Immerse yourself among Chicago’s rich Hellenic heritage in Greektown, home to Greek food, nightlight, and traditional culture. The first Greeks arrived in Chicago by ship in the 1940s and within two decades established a rich and vibrant community in the West Loop.
Sample traditional Greek gyros or flaming saganaki along Halsted Street, where there are dozens of lively Greek tavernas and traditional pastry shops. Greek Islands has been a Chicago institution since 1971 and is known for its slow braised lamb. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, try Santorini, a home-style restaurant specializing in Mediterranean-style seafood.
Visit the long-standing Athenian Candle Company for authentic Greek souvenirs. To discover more about Greek history, visit the National Hellenic Museum, which retells the story of Greek migration in Chicago and showcases the rich culture through interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Getting around Willis Tower
Greektown is roughly one kilometer west of downtown Chicago and one hour’s bus ride from O'Hare International Airport. Buses stop directly on Halsted Street, while trains arrive at Union Station, just ten minutes’ walk along West Adams Street.