Restaurants, like hip indie bands, are key when it comes to name dropping. Naturally, it's cooler to mention an unknown Italian BYO than it is to describe last night's meal at Pizza Hut. This in mind, Greek Lady's monumental expansion from charming food cart to established eatery caused some initial discomfort. Was my favorite chicken pita going to be exploited? Like trucker hats, Uggs and Ashton Kutcher, was it destined to be another failed pop culture experiment? The answer, I'm pleased to say, is a resounding "no."
In case you haven't noticed, Greek Lady is at 222 S. 40th Street. Usually, this location has killed restaurants faster than you could down a shot of Ouzo. (Remember Bitar?) Greek Lady, on the other hand, seems to be going strong. Really strong. So strong, in fact, that it makes Izzy and Zoe's look empty on a Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere, while lacking the under-the-bridge allure of 38th and Locust, is definitely agreeable. A number of tables and chairs make dining-in possible, which, let's face it, is better than sitting on the curb next to the original cart on 38th. Nondescript paintings of the Greek Islands dot the walls, giving an illusion of authenticity to an otherwise standard set-up.
The food, I'm pleased to say, hasn't changed. Along with staples like grilled chicken pitas ($4.50), Greek Lady whips up everything from burgers and omlettes to more traditional dishes like mousaka and spanakopita. In other words, this place has more menu selections than there are pink polos at Penn. But wait, there's more! On Wednesdays through Saturdays, Greek Lady keeps her doors open until 3:30 a.m.. Dangerously close to Smoke's, it's pretty safe to say that you will be eating an abnormal amount of feta this year.
You don't need to be told to go here, because chances are you've been already. If not, you'll be going soon. Regardless, we can all agree that the expansion is a good thing; that, unlike Mr. Kutcher's career, Greek Lady is here to stay.
