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    Athens on 86th

    4.3 (222 reviews)
    ModerateGreek, Mediterranean
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order Athens on 86th Takeout or Delivery

    Athens on 86th Photos

    Business Info

    ATHENS ON 86TH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Athens on 86th

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    Phil B.

    We live Athens on 86th. I asked today how long they've been open. Since 2004. I imagine we been eating here for 21 years. Food is always great. Service is super. It's nice that most of the servers know our order since we don't chance much. Always nice seeing the owner waking around and taking to people. Such a wonderful place.

    Saganaki
    Amy G.

    Craving Greek/Mediterranean food, my wife and I decided to try out this place. We'd seen it once when going to a nearby Mexican restaurant. We were immediately seated at a nearby table closest to the front windows. The table was nice and clean, so was the rest of the restaurant, but the chairs were a little hard to sit on. They were straight-back wooden chairs with no cushions. There were other tables with chairs that had cushions. We opted not to move because we were otherwise comfortable and liked the view out the window. I noticed they had outdoor seating that looked nice and comfortable, it was just not quite warm enough for us to sit out there. There was what seemed to be authentic Greek style Mediterranean music playing and a lot of similar Greek style decoration/architecture around the restaurant. It felt like we were transported to Greece. We were greeted by our server, Alexa, within a few minutes. She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful with our questions and selections. We both decided to stick with water to drink. For our appetizer, we started with saganaki (flaming cheese). It's Greek Kasseri cheese, flamed at the table with vodka and topped with fresh squeezed lemon and served with nice, warm, sliced pita bread. It was served like a show, Opa! It had a nice savory tangy taste that went well on top of the sliced pita. I'm a big cheese lover, so I would definitely get this again, it was really good! For my entree, I got the Athens Specialty Chicken Gyro which is lots of warm and thinly sliced tender and juicy chicken served open-faced on a 7" pita topped with hand-shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, fresh red onions, soft crumbled feta cheese, and lots of tangy tzatziki sauce. It normally has pepperoncinis, but since I don't like them, I had those left off of it. It was a deliciously, delightful, mouthful of blended, lightly spiced, Mediterranean flavors. Pretty messy to eat by holding it, but that was my choice and I enjoyed it all the same. My wife had pork souvlakia that consisted of two kebab sticks of pork that was marinated and charred-grilled with Greek herbs and spices. She had a side of savory Greek style green beans, some rice pilaf, a Greek style oven roasted potato and a small Greek salad with two pieces of garlic toast. She enjoyed the delicate blend of Mediterranean spices on the tender and juicy pork souvlakia. The salad had a nice light crunch to it and the garlic toast was a good complement for it. She liked the green beans, potato, and rice as well. She ended up needing to take some food home because she was getting full, but I managed to finish my gyro. Alexa was a good server and checked on us often, making sure our water glass stayed filled. After I finished dinner, I used their restroom. It was very nicely decorated with Greek/Mediterranean pictures and the dark, maroon red paint on the walls I thought was a nice touch. The restroom was very clean. Next up, dessert! We decided to partake in some genuine authentic baklava. Crispy phyllo dough pastry layered with finely chopped walnuts and honey. I'm not a big walnut fan, but I've enjoyed baklava in the past regardless and had been looking forward to this after dinner. It was not as light and flaky as I had imagined it would be, it was more thickly sweet than I remembered it being as well. It was difficult to cut with the fork no matter how I went about trying to do it. It sat kind of heavy on my stomach also. We do plan on returning sometime in the future, but I'm not sure I'll get the baklava next time because it was too rich and heavy a dessert for me. All in all, it was still a positive experience.

    Bonnie L.

    A first time visit and we were SO DELIGHTED! A very nicely decorated dining room, clean bathrooms and friendly, knowledgeable staff! From our appetizer to our dinner salads, fresh garlic bread and AMAZING Entrees! Everything was PERFECT! Seasoning, fresh, hot and filling Greek taste! Our dessert was First Place all it's own! My boyfriend said it best, "It tastes like Christmas!" We had the delightful Effie's Galactobouriko! Also the Baklava! Please give this place a try, we know we're coming back! YUM

    Decor
    Danielle P.

    Amazing Greek restaurant! They were able to seat a large group and were kind. As an appetizer we enjoyed the Saganaki- fried cheese flamed at your table and served with the best pita. The speciality gyro was filling. I would recommend sharing an order of fries if you order a sandwich and appetizer. I was pleased by the overall experience.

