Athens Cafe in Jacksonville

Good food, poor service. (May be due to lack of staff)

The food and wine selection with the atmonsphere makes this a great place for a romantic date

Athens Cafe is the best for authentic Greek food in Jacksonville. My family and I absolutely love being greeted by Stella when we come to dine. Her staff is friendly and inviting. They always try to provide fantastic service (love to see Klaerts smiling faceand the atmosphere is superb.If you happen to go for a late dinner on a Friday night, they have a fantastic belly dance show that will certainly delight. They have a full selection of spirits, wines, and beers to pair with the delicious food.Do yourself a favor the next time you want to take your SO out for a special evening, and go check this place out.

i love the atmosphere and the food was absolutely delicious!! they have entertainment from thursday - saturday. i went on a saturday when they have live piano music and it really added to the atmosphere. this is a great little classy date spot or place to take a very small gathering. 10/10!!!

Ill give them the benefit of the doubt on the slow service and being out of several items on the menu, but the entire floor was noticeably unswept and had many little bits of whatever around.

Their website isnt working so no ordering for pickup. The Gyros were great, hard to mess up a sandwich. Ordered the grilled calamari, rubber and NO seasoning and pieces of cuttlebone still in it, the Spanakopita tasted either very old or made from canned spinach. No idea how such a classic Greek dish can taste so bad.

My wife loved this place we were traveling home from Florida and we decided to stop and try it! She said the fries were ok but the gyro was amazing and thr best ever.

Food is just OK..employees are super rude. The service is terrible!Don’t know if she is owner or not but shouldn’t treat guests the way she does. Nothing is ever her fault. I would much rather enjoy the food at Athenian Owl restaurant off of Baymeadows 😉

First time as I am new to this area. Very nice ambience and the gyro was the best Ive had in Jax..

Had a lovely time 😊 My daughter and her fiance took me there for Fathers Day weekend as I lost my husband to ALS in 2020Perfect place for relaxing and I lived in Athens when I was young so brought back memories... piano player was so amazing and friendly .. Great service and great food .. I had the Chicken and potatoes and it was perfectly cooked . We will definitely come back .

Delicious 👍🏻👍🏻 Service is always good and booked talent ⭐⭐. Good time.

Found this place while looking for something else and got a gyro to go and it was amazing. I look forward to going back and trying some more dishes. Nice little quiet spot, great ambience with plenty of parking.

Best moussaka I’ve ever had. The grape leaves are amazing- again, best I’ve ever had. The gyros are off the charts. What really made us fall in love with this place though, is the ambiance. The team here are warm and make you feel like family. The owners come around and talk to everyone. The live music on Fridays is lovely, just incredible musicians. This place has so much heart and the food is the best Greek food in town.

Tl;Dr: this place is the best! And a thanks to Klaert, our server.I have gone here several times now. I have been to many restaurants across America and in several other countries. I have been in food service for two decades. I love good food, and this place is up at the top of my list for great places I have eaten.Whether you are going for a romantic date night, or a cultured family gathering, Athens Cafe can accommodate. The lovely owner, her family, and staff are all very friendly and attentive.They often have live music from a wide array of musicians. On Fridays they have a fantasticand talented belly dancer. My six year old daughter loves to dance with her!All of the food is very authentic, and they have an excellent selection of menu items..not just your standard fare. Many of the wines are guaranteed destination of origin. And the prices are phenomenal for the kind of food and atmosphere you will experience.We have had several different servers, but our server this last time was Klaert (very cool nameand he was enthusiastic and amusing.Do yourself a favor if you are in Jacksonville and check out this little hidden gem.

My favorite restaurant in Jacksonville! I love coming on Friday evenings for Belly dancing and live music. I usually get the Moussaka and its delicious. The gyro plate is very good as well. The atmosphere is fantastic and we feel welcomed every time we come. A real family restaurant. Its such a treat.

