With its Zapatista coffee, anarchist literature on sale and music playlist constrained by nothing save the Creative Commons License, it's not easy to misunderstand To Pagaki's (Greek for "the bench" named after the one which comfortably sits right outside its premises) radical political leanings -- not all that unusual to find in Athens, honestly.
But there are loads more to like here: it's well-connected (only a 5-minute walk from metro station Syggrou-Fix and tram stop Kasomouli and 10 minutes from the Acropolis Museum), it's in a pedestrian zone which is remarkably quiet considering it's practically right next to one of the city's busiest avenues (Syggrou Av.) and -believe me, this counts for much- it's surprisingly cheap; you will seldom find a bottle of ouzo and plate of assorted mezedes in Athens for less, especially now everything's almost doubled in price.
My personal favourite would have to be their vegan (or vegetarian if you just can't give up cheese) platter with some tsipouro on the side!
One last piece of advice: avoid going there in the later hours of the afternoon. The sun is hidden behind the tall buildings standing on the sides of the pedestrian zone, and it can get chilly and dark—unless you go there to enjoy it at night, of course!
Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
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This is more than an ordinary open market for me. I love to visit the market every Saturday morning and buy flowers for my friends and me.
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Dimitris (the owner) and Stella (the bartender) are great at mixing flavors and serving special tropical cocktails and spirits from all over the world.
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The small bakery opened in the 60s, as an all-night bakery that sells fresh koulouri with sesame bread rings with sesame, reggato cheese, and raisins.
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A few minutes away from the Music Hall of Athens, every night, the small truck has always queued to serve the famished people who pass from Mavili Square.
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Famous Greek designers create new posters, calendars, agendas, magazines, and books with interesting visuals and content every season.
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Famous for its vegan options and Ukrainian dishes like piroshki and borscht soup, 67 is also a very relaxed and friendly spot for studying or working.
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Entering Pelargos Bookstore, some books will impress you, catch your attention, arouse your curiosity, or awaken some memory.
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Aggelos, the owner, welcomes everyone with a smile and perfect suggestions, always eager to express his encyclopedic knowledge of comic books.
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"Lacandona" Athens is fair trade cafe/grocery store. It's one of my favorite places for a coffee - don't miss their exciting mojito parties!
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"By the Glass" in the center of Athens is in one of the most 'secret' urban arcades and offers you more than 200 different wines... Central & 100% local!
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