Flaming cheese, shouts of “Opa!” and a courtyard with a fountain. That is a normal dinner at one Greek spot just north of Chicago.
The kitchen has been serving Greek classics since 1981. That’s more than four decades of gyros, lamb, and lemony soup. Some families have been loyal for most of that run.
I like how the place leans into the fun. The patio is leafy and green, and some nights bring live Greek music. It feels more like a party than a quick bite in Illinois.
Then there’s the gyro, the real reason for the trip. I believe a gyro this good deserves a little drive. I can’t imagine leaving without one on the plate.
The Gyros Are the Reason Your GPS Exists
Gyros are the headliner at Mykonos Greek Restaurant, and they earn the spotlight. The menu lists them in several ways, so you can pick your style.
Want them simple? Go for a classic gyro plate with pita and creamy tzatziki. Prefer to roam?
The combination plate tucks gyro meat beside other Greek favorites.
The homemade gyros combine ground prime beef with Colorado lamb, giving the meat a rich, satisfying flavor. That’s a fun detail for anyone who appreciates a gyro made with a little extra care. It gives the dish a homestyle feel that fast-food versions rarely match.
Here’s a smart move for first-timers. Order a gyro dish to share and add one or two appetizers. You get the star of the show plus a taste of what else the kitchen does well.
Gyros also travel nicely as a group order. Splitting a platter means everyone gets a bite before the debates start. Honestly, the debates are part of the fun.
Pair your plate with Greek potatoes or rice for a full meal. Then save a corner of pita for mopping up extra sauce. Nobody at the table will judge you for that last swipe.
Get Ready to Yell Opa Over Flaming Cheese
Fire at the table is not a problem here. It’s the appetizer. Saganaki, often called flaming cheese, is one of the most talked-about dishes on the menu.
The cheese arrives in a hot pan, and then the flames leap up. Diners usually answer with a loud “Opa!” It’s dinner and a show in about ten seconds.
Kids tend to love it, and adults secretly love it even more. Phones come out fast, so be ready to film. The moment passes quickly, but the cheese stays delicious.
Shrimp saganaki is another option for seafood fans. It brings the same Greek spirit with a different twist. Ordering both at one table might feel greedy, but it’s also a great idea.
Saganaki works best as a starter for the whole group. It’s warm, salty, and made for sharing with crusty bread. Tear, dip, repeat until the pan is clean.
One tip: sit where you can see other tables. Watching cheese catch fire across the room never gets old. You’ll hear the cheers before you spot the flames.
A Courtyard Patio That Feels Like a Greek Island
Mention this patio to anyone who has eaten here, and their eyes light up. It’s one of the biggest draws at Mykonos Greek Restaurant.
The outdoor area is full of greenery, with a fountain and a fire feature adding charm. It feels miles away from the busy road out front. You almost forget you’re in suburban Illinois.
A tented section adds extra comfort when the weather turns tricky. Corner booths out there work well for bigger groups and birthday crowds. Families with kids can spread out without feeling squeezed.
Summer evenings are prime time for patio dining. The air cools down, the fountain hums, and the food keeps coming. It’s a pretty easy recipe for a long, happy meal.
Planning a celebration? Ask about patio seating when you arrive or call ahead. Outdoor spots can be popular when the sun is out.
Spring and fall can be lovely too, especially with the fire feature glowing. Bring a light jacket just in case. Then sit back and pretend the Aegean Sea is right around the corner.
Can’t Decide? The Combination Plate Has Your Back
Indecision has met its match. The combination plate solves the classic problem of wanting everything on the menu at once.
It brings together moussaka, pastitsio, gyro meat, rice with peas, Greek potatoes, and a dolma in lemon sauce. That’s a whole tour of Greek comfort food on one plate. Think of it as a sampler with serious ambition.
Moussaka layers eggplant with a creamy topping. Pastitsio is a baked pasta dish that many call Greek lasagna. Together, they make a strong case for second helpings.
New to Greek food? Start right here. You’ll quickly learn which dishes you love most for your next visit.
Longtime fans like it too, since it covers all the cozy favorites. It’s filling, so pace yourself if you plan on dessert. Taking leftovers home is a perfectly respectable choice.
Pair it with a cup of soup or a simple salad for balance. A little crunch beside all that richness feels right. Then enjoy one of the most generous ways to taste the kitchen’s range.
