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.