    Galaktoboureko -- do not miss!
    Matt L.

    Two of us split the taste of Athens sampler and a galaktoboureko dessert. Not to brag, but it was a perfect order. The sampler had plenty of gyro meat, pastitsio, moussaka, dolmades, tiropita, spanakopita, potatoes, and rice to share. Of them, all were good, but the one that was the most "above average" was the dolmades. If done well, they are leafy and lame. This one was great: tender, moist, flavorful. The show-stealer, though, was the galaktoboureko. It can sometimes be too heavy and honeyed. This one was light and sweet to right where you'd want it to be. Add to all of it a great wait staff lovingly making fun of each other in Greek, and this place is not to be missed!

    Specials
    Katherine A.

    We had our own little Greek Fest at Athens on 86th. Our party of 5 had a pick of tables when we arrived early in a Friday night (5:30). But the restaurant filled quickly after. They have a few tables outside as well. Drink and dinner specials are listed outside, but no prices. I tried the Pomegranate Martini which was a little too sweet for me but still tasty. The Martini was $15. We shared a plate of the Greek Mestballs, which are stuffed with feta. The meatballs are large, moist and sharable. I had one of the dinner specials, langostino Pasta. The meal came with a small Greek side salad which was composed of very fresh greens and delicious. The pasta was covered in a spicy creamy sauce that was very good with bits of crab, shrimp and langostinos. The meal was very filling and good, but a little pricy at $35. The restaurant is decorated with a Greek ambiance. It was nice and comfortable. The small bar looks fun. The service was great. Angela was attentive and friendly. The staff kept water glasses filled. Food came out quickly. There's plenty of parking in the strip mall. All in all, a great experience and I will be back.

    Aaron B.

    Quality Greek food. As a former resident of Astoria (Queens), I'm always looking for good Greek around Indy. Athens has good food and a nice Grecian themed dinning room. The staff are a little harried, but doing their best. Not bad if that's what you're in the mood for and you're in the area.

    Lamb kabob
    Sheila D.

    We ended up here after our first restaurant pick had an 1-1/2 hour wait and they don't take reservations. This was our first time here and Athens did not disappoint! It was lively and had a great ambiance. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. The food came out quickly and delicious. This is definitely a place to try if you like Greek food. You can tell the family truly cares and wants to ensure you enjoy the food and experience. We started with the dolmades which were amazing! Our main courses were the Lamb kabob special and the Santorini special. Both were full of flavor. My only comment not a complaint, we felt the lamb special was a bit pricey for what it was. However, this will not stop us from returning. Look forward to returning to try some new dishes from the menu.

    Bread with too much butter and cup of avgolemono soup
    Mandy C.

    Unfortunately our small group didn't have a good experience here at all, despite the great reviews. Visited one Sunday early afternoon and the place was quite busy, it seemed as though this was a usual crowd as many of the patrons mingled with each other. No problem, I'm glad to see a local biz doing well! We asked about a wait but told we could be seated promptly. We were then led up to a raised dining area where one of our guests tripped on a step up and fell. It was strange bc the carpet on the step was all the same dark color, even the transition strip was dark. I also don't recall seeing any sign as a warning that a step was there? Our guest seemed to be fine afterward; the waitress was kind enough about it and that was that. One party member inquired about an appetizer, and the waitress informed us we should order all our food now or there could be a long wait. We ordered an appetizer size hummus and our meals (a lamb burger, two side salads and two cups of soup). The guest who ordered the lamb sandwich asked to sub out green beans for the potatoes. The waitress said no, likely not and the remarked, "since they probably won't, will you eat the potatoes?" Umm, ok? Our hummus was delivered timely. See the pic, it was served with maybe one full piece of pita bread cut into triangles and toasted with garlic seasoning ($10.99). We asked if we could have a bit more pita, given the amount of hummus served. Sure, for an extra $1.99 up charge?! At this point we were all becoming uncomfortable. I certainly didn't expect anything for free, but after the minor accident you'd think they'd have been a bit more accommodating? Our food arrived and was good (hence the 2nd star), the lamb sandwich predictably came with potatoes and not the green beans. The other two guests at the table ordered a side salad and cup of soup each. The portion sizes were quite small compared to the prices. We received some Italian-like bread with the salads which was saturated in butter and not at all appetizing. I'd happily have traded it for more pita! The final bill for the late lunch meal: $72 for three (did not include tip and we all had water to drink). Final note: at the end of our meal, we noticed a woman visiting with some of the guests and clearing tables. I presume this was the manager/owner? I was really surprised that she did not acknowledge us at all, nor even apologized for the fall. Again we were not expecting, nor wanted any preferential treatment, but just a friendly greeting and/or an apology would've gong a long way in this situation. We didn't feel welcome here at all. Given all these factors, I'm sorry to say I can't recommend this restaurant.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Tina K.

