Koukaki has become a hotspot for bars in Athens, but a specific kind of bar. In just the last couple of years, all sorts of fancy spots have opened trying to ride the tourist and gentrification boom this classic Athens neighborhood currently enjoys. Not Sfika (“wasp”).

This little bar is just next to fellow Spotter Andreas’ sandwich heaven Guarantee and has been around for absolutely ages. If you’re looking for a place to grab some drinks with friends that has just the right kind of lighting (low and warm), look no further.

As for the decor, well, let me point you to the Sex, Drugs & Wizards prog-rock poster to the left of the colorfully illuminated liquor bottles (pictured).

I’ve only recently started coming here more often, actually. What definitively won me over was the Pilsner Urquell they had as their “special beer” of the day. Next time I went they had a different Czech beer label, so I recommend you go and try out your luck.

Last time I was there a trio of musicians just came in and started playing, so Sfika is a place for surprises in more ways than one.

If you’re hungry, you can try out their meat or vegetarian platters and other delicious mezes.