Seemor
Souvlaki GR – Midtown WestB+Worth Trying
162 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
· Greek restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Caterer
· 4.4/5 Google (2200 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Midtown Greek spot with flavorful grills and classic casseroles, cramped seating and service inconsistencies; good food, mixed hospitality.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Souvlaki GR delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by charcoal-grilled meats and classic casseroles that earn consistent praise. However, inconsistent execution and variable service prevent a higher grade, while tight seating limits comfort at peak times. Worth visiting for authentic Greek flavors and lively atmosphere, especially pre-theater or off-peak.
Restaurant Summary
The room channels a bright island taverna, warm and bustling with Greek music and tight tables. Diners rave about charcoal-kissed meats and homestyle casseroles, noting, "the lamb on the platter just melts." Energy runs high; service swings between gracious and harried depending on the rush. Cooking leans classic with a few modern twists, a traditional Greek toolkit rather than chef theatrics. Expect meze spreads, hefty moussaka, and mixed grills that reward sharing. It suits pre-theater plans, carnivores, and anyone craving sunny, straightforward flavors over experimentation. Families do well here: kids gravitate to skewers and fries, plus comforting pastitsio. The menu shows vegetarian and some vegan options (fava, hummus, Imam pitza), though seafood and lamb dominate. Space is tight at peak; if you need a stroller spot or calmer room, book early or go off-peak.
At a Glance
- Charcoal-grilled meats and classic casseroles deliver big flavor
- Charming Greek island decor and lively vibe
- Cramped seating and noisy at peak times
- Service inconsistency from warm to brusque
- Reports of pressured tipping and occasional temperature issues on dishes
What Sets It Apart
- mixed_grill_centerpiece
- authentic_greek_taverna_vibe
- broad_dip_selection
What People Love
- Tender lamb chops on the mixed grill
- Rich, comforting moussaka
- Bright, tangy meze like tyrokafteri and tzatziki
- Transportive Greek decor and music
Points of Concern
- Space can be very tight; tables are close and noise rises at peak
- Service varies: friendly teams on good nights, brusque hosts or slow pacing on others
- A few credible reports of cold or undercooked items; management response uneven
- Reports of pressured tipping at checkout from multiple diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$44-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Any Three Spreads ($24) to sample tzatziki, tyrokafteri, and fava.
- Share the Mixed Grill ($42) and add Horiatiki ($17) for a balanced meal.
- Seafood lovers: Octopus ($27) or Garides Saganaki ($25) for stronger value than steak.
Perfect For
- Pre-theater dinner with shareable platters
- Casual group night with meze and grills
- Families seeking approachable Greek classics
- Travelers wanting a lively Midtown taverna
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown block near hotels, offices, theaters; high foot traffic and pre-show diners.
Safety: Generally safe with heavy pedestrian flow; occasional street disorder typical for Midtown.
Nearby: Close to Carnegie Hall, Central Park south, corporate offices, and tourist hotels.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a variety of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and bars catering to both locals and visitors. The neighborhood has a lively, urban atmosphere with a strong connection to the nearby Theater District, attracting diners before and after shows.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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