Cocktails around the courtyard of three Thissio townhouses
Upupa Epops links three restored interwar houses around one of Athens's most attractive bar courtyards. Original tiles, tall doors and layered rooms give it the texture of a place accumulated over decades, while the sheltered centre keeps the mood sociable even when the surrounding Thissio streets are quiet. Brunch fills the daytime; later, house cocktails, music and conversation become the point.
The courtyard is the prize, so reserve or arrive early on warm weekend nights. Indoor rooms are characterful but offer a different experience, and tables are placed closely when demand is high. Upupa works especially well for small groups and dates that may extend from one drink into several. Visitors seeking a rigorous, hushed cocktail tasting should choose an earlier hour; later in the night, the bar's energy and architecture matter as much as minute drink detail.
What visitors say
Google and Tripadvisor visitors repeatedly praise the restored-building setting, leafy courtyard, creative cocktails and friendly service. Brunch, coffee and the transition into an animated evening are also frequent positives, with many reviewers treating the venue as somewhere to linger rather than stop for one quick drink. The atmosphere receives as much attention as any individual menu item.
At peak periods, some guests find the seating too tight, the room too noisy or the service slower than expected. A smaller number reports indifferent table allocation or food that did not match the strength of the drinks and setting. Our take: Upupa Epops is one of Athens's most distinctive courtyard bars. Secure the space you want, prioritise cocktails over a large meal and come before the late crowd if conversation is central to the evening.
Good to know
Cocktail bar, Courtyard, Thissio, Brunch, Historic building, and Groups
