The best cocktail bars in Athens
Drunk Sinatra
16 Thiseos Str., Syntagma, Athens, T. 210 3313733
Be part of a happy world!
VIRAL
The classic value of Drunk Sinatra joins forces with the newly arrived fun rehab for unforgettable nights and experiences in the most erotic arcade at the city center of athens!
By Katerina Rigou, Photos: Maria Chatziioanidou
Drunk Sinatra and Rehab in the arcade of Thiseos street forming a unique microcosm which could have been created by owners such as Frank Sinatra and Amy Winehouse respectively, definitely manage to transfer you to other eras and places filling you with emotions! Drunk Sinatra and Rehab are more than just two beautiful fun hangouts. It all started on May 2012, when Frankie passed by to get a drink and so many gathered around him that they instantly formed a gigantic love gathering. Day after day and hour after hour… the story continues as follows: the senses take over. Here you come to dance, to fall in love with the music you listen to, to feel. Those of you, who had the chance to experience it, know it well enough. It’s all about the socializing, the drinks and cocktails, the joy. All have been carefully placed: the vintage space which is more of a new aesthetic proposal, the carefully chosen illumination and the items of a previous era, the exemplary bar with the endless choices of hip labels, the list of in house cocktails and the music.
This is how Drunk Sinatra was introduced to the crowd and the guests of Athens, this is why it became loved and this is how it continues to transform the arcade where it is located into a rather atmospheric one, in one more way… by creating Rehab! Launched only a year ago, the “sibling” of Drunk Sinatra carries the name and concept by the homonymous song of Amy Winehouse. Retro objects, vintage environment, hip illumination, a fish tank, colors, a space similar to the one of Drunk Sinatra but at the same time very different. Under the motto “Frankie-goes-2-Rehab”, the two places essentially become one and the two contrasting concept styles coexist in an ideal way. Daily 10:00-04:00, Fri. & Sat. 10:00-06:00
Highlight
We were impressed by the cocktail list with signature choices (served in both
stores). Its guaranteed flavors, combinations and aromas make it insuperable! Great options
the #under my skin, the homonymous #Sinatra, the #The lady & a tramp and so many more!
Their names hide whole stories, as they are inspired by songs of Frank and Amy…
MoMix – Molecular Mixology Bar
1-5 Keleou Str., Kerameikos, Athens, T. 210 3469662, M. 00306974350179 & Fira Santorini, M. 6974 350179, www.momixbar.com
Innovation, curiosity, challenge? Success came to stay and MoMix is a destination by itself. Not because it is the first molecular bar, but because 4 years after its launch it continues to maintain and evolve its identity.
By Katerina Rigou, Photo: Kostas Kapareliotis
A unique concept which introduced molecular gastronomy in bartending made its appearance in 2012 in the city center at an excellent location, in Kerameikos, as a consequence of the inspiration and idea of two friends, Thodoris Koutsovoulos and Aris Xatziantoniou who combined their field’s know-how, which concluded to a success story of global innovation and international reputation. In 2014 its doors opened at the famous Fira in Santorini on the beautiful Kaldera! Obviously, it’s not just a cocktail bar but also an experience one must live. Serves a catalogue of a wide range of molecular mixology cocktails, prepared with specialized techniques and most of all personalized bartending and environment. A main section of its philosophy is summarized on the following: “Here you may wander with your mind… as MoMix was created to uplift your senses in a whole new level”, while success is confirmed by the fact that it become exceptionally popular nationwide and worldwide by word of mouth of its own guests and remained popular for what it is. All this experience takes place in equally exceptional spaces as that of Kerameikos in industrial style and design with a large, green garden with street art on the walls which we especially like!
Highlight
The new advancement which further upgrades the experience. MoMix established the artificial intelligence “Talk with MoMix bot” (a synergy of MoMix Innovation Team and Μind Nobes) which gives us the opportunity of instant chatting though messenger! Get informed, communicate, select cocktails, explore and learn through the quickest and funniest way!