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    2 years ago

    Best tasting Greek food in Indianapolis! This has been my go-to since they opened. They never disappoint!

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Tina K.

    Thank you for the great review Matt! See you again soon.

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    3 years ago

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    Tina K.

    Thank you! We can't wait to have you back!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Had take out. Food was hot and very tasteful when we got it home. Will definitely be back

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Tina K.

    Thank you for your kind words April!

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    2 years ago

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    Tina K.

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    2 years ago

    Food was amazing and waitress was attentive. Restaurant was cute and in a convenient location.

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    Tina K.

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    2 years ago

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    Tina K.

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    2 years ago

    By far my favorite sit down Greek restaurant on the north side. Excellent apps-love flaming cheese, and the kabobs and gyro is top notch

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    2 years ago

    Amazing owners and terrific atmosphere. The food is wonderful, too. Try the chicken or pork souvlaki.

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food and service are always amazing! Tzatziki is the best we've ever had! Would highly recommend the chicken gyro!

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Our first time here tonight. The Service and food was amazing. Will definitely be back!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Tina K.

    So glad you enjoyed your lamb burger. We can't wait to have you back!

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    2 years ago

    Will definitely be going back! Food was great but an even better atmosphere. Truly make you feel like family when you eat here.

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    So glad you enjoyed your visit Rebekah!

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    Page 2 of 6

    Ask the Community - Athens on 86th

    Is there a dining Rewards's program?

    No. The reward is great food and service. In a family locally owned business.

    Have you dined here before? Here or Parthenon for authentic Greek food?

    This place is authentic Greek food.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Came for lunch and was pleased with their lunch special, the gyro meat had great flavor and I…read moreordered the hummus as my side. The pita bread was the warmest, fluffiest, pita I've ever had. Would definitely order it again. I would've liked the baklava to have more honey on it so I'll be sure to ask if ordering it again.

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    We really liked our dinner experience at Canal Bistro! The vibes are awesome, huge shaded patio…read moreright along the canal with tons of patrons, and the service was very good. I would come back for that alone even to just sit and drink on a cool evening. Drinks were super good. We ordered the dolma, gyro platter, and shawarma platter Only reason I'm withholding a fifth star is I think the food is a bit overpriced for how good it is. It is good, but I've just had better Mediterranean food for less. The portions are big though, so you could share plates! It is worth a visit! We'll probably be back again

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    The Greek Islands Restaurant - Indianapolis - Chicken Gyros

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    We're always looking for good Greek food in Indianapolis and noticed this spot while eating…read moresomewhere nearby, so we decided to make a trip back downtown for it at a later time. Located in a cute blue house, this is conveniently located near Lucas Oil Stadium and there was a huge concert going on the night we were there, but we were still allowed to park in their parking area. Inside has nice lighting and is pretty plain but has a homey feel. The menu contains many items we're familiar with having visited Greece twice. So I'm going to be a little critical here with my review of the food. I ordered the Greek Spaghetti, which I have had in Greece. Unfortunately this was not at all what I was expecting or anything like Greek spaghetti. What I was served was basically Prego spaghetti sauce with pieces of gyro in it. Traditional Greek spaghetti (or Makaronia me Kima) is a wonderful sauce that's seasoned with all kinds of memorable spices. It's definitely not pieces of gyro meat thrown in a sauce. So while this was fine, it was not what I truly wanted or thought I was getting so I was pretty disappointed. My husband got the chicken souvlaki and that was better but still not quite like what I remember. The meat was almost smoked and lacked some of the Greek spices that gives it a distinct taste. And the tzatziki...well, let's just say it tastes like whipped feta and was lacking in flavor too. I did enjoy the pita bread. Our service was underwhelming as well. It took a while for anyone to notice we were there and needed to be seated and the server basically did the bare minimum, never even asking if we wanted our water refilled. Overall, it was fine. If I had never been to Greece, I may have a different opinion but this isn't someplace I really want to go back to.

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    Athens on 86th - greek - Updated September 2026

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