The Best Bars in Metaxourgeio, Athens

A little tropical oasis on Leonidou Street, James Bar is a cool hangout where, during warm summer days, you can sit in the outdoor space to sip some refreshments under the canopy surrounded by plants. The bar serves light food options, as well as a wide variety of drinks and snacks. A cool destination to hear some live music or enjoy some socializing time with friends, James Bar is definitely one of the highlights of Metaxourgeio.

Housed in a beautifully restored old building, Kerameio is one of the hottest jazz stages in town. People often come for the live music and stay for the friendly atmosphere, the tasty drinks, and the warm vibes. But if you find yourself in the area during the middle of the day, you will love sitting on the indoor patio, surrounded by colorful flowers and plants, with a refreshing beverage in hand. Whatever the season, Kerameio is always a good idea for entertainment and music.

Latraac Cafe & Skate Bowl, on Leonidou Street, is probably one of the coolest café/bars in Metaxourgeio. Including a skating bowl, Latraac has an open-air seating area where you can savor coffees and other drinks under the shade of the trees or show off what you can do on a skateboard. This spot has a resolute low-key vibe and boasts a delicious brunch menu. So, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, you should drop by Latraac—you may not be dancing your shoes off, but you will certainly be amongst the cool kids.

Located in the heart of Metaxourgeio, Ble Papagalos (Blue Parrot) is a charming bar with a terrace sitting on Avdi Square. With its rustic-meets-bohemian-jungle design, its covered deck and array of cocktails, Ble Papagalos is a place where you can relax in the afternoon only to find yourself still there in the wee hours of the morning. Add to this a warm and welcoming staff, and you will understand why it is one of the favorite spots among residents.

An institution for Athenians, BIOS focuses on urban culture. Housed in a building on Pireos Street, BIOS includes a theater stage, a cinema room, a bar that relocates to the rooftop during the summer, and a pop-up restaurant called Taverna, where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. Whether you are there for a show or simply to have drinks on the rooftop with views of the Acropolis, rest assured that you will have a great time in one of the oldest yet hippest places in town.

Nestled on Avdi Square inside an old Athenian house where the architectural bones of the building portray a not-so-distant past, Saorsa is the kind of place that you stop at by chance or are attracted to by its design. It’s an ideal place to sit for coffee and long hours of discussion; the menu of light snacks might even tempt you to prolong your visit for a beer. After dusk, it’s an excellent spot for cocktails. The low-key vibe and musical selection are added bonuses.

Cabezon on Kerameikou Street is a hot spot in Metaxourgeio. With a homey atmosphere, it is open from mornings for coffee until the wee hours for drinks and light dining. But undeniably, its best feature is the hidden courtyard, where string lights and greenery transport you to a little oasis in the city. Pair your drink with a few small platters of food and chat the night away, unless an impromptu live performance starts in front of your eyes. Don’t worry—this is just how nights in Cabezon turn out sometimes.