Modern Greek restaurant Avli set to open in former View MKE space in Brewers Hill
Last October, Avli, a chain of Chicago-area restaurants specializing in regional Greek cuisine, announced it would be moving into the former View MKE space in Brewers Hill. Now the restaurant has set an opening date.
The Milwaukee location, named Avli Inspired Greek will open its doors at 1818 N. Hubbard St. on Sept. 20.
"Avli’s decision to come to Milwaukee was easy, as we feel there has never been a better time to eat and drink here,” Avli founder and CEO Louie Alexakis said in a news release. “We are thrilled to join Milwaukee’s hospitality community, and to bring our contemporary, yet approachable Greek cuisine out-of-state for the first time.”
The Milwaukee restaurant is one of six Avli locations, and the only one outside the Chicagoland area.
A crisp, modern interior and plenty of patio seating
The two-level restaurant space, which was also previously home to restaurants Wolf Peach and Roots, is known for its sweeping view of the downtown Milwaukee skyline as well as its lush patio space. In fact, the patio space was one of the reasons the location was selected, according to Alexakis.
The upper patio is filled with dining tables and boasts an unbeatable view of the downtown skyline. The lower patio has multiple lounge areas with fire tables, more dining tables and high-top tables. Hanging string lights add soft ambiance. There are 155 seats outside between the upper deck and the outdoor terrace.
The interior dining room has two floors and 90 seats. The space, designed by Chicago’s Gold Coast Interiors, has been transformed from dark and cozy to airy and bright. The minimalist design features white walls with sage green trim and art made from natural elements. Bamboo rattan lamps hang from the ceiling and illuminate the simple table settings and corded indoor-outdoor chairs.
Modern Greek fare to be served
Avli will serve modern Greek fare with a menu by Executive Chef Babis Tsotras, who previously was at the Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens, Greece, and Avli on The Park in Chicago. Diners can expect small plates, salads, spreads, authentic Greek entrees and desserts. Favorite dishes from Avli’s other restaurants will be on the menu, including kataifi prawns with shredded filo and spicy aioli; chicken souvlaki skewers with roasted vegetables; spanakopita with house-made filo, spinach, feta and onion; oven-baked Greek-style chicken; and grilled lamb chops.
There are two full bars at Avli, one on each level. House cocktails are twists on classics and signature favorites like the Teach Me to Dance, made with tea-infused vodka, bergamot orange, thyme, honey and lemon. The restaurant's selection of Greek wines includes crisp whites from Santorini, rosé from ancient Nemea, and reds from north of Mount Olympus.
Avli Inspired Greek will be open for daily dinner service beginning at 5 p.m. daily. Lunch, weekend brunch, takeout and happy-hour service will be rolled out in the coming months.
Reservations can be made online (avli.us/avli-milwaukee), and walk-ins are welcome.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Modern Greek restaurant Avli set to open in former View MKE space
