But first, coffee. Ground Up Coffee & Bites is a casual cafe featuring specialty coffee drinks and simple snacks in a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere. Located on a quiet corner of Van Buren Street and Peoria Street, the store feels like home from the moment you walk in.
Ground Up roasts its small-batch blends, and the welcoming aroma of coffee wakes you up immediately. The display case to your left offers a selection of freshly made wraps, hand pies and Greek-inspired pastries as well as grab-and-go items.
Turn your attention to the menu board in front of you. If you have any questions, the knowledgeable and attentive staff is quick to offer suggestions and explanations. You can get all the standards, such as espresso drinks and drip coffees. Tea connoisseurs will appreciate the Turmeric Ginger Chai Latte, a calming herbal option made with lemongrass and served with steamed milk. But this is a Greektown coffee roaster, so it’s best to try the Greek Town Frappe, a delightful whipped drink served over ice and topped with a dollop of milk.
After you have your order, wander into the spacious interior. The large communal tables offer plenty of room to spread out, and you can also cozy up at a seat near the window. The wooden furniture gives a rustic vibe, accessorized by modern touches like stainless steel water cups.
Now that you’re fully caffeinated, it’s time to explore the neighborhood. Walk two blocks north to the corner of Peoria and Adams Streets, and you’ll stumble upon Mary Bartelme Park.
This 2.7-acre urban oasis is the site of an old infirmary and was acquired from the University of Illinois by the Chicago Park District in 2006. It’s named after Mary Bartelme, a pioneering lawyer, who became the first female judge in Illinois in 1923 — just three years after women were granted the right to vote.
The park offers a blend of open green space and innovative design. You’ll find your standard playground, plus a spacious and hilly lawn where locals lounge after work. But mostly you’ll see So. Many. Dogs. Furry friends from the adjacent dog park venture out to the main space, with their humans in tow at the end of the leash.
Walking through the park, you’ll pass under five stainless steel gates, with clean and simple architecture that provides a creative burst of design. During the dog days of summer, they emit a fine mist of water to cool off canines and people alike.
Across from the gates is what Chicagoans call a hill — sure, it’s only six feet in elevation, but that additional height offers unique views of the city skyline. If you time it right, you might be able to grab a stunning sunset to the west.
By now you’re getting hungry, and Greektown has no shortage of delicious spots to satisfy your appetite. Athena Greek Restaurant stands out for its authentic cuisine, warm atmosphere and attentive staff — plus, it has one of the most gorgeous patios around.
Walk two blocks east and one block south from the park, and Athena greets you with a prominent spot on Halsted Street at Quincy Street. From the moment you walk in, you can sense the spirit of the Mediterranean. The Greek charm and energy are palpable, and you’re welcomed in like part of the family.
You can’t help but notice diners are spread out on the expansive patio. Athena has a retractable roof that allows guests to soak up the sun in the warmer months and sit under the stars well into the winter. A cascading, soothing waterfall adds to the picturesque ambiance and Greek island vibes, and you immediately become aware that this is a cultural exploration and not just a dining experience.
As staff leads you to the table, you’ll spot couples savoring a date night, families sharing a meal and professionals out on business dinners. A dedicated event area also offers private dining for weddings, graduations, anniversaries and other special occasions. But really, any night here feels like a party.
The menu is a gallery of traditional Greek dishes and begs you to order your favorites as well as try something new. It’s easy to be a vegetarian here. Start with the kolokithia, a sizzling plate of breaded zucchini chips. It’s served with a skordalia spread, a garlicky gastronomic delight. Horta, or boiled dandelion greens with lemon and garlic (you’ll notice a trend here), is a unique salad alternative. Veggie kabobs offer two skewers of juicy eggplant, onions, peppers and onions, served with rice and potatoes. Okra, stewed in a rich tomato sauce, is tender and flavorful. Meat eaters can choose from any number of carnivorous options, from stuffed chicken with feta to braised lamb shank in an egg-lemon sauce.
Athena also offers a full bar with Greek wines, cocktails and beer, plus domestic and international finds. Savor the flavor of the Mediterranean with a glass of Roditis or a Santorini Sunset with mezcal, blood orange syrup, lime juice and agave. As you sip your drink, let the sublime setting carry your spirit overseas.