Bites Nearby: Athenian Shish Kabob

St. Clair Shores Patch and readers choose a place to dine each week. What's on the menu this week?

Athenian Shish Kabob

Overview: is not going to win any awards for curbside appeal. However, don't judge this restaurant by its facade. The food is top quality diner food and the service is always friendly. To top it off, the prices are outrageously affordable.

Breakfast: Open seven days a week for breakfast. Pancakes, omelettes, eggs and the usual fare are available. Don't miss the Greek omelette with gyro meat, feta, onions and tomatoes.

Appetizers: As a Greek diner, serving Saganaki (Opa!) is a must. Kasseri cheese is flambed in front of the table. Flames are extinguished with lemon. The crusty, bubbly cheese is served with pita bread for dipping.

Soups/Salads: Although a number of different salads and soups are available, focus your attention on the Greek salad with the house made dressing (which you can buy by the bottle) and the lemon rice soup, a tart and savory bowl of comforting goodness.

Entrees: When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? So when in a Greek diner, eat off the Greek portion of the menu. Gyros are craved directly from the spit, placed on the grill to warm for a second, and then plated. The gyros at Athenian are the best in the area, maybe the best in metro Detroit. Shish kabob (marinated pork tenderloin) is also a can't lose option.  

Order a "complete dinner" and salad, soup, fries or rice, and dessert are included.

The Gyros combo has all of the above plus spinach pie and moussaka for under $12. It's a deal of epic portions - figuratively and literally.

Dessert: Once again, stick to Greek foods. The rice pudding is tremendous. Not overly sweet and dusted with cinnamon, it is a perfect way to end your Greek diner experience.

Athenian Shish Kabob

Phone: 586-777-1430

Address: 23010 Harper Avenue

Cost: $