THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Papagus Grecian Taverna

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Papagus Grecian Taverna Restaurant Review:

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises tried to go Greektown one better with this sprawling taverna in the Embassy Suites Chicago, but in the long run the attempt has failed. Festive dining rooms done up in a variety of materials---stone walls here, whitewashed ones there---to suggest a rustic place that grew organically over time don’t make up for food that rarely rises above average and costs noticeably more than at the Greek restaurants lining Halsted St. The menu is less inventive than at the outset, though innovations like arugula garnishing roasted beets and chopped leeks complementing shrimp saganaki are appealing. Generous portions of roasted Grecian chicken, braised lamb and whole fish turn out reasonably well---and are good for sharing. Desserts tend to be flights of fancy that wouldn’t be caught dead in an authentic spot, among them chocolate pita and a Greek coffee parfait (with chocolate cake for the grounds). Service varies with the crowds.