Mykonos - Niles

I'm interested if anyone else has been here. My SO was presenting at a conference nearby so we drove there on Monday to scope out the conference center & arraignments. There are many places of all types to eat at along Golf Road but the bright blue awnings attracted us to try Mykonos. The place states it's hours as 11 - 11 and we arrived about 11:40 to no one else there. The "boss" and others were all seated by the door and of course gave us a look like we were interrupting them. I asked if they were open for service and they all looked at the "boss" questionly for approval, finally after I asked a second time, we were told yes and were promply seated. First they tried to seat us at the first booth right inside the door but being somewhat impared ( I walk with a cane) I asked for a table and we were seated a little further in. The menu was very handsome and inviting but a roast lamb sandwich immediately caught my eye and that is what I had. My SO is a vegetarian and had many options, fianlly ordering a dish that the name escapes us but was spinach, rice, feta, tomato, garlic and olive oil. Both were served with a nice chunk of fresh bread and hard cold butter. We were astounded that the food came in just a very few minutes but then again, we were the only people there, another couple arrived as we were finishing. Food, service and setting were all very nice and efficient but the place left us with some oddity, like, is this a front for something? The godfather thing at the beginning was just too weird! He did say " bye bye" to us as we left.

Mykonos
8660 W. Golf Road
Niles, Il.

I have been to Mykonos several times and each time the best part of the visit has been the garden which is lovely. The food is pretty nondescript just your typical moussaka, dolmades, etc. It's good to go with a group, sit in the garden and have adult beverages. However, there is a place called Periyali around the corner (north) on Milwaukke Ave. that is much better than Mykonos. They are known for their wood smoked chicken. They are a little more creative than Mykonos. They, too have an outside garden.

Periyali
9860 Milwaukee Avenue (just north of Golf Rd)
Des Plaines
847-296-2232

The Lovely Donna wrote:However, there is a place called Periyali around the corner (north) on Milwaukke Ave. that is much better than Mykonos. They are known for their wood smoked chicken. They are a little more creative than Mykonos. They, too have an outside garden.

Periyali
9860 Milwaukee Avenue (just north of Golf Rd)
Des Plaines
847-296-2232

I would also add the charcoal grilled octopus, zuchinni and lamb chpos to the list of very good items at Periyali. Just watch out for the killer basilplants standing sentry at the front door.

I've been going to Mykonnos since the late '70's. They're on their 3rd remodel. I originally went for their home made gyros, which was a novelty back then, but soon found they have many other dishes I like. I really enjoy their tarmasalata and skordalia with beets. I thinks these are amongst the better versions in the Chicago area. I also like their Lamb dishes, especially the braised lamb shanks which are always well prepared in a very tasty tomato based sauce.

I've been to Periyali a few times, but I like this place a little better. Plus, it always seems to have a fairly good dose of Greek patrons which must indicate something. Oh, well, this is my two cents.