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Taxim
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Taxim
8.3
Taxim focuses on regionally specific Greek cooking, serving wood-grilled meats, seasonal produce, and meze in a dim, brick-lined room with a rooftop patio over Milwaukee Avenue. Locals treat it as the neighborhood’s serious sit-down option when they want a longer Mediterranean dinner instead of quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled octopus, Braised lamb shank, House mezze platter
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Rooftop-friendly modern Greek spot emphasizing regional dishes and meze.
Who should go: Date-night couples who want upscale regional Greek cooking.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for rooftop energy and lingering dinners.
What to order: Wood-grilled octopus, lamb shank, chef’s seasonal mezze platter.
Insider tip: Book rooftop tables in advance during patio season; they vanish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in Wicker Park; expect competition on weekends and allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable indoors, slightly louder on busy rooftop evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak patio season.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service may be limited or seasonal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several meze and mains are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — confirm preparation details with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many grilled meats and salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, rooftop seating, and shareable meze create a relaxed but elevated vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but rooftop and prime weekend times book out — reservations are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-leaning, but older kids and teens are fine; it’s not geared toward toddlers or families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Longer, sit-down Greek dinners with regional dishes and thoughtful execution rather than fast-casual gyros and bowls.
Skip if: You want quick counter service, ultra-quiet dining, or very casual pricing and portions.
Taxim
8.6
Taxim is a Wicker Park fixture for regionally inspired Greek cooking, pairing shareable meze and rustic mains with an all-Greek wine list and a rooftop patio over Milwaukee Avenue. Locals rely on it for longer, sit-down dinners that feel more like a night out than a quick gyro run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-grilled octopus with fennel and red onion, Lamb chops, Lahanodolmades (lamb and rice stuffed fermented cabbage)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Regionally focused Greek small plates and mains served with an all-Greek wine list and rooftop seating.
Who should go: Diners planning lingering, shareable Greek dinners with wine.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full energy and rooftop seating.
What to order: Wood-grilled octopus, lahanodolmades, lamb chops.
Insider tip: Book rooftop tables in advance during patio season for the best experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm and can be competitive on weekends; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean a bit dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable, but expect energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often booked during peak hours — walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — evenings are the main draw.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good range of meze and mains suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with select meze and modified dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free options — staff can help guide choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop and candlelit dining room create a romantic, relaxed atmosphere ideal for conversation over shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late seatings are your best chance. Prime weekend times usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults and older teens — there’s no dedicated kids’ menu and the vibe is date-night leaning.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Greek dining with a regional focus, thoughtful wines, and a rooftop setting that feels special without being formal.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick counter-service gyros, ultra-budget meals, or very quiet dining.
Taxim
8.5
Taxim is David Schneider’s modern Greek restaurant pairing regionally focused dishes with an all-Greek wine list and a rooftop herb garden terrace. Inside, dark wood, flickering light, and mezze-laden tables make it a go-to for couples who want something more transporting than a standard neighborhood date.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rampopita (seasonal ramp-filled house phyllo pie), Lamb shoulder kebab or lamb chops with bulgur, Halva cake-style dessert with nutty richness
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Regional Greek cooking, Greek-only wine list, and a rooftop terrace.
Who should go: Greek food fans craving a transportive, wine-driven date.
When to visit: Warm evenings for rooftop sunsets and slower pacing.
What to order: Rampopita, lamb shoulder kebab, halva cake dessert.
Insider tip: Reserve the rooftop on clear nights; it books quickly in season.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots can be limited during dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — think polished but not formal
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but lively, slightly louder on weekends
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without a reservation, often 45–75 minutes
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is limited; evenings are the primary dining time
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several mezze and mains are vegetarian-friendly
Vegan options: Limited but possible — some mezze and salads can be adapted
Gluten-free options: Multiple naturally gluten-free dishes; staff can advise clearly
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, wine program, and mezze-style sharing create an intimate, romantic tone without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early or late on weekdays, but weekends fill quickly. Rooftop seating is almost always reservation-only in season.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and teens than young children — the atmosphere is refined and slow-paced with few kid-specific menu options.
Best For
Better for: Romantic Greek dining with a serious wine focus, atmospheric interiors, and a rooftop terrace that feels transportive.
Skip if: You want fast service, very casual dining, bargain pricing, or a loud party environment.
Taxim
8.5
Taxim is a Wicker Park Greek restaurant known for shareable meze, rustic mains, and a rooftop space used in warmer months. Guests pair dishes like duck gyro and souvlakia with Greek wines while lingering over long dinners. The setting skews lively and slightly upscale, making it a go-to for dates and group celebrations rather than quick bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Gyro, Souvlakia, Tzatziki with house pita
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern Greek small plates and duck gyro served with seasonal rooftop seating.
Who should go: Diners wanting Greek meze, wine, and lively rooftop dinners.
When to visit: Warm-weather evenings when the rooftop is open and buzzing.
What to order: Duck Gyro, Souvlakia, Tzatziki with house pita.
Insider tip: Order several meze to share; rooftop tables fill quickly on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight on weekends, allow extra time or use rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated denim or a nice outfit fits the vibe
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible but expect buzzier rooftop energy
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for rooftop seating
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner-focused venue
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of meze and mains suitable for vegetarians
Vegan options: Limited; a few small plates may work but menu leans dairy- and meat-forward
Gluten-free options: Some options available; inform staff for guidance on safer choices
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the rooftop setting and Greek wine list create a romantic atmosphere, especially in warm weather. It works best for a slightly dressy, longer dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends or during rooftop season. Walk-ins may face waits, so reserve ahead if the rooftop is a must.
Is it kid-friendly? Children are welcome, but the energy skews adult and social. Best for older kids or family outings rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric Greek dinners, rooftop evenings, shareable meze, and date or celebration nights with thoughtful wine pairings
Skip if: You want quick counter-service Greek, ultra-quiet dining, or guaranteed seating without a reservation during peak rooftop season