The heat of the day makes it difficult to wander around Athens in the summer, but the nights are considerably more pleasant. This is why the locals get together at bars that provide well-made, refreshing signature or classic cocktails, tasty bar food, and good music in the city’s cool courtyards, vibrant hangouts, peaceful pedestrian streets, and rooftops.

To Lokali

This summer season’s flavors include four fruits: strawberry, fig, coconut, and passion fruit, each featured in three cocktails. Also included are a vibrant courtyard with mulberries, olives, and Judas trees, as well as a unique rooftop with a view of the Acropolis. The strawberry prosecco spritz, strawberry-flavored rum mojito, and homemade mint soda will wash away your worries. A.S.

 

 

 

 

 

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CV Distiller

The sleek semi-circular bar is the defining feature of this whisky bar, which in the summer also serves cocktails on the deck overlooking the parked cars and trees on Hatzigianni Mexi Street. The crew delivers their own twist on traditional cocktails, infusing them with smells and flavors and sneaking in their favorite spirit where you least expect it, such as the cool, fruity Charlie Chaplin with a peaty aftertaste or the Toreador, which has a Tommy’s Margarita vibe. A.S.

 

 

 

 

 

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Bar in Front of the bar

All of the excitement at this traditional street bar takes place outside all year. Every night is like a street party in this alley – the bartenders create new drinks using fresh ingredients and cutting-edge techniques, the DJs mix music genres, and customers mingle with passersby. You can also try two cocktails from the menu of its new sibling, Rumble in the Jungle, which is right behind it. A.S.

Nazaré

Nothing says summer quite like this street-surf bar on the upper level of Zea Marina, in a setting that brings to mind an island village alley. A cool Florida Iced Tea served against the backdrop of bamboo and surf boards will be enough to help you forget about the city. Seating is on whitewashed benches or at the many little tables shared with its sibling bars, Rockfellas and Uncle Tan’s, making it the shortest bar crawl ever. A.S.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ham on Rye

We haven’t enjoyed such expertly crafted classic drinks at a new bar in a long time. At Ham on Rye, located in the secluded pedestrian street of Klisovis in Exarchia, we tried the crispest dry Martini and summer Pornstar. Despite his youth, owner and bartender Markos Priftis exudes the confidence of a seasoned professional. For those who would rather sample a unique whisky, gin, or tequila, the cellar also has a number of noteworthy labels. M.P.

Teras

The lovely courtyard of this all-day bar in Neos Kosmos comes into its own during the summer. In the morning, you can enjoy good coffee and well-prepared breakfast options in the shade of the trees. It is ideal for an afternoon cocktail after work or early drinks on a Sunday. Head bartender Armanto Ilia creates some of the finest signature cocktails in town. His Pink Sbagliato is a well-balanced and pleasant cocktail made with gin, red mulberry, cucumber, Madagascar vanilla, and Campari. A good bar food selection enhances the overall experience. M.P.

Latraac

An iron industrial gate separates Leonidou Street from Latraac’s garden and skate bowl. This small urban oasis in Kerameikos, densely shaded by myrtle trees, mulberries, and scattered monstera plants, is just what the doctor ordered on a hot day in the city. During the day, you can enjoy tasty snacks, burgers on Sundays, refreshing homemade soft drinks, and cocktails while watching the skaters. In the evening, the skate bowl turns into a seating area where you can enjoy drinks while listening to fresh alternative music. M.P.

 

 

 

 

 

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Baba au rum

Proper drinks, happy people, and well-chosen music selections are the staples of a bar that has shaped the city’s cocktail scene and continues to do so. Around the red tables on the pedestrian street or the steps next to the door, you can enjoy Negronis made with rum instead of gin, blood-red Anti-Novel Margaritas, perfect Mai Tais, and many other complex, well-balanced, and carefully crafted cocktails. The blue menu booklet will refresh your knowledge of the avant-garde movements that inspired much of what is served here. A.S.

Walk in

Line’s younger sibling recently opened on Mavromichali Street in Exarchia, with industrial design elements, a spacious bar, and tables around an airy space that attracts a younger clientele. Line’s specialty grape-free wines are served from taps alongside natural wines by Greek winemakers. Cocktails take center stage, with options ranging from an alternative Negroni featuring their own vermouth to the boozy Penicillon made with cognac, kombucha, and black pineapple. The snacks that accompany the drinks are another plus. M.P.

Elefantas

Locals come here to enjoy the signature cocktails of talented bartender Myrsini Spaneli, who took over the all-day bar this year. The tropical décor, refreshing drinks, and filling food will make you forget all about the Athenian heat for good. M.P.

Barro Negro

A popular destination for tequila and mescal enthusiasts, featuring around 200 agave-related labels. Some brands, discovered by the proprietors and their friends during their travels throughout Mexico, are not available anywhere else. Enjoy the gorgeous margaritas (not to mention their other cocktails) and groovy music in this oasis amidst the concrete of the city center. A.S.

This article was previously published in Greek at gastronomos.gr.