SCRY Coffee Bar Athens
Third-wave honey throne
Welcome to Kypseli. This neighbourhood, which had its golden age in the middle of the 20th century but is becoming the new Koukaki, is a place where you can almost see as many Africans (and immigrants from other places) as Greeks, and this has created a unique dynamic in the air. It's far from what is typically considered the pretty side of Athens, but the neighbourhood's namesake ('kypseli' means 'hive' in this context) seems more apt than ever.
If Kypseli is the Hive, Fokionos Negri St is the Hive's royal courtyard (just bare with me and my bee hive/palace analogy!) This pedestrian zone built in the '30s has lost much of its former glamour, but, when I went there for the first time (embarrassingly recently), I couldn't help but be completely taken aback by the large, ancient plane trees in the middle of it and the enchantingly relaxed atmosphere.
If Fokionos Negri is the Royal Chamber, SCRY Coffee Bar is the honey throne. I was first invited to this cafe/bar by a common friend (Panagiotis) I have with the owner, Vassilis. SCRY has been around since 2004 but very recently -and consciously- changed its whole philosophy: it is now a cozy third wave coffee bar, which means amazing single-origin brews by Caffe del Doge in a variety of impressive preparations. You've never had filter coffee taste this good.
Kypseli is worth a shot - and not just of the finest espresso.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
House with Caryatids – An urban legend
The house is known for the two wonderful Caryatid sculptures located on the balcony of its facade. The house was built in the late 19th century and is a typical example of Athenian neoclassicism.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Mouries in Kolonos – Authentic Athenian
It does not matter what you order when you visit Mouries because everything is made with the same care (however, my favorite dish here is the meatballs).
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Zaharias Records – A music lovers' paradise
My favorite morning walk in the Monastiraki Flea Market always ends with a visit to Zaharias Records. Here I can browse a huge and ever-changing collection of second-hand vinyl records and CDs and always discover something to buy.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Takis Bakery – Athenian bakery at its best
And really, what to choose first? Takis Bakery produces every day thirty different types of bread, sandwiches, biscuits, pies, and sweets, in addition to the always fresh koulouri.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Agios Ioannis of the Column – A hidden gem
Agios Ioannis of the Column is one of the most interesting hidden attractions in the center of Athens. The church was built in the 6th century AD, and its sanctuary was formed around an ancient Corinthian column.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Louka Nika Street – A street art gallery
Street art has developed mainly in large urban centres, and Athens is no exception. The Psirri neighbourhood in the city centre is inextricably linked to the history of street art in Athens.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Oliver Nuts and Flavors – Going nuts for taste
Aside from the freshly ground coffee, which is either made on the spot or purchased in bulk to take home, you will find exceptional and always fresh nuts in sufficient variety.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Mets – Athens most charming neighbourhood
Many artists, musicians, actors, and painters have relocated to Mets, giving it a more bohemian feel. There are only a handful of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area, a fact that creates a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Giorgio Hatter – For the hat lovers
Quality and unique materials, special and simple colors, fashion, and personal style are combined in a large collection of men's and women's hats.
By
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Buho Bruncherie – The ideal place for brunch
The unique pancakes at Buho (sweet and savory) are in my opinion, the best I have tried in the city and the menu has enough options to satisfy all tastes.
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Talking Breads – Talking about street food
My favourite burger is the Bacon Mushroom Melt, and my favourite sandwich is the Tika, which is slightly spicy and causes a chain of flavour explosions!
By
Antonis
Tsapepas
Zefyros – An open air cinephile experience
Here is where viewers, myself included, got to know the worlds of Bunuel, Welles, Tarkovsky, Ozu, Bergman, and many more emblematic filmmakers.
By