It is said, you have to open many oysters before finding a Pearl. Tucked away from my own Awareness, die to the side of town I’ve always lived on, Athens Cafe the long standing Pearl of Jacksonville.It doesn’t scream for your attention, advertise with big budgets, nor try to sell some image of being more than what it is. Athens Café is authentic in its totality, from people, food, service, and environment.It is a humble,enchanting jewel, who commits to its art, its craft- making authentic Greek food with passion and love.Do what you do with love, all goodness will flow forward, right? That’s Athens cafe .The owner’s presence, greeting you at the door, was the same mirrored warmth felt throughout the entire evening by all staff.This is the second time in 8 years, I’ve given a restaurant in Jacksonville 5🌟s.My perception of dining comes from a background working high end restaurants growing up in Atlanta. If Athens Cafe was in Atlanta, you would need reservation a day in advance for lunch and dinner.The professionalism and overall hospitality made you feel like you were visiting a place where you were once remembered and missed. The Environment was nostalgic and enchanting, capturing all my senses.When I thought it could not get better, the food was absolutely amazing! From the presentation, portion, and the flavor. I almost forgot to capture a photo before my plate was wiped clean.Every moment of our experience at Athens Café was more splendid than the next.I wish I new social media, I would spread their greatness.

Special dinner or and was not disappointed! Delicious good, well prepared, courteous but friendly service staff.

Great food. Fun with friends. Wait staff can be better trained, but they were good.

We had a wonderful lunch at Athens. It was some Greek holiday that day and we were treated like rock stars. A very talented piano player played for us. It was wonderful!

This restaurant is something special.The best thing here is honestly the people. Everyone is so nice here. I felt very welcomed everytime I ate here.The food is amazing. You could literally order any item off the menu and be blown away with how good it is. I don’t mean that lightly.I like to have the Greek lasagna. The grape leaves are always a table favorite for an appetizer.

Very nice, clean, well managed restaurant. The staff are very professional yet friendly. The food was great. We had the lemon chicken soup, chicken kabob, and the Greek Sampler. The fresh bread was amazing. Belly dancers on Fridays at 7:00 PM. Check them out.

Wow. Incredible authentic food and atmosphere. Our server, Klaert, did an excellent job. If you have small and impressionable children, you might not want to take them during the belly-dancing hours. Although impressive, it can also be slightly suggestive.My only gripe is that during the belly-dancing and festivities towards the end of the evening, they blast the music at such an ungodly level at the most horrible quality that anyone within 15 feet of them can kiss their ability to hear themselves think goodbye. If you sit at the back youll probably be fine, but the closer to the action you get, the more your ears will bleed.The cocktails at the bar are unique, reasonably-priced, and from what I tasted, delicious. Theyre all house creations that you cant get quite the same anywhere else. Be sure to ask for Nick, because hell make you a special drink you wont soon forget. Super delicious and worth it.

Delicious fair as always. From proprietary cocktails to savoy Greek dishes, our dinner was a pure delight. The atmosphere made even more special by live acoustic guitar and a beautiful belly dancer. If you have not visited this restaurant, you are missing a real treat!

What a great place for dinner! Lamb chops is my favorite, grape leaves follow, as well as the flaming cheese. Great hospitality! Every Friday night there’s dancing, plate breaking and tons of fun!Update 3/5/22:New and improved drink menu with a greek flair. Bold sweet and savory cocktail with garlic on the rim which adds an interesting twist. Cucumber vodka makes all the difference.

Great atmosphere but the food lacks flavor. Fantastic live music on Friday nights!It was a difficult choice between 3 and 4 stars, but in the end, I dine out for delicious food; the environment can be bad as long as the food is great, I will grade with higher marks.The atmosphere, decor and menu choices were excellent (one of few places in JAX that serve grilled octopusbut it was the most bland Greek food I have ever tasted.Greek salad with gyro meat (lots of meat, so thank you so much!but it’s like they only put olive oil as a dressing; no vinegar. Just oil and spices. The vegetables were fresh. The pita bread was good, the humus was bitter.Crème Brûlée consistency was too thin, not the usual thick, custard like feel.I really wanted Athens Cafe to be my JAX Greek spot but I will keep looking.

I placed an order and I was unsatisfied. The owner reached out to me and not only apologized for the chef having an "off day" (which happens to us allbut she also asked for another shot. She was extremely accommodating and polite and she guaranteed my satisfaction and she was right!! I recommend them 100%

I think they were short staffed tonight. Got waters, but no refill. Took time to place order. Got bread, but no butter so it was too dry to eat. Calamari was rubbery, but the batter was fried perfectly. I ordered chicken limon. Well cooked and delicious. My fiance got lamb kabob. Only one kabob for $19 and he was still hungry. We tried to order drinks, but no idea what beers and then no one came back to place our cocktail order, so we just ran by ABC and made drinks at home. The drink menu looks yummy and I wish we could have tried. Also wish we were offered dessert. Piano playing was nice. I wish service was better tonight. Seemed like service was fine for the larger tables, but we were just two. 3 stars because food is good. Minus two stars because service was not good.

