Bar
The Clumsies
The award-winning all-day cocktail bar of bartenders Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis, spread over several floors of a townhouse in central Athens.
Upupa Epops
A colourful café-bar spread across three former houses in Petralona, serving brunch by day and cocktails with Greek flavours around a courtyard at night.
At a glance
- Type
- Café and cocktail bar
- Area
- Petralona, Athens, Greece
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Courtyard
- Brunch
- Cocktails
- DJ sets
Why we recommend it
Upupa Epops is one of the most characterful bars in Petralona, the residential neighbourhood on the far side of Philopappos Hill. It occupies three former houses arranged around a bright, airy courtyard, and the official city guide describes it as a colourful café with a cool courtyard that turns into a fashionable cocktail bar at night. It is also listed among the city's top cocktail bars.
The name is the Latin name of the hoopoe, and the bird's black, white and pink plumage inspires the playful decor, with distressed walls set against bright, postmodern colours. The courtyard is the heart of the place, and on warm evenings it is one of the most pleasant outdoor spots for a drink in this part of the city.
By day, Upupa Epops is a good brunch stop, serving comfort classics such as eggs Benedict, croque madame, pastrami sandwiches and pancakes, along with coffee. In the evening the focus moves to drinks. The cocktails are created by co-owner Marfi Bali, a well-known Athens bartender, and they rework classics with Greek flavours, using herbs from the countryside, local spirits, handmade sodas, shrubs and syrups. DJ sets provide an eclectic soundtrack later in the evening.
The bar suits couples and groups of friends looking for somewhere relaxed and less touristy than the bars of the centre, and the daytime café is an easy stop for anyone staying in Koukaki or Petralona. Prices are moderate. It gets busy on weekend nights, when the courtyard fills up, so arrive early if you want a table outside. Opening hours are not published on an official website; check its social media pages before you go.
Petralona metro station on Line 1 is a few minutes' walk away, and Koukaki and the Acropolis Museum can be reached on foot around the base of Philopappos Hill. The neighbourhood has plenty of tavernas and other bars, so it is easy to make a full evening of it, starting with a sunset walk on the hill and ending with a cocktail in the courtyard. Because it works as both café and bar, it is easy to drop by for brunch one day and return for cocktails on another.
Upupa Epops FAQs
What is Upupa Epops?
A café by day and cocktail bar by night, set in three former houses around a courtyard in Petralona.
What does the name mean?
It is the Latin name of the hoopoe bird, which inspires the decor.
Is there brunch?
Yes, including eggs Benedict, croque madame, pastrami sandwiches and pancakes.
Who makes the cocktails?
Co-owner Marfi Bali, a well-known Athens bartender, creates the drinks with Greek herbs and local spirits.
Is there music?
Yes, DJ sets play in the evenings.
Where is it?
At 7 Alkiminis Street in Petralona.
How do I get there?
Walk a few minutes from Petralona metro station on Line 1.