By Nicole June
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Tucked into the corner of University Avenue and Franklin Street, Mediterranean Grill is a restaurant that is not to be skipped.
The building isn’t flashy, but the menu offers a wide variety of flavorful Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with some classic American sides mixed in (chicken wings, nachos, chili cheese fries, etc).
If you’re looking for a great meal at a low price, this is the place to try. There is no separate dinner menu, so the prices are the same day and night.
My coworker and I visited the establishment during lunch time. The server was friendly and attentive and answered all of the questions we had about ingredients.
We started with a large hummus plate ($3.55) as an appetizer. It was served with a sizable helping of warm pita bread and we were instantly hooked.
My coworker chose the Mediterranean Combo ($10.99) and I picked the Gyro Plate ($7.99). The combo includes two kebab sticks, two chicken sticks, two beef sticks, rice, and pickles. The plate includes meat (lamb and beef), rice, Italian pickles, and pita bread.
My Gyro Plate also came with an Italian salad that was much larger than I expected. It was lightly covered with a vinaigrette-type dressing that the server said was the chef’s personal recipe that she “throws together” each day. The dressing made the salad a light and refreshing addition to the meal.
I have tried several gyros and gyro plates in Clarksville, but this is perhaps the best I have had yet. The cucumber sauce on the side was perfect for dipping and had a sweet, creamy flavor that made me crave more. The meat was well-seasoned and the portion size was generous.
The real standout, however, was the rice. Our server told us it was seasoned with cinnamon, which gave it just a touch of sweetness without overpowering the rice.
My coworker said his combo plate was exceptional. I tried the kebabs, which I agree were mostly tender and juicy. The combo includes a side of tabouleh, which consists of diced tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, cilantro, parsley, olive oil, crushed wheat, and lemon juice. It had a distinct flavor that was a bit much on its own, but paired excellently with a piece of meat.
Overall, the meal was deliciously satisfying, the atmosphere was peaceful, and the service was great. I’d love to go back several more times to try out other dishes, especially the Baba Ghanoush appetizer (grilled and crushed eggplant).
Mediterranean Grill
541 Franklin Street
931-378-7777/931-375-7731
Hours: Mon-Thu – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri and Sat – 9 a.m. to midnight
Sun – 1-6 p.m.
Catering and delivery options