A new Athenian Grill location at 3801 Mall Rd. will feature an expanded menu of Greek favorites, as well as table service.
Responding to customer feedback, refreshed plans for a new Athenian Grill location are materializing. As owner Ilias Pappas explained, the restaurant will be a sit-down establishment with expanded menu offerings for Greek food lovers and soon-to-be converts.
Plans were originally to create a higher-end concept called Santorini, but Pappas said that project encountered design issues with a planned wood-fired grill and hood construction, which limited the project and ultimately led to its cancellation. Instead, a new Athenian Grill will be located at 3801 Mall Rd. Since the closing of the restaurant group’s Locust Hill Road location, customers have clamored for a venue with a similar vibe.
Pappas said there will be “plenty of tables for dine-in, Greek wines and Greek beers, along with plenty of parking for the guests and easy access, along with expanded menu offerings like Saganaki (Greek flaming cheese), grilled octopus, calamari, grilled skewers, souvlaki (pork, chicken or lamb)” and more. Daily specials will highlight authentic Greek dishes such as Gemista and lamb shank, and the dessert menu will also be expanded.
A departure from existing locations at Chevy Chase and Park Plaza, the new restaurant will offer full table service, although counter service will remain an option.
The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with both carryout and dine-in options available. Construction started in early March, and Pappas anticipates opening by early May.
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