The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Mt. Pleasant: What to Order and What to Expect
A casual Greek spot with strong Mediterranean flavors and generous portions
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill sits on Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant, serving straightforward Greek and Mediterranean food in a relaxed dining room. The menu centers on grilled proteins, fresh vegetables, and olive oil—the backbone of Greek cooking—with most dishes priced between $12 and $18. You order at the counter, find a seat, and the kitchen brings your food out when it's ready. The space is small and often busy during lunch and dinner, so expect a wait on weekends and plan accordingly if you're on a schedule.
The restaurant doesn't pretend to be fine dining. The décor is simple, the tables are close together, and the focus is on the food itself. If you're looking for a quick, filling meal with authentic Mediterranean flavors—not a long, leisurely evening—this is the right place.
Key Takeaways
- The gyro platter and grilled chicken souvlaki are the most popular orders and come with rice, vegetables, and pita bread.
- You order at the counter and pay before sitting down, so have your decision ready when you reach the register.
- The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) on weekdays and weekends.
- Vegetarian options include saganaki (fried cheese), spanakopita (spinach pie), and vegetable platters with hummus and tzatziki.
- The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards, so either payment method works.
What to order: the standout dishes
The gyro platter is the signature order. Thin-sliced lamb and beef are stacked on a vertical spit, shaved onto your plate, and served with rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce. The meat is seasoned well and has the right balance of salt and garlic without tasting overly processed. A single platter is filling enough for most people, though the portions are generous enough that you might take half home.
The grilled chicken souvlaki comes as skewered chunks of marinated chicken breast, charred on the outside and tender inside. It arrives with the same sides as the gyro—rice, vegetables, pita, and sauce—but the chicken is lighter and works well if you want something less heavy than lamb. The marinade leans toward lemon and oregano, which is the traditional Greek approach.
The saganaki (fried cheese) is worth ordering as a starter if you're sharing. A thick slice of cheese is breaded and fried until the outside is golden and the inside is soft and warm. It comes with lemon wedges and pita for dipping. It's rich and salty and meant to be eaten quickly while it's still hot.
Vegetarian and lighter options
The spanakopita is a spinach and feta pie wrapped in phyllo dough and baked until crispy. It's a full meal on its own and works as either an entrée or a shareable appetizer. The filling is well-seasoned and the pastry is flaky, not soggy.
The vegetable platter lets you build your own combination of grilled vegetables, hummus, tzatziki, and pita. You can add feta cheese or saganaki to make it more substantial. It's a good choice if you want to eat light or if you're dining with people who have different dietary preferences.
The Greek salad comes with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and oregano. It's simple and fresh, though it's best eaten right away before the vegetables release too much water.
Sides, sauces, and extras
Tzatziki sauce—a blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill—comes with most platters and is also sold separately if you want extra for dipping. The restaurant makes it fresh, and it's cool and tangy without being too garlicky. Hummus is available as a side or dip, and it has the right texture: smooth but not whipped.
Rice pilaf is the standard starch, cooked with butter and broth so it has flavor on its own. If you prefer something different, ask whether they have other options available that day. Pita bread is warm and soft, not the thick, chewy kind from a grocery store bag.
Olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers are available as add-ons if you want to customize your plate. The prices for extras are reasonable—usually $1 to $3 per item.
Timing, parking, and how to navigate the space
The restaurant is small—roughly 20 seats inside—so it fills up fast. Lunch rush runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and dinner rush is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you go outside those windows, you'll likely walk in and order without waiting. On weekends, it's busy most of the day.
Parking is on the street or in a small lot shared with neighboring businesses. During peak hours, you may need to circle or park a short walk away. The restaurant is located on Coleman Boulevard, which is the main commercial strip in Mt. Pleasant, so traffic can be heavy.
The ordering process is straightforward: you walk up to the counter, look at the menu board, tell the staff what you want, pay, and then sit down. The kitchen usually has your food ready in 10 to 15 minutes. If it's very busy, it may take longer. There's no table service, so you pick up your own food when your name or number is called.
What to know about the dining experience
The restaurant is casual and fast-paced, not a place to linger over a long meal. The tables are close together, and the noise level can be high during busy times. If you're looking for quiet or privacy, this isn't the right spot. If you want good food quickly and don't mind eating shoulder-to-shoulder with other diners, it works well.
The staff is friendly and efficient. They know the menu well and can answer questions about ingredients or spice levels. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, tell them when you order so they can let you know what's safe.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season. It's closed on some holidays, so if you're planning a visit on a holiday, call ahead to confirm they're open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill good for groups or families?
Yes, if your group doesn't mind eating in a crowded space. The portions are large and shareable, so you can order a few platters and split them. However, the small dining room means you'll be sitting close to other tables, which can make conversation difficult during busy times.
Can I get my food to go?
Yes. You order and pay at the counter the same way, and the kitchen packs your food in containers. The platters travel well, though the pita bread is best eaten fresh. If you're taking food home, eat it within an hour or two for the best texture.
What if I don't eat meat?
The spanakopita, vegetable platter, Greek salad, and saganaki are all vegetarian. You can also ask about other options when you order—the kitchen may have daily specials or other dishes not listed on the main menu.
Does the restaurant take reservations?
No. It's first-come, first-served, so you order when you arrive. During slow times, you'll be in and out quickly. During busy times, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table to open up.
How spicy is the food?
The food is not spicy by default. Greek and Mediterranean cooking relies on herbs like oregano, garlic, and lemon rather than hot peppers. If you want heat, ask the staff what options they have—they may have hot sauce or spiced options available.