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Pylos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pylos
8.7
A longstanding East Village Greek taverna that leans upscale without losing the comfort-food core—best when you treat it as a focused tour of seafood, grilled meats, and bright mezze. It’s a reliable “real dinner” pick for dates and out-of-town guests who want classic flavors executed with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lavraki (whole grilled branzino), Spanakopita
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A classic Greek taverna experience with consistently strong seafood and mezze.
Who should go: Dates, families, and Greek-food loyalists
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend seating
What to order: Octopus, branzino, one hot appetizer
Insider tip: Balance one whole fish with 2–3 mezze, not extra mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the evenings. Public transit or rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong mezze selection, vegetable starters, and salads make it easy to build a meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several mezze and salads can be ordered without dairy if flagged.
Gluten-free options: Yes—grilled meats, seafood, and many mezze are naturally gluten-free; staff is accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it feels polished and intentional without being stuffy, and the shareable mezze format keeps things social and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are risky—reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy grilled meats and simple sides; not ideal for toddlers due to the upscale pacing.
Best For
Better for: A classic, elevated Greek dinner with consistent execution and a calm, grown-up dining room.
Skip if: You want a loud, party-style Greek spot or ultra-budget pricing—there are more casual options nearby.
Pylos
8.7
A polished East Village Greek taverna where seafood and classic mezze land with restaurant-level confidence instead of “quick gyro” shortcuts. The room feels date-ready and grown-up, and the menu rewards a focused order: one standout starter, one whole-fish or grilled protein, and a clean, bright side to balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Whole branzino, Lamb chops
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Greek cooking with an upscale taverna feel.
Who should go: Dates, out-of-towners, and Greek-food loyalists
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or first weekend seating
What to order: Grilled octopus, whole branzino, lamb chops
Insider tip: Anchor the meal with one whole fish, then keep sides simple.