Athens has one of the most respected cocktail bar scenes in Europe. Three Athens bars (The Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, and Line) have appeared on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in recent years, with The Clumsies peaking at #3 globally in 2019. The wider scene is unusually deep: 50+ serious cocktail bars in central Athens alone, mixing Greek ingredients (mastiha, ouzo, Greek herbs, honey) with global classical mixology in ways that get the Greek capital onto every international “best bars” list. This is the complete best cocktail bars in Athens Greece guide for 2026 with the headline World’s 50 Best entries, the local favourites, and the neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood breakdown.
The Athens Cocktail Scene
Athens cocktail culture matured rapidly in the 2010s. Greek bartenders started winning international competitions; the first World’s 50 Best entries (Baba Au Rum and The Clumsies) appeared by 2015. Today the scene is mature, accessible, and unusually open-minded about creative new uses of Greek ingredients. The Athens advantage: cocktails are typically €10-15 (vs €18-25 in London or Paris), with prices reflecting Greek living costs rather than international “fancy bar” rates.
For broader context, see our Athens Nightlife pillar, our rooftop bars guide, and our Athens at night guide.
World’s 50 Best Bars Entries
1. The Clumsies
From €12-16 per cocktail. Athens’s most internationally famous bar. Three-floor cocktail-and-restaurant complex in a restored neoclassical building. Owned by award-winning bartenders Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis since 2014. Peaked at #3 World’s 50 Best Bars (2019); consistently in the top 50 since 2015. Signature drinks include the Clumsy Smash (dill, vodka, vermouth, chocolate oil, matcha tea, lemon). Open daily 10 AM-3 AM; reservations recommended for the back rooms. Address: 30 Praxitelous Street.
2. Baba Au Rum
From €11-15 per cocktail. Athens’s other World’s 50 Best Bars regular. Specialises in rum (one of the world’s deepest rum collections; 500+ bottles), tiki cocktails, and Caribbean-influenced drinks. The most-respected serious-drinks bar in Athens for connoisseurs. Open 7 PM-3 AM. Address: 6 Klitiou Street.
3. Line
From €12-15 per cocktail. Modern minimalist cocktail bar in Kolonaki by some of the city’s top younger bartenders. Constantly evolving seasonal menu. Increasingly mentioned in international “best bars” coverage. Address: 8 Lykavittou Street.
Top Modern Cocktail Bars
4. The Gin Joint
From €11-15 per cocktail. Specialty gin bar with 300+ international and Greek gin labels. Excellent gin-based cocktails; the menu reads like a small encyclopedia. Address: 1 Christou Lada Street.
5. Mojo Athens
From €10-14 per cocktail. Hidden-bar concept on Lekka Street; ring the doorbell to enter. Excellent classic cocktails in a speakeasy setting. Address: 12 Lekka Street.
6. Tiki Bar Athens
From €10-15 per cocktail. Polynesian-themed tiki bar with elaborate ceramic mugs and tropical cocktails. Address: 6 Falirou Street.
7. Gypsy Jungle
From €10-14 per cocktail. Eclectic bar with creative cocktail programme and lush jungle-themed decor. Address: 6 Karoli Street.
8. The Athens Bar Show
From €10-14 per cocktail. Cocktail bar with theatrical presentation style; drinks made tableside with elaborate techniques. Address: 4 Lekka Street.
9. Crammed Athens
From €11-14 per cocktail. Newer entry (2023) with creative drinks and intimate setting. Address: 9 Theatrou Square, Psirri.
10. Bel Ray Cocktail Bar
From €10-14 per cocktail. Polished mid-range cocktail bar with strong classical mixology. Address: 88 Falirou Street, Koukaki.
Cocktail Bars by Neighbourhood
Central Athens / Syntagma
The Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, The Gin Joint, Mojo Athens, The Athens Bar Show — most central cocktail bars cluster within 10 minutes’ walk of Syntagma.
Kolonaki
Line, By the Glass (wine + cocktails), Heteroclito (mainly wine but excellent cocktails too), Mama Tea — Kolonaki has the most upscale cocktail scene.
Psirri
The Clumsies, Crammed Athens, Six d.o.g.s. (bar + music venue), Dude Bar — Psirri’s cocktail scene blends with its broader nightlife.
Gazi
7 Jokers, Gazarte rooftop, Lohan, Bios — Gazi cocktails tend to come with louder music and later hours.
Koukaki
Materia Prima (natural wine + cocktails), Bel Ray — emerging cocktail scene in the increasingly hip Koukaki neighbourhood.
Plaka
Brettos (the 1909 distillery), 360 Cocktail Bar (Monastiraki edge), A for Athens (rooftop) — Plaka’s cocktail scene leans toward atmospheric rather than serious-mixology.
