Athens' Coolest Bars | The Greekish Life

Eat & Drink

Athens’ Coolest Bars: 5 Spots for Serious Cocktail Lovers

Unforgettable Drinks, Atmospheres, and Vibes

All photography by me.

Athens is a cocktail lover’s dream. You might not expect it, but the city boasts not one but three spots on the most recent lists of Best Bars in the World - and we'll talk about two of them here!

Whether you’re into well-crafted classics or creative concoctions and modern mixology magic, there’s a spot for every vibe and palate.

In this roundup, I’ll introduce you to five of my favorite Athens bars that serve up unforgettable drinks and tasty bites—plus all the details you’ll need to plan your visit, including the vibe to expect.

Opening times are correct as of this writing but are subject to change at any time due to holidays, seasonal changes and more, so check before you go.

And remember - cocktails aren't just for after dark! There's no law that says you can't enjoy one at lunch if you so desire and don't want to do a whole "dressing up and going out" thing at night (Hello, fellow introverts! I know you're out there.)

Ready to raise a glass? Let’s dive in!

Tiki Bar Athens

Address: Falirou 15, Koukaki, Athens

Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 3 AM

Vibe - Casual, Retro, Kitschy

@tikibarathens

Let’s kick things off with an unexpected taste of the tropics and probably my personal favorite — the sweetly kitschy Tiki Bar Athens. This Koukaki gem is just steps from the Acropoli metro station but transports you straight to a Polynesian paradise with its retro decor, welcoming patio and exotic cocktails.

The mixologists here are magicians, crafting drinks that are as beautiful as they are delicious. They have both classic tiki cocktails such as the Zombie (excellent!), Three Dots and a Dash (also excellent!) and the Painkiller (really excellent...you see the pattern here), as well as their own inventions such as the Rapa Nui, which fuses the Greek/Middle Eastern flavor of mahlepi with Brazilian cachaça for something completely unexpected. I'm happy to report that their Mai Tai is the real deal and not just rum splashed into whatever fruit juices are lying around, like some places do.

But the drinks aren’t the only standout. The Tiki Fries are beyond. It's a platter piled high with french fries, sweet potato fries, and my favorite - halloumi fries, made with the famous Cypriot cheese. It's the trifecta of crispy, golden goodness. Big enough to share, or not - I won't judge! With a drink in hand and a bite of those fries, you’ll be living your best Greeky Tiki life. They also have mini soft tacos which are a fusion of Mexican and Greek flavors, as well as other nibbles to go with your beverages.

While the music they tend to play is fun Euro-retro with the odd Elvis song and other eclectic offerings, they occasionally have live music at night, so call ahead or check their Instagram account to see what's on the schedule.

The Clumsies

Address: Praxitelous 30, Athens

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 2 AM

Vibe - Bold, Trendy, Experimental

@the_clumsies

The Clumsies might just be Athens’ worst-kept secret, as it seems to always show up on all the "Best of..." lists. This award-winning cocktail bar is a global contender for good reasons, and has been in a few "Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the World" lineups.

The interior is varied, with wall-to-wall red in the entry, a dark, atmospheric bar in one room and bright, almost cafeteria-style seating in another. It has a lively atmosphere that’s not exactly the one for anyone looking for a cozy conversation - as in, be prepared to yell at your companions sitting a foot away over the pounding music. But the cocktails are next-level creative.

Their wildly eclectic menu is a few pages long, and each drink is an experiment in flavor and balance. On your next visit, don’t miss the Fortified Baklava Wine, an ode to Greek tradition featuring mead, Zacapa 23-year-old rum, and baklava spices.

I had a delicious drink called a Finding the Treasure, which was made with spiced rum, sweet bread kvass (a Northern European drink made from bread, if you can imagine), mahlab, almond milk and spiced apricot. If it sounds a little weird - well, it was, but in the BEST possible way. Absolutely luscious.

One of their most famous drinks was less to my taste, but was enjoyed by one of my parea that night - a Windex-blue cocktail called an Aegean Negroni, made with gin, vermouth, campari, fennel seeds and dictamus, a medicinal plant also known as Dittany of Crete. This was voted the "World's Best Cocktail for 2019" from Time Out.

When hunger strikes, The Clumsies has you covered with upscale finger foods that perfectly complement your drink. The truffle mini burgers are indulgent and juicy, while the salmon kebabs with ginger and lemongrass are a lighter, fresher option. Whether you’re perched at the bar or nestled in one of their tiny tables, The Clumsies is an Athens essential for anyone interested in some the most creatively out-there cocktails you can enjoy.

If you're out and about and you're very lucky, you might come across a vending machine with some bottled The Clumsies cocktails for sale! I tried one and while it's never going to be quite as good as something that's freshly made and brought to your table, it was still pretty good!

