Casual Greek BYOB Village Taverna Quietly Opens in Queen Village

The breezy corner space at 769 East Passyunk Avenue can't seem to hang onto a restaurant tenant. Italian BYOB Ulivo shuttered after four years only to become an underwhelming Indian BYOB in Imli, which closed before celebrating its two year anniversary. Today, Philly.com reports that 769 is back for another round with an all new Greek concept in Village Taverna, owned by Kostantin Dalamagas.

Village Taverna/Facebook

Dalamagas, who's worked his way through Philadelphia's restaurant scene with stints at all of Teddy Sourias's restaurants (BRU Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn, Uptown Beer Garden, Finn McCool's Ale House), teamed up with Greek chef Konstantine Grigorakakis for a simple menu of Greek standards made with "a Grandma's touch". So expect the usuals: grilled octopus, gyros, spanakopita, and the like, all priced below $20. Although Kanella, Philly's greatest Cypriot-Greek restaurant, stands just a few blocks away, Village Taverna could seem appealing to those looking for a more casual affair.

Dinner runs Tuesdays to Sundays, with brunch launching next year.