Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What financial crisis? Thessaloniki's irrepressible drinking scene rumbles on undaunted.
If anything, Greece's economic downturn has benefitted the scene, forcing more creativ-
ity, competition and better live music. The following lists some of the best bars, cafes
and clubs by location.
Valaoritou
After five years of solid success, gritty, graffiti-strewn Valaoritou is still the alternative
fave, though more mainstream and Greek places have arrived too.
La Doze
BAR
MAP
(Vilara 1; 8pm-4am)
La Doze is probably Thessaloniki's only bar where the skateboard-
ing unemployed and owners of sports cars mingle - the crowd is so diverse and unpre-
tentious in this happy little aquarium of sparkling light and freestyle-DJ action that no
one even notices when the bartenders crack open a €500 bottle of tequila (one of 50 vari-
eties here).
Indeed, La Doze is famous citywide for its 150 expertly made cocktails. Musically, no
two nights are the same. The owner (art dealer and world traveller George Tsiridis) loves
travellers - throw your backpack in the locked storeroom in the upper art gallery (for
free), and he'll even welcome you to Thessaloniki with a complimentary beer.
Gambrinus
BAR
MAP
( 6987151489; Vilara 2; noon-late)
Although it's not immediately distinguishable from
its neighbours, you'll soon discern the rock pumping out of the darkness within, where
the enthusiastic Czech owners serve an excellent range of beers from the homeland.
There are tasty snacks, sausages and...free popcorn! Closed Sundays.
Fragile
BAR
MAP
( 2310 547 443; Valaoritou 29; 11pm-5am Apr-Oct)
High above Valaoritou, Fragile is an
open-air rooftop bar. Surrounded as it is by the neighbourhood's other dark and derelict
office blocks and rundown shops, the views are more Gotham City than postcard-pretty,
but no matter - it's a fun spot that broadcasts an eclectic mix of pop, indie and electron-
ica into the night. Tip: locals also call it Taratsa.
