The Clumsies
Alessandro Scire CalabrisottoShare
In the heart of Athens, an all-day bar named in honour of human imperfection has become one of the most celebrated drinking destinations on earth. The Clumsies pairs serious, award-winning cocktails with a warm, relaxed and refreshingly unpretentious spirit — a place where world-class technique never gets in the way of simply having a good time.
History
The Clumsies was founded by the acclaimed Greek bartenders Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis, two of the most decorated names in their country's cocktail scene. They transformed a building in central Athens into a multi-storey bar at a challenging economic moment for Greece, betting on quality and hospitality to win people over — a bet that paid off handsomely.
Success arrived remarkably quickly. Within a short time of opening, the bar was voted among The World's 50 Best Bars, an extraordinary achievement for such a young venue. It went on to climb to the upper reaches of that prestigious ranking over subsequent years, establishing Athens as a genuine force on the global cocktail map.
What Makes It Special
The charm of The Clumsies lies in its blend of excellence and ease. The name itself celebrates human imperfection, signalling a deliberate move away from stiff, overly formal bar culture. The result is a space that feels welcoming and homely, where guests are encouraged to relax rather than stand on ceremony.
Spread across multiple floors, the venue works as an all-day destination, shifting effortlessly from a relaxed daytime spot to a buzzing evening bar. Behind the friendly atmosphere sits a seriously accomplished team, and playful touches — such as creatively designed menus — add to the sense of fun without ever undermining the quality of what is in the glass.
Signature Serves
The Clumsies is celebrated for an inventive, ever-evolving cocktail programme that showcases the creativity of its founders and their team. Rather than resting on a fixed list of famous serves, the bar is known for thoughtful, beautifully balanced drinks that change over time, rewarding both first-time visitors and returning regulars.
The menus are designed to surprise and delight, with a strong emphasis on flavour, craft and presentation. This combination of technical skill and imagination has helped the bar earn its formidable international reputation, and its drinks are consistently held up as examples of contemporary cocktail-making at its best.
Visiting The Clumsies
Located in central Athens, The Clumsies is an essential stop for any cocktail enthusiast visiting the Greek capital. Its all-day format means there is rarely a wrong time to drop in, whether for a relaxed afternoon drink or a lively night out, though its popularity means booking ahead is wise, particularly in the evenings.
Visitors can expect warm, knowledgeable service and an atmosphere that balances world-class standards with genuine friendliness. For travellers keen to experience the best of Athens' renowned bar scene, a visit to The Clumsies is very often the highlight.
Curiosity: A Fun Fact About The Clumsies
The bar's name is a deliberate celebration of human imperfection — a gentle reminder that hospitality is about people, not pretension. It perfectly captures the venue's philosophy: take the drinks seriously, but never take yourself too seriously, and make every guest feel at home.