Restaurants in Chicago's Greektown bring modern vibe to traditional holiday treats

CHICAGO - It’s a part of the city lit in blue and white for the holidays in the Greektown neighborhood as restaurants bring traditional treats to customers with a modern vibe.

The whole neighborhood is sparkling with the colors of the Greek Flag and displays of traditional Karavakia, which are little hand decorated boats.

Focus on local

More than 35 local artists have decorated boats throughout the neighborhood with paint lights and other materials.

Some local businesses are taking part in a shopping rewards program that offers a $50 rebate to people who shop and dine at least three eligible Greektown restaurants and spend at least $250.

Many restaurants are also offering holiday cocktail specials.

Keeping it ‘old world’

The Bourbon Chocolate Martini at "9 Muses Bar and Grill" is a favorite, said Steve Theoharis, the owner.

And unique to 9 Muses is the Mistletoe Mastika Cocktail.

"We use Mastika that comes from (a Greek Island) and we put it with a little bit of cranberry and mint and just mix it all up and you get a beautiful Christmas cocktail," he said. 

Theoharis, whose family has run restaurants in the neighborhood for 35 years, said Greektown has its own holiday vibe.

"It’s just very laid back and Christmasy," he said. "We just keep it old world, not over the top, just traditional."