Category Archives: Night Life

The Dubliner

dubl

This place describes itself as the only 100% Genuine Irish Bar and Restaurant in Thessaloniki and it is actually true !

It is owned by Irish people, and the style and feeling is totally Irish. Ok, I’ve never been to Ireland but it reminds me a lot of a classic English pub so I am sure it is pretty close to the real thing. I also have the impression, correct me if I am wrong, that Irish people have a similar mentality to greek people so this is a combination destined to succeed.

I know that many international groups such as meetup and Internations select it for their events as it is quite spacious and also in a very central location in Ladadika.

It is also conveniently located very close to my office, so it is ideal for a midday sun break or an after work beer for me!

It will be nice to visit for St. Patrick’s this month !

Where : Katouni 16-18, Ladadika

Rover Bar

roverRover is one of my favourite after work chill out destinations as it is located on the sunny side of Ladadika, and has a small very cute yard to enjoy.

Since it is winter and a sunny yard is a dream at the moment, let me tell you that it is also worth visiting for the unique wooden interior with many floor levels.

Rover is a classic nightlife bar,  hosting a lot of live bands and dj sets on a regular basis. It also hosts some vintage markets and is a well know film festival hot spot !

Where : Salaminos 6, Ladadika

Bord de l’eau

boI so love this place ! I was really amazed when I first came here. It is so smart and modern and urban and relaxed at the same time.

It is really a multi space, with a bar space + an artistic space for events and exhibitions. It holds guest dj events and is very popular for student crowds but also older urban people.

If somebody does not take you there, it will be very difficult to find. It is completely out of sight from the main street – Egnatia – hidden behind a curtain.

Where : Egnatia 45

Aigli Geni Hamam

aig.jpgThis is the #1 destination for anyone who is stuck in the city or just returned from vacations and want to feel like they did not. If you are in town for a few days only this is a must visit as it combines the historical visit with a relaxed drink or dinner.

This is a 16th century building that was originally build as a Hamam during the Otoman era. It later became an open air cinema, then a place for cultural events and after that remained closed for several years.

It is now more beautiful than ever, functioning as a relaxed coffee bar restaurant.  It is located just behind the church of Saint Demetrios so you can go for a coffee right after your visit to the church. As dusk falls, the place completely transforms to an exotic back yard with the big screen showing chill out videos transferring your mind to far away places !

Where :  Ag. Nikolaou & Kassandrou

Reworks 2014

rIn its 10th edition this year, Reworks is the audio – visual Festival of Thessaloniki that wishes to present the most modern artistic waves, from all over the world, to Greece. It presents, for the first time in front of the public, new musical and artistic trends through various works and showcases, while in parallel to that it presents the exclusive works of native artists and especially designed projects. Musical waves, concert and live performances, visual art presentations, workshops and a free street stage will be housed for the first time in the 10 year history of the festival within 4 days.

On day 1 Wednesday, September 17th, the festival will present a special concert of Max Richter with the Symphonic Orchestra of Thessaloniki. On Friday September 19th Reworks will present workshops and a street stage presenting domestic acts openly to the public as an answer to the economic crisis which strikes Greece, while in the night it will present a special line up on 2 stages at Block33. On Saturday 20th of September Reworks returns to its place of birth the MYLOS complex with acts from all over the world.

On the last day, as always Reworks will say goodbye with a special rooftop event at the MET Hotel hosting Resident Advisor with a special line up on board .

For another year, Reworks will become a collection of sounds and ideas, a meeting point of resonant voices, a window to tomorrow. From the electronic sound and disco aesthetics to Neo-Classical, pop, funk, soul & jazz and from the performances of established artists to the first performances of new and developing creators, it will try to visualize the need for a cohesive motif of entertainment.

Detailed program here. 

metamatic:taf

t1metamatic:taf is a well known multicultural space in Athens that very recently opened it’s sister place in Thessaloniki !

I discovered it by accident this weekend, since it is hidden in an old building off-valaoritou area.

They informed us that they had just opened a week ago and we were very happy for the new discovery !

What is it ? It is a bar and also art space.

t2As you can see there is already an art exhibition at the front space.  The building itself is really amazing and the whole atmosphere very relaxed and post modern.

metamatic:taf Thessaloniki is located in the cultural and entertainment center of the city at an abandoned until recently listed building at Edessis street. It aims to be an independent establishment implementing events related to all forms of artistic production, open and accessible to the public all year round, seven days a week.

