Though the ancient Greeks founded civilization, they sometimes fell off the civility wagon by pranking senators with hydra-filled candy tins and unscrewing the salt shaker before Socrates’ last meal. Experience a less fatalistic feast with today’s Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of authentic Greek fare, beer, and wine at The Mad Greek on East Broad Street in Columbus.

The Mad Greek provides delicious portions of fresh, homemade Mediterranean cuisine and a vast array of authentic Greek beer and wine. A large dinner menu showcases the delectable comestibles. Classic pita sandwiches include the souvlaki, which unites marinated pork with lettuce, tomato, red onions, and banana peppers in garlic sauce ($5.99), and the traditional, garlic-sauced gyro (regular $5.50, large $6.50). Rather than focus on the century-old customs of philosopher wrestling or toga tie-dying, the Greek-traditions portion of the menu offers singular twists on culinary standards, such as the mousaka ($11.50) and the lamb-chop-anchored mixed grill, which also features chicken breast, rice pilaf, and veggies ($15.99). The vegetarian Mediterranean comingles hummus, falafel, eggplant salad, and tabouli for herbivorous access to Greek cuisine’s greatest hits ($9.99).

The bar at The Mad Greek offers plenty of potable complements to wash down the selections from its authentic menu. In addition to great cuisine, the Greeks discovered geometry, number theory, and the question of whether they were ever going to use math in their day jobs, so pay tribute to one of the most celebrated ancient cultures with a trip to The Mad Greek and its inventive twists on an edible persistent formula.

Reviews

Yahoo! Locals give The Mad Greek a four-star average, and eight Citysearchers give it a 4.5-star average. Yelpers give it an average of four stars, and more than 70% of over 110 Urbanspooners like it:

• The ambiance was authentic as was the food. Truly a wonderful experience and a wonderful visit that took me back to a place that made me smile. – Dee, Yahoo! Local
• The menu is huge with a wide variety of choices. The portions are extra large and every thing we ordered was delicious! We can't wait to go back! My Highest Recommendation!!! – AlanF, Citysearch