During the daytime, Psyri is a quiet place where Athenians work and live, and you can take a stroll and do some shopping in a relaxed atmosphere. But, after 6 p.m. the scene changes, as the streets get crowded, and the air fills with music, the smell of food and the sounds of people having fun. There is almost always something going on in Psyri, with everything from parties at the clubs to live music in the bars and restaurants. As one might imagine, it attracts many young locals who enjoy the mix of modern and traditional character. It’s not as popular among tourists, making it ideal for those who prefer mingling with the locals, while staying within close proximity to both Plaka and Monastiraki. Psyri is an excellent place for bar hopping, as many bars are located quite close to each other.
Juan Rodriguez:
A bar that tells the story of Juan Rodriguez, who (according to the imagination of the owners) escaped slavery in Panama and fled to Athens, realizing his dream to build a bar reminiscent of his homeland. The painted wooden walls, chandeliers and Caribbean rum-based drinks are all part of the story. In the alley of Pallados street there is a large, visible sign written in Spanish: Juan Rodriguez, Compañia de Bebida.
Well-researched and finely executed cocktails are created & served by talented bartenders. In four small oak barrels, rum, whisky, a blend of tequila, and a blend of vermouth are left to mature and are used as the basis for most of the cocktails.
Juan Rodriguez opens his eyes every day from 10.00, and welcomes his guests for coffee but we have to be honest, he loves the night and prefers the stories that emerge during the time when the lights go down and everyone gets closer to the elegant interior, where a different DJ sets the tone every night. Classy and majestic, atmospheric and mysterious, imposing and borderline seductive, Juan Rodriguez will take you by the hand, guide you through its attractions, challenge you to dance and taste – literally and figuratively – what it has to offer.
Contact details: Pallados 3, +30 210 322 4496, https://www.facebook.com/juanrodriguezbar/ (4min walk from Monastiraki square).
Dos Gardenias:
A Caribbean gastronomic bar named after the song of the same name by Buena Vista Social Club music group. The marble bartop, colourful, hand-painted tiles, fans on the blue ceiling and vintage details will make you feel like you’re in Cuba. Whether you take a table on the sidewalk or sit down in the colorfully decorated inside space, the Caribbean theme of this bar is present everywhere. Dos Gardenias will transport you to … the streets of Panama, the enchanting charm of Venezuela, the colors of Cuba, the exoticism of the Caribbean, the traditions of Mexico; and all this in the heart of Athens!
Once you find yourself on this colorful road, with an equally “colorful” crowd, your mood will immediately lift. Beer is served in small glasses, accompanied by tapas and snacks, as is customary in a cerveceria, while the mojitos, caipirinhas, and Cuba libres flow freely. Try not to miss the authentic paella; only 30 portions are prepared daily in a traditional paelleria, right on the street in front of you, at 21:00 on a weekday or 20:00 on the weekend. The days and nights at this very special place are defined by exquisite flavors, fantastic cocktails, and happy people, of course accompanied by Latin American sounds and live performances that will take your breath away! If you are looking for a lively, unpretentious, funky Latin joint, look no further ….come to Dos Gardenias, it’s a blast!
Contact details: Ivis 21, +30 323 5349, DOS Gardenias | Athens | Facebook (5min walk from Monastiraki square).
Barrett:
There are not many places in Athens that host different DJs and live bands every other day. Barrett is known for its alternative rock, blues, soul and jazz music, as well as by an eagerness to promote local talent. The name is an homage to Syd Barrett, rock icon and leader of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd.
This painfully hip watering hole features overstuffed couches, an indie rock soundtrack and an ever-present student crowd spilling out onto the pavement. Stone walls and a polished wooden bar keep the decor minimalist, while its status as an exhibition space means there’s always something interesting – and usually provocative – to stare at on the walls.
DJ sets start at around 8:30 pm and last until 3:00 am on weeknights (late am on weekends). The crowd is mainly young Athenians, who love Barrett for the affordable drinks, central location, and funky atmosphere. Barret is a casual and sleek bar that offers a cool vibe all day long, great coffee and handmade lemonades in the morning, a relaxed beer in the afternoon and parties that last till the early hours of the morning. Choose your favorite spot and make your way to Barrett when in Athens.
Contact details: Protogenous 11, +30 210 3218 373, https://www.barrett-athens.gr/ (3min walk from Monastiraki square).
CANTINA SOCIAL:
Blink and you might miss it. There is not even a sign to alert you to the location of Cantina Social, a hidden bar and very often a dance club. It’s nestled into a vacant space at the end of an alley, wedged between two buildings in Psyri.