Tip
The exceptional location in Kerameikos, as it is 1-10 minutes away from all the metro stations (Kerameikos, Syntagma, Omonoia, Acropolis, Metaxourgeio). Daily 20:00-as late as it gets.
Must try cocktail list
1. The Unexpected
2. Black Tuesday
3. Tinkerbell ‘s Potion
4. Rum Cyn
5. Blue Beetle Gin
6. Jean Baptiste
7. Lemon Pie
8. Twisted Punch
9. Metaxa Saganaki
10. MoMix Tube Shots
11. Molecular Pallet
The Trap
10 Othonos Str., Syntagma, Athens, Τ. 210 3215561, www.thetrap.gr
10 REASONS TO GET TRAPPED!
At privileged location in an arcade hidden downtown, The Trap is an American style bar-French bistro aiming to “trap” us in its 55 sq.m. and amaze us with its classy freshness.
1. The atmospheric arcade, a few steps away from Syntagma square ideal for business meetings and discreet dates.
2. The incomparable aesthetic with a retro setting resembling Parisian bistro. Center of attention undoubtedly becomes the impressive bronze bar and the drawn plaster ceilings.
3. The outdoor space within the arcade is a mystique oasis in the heart of Athens, away from the city buzz, ideal for relaxing all-year round.
4. The delicate and healthy beverages, from warm with coconut to cold tea with ginger.
5. The international-oriented menu favoring the refined Greek ingredients offering vegan options, perfect for a light lunch break or a casual dinner.
6. The Sunday brunch (13:00-19:00) which we enjoy while listening to live music from bands (16:00- 20:00).
7. The funky, jazz, soul and disco house music choices of the Djs keep us here until late.
8. The special happenings often hosted here such as street food parties, wine and oyster nights and music events with guest bartenders from various parts of the world.
9. The expert team headed by the awardwinning bartender Giannis Samaras guarantees high quality service and irresistible cocktails.
10. Its motto which says it all: “A trap is only a trap if you don’t know about it. If you know about it, it’s a challenge!”
info
Daily 09:00-02:00, Fri. & Sat. until 03:00
Upupa Epops
7 Αlkminis Str. & Theanous Str., Kato Petralona, Athens, Τ. 212 1055214
Via it Athens learned the meaning of Upupa Epops (scientific term for the hoopoe, a migrating bird, the sight of which is considered to be a sign of the beginning of spring season). In a neighborhood which still has a jasmine smell and aromas of citrus trees, behind the Pavlidis factory in Kato Petralona, a complex of abandoned houses of the 1930 has been transformed into an all-day hangout two years ago, brand new but maintaining evident the mark of time. Three friends: Marfi, Renos and Petros are the masterminds. It took them two years to complete a space so unique which looks like it has emerged from a movie and so beloved from its regulars! On the one side the lovely bar has a solid presence in a vibrant atmosphere, on the other side is the lounge space resembling a living room with vintage furniture picked out from antique shops and in the middle a remarkable old Athenian garden in open dialogue with the Athenian sky. Depending on your seating place, various pictures will come to mind from Morocco, Havana, Paris. Artistic touches, warm colors, vintage tiles, jazz, soul and funk music provide an instant sense of familiarity. In addition to the atmospheric space, nothing happened by chance at Upupa Epops. The coffee is a Kudu speciality blend, the tea and the chocolate are of premium class, the brunch and bar food menu bears the signature of Kostas Tsigkas, not to mention Marfi Bali’s long experience from famed Athenian bars, evident in the bar. Hence, here, apart from a serious cellar with rare whiskeys, unique gins, rum and many other distillates you will also try a very intriguing cocktail list, from classics with their own twist to signature recipes offering original tasting experiences. Daily 10:00-02:00 & weekends 10:00-03:00
Highlights
• The hearty brunch menu with extraordinary suggestions (daily 10:00-18:00).
• The popular pizzette with fresh dough!
• The Amnesia cocktail and the Spritz made according to their own recipe come first amongst the preferences.
Tips
• The beautiful flowery garden has been inaugurated less than a month ago.
