Deana Kartsagouli
From a re-invented iconic space, to an elaborate personal project and warm, every day meeting spots, these new bars are ready to welcome you for a drink -or two
Athens is a vibrant city where new things are happening all the time. Bars, restaurants and cafés keep popping up in every neighborhood, making it hard to navigate the endless choices. That’s where we come in. We did the work for you and picked four of the freshest openings in town that you should check right away!
Quinn’s | Ilisia. A truly personal project by a star-bartender
A few steps from the old Hilton, Quinn’s is a great example of what happens when a seasoned bartender finally builds a space that is entirely his own. Ilias Marinakis, known for shaping some of the city’s most respected bars, has created his own, one that showcases his personality and his years of expertise. The name comes from his favorite pub in Camden and his father’s nickname. Inside, sturdy wooden furniture sets the tone, while a striking triptych of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, his artwork of choice, draws the eye and sparks conversation.
However, Marinakis’ touch is clearest in the drinks list. A crystal-clean Dry Martini that already has regulars talking, a subtly spicy Bloody Mary, and cocktails that weave herbs and spices into balanced blends. Mornings bring expertly prepared coffee sourced from “Create” by champion barista Stefanos Domatiotis, making Quinn’s as much a daytime stop as an evening destination.
Meandrou 7, Ilisia, Athens, Greece 11528
Ideal | Exarchia. Long live the turntables!
From Ilisia, head to the heart of Exarchia and step into what feels like a film set from the 1950s that someone smartly refreshed for today. Ideal announces itself with a playful neon sign reading “Not in Athens,” but the crowd spilling into the pedestrian corner of Kiafas and Zoodochou Pigis makes it unmistakably part of the neighborhood.
Vintage couches, collages of old ads, warm lighting and hi-fi booths with vinyl turntables create an ideal -as its name says-, place for long stays. Behind the bar, the team of Hector Vezyrgiannis, winner of Greek World Class 2024, mixes classics with inventive detours. The Not a Sangria combines Aperol and fig soda for a bright, bittersweet kick. Purple Rain folds coconut, pineapple and even red cabbage into a tropical but surprisingly elegant drink. Creamy Daiquiri plays with crème pâtisserie and citrus, while Cherry Cherry Lady pairs bourbon with cherry caramel for a sweet-smoky finish.
Quality soundtracks and a lively street scene blur the line between indoors and outdoors, bringing back the communal energy Exarchia is famous for.
Kiafas 8, Athina 106 78
Moggy Bar | Exarchia. Where “strays” finally find their space
Not far away, Moggy Bar takes the opposite approach: small, playful, and intentionally low-key. Its name means “stray cat” and this tiny hangout on Asklipiou feels like a friend’s living room where the door is always open. Owners Haris Salitras, Achilleas Poulimenos and Fontas Tazes wanted an everyday bar, the kind of place you might drop into without a plan and end up staying for hours.
The menu reflects that idea with cocktails poured from taps like beer, each recipe designed to be light on alcohol so guests can enjoy more than one. Think refreshing spritzes, bright fruit notes, and subtle herbal touches rather than heavy, spirit-forward mixes. Wine and carefully brewed coffee are available from the morning, making Moggy as much a neighborhood café as a night spot. Its charm lies in the easy rhythm: music at a comfortable volume, friendly bartenders, and a layout that encourages conversation among strangers.
Asklipiou 43, Athina 106 80
Teleion | Kypseli. Where tradition is honored and preserved
Finally, head down to Kypseli, a neighborhood where old-school Athens and new creative energy coexist on every street. Teleion captures that blend perfectly. The bar takes its name from the beloved pastry shop that once occupied the site and keeps many of the original elements intact.
Marble floors, wooden display cases and the classic counter have been carefully restored and now sit alongside clean modern lines. Music drives the experience as Teleion operates as a true listening bar, with analog sources and a finely balanced sound system that moves from jazz to disco without ever overpowering conversation.
Popi Sevastou, known from Nolan and Proveleggios, curates the drinks list around three pillars: classic cocktails, clever Gin & Tonic variations, and original creations by the team. Each is executed with precision and a respect for balance rather than flashy gimmicks. Teleion has quickly drawn a devoted crowd that appreciates its focus on sound, craft and since there is no food served, just music and well-made drinks. Just like the good old times!
Ithakis 40, Athina 112 51
