Where Thessaloniki Drinks: The 28 Unmissable Bars for 2026

A three-level hideout tucked into the old Bezesteni market, this bar has carved out a distinct identity through experimentation, seasonality and a strong sense of purpose. Ingredients are sourced from small Greek producers, many grown or infused in-house, and menus shift often to reflect whatever is freshest or most intriguing. The space moves from intimate ground-floor corners to livelier upper levels, each carrying the same polished, forward-thinking energy. It is also the only bar in Thessaloniki included in the World’s 50 Best Bars “Discovery” list, a nod to its inventive spirit and consistent ambition.

Long known as one of Thessaloniki’s defining night spots, The Residents builds its identity around sound. Live sets, DJ sessions and late-night playlists shape the room’s tempo, giving the space a charged, slightly underground edge. The crowd is easygoing, the lighting is low, and the bar keeps things unpretentious, creating an atmosphere where you can slip into the music without feeling rushed. It’s a familiar stop for locals who want a night that unfolds naturally, with warm energy and confident, alternative style.

03

Le Cercle De Salonique

This refined spot in the Ano Ladadika area is housed inside a beautifully preserved neoclassical building, with plush interiors that channel a bit of Parisian salon and a bit of speakeasy glam. Le Cercle de Salonique is known for its polished service, elegant glassware, and the kind of cocktail menu where each drink comes with a story, or at least an unexpected twist. The “Velvet Fig Negroni” and the “Dry Martini with Mastiha” are local favorites, both elevated by a stellar back bar of premium spirits and rare finds. It’s the kind of place to linger solo at the bar, or with a group in one of the deep banquettes, with a soundtrack that leans toward jazz, soul, and downbeat electronica.

Thermaikos has long held its place as a shoreline landmark, drawing people in with its expansive bar, thoughtful playlists and effortless shift from daytime calm to nighttime rhythm. The atmosphere invites expression, blending café culture, art-minded energy and dancing that often carries on well past midnight. Drinks are served beside wide-open sea views, and the room’s eclectic décor gives the space a personality that feels both familiar and quietly theatrical. It’s a dependable stop for anyone who wants a drink with scenery, music with intention and a crowd that knows how to settle in.

Yfilios is small in size but deeply rooted in the city’s nightlife, carrying close to three decades of steady regulars and easygoing evenings. The atmosphere is casual and familiar, the kind of place where groups gather without planning and stay longer than expected. Drinks come quickly, conversations stretch out till late and the mood stays light, helped along by simple bar comfort food like hot pizza that keeps the night balanced. It remains a trusted meeting point for friends who want something unpretentious and genuine.

This spot has spent more than a decade shaping a quiet reputation as one of the city center’s most atmospheric hideouts. The room is compact and warmly lit, with jazz and soul guiding the pace from early evening to late night. Regulars come for the calm, the curated music and the sense of familiarity that builds after a few visits. Cocktails are mixed with style and care and often arrive with a small tale from behind the bar, adding to the sense that this is a place designed for unhurried nights and good company.

07

La Doze

Tucked into a side street of the ever-energetic Valaoritou district, La Doze is more than just a cocktail bar — it’s a rotating cast of DJs, artists, and late-night energy. The vibe is distinctly alternative, with interiors that flirt with warehouse rawness and a bar menu that balances classics with creative new mixes. Behind the bar, bartenders aren’t shy about nudging you toward something unexpected: maybe a clarified punch with aged rum, or a savory-spiced gin blend with fermented tomato. La Doze also connects to Toss Gallery next door, which hosts experimental exhibitions, video installations, and other artistic happenings — making this a bar where culture and cocktails spill into each other.

Vinyl-only playlists shape the atmosphere here, creating a warm, nostalgic mood that fits the room’s mix of records and vintage finds. The space feels lived-in and inviting, the kind of place where you can settle in with a drink and lose track of time while flipping through albums or talking with friends. Each evening brings a new selection from the shelves, keeping the experience fresh for regulars who return for the music, the easy pace and the quietly distinctive character.

This long-running favorite has been welcoming night owls since 1995, offering steady energy and a view of the Thermaic Gulf that pairs easily with a late drink. The shelves carry a thoughtful mix of spirits, dependable wines and well-kept beers, along with a set of cocktails made with classic technique. Evenings tend to stretch out thanks to the lively crowd and the relaxed, open feel of the room, making it a comfortable stop for anyone who likes their night to unfold without hurry.

This well-established cocktail spot has spent more than a decade shaping a loyal following through careful craft and a smoke-free environment that keeps the focus on the glass. The room is minimal, warm and deliberately calm, creating an ideal setting for both quick early-evening stops and slow, lingering nights. The menu lists more than seventy cocktails, including several that build on Greek ingredients such as mastiha, island citrus or cognac-based blends. Everything is prepared with quiet precision, giving the bar a reputation for thoughtful, steady excellence.

