes that are easy to share and layered with flavor. Items like melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), grilled vegetables, salads, and traditional Greek sides feel thoughtfully prepared rather than like afterthoughts. The portions are generous, and the food leans toward clean, fresh Mediterranean flavors—olive oil, herbs, citrus, and balanced seasoning. While not every dish is groundbreaking, the overall execution is consistent and satisfying. Service during our visit was attentive and efficient, even with a fairly full dining room. The restaurant has a celebratory feel to it—great for birthdays, brunches, or group gatherings where you want energy without chaos. Overall, Avli Taverna is a strong choice in Lincoln Park for approachable Greek cuisine in a beautiful setting. It’s especially enjoyable if you’re dining with a group and want to share multiple plates in a lively, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere.”