Sick of tourists? Want do drink with the local Athenians? You’re in luck! Theres a whole other life to Athens once you explore a little further out from the centre of this ancient city. Don’t get my wrong, the centre is great, and you will still get to drink and dine with local greeks in Plaka and Monasteraki. But outside of these Trip Advisor hot spots there is a thriving food and bar scene in Athens neighbouring suburbs. Below is a list of a few favourite places in somewhat unknown suburbs of central Athens.
BEL RAY
Bel Ray, a nice little cafe / bar that sits in the local suburb of Koukaki. The place serves the usual suspects, and has a great line of craft beers which are brewed around the country. If you’re after brunch in the capital, Bel Ray is your place to go. If you are lucky with your visit you may stumble across Bel Ray’s ‘party nights’ which go in to the wee hours of the morning. To book a table give them a call on +30 213 032 6450
Website: http://belraybar.gr
Address: Falirou 88, 117 41 Κουκάκι
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 02:00am
THE RIVER (Tο Ποτάμι)
The River is a newish bar that has opened right around the corner from Bel Ray, so if you are struggling to get a table at Bel Ray try The River. Its a great spot to have as a back up. It has a large indoor and outdoor area and serves some great cocktails (good Negroni here) along with local beers and wines.
Address: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 122, Athina 117 41
Opening Hours: 09:00am – 02:00am
UPUPA EPOPS
This gem of a bar sits in an unassuming street just behind the Gazi area. The decor is a mix of your typical french styled decor mixed in with 1930’s classic lounges. The bar was originally three old style Athenian houses which have now been converted in to a bar with a great glassed roof. Along with their great drink selection, they serve decent bar food. This place is usually packed as their cocktail list and wait staff are second to none. If you want to skip the crazy busy streets of central Athens, this bar is a must.
Address: Alkminis 7, Athens 118 54, Greece
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 02:00am
WHITE NOISE
If you are sick of the upmarket bar scene of central Athens and you are wanting a more indie type of drink on a rooftop, come to White Noise in Gazi. The bar is very relaxed and plays mostly indie music. The drinks like the bar, are your stock standard beer, wines and cocktails. If you stay long enough, the owner will walk around to all the tables offering shots of whiskey, its about this time you make the choice of going home, or seeing where the night takes you. I love this place as it takes me back to to my youth listening to Alice in Chains and NIN.
Address: Evmolpidon 20, Athens
Opening Hours: 08:00pm – Whenever!
Ramon
Ramon is in the back streets of the up and coming suburb of Pagrati. This is one of my favourite local places. The staff are great, the food is delicious and their drinks are addictive, especially their white wine which the bar makes themselves. Their Tsipouro (homemade as well) will put hairs on your chest, but its a great way to end the night, with most tables sipping away on their chilled bottles of this potent grappa style beverage (wait staff included!).
Address: Spirou Merkouri 22Α, 116 34
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 02:00am
FLAMINGO
Flamingo has just celebrated its 1 year anniversary of being open, and there is reason this place has been successful in the thriving Pagrati area. This place has it all, Brunch, Lunch, or a snack while you sip on your cocktail, you won’t be disappointed. The staff are great, the vibe is perfect and the cocktails along with the food makes this a very special place.
Address: Ευφρανορος και Κρησίλα, Athina 116 35
Opening Hours: 09:00am – 02:00am
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