Just had great food, awesome service and fantastic cocktails! We will definitely be back!
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 name) and he was enthusiastic and amusing.Do yourself a favor if you are in Jacksonville and check out this little hidden gem.
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.
My favorite restaurant in Jacksonville! I love coming on Friday evenings for Belly dancing and live music. I usually get the Moussaka and it's 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. It's such a treat.
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.
Great neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant. Friendly staff good food with a variety of dishes. Sure to enjoy
Absolutely the best Greek food in Jacksonville. The bartendar has his own drink menu exclusive to Athens Cafe and a terrific personality to boot. Highly enjoyed my conversation, live music and the beautiful owner?
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 you'll 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. They're all house creations that you can't get quite the same anywhere else. Be sure to ask for Nick, because he'll make you a special drink you won't soon forget. Super delicious and worth it.
Everyone meal was excellent and very tasty. We well be back again. The dishes were very Authentic! Well can’t add anymore to this post!
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!