Lemon Soup and Lamb That Taste Like Home
Some dishes feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Avgolemono, the Greek egg-lemon soup, is one of them, and it’s a regular order here.
It’s bright, silky, and comforting all at once. A cup makes a great starter on a chilly Illinois day. It also pairs nicely with almost anything else you order.
Lamb is a big deal on this menu. Options include leg of lamb and lamb with artichokes, which many describe as rich and stew-like. Both are served with classic Greek sides.
Greek potatoes, roasted with lemon, often show up beside these plates. Rice is another common partner. Either way, nothing on your plate goes lonely.
Chicken fans aren’t left out either. Chicken kabobs and Chicken a la Dmitri are both on the menu. Beef kabobs round things out for steak lovers.
My advice? Mix a hearty main with a lighter starter. Soup first, lamb second, and then a happy pause.
Slow meals are kind of the whole point here.
Seafood Lovers, Your Table Is Waiting
Octopus might sound bold, but it’s one of the most popular plates at Mykonos Greek Restaurant. The chargrilled version gets plenty of love.
Grilling gives it a smoky edge, and a squeeze of lemon brightens every bite. If you’ve been nervous to try octopus, this is a friendly place to start. Share it, and the pressure drops.
Cold pickled octopus is also on the menu for those who like a tangy twist. Pan-fried smelts offer a crispy, snackable option. They’re tiny fish with big flavor.
Pasta fans can look for Aegean Sea Pasta. It brings shrimp and scallops together with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil over spaghetti. That’s a cozy pick for anyone who wants seafood without fuss.
Seafood plates are great for groups that like to sample. Order a few and pass them around. You’ll find a favorite fast.
Add a Greek village salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. It keeps the meal fresh and light. Then you’ll still have room to finish strong.
Dips, Spreads, and a Little Bit of Garlic Courage
Garlic lovers, meet skordalia. This bold Greek spread is one of the menu’s flavor-packed small bites.
A trio of spreads lets you test several dips at once. Grab warm bread and get scooping. It’s a great way to warm up the table before the mains arrive.
Fried zucchini is another fan favorite. Crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect for dunking. Pair it with skordalia for a match made in Greece.
Feta picante brings tomatoes and peppers baked with a slab of feta on top. The cheese gets a browned crust in the oven. It’s simple, salty, and very easy to keep eating.
Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, also appear among the starters. Horta, a dish of greens, offers something lighter. Mixing a few of these makes a fun mini feast.
Here’s a sneaky plan for lighter appetites. Skip a big entree and order several appetizers instead. You’ll taste more of the menu and probably leave just as happy.
Plan Your Visit Around the Music and the Hours
Timing can turn a good dinner into a great one. Some evenings feature live Greek music, which adds a lively spark to the room.
You’ll find Mykonos Greek Restaurant at 8660 W Golf Rd, Niles, IL 60714. It sits just north of Chicago, making it an easy trip for city folks. Suburban diners have it even easier.
The doors open at 11 AM every day. Closing is 10 PM Sunday through Thursday. Saturday runs until 11 PM, and Friday stretches all the way to midnight.
That late Friday window is handy for night owls. It’s a nice option after a movie or a long week. Gyros at 10:30 PM?
Sounds like a plan.
Lunch is also a smart time to stop by. A midday visit can feel more relaxed. It’s a good choice for first-timers who want a calm intro.
Check ahead if you’re hoping to catch live music. Schedules can change, so a quick call helps. Then pick your night and enjoy the soundtrack.
Save Room, Because Greek Desserts Deserve Their Own Celebration
A good Greek meal deserves a sweet finish, and Mykonos has plenty of reasons to linger. From flaky pastries to creamy traditional desserts, the last course can be every bit as memorable as the first.
Baklava is the classic finish, with flaky phyllo, nuts, and honey. It’s sweet, crunchy, and gone in seconds. Some folks call it the best they’ve had anywhere.
A phyllo custard dessert topped with nuts and cream is another tempting pick. It’s creamy where baklava is crisp. Ordering both to share counts as research.
Celebrations feel natural in this space. Families have marked milestones here for decades. Since 1981, the restaurant has been a go-to for special nights in Illinois.
Planning a party? Mention the occasion when you book. Ask about the tented patio for larger groups.
Even without a birthday, dessert is worth the extra few minutes. Grab coffee, split a plate, and linger a bit. A sweet ending makes the drive home feel shorter and the next visit feel closer.
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