Brettos

Visiting Brettos Bar in Athens' charming Plaka neighborhood was a vivid highlight of my trip. You can't miss the stunning backlit wall of hundreds of colorful bottles—it’s truly mesmerizing and perfect for photos . Originally founded in 1909 as Greece's oldest distillery, Brettos still crafts its own ouzo, brandy, tsipouro, and more than 36 flavored liqueurs using centuries‑old Smyrna family recipes . Inside, the atmosphere is warm and nostalgic, thanks to wooden barrels, stone walls, and a friendly, rustic vibe. I popped in mid‑afternoon when it was quieter and loved getting expert recommendations from the bartender—sampling everything from Mastika to quadruple‑distilled ouzo and rakomelo was a delight . The staff were super helpful, passionate, and excellent at guiding me through the vast menu. One reviewer noted, “The staff is super helpful and energetic, always ready to assist you while you enjoy your drinks” . That energy really shines in person. Brettos also offers a fine selection of over 160 Greek wines, plus cocktails and beers. Seating is cozy—inside and out—and perfect either for a leisurely afternoon tasting or an evening drink stop. It’s the kind of place where both locals and travelers mingle, offering an authentic taste of Greek hospitality . Highly recommended for lovers of fine spirits, vibrant décor, and friendly service. Whether you're snapping photos or savoring homemade spirits, Brettos is a must‑visit gem in Athens!

One of the pinnacle bars of Athens. Fairly extensive drinks menu, but they will mix up most, if not any, drinks you ask for. Its small and intimate, yet has a great atmosphere. Staff are friendly, and were keen to give recommendations of what to drink. Open late, so its a great place to end an evening. For people from the UK, it was also featured on Richard Ayoade's '48 Hours in...' travel series, where he visited Brettos with Dawn French. Thoroughly recommended.

We had lots of fun with the wine tasting downstairs. I had the Noble Wine selection and my husband tried the reds. Both were fantastic. Konstantine was very engaging and informative, and the wine was very interesting and delicious! Thank you from 2 Canadians :-)

Brettos Bar is an absolute gem and a true piece of Athens history. This beautiful, authentic bar has been owned by the same family since 1909, and the family members still work there today. The owner is incredibly friendly and takes time to explain the fascinating history of the place - you can feel that personal heritage in every corner. The atmosphere is incredible with walls lined with colorful bottles and traditional Greek spirits. The family and staff are genuinely welcoming, treating guests with warmth and pride in their legacy. Most importantly, the cocktails are simply amazing. Whether you choose traditional Greek spirits or classic cocktails, everything is expertly crafted with over a century of family expertise behind it. This is exactly the kind of authentic, family-run establishment that makes Athens special. A perfect combination of history, hospitality, and exceptional drinks. An absolute must-visit!

Very cool bar with a nice selection of ouzo (and drinks). The atmosphere was great and a good service.

Amazing menu for wines and liquors. An historical place turned to a modern one. Staff is very friendly. Inside is quite impressive.

Known for its vibrant, colorful interior, this bar is perfect for a quick drink. We tried the Gingertini and Pueblo — both nice options. It’s more of a stop-in spot than somewhere to linger.

Brilliant food, street dinning, lovely evening atmosphere and best of all the staff we're super helpful and friendly. And just around the corner from a fantastic night stroll.