A diverse selection of both Greek and Italian dishes make the Mad Greek a habit-forming favorite of Lawrence's dining-out veterans. Though reasonably priced for dinner, price breaks during the lunch hour allow you to eventually try everything on the menu -- and it's all very good. The environment is quaint and elegant but still casual. A slight suspension of awareness could leave you dining on a veranda in Poros or in Italy's Tuscan hills.
Sunday buffet from 11 to 2.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
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| 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
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| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Comments
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azores (anonymous) says...
Mad Greek (along with Jade Garden and it's nauseatingly unrecognizable poultry ingredients) has to qualify as one of Lawrence's inexplicably overrated restaurants. Nothing special here, and, outside of the lunch specials, kinda pricey for what you get. This town desperately needs another Greek restaurant to kick this one in the pants and get it out of its malaise.
January 19, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cleg (anonymous) says...
The last time I was there, my boyfriend, who is a vegetarian, ordered the dolma appetizer. He didn't specify that he wanted to order the appetizer because, looking at only the vegetarian section of the menu, he didn't realize that there is a dolma dinner. When the food arrived with unexpected sides, we figured out what had happened. We were okay with it since we realized it was our mistake, and the server was very nice about the situation. When he cut into a dolma and realized that the dolmas in the dinner are stuffed with beef, then there was a problem. We asked the server what could be done. We were NOT upset about it, we just wanted to swap the beefy dolmas with non-beefy dolmas. We apologized for the trouble. She had a manager or assistant manager come talk to us, and that woman was incredibly rude. She very grudgingly agreed to swap the dolmas. Incredibly rude. We won't be going back. I was never that impressed with the food, so I'm not too sad about it, but I will miss the baba ganouj.
January 11, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dnastrahle (anonymous) says...
Food was really not that impressive could have got the same taste from a can from the pantry at home cost was comparable to a nice fancy resturant but for the food we got a bit high
November 30, 2007 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mamsir (anonymous) says...
i was going to take the time to write a comment and then read emilyhadley's and so i'll just say "well said". that place sucks and i cannot believe i just paid ten bucks for the most mediocre (that's being generous) meal of all time. ugh. i had a faint memory of their buffet not sucking in 94 - the last time i went. we finally decided to go again and it was truly awful. our waiter was nice but that's where it ends. cheap ingredients, bitchy smelly people, and waayyyyy overpriced for what you got. yu-u-cky.
October 7, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
c_doc77 (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I took my family out to the Sunday buffet yesterday. The food is good, but they charged me $4.95 for my 2-year-old daughter. Come on! Do you know how much a 2-year-old eats?! At most places, kids under 3 or 4 eat for free. As much as I like this place, I'm not going back.
As to Gullah's comment about the situation of Italian cuisine in Lawrence, I concur. Teller's does it right, but they are too expensive and they have gone overboard on the "upscale" thing. They hardly have any pasta dishes anymore. Paisano's used to be pretty good, but they are super-expensive for what you get. They try to trick you by including the bread and salad in the meal price. But every place gives you free bread, anyway.
February 12, 2007 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Gullah (anonymous) says...
This place should be closed due to the fact that they lie to customers (concerning the supposed vegetarian options), the place is dirty and the food is downright gross. In my opinion Lawrence is really lacking in good Italian food. Teller's is the only place that really does it right but it's a bit too expensive to satisfy my cravings :(
January 23, 2007 at 7:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
monisu411 (anonymous) says...
Food has been good every time I've been there. Diverse menu means there's something there for everybody. I like that they have a wine list to go with the Greek food and one for the Italian food. Very affordable. Nice decor. Atmosphere is multi-dimensional. Booths for couples. Separate table area for families.
September 14, 2006 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mj_pritchard (Mike Pritchard) says...
They used to be one of my favorite restaurants...but over the years their food has become a little more average. They have a great atmosphere with service that is about average. Overall they have lost some stock...but still decent (especially if you are looking for a sunday brunch).
