The Best Pubs In Athens

  • by XpatAthens
  • Thursday, 15 January 2026
The Best Pubs In Athens
While Athens is famous for its bright rooftop bars and coffee culture, there is a hidden, wood-paneled side to the city that feels like it was plucked straight out of London or Dublin. If you’re looking for a "proper" pint, dim lighting, and that unmistakable UK/Irish pub warmth, here are the best spots to hit.

Finding the "UK Vibe": The Best Pubs in Athens

1. The Red Lion (Ilisia) – The "Authentic British" Original

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@redlionpub_athens

If you want the most "British" experience in Greece, this is it. Opened in 1972, The Red Lion is the oldest pub in Athens and was specifically designed to be a "slice of home" for expats.

  • The Vibe: Dark wood everywhere, classic 70s-80s rock playing at a low volume, and a complete lack of pretension. It’s the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation.

  • Don't Miss: They have a dedicated darts area and a serious selection of international beers. It’s located near the Hilton area, making it a perfect quiet retreat from the city center noise.

2. James Joyce Irish Pub (Monastiraki) – The Heart of the Action

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@nxmelessm

Located right in the center, The James Joyce is exactly what you want from an Irish pub. It’s heavy, cozy, and perfectly escapist. Once you step inside, the stone walls of Athens disappear and you're in a Dublin local.

  • The Vibe: A massive wooden bar, cozy booths, and plenty of TV screens for Six Nations Rugby or Premier League matches.

  • The Grub: This is the place for comfort food. Their Steak & Guinness Pie and Fish & Chips are legendary among the expat community.

3. The Wee Dram (Ampelokipoi) – The Scottish Soul

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@the_wee_drum_athens

If you prefer a Scottish twist, The Wee Dram is a hidden gem that feels incredibly authentic. It’s smaller than the others, which only adds to that snug, neighborhood-pub feeling.

  • The Vibe: It’s famous for its friendly atmosphere. It’s a "local" in every sense of the word. They often host Trivia Nights (Pub Quizzes) which are a staple of UK pub culture.

  • The Drink: As the name suggests, they have a fantastic selection of whiskies alongside a great rotation of beers on tap.

4. The Local Pub (Chalandri) – For the Craft Beer Enthusiast

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The Local Pub

Consistently rated as one of the best beer bars in the world (not just Greece), The Local Pub in the northern suburb of Chalandri has a strictly British interior design but a world-class craft beer list.

  • The Vibe: It’s a "no smoking" pub (which is rare in Greece) and they don't play loud music—focusing entirely on the "socializing over a pint" aspect. It feels like a high-end London craft beer house.

  • The Crowd: Expect serious beer lovers. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through their 20+ taps.

5. Molly Malone’s (Glyfada) – The Seaside Local

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@some_chrs

If you find yourself in the southern "riviera" suburbs, Molly Malone’s is the go-to. It was the first authentic Irish pub in the south and has maintained a huge following.
  • The Vibe: It’s large, lively, and has a great outdoor area for those "warmer" winter days, but the interior is all dark wood and Irish charm.
  • Why go: It’s the best place in the south to watch sports with a high-energy crowd and a perfectly poured Guinness.

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