Bon Appetit: Going Greek at The Big Greek Cafe

The moment Cliff and I agreed to set out on our Silver Spring food tour, we knew this day would come—the day we ate at the other Greek restaurant.

For those not in the know, down on Georgia Avenue Silver Spring has two Greek restaurants just blocks apart from each other. Local legend has it that, in the beginning, there was only one Greek restaurant. A disagreement between business partners led to a schism and now our lovely little community has two of these amazing Mediterranean establishments.

Up until just a few days ago, Cliff and I have only ever eaten at The Greek Place, which is the newer of the two restaurants. We’ve been tempted so many times to try The Big Greek Café, but just couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. We have nothing against The Big Greek Café; we just love The Greek Place and, as they say, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

I admit. We felt slightly like traitors as we walked through the doors of The Big Greek Café, but for Silver Spring Inc., we’ll do anything…

Both of these restaurants have a wide array of fare, ranging from classics like gyros and spanakopita to big, fat juicy burgers. To keep things fair, Cliff and I agreed to only order from The Big Greek Café what we usually choose when we visit The Greek Place: Souvlaki platters. Cliff got chicken, I got falafel. And because it’s absolutely impossible to pass up, we added an order of baklava.

I won’t say which fare we liked better, or even if we have a favorite. What I will say is that this community is damned lucky to have such fine Greek restaurants. That statement doesn’t come lightly.

I’ve spent time in Greece and in some of America’s most famous Greek neighborhoods, including Greektown in Detroit and in Baltimore. You know me. I love food, and I’ve eaten at multiple restaurants in each of these areas. Even after tasting food in these ethnic, storied communities, I am convinced that Silver Spring, Maryland has some of the best Greek cuisine on the planet.

If you haven’t eaten at either The Greek Place or The Big Greek Café, you need to. You don’t know what you’re missing.

What we ordered:

• Chicken Souvlaki Platter: $10.99
• Falafel Platter: $10.99
• Baklava: $3.99

Total: $25.97

The Big Greek Cafe is located at:

Be sure to tell them we sent you on your next visit and come back and share your own experience and thoughts.

#MySilverSpring

Jonna Huseman

I have a degree in journalism and have worked in non-profit communications for the last six years. I am also owner/operator of Jonna Michelle Photography based here in Silver Spring. I am passionate about art, travel, animals, supporting the rights of working people and supporting small, local businesses in my community. On a personal level, I would like to get to know Silver Spring better both as a neighborhood and as a community. I want to better know the people who live here and who make Silver Spring such a fabulous place. I would also like to see a better relationship between pedestrians and drivers, and an official opening to a transit center that is both functional and safe.