May 8, 2006 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AviStetto7 (anonymous) says...
Wow, seems you either love this place or hate it! If you are a reader trying to decide whether to go here or not, I'd suggest you try it yourself, because clearly the crowd is divided. I fall on the "love it" side. I've had many dates here, and frequently when my family is in town we'll go there. I've had a couple of dishes that I wasn't thrilled with, but I've also had plenty that I was enamored with. The prices are decent for what you get, I think.
My favorite item here is the Tiramisu. Granted this was the first place I ever had it, so maybe it just set the standard, but I've only found a few other places that could compare. As far as service, well, I don't recall ever having a problem, and I've been there upwards of a dozen times. They have a kick-ass brunch buffet on Sundays.
May 5, 2006 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emilyhadley (Emily Hadley) says...
Although I am apparently the only person who will back up my Lawrence.com comments by identifying myself, always remember to click the ****"See full comment thread, including anonymous comments"**** link to get as much info as possible.
Oh, and to the unsatisfied past commenters, Aladdin Cafe has delicious falafel, every time, and the owner is a very kind man.
April 23, 2006 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emilyhadley (Emily Hadley) says...
My whole life, I have wondered how this place stays open. First, I love supporting local business, and restaurants are the riskiest. OK, I vividly remember being near tears at maybe nine years old because my ravioli only had five or six lukewarm raviolis floating around the plate. When my dad was nice enough to mention it to the waitress, she agreed, apologized, and left to ask about it, then an older, really gruff woman returned in her place with my ravioli, put it back in front of me, and began berating me--the little kid-- about food costs and portions and actually said I was lying about having gotten a larger portion before. It was my favorite dish until that night.
As a teen, I remember two guys behind the bar talking openly about how fucked up it was that a cook got fired the night before and how one of them was ordered on the spot to finish the night for the firee. They were pissed, talking about it in front of a packed dinner crowd while one worked his second involuntary double shift.
The Mad Greek features consistently mediocre food obviously made from cheap ingredients, and a very pleasant but frazzled and disgruntled wait staff. There's something disorganized in the system--I don't ever remember getting what I ordered the first time, and usually everyone else was done eating by the time I got the remake. If you are lactose intolerant, vegetarian or vegan, beware--you will get different answers on ingredients every time, and nobody there seems to really know what's in the food.
All I know is, if that woman was my boss, I would be so stressed out that I wouldn't be able to focus on which cutomer said they were allergic. I have worked in many restaurant and service jobs, and I feel for anyone who has done time there.
Though I haven't eaten there in 6 or 7 years, they got me again. I recently saw a man get out of a big Mercedes... *thing* and go in the back door. It was starting to sprinkle and its windows were down. The rain picked up quickly, and I opened the back door and said to an employee just inside the door that someone's red Mercedes minivan was getting rained in. He looked at me like I had just called him a bad name! He said he had NO idea what I was talking about, and laughed and said that nobody working THERE could afford a Mercedes. Trying to help, I clarified that I had just seen an older man get out of it and come in, and it was parked right there, getting rained in. He insisted that it couldn't belong to anyone there. About the time I began to regret the whole good samaritan endeavor and turned to leave, the young guy poked his head out to look and scoffed, "MINIVAN?? That is an S - U - V!" He then promptly yelled over his shoulder "Hey, mom's (insert Mercedes SUV name) is getting rained in" and walked off. Good god! You're welcome, neighbor, just lookin' out for ya.
I'll never make the mistake of opening a door on either side of that place again.
April 23, 2006 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BigNick (Nick Ray) says...
Considering the availability of Greek food in the area, Bizetsy, this place is pretty damn good in my opinion. Now I've never been to the motherland, but have sampled fantastic fair in metro-neighborhoods (Chicago's beat out NYC's hands down). Lawrence does not have a thriving Greek cultural scene, unfortunately, so the Mad Greek proudly provides this service to our town.
