Athens, Greece
Athens’ 10 best cocktail bars (and must-try drinks)
Shaking things up: Inside Athens’ bar revolution
Athens‘ cocktail bar scene stands out for its innovative mixology, skilled bartenders, and unique venues that all have become symbols of Greece’s creative revival. The city’s mixologists blend local ingredients with global techniques, creating distinctive cocktails that reflect Attican rich culture. This creativity has earned Athens international recognition, with several bars ranking among the world’s best. The city’s bar scene is also notable for its diverse venues, from rooftop bars with Acropolis views to hidden speakeasies, each offering a unique atmosphere. This combination of innovation, talent and setting makes Athens a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
01
Line
In Athens, slightly removed from the city’s heart, lies Line, a bar that repurposes a former art gallery into a bastion of avant-garde mixology. The brainchild of Vasilis Kyritsis, Nikos Bakoulis and Dimitris Dafopoulos, Line exudes a mature aura, with its airy, double-height ceiling space. Designed by Nine Design, its minimalist and chic interior marries concrete, metal and wood in neutral tones, punctuated by vibrant colours, offering a warm, textured ambience. Line’s innovative menu showcases house-made creations, from beers and fruit wines to cheeses and breads. Signature drinks like the pisco sour with fig wine and a Negroni with house-made vermouth display clever, effortless mixology.
Line
Agathodemonos 37
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Line
02
Baba au Rum
In the heart of Athens, Baba au Rum marks a long history of excellence. Its soul, Thanos Prunarus, is a maestro of hospitality, infusing his passion for art and design into the bar’s fabric. The interior, a tribute to Modernist art, reflects in the inventive cocktail menu. Signature drink, The Glass Tears, a vetiver-laced Gimlet inspired by Dadaist Man Ray, showcases their creative ethos. Rum enthusiasts have a treat with over 400 labels and innovative tropical concoctions on the Rum Society list.
Baba au Rum
Klitiou 6
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Baba au Rum
03
A Bar in Front of the Bar
A Bar in Front of the Bar in Athens, crafted by mixology experts Alexandros Tselepis, Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos and Simeon Papanikolaou, redefines the streetside bar scene. Renowned for its bold and humorous design, featuring messages like ‘We Serve Humans Too’, it captures the essence of Athenian wit. This outdoor-only venue boasts an ever-changing cocktail menu, emphasizing a zero-waste approach. Located a short stroll from Syntagma station, it’s known for exceptional bartending and a unique al fresco drinking experience.
The Bar in Front of the Bar
Petraki 1
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of A Bar in Front of the Bar
04
The Clumsies
The Clumsies in Athens, set within a grand townhouse, exudes a sense of homely hospitality. Established in 2014 by Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis, it quickly gained acclaim for its warm, inviting atmosphere. Perfect as both a brunch spot and a late-night gathering place, its charm lies in playful yet understated drinks. Signature offerings include the classic Mediterranean Gimlet and inventive choices from the Happy Accidents menu, like Catching a Falling Star, a cheddar-infused spicy Margarita. The Clumsies masters the art of making bold, eyebrow-raising concepts both approachable and irresistible, making it a bar where just one drink is never enough.
The Clumsies
Praxitelous 30
Athens
Italy
Photography courtesy of The Clumsies
05
Barro Negro
Barro Negro, is Athens’ first tequila and mezcal bar. Conceived by George Kavaklis and Stelios Papadopoulos in 2019, it’s a space where misconceptions about agave spirits are deftly corrected. The bar’s black clay decor, a nod to Oaxacan pottery, sets a unique backdrop for innovative cocktails like the Los Abuelos, blending mezcal, blanco tequila, olive oil, lime, fennel and herbal liqueur. Acknowledged as the world’s first Paloma Embassy, its Paloma stands out as a refreshing classic. Barro Negro’s ambience, with its upbeat 1980s tracks, mirrors the lively streets of Oaxaca.
Barro Negro
loannou Paparrigopoulou 15
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Barro Negro
06
Koumkan
Koumkan, situated within the Semiramis Hotel in Kifisia, Athens, is a grand hotel bar conceptualised by chef Aris Vezené. The venue’s design, crafted by Andrea Kostopoulo and James Mcanally of Manhattan Projects, features a dark, marble-clad bar area leading into a high-ceilinged restaurant with cosmopolitan elegance. The cocktail menu, curated by head bartender Dimitris Kasvikis, includes signature creations such as The Kiss. The menu offers classic dishes like Peruvian anticuchos, arancini, beef tartare and rigatoni with truffle and caviar.
Koumkan
Char. Trikoupi 48
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Koumkan
07
Kyrios
Kyrios, is a distinguished bar-restaurant renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and attention to detail. The interior, designed by celebrity photographer Mara Desipris, exudes a masculine elegance with art deco lighting, curiosity cabinets and hand-painted oriental wallpapers. The cocktail menu features reimagined classics, such as their unique take on the Dry Martini, incorporating caper brine and botarga for a distinctive flavour. Kyrios also offers a delectable brunch on weekends. With its blend of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication, Kyrios provides an exceptional setting if you are looking for an elegant cocktail experience.
Kyrios
Dorileou 4
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Kyrios
08
Oderi Vermuteria di Atene
Odori Vermuteria di Atene, Greece’s first vermouth bar, is a lively establishment in central Athens. The interior, designed by Vavouris, features verdant wallpaper and a herbaceous downstairs kitchen, reflecting the botanical essence of vermouth. The cocktail menu, curated by mixologists Manolis Lykiardopoulos and Panagiotis Koutsagias, showcases innovative creations like the Cucumber Martini, blending leftover greens, cucumber, black pepper, citrus and gin for a refreshing twist. Another highlight is the Hiero Gimlet, a variation of the classic gimlet featuring Tanqueray Rangpur gin, parsley, bergamot, cucumber and lime. A fresh and botanical take on the classic original.
Oderi Vermuteria di Atene
Skouleniou 2
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Oderi Vermuteria di Atene
09
Rehab Drunk Sinatra
Located in Athens’ historic Thiseos arcade, this establishment offers a unique fusion of Western and Eastern aesthetics. The interiors feature vintage elements from the 1950s and 60s, complemented by art deco lighting and oriental accents, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The cocktail menu, curated by Marios Vlahakis and Dionysis Zafeiropoulos, includes innovative creations like the Funky Margarita, a balanced cultural twist on the classic margarita and Drunk the Pineapple, an experimental whisky soda. Notably, the team has developed an environmentally friendly pineapple soda, utilizing non-edible parts of the fruit.
Rehab Drunk Sinatra
Thiseos 16
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Rehab Drunk Sinatra
10
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House, located in Marina Zeas, Piraeus, is a vibrant cocktail bar that fuses Greek and Singaporean influences. Designed by Studiomateriality, the interior features a lively combo of neon lighting in red, green, blue, purple and yellow. Quirky elements like multiple aquariums and an arcade claw machine add to its playful charm. The cocktail menu showcases Asian spirits and inventive twists on classic recipes. Signature drinks include the Die Die, Must Try, a fruity cocktail with a blend of rums, ginger juice, tonka syrup, plum bitters and calamansi. Another favourite of ours is the So Kiasu!, a sake-based mojito that provides a refreshing take on the traditional mojito. The bar also offers a selection of rare Asian spirits, enhancing its unique appeal.
Uncle Tan’s Drinking House
Marina Zeas
Athens
Greece
Photography courtesy of Uncle Tan’s Drinking House
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