A well-loved, affordable Greek restaurant with notably generous portions, standout gyros, pita, hummus, and spanakopita, though the new location can be noisy and parking is difficult.
The Athenian Cafe earns its standing through exceptional food quality, with gyros, spanakopita, and hummus drawing repeated praise from diners. Attentive, friendly service and a loyal following of regulars add to the appeal, though uneven freshness on some visits and a modest older setting keep it just short of the very top tier.
The Athenian Cafe is a longtime Altoona favorite that has grown into a more polished downtown room without losing its generous, neighborhood-restaurant spirit. Reviews paint a welcoming scene of warm pita, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere where conversation is usually easy—though the new open layout can become loud. One recurring impression is that the food is worth navigating the less-than-simple parking. The cooking is traditional Greek with broad American appeal rather than experimental: gyros, spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio, kabobs, hummus, salads, and house-style desserts lead the way. Gyros, pita, hummus, and spanakopita are the safest bets, while a few diners report occasional blandness, overcooked meat, or inconsistency during busy periods. The menu is broad enough for mixed groups, including burgers, hoagies, breakfast, and salads. Families are well served by the explicit kids menu, including chicken fingers with fries, burgers, grilled cheese, and orzo pasta, alongside familiar adult choices such as gyros and spanakopita. Reviews include successful visits with infants and larger groups, so this is a practical choice for family dining rather than a restaurant reserved for adventurous eaters.
Area vibe: Small-city downtown hub with practical services, modest retail and local dining options.
Safety: Generally safe during the day with moderate evening footfall; some blocks quieter after businesses close.
What's nearby: Near Altoona's civic center, small shops, hotels, Amtrak station a short drive, and local office buildings.
The safest order centers on a gyro, hummus, or spanakopita, but the traditional baked dishes and house-style desserts are worth considering too.
Plan for tricky parking, possible noise, and slower service during busy periods, even though reservations are generally unnecessary.
Moderate prices and generous portions make it a strong value overall, though premium toppings, occasional inconsistency, and dining-room noise are worth factoring in.