Hotel Bar Cocktail Destinations
11. Alexander’s Bar (Hotel Grande Bretagne)
From €18-25 per cocktail. The most prestigious cocktail bar in Athens. Classic luxury hotel bar with old-school cocktail tradition. Address: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou A 1.
12. The St George’s Bar (King George Hotel)
From €16-22 per cocktail. Smaller, more intimate luxury hotel bar. Address: King George Hotel, 3 Vasileos Georgiou A.
13. Galaxy Bar (Hilton Athens)
From €14-20 per cocktail. 9th-floor rooftop with full Athens panorama. Address: Hilton Athens, 46 Vasilissis Sofias.
Greek Ingredients in Athens Cocktails
The Athens scene has helped popularise Greek ingredients in international mixology. Look for cocktails featuring:
- Mastiha (Chios resin liqueur): pine-and-vanilla notes
- Ouzo: anise-flavoured, used in modern fizz cocktails
- Tsipouro: grape-pomace spirit, neutral base for Greek negronis
- Skinos masticha: premium mastiha used in clear cocktails
- Greek mountain herbs (sage, thyme, oregano): infused syrups
- Greek mountain honey: natural sweetener with terroir character
- Greek raki/tsikoudia: Cretan distillate, similar to grappa
- Aged Greek brandy (Metaxa): used in old-fashioned variants
What to Order
If you want a Greek-themed classic: Mastiha sour or a Greek martini at Baba Au Rum or The Clumsies.
If you want a modern signature: The Clumsy Smash at The Clumsies or any seasonal menu cocktail at Line.
If you want a serious classic: Negroni at The Clumsies (made with Greek gin) or Old Fashioned at The Gin Joint.
If you want a tiki cocktail: Anything at Tiki Bar Athens or Baba Au Rum.
If you want something experimental: Ask the bartenders at The Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, or Line; they specialise in custom drinks based on your taste preferences.
Best Time to Visit Athens Cocktail Bars
Pre-dinner (6-8 PM): aperitivo hour; bars are filling but not crowded. Often the best time for a serious conversation with the bartender.
Post-dinner (10 PM-midnight): peak hours; reservations recommended at the top bars.
Late night (1-3 AM): quieter again; the best time for the bartender to make you something experimental.
Reservations & Dress Code
The Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, and Line take reservations and are recommended for weekend evenings. Smaller and more casual bars work on walk-in basis. Dress code: smart casual at the better bars; the luxury hotel bars (Alexander’s Bar, St George’s Bar) prefer sharper outfits. Avoid athletic wear and flip-flops everywhere.
The Clumsies: Athens’s Flagship
30 Praxitelous Street; founded 2014; ranked #15 in World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. The Clumsies operates as a multi-floor cocktail temple — ground-floor bar, mezzanine cocktail lounge, and the upstairs private dining room. The signature cocktails change seasonally with strong emphasis on Greek ingredients (mastiha from Chios, Mt. Hymettus honey, Greek herbs).
Standard menu cocktails €14-18; reserve menu (premium spirits, vintage glassware) €18-25; tasting flights €30-50. The reservation system is essential weekends — book 2-4 weeks in advance via the website. Bar opens 6 PM-2 AM Wednesday-Saturday; 6 PM-midnight Sunday-Tuesday.
Baba Au Rum: The Original Athens Cocktail Bar
6 Klitiou Street; founded 2009 by Thanos Prunarus. Baba Au Rum specialises in rum (200+ rum varieties from around the world) and tropical/tiki cocktails. The bar has been on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for multiple years. The signature drinks include classic rum cocktails and the Baba Au Rum signature “Last Word” variations. Cocktails €12-18; standard menu changes seasonally. Open daily until 2 AM (3 AM weekends).
Greek-Spirit Specialty Bars
Brettos (Plaka): the historic 1909 distillery on Kydathineon Street; famous backlit bottle wall; specialises in Greek liqueurs and mastiha. €5-12 per drink. The most-atmospheric Athens spirit-tasting venue.
Tailor Made: the modern cocktail bar with strong Greek-spirit emphasis (ouzo, tsipouro, mastiha cocktails); €12-18.
Galaxy Bar (Hilton Athens): historic since 1960s; classic cocktail menu; €15-22.
Cocktail Bar Etiquette
Reservations: essential at top venues (The Clumsies, Line, Baba Au Rum on weekends). Book 1-4 weeks in advance.
Dress code: smart casual to dressed-up; no athletic wear at the upmarket bars.
Cocktail menu: bartenders are usually happy to discuss the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences.
Tipping: 10-15% appreciated; not always automatic in Greek service culture.
Smoking: permitted at most outdoor terraces and some indoor designated smoking sections.
Cocktail Tasting Flights & Classes
Several Athens cocktail bars offer:
Tasting flights: 3-4 cocktails in smaller pours; €30-50; ideal for sampling multiple signatures.
