The Story
Yiannis Melidis and his uncle Antonio Katsoulias opened Pegasus in 1990, just as Greektown was hitting its peak. The restaurant quickly became known for its 120-seat rooftop patio with skyline views, its whole broiled fish, and a stunning interior mural painted by a Serbian artist that stretched the length of the dining room.
Pegasus earned a memorable moment in 2002 when Oprah Winfrey visited for a segment featuring 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' star Nia Vardalos. The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society taught Oprah some Greek dance steps, and millions of viewers got a taste of Greektown.
But rising rents doomed Pegasus. After a rent hike, the restaurant closed in December 2017 after 27 years. 'It was a pleasure serving our customers over the last 27 years,' the family said. By 2022, both the Pegasus building and neighboring Santorini had been demolished for a mixed-use development.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Fresh fish prepared Greek-style, a signature of the house
Classic preparation that kept regulars coming back
Mediterranean delicacy served simply and perfectly
💡 Did You Know?
- Oprah Winfrey learned Greek dancing at Pegasus for a 2002 TV segment
- The interior featured a mural painted by a Serbian artist that stretched an entire wall
- Pegasus on the Fly (airport location) and Artopolis Bakery remained open after the main restaurant closed
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Building demolished in 2022; site planned for mixed-use development
Original Address: 130 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661