Akropolis Cafe - Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC

This small greek restaurant is located in Ballantyne, tucked away in a business park. Though quaint, it has an extensive menu of greek favorites including kid friendly options.

I ordered the souvlaki chicken pita with french fries. This pita comes with lettice, tomato, tzadziki sauce and onion as standard ( I had mine without onions). My husband ordered the souvlaki chicken platter that came with french fries, a greek salad and a small order of tzadziki with pita chips on the side.

The service was standard with the food arriving within about 10 minutes. Our water was served in take out cups which annoyed me some as we were eating in but the waitress made sure to refill them frequently so it was ok.

My pita was certainly full with a great flavor on the chicken, if a little salty. The lettice was a little sparse but on the whole not bad. The french fries were hot, straight from the fryer which I liked but lacked the crunchiness of perfectly cooked ones. I think they could have done with a few more seconds in the fryer.

My husband's platter was pleasing to the eye, though his fries were in the same condition as mine. The dressing came already poured on the salad which was a bit of a shame as there was way too much and he mentioned it was quite salty.

Overall, the Akropolis Cafe is not a bad restaurant but if it is this kind of food you are craving, there are better alternatives.

I give this restaurant 3 out of 5 stars.

Mariachis Mexican Restaurant - Lancaster, SC

Mariachis in one of a handful of Mexican restaurants in Lancaster, SC but is by far the biggest located right on the bypass. Entering Mariachis we were greeted by a hostess who escorted us to our table on the large patio that sits at the front of the restaurant while she spoke into a hand held radio to the other staff. As soon as we had taken our seats we had chips, salsa and some fresh cut slaw dish to nibble on. We asked for a pitcher of margaritas which was a good size and not overly sweet.

I ordered the combination plate of an enchilada and a burrito from their extensive menu. The food was a little late in arriving but it was getting near to closing time so perhaps the kitchen had to make it from scratch. It certainly tasted so. All of my food was piping hot with tortillas that we not overcooked which often happens when they are left under a hot lamp for an extended period.

One thing that let this place down was that we ordered some waters which never arrived. Normally I can excuse this but because all of the waiters have these radios and ear pieces I assumed that they would be more efficient delivering our order.

I give Mariachis 4 out of 5 stars.

The Glass Onion - Charleston, SC

This post is for a restaurant further afield than the usual but I thought would still be worthy of a review. The Glass Onion is located in the West Ashley area of Charleston and although is not one of the more glamorous looking buildings, is certainly worth a try. The set is up is casual with the menu written on the wall and a staff member waiting to take your order at the counter. The menu is varied and exciting with starters such as local beet salad with pecans and blue cheese or turnip soup. I opted for the lamb, stewed in a light tomato sauce served over pasta. It was absolutely delicious, the lamb just falling apart and the pasta dense enough to absorb the rich sauce. Other people I went with had the shrimp and grits, which I sampled and concluded that they were divine as well as a deep fried quail which was great.
This restaurant has a fun feel with a casual atmosphere but with great quality food. Almost forgot, the bread and butter pudding is to die for!
5 Stars out of 5