OPA Grill
Owner Thanos Patsiouras chose his restaurant’s unassuming location because he enjoys the neighborhood and catering to families.
By Lynne Marsala Basche
There are some words that cannot be said quietly. They must be spoken
with exuberance and passion as they invoke a celebration of life. These
words demand to be shouted to garner enthusiasm and participation.
This type of joyful feeling is what diners can expect when they join in
hollering “Opa” over a delicious meal at Opa Grill.
Thanos Patsiouras has been welcoming diners to Opa Grill in Parker since
2009. It makes no difference whether a customer is new or if they are
a regular, Patsiouras is ready to make every meal memorable.
Patsiouras chose his restaurant’s unassuming location because he enjoys
the neighborhood and catering to families, and it takes only one meal
at Opa Grill to realize that he truly enjoys making sure every customer
feels at home.
Opa Grill serves classic Greek dishes that are a part of an ancient
culinary tradition dating back 4,000 years. When selecting menu items,
Patsiouras looks to his childhood in Greece and dishes his mother made.
Patsiouras fondly remembers picking vegetables from the family garden
for meals that were slowly and lovingly prepared. Similar to his youth,
Patsiouras uses only the freshest and highest quality ingredients,
including extra virgin olive oil, Greek feta cheese and olives, as well
as herbs such as thyme and oregano.
Our lunch began with Tzatziki, which is a creamy yogurt sauce made with
sour cream, garlic, and cucumber and served with warm pita bread. The
combination of the tangy sauce with the soft pita was delightful. The
Traditional Greek Salad, which is a customer favorite, had juicy
tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sliced red onions, plump Kalamata olives, and
crumbly Feta cheese. What Greek meal would be complete without trying a
Gyro? The Gyro platter came with sliced pita, flame-broiled shaved
lamb in tender strips, basmati rice and vegetables, along with a side of
Tzatziki sauce and was well-seasoned and flavorful. The side cup of
Avgolemono, which is a traditional chicken and rice soup flavored with
lemon and eggs, could have been a meal on its own with a side of pita.
(The pita can easily be eaten with every dish!) Simple flavors, with
quality ingredients made every menu item memorable.
Opa Grill does a bustling lunch business. The staff is efficient and
friendly, and they recognize diners have time constraints. Dinner at
Opa Grill, however, is more of an experience. Table cloths come out,
and it seems as if every other table orders Saganaki, which is imported
Kasseri cheese that is pan-seared and flamed with brandy while diners
shout “Opa”! Linger over sweet, crispy homemade Baklava, and remain
immersed in the joyful, spirited atmosphere for a bit longer.
Opa Grill is a moderately priced, full-service restaurant. In addition
to the main dining room, there is also a modest bar area. It is a
perfect restaurant for lunch, a date night, or a family celebration. A
children’s menu is available for less adventurous eaters. Be sure to
check out the seasonal drink menus for spring and summer, the monthly
wine features at a discounted price, and half-price bottles of wine
every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
When asked what makes Opa Grill unique, Patsiouras credited long-term
customers, as well as wait and kitchen staff, many of whom have been
with Opa Grill since it opened. Consistently delicious food in an
inviting and friendly environment makes Opa Grill a neighborhood
favorite. Opa Grill rewards frequent guests with a loyalty card, which
offers $10 off their tenth meal.
Opa Grill is open for lunch and dinner with reservations required for
weekend dinners. When asked what he would like readers to know about
Opa Grill, Patsiouras said, “My staff and I are waiting to meet your
expectations of a great meal.” That deserves an OPA!
Opa Grill is located at 18366 E. Lincoln Avenue in Parker. Hours of
operation are Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday thru
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, including a full
menu, visit http://www.opagrillparker.com or call 303-841-7074.
18366 E. Lincoln Avenue
Parker, Colorado 80134
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