One Of Chicago's Oldest Greek Restaurants Was Shut Down By City

By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 14, 2016 2:54PM

Photo via Facebook.

The Parthenon, one of Chicago's oldest Greek restaurants (and one of the most popular destinations in Greektown) has been shut down by the city. The restaurant claims it is reopening Thursday night or Friday.

When we tried to visit the restaurant Wednesday night (not on a reporting trip, just for fun), we were greeted by a dark restaurant and a giant green "license suspended" sticker adhered to the front door. A valet informed us the restaurant has been closed for two weeks.

The Parthenon has been in the news lately because of the recent opening of Aviva, the upscale Greek spot that took over part of the Parthenon's former lounge. Aviva appeared to be still up and running, but the mother ship isn't.

According to City of Chicago records, the Parthenon failed two recent health inspections. During the first, on March 22, inspectors found roaches, rodent droppings and many other violations. During a re-check on March 29, the restaurant failed inspection again. It's not clear from the city's website when exactly the restaurant was shut down, but comments on the restaurant's Facebook page indicate that it was closed as of April 1.

When we contacted the restaurant this morning, we were told it was closed for "remodeling," which is apparently the party line—they told someone on Facebook the same thing. While they may be remodeling, it's likely to correct health code violations. Also, the restaurant informed us they would be open again tonight or tomorrow, which has also, according to Facebook, been what they've been telling people for a week or so.

We'll keep on this one. Don't take away our flaming cheese!