Athens Coffee Culture, Popular Cafes in Athens
Introduction
Popular Cafes in Athens – While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local café culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from “kafenia”, to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek culture. Food and coffee are favorite local pass-times, and there is no better way in the “real” Athenian life. Cafes in Greece are divided into two basic categories: Cafe-Bars and Cafe-Ouzeris. Cafe Bars, as the name suggests, function as cafes during the day and bars during the night. Cafe-Bars’ popularity climaxed in the 90s, as they offered a more “western” model of entertainment. When first introduced to the Greek culture, the idea of standing and drinking was considered a progressive alternative to the more traditional “sit-down” style which involved eating, drinking and only occasionally getting up to dance.
Cafe-Ouzeris are direct descendants of the traditional Kafenia (pl.).Historically a kafenio is a neighborhood or village cafe usually only frequented by the local men. Kafenia offered Greek coffee, traditionally served with a loukoumi (Turkish delight) and local spirits (ouzo, raki, tsipouro, depending on the location) and wines always accompanied by meze platters. The food was vital to the drinking process as it helped to drag out each session and made the whole social experience one of sharing. Modern Cafe-Ouzeris will normally offer a few meze dishes and a small range of spirits and wines, the quality and variety of which will depend on the place. During the last 10 years, with Greece’s economy taking a well publicized downturn, there has been a shift in entertainment culture. Bars and nightclubs are still popular, but there has been a rediscovery of the kafenio drinking experience. Neo-Kafenia have popped up (and are still popping up as we speak) all around the center, gathering hordes of young people, disillusioned by the overpriced, loud and alienating experience of a club. Neo-Kafenia are created to resemble old-school kafenia, but in reality offer a cleaner, more “refined”, customer-conscious service and of course slightly higher prices than a local kafenio (while still remaining a cheap alternative to a taverna or a bar).
Six Dogs (directions)
Six Dogs is as hot as July in Athens. Right next to Monastiraki station, it has been bustling with constant energy since it opened in 2009. From art and music performances to quiet coffee breaks in the garden and again to busy, bustling nights under the stars by the open-air bar, Six Dogs just keeps going! The space was redesigned by Athens based Point Supreme Architects -the work in the garden is a smart landscape design solution to a relatively small space as they tripled their sitting areas by adding height. Six Dogs is not so much the favorite of the really young crowd anymore, but you will spot a mixed range of Athenians gathering here (ranging from unemployed art students to yuppies). If you are not up for mingling, the seats further up are perfect for people watching.
Where to find it: Avramiotou 6-8, Athens, 105 51, Greece Phone: +30 2103210510
Working Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:30am-03:00am Fri-Sat: 10:30am-07:00am Sun: 10:30am-03:00am
Cafe Panellinion (web)
The neo-kafenio culture is booming and has defined entertainment for young(er) Greeks as they offer cheaper alcohol as well as food and coffee. Old-school cafenia still exist in neighborhoods all over Athens but one has to really go looking to find one that has survived inflation in the city center. Cafe Panellinion is a proud exception. It has remained in the same spot for decades, hosting chess games and offering “Greek” coffee, soft drinks, beer as well as ouzo and tsipouro. As for meze, all you have to do is name the amount of money you want to spend and they will prepare your meze platter accordingly! Decorated with pictures of chess champions, this is a gathering place for local chess enthusiasts. If you are a fan of chess I would urge you to challenge one of the regulars, it’s more fun that way. Keep in mind that Cafe Panellinion is a popular place to watch football and is often crowded on game nights. A must-see! metro: Panepistimio
Kimolia Art Cafe (directions)
Kimolia Art Cafe is housed in a beautifully restored 1925 building, in the quiet side of Plaka. It is the brain child of three artist friends who have gone the extra mile with the decoration of this charming cafe. Kimolia Art Cafe hosts exhibitions of painting, jewlery and craft, live music (funk, jazz, blues and more) and book readings. The menu offers coffees and teas (including organic options), a wide range of wines, cocktails, beers, local spirits, salads, sandwiches and deserts -all made by the people working there. If you are unemployed or a student bring your card and the coffee will be €2 (the regular price is around €3). metro: Sintagma
Where to find it: Iperidou 5, Plaka, Athens, 10558, Greece http://www.kimolia-art-cafe.gr
Working Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:00-01:00 Fri-Sat: 10:00-03:00 Sun: 11:00-01:00
Booze Cooperativa (directions)
Booze was the first of the “multi-spaces” that opened in Athens, in 1989 and is since regarded as the most innovative of its kind. It takes up all three floors of a neoclassical building nearby Monastiraki station and offers a more than impressive range of places to sit, things to see, people to talk to. There is an art gallery in the loft, two separate bars on the ground floor, a sitting area outside, a communal bench in an arcade, a separate book reading area (the “Etage Litteraire”), a restaurant and more! At Booze they love art, movies, chess, music, people and even yoga sometimes in the mornings. If you are interested in architecture, this neoclassical building is well worth exploring –and you never know who you are going to meet in the process! Metro: Monastiraki
Where to find it: Kolokotroni 57, Athens, 10560, Greece Phone: +30 2103240944 http://www.boozecooperativa.com
