Handlebar
Handlebar is a tiny bar in Psyrri where people (mostly young hipsters) hang out on the street. The atmosphere is relaxed and the drink prices are reasonable.
While travelling, I always struggle to find authentic, less touristy bars that also play some interesting music (electro, techno or experimental, indie-rock, jazz, or uplifting disco and ska). I prefer bars where a DJ selects the music and, although I do have my share of guilty pleasure songs, in general I’m not extremely fond of pop music. Below I share what I consider to be the best bars in downtown Athens — up to a 30-min walk from Syntagma Square. I’m not getting any sort of compensation from the places that I recommend, they are just bars that I like and frequently visit. I group them according to the type of bar or going out experience: wine bars, bars with live music, rooftop bars, after-hours bars and more.
Faust is a great place to listen to some good live music, usually performed by lesser-known Greek bands at a convenient location downtown.
Afrikana is a jazz bar in the Gazi area, with a stage that throws live concerts almost every day.
Embros is a former theater located in Psyrri, that organizes different alternative events: live music shows, parties, theater plays and performances.
One of my favorite Bistros in Athens – if not my favorite.