Depending on what you read, Greece is either all doom, gloom and iffy politics or fab cocktails and amiable bartenders. Guess which side of the fence we’re sitting on?
In spite or maybe because of ‘The Crisis’, the bar scene in Greece – Athens in particular – is positively thriving. Obviously having two bars 0n the World’s 50 Best Bars list (The Clumsies at number nine and Baba Au Rum making a welcome re-entry at number 40) doesn’t hurt on a local level. But it’s cool initiatives such as The Clumsies American Dream Bar that piques the interest of cocktail lovers from further afield.
You don’t need to work too hard to figure out why; the clue is in the name. Ask yourself: what would the near as dammit ultimate American bar tour look like? If you’re anything like us, it would take in Garibaldis, decidedly moreish aperitifs and Negronis every which way at Dante; exemplary service and mouthwateringly exquisite drinks in both NoMad bars, and hot dogs and the cool cocktails at the ultimate speakeasy, PDT.
There would be a few more must-visits in between of course but everybody’s last stop would surely take in banging drinks, a lesson in how to do high volume in fine style, plus chicken soup at Employees Only. That’s New York… In San Francisco, the very good vibes at Trick Dog would definitely be top of the list and in Los Angeles, well, it’s got to be the five-course cocktail tasting menu that you have to book two weeks in advance for at The Walker Inn.
That would be some bar tour right? It would also be some distance to clock up in one night. But guess what? The Clumsies are bringing all six of these incredible bars together in one historic building for one very special evening. Which means all you have to do is make sure you’re in Athens on 9th March to be part of it. Each bar will be bringing their own brand of magic and offering a signature cocktail for €10 – a fraction of the price of a flight to the US… Plus, Ann Tuennerman from Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans will be in town giving a talk too. Boom!
And while these bars coming together under one roof in Athens is a big draw, be sure to factor in an extra couple of days to check out the local talent. Our favourites include Baba Au Rum, The Gin Joint, 42, Theory Bar, The Trap, Noel, and of course, The Clumsies as well as first-class vermouth-based cocktails and tasty Italian nosh at Odori, its elegant younger sister. Yamas!
For more information, see theclumsies.gr or follow them on Facebook
