Brettos

Brettos is Athens' oldest distillery, operating since 1909 in the same narrow Plaka building where three generations of the Brettos family have crafted ouzo, brandy, and traditional Greek liqueurs. The real spectacle is the floor-to-ceiling wall of backlit bottles that bathes the entire space in amber light, creating one of the most photogenic bar interiors in Europe. You'll taste spirits made in the basement below your feet while surrounded by hundreds of bottles glowing like stained glass windows.

The bar feels more like a working distillery than a tourist trap, with locals dropping by for shots of house ouzo paired with olives and cheese. The narrow space fills up quickly after 7pm, and you'll find yourself squeezed between Greek regulars and curious travelers, all sampling small glasses of potent spirits. The family members behind the bar pour generous tastings and explain their production process, which hasn't changed much since 1909.

Most bars in Plaka are tourist-focused, but Brettos maintains its authenticity despite the crowds. Shots range from €3-6, and you can buy bottles to take home for €15-25. Skip the wine and stick to their house spirits, the ouzo is particularly excellent. Come before 8pm to avoid the worst crowds, or after 10pm when day tourists have cleared out.