In the cold days of winter, sometimes all you need for a romantic night out is a dark bar, good drinks, and good company! Here are our four recommendations for brand-new bars for a romantic Valentine’s Day night in Athens.
Everyone in town has been talking about Pharaoh (Solomou 54; 2103808412), a wine-bar restaurant that opened just this past January downtown in Exarchiea. This artfully designed venue plays music from vinyl and dishes up homey Greek dishes cooked on top of a wood-burning stove. Their menu changes daily, but you may catch the likes of keftedakia (meatballs), pork steak with zucchini and squash, or collard greens with fresh anthotiro (creamy white cheese). Their wine list also boasts a wide range of Greek and foreign wines.
Another January newcomer to the bar scene in hipster Koukaki, Feelin’ Good (Georg. Olympiou 8; 2109214010) is a modern jazz bar with Brooklyn-New Orleans vibes and American dishes that are junky in the best kind of way. Enjoy fried chicken with waffles, corn dogs, spare ribs, and mini burgers with fried cauliflower. Their cocktail list features classics such as the Garibaldi, the Grasshopper, and an espresso martini made with cold brew and lemon oils. They also have a wide range of American whiskeys and local beers.
Up in Halandri, Mexican restaurant Comal (Plateia Eleuftheroton 8; 2117508216) isn’t exactly a bar, but they have a fantastic range of cocktails by the team behind classic Athens bar The Bar Behind The Bar. Treat yourself to chilaquiles picadillo (nachos with spicy roja salsa, picadillo meat, cheese, pico de gallo, and cream) or taco berenjena (taco with spinach tortilla, eggplant and almond mole). Wash it down with a taco margarita (tequila with coriander, tomato water, corn salt, and jalapenos) or a fresh burro (tequila with coriander, apple, and ginger beer).
Finally, down in Glyfada, Tyson Comfort Pub (Kiprou 18; 2130463292) is a favourite opening from the past year that boasts a variety of drinks and artsy pub food. Start with the beef tacos, beef chimichanga, or chicken bao buns, and work your way to chicken a la brasa with pepper sauce and fried yuccas or duck breast in hoisin sauce with vegetable fried rice. Top it off with one of their vast range of draft and bottle beers or a cocktail like the Chilanco with pepper, passionfruit, and ginger.
Here’s to a fun, social, and hopefully romantic winter ahead!
The Athenian Site 