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Counter Culture: Time Out Greek & American Restaurant

Cozy Mountlake Terrace gem delivers every time

By Brandon Ferguson April 22, 2025

A comfort food classic, this gyro wrap is filled with sliced meat, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, served on a white plate and partially wrapped in newspaper-style paper.
Traditional Gyro.
Photos courtesy of Time Out Greek & American Restaurant

Time Out Greek & American Restaurant, a hidden gem in Mountlake Terrace, has been serving up delicious comfort food since 2004. Founded by Emmanuel and Georgia Flemetakis, this family-owned restaurant is now run by the next generation of the Flemetakis family.

The menu is packed with classic Greek comfort food, offering everything from gyros and souvlaki to falafel and hummus. The flavors are authentic — I can never decide which item I’m going to get. The Greek sample plate, however, is a perfect choice. It offers a little of everything, so it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while avoiding any regret. Other popular options include moussaka, kabobs, and burgers galore as well. In fact, it was previously known as Time Out Burger.

Two plates of comfort food: one featuring a Time Out Burger loaded with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles; the other showcasing a gyro with fries and a side salad in the background.

A plate of comfort food featuring grilled lamb chops, rice, pita bread, Greek salad with feta, a lemon wedge, and a side of white sauce, served on a white oval platter against a black background.
Paidakia (lamb chops) at Time Out.

Time Out has all the charm of a mom-and-pop operation. It’s the kind of hidden gem that locals adore — nestled just behind Regal Cinebarre Mountlake theater off Exit 177 on I-5. The restaurant embodies the spirit of a classic diner, offering all-day breakfast and indulgent milkshakes in addition to its Greek specialties.

Outdoor seating area with several tables and chairs in front of the Time Out Greek & American Restaurant, perfect for enjoying comfort food like a classic Time Out Burger on a partly cloudy day.A modern restaurant interior with empty tables and chairs, a long bar with high stools, shelves of bottles, and large windows letting in natural light—perfect for enjoying comfort food like the Time Out Burger.

This cozy spot may be tucked away, but it’s more than worth the drive. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty gyro, a creamy milkshake, or a comforting plate of moussaka, Time Out Greek & American Restaurant delivers every time. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants a hearty meal in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

About Counter Culture

Brandon Ferguson is a CFO by trade but a foodie at heart. He has a passion for small, humble restaurants that rarely make it onto the radar of mainstream food critics or glossy dining guides. Join him as he discovers warmth, tradition, and authenticity along with great food.

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