I believe this restaurant provides authentic Greek cuisine to the Lawrencian masses at an affordable price. Their level of customer service is noteworthy, as I have never seen a manager make an unjust decision towards a customer. If you didn't like the food, then you should have spoken up. The staff would have worked diligently to improve your experience.
This downtown restaurant has a solid core of returning and regular customers that would put up a hearty competition compared to others.
November 12, 2005 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bizetsy (anonymous) says...
This is THE WORST food I have ever eaten in Lawrence.
I ordered the "speciality of the house"--the gyros sandwich, and it was terrible. If this is their specialty, I can't imagine how awful other dishes must be.
The gyros meat was so covered in grease that I used 4 napkins to sop it up. All 4 napkins were soaked when I gave up. The meat had very little flavor, and the tzaziki sauce had none that I could discern. The pita became soaked through with the meat grease, and it was already mushy and stale-tasting on its own.
If, as changisasound stated, this is the best gyros in town--I don't ever want to eat one in Lawrence again.
In other news, our table was dirty when we were led to our seats, my dining partner's dish was tiny and also not very good, and I don't ever want to return--which is a shame because I love good Greek food.
June 29, 2005 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tunarubber (anonymous) says...
The Mad Greek is one place I would never go back to.
The food is terrible! And trust me when I say, there other than adding spinach to every dish, there is nothing Greek about the restuarant. I do know for a fact (as was pointed out earlier) that they get their foods frozen and simply reheat. Have eaten at many authentic Greek restuarants across the country, and this is not Greek food. It is simply Americanized "Greek" food and done very poorly at that.
If you think the food is bad, wait until you experience the service. I agree with the previous posters that the service leaves much to be desired. Rude high school students with attitudes comprise the wait staff and most of the authentic Greek chefs are local 20 year olds that used to work at McDonalds.
May 21, 2005 at 5:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gyroduck (anonymous) says...
The only complant I have about the mad greek is that their greek salad is a joke. If you want a good greek salad with olives on it go to Mass. St. Deli.
May 16, 2005 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ilovemadgreek (anonymous) says...
I'm a KU student from Chicago and every time my family or my boyfriend comes to Lawrence I take them here...it is easily the best restaurant in town (and I've been to quite a few here!). Beautiful and romantic atmosphere, delicious food (it's not just Greek...there are several Italian dishes too), prompt and courteous wait staff, and very reasonable prices. Try the Veal Parmesian--it's out of this world! I would highly suggest this restuarant!!
April 16, 2005 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doggie (anonymous) says...
I have heard from so many people that their food is all frozen and ready to cook FAST. I am imagining those old Swanson dinners that you boil in a bag.
This place needs to get real.
My family used to love the Mad Greek long ago when it was on 23rd street. But in recent years I have been there again and it is pretty gross.
April 3, 2005 at 1:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
changeisasound (anonymous) says...
the food there is great. and it is fast as well, it is probably the fastest restaurant in town. the chicken marsala and the lasagna are excellent. dont forget the gyro either. its the only place around to get a decent gyro. i will say that the servers seem a little spacy, they dont really seem to have it together. the food makes up for there inconsistencies
March 26, 2005 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MrsPalmer (anonymous) says...
I just want to say that this restaurant is one of the cleanest restaurants in town. The food is made there!! They order supplies and ingredients from a supplier, but what restaurant doesn't unless they have a garden in back??!! Peggy and George, the owners are amazing cooks, and their family recipies are what you are tasting every time you try the menu. They are known to give you great service, but get your food out to you fast so that you can go out and enjoy the rest of what lawrence has to offer. Great idea for a dinner date and a movie, you can always make it to the movie on time if you don't have much time for dinner.
January 19, 2005 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SarahSota (anonymous) says...
No, actually, Vedder79- You CAN find the food other places- why even at your local grocery store because they dont even make their own food. They just heat up the pre-made food that they buy from a supplier. But, of course you probably already know that as i am assuming that you are, perhaps, a server there... just a hunch.
January 17, 2005 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
asfarq (anonymous) says...
