On Meandrou Street in Ilisia, an easy-going afternoon tête-à-tête over wine has a habit of stretching well into the evening. 

You start with a glass, move on to cocktails as the lights go down, and before you know it, you’re somewhere louder, later, and not quite ready to head home. By night, this low-key pocket of Ilisia starts to fill- tables out on the pavement, locals stopping to talk, and people drifting between one bar and the next, always with a drink in hand.

Now let’s be honest, there’s always room for one more drink in Athens – especially when it comes served in spaces shaped by a fresh outlook, good design, and a lively, welcoming energy. And while the city’s long-standing favourites will always warrant a revisit, a newer wave of bars is changing how people go out- smaller, each with their own character, and a laid-back vibe that draws you in no matter what day it is. 

Meandrou is a good example of that. What was once a quieter stretch in Ilisia has, over time, become a spot Athenians now seek out. It’s not a scene built overnight, but one that has grown over the last few years, drawing a crowd that prefers something more local, more relaxed, and easy to settle into.

Among the most recent arrivals, one wine bar introduces a casual, urban approach to wine, focusing on natural labels and thoughtfully curated selections from small, independent producers. 

Just a few steps away, a spot with a subtle London influence delivers well-executed signature cocktails- think balanced dry martinis, and Bloody Marys that impress. And as the evening unfolds, a late-night bar takes over, filling the space with music, dancing, and an easy-going atmosphere that keeps the energy moving into the early hours.

Together, these three bars offer locals and visitors another reason to stay out late, in a neighbourhood that has outgrown its role as a passing-through point. 

Junior Does Wine 

Having opened in 2021, Junior Does Wine is a contemporary wine bar with a carefully curated list, thoughtful food pairings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that allows you to unwind. Behind the concept is Giorgos Katsaros, whose approach to wine and hospitality feels both natural and personal.

Low-lit and grounded in dark, earthy tones, the space sets its tone immediately. Clean lines and a handful of striking portraits add interest, but never distract. Set across two levels, it works just as well if you’re with a group as it does if you are there for a quieter table.

Upstairs is more about sitting and talking, while downstairs is where things pick up- small tables, people ordering, bottles opening and glasses being poured as the night moves on.

The wine list draws its main influences from France, Spain and Greece, with an impressive selection available by the glass, spanning white, orange, rosé and red wines. Standout labels include ArteDivino ’22, the Savvatiano- Assyrtiko from Attica by Tsouris Wines, and Doric White ’24 (Roditis–Malagouzia) from Doric Wines in Phocis. On the bottle list, options include Sklavos ’24 from Argolida by Kontovraki Estate and Naoussa ’17, a Xinomavro from Agratia Winery. The full selection is curated by sommelier Vasiliki Galani, bringing a clear point of view and consistency to the wine offering.

The food, curated by Giannis Tsikoudakis (known for Topa and Oinocent), is built to go with the labels, keeping flavours clean and well balanced. Standouts include the seasonal bruschetta, Kalathaki Limnou with chèvre and blue cheese, crab with yogurt, green apple and baby gem, and artichoke with parmesan and lime.

Music stays low enough for conversation, with street sounds filtering in. In the warmer months, tables spill out onto the pavement, and the line between inside and out disappears.

Junior Does Wine draws both locals and visitors looking for somewhere easy to drop in for a drink- and whether in the height of summer or the middle of winter, it’s the kind of place you find yourself coming back to.

A: Meandrou 5, Athens 

Opening Hours: Mon: Closed | Tue – Thu: 18:00 – 00:45 | Fri – Sat: 18:00 – 01:30 | Sun: 18:00 – 00:45 

Quinn’s

This cool spot brings with it an understated London touch that fits perfectly on this cool strip. Since 2024, Quinn’s has been conceived as a bar that prioritises atmosphere, balance and substance, easily settling into the neighbourhood while also adding something fresh to it.

