People visit to Stratos Greek Tavern for the authentic cuisine — from the standard gyro to the grilled kabobs and gourmet moussaka. “Before you know it, everyone is jumping on the tables,” owner Nick Rizos says. That’s because at night, the restaurant transforms into a vivacious nightclub, complete with a DJ, belly dancers and shouts of “Opa!” filling the air. Rizos, a native of Nafpaktos, Greece, has been in the local restaurant scene since 1970, starting with Olympic Pizza on Greenville Avenue where he says he introduced the gyro to Dallas. Rizos says Americans’ love for Greek food comes naturally, considering that the main ingredients of nearly every dish are olive oil, garlic, oregano and lemon. “Everyone loves those spices.” While most entrees range $10-$15, the restaurant offers regular specials, including half-price dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays and half-price wines after 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. As you can see from the road, Rizos designed the two-story patio out front, which makes for pleasant open-air dining. “In Greece, everyone eats outside,” he says.

Stratos Greek Tavern
Northwest Highway & Webb Chapel
214.352.3321
clubstratos.com

Three more spots to cure the Mediterranean munchies

1 Zoë’s Kitchen
This kid-friendly restaurant recently opened a second location in our neighborhood, serving fresh and healthy Greek favorites at a reasonable price for family dining.
Preston & Royal · 469.341.0123
Lovers & the Tollway · 214.357.0100
zoeskitchen.com

2 Ziziki’s
The menu items at this 17-year-old establishment feature not only Greek dishes but Italian favorites, too.
Preston & Forest
469.232.9922
zizikis.com

3 Opa! Grill
For 40 years, Charlie Venetis has been serving authentic Greek food at this quaint restaurant located just off of the freeway. Plus, it’s BYOB.
Preston & LBJ
972.661.0134