Review: Bill's Greek Tavern

The shrimp salad. (Credit: Leah Starnes)

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If you’re looking for some fabulous Greek eats, then Bill’s Greek Tavern is a definite must try. Bill’s began in 1972 as Bill’s Burger House and has evolved into one of the best authentic Greek dining establishments in the metro area.

If you are not met by a hearty greeting of “God bless America” from Bill when you walk in, I would be greatly surprised. This is a man that was born in Greece, loves America and cooking so you are definitely in for a treat with the excellent dishes, smiling friendly staff and authentic, always fresh and never frozen seafood.

The food: Bill’s is open for lunch and dinner daily Monday through Saturday. At lunch there is always a fresh fish of the day that is served with a Greek style salad, potato and a veggie. You will always find crab cakes, fresh shrimp, scallops and oysters served to perfection. Bill offers a combo plate and also a grilled chicken breast at lunch.

One of the specialties of the tavern is the Greek gyro platter which is well worth a try any time. You will also find some great salad offerings all served with Bill’s signature Greek or Mediterranean flair. Personally, the grilled shrimp or chicken salad hits the spot for me yet it is hard to decide with all the offerings. You can always ask for fresh lump crab meat or feta cheese on your salad for an extra charge, well worth it for sure.

At night Bill kicks it up with some great appetizers like the cucumber and yogurt dip with hot bread and tzatziki sauce. Tyri feta cheese, calamata olives, dalmathes, golden pepperoncini peppers, fish dip, or a combo appetizer platter.

The salads continue at dinner and the great entrees come with a Greek salad, baked potato or fries, a veggie and plenty of Greek bread and butter. The Tavern’s specialty is the Gyro dinner of lamb and beef with Greek sauce. Other entrees are grilled chicken, beef shish-ka-bob, ribeye and filet.

From the sea, fresh seafood abounds with tilapia, crab cakes, red fish, red snapper, grouper, shrimp, scallops, oysters or combo dishes of two and a divine seafood platter of five fish offerings.

You must save a bit of room for the incredible desserts of Baklava, cheesecake or the pastry treat of walnut and syrup.

The drink: A nice selection of imported and domestic beer is available as well as coffee, iced tea and soft drinks. You can bring your own wine to compliment your meal and just relax with some great food and excellent service.

The scene: Bill’s Greek Tavern is not an elaborate restaurant, just a good food, good time, friendly service establishment that has been a local favorite for over 30 years. Situated right off I-55 and Northside Drive, you won’t find a better dining experience. Bill’s has a nice size extra room for overflow dining or a special large dining group.

The bottom line: If you love Greek cuisine with an American influence don’t pass up Bill’s Greek Tavern. You will not go away hungry, you won’t be disappointed with the offerings, and the friendly, professional staff is definitely aiming to please. Just remember, Bill is the man—he loves his restaurant, his country and is awaiting your visit with a big “God Bless America” and a huge smile.