10 Great Bars With Live Music In Athens

Located in the heart of the flea market a few minutes from Monastiraki, Café Avissinia is an antique connoisseur’s paradise – though you should know nothing is for sale here. The place is ideal for a coffee or beer, or for a proper dinner. The menu features dishes from Macedonia and Cyprus which usually leave the customers coming back for more – but it’s not just the food that lures locals. On weekend nights, Café Avissinia turns into a proper live music bar where countless musicians have played and still return to play every weekend, from national legends such as Giorgos Dalaras, Dionysis Savvopoulos, or Loukianos Kilaidonis to lesser-known musicians or random passersby.

Faust is a place that easily stands out amongst the bars in the area. With its sophisticated décor and atmospheric vibe, Faust is also a small theater and hosts live music gigs as well. On top of serving delicious cocktails and tasty food, the place has a varied program that should easily make everybody happy.

In Kerameikos, a few steps away from the masses of cafés and bars, you will find Louis Kafeneio, a simple and welcoming bar where you can drink good ouzo along with the usual kafeneiofares. Easily crowded, the place hosts primarily jazz acts. All kinds of Jazz. So get ready to groove baby, and see if you can make it there for a live session. http://instagram.com/p/yL_lc3gThS/?taken-at=245764503

Bourbon is a rock bar and club. Its Glyfada location makes it also a stylish rock bar, where attention to detail is paramount. It’s a place where you can grab a beer, eat finger food and listen to live gigs or DJs sets primarily featuring pop music, blues and soul. But the strongest element is the weekly live performances. Enjoy at your own risk. http://instagram.com/p/BFWK_PcNjze/?taken-at=14067425

Once you step into Omikron Bar, you would expect it to be just another small bar like so many others in the area, but you would be wrong. Yes, it is indeed petite but features an unusual interior garden. The décor is unique and special, with a communal table at the center of the bar and an atmosphere that is simply relaxed, made even better with enticing cocktails. On various nights, the bar hosts live music gigs with local artists. http://instagram.com/p/nduWVhSqL-/?taken-at=5678964

Six d.o.g.s. hardly needs an introduction, but to those who are totally clueless about it, know that this institution serves as a café-bar, gallery and small concert hall. With an agenda full of parties and live gigs, temporary exhibitions and installations, the place is a staple in the vibrant nightlife of Athens. Of course, make sure to visit the inside, perfect during the summer days.

Mike’s Irish Bar is another well-known place for live music performances. For over thirteen years, this Irish spot has been hosting rock and pop gigs, serving pints and typical pub fare alongside acts with a smile. A night at Mike’s – especially when it’s live music night – promises to be lively and fun, and if you enjoy karaoke then be sure to drop by on designated evenings. http://instagram.com/p/BGJqLIXgZne/?taken-by=mikes_irish_bar

Lazy Club is the kind of place that gives you an excuse to forget the center of town for a bit and explore the northern suburbs. The club hosts six gig nights a week featuring mostly pure-bred rock, sometimes brilliantly infused with blues. What adds to its welcoming and friendly vibe is the Monday jamming session. Anyone with a love for rock music is welcome to join in and improvise with other musicians – some of these sessions actually serve as the breeding ground for future successful projects. On Wednesdays, get ready for some acoustic sessions while sipping on a cold beer. With time you may just become a regular yourself. http://instagram.com/p/_UA2A7kEJU/?taken-at=280731845

If live events and karaoke is your thing, then Ghost House is for you. This quirky place in Psirri set in a unique and slightly over the top baroque décor organizes music festivals, DJ sets, karaoke battles and live performances. With two stages, it is not uncommon to watch a live gig on one and take part in a karaoke battle on the next – and even if you think this is not your thing, you should drop by and check it out if only for the atmosphere. http://instagram.com/p/BLUv6J8Fa3y/?taken-at=39323388