High energy and inventive thinking define this spot, where each menu arrives as a fresh experiment in flavor. Classics are treated as starting points rather than templates, often emerging as bright sodas, layered cordials or silky purees after months of behind-the-scenes testing. The team works with unusual techniques and a wide palette of ingredients, creating drinks that feel familiar in structure yet surprising in taste. The atmosphere stays lively and upbeat, making it a natural choice for anyone who enjoys cocktails with a sense of curiosity and momentum.

12

Speakeasy Floor

You won’t stumble on this one — you’ll need to know where to look. Above a coffee shop in the Ladadika neighborhood, Speakeasy Floor is a nod to prohibition-era bars, but with a distinctly Thessaloniki twist. Expect tufted leather, dim lighting, and a menu that plays with both old-school and contemporary cocktail techniques. One night might bring you a barrel-aged Boulevardier, the next a cold-infused gin sour with thyme and citrus. There’s a low hum of jazz and swing in the background, and a cigar list for those inclined. Whether you’re coming for the atmosphere, the craft, or the escape from street-level chaos, this bar makes a strong case for keeping things just a little bit secret.

This lively corner spot stands out for its open, barless setup where every drink is prepared in full view, giving the experience an easy, theatrical flow. The mood leans tropical and bright, with a design that keeps the room feeling warm and contemporary. Cocktails follow the same spirit of creativity, drawing on unexpected pairings and carefully built flavors, including earthy, nut-forward mixes and lighter, aromatic combinations found on its “Shibui of Aesthesis” menu. Service stays attentive and upbeat, which helps the space feel both relaxed and finely tuned.

This eco-minded hangout builds its character through restored vintage pieces, collectible décor and a clear commitment to keeping waste to a minimum. The atmosphere feels warm and leans somewhat into vintage vibes, with soft lighting and small details that reward a slow look around the room. Drinks range from easygoing cocktails to beer and specialty coffee, all set against playlists that slide between funk, soul and jazz. The result is a space that balances retro charm with a modern, sustainability-first outlook.

Set within an 1881 villa, this bar carries a sense of old-world elegance while embracing a contemporary approach to flavor. High ceilings, patterned floors and period details create a refined backdrop for cocktails that draw on tradition without feeling tied to it. New ideas are tested through regular tasting sessions, and the menu often features combinations that highlight Greek ingredients in subtle, inventive ways. The overall experience feels celebratory, as if each drink is meant to honor both the building’s history and the city’s broader cultural heritage.

Housed inside the ON Residence boutique hotel, this all-day spot moves with a polished, contemporary rhythm from morning through night. Daytime brings carefully prepared coffee, light snacks and a calm atmosphere that suits both quick stops and unhurried breaks. As evening settles in, the lighting softens, the ‘80s playlist grows bolder and the focus shifts to a selection of cocktails designed with clarity and balance. The space feels composed and stylish, offering a smooth transition from daytime ease to an elegant nighttime mood.

Evenings here unfold with an upbeat, playful energy that draws a wide mix of people, from fashion-minded regulars to laid-back night wanderers. The room carries a touch of vintage glamour and a confident sense of fun, helped along by a cocktail list that favors imaginative blends, including a set of gin drinks inspired by iconic film actresses. Music shapes the atmosphere as the night moves on, keeping the space lively without feeling rushed. It’s a dependable choice for anyone who wants a spirited crowd and a mood that leans toward the theatrical.

This upbeat all-day venue has become a fast favorite thanks to its lively energy and striking setting inside the bright atrium of the historic Pelosof Arcade. Mornings revolve around well-made coffee and a steady flow of pastries, while lunch and early evening bring a mix of light dishes that suit both quick visits and longer catch-ups. As night approaches, the atmosphere grows louder and more social, with cocktails and easygoing drinks filling the tables beneath the arcade’s century-old architecture. The design feels fresh without losing the charm of the building, making it a stylish meeting point at the heart of the city.

19

Malt n’ Jazz

A Thessaloniki institution, Malt n’ Jazz has been serving up serious drinks and serious tunes for more than 20 years. You’ll find it on the first floor of a stately building near the city center — part whiskey den, part music lounge. The decor is warm and worn in, with a bar that seems to have been built for long, meandering conversations. The soundtrack is a steady rotation of blues, rock, and jazz, often delivered live from the small but mighty stage. Whiskey fans will feel at home here — the menu spans everything from small-batch bourbons to rare single malts — and the bartenders are always ready to steer you toward your next favorite dram.