Through practices that strengthen people’s participation and solidarity, all members of the community and especially young people are given the opportunity to implement and present their creative ideas, thus contributing to the formation of the city’s cultural policy and identity.

More info

Where: 5 Edessis str., Ano Ladadika

Vogatsikou 3

Vogatsikou 3 is the new hot place in town ! It opened only a few weeks ago in the place of the town’s most famous bar of the 90’s, Bel Air and has quality written all over it !

The spirits collection is impressive, the cocktail list magnificent, the style and atmosphere amazing !

I really don’t know if it is the energy of the place itself that makes it unique or the new concept of the bar, I think both.

Vogatsikou 3

This is a place that even if you are not a heavy drinker you will want to try everything.  The spirits offered are premium quality and you will have the chance to experience unique tastes and brands.

If you are a fan of cocktails, then this is your place. There are more than 70 cocktails on the catalog. If you find it difficult to choose, then just ask the bartenders to help, they are very professional and helpful with suggestions.

The crowd is a mix of the trendy crowd of the 90’s who are still enjoying a good night out and the younger generation. The music is also a mix that applies to all age groups, upbeat with a soulful twist, and gives the final touch.

Overall, I was really impressed by the combination of top quality drinks, music, service and atmosphere. I give a 10/10 and will certainly be back very soon !

Finally a bar like it is supposed to be !

Vogatsikou 3
Cocktail Bar
Vogatsikou 3

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Coq au Zen

I was really troubled if I should write about this place in the blog, because it is my # 1 favourite winter place for the last 3 years and is already quite crowded.

I finally decided that a) it is not fair to keep secrets, b) who reads this blog anyway, c) the universe will give back to me someday, so here it is, the one and only, Coq au Zen !

Coq au ZenWhat I most love about this place is the unique atmosphere. It is located in a small old shopping arcade, so in the daytime you will also see small shops open next to it. As night time approaches, the arcade is transformed to an atmospheric bar and you forget you are in Thessaloniki.

Coq au Zen has good quality drinks and menu, an interesting selection of wines, and is also a good option for a lunch break or early dinner. After 22.00 it gets really crowded, except from the summer days where people prefer more outdoor settings.

The music is also very eclectic and quite different night after night, depending on the dj.

Don’t be surprised if you hear a live piano set, there is one at the back and not only for decoration !

Coq Au Zen
Bar
Valaoritou 37

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CityZen Wine Bar

CityZen is an elegant wine bar that opened one year ago. Although new in town, it quickly became a favourite among wine lovers.

Featuring an extensive wine list which you can also enjoy by the glass, elegant atmosphere and music ranging from lounge to upbeat depending on the time, it is a stylish all day wine bar.

It’s central location and setting make it an ideal choice for winter.

CitiZen

The crowd is from mid 20’s up to much older but always classy and stylish. The older ones are actually mostly people who know how to have fun and you can find out for yourselves if there is a special occasion party. I’ve been there to such parties myself and all the crowd was dancing like pre-crisis times ! This is not the normal style of this bar though.

Overall it is a place to find Zen in the City, like it’s name suggests, and is actually one of the best suggestions to chill out with a coffee or drink after a day of work or shopping !

CityZen

Wine Bar

P.P.Germanou 12, 54622, Thessaloníki

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The Bar

The BarOne of my favourite bars all year long is The Bar in the White Tower area.  This bar last year celebrated its 10 years and I also celebrated 10 years of going there with my friends !

It is one of the few places I equally enjoy during summer and winter. and actually feels like home to me !  The decor itself is not the normal bar atmosphere but it has a unique colourful, ethnic mix style, which is exactly my style !  The stuff is very friendly and will always find you a place to sit even if it is fully crowded, which is a big plus if you go late on a Saturday night !

Since this October came with a cool attitude and temperature dropped very quickly … this is a great suggestion for one of your first indoors Friday night drinks.

If you are lucky, you might get the chance to see one of the live bands they house at some winter nights.  They have provided us with some excellent memories of good times !

The Bar
Bar
Nikiforou Foka 3

Near White Tower

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