It is characteristic of the Greeks to celebrate their joys, sweeten their sorrows, and ease their struggles, by eating and drinking in the company of family and friends. This is the Greek experience of "Philoxonia".

Athos is Albany's Classic Greek Restaurant devoted to bringing you the Greek experience of "Philoxonia." Located at 1814 Western Avenue, 1 mile west of Crossgates Mall, it is easily accessible from I-87 and I-90. The atmosphere at Athos allows you to dine in classic elegance, whether you enjoy the warm relaxed bar area (Taverna), or the upscale ambiance of our main dining room. Parties and meetings for up to 20 people can be accommodated in our private dining (Ithaka) room.

The Greek cuisine is extremely diverse in its ingredients, seasonings and flavors. This is the result of Greece's geography and history. Greece is strategically located between Europe and the Middle East, and throughout history has been influenced by the British, French, German, Roman and Ottoman Empires. The legacy of ancient Greece and the mixture of Turkish, Balkan, and Venetian influences all come together in Greek cooking. At Athos, we have created a menu composed of classic Greek dishes, including appetizers, salads, entr´es and desserts. Chef Harry, who has been featured in Gourmet magazine, and whose restaurant the Ithaka in Manhattan has received an excellent rating with Zagat, uses recipes passed down from generations of Greek cooks and bakers.

"Meze" is the most famous feature of Greek cuisine and "Meze" cooking exemplifies the Greek way of life. "Meze" translated from Greek to English means appetizers, but this translation does not do justice to the fundamental role "Mezedes" plays in Greek tradition. "Mezedes" are served on small plates so the whole group can share and enjoy something as humble as a few olives or some small pieces of cheese, all the way through platters laden with different dips, tiny skewers of grilled meat, deep-fried calamari, grilled octopus, or pites (little filo triangles stuffed with vegetables, cheese or meats). Most important "Mezedes" capture the zest of life, gathering of friends and family, and the simple appreciation of delicious food and wine.

The entrées in Greek cuisine vary widely in the primary ingredients and seasonings depending upon the local harvest. The Greek isles are known for seafood. Whole fresh fish presented tableside for your selection, prepared on the grill and then filleted at your table are the norm on Sanotorini and Mykinos. The mountainous regions of northern Greece are the home of Youvetsi (clay pots filled with lamb, chicken, or seafood slow cooked with either vegetables or orzo). From Corfu in the Ionian Sea come dishes heavily influenced by Italian cuisine. Pastichio, a dish made with a meat sauce, and pasta covered in a bechamel sauce, is one of the most popular. Greek cuisine is simply spiced; the flavor comes from the purity and freshness of the ingredients. Spices of oregano, rosemary, mint, dill, and cumin are used only to enhance the flavor of the fresh food, not to alter it.

No Greek meal would be complete without wine. Greece is home to more than 300 native grape varieties. White wines such as Assyrtik (Sigalas, Santorini) and Rodhitis (Monemvassia Winery, Peloponnese) are light and fruity. Agiorgitiko (Domaine Lantides, Nemea Also known as St. George "Grape") and , Xinomavro (Grand Reserve, Boutari, Naoussa) are full-bodied velvety reds. We offer a large variety of Greek wines by the glass and the bottle.

Sweet treats and a cup of Greek coffee complete the classic Greek meal. Many of the desserts come from the islands of the Aegean. Here the Middle Eastern influence of walnuts, cinnamon and honey dominates. Baklava is the most familiar of these desserts. Galactobouriko, filo dough filled with custard and topped with syrup and cinnamon, has gaining popularity. Loukoumathes, lightly fried dough balls covered in syrup and walnuts then sprinkled with cinnamon, are made to order.

"Parea" in Greek means a group of friends, guests or company gathering together to share experiences, philosophy, values and ideas. The time spent with "Parea" is for the growth of the human spirit, the development of friendships and the exploration of ideas to enrich our lives.

It is our goal at Athos to deliver the Greek experience of "Philoxonia" to our guests. We welcome you in to our restaurant. Sit at our table, join our "Parea," savor our classic Greek cuisine served in comfortable surroundings by knowledgeable and attentive staff, and leave as our friend.