Opa

Update 11/2/11: Opa is closed.

In a word: Opa-tunity knocks.

The specs: #0528  
Address, hours & details via Isthmus; reviews at 77Square 10/26/09, 10/17/10, Badger Herald, Isthmus, QSC, listing at Eat Drink Madison, Foodspotting, pics at Succulent Photography; TDPF,

JM ate the chicken gyro with fries.
Nichole ate the BELT with a cup of chicken lemon soup.
The bill was $17, or $8.50/person, plus tip.
JM gave Opa a B+; Nichole gave Opa an A- (see our grading rubric).

Latest Opa news and reviews

Opa, the new Greek-themed place next to the Pub, seems to be doing an OK job of serving fresh, light food in a student's price range. The fact that there're other places already doing this makes the execution tricky, but never impossible.

The chicken lemon soup was not quite classic avgolemono, with its clear rather than creamy base, but had the perfect balance of lemon and salt. One huge piece of tender chicken breast nestled in with rice in the bottom of the bowl, and shredded easily with a spoon.

JM's chicken gyro was a good alternative to the usual greasy red meat blend, and this sandwich was virtually the antithesis of Parthenon's. The red onion were mild, the chicken tender, and the yogurt sauce was understated and tied it all together with a dash of oregano. The downside was the pile of burnt fries, which came with a housemade (or at least house-doctored) ketchup with a hint of (we think) curry powder which could be pro or con depending on your adulteration tolerance.

Nichole would go back anytime for the $6 BELT. More accurately a BEAT, with bacon, egg, arugula, and tomato, this sandwich came on a toasted and buttered roll sans mayo. Thin smoky bacon, a nice runny egg, fresh greens, and a pinkish (forgiven) tomato added up to joy on this St. Patrick's Day, which Madisonians will remember as unseasonably warm and summery. Maybe it was the general zeitgeist, but we were really happy with our lunch at Opa.

Comments

[catwoman5]

I stopped by there last winter and also had the chicken gyro. It was very good. I really liked the place - the only problem was that it was absolutely freezing in there - most of the patrons were wearing their coats. But of course, that wouldn't be a problem this time of year! Other than that, though, I thought the place was great.

[Michelle Gullickson]

Good Evening! I just read through your blog and think it's an amazing idea!!! I am the manager of Meriter Hospitals, Greenbush Garden Bistro (202 Park St.) and I would love it if you both would come in and sample our delicious food! We are on the main level of the hosptial just a few steps from the main entrance. I'm also managing a coffee area called "Dr. Joe's Coffee Clinic" we are proudly serving Ancora branded coffee drinks. Come on in and check out what we have to offer, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!

[catwoman5]

Michelle -

funny you should write this. My mother had to go to Meriter several weeks ago for a cortisone injection and my 12-year-old niece was *begging* to go with her because she wanted to eat the food there. I think she remembered it from when Mom had her hip replaced a year or two ago. We were all scratching our heads wondering what she would find so appealing about hospital food. But now I'm wondering if it was your Bistro? I'll ask her - and I'll check it out! Thanks!!

[Sush]

I love OPA's food. I have gone to OPA for lunch a few times, as well as dinner. I have had an opportunity to try their winter, and two summer menus. Unfortunately I missed the spring menu. While the food has always been exceptional my favorite had to be the “Lamb Shank with Cherry Gastrique” which was on their winter menu. I wish they had it all year. What I like about OPA is their cheap lunch prizes and their elegant dinner menu that is priced very reasonably. They also have vegetarian options, which is great if you have vegetarian friends too. What I find strange is that OPA is rarely busy when I go, which makes me concerned that like the last two restaurants it might close too. Although I have seen them busy at night when they are a club, but never been in there at that time.