Simple but funky decor, intentionally inexpensive drinks, and neighborhood regulars; great music by resident DJs that veers wildly from indie pop to disco beats are standard; the occasional exhibition or event spices things up.
People hang out both in the bar as well as on the tables scattered throughout the yard. It hosts different DJ sets each weekend and some weekdays, and is a great place where people go after midnight to dance and mingle. Cantina Social is a small, truly alternative bar in Psyri, with cheap drinks and a cool young crowd, that is hard to find, but worth the effort.
Contact details: Leokoriou 8 +30 210 325 1668, Cantina Social | Athens | Facebook (5min walk from Monastiraki square).
LOCALI:
Lokali is an all-day bar restaurant that knows that good hospitality with an unpretentious environment and immediacy will make you want to come again and again. The day starts with brunch, rolls on with coffee and beer, continues with traditional and Mediterranean delicacies, and ends late with an intriguing cocktail list. It has one of the most beautiful, spacious courtyards in downtown, plant-filled and softly lit. Also, in the evenings you can “climb” to the beautiful rooftop dotted with plants, fairy lights, and wooden barrels for a summery vibe. Lokali could be described as “Greek Pub”, a spot that has managed to charm locals and visitors with its cheerful, friendly vibe. Simply put, however, you choose to spend your time here, you’ll feel like a local (Lokali for Local).
Contact details: Sarri 44, +30 690 610 3005, https://www.tolokali.gr/ ( 8min walk from Monastiraki square).
FOUNDRY:
Foundry Hotel Rooftop Bar. At an impasse alley of Sarri Street, the 1930s era two-storey foundry has undergone a full reconstruction, transforming it into a boutique hotel with 12 fully-equipped apartments, and an amazingly refreshing rooftop garden that truly invites its guests to “relax in the countryside” while actually being in the center of the Greek capital.
The rooftop is an attempt to reinterpret the typical courtyard of a traditional Greek dwelling while offering an elevated verdant and shaded meeting, relaxation and entertainment spot. Amidst the exclusively Greek vegetation of olive and pomegranate trees, lavender, fragrant plants and vineyard-laced pergolas, a walkway of marble slabs is formed and guests can enjoy their drinks & pizzas while indulging in unobstructed views of the Acropolis, Philopappou Hill, the Observatory and the Gazi district.
On a warm Athenian night, there’s nothing better than heading to a rooftop bar like this to enjoy a refreshing drink and a fun vibe or, to see an unforgettable view of the sunset on the Acropolis rock.
Contact details: Sarri 40 5, +30 211 18 24 604, https://www.thefoundrysuitesathens.com/picnic-garden/ (8min walk from Monastiraki square). The hotel’s Rooftop Picnic Garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday (6pm – 1am).
BOO Bar:
One of the coolest & most distinctive spots in terms of decor and ambiance, BOO is a hangout like no other. Wicker, wood, soft lighting, and small works of art in every corner. The bar is sheltered inside stark white caves, under a glass roof that lets you count the stars. And if you follow the spiral staircase, it will lead you to a brightly lit terrace with colorful ethnic design.
The bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, both classics and signature blends. Come to drink delicious cocktails, to flirt, to laugh, to dance until late at night. Boo is the perfect place to experience the Athenian nightlife in a welcoming environment. Legendary parties and events are hosted in Boo bar every Friday, where DJs and radio producers excite us with their music.
Boo comes to life in the evening, but opens early in the morning for coffee or other beverages in the beautiful roof garden. This is how the days and nights go at BOO! Happy and carefree like a holiday on an Aegean Island.
Contact details: Lepeniotou 22, +30 21 0325 5542, https://www.facebook.com/boocafebar/?locale=el_GR (5min walk from Monastiraki square)
THE ARTIST:
The Artist Rooftop Bar. The Artist terrace exudes a boho chic aura, mixed with an industrial zen and secular notes, in a tall and airy building. Artist is separated in two terraces, the first one that overlooks the Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris (or St. Demetrius the Bombardier) is a fancy restaurant, while the terrace next door is home to a cozy bar that serves imaginative cocktails and modern street food snacks. Both sections are protected by a temporary roof in case of bad weather, making it ideal all year round. As it’s only open in the evening, patrons will mostly get to admire the postcard views of the holy rock at night. During the summer though, arrive early to enjoy a drink or two while the sun slowly sets.
Contact details: Melanthiou 4, +30 210 3238012, https://www.theartistathens.com/roof-top-bar-restaurant (5min walk from Monastiraki square). The roof garden operates every day from 18:00 until late at night.
