Credit: londondrinksguide.com
Greece has a strong drinking culture, there is no doubt about it. From ancient times, Greeks used to hold ‘drinking parties’ the so called ‘symposia’ in which they accompanied wine with some food while indulging themselves in deep philosophical conversations.
In the modern times, liquor has been an indivisible part of their everyday lives whether it is consumed during family gatherings, celebrations of all kinds and going out.
As far as beer is concerned, even though there has been archaeological evidence of its existence since the bronze era, the beverage became popular during the 19th century when during King Otto’s reign, beer became a regular beverage among Greeks.
It was during that time that Fix, the first beer brewery opened, paving the way for many more future breweries to come.
Up to 10 years ago, Greeks were familiar with only the mass-produced beer brands like Mythos and Fix as well as the mega producers Heineken and Carlsberg. However, in the past decade, a ‘beer revolution’ happened, originating from Athens, during which a lot of local craft beers started gaining popularity and many original breweries from local producers started blossoming and becoming known in Athens and beyond.
As we speak, there are numerous beer places, taprooms and micro-breweries in the capital of Greece to choose from with a large variety of greek craft beer labels to choose from.
In this article, I will delve into some local places with fantastic brews for a real beer tasting experience for all beer lovers!
Written by Savina Skourmalla on 23-05-2024
Best places for beer in Athens – Blame the Sun
Blame the sun is a concept that was born in the heart of Koukaki during the longest covid lockdown in Athens in 2021. During that time, it was only allowed for customers to gather outside of shops on the streets while trying to maintain a safe distance.
Credit: Gastronomos.gr
The people behind this tiki/surf/punk-a-roll bar were not new in the brewery scene however and they quickly established themselves as ‘rockstar’ pioneers that brought a ‘ray of sun’ in a time when Greece was suffering from the effects of covid, and I am talking more about the prohibition of going out more than the actual pandemic.
Blame the sun will take you to an exotic place with its beach inspired decor, a bar that looks like a surfboard, the bright beach colours and the funky punk music blasting from the speakers until late. The drinks are inspired by the place’s style and here you will be able to taste fruity and fresh brews like their very own Beach Bum Tropic Ale and more.
Address: Veikou 60, Koukaki 11741
Opening hours: 5PM-12AM
Website: https://www.blamethesunbrewing.com/
Best places for beer in Athens – Tapfield
In the hip neighbourhood of Psiri where the heart of Athenian nightlife beats you will find another relatively new entry in the list of the must places to visit if you’re a beer lover.
Its name comes from the 23 taps available in situ that contain high quality Greek and European craft beers that provide guests with a unique tasting experience. Apart from the taps, here you can find more than 100 labels that have been carefully selected by the owner, Miltos Piscopos as a result of his quest of introducing the ever-growing Greek brewing to the larger Athenian crowds.
Credit: Athenshotspots.gr
It’s evident that the minds behind Tapfield created a place of taste and knowledge in which even the ‘experienced’ beer fans can be surprised by the newer trends and take their palette a little further. Just take a look at their instagram page which is regularly updated with new labels and events and you will realise Tapfield’s level of commitment to always opt for the next big thing.
Here, you will not just find great beer labels to choose from but you will also have the opportunity to enjoy some warm greek tapas, burgers, mini pizza and even fish and chips.
Address: Navarchou Apostoli 4, Psirri 10554
Opening hours: 4.30PM-2AM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tapfieldbar
Best places for beer in Athens – Tales of Ales
After a long day of shopping you will probably find yourself wandering around the Monastiraki area looking for a quiet and fun place to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
Look no further as Tales of Ales appears like the Messiah (or is it just the barman?) in a hidden little alley away from crowds.
Credit: Athinoramaclub.gr
Despite the narrowness and few seats, this place is a true gem among other taprooms in Athens and has quickly established itself as a local favourite meeting spot for a chat over a nice glass of beer.
The selection is wide with taps, bottles and cans and if you are not sure what you are looking for, then the barman will definitely take you up on a challenge and try to find that beer that will fit your tastes regardless of how familiar you are with the scene or how busy the place is.
It might seem like the perfect chill getaway spot during weekday afternoons but Tales of Ales tends to get busier as the night falls.
There are few tapas with which you can accompany your beer, however, what’s really exciting about this place besides its elegantly selected brews, is the cool merchandise!
T-shirts, pins and even glasses can be bought in the store or online from their website and they will make you want to come back again and again!
Address: Miltiadou 19, Monastiraki 10560
Opening hours: 2PM-12AM
Website: https://talesofales.gr/
Best places for beer in Athens – The local pub
‘The local pub’ is exactly what it says it is: a friendly local pub in the neighbourhood of Chalandri. This pub started off small as a homely place in which visitors could choose from a variety of bottled and craft beers in the warm company of friends, chatting or watching a football game, much like a typical British pub.
In 2017 however, the owner Fotis Anastasiou joined forces with other microbrewers in order to create his own microbrewery right next to his pub because he wanted something more than just serving beer. He wanted to have fun making his own which he would then introduce to his guests.
Credit: Where2go.gr
There are four core beers which you can try in ‘The local pub’: steam lager, stout, American pale ale and a fruitier lager. But the selection does not stop there as you can try all kinds of labels and special flavours from local brewers and more, like the popular ‘Midnight Circus’ that was born in a flat in the heart of Athens by a local couple.
‘The local pub’ has been listed among the 21 best beer bars in the world according to ‘Thrillist’ and its beers have been awarded multiple times as it promotes ‘local globality’, supporting local breweries while at the same time keeping up with the global beer trends.
This pioneer in brewing and crafting of beer has definitely paved the way for many more that came and even though it’s located a bit further from the city centre, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Address: Chaimanta 25, Chalandri 15234
Opening hours: 6PM-2AM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thelocalpubathens
The beer scene in Athens might not be as obvious as that in other European cities but it’s there and it’s getting louder. If you’re an avid beer lover, there are plenty of taprooms and pubs in the city centre of the city and beyond to choose from.
In this article, I aimed at merely suggesting some of my favourite places in the city in which I have spent many lovely nights with fine friends and drinks and which I think are worth visiting during your stay in Athens. Aside from beer tasting however, Athens has a lot of things to offer from history to local spots that truly cannot be missed.
If you are looking for a fun way to explore the city like a local in a fun and active way you can check out our fun city bike tours. During our morning or afternoon tours you will have the opportunity to join a small group led by a local expert who will equip you with lots of tip
