BYOB: Get your Greek grapes at Effie’s

This tiny slice of Greece will surprise
and delight. Effie’s Greek Restaurant is an intimate Greek BYOB that electrifies the palate in a romantic atmosphere.

The restaurant consists of a main room
and patio outdoor seating. It’s quaint with
small candle-lit tables, light background
music and a warm staff that greets you like
family.

I followed a friend’s recommendation and
tried the Spanakopita, a crescent of phyllo
dough-filled with spinach, feta and egg. This light treat, which is described as a spinach pie, is large enough for an entree,
but is offered as an appetizer for $7.

I also tried the restaurant’s most popular
appetizer, the Thessaloniki Platter.

The order included Dolmades (grape leaves with rice filling), Tzatziki (yogurt with
cucumbers, fresh garlic and olive oil) Meletzanosalata (roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers, fresh garlic and olive oil), Taramosalata (Greek caviar, whipped potatoes, lemon and olive oil) and feta with Greek olives.

This decadent feast served with pita bread
for dipping cost a meager $9.50.

For drinks I brought Sauvignon Blanc,
a light tasting white wine from California.

Aliquor store can conveniently be found on
7th and South streets.

The meal was filling, but not heavy and
most of all, delicious. I had never experienced Greek food before, but after eating at Effie’s, I’ve become a fan.

Effie’s catered promptly to my dining needs by pouring my wine into a precious glass
goblet and then carefully placing
the bottle in ice.

Owner and namesake Effie Bouikidis Schweich is proudto bring Greece to Philadelphia.

“We are known for our Greek Salad which received ‘Best of Philly,’ and we also received ‘Best of Neighborhood Restaurants’ as well,” she proudly said as she pointed to newspaper cutouts that hang on
the restaurant’s wall.

I left Effie’s with a cheerful mood and a
satisfied stomach to boot.

Effie’s Greek
Restaurant:
Greek
1127 Pine St.
(215) 592-8333
Effiesrestaurant.com