Snack Taverna

63 Bedford St @ 7th Avenue, 212-334-5490

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Cost per person: $16
"YGWYPF" factor: 6/10 (you get what you pay for)

For the past 3 years, we had been pestering our Greek colleague to find an authentic Greek restaurant suitable for lunch near the office. A few months back, he discovered the Snack Taverna. Since then, we have visited this place at least once a month, even with the 20 minute walk it takes to get there.

The ambience is cafe-like, with a great view to a few laundromats :p at this smallish place in the West Village area. According to our colleague, the employees don't speak any Greek - but then I wouldn't be the one to judge.

So - what should you expect? Better stuffed pitas than you've ever had at the street meats. Way better. For starters, try the Saganaki - filets of Kaseri cheese deep fried, served with tomato paste, and the Pikilia - variety of spreads (eggplant spread, caviar-and-yogurt spread, and tzatziki - white yogurt sauce). For the main course, Mithia Saganaki (big bowl of clams in tomato-base sauce - out of this world!), Pork Souvlaki (skewered meats on pita), Arne Boreki (minced lamb coated with phyllo leaves and deep fried), and Loukaniko (skewered sausages on pita, similar to sheesh kebab rolls) are all absolutely fabulous.

For a twist on your drinks, try the sparkling lemonade - it's authentic Greek :). I'm not sure if this place serves it, but the must-try Greek liquor seems to be the Ouzo by Metaxa - give it a shot when you come by it.