Entertainment in Athens
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Booze Cooperativa
By day, this laid-back arty hangout is full of hip young Athenians playing chess and backgammon and working on their Macs (with free wi-fi) on the 6m-long table; later it transforms into a happening bar that rocks till late. The basement hosts art exhibitions and there’s a theatre upstairs.
reviewed
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Bios
A multifaceted venue popular with an alternative arty crowd and with a lively café and bar. At times you’ll find videos screening, performances on the rooftop, films in the tiny cinema, live bands and exhibitions in various spaces in the rambling former paint factory.
reviewed
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Brettos
A Plaka landmark, this quaint bar has a stunning backlit wall of coloured bottles, old wine barrels and an authentic old-fashioned character. It’s a quiet spot for a night- (or day-) cap, with a tempting range of homemade brews to imbibe or take away.
reviewed
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Thission
Across from the Acropolis, this is a lovely old-style cinema in a garden setting. Sit towards the back if you want to catch a glimpse of the glowing edifice.
reviewed
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Remeo+
The bouzoukia, commonly called skyladika (doghouses) because of the crooning singers, are a Greek institution. Pricey, smoky and a tad sleazy, they are nonetheless packed out most nights. If you're feeling game, try veteran Remeo+ but be warned - prices can be outrageously inflated if you sit at a table, with bottles of whisky sold at exorbitant prices.
reviewed
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National Theatre of Greece
Designed by Ernst Ziller, the columned façade of this 1901 building was inspired in part by Hadrian’s Library; the interior was based on Vienna’s People’s Theatre. It served as the Royal Theatre for the king’s guests until 1908. Damaged in the 1999 earthquake, it underwent a major refurbishment and was due to raise the curtain in 2008.
reviewed
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Gagarin 205 Club
Gagarin 205 Club is primarily a rock venue, with gigs on Friday and Saturday nights featuring leading rock and underground music bands as well as local groups of various musical persuasions. It also runs DJ events, a cult Greek cinema festival and a music film festival. Tickets are available from Ticket House.
reviewed
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Mostrou
A classic Plaka taverna, popular for its live music (Thursday to Sunday). It has a full-sized stage and dance floor and gets very lively. A good place for traditional music and dancing if you can't face a nightclub or rembetika club. In summer, there's more sedate live music on the terrace.
reviewed
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Taximi
Most of Greece’s major rembetika exponents have played here since it opened 20 years ago at the beginning of the rembetika revival. It has gone a little upmarket – and expensive – but it is still a popular for authentic rembetika. It’s best to go weeknights as it gets packed.
reviewed
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Stoa Athanaton
Located in the middle of Athens Central Market, this classic rembetika (Greek blues) club has been around since 1930. It is open day and night and is always lively, with veteran rembetes (exponents of rembetika ) and loyal patrons.
reviewed
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Nipiagogio
One of the first bars to open in Gazi, this popular place in a former kindergarten (as the name in Greek suggests) plays on the children’s toy theme in its décor. Inside it’s one of the liveliest small clubs, while there’s a fantastic courtyard for summer.
reviewed
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k44
This two-level multi-use warehouse on the railway line is the ‘in’ place for the hip and alternative arts scene. The front bar is a vast concrete space hosting alternative DJ nights and special events, with art exhibitions and artists studios upstairs.
reviewed
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Palea Plakiotiki Taverna Stamatopoulos
Palea Plakiotiki Taverna Stamatopoulos is something of a Plaka institution, with reasonable food and live music nightly. It's popular with locals and can get extremely busy later in the evening, so you'll need to get in early to be assured of a table.
reviewed
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Rock’n’roll
A Kolonaki classic, this upscale club restaurant is rather loud for dinner as it gets very lively. It’s known for its Saturday afternoon parties. It’s popular with the trendy Kolonaki crowd and has a good vibe. ‘Face control’ can be strict.
reviewed
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Alexandrino
There’s a quaint French bistro feel to this tiny bar on the emerging dining and bar strip along Benaki. Alexandrino is great for a quiet drink; the service is friendly and you can sit at the narrow bar or at the few tables on the pavement.
reviewed
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Lallabai
A stylish and cool (literally) bar-restaurant set among the trees in the middle of the Zappeio Gardens, with comfy loungers and ever-changing décor. There’s mainstream music and a slick, glam crowd, as well as a small but eclectic menu.
reviewed
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Alekos’ Island
One of Athens’ oldest and friendliest gay bars relocated from Kolonaki to this stylish venue. Alekos the artist-owner is behind the bar (some of his works adorn the walls), while partner Jean Pierre plays DJ. Attracts a mixed crowd.
reviewed
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Q
Vinilio
The only dedicated ‘disco’ in town, this place is packed with tourists and locals of all ages wanting an old-fashioned boogie to ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s music. It’s in the Emmantina Hotel along the coast, and moves to Varkiza in summer.
reviewed
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Onokio
With signed Hank Williams posters and busts of Native American chiefs, this incongruous bar is the lovechild of Greece’s biggest country and western fan, Nikos Garavelas, who hosts a country-and-western radio show and festival.
reviewed
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Soul
This impressive, restored neoclassical building has a lively bar, a small club on the 2nd level, an innovative menu and a great garden courtyard for summer. Expect a young trendy crowd, good cocktails and a friendly atmosphere.
reviewed
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Rebetiki Istoria
One of the older rembetika haunts, with an authentic smoky atmosphere, dedicated regulars and a wall of old photos of rembetika musicians. It’s casual, relaxed and affordable, and thus popular with students.
reviewed
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Galaxy
Not to be mistaken for the Hilton’s impressive rooftop Galaxy bar, this tiny place in an obscure arcade is a friendly, time-warp type of place where you sit at the bar and get great service and a little meze with each round.
reviewed
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Petit Fleur
Listen to soothing jazz as you sip on your iced tea or a delicious hot chocolate brew at this delightful old-world French-style café. The homey atmosphere and friendly service is a refreshing break from the Kolonaki glitz.
reviewed
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Hoxton
Since the metro station opened, the drinkers along the Voutadon strip of bars flow into one big throng. Hoxton is one of the most popular bars, with funky industrial design, clashing leather chesterfields and modern art.
reviewed
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Bartessera
Tucked at the end of a narrow arcade off Kolokotroni, with a quirky central courtyard, this friendly place is a little oasis by day and a lively bar at night, with a hip 30-something crowd, guest DJs and art exhibitions.
reviewed