Cocktail-making classes: The Clumsies and Baba Au Rum occasionally run classes; €60-120 per person.
Greek spirits tastings: Brettos runs tastings of Greek spirits (mastiha, ouzo, tsipouro); €15-30 per person.
Athens vs. Other European Cocktail Capitals
vs. London (Connaught, Artesian, etc.): Athens cocktails 30-40% cheaper. Greek-ingredient focus more distinctive. London bars more globally-recognised but Athens venues increasingly competitive on World’s Best lists.
vs. Paris (Little Red Door, Le Syndicat, Cravan): similar quality and creativity; Athens slightly more relaxed atmosphere; lower prices.
vs. Barcelona (Paradiso, Two Schmucks): Athens and Barcelona both have strong cocktail scenes; Barcelona slightly more party-focused; Athens slightly more craft-cocktail focused.
vs. New York (Death & Co, Attaboy): NYC pricing is 50-70% higher; Athens delivers comparable cocktail quality at much lower prices.
Pre/Post-Cocktail Dining
The classic Athens cocktail-bar itinerary includes dinner before or after:
Before-cocktails dinner: 8-9 PM at a Plaka or Psirri taverna; then cocktails 10 PM-midnight.
After-cocktails late dinner: Athens has 24-hour souvlaki options (Pita Athinas, Thanasis); late tavernas open until 3-4 AM in Psirri.
Athens Cocktail Bar Pricing: Detailed Breakdown
Standard cocktails at top venues: €14-18 (The Clumsies standard menu, Baba Au Rum, Line, Bel Ray).
Reserve cocktails (premium spirits, vintage glassware): €18-25.
Mid-range cocktail bars: €10-14 (Couleur Locale, Heteroclito cocktails, Tailor Made).
Budget cocktail-bar options: €7-10 (smaller neighbourhood bars).
Tasting flights: €30-50.
Bottle service: €100-300 per bottle of premium spirits (rare at most Athens cocktail bars; more common at clubs).
Athens Cocktail Bar Weekly Schedule
Tuesday: the quietest cocktail-bar night; ideal for relaxed bartender-conversation. Most major bars open Tuesday.
Wednesday-Thursday: moderate; reservations not typically needed at most venues.
Friday-Saturday: peak; reservations essential at top venues (The Clumsies, Line, Baba Au Rum, Bel Ray).
Sunday: moderate; some venues close Sundays.
Monday: many cocktail bars closed; The Clumsies typically closes Monday.
Cocktail Bar Late-Night Strategy
Most top Athens cocktail bars close 2 AM. For after-hours: continue at Bel Ray (2 AM), Six d.o.g.s. garden (3 AM), or one of the small Psirri late-bars that serve cocktails until 4 AM. Walking distance between most central Athens cocktail bars makes a multi-venue night practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cocktail bar in Athens?
The Clumsies is consistently the highest-ranked Athens cocktail bar internationally (peaked at #3 World’s 50 Best Bars in 2019). Baba Au Rum is the rum specialist and second-most-respected. Line in Kolonaki is the upcoming bar increasingly mentioned in international coverage.
How much do Athens cocktails cost?
€10-15 at most serious cocktail bars. €14-20 at luxury hotel bars (Alexander’s Bar, St George’s Bar). Greek-ingredient cocktails are typically the same price as international classics; no premium for using local ingredients.
What is The Clumsies famous for?
The Clumsies is Athens’s most internationally famous bar, consistently ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars (peaked at #3 in 2019). Three-floor cocktail-and-restaurant complex; founded by award-winning bartenders Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis in 2014; located in a restored neoclassical building on Praxitelous Street.
Are Athens bars cash or card?
Most serious cocktail bars (Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, Line) accept cards universally. Smaller traditional bars (Brettos in Plaka) sometimes prefer cash. The luxury hotel bars accept all major cards.
What time do Athens cocktail bars open?
Most open 6-7 PM and close 2-3 AM. The Clumsies is one of the few all-day cocktail bars (10 AM-3 AM). Hotel bars typically open from late afternoon.
Are reservations needed at Athens cocktail bars?
Recommended at the top bars (Clumsies, Baba Au Rum, Line) for weekend evenings. Most smaller bars accept walk-ins.
Do Athens cocktail bars have dress codes?
Smart casual at the better bars. The luxury hotel bars (Alexander’s Bar, St George’s) prefer sharper outfits with collared shirts for men. Athletic wear and flip-flops not welcome anywhere.
Plan the Rest of Your Athens Trip
For more nightlife content, see our pillar guide to Athens Nightlife, our rooftop bars guide, our Gazi nightlife guide, our Psirri nightlife guide, our Greek wine & spirits guide, and our Athens at night guide.