This is a family favorite for us. My husband and I enjoy Greek, while the children prefer Italian. Great place, we go back time and time again!
January 1, 2005 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sdormat (anonymous) says...
Plus, one time the girl at the register had to manually enter my credit card number instead of swiping it, and she ROLLED HER EYES at me. I couldn't believe it.
December 24, 2004 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reeveso (John Reeves) says...
the felafel is awful. The crunchy to crumbly texture is all wrong and so is its three day old frying oil taste.
December 14, 2004 at 9:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sdormat (anonymous) says...
I've never quite understood why people love this place so much. They don't even make their own food. It comes in on a truck.
December 2, 2004 at 6:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alexhorn (anonymous) says...
I love Mad Greek... until last night. Perhaps the chef was on vacation or something like that. It had been awhile since we visited Mad Greek last and I had always loved their food in the past... but last night I was disappointed. The food was at my table in 5 minutes (sure, fast service but at the cost of quality?) and was VERY greasy, the grape leaves on the dolmas were not cooked all the way, the Greek green beans were really bland, etc. I hope it's just because there was a different cook - that's an easy remedy. I hope it's not because they've given up on quality. Will go back again but if food is still as bad I will never go again.
March 17, 2004 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
yiota (anonymous) says...
you dont have to go to Greece ! go to the mad Greek ! great authenic food greek and Italian , great service , great prices! a place where i can take my whole family and not brake the bank ! kids love this place FREE ice cream with kids meals , best greek food on town and there Greek style beans are the best !!!!!!!
January 23, 2004 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
julius (anonymous) says...
I've been to the Mad Greek several times (which is more than I can say for most other Lawrence restaurants) because it's good food and not too expensive. I enjoy the "authentic" atmosphere, but the music was way too loud where I was sitting.
November 15, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigreed (anonymous) says...
There are dishes at the Mad Greek that are the amongst the best dishes in town. The greek salad is probably my favorite salad. The pasta dishes are phenominal. The hummus is very good. However, there are a few dishes that I've tried and really not cared for. If you don't mind being a little adventurous though, this is a great place.
October 9, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
sippers (anonymous) says...
I recently discovered that the rice is made with chicken base, and the pita is dipped in gyro grease. These are both items that they sell on veggie entrees. I will never eat there again. I could deal with the rude hostess(I think she's the owners daughter), but can't deal with them lying to my face.
October 6, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
loco (anonymous) says...
YUM - there's nothing better than canned green beans and potatoes. Also can someone please turn down the looping Greek music. They get my vote for the worst restaurant in Lawrence after trying them several times.
September 18, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
RichardB (anonymous) says...
We have eaten there several times. The food is quite good, the portions are generous and the price quite reasonable. The wait staff is prompt and courteous. This is a beautiful restaurant as well, with comfortable booths and gentle lighting. One can bring out of town guests here with confidence!
September 14, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
machu777 (anonymous) says...
My favorite restaurant, We eat there more than any other Lawrence restaurant. The food is great, the atmosphere and decore are 'Greek' and the service is very good.
September 7, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
kcarson (anonymous) says...
I have been to the Mad Greek more times than I can possible remember, but it never gets old. Great food, really cool atmosphere, nice servers.. And the best chocolate cake and tiramisu to be had in Lawrence (or in my opinion, anyways...)
July 20, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
leilani3070 (anonymous) says...
The food is wonderful, the waiters are too and the owners are great people. If you are ever wondering where to eat in Lawrence, this place is a must try.
July 15, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
Ksmall7 (anonymous) says...
One of the best restaurants in town. Love the food, the service, and the decor. Would be great for a romantic date (oil candles on every table, too).
July 12, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )
vedder79 (anonymous) says...
By far one of the best restaurants that I have ever tried. They have some of the most amazing dishes, some of which you will not find anywhere else. I ate there for the fist time last week and I am hooked. Also there very sexy servers.
June 24, 2003 at midnight ( permalink | suggest removal )