Bartesera_ EXOTIC EXPERIENCE
A team’s SUCCESS!
Our favorite Bartesera welcomes us inside Praxitelous Arcade, renewed, proving that you can
take success for granted when you do team work and you have clear orientation!
By Katerina Rigou, Photo Eleanna Kourkoulopoulou
Bartesera is one of the first bars to open in the city center, one of the first multipurpose art centers and one of the first which turned Kolokotroni Street into a gathering spot. A hospitable all day venue, with unique character through premium services, arty attitude and extraordinary decoration. Maintains its strong presence within Praxitelous Arcade for 12 years now but it continues to develop further and remains innovative and reintroduces itself to us in relation to its profile, its bar and its food. The revamped setting constitutes a direct proof of this, as well as the addition of the bar in the outdoor garden, the changes in the lighting, the plants, the warm colors, the wood and the slide opening glazed roof… the cozy space for private moments, socializing on the background of an urban exotica scenery, which takes you on a journey although in the heart of the city! Beside these, its success is based are the personalized services and its team. Its owners, themselves active and the powerful cooperation they have built with experts, place the Bartesera on top. Mikaela Tsikoudaki, the barista takes care of coffee using fine choices such as speciality blends, while the bar management and the updated seasonal cocktail list with 12 choices (with urban exotica being its trademark, as perfect gin tonic) rely on Alexandros Dontas. Dontas is also responsible for the aperitivo list offering 8 options to those who want to enjoy a fantastic early cocktail or choose a drink from the bar which is more than updated and hip. Moreover, the refined eclectic culinary suggestions of the menu curated by the talented chef Chrysa Koutsampasoglou could not be missing from their services. Its updated card, mainly based on fine Greek ingredients, is oriented towards the Mediterranean cuisine. We strongly recommend the delicious Italy style pizza, the bruschettas, the sausage and cheese platters and the sweets.On top of these, there is the music… travelling us through the world! Its urban exotic aesthetic is completed by a befitting music varying from mainstream sounds to electronic, funky and jazz sounds, which consist the top choices of Djs!
INFO
25 Kolokotroni Str., Athens, Daily 10:00-02:00/Thurs. until 03:00 | Fri. & Sat. until 04:00
Μinnie The Moocher
6 Tsakalof Str., Kolonaki, Athens, Τ. 210 3641686
By Titi Velopoulou, Photos: Eleanna Kourkoulopoulou
10 REASONS WHY IT IS SO SPECIAL
An authentic classic all day bar writing its own history in the most vibrant piazza of Athens!
1.The name
Is inspired by the famous song “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway which sold
1.000.000 records!
2.The decoration
Geometric tiles, stucco ceilings, carpets, black marbles, golden frames and mysterious lighting, bearing the signature of architect, Giannis Karvoutzis, who is also the owner, comprose a “conspiratorial” setting reminiscent of a New York arcade.
3.The identity
Although located on the mainstream Tsakalof walkway, it manages to remain classic.
4.The atmosphere
Both its aesthetics as well as the carefully selected outfits of its staff take us on a journey through the Interwar period and the prohibition era (1931), when the consumption of alcohol was… illegal.
5.The music
Here you will listen to hip versions and rare covers of jazz, swing, soul and classic rock songs… which awaken memories of the past!
6.The private space
Its private space is ideal for parties with up to 30 guests!
7.The food
Its small menu card is oriented towards a finger food philosophy. The Italian thin crust pizza and
the spicy beef burritos are its specialties. Plus, daily surprise dishes. Tip: On winter Sundays
don’t miss its exceptional brunch accompanied with live music.
8.Theparties
On special occasions… Themed and extremely
successful parties gather all the business and arty crowd of the city.
9.The cocktails
Despite not describing itself as a cocktail bar, it offers classic recipes as well as signature options named after lyrics of Cab Calloway.
10.The cellar
One of the most updated cellars in Athens with premium
drinks and value for money prices, served in vintage glasses,
all carefully selected from Athenian antique shops.
INFO
Daily 11:00-03:00 (12:00-00:00 the kitchen)
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