Cafés to get your mojo working

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Black Duck Garden

Black Duck Garden

We love it for its playful cuisine and its verdant oasis. Black Duck Garden, located bang in the middle of one of Athens’ first gardens, commissioned in 1836 by King Otto and Queen Amalia, is inspiration enough for even the staunchest of procrastinators to roll up sleeves and get down to work. Its stunning neoclassical architecture, understated hues and lush interior greenery don’t hurt either.

The Underdog

The Underdog 

As one of the first micro-roasteries in the city, The Underdog has always attracted coffee purists looking for their daily grind of freshly roasted beans. Add a beautiful garden, stunning Acropolis views, hearty brunches (those eggs benedict and pancakes are worth the trip alone!) and the rich aromas of a freshly-brewing pot of coffee wafting through – you’ve run out of excuses to not getting a day’s work done.

The Art Foundation

The Art Foundation (TAF)

An old, wooden entrance, a courtyard rife with green fauna and an industrial-style bar, TAF is now a point of reference in the cultural map of the city. This beautiful building of folk architecture on Normanou Street that once housed a thriving brothel (or so claimed by locals), is now a space for experimental exhibitions and creative collaborations. Ever since it opened nine years ago, TAF has very quickly endeared itself to Athenians seeking their perfect cup of java with a side order of alternative culture. If you’re looking at getting some work done in an animated setting while loading up on your daily roast, this might be the place.

Kain

Kain

While some bookworms prefer a typical no-frills Athenian coffee shop, others need artistic inspiration to submit that essential assignment. As one of the only all-day bars in Mets, Kain is a vibrant spot with flamboyant, elevating interior design. If its  flamingo wallpaper isn’t inspiration enough, its baristas brew a mean cup of coffee, strong enough to keep you going until the wee hours. Now that you’ve got your job done, let your hair down and sip one of the many motivating cocktails on offer.

Booze Cooperativa

Booze Cooperativa

One of the first ‘multi-space’ cultural hubs that opened in Athens thirty years ago, Booze Cooperativa is sprawling enough to find a quiet corner to hunker down. Its interesting decor with patterned tiles and retro references, its art gallery hosting counter-culture exhibitions and its two bars should be reason enough to visit this neoclassical gem, but we recommend it for its swanky coffee shop where you can take a break from your to-do list by playing a game of chess on the café’s vintage wooden bench or chat with friends.

Bios

Bios

This retro space combines art with technology for the trendy coffee lover, and its post-industrial design and décor sets the tone for getting some serious work done. Its large windows make for ample natural light, so you can’t hide away in a dark corner playing Angry Birds. An added plus for culture-vultures, Bios holds performances and plays on a regular basis.

Ntemonte

Ntemonte

To sink into the deep recesses of Ntemonte‘s inviting sofas might seem counter-productive but it is a cosy, homey spot to have a morning cuppa and plug into work mode. Escape from familiar faces and the shopping temptations that abound in Kolonaki and unwind with one of Ntemonte’s fragrant teas as you type furiously away at your laptop.