South Austin may be best known for Tex-Mex and taco trucks, but a new Greek restaurant is about to enter the mix: The Greek Bar, a family-owned Greek restaurant, will open February 26 at 534 E. Oltorf St. in Travis Heights.
The Greek Bar comes from hospitality veterans and husband-and-wife duo Dimitri Karabinas and Daphne Greer. Karabinas, whose family hails from Greece, founded the landmark VINES Grove Wine Bar in Florida. Greer brings experience as general manager at the Peacock at Austin Proper and Juniper Austin.
"During my time at these establishments, I recognized a strong demand for Mediterranean cuisine in Austin," Greer says in a release. "The Greek Bar fills this niche while offering an intimate, authentic dining experience."
The elevated-yet-casual restaurant features fresh Mediterranean cuisine from executive chef Brian Beach, formerly of Greek restaurant Kokkari. The menu includes traditional spreads, mezze, and hearty main dishes such as grilled lamb chops, moussaka, and modern-Greek dishes like "Big Fat Greek Fried Chicken."
Authentic Mediterranean ingredients will be used in craft cocktails.Photo by Jon Scotty
Drinks include Greek wines and cocktails featuring Greek spirits and Mediterranean ingredients such as thyme, pomegranate, Greek yogurt, and kalamata olives.
For the restaurant's design, the couple teamed up with Architectural Digest-featured interior designer Luke Havekes to create a space that merges Greek authenticity — with South Austin's charm. Among the highlights are original saltillo tiles and terra cotta elements, along with a covered back patio.
"We wanted to create a space that reflects both our heritage and the casual spirit of south Austin," says Karabinis.
The Greek Bar's interior is a mix of authentic Mediterranean and South Austin casual. Photo courtesy of Jon Scotty
The Greek Bar will be open 4-10 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Weekend brunch service is forthcoming, they say.
