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The Parthenon
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Parthenon
8.4
Downtown Greek-Turkish menu—manti, souvlaki, and crisp meze—served in a polished Union Square dining room. Efficient pacing makes it a smart choice for business lunches and pre-theater dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb chops, Chicken souvlaki, Manti (Turkish dumplings)
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Greek favorites alongside Turkish staples like manti downtown.
Who should go: Office crews and pre-theater diners
When to visit: Late lunch or early evening before rush
What to order: Lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, manti
Insider tip: Bar seats are ideal for quick, solo pre-show meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is the Union Square garages within a 3–5 minute walk. No onsite valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs, blouses, and neat jeans are fine, but many diners lean dressy due to theatergoers and business lunch crowds.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are comfortable at lunch; evenings can get lively but still manageable for dates or small groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak pre-theater hours
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes; reservations recommended for groups
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options like spanakopita, meze spreads, and salads
Vegan options: Limited but available—grilled veggies, hummus, and select meze can be adapted
Gluten-free options: Yes—several mains and meze are naturally gluten-free; ask staff for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished dining room and warm service create an inviting atmosphere that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—walk-ins are easier at weekday lunches or late dinners. For weekends and pre-theater, reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome and high chairs are available, but the menu and ambiance are geared more toward adults and business diners.
Best For
Better for: Balanced Greek–Turkish offerings in a central downtown location, ideal for mixing meze with mains before a show or during a business lunch.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual, budget eats or a purely kid-focused spot—other Mediterranean counters in the area may suit better.
The Parthenon
8.4
Modern Greek plates—souvlaki, spanakopita, avgolemono—served in a polished Union Square room. Opened in 2024 under chef-owner Cem Bulutoglu, it’s a convenient downtown choice for pre-theater dinners and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb souvlaki, Chicken souvlaki, Spanakopita
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Polished downtown Greek with a focused menu and warm hospitality.
Who should go: Pre-theater diners and small celebrations
When to visit: Early evening before peak or late dinner
What to order: Lamb souvlaki; chicken souvlaki; spanakopita
Insider tip: Book earlier seatings on show nights—service is quicker and quieter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Nearby garages like Ellis-O’Farrell make parking easiest; street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most lean business-dressy given the Union Square location.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing during peak hours but conversation is comfortable at most tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; earlier slots book quickly pre-theater.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait if you arrive before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—spanakopita, Greek salads, and several meze are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 meze can be prepared vegan on request; mains are mostly meat- or dairy-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several mains and salads are naturally gluten-free; pita and pastries are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished setting, moderate noise, and warm service create a comfortable but slightly upscale atmosphere that works well for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly at lunch or late evening, but on show nights and weekends reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited for adults and older kids; there are no children’s menus or play amenities, though families with well-behaved children are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Stronger on polished service and convenient Union Square location compared to more casual Greek spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want a budget-friendly or purely vegan Greek option, this isn’t the best fit.
The Parthenon
8.4
Greek and Turkish plates—lamb chops, manti, and souvlaki—served in a cozy Union Square room with friendly, efficient service. A solid downtown choice for sit-down lunches, pre-theater dinners, and shareable meze with wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Chops, Manti (Turkish dumplings), Chicken Souvlaki
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Balanced Greek–Turkish menu with downtown convenience and warm hospitality.
Who should go: Office crews, theatergoers, date-night diners
When to visit: Early evening before curtain or late lunch
What to order: Lamb chops; chicken souvlaki; manti
Insider tip: Wrap-style souvlaki is faster if you’re catching a show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited downtown; best bet is Ellis-O’Farrell Garage two blocks away, usually $5–8 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; button-downs or dresses feel at home, though neat jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak dinner but conversation is comfortable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; call ahead recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated right away before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple mezze and mains like spanakopita and vegetarian moussaka.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes such as hummus, dolmas, and salads can be vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several grilled proteins and rice-based plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – cozy dining room, friendly staff, and shareable meze create an easy, conversational vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early evenings, but prime-time dinner near shows usually needs a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally geared toward adults; older kids will enjoy grilled meats, but there’s no kids’ menu or play space.
Best For
Better for: Balanced Greek–Turkish plates with warm service in a convenient Union Square location—ideal for pre-theater meals and business lunches.
Skip if: You want very modern fine dining, extensive vegan options, or extremely quiet surroundings.