There’s a new restaurant on Howard Avenue with a familiar owner. Here’s our review
The wife and I went through a Greek phase a while ago. Lots of olives and pita bread were enjoyed.
A part of that time still lives on in my stomach. The popular sub genre of Mediterranean cuisine has a hidden hold in the heart of South Mississippi with spots only certain locals who truly know ball are aware of.
But now there’s Acropolis, freshly opened on the highly visible Howard Avenue in the famed — and some say haunted — 871 suite. It’s operated and owned by the former owner of Mr. Greek on Pass Road and longtime Biloxi resident George Trigas.
Trigas, a native of Greece, also opened the Country Gentlemen in Gautier.
Since Cafe 871’s closing in January, an overhaul of the space occurred and it just opened in its new form under its new owner in late April.
Vibe — 4 out of 5
There’s something about hearing the strum of the Greek Bouzouki that puts you at ease and lets you know you’re in the right place.
The right side of the long room is painted a deep blue and the other marble white.
The blue and white theme — an homage to Greece, its flag and the recognizable oikos— extends to the tables and decor.
Pictures of the Parthenon, Athena and some charcuterie add to the ambiance and a black and gold-trimmed runner stretches the length of the room.
Acropolis gets a bump here for the beautiful amphora on the bar.
Food — 4 out of 5
Acropolis thinks of everyone when it comes to its menu.
There are plenty of traditional Greek dishes to choose from, but also some Americanized offerings for those who lack cultural taste.
Being my first time, we put the basics to the test. I’m talking hummus and a classic gyro.
I received a note recently that I should be more honest in my reviews. Well, reader, I am honest in my reviews. It just so happens the food around here is really good. That’s not my fault. And maybe it’s your fault for not recognizing how spoiled you are to get to choose between Greek, Cajun/Creole and New York Pizza every day.
Yeah, turned it around on ya.
The hummus was good, not great. I’d like to see more variety, like a garlic version. The pita bread was wonderfully seasoned, though more on the crunchy side than fluffy, which is my personal preference and may not reflect yours. I’d order again.
The gyro: a meal synonymous with Greece and Arby’s. The one Acropolis serves is better than Arby’s.
This chunky boy comes tinfoil cradled in its blue and white checkerboard basket. All the classics are here: beef, lamb, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and tzatziki.
It’s constructed well. A real gyro eater knows a well-built sandwich when he sees one and this is certainly one.
It’s layered just right, providing savory beef, crunchy lettuce, sharp tangy onion and the creamy cooling agent of tzatziki to complete each bite.
This is a very good gyro and that is my honest opinion.
Value — 4 out of 5
Service is friendly, helpful and relatively quick for how busy the place was.
An order of hummus is $9.25, but it isn’t a skimpy portion. Gyros range from $11 to $12 and lunch specials all hover around $13 and $15. The menu pricing floor is a tad high, but the ceiling is notably low, with only one offering above $20.
It’s a two-dollar-sign restaurant, but that’s in line with the quality preparation and authenticity the restaurant offers.
For a change-of-pace dinner and a friendly atmosphere, I’d strongly recommend Acropolis.
Address: 871 Howard Avenue, Biloxi
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