Working hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00am – late
Bartesera (directions)
Bartesera is housed in a small Arcade on Kolokotroni Str. They offer great coffee, alcoholic beverages and quick, delicious bites. One can seek refuge here from both sun and rain, as the arcade offers a perfect combination of indoors and outdoors space. Unlike a lot of arcades that feel claustrophobic, Bartesera combines an amazing sense of space (due to its high ceiling) with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. There is always art exhibitions on the walls and they often host events. For more information you can visit their website. Metro: Sintagma, Monastiraki
Where to find it: Kolokotroni 25, Athens, 10562, Greece Phone: +30 2103229805
Working Hours: Mon-Wed: 10:00am-02:00am Thu: 10:00am-03:00am Fri-Sat: 10:00am-04:30am Sun: 06:00pm-02:00am
Dexameni (directions)
Dexameni (meaning “water tank”) takes its name from Dexameni Square, where it is situated at. A large water tank, now defunct, can be seen from the top of the square. This classic cafe is an historical part of the city and a great example of Athenian neighborhood culture. Generations of writers, journalists, politicians and artists have sat at Dexameni’s tables. This is the place were Papadiamantis, Kazatzakis, Souris and other Greek writers gathered in the beginning of the 20th century. Today you will spot locals (famous or not) drinking ouzo, grabbing a quick lunch or slow dinner. Despite being in the up-scale Kolonaki district, Dexameni cafe retains its unpretentious nature (and comparatively very low prices). There is a playground, a historic open-air cinema and an exchange library on the square. It is best to visit Dexameni in the evenings or weekends when the locals are out. Also take a moment to absorb the view of the Parthenon on the top of the first set of stairs. This is a must, must, must see place, a true gem.
Working Hours: 09:00am-12:00am
Braziliana (directions)
Nestled right in the heart of recently rediscovered Petralona neighborhood, Braziliana is favorite spot of hip, alternative Athenians. Do you fancy coffee in the morning, a beer and a quick bite in the afternoon, dinner and wine in the evening and cocktails afterwards? Well search no more, this is the place for you. Braziliana does it all and does it well. The space is maxed-out in color, soul & funk. You will see locals at all hours here, playing jenga or fuse ball during the quieter hours or chatting and drinking later on at night. Rarely seen empty, Braziliana is a great example of the relaxed-yet-up-beat bar culture of Athens. It also offers a good opportunity to acquaint yourself with the mostly residential neighborhood of Petralona. Train: Petralona
Working Hours: 11:00am – late
Red Lotus (directions)
Red Lotus (Kokinos Lotos) is a quirky bar, fashioned in “Eastern-style” pillows, plants, carpets, vases etc. It is very relaxed, atmospheric and, despite what one could expect from the decor, totally unpretentious. The Red Lotus is also the cheapest place for coffee and drink in the city! With coffee costing a maximum of €1,60 and cocktails around €5 this is a favourite spot in this area. The coffees on offer are a laconic and humorous response to the exhaustive coffee drink lists at trendy cafes, here you can order a “hot or cold coffee”, “with or without milk”! Feel free to lie on the pillows or sit on the communal table outside but remember to order your drink at the bar as you might not get served otherwise!
Working Hours: 10:00am – late
Taf Coffee (directions)
In Athens, Taf Coffee is one of the places locals keep coming to every morning for their coffee. Taf sources beans from all around the world and imports it to their store where you can enjoy them. Since this is a locals’ favorite, try a cup of their rich, Greek coffee while you’re here.
Mind the Cup (directions)
Mind the Cup is a hip coffee shop that has a slick wooden interior, including a bar area with wooden stools. While it may feel like you’re more at a bar, Mind the Cup makes some fantastic coffees and their baristas are super helpful. Get a cold brewed coffee here, take it to go, and explore the neighboring shops in this chic part of Athens.
Little Tree Books and Coffee (directions)
Do you enjoy reading a good book while sipping your coffee? Come do just that at Little Tree Books and Coffee! This charming spot offers book and coffee lovers a haven to do both and to spend as much time here as you please. Enjoy an excellent Greek coffee while grabbing a book off their shelves and sipping your coffee.
Mr Bean Coffee Brewers
You won’t find the TV character here, but you will find some fantastic in-store roasted beans that blossom into great coffees. The vibe here is very welcoming and can feel like you’re in someone’s living room more so than at a coffee shop! For espresso lovers, Mr Bean Coffee Brewers does it very well and pair it with one of their tasty pastries. What more could you need?
Kaya
Kaya is located in a shopping centre in the heart of Athens. Its good central location means it is often visited by locals and tourists alike. At Kaya, they specialise in some of the best espressos you can find in Athens. You can only get your coffee as a takeaway at Kaya, so grab it as a quick pick-me-up before you hit the town. Oh, and definitely get their espresso.
The Underdog
The Underdog is a coffee shop in Athens with world-class roastery vibes. It is also a coffee roastery and bar but they are really known for their specialty coffees, especially their flat white. On any given day, you’ll find 10 espresso roasts from South America and Africa available to try. You can’t go wrong ordering any one of these at The Underdog.
Handpickers Coffee Roasters
On your way to the port of Pireaus, swing by and grab an espresso at Handpickers Coffee Roasters. The name of the shop was chosen by the owners to show appreciation for the hard work that coffee growers and pickers do everyday. Get their famous espresso, which is a blend of Brazilian and Colombian beans
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