We’ve been going to Athens Cafe for the past 5 years every time we visit Jacksonville. The food is always great and they go out of their way to ensure everyone is satisfied. The live entertainment adds to the experience too. Give this place a try, you won’t be disappointed!!

By the time you have eaten, you have new friends. I would ask them to our place next, but no way we could cook delicious food like that. Greek food is healthier, and this place is as good any Ive had in NYC, Boston or the west coast

What an amazing place. The food was excellent, service to match. Had a belly dancer as entertainment the staff smiling and on point. Highly recommend Athens Cafe for any time you have available for good food and great company.

Yesterday evening my dad took me to this restaurant with my husband and mom for my birthday dinner! Stella is so genuine and personable, the best waitress ive encountered in years. The owner, Ted, was very giving and appreciative of me choosing to spend my birthday with them. They trrat their guests like family. So amazing! The food was on point. Make sure and try the lemon soup!

Delicious meals, superb dining ambiance and smooth cocktails. Authentic Greek fare. Live piano player lights up the room with melodies on the grand piano. Glorious dessert case! Service is always top notch. Belly dancing on Friday nights!

My wife and I had dinner for our first visit to Athens Cafe and it was a wonderful experience. The piano player provided a great atmosphere and even stopped by our table to welcome us. The waiter was very nice, and the bartender Nick was over the top! He personally discussed the various drink options, and they did not disappoint! He kept an eye on us the whole time, making sure we were taken care of. They make you feel like a special guest, basically roll out the red carpet. I was very impressed and each food item was high quality. The bread, the soup, the entrees, the dessert, all very good!

Me and my wife went midday, just before the dinner crowd started coming in. We were the only guests at the time, and the owner seated us at a nice clean table with clean utensils. He kept a face mask on the entire time, so did our waiter.He asked if we were familiar with Greek food, and we said yes, because we eat it often. He asked what places we were familiar with, and I dropped a few names. He knew them all of course (most of the Greek places in Jacksonville have been in place for years). He let us look over the menu and he brought me a Greek coffee that I requested, and an Unsweet tea for my wife (her request).The Greek coffee was served in a doppio-style mug with saucer, and it was very good. It is strong like Turkish, Arabic coffee or Espresso, and I ordered it black. You can get them with cream, sugar, etc. But I like to really taste things, so I ordered it black, and I enjoyed it. He brought it out with a glass of water, which I really only needed as a palate cleanser for the main course.For the first course, we ordered Greek salad (hera cup of the bean soup (meand we split a Spanikopita. My wife liked the salad, I enjoyed the soup, and the Spanikopita was unique. I enjoyed it, so did she, and it was very well baked, flaky, and had just enough filling to keep it soft on the inside. It was very good.The main courses we got were, for her, the roast lamb, which is Boneless and served with Greek grilled vegetables. I ordered the "famous baked chicken" which was served with excellent Roasted potatoes, and my choice of a side, which was sautéed Spinach.I tried a small bite of the lamb, it was great. As for the baked chicken...holy Hell. It was excellent. It was a huge chicken dark quarter served on a bed of cubed potatoes, and there were soft bits of Roasted Garlic, just a few pieces, served with it. I spread the soft garlic on the chicken skin and let it settle in. I ate the sides first. The potatoes were as I said already, great. Perfectly cooked. The Spinach was a knockout as well. Just flawless.The chicken...I started by carefully peeling away the skin and setting it aside. I used my knife and fork on the bird and it came away clean from the bone, and every bite was amazing. Once I had killed the chicken for the second time in its life, I went after the skin that had been smothered in that garlic. I could have cried. I have never had a quarter chicken that good, ever. I enjoy chicken. We have raised them, I have had them from the yard to the table. This was just another level of food that I was not prepared for, and man...famous baked chicken, indeed. I want to use words they will just bleep, and it deserves every version of those words in the best possible sense. Phenomenal does not do it justice. The food was stellar.We spent $55 on the meal and I tipped $15. The waiter left us alone much of the time, which is how I like it. He earned it. On our way out the door, I spotted items in the dessert case that I have to drop back in for, soon. Baklava Cheesecake, people. BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE.Go to this place and eat, and tip.

I really don’t want to leave a negative review. The owners/staff are such nice people. So, I’ll just leave pictures of what we ordered.

Food was great. Piano player was wonderful. Our server however was more interested in leaning against the bar and socializing to the point that her co worker had to get on her and instead filled our glasses.

