Athens is establishing itself as one of the most exciting European destinations for a vibrant nightlife, and proof of this is the fact that two Athenian watering holes have made the list of the top 50 best bars in the world according to Drinks International magazine one the industry’s leading journals.

More than 400 named in the industry judge the list each year. This year’s event took place on October 6 in London. 

The Clumsies on Praxitelous Street in Athens made it into the top 10, placing ninth in the global list, the highest ranking yet for a Greek bar. It is the only bar in the top 10 not to be located in London or New York.

“It’s one thing being the talk of the town during your first year or so of opening, quite another to keep the buzz going beyond the initial furore. Hats off to Vasilis Kyritsis, Nikos Bakoulis, Lelos Georgopoulos, Thanos Tsounakas and Giorgos Kaissaris who have done the job with bells on.” the judges said. 

The second bar was Baba Au Rum on Kleitiou Street, which came 40th on the list.

“Baba au Rum is proof that you don’t have to be big to make an impact. Every visit serves as a reminder that this bar is not much larger than your average home lounge. It has a home vibe to match though, and there in lies the secret to its success. It’s like hanging out at a friend’s house, only this particular friend knows everything worth knowing about rum, as well as how to put it to good use in some excellent cocktails.” said the judges.

It’s an impressive achievement for a list that was dominated by bars in London and New York. The Dead Rabbit in New York was named world’s best, while London’s American Bar and Dandelyan placed second and third.

The top ten was rounded up by Connaught Bar (London), Attaboy (New York), The Gibson (London), Employees Only (New York), Nomad Bar (New York), The Clumsies (Athens) and Happiness Forgets (London).