The two previous posters, respectfully, miss the point. At The Athens, it must be written in a rulebook somewhere that a man reading a newspaper can be disturbed with the check only on pain of death. This is not the East Village, people, it's Europe. And thank God. They do not bother you, but the staff is everywhere. Grab someone. The tips are pooled. You don't have a waiter, you have 5. The deserts aren't good? Bunk. They're fine. Very good, but the coffee is really great. Yes, it's a little expensive. So, make it at home! You're paying for the ambience. You can sit outside forever! In fall, they put out lamps. In winter, they put up an outside enclosure. So smoke! Find me a place like this in Manhattan and I'll go there, too, but it doesn't exist. This place is an institution. In the past 3 years they have expanded the menu. Stick with the originals. The pizza is good. The salads are amazing. The nachos and chicken wings are awful. Bring back the pistachios with beer! Peanuts are ok, but pistachios are better. I understand it's a hassle, but you can afford it! Long live The Athens!
Pros: Good deserts, great salads, good service (FOR A EUROPEAN CAFE! It's a cafe!)
Cons: Smoke outside, if you don't like it. I like it.
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