Best Little Bars in Athens

The best little bars in Athens may be on the small side but they offer a lot of personality and a great drink list.

Best Little Bars in Athens

Living in Europe I have come to appreciate how Europeans make such good use of small areas!  There just isn’t as much room anywhere – generally – when compared to the U.S.

It’s great to make the most of what you got and some little places equal some great spaces.

As a fan of creative design, here’s my list of the best little bars in Athens!

The Trap

This bar opened in 2016 in a very hidden place. It is tucked away in a “forgotten” arcade off of Syntagma Square — which happens to be one of the busiest central squares in the city.  The environment is very noir-esque meets intimate bistro.  It was packed but not too packed and the drinks were great.

Address:  Othonos 10. Walk into the dark hallway called Othonos, the forgotten arcade… Follow the nightlife din.

The Bank Job

This is a cool little bar on Kolokotroni street, right around the corner from Syntagma Square. On a beautiful night, you’ll know you’ve found it when you see what seems like a small mob outside on the sidewalk! For a little place, the Bank Job draws a big crowd.

Address: Kolokotroni 13, Athens

Brettos

Brettos is a famous place indeed. It is one Europe’s oldest bars and is the oldest distillery in Plaka.  I love the colorful atmosphere.  As for the cocktail list, you have 150 choices in addition to a long list of Greek wines. I highly recommend trying the tsiporou, a Greek spirit.

Address: Kidathineon 41, Plaka district
Website: www.brettosplaka.com

Ombra

The only prosecco bar in Athens is a tiny, clear windowed corner of a building off of busy Kifisias avenue in the suburban neighborhood of Neo Psychico. Head here if you’re in the mood for a fizzy cocktail.

Ombra is proud of its fine Italian wine selection as well as their Italian dishes. I didn’t eat when I was there, but I eyed a few plates that looked quite appetizing including super thin pizzas.

Address: Kifisias 220, Faros, Psychico

Alexandrino

This is a cozy place with a warm French bistro atmosphere.  If you’re lucky if you can find a place at the bar or a seat on the sidewalk.  It’s located in the artsy, alternative or anarchist (depends whom you speak to) section of town called Exarcheia.

Alexandrino boasts a nice martini and drink list. I’m a big fan of their chocolate martinis.

Address: Benaki 69A, Exarcheia

Think Positive!

This tiny martini bar is tucked away in the northern suburb of Halandri. It has a neat name. I agree!  I love the cool modern red decor and the extensive list of martinis. It was the first chocolate martini I ever tried in Greece and it lived up to my expectations. The bar gets crowded early but that’s because bartenders are so good at what they do.

Address: Gkini Andrea 12, Halandri
www.thinkpositive.gr

*This post was updated May 2016.

Have you ever been to any of the venues listed on my best little bars in Athens list? Should I add any little bars to this list that you love? I’m always up for discovering more!