The gyros are excellent and generously filled. We split a side of fries, which were nice and hot, and couldnt eat them all. The baklava cheesecake was outstanding! Service was friendly and helpful.

Great flavor! Best Greek food we’ve had in the Mandarin area so far. Had the gyro platter, chicken skewers, and pita with hummus. I’d order it all again. Gyro flavor and texture was phenomenal.

Such authentic and delicious Greek food!! I had the moussaka which was excellent and my hubby had spinach pie with feta and orsa and he loved it! Couple we were with loved theirs too. We will come back for sure. This is a small family owned business and there was even a belly dancer!

Delightful food. Their Athens Breakfast is superb. The tastes are not anything like American and its so delish.

What a little hidden gem. I expected a typical small shopping center spot. Instead, I got wowed to death. Ad for Saganaki on front. Reeled me in. What followed is an absolutely fantastic Experience. Went back the following day for an equally good Gyro.

Wow. Where to start? This place is the best hidden gem I have come across in a long time. My boyfriend took me here for a date night on Saturday- we were accompanied by beautiful live piano music in the background. The food is FRESH and INCREDIBLE. The best hummus/tzakiki I have ever had. I also loved the fried green cheese and fresh bread. We will definitely be coming back for more!! Also the chocolate baklava cheesecake is to die for!!! Also the customer service is excellent couldn’t have asked for more!!

I wish I had taken a picture of the lamb shank before my plate was polished off. It truly fell off the bone and was the best I’ve ever had. We’ve been several times and each time I’m blown away by the quality of food and the great service. Stella and the rest of the staff are so welcoming and make you feel like family when you walk through the door. This place is quickly becoming a staple for us.

This place is amazing! The Greek Benedict was good with gyro. BUT that pork shoulder was to die for. The saganaki was so good. This authentic Greek restaurant reminds me of the authentic Little Bucharest Bistro. They play great music. The bartneder/server on a Sunday who just started there is actually from Greece and he was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and made a great bloody Mary. Im interested in seeing what belly dancers and singers they have on weekends. I will definitely go back again and again.

Some of the worst Greek food I have ever had in my life!!!! I ordered the roasted lamb and they were out so I ended up ordering the lamb shank. The meat on the lamb shank was so cold. I had to send it back so that they could place it in the microwave for a few minutes 🤮 Not only was the food cold but it the taste of the lamb was horrible. The lamb shank was made with little to no effort. There are way better Greek restaurants than this one.

Last night my Mother and I paid a visit to Athens Cafe. This was not our first time nor will it be our last. The food is amazing and the service is exceptional! Last night Emmanuel was our waiter and was very attentive and His Mom prepared our delicious entreees!

We FINALLY found our favorite restaurant in Jax! This is truly authentic Greek cuisine with belly dancing and plate smashing festivities every Friday!(We’ve got plans to go back on a Friday to enjoy that. And to try much more off the menu.)We started with the saganaki flambé (traditional Greek cheese flambéed in brandy& fresh baked bread. SOOOOO good!! OOMPAH🔥Then grilled octopus (my personal favorite!)And, the Three the choice Meze spreads. We chose hummus, kalamata spread & skordalia (garlic with walnuts and seasonings beautifully puréed to smooth creamy bliss.)Then we dined on the Chef’s recommendations: kokinisto (delicious slow cook beef with carrots, parsley, tomatoes & onions over orzo😋and psari scharas (whole flame cooked fish). Our fish was dorado brought live from Greece! It was cooked to perfection. Moist white flakey fish with a tasty grilled sear on it to dip in a delicious lemon olive oil drench.Amazingly we found room for dessert! I got the house made creme brûlée and LOVED it! Nat got the humongous slice of baklava cheesecake (yes, that exists☺️). It was too rich/sweet for me, but that’s what cheesecake is supposed to be, right??So, I’d still totally recommend it if you like cheesecake and you like baklava.Overall, we TOTALLY recommend this restaurant!!!We can’t wait to go back 😋😋😋

Wonderful Greek food. Very fun and quaint environment. Best octopus I have had in Jacksonville.

Ive been going to Athens for lunch for years and its always been great! Friday night I went for dinner and had an amazing time from the food to the music and dancing it was great. Athens has a family feel Im not greek nor do I know anything about the culture but tonight I was a part of the family. If you are looking for a great night out give Athens a try, you wont be sorry.

Stopped here for a quick lunch bite Im originally from Illinois and a good gyro down here is hard to find. Ive found it friends and family definitely check it out. Soup is good definitely the comfort kind. I hear Friday nights are the place to be here.