HBH Coffee Bar Athens

Classy and loungy

Dimitris from Athens

""HBH Coffee Bar" in the Athens neighborhood of Exarchia is perfect for when I need something beautiful and quieter to get some work done on its mezzanine."

Ivi (ΗΒΗ, pronounced eevee, like the pokémon) is a downright beautiful spot; its enormous windows let in plenty of light and offer a view over (and a few tables on) Exarchia Sq.; its natural wood tones and sleek lines evoke a pleasant and calm feeling. It's basically a café-bar like most others, at least in theory; this one just "gets it" much better than its competitors, a crowd not small in number, especially in a neighbourhood like Exarchia.

I've come here several times with my laptop or notebook to do some writing, study or other work in peace, which Ivi is apparently quite popular for. Maybe it's the music that isn't as disturbingly loud as in other places, maybe it's the motivational signs on the wall made of sawdust boards... Perhaps it's their small collection of clever books. No, I've got it: it's their cozy mezzanine.

Though sometimes it feels a bit abandoned, as if nothing much happens or changes there (not necessarily a bad thing, of course), I still think you should give HBH a visit if you're in central Exarchia. it's a welcome change of environment.

Bars

Coffee & tea

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Athens Spotter Dimitris

About Me Hi! I'm Dimitris Hall. I've been an Athens Spotter since 2013 and have worked with Spotted by Locals as the site's editor, social media and content manager since early 2017. I was born a few months before the fall of the Berlin Wall and grew up in Nea Smyrni (New Izmir), a suburb of Athens that a century ago didn't even exist as a concept. I’m a μισός-μισός, a “half-and-half”, my constituent parts being Greek and Australian, which honestly doesn’t sound quite right, since the last time I was in Australia was more than 15 years ago, and that just for holidays. I woul...

About this spot

Stournari 2

Freddo Espresso:

€

+30

2155100787

Social

Nov 9, 2025

Our Athens City Guide

Find your way with 265 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

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

Souvlaki Giorgos-Gyzi

Souvlaki is art

Many souvlatzidika have started adding more “modern” ingredients in their souvlaki, such as lettuce or yellow sauce. But Giorgos-Gyzi keeps things simple, fresh, and tasty.

Restaurants

Snacks

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 27, 2025

Myrtillo

Everyday positivity

Founded in 2013, 90% of the team working in Myrtillo consists of people with disabilities as part of a social cooperative trying to provide a better future for vulnerable people and fight mental health stigma.

Art & culture

Bars

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Zoe

Tziakou

Nov 27, 2025

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

A family visit

Ever heard about ancient Greek tech? This Athens museum offers interactive exhibits like the Antikythera Mechanism and robot-servant in a unique building.

Art & culture

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 26, 2025

Pan's Sanctuary

Find the hidden ancient god

Discover a hidden Athens' ancient sanctuary of Pan on Ardittou Street! Spot the faint Pan relief on a rock near Agia Fotini church — can you see him?

Art & culture

Antonis

Tsapepas

Nov 26, 2025

Freatida

Ancient walls next to the sea

"Freatida" in Piraeus, the port of Athens, is an often-overlooked but beautiful and strange part of the city. Just look at those walls!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Marilena

Salamanou

Nov 26, 2025

Little Pot Ceramics

Beautiful handmade ceramics!

"Little Pot Ceramics" in Athens is one of my favorite ceramic shops in the city - come meet Tonia and her creative obsession with this ancient modern art!

Art & culture