Opa! Short North's Happy Greek

A visit to the Short North is bound to create confusion. Which shops to visit, which art galleries to check out and of course, where to eat? The Happy Greek is a no-brainer - it never disappoints.

Comfortable. Not many restaurants have the type of environment that makes their guests feel at home. They may serve comfort-food, but you never quite forget that you're in a public place. The Happy Greek makes customers feel comfortable from the moment they enter the door.

The Happy Greek is small, but cozy. It's like many of the Short North eateries that take up residence along High Street. You won't find yourself being bumped into or listened in on by the other table, but you're not going to get lost on the way to the bathroom either.

The attentive wait staff always has a warm smile whether the venue is bustling with the dinner rush or catering to a few post-lunch time grazers. Service is quick and considerate and the staff treats guests more like visitors to their home rather than patrons at an establishment.

Knowledgeable in both the menu and taste preferences, the staff skillfully guides first-time visitors and long-time patrons through their selections.

As wonderful as the staff is, the service could be the worst in the world and the restaurant would still cater to a packed crowd because the food is phenomenal. Simply put, one could eat each meal at The Happy Greek and never get tired. A full bar, diverse wine selection and extensive menu makes it a challenge to stay away.
The Happy Greek menu has traditional fares such as falafel, feta with olives and hummus with pita appetizers; lamb and mousaka entrees and the crowd pleasing saganaki opi! or flaming cheese. When the flaming cheese is served, everyone can live out their big be Greek fantasy and yell opi! while the wait staff sets the cheese on fire. Fire and yelling in other language - what could be better?

Maybe the pastiso. One of these days someone is going to discover an elderly Greek woman pounding out orders in the kitchen. It is that good.

The menu describes it as "creamy bechamel sauce baked atop of seasoned ground beef and Greek macaroni noodles with fresh grated Romano Pecorino." The huge portions will make the sensible person decide to split it with a friend. The can't-stop-eating-syndrome that falls over whomever orders it makes it a friendship killer.

The Short North is filled with trendy bars and hip restaurants. If you are looking for a little less edge and a little more comfort after a long day at the Gallery Hop or Doo Dah Parade, head over to The Happy Greek.