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Avli River North
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Avli River North
8.7
Avli River North is an upscale Greek restaurant in the heart of River North, known for contemporary takes on classics like saganaki, souvlaki, and lobster pasta served family-style. A large patio, upstairs dining room, and lively bar make it a go-to for group dinners, date nights, and Santorini-adjacent happy hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Modern Greek cooking with a big patio and shareable feasts.
Who should go: Groups and couples craving lively modern Greek in River North.
When to visit: Evenings for patio dinners or weekday happy hour.
What to order: Flaming Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Short Rib Pastitsada.
Insider tip: Book patio seats in warm weather; build a meal around spreads and one or two large mains instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; valet typically available during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — elevated but relaxed; jeans and dressy tops are common
Noise level: Lively but manageable — conversation is possible at smaller tables, louder near the bar
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; early evening happy hour can see brief delays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — spreads, salads, and several mezze and mains work well
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few mezze and salads can be made vegan on request
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-leaning; staff can flag and modify options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio and upstairs dining room feel polished and romantic without being formal, and shareable plates help keep the meal conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties early evening or at the bar, but prime weekend hours and patio tables usually require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — families are common earlier in the evening, but the vibe trends adult and social later; best for older kids or special-occasion family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Upscale-but-fun Greek with shareable platters, strong outdoor seating, and group-friendly energy
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room or strictly traditional, old-school Greek cooking without modern twists
Avli River North
8.1
Avli River North serves contemporary Greek fare in a multi-level space anchored by an expansive, flower-lined patio that channels island energy in the middle of the city. Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it a popular choice for Greek mezze, lamb chops, and cocktails with four-legged company.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taverna Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, Chicken Souvlaki
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Modern Greek cooking, a lush patio that actually feels like somewhere coastal, and a stated welcome for dogs outdoors.
Who should go: Greek food fans planning patio mezze and drinks with pups.
When to visit: Warm-weather brunches or golden-hour dinners for peak patio feel.
What to order: Taverna Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, Chicken Souvlaki with a cocktail.
Insider tip: Request a rail or wall-side patio table so your dog can sit away from server traffic and neighboring chairs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited in River North; valet is typically available during dinner service and weekends, with nearby garages as the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished, especially for evening and brunch patio visits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at most patio tables, but peak evenings can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during warm-weather patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on sunny patio days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and mains can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few small plates and salads can be adapted; ask your server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many items can be prepared gluten-free on request and are generally well-labeled on the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the patio feels relaxed but polished, and shared mezze make it easy to pace the meal without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller parties, but patio tables go first in warm weather — walk-ins should expect a wait at peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids, especially earlier in the evening or at brunch; the vibe shifts more social and adult-leaning later at night.
Best For
Better for: Dog-friendly patio dining, social brunches, and Greek mezze in a scenic outdoor setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet indoor meal, late-night dining, or highly traditional taverna cooking without modern touches.