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Demitri’s Taverna
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Demitri’s Taverna
8.6
Greek taverna with shareable mezze, grilled meats, and a heated patio that suits multi-generation dinners. Staff are adept at splitting courses and timing plates so families can graze without chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Lamb Chops, Gyro Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Shareable Greek plates and patio seating make group dining easy.
Who should go: Families who like to share
When to visit: Early evening 5–6pm for quickest turns
What to order: Saganaki, lamb chops, gyro plate
Insider tip: Start with mezze; add one grill platter to finish strong.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and nearby side streets; fills quickly on weekends but public lots are within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—lively conversations and background music but still suitable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables available throughout the lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many mezze and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 plant-based options, though kitchen can adapt some dishes upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several grilled items and salads are naturally gluten-free; alert staff for accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for families or groups than romantic dates; the space is lively and communal rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, early arrivals before 6pm or weekday visits rarely need reservations; weekends are best booked ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—children are welcome, and the staff handle large family tables well. High chairs and booster seats available.
Best For
Better for: Group-style dining and family-friendly Greek dishes that accommodate multiple tastes.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or romantic atmosphere—opt for a smaller bistro instead.
Demitri’s Taverna
8.0
Greek taverna known for flame-kissed meats, shareable mezze, and lively hospitality. A downtown go-to for hearty plates and casual gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Pops, Saganaki (Flamed Cheese), Gyro Plate
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic Greek staples with crowd-pleasing portions and energy.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty Mediterranean plates
When to visit: Evenings before 6:30pm for easier seating
What to order: Lamb pops; saganaki; gyro plate
Insider tip: Mezze first; then split a platter to manage portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking along First Street and nearby public lots behind the block; weekends can fill up after 6pm so allow a few minutes to circle.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and polos are fine, but many diners dress up a bit for evening meetups.
Noise level: Moderate—busy and lively indoors during peak hours but still conversational; patio tables are quieter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical without reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for larger parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze like dolmas, hummus, and salads, plus vegetarian platters.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 items such as falafel and select salads can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled meats and salads are naturally gluten-free; pita can be skipped or substituted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you prefer a relaxed, energetic spot over fine dining—shared mezze and wine make for easy conversation, though the vibe leans more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes; the host manages turnover well, especially on weekdays. For weekend evenings, aim before 6:30pm or expect a short wait list.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome and portions are generous. No formal kids’ menu, but staff will split plates or simplify dishes on request.
Best For
Better for: Lively group dinners and shareable Mediterranean comfort food at affordable prices.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, upscale dining experience or modern fusion takes on Greek cuisine.
Demitri’s Taverna
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
Downtown Greek standby known for homestyle meze, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and tableside saganaki. Locals use it for shareable plates, reliable weeknight dinners, and a lively First Street setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saganaki (flamed cheese), Moussaka, Lamb shish kebab
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Classic Greek recipes, shareable meze, and lively First Street energy.
Who should go: Families and meze-sharing groups
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5:30–7:00pm to miss peak
What to order: Saganaki; moussaka; lamb shish kebab
Insider tip: Ask for extra lemon and oregano on grilled meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along First Street and nearby cross streets; it can fill quickly after 6pm on weekends. There’s also a small public lot behind the block accessible from Railroad Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual fits best—think jeans with a nice shirt or casual dress. Most diners come straight from work or for dinner out, so avoid overly casual gym wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are easy early evening but can get animated once tables fill and saganaki starts flaming.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is prompt for business lunches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample choices like dolmades, spanakopita, salads, and meze platters.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 items such as hummus, falafel, and select salads can be prepared vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled meats and salads are gluten-free; pita and fried items are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is warm and the atmosphere relaxed but lively. Tableside saganaki adds an interactive spark, making it memorable without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, walk-ins are fine before 7pm. On weekends, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups or patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—children are welcome, and the staff accommodates families easily. Kids tend to enjoy the flaming cheese and grilled skewers; no dedicated kids’ menu but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for groups that enjoy shareable dishes and authentic Greek ambiance; service is more personal than nearby chain Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or fine-dining setting—energy levels rise quickly, especially on weekends.
Demitri’s Taverna
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
Downtown Greek kitchen known for homestyle classics, grills, and lively hospitality. Locals use it for shareable meze, kebabs, and weeknight dinners right on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb shish kebab, Beef moussaka, Skillet fried saganaki
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Time-honored Greek recipes with generous meze and charcoal grills.
Who should go: Families and meze-sharing groups
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5:30–7pm to skip peak
What to order: Saganaki; moussaka; lamb shish kebab
Insider tip: Ask for extra lemon and oregano on grilled meats for a brighter finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on First Street and nearby side streets; fills up quickly after 6pm, but the city garage on Railroad Avenue is a 2-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and polos are fine, but many diners dress up slightly for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during dinner hours, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though tables fill during business lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several meze and main dishes like dolmades, spanakopita, and vegetarian moussaka.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled vegetables and lentil soup are reliable options, but most dishes include cheese or yogurt.
Gluten-free options: Yes—grilled meats and salads can be made gluten-free; pita bread can be swapped out upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting and personable service make for a comfortable, easy first date spot without pretension. The shareable meze plates help spark conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes on weeknights, but reservations are smart for Fridays and Saturdays, especially for parties of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. The staff is welcoming to children, and the menu includes mild, shareable options like grilled chicken skewers and rice.
Best For
Better for: Lively Greek hospitality, shareable meze, and consistent grilled meats make it stronger for casual group dinners than most Mediterranean spots downtown.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, white-tablecloth date night—this leans lively and social rather than hushed and romantic.