Avli Winnetka

Avli started in Winnetka in 2009, when Louie Alexakis, whose parents ran hot dog stands in Chicago parks for decades, opened a Greek restaurant on Chestnut Street. The Winnetka dining room became the base for Avli Taverna in Lincoln Park, Avli River North, Avli on the Park in Lakeshore East and a Milwaukee restaurant. In March 2026 the original finished its biggest change yet: an expansion of about 2,400 square feet, a new lounge with a vinyl station, a new chef in Jorge Angulo, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, and a menu that keeps the mezes, saganaki and Greek classics but plates them differently. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday.

What to know

• Opened in 2009; the original of six Avli restaurants in Chicago, Winnetka and Milwaukee.
• A March 2026 expansion added 2,400 square feet and a lounge with a vinyl listening station.
• Chef Jorge Angulo took over the kitchen in 2025.
• Entrance is on Spruce Street; the mailing address is Chestnut Street.
• Weekend brunch and a Sunday through Friday happy hour.