Gypsy Jungle

Address: Aiolou Street 27, Plateia Agias Eirinis, Monastiraki

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 3 AM

Vibe - Boho, Lush, Inviting

@gypsyjungleathens

Almost hidden in the delightfully funky neighborhood of Agia Eirini and just a short walk from Monastiraki, Gypsy Jungle is a little oasis of boho vibes and creative cocktails. The space is plush and wildly embellished with draping silk flowers and jungle prints, with a hole-in-the-wall ambiance that feels like a secret hideaway. There's lots of outdoor space in the little square, too, so you can enjoy your drinks under a sun umbrella and people-watch.

My first choice was their Chios Cocktail, made with gin, mastic/mastiha, cucumber and lime. This unremarkable-looking little libation ended up being one of the best cocktails I had in Greece in that whole trip! It’s refreshing and a little herbaceous—perfect for sipping as you soak in the scenery. And that kiss of mastiha? Oh my. Just perfect.

Another refreshing bet was the Greek Paloma, made with pink grapefruit juice, and with the usual tequila swapped out for ouzo.

When it comes to food, Gypsy Jungle doesn’t disappoint. They have a selection of snacky things and light meals that pair well with their drinks. Their excellent Caesar Greek Style salad is a hearty twist on the classic, featuring pork gyro and shaved parmesan atop crisp iceberg lettuce dressed in a creamy Caesar dressing. It’s satisfying enough to count as a meal but light enough to leave room for another cocktail, should you so desire. And you just might, with such a big, tempting menu to choose from.

With its laid-back atmosphere and stellar menu offerings, Gypsy Jungle is an ideal spot to relax and recharge.

Baba Au Rum

Address: Kleitiou 6, Athens

Opening Hours: Sunday-Friday 7 PM – 3 AM; Saturday, 7 PM – 3:30 AM

Vibe - Easy-going, Intimate, Curated

@baba_au_rum

As the name suggests, Baba Au Rum is a temple to all things rum. Another global "Best of..." award-winner, this stylish bar is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a curated selection of rums from around the world. It's tucked into a pedestrian-only alleyway, where the tables spill out onto the paving stones, while inside you can either sit at the bar or in a comfortable nook in the back.

The menu is several pages long and categorized into chapters by types of drinks - Avante Garde, Rum Society, Beers and Wines, etc. My long-time favorite here is the Spicy Baba No7. Made with Don Q Reserve 7-year-old Puerto Rican rum, ginger, berries, and lime, it’s got just the right balance of "heat and sweet".

Baba Au Rum isn’t just about the drinks; it’s about the experience. The bartenders are passionate and knowledgeable, happy to guide you through their extensive menu or even whip up something bespoke. Whether you’re a rum aficionado or a curious newbie, Baba Au Rum is the perfect place to explore the spirit’s versatility and depth.

Boo!

Address: Lepeniotou 22, Psyrri, Athens

Opening Hours: Daily, 4 PM -3 AM

Vibe - Exotic, Artsy, Playfully Chic

@boo.athens

Last but not least, let’s head to Boo! in the popular Psyrri neighborhood, where the vibe is as cool as the drinks. Either stay downstairs in the fantasy Cycladic-islands-meet-Africa bar or climb the tight spiral staircase to be rewarded with outdoor seating, a partial glass floor with a view down to the bar, and a vaguely tribal decor that’s equal parts chic and cozy.

Their Zomboo cocktail, a twist on the classic Zombie, is a definite crowd-pleaser. It’s boozy, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink.

Hungry? Boo! has a unique spin on the classic Greek peinirli, a boat-shaped pizza-type snack filled with all sorts of cheesy goodness. Their version features a pink crust naturally colored by beets with tender pieces of beef that practically melt in your mouth. Pair it with one of their excellent cocktails like an elegant Aegean Dream - a sparkling blend of vodka, mastiha, passionfruit and other goodies - and settle in for a night of great drinks, food, and ambiance.

They also have sushi, elegant little Asian-fusion appetizers and a small selection of desserts.

They occasionally play house music and have creative performances by dancers and acrobats, so if you want to check out that scene, consult their socials for details.

Athens is a city that never sleeps, and its bar scene is just as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re craving a friendly tropical escape, a sophisticated rum-fueled adventure, or a stylish rooftop retreat, these five bars offer something for everyone.

So, next time you find yourself in Athens, maybe skip the tsipouro (just this once) and raise a glass to the city’s incredible cocktail culture. Yia mas!

Want to read more about Greek food and drink? Check out our whole section devoted to it!

Like this article?

Please Share on Facebook and

Pin on Pinterest!