Italian aperitivo culture takes center stage here, with a menu built around sparkling, spritz-style cocktails mixed to feel bright, light and unapologetically celebratory. The room carries an easy elegance, echoing the mood of early-evening gatherings in northern Italy. A buffet of small Italian bites accompanies the drinks, offering everything from crisp snacks to simple savory plates that keep the experience social and relaxed. It’s a cheerful stop for anyone who wants a taste of aperitivo hour in the middle of Thessaloniki.

21

Super Ioulios

A dedicated natural-wine bar that fills a clear gap in the city’s wine bar scene. The space — tall-ceilinged, rectangular, with spare décor and a theatrical industrial-style light-scape – evokes a train-carriage ambience: benches and bar stools flank the walls, bottles chill in refrigerators, and at the far end one finds a small open kitchen. The wine list is strictly natural or low-intervention Greek bottles – about sixty-six in total – with roughly one in three available by the glass. Accompanying the wines are modest bites: regional cheeses and cold-cuts such as a goat’s cheese from Kozani or Lefkadian salami. Evening by evening, Super Ioulios emerges as a refined, quiet option for wine lovers seeking something rooted in the land.

22

Tzela Delta

Hidden inside the historic market district of Kapani, Tzela Delta begins its day as a no-frills coffee and snack bar. As afternoon turns to evening, it shifts mood and lights, becoming a small cocktail spot with its own character. The house list includes seven original cocktails — from reworked Negronis to espresso-martini riffs — crafted with attention to balance rather than theatrics. The vibe tilts toward electronic, rock or disco music, with a noticeable boost Thursday through Sunday when DJs take over. For a late-market drink or a rapid transition from espresso to aperitif, Tzela Delta offers an easy, flexible stop.

23

Wine Hideout

This low-key sanctuary for serious wine drinkers has a cellar – visible on a feature wall – that houses over four hundred labels from Greece and abroad, with more than one hundred accessible by the glass. Patrons can choose from a broad range of wines, including a notably rich Santorini section, and enjoy small plates designed to pair with their pours: pinsa, cheese or cured-meat boards, wine-aged graviera, and other light plates tailored for sharing. The atmosphere is calm and grown-up — less bar, more wine lounge — ideal for those who want to taste slowly, converse quietly, and let the wine do the work.

24

Dangara

Dangara brings a distinctly regional character to Thessaloniki’s bar scene. Situated near Rotonda, it calls itself a “gastronomic bar,” combining hearty dishes from Western Macedonia and Florina (like sout makalo meatballs, giant beans, smoky tomato-glazed pork belly or Prespa beans) with a selection of northern-Greek wines. The space has a rustic, convivial energy — not refined minimalism — and invites group dinners that easily stretch into late hours. Dangara is less about sleek cocktails and more about substantial flavors, regional identity and communal atmosphere.

High above the city center, this rooftop favorite pairs wide Thessaloniki views with a playful sense of myth-inspired creativity. Daytime brings a calm flow of coffee drinkers and remote workers, but the atmosphere shifts as the sun drops behind the gulf and the music grows warmer. Cocktails draw on Mediterranean herbs, seasonal fruit and subtle nods to ancient stories, often arriving with unexpected aromatic twists. The setting feels open and relaxed, with soft lighting, an easy crowd and a steady run of DJ sets that carry the night without overwhelming it. It’s a breezy, confident stop for anyone who wants a drink with altitude and a bit of imagination.

26

Le Coq Tail Mix Bar

A wide city view sets the tone here, especially at sunset when both the terrace and the indoor lounge fill with an easy, social buzz. Days are relaxed, with coffee, light plates and soft music shaping the mood, while evenings tilt toward cocktails that favor balance over theatrics. The crowd is mixed and friendly, and the space keeps a comfortable pace from early evening through late hours. It’s a dependable choice when you want a drink with atmosphere but without any fuss.

27

Hive 02

Simplicity and locality guide the philosophy at this contemporary bar, where many ingredients are sourced from producers within a short radius of the city. The ground floor offers a calm setting for a casual drink, while the upper level lends itself to slower, more deliberate tasting. Drinks are built around clean flavors and thoughtful technique, giving the menu a quiet confidence. Hive O2 appeals to anyone who appreciates a grounded, ingredient-driven approach to cocktails.

28

Philia

A warm, quietly stylish bar with an emphasis on comfort, conversation and soft lighting, this spot invites slow evenings rather than high-octane nights. Cocktails lean toward clean, elegant builds with gentle aromatics and seasonal touches, supported by a small list of wines and easygoing pairings. The atmosphere is intimate and unhurried, making it an appealing choice for people who prefer a more understated night out. It’s the kind of place where you settle in and stay longer than planned.