Review
It could just be a one-off kind of thing (so don't get too excited) but the last two weeks in June Athens has advertised a $15 wild caught lake perch or $11 2-piece cod. Both fish share the same beer batter which can be a death sentence for perch, but this one was light and had a tremendous flavor. While it was too spicy for the little one, I loved it and only wished I'd had more of it. The benevolent coating didn't overpower the perch and didn't get greasy. The only drawback was the 4-piece portion - one of which got dolled out to the kid so I only got three. Conversely, the cod loins were fat and meaty and partied just as hard with the beer batter and were probably a better deal all things considered.
Athens Fish Fry fries are the same fries you get with a gyro. The thick Julienne cuts are pillowy soft and the portion doesn't leave you wanting. Gyro shops specialize in tzatziki so you'd think they'd know sauces in general and the tartar was a good one. It was ultra thick and creamy with a pleasant pop that was enjoyed by all. There was some good chunkage in there so I'd have to say it was made special just for the Fish Fry.
A big plastic container of vinegar-based slaw with a Mediterranean flair took precedence over the basket with big old chunks of carrots and peppers. It was decent, but in all honesty I'd prefer a generic creamy slaw any day. There was also no bread which I guess must not be a Greek thing. Pita?
The new Athens Grill is surprisingly upscale, with a nice bar a huge seating area. They even have a fancy coffee siphon and menu that goes far beyond gyros so a Friday Fish Fry seemingly fits right in. Overall, we highly recommend this Fish Fry and only hope it becomes an every week thing. For us it's close, it's tasty, it's very appealing.
Their on-line ordering system is easy, curbside pickup is a breeze, and the to-go containers they chose keep the food in tip-top condidtion. Thier 2-piece cod never once got soggy across our three trips, thier fries maintained their pillowy texture each and every time, the rolls stayed soft and squishy, and the tartar and slaw cups never once spilled or leaked onto those items which they should not. Overall, they crushed (and are continuing to crush) it. Thriving during the pandemic certainly wasn't Greek to them...
Their on-line ordering system is easy, curbside pickup is a breeze, and the to-go containers they chose keep the food in tip-top condidtion. Thier 2-piece cod never once got soggy across our three trips, thier fries maintained their pillowy texture each and every time, the rolls stayed soft and squishy, and the tartar and slaw cups never once spilled or leaked onto those items which they should not. Overall, they crushed (and are continuing to crush) it. Thriving during the pandemic certainly wasn't Greek to them...
First, second, and last takeout of the early COVID period.
Ordered, picked up, and devoured in about 20 minutes flat.
2-piece cod and it travels well. No grease whatsoever despite the decadent and rich beer batter. Really good stuff that would definitly would get high marks from gabers
Freies were the fat gyro-fry style. Generous portion, and genuinely tasty.
Tartar is ok. A Little runnier than I like, but gives the cod a nudge in the right direction.
Plenty of standard creamy slaw.
No bread which is to be expected, but still unfortunate.
First, second, and last takeout of the early COVID period.
Ordered, picked up, and devoured in about 20 minutes flat.
2-piece cod and it travels well. No grease whatsoever despite the decadent and rich beer batter. Really good stuff that would definitly would get high marks from gabers
Freies were the fat gyro-fry style. Generous portion, and genuinely tasty.
Tartar is ok. A Little runnier than I like, but gives the cod a nudge in the right direction.
Plenty of standard creamy slaw.
No bread which is to be expected, but still unfortunate.
You might think Athens is just a gyro place based on their legacy, but don't undersell this one. Of course the gyros are still great, but they have much more than the Greek delights on their menu including: a full bar with top-shelf liquor and a carryout cooler with great beers. The Friday Fish Fry is also legit featuring both the standard cod and real deal lake perch. We've been sticking to the cod on our last couple visits and while both were far different, both were good experiences. The October take-out with transit time in a concealed environment did "soften" the fish somewhat, but the batter held up well and still tasted exceptional. Same goes for the in-house December visit - nice batter, good flavor, not too thick, not too thin, great flavor. Apparently this fish is exceptionally hearty.
There aren't bunch of sides to choose from, but you probably wouldn't want anything besides the classic gyro-fry French fries anyway (if you've had a late night State Street gyro-fry you know what I speak of). The Greeks know their (Tzatziki) sauce and apparently tartar falls well within that wheelhouse. This one is rich and creamy, and the perfect accompaniment to the bold cod.
A basic bun and a vinegar-based, lip-puckering slaw come along for the ride and do little more than they are expected to, but that's just fine.
If you've been to Athens for a gyro, good for you - they're yummy. If you've been there for Friday Fish Fry, even better for you. It's every bit as yummy and one we feel good about going to any Friday. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and are extremely happy to have them (back) in the neighborhood.
You might think Athens is just a gyro place based on their legacy, but don't undersell this one. Of course the gyros are still great, but they have much more than the Greek delights on their menu including: a full bar with top-shelf liquor and a carryout cooler with great beers. The Friday Fish Fry is also legit featuring both the standard cod and real deal lake perch. We've been sticking to the cod on our last couple visits and while both were far different, both were good experiences. The October take-out with transit time in a concealed environment did "soften" the fish somewhat, but the batter held up well and still tasted exceptional. Same goes for the in-house December visit - nice batter, good flavor, not too thick, not too thin, great flavor. Apparently this fish is exceptionally hearty.
There aren't bunch of sides to choose from, but you probably wouldn't want anything besides the classic gyro-fry French fries anyway (if you've had a late night State Street gyro-fry you know what I speak of). The Greeks know their (Tzatziki) sauce and apparently tartar falls well within that wheelhouse. This one is rich and creamy, and the perfect accompaniment to the bold cod.
A basic bun and a vinegar-based, lip-puckering slaw come along for the ride and do little more than they are expected to, but that's just fine.
If you've been to Athens for a gyro, good for you - they're yummy. If you've been there for Friday Fish Fry, even better for you. It's every bit as yummy and one we feel good about going to any Friday. Overall, we recommend this Fish Fry and are extremely happy to have them (back) in the neighborhood.
Their on-line ordering system is easy, curbside pickup is a breeze, and the to-go containers they chose keep the food in tip-top condidtion. Thier 2-piece cod never once got soggy across our three trips, thier fries maintained their pillowy texture each and every time, the rolls stayed soft and squishy, and the tartar and slaw cups never once spilled or leaked onto those items which they should not. Overall, they crushed (and are continuing to crush) it. Thriving during the pandemic certainly wasn't Greek to them...