Behind the project is Vangelis Marinakis, whose long-standing presence in Athens’ bar scene includes landmark spots such as Bar Guru Bar, Baba Au Rum, 42 and To Lokali. The bar moves easily through different moments of the day, working just as well for a quick post-work aperitif as it does for a late night out with friends. It’s firmly cocktail-driven, with the focus always on what’s in the glass.

When it comes to selection, Quinn’s stays close to the classics, with a few contemporary touches. The Dry Martini is a clear reference point- and for many, it’s among the best in the city. Alongside it, Stupid F Bird* takes a more playful, fruit-forward approach, while Luscious leans into richer, fuller textures. Options such as Venus in Furs, Flew Over My Head and Timorous Beasties round out the list, offering range without overcomplicating matters when it comes to deciding which one (or two) to try first. 

The back bar holds an extensive selection of gin and whisky, alongside rum, vodka and tequila/mezcal, with bottles carefully chosen to work just as well in classic serves as they do in the bar’s signatures.

While Quinn’s remains drink-focused, it also offers a well-put-together bar menu with a few standout comfort options that hit the spot. Curated by Periklis Koskinas of Cookoovaya, the small selection includes hot dogs and mac ’n’ cheese. Straightforward, well-executed flavours that are perfect for a casual bite.   

The room is anchored by a solid wooden bar, mosaic flooring, fixed stools, and deep blues and indigo tones throughout. The lighting stays low, giving the space a soft touch, while bold artworks add depth. Behind the bar, a replica of Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights draws the eye- a subtle nod to the line between indulgence and excess.

Quinn’s strikes a balance between relaxed and refined, just as suited to after-work drinks as it is to a first date or a longer night out. It’s no surprise it has quickly settled in as one of the more talked-about new additions to Athens’ bar scene.

Α: Meandrou 7, Athens 

Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 17:00 – 02:00 | Fri – Sat: 17:00 – 03:00 |Sun: 17:00 – 02:00 

Tsimpouri Bar

Having opened in April 2025, it hasn’t taken long for Tsimpouri Bar to build a loyal following. From the moment you step inside, you find yourself “sticking like a tick,” as owner Panagiotis Lessis puts it- a slightly off-beat phrase that captures the spirit of the place, which is shaped by his experience in hospitality across the islands of Andros and Kea, as well as the nearby bistro Espressaki.

Tsimpouri is the newest (and already much-loved) addition to this steadily evolving bar scene along Maiandrou Street in Ilisia. A real neighbourhood hangout, it was created as a place to come for a drink (and stay for two or three), for the music, the people, and how easily you lose track of time.

As the sun goes down, Tsimpouri stands out even from afar, its red lighting and nostalgic melodies giving it the feel of an older Athenian bar- the kind you might recognise from a classic Greek TV series. Step inside and the mood settles quickly.

The space has been carefully designed. A large communal table sits at the centre, drawing people in, while the bar is the main focus- finished in wood and white marble and lit to highlight both the backdrop and the bartenders at work. A small spotlight above the counter picks up each drink as it’s made, turning the bar area into something you can’t help but look at. Mosaic flooring, metal accents and small disco balls catching the light add texture and movement without overdoing it.

The drinks are well judged, with a tight cocktail list that covers both signatures and classics. The Ginger Pergamondo, the Amalfi Collection and the Sherry Mule sit alongside a strong line-up of classics, all made with care and a sense of balance. The formula is simple- good bottles, proper execution and prices that make it easy to stay for another round.

To the left of the bar, the DJ sets the tone. It starts with 80s, 90s and early 00s tracks then gradually picks up as the room fills. Later, it shifts- Greek music comes in, things get louder, and before long the crowd spills towards the bar and onto the floor.

Inside or out, people settle where they can- at small tables, along the pavement, or standing with a drink in hand. Conversation carries, the music takes over, and the whole place starts to move as one.

Tsimpouri is a neighbourhood go-to, drawing not only Ilisia locals but also those willing to head a little further out for somewhere they know they’ll enjoy. It’s the kind of place you leave already thinking about when you’ll come back.

 A: Meandrou 9, Athens

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 17:00 – 02:00 

Images by Maria Dormparis | Main image courtesy of Tsimpouri Bar