BAR 56 Athens
The time capsule that you need
Asimina from Athens
I dug out BAR 56 in the semi-basement of the Kolonaki area when every other bar was overcrowded. To get there is exhausting but worth it! You need to climb many stairs of Ploutarchou St. and finally go down four steps to cross the threshold of number 56.
This timeless and sophisticated whisky bar opened 35 years ago. The bar in the mornings isn’t the same - it looks out of sight, but when night falls and its door opens at 20:30, people descend the stairs to find their favourite labels from all over the world in the timeless whiskey cellar. The Whiskey collection is large - including several rare labels, and Mr. Panayotis, the owner behind the leather-covered bar, will assist you in finding your whiskey.
There is also a menu with entrees and main courses. Jazz music is playing from the speakers, and every corner takes you back many decades when everything was pure and intellectual. The small tables for 2 or 4 seats are covered with lakhuri tablecloth with melted candles. For those who prefer more coziness, the leather corner sofa is the ideal place. If you are unescorted, do not hesitate to take a seat at the bar. Mr. Panayotis, the bartender is friendly and adorable, and he will make you feel relaxed! Last but not least, the boheme bordeaux wallpaper and the uncountable small frames with famous jazz artists and the piano complete that special time capsule that could easily be in Chicago or NYC, but it is in Athens.
Athens Spotter Asimina
About this spot
Ploutarchou 56
- Sun - Thu 20:30 - 03:00, Fri - Sat 20:30 - 04:00
Whiskey (glass):
€
8
+30
2107231424
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Memorabilia lovers
Nostalgic fashion
Nothing can prepare you for the burst of colors when you enter the mezzanine studio: rich shades of blue and green, along with vintage furniture and paintings.
by
Zoe
Tziakou
Valitsa
Great food in excellent setting
My walk usually ends up in Valitsa, a beautiful cafe and restaurant. Valitsa has a unique interior, with one wall covered by old, authentic suitcases.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Koukouvaya
The destination for dessert
A nice dessert is a perfect conclusion to a satisfying meal or an accompaniment to a delicious coffee. But in Koukouvaya, a cafe in the center of Athens, enjoying an excellent dessert becomes an end goal in itself.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Kimolia
Art cafe in Plaka
"Kimolia" in Athens is a family-owned, all-day cafe hidden in the central narrow streets of Plaka. I love their orange-flavored chocolate...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Blame the Sun
The new taproom on the block
Blame the Sun in Athens is the newest taproom in Koukaki! This bar emerged in the quarantine - maybe that's why it's called that way?
by
Dimitris
Hall
Inky
For serious T-shirt lovers!
"Inky" is a favourite spot of the coolest crowd in Athens. This local, cheap and tasteful T-shirt shop is perfect for gifts to bring back home!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Amandine's Bagels
My daily habit
Amandine's Bagels on Nikis streets in Athens is where I get my breakfast from. My favorite bagel from there has avocado, salmon and a special sauce!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Maraboo
What an ice cream shop!
Maraboo in Athens is an ice cream shop where everything is handmade w/ pure ingredients. ALWAYS say yes to having a biscuit with your scoops!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Hammam Bathing House Athens
Absolute relaxation
Visiting the "Hammam Baths" in Athens is a very pertinent experience, as the city is a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Relax with a massage...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Nolan
A gastronomic gem
"Nolan" is one of the finest restaurants in Athens. It provides a Greek-Japanese gastro experience you shouldn't miss.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Pâte et Crème
Life is sweet in Kypseli
The meticulous look and distinct flavour of Pâte et Crème's sweets are captivating. And the perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemon tart is unforgettable.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Hyper Hypo Bookstore
Bookworms' heaven!
They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
by
Asimina
Mitrothanasi
Heading to Athens?
264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Athens?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 264 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Athens
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
