From Kolokotroni to Karneadou, an all-day bar with a steady hand behind the counter, serious drinks, consistency, and effortless style

If 42 is “the answer to the meaning of life,” it belongs to that era when Athens still knew exactly how to enjoy both its days and its nights. Now the storied bar has hit restart in Kolonaki—keeping its DNA intact and translating it into a contemporary space that runs from the first coffee to the last cocktail.

More than fifteen years ago, at the start of Kolokotroni Street, next to the metal sign of “Kentrikon,” a small bar with the mysterious name “42” began serving far more than drinks: it served atmosphere, point of view, and a low-profile cosmopolitan sensibility.

The name—borrowed from Douglas Adams’ universe and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where 42 is (supposedly) “the answer to life, the universe, and everything”—fit that sui generis bar perfectly. It was built on a simple, not-at-all-obvious formula: serious drinks, an old-school mindset, and an urban feel with zero pose. It quickly became the reliable haunt for those roaming the center who wanted a bar with character, not fanfare.

In the years that followed, 42 evolved, experimented, and stepped confidently into the barstronomy era, with Spyros Kerkyras at the helm and a team that knows how to run a bar with real consistency. And now, in its “second life,” it makes a new—yet entirely logical—move: to the heart of Kolonaki, with a mature identity and a clear vision.

The new 42 on Karneadou

At the Lemos International Centre on Karneadou Street, 42 reinvents itself without betraying its roots. It’s no longer just a night bar—it’s an all-day meeting point that fits every version of you: sneakers and laptop for a morning coffee, business attire for an after-office drink, or a more dressed-up mood for evening cocktails. Come solo, with friends, or for a date, and you’ll never feel like you “don’t belong.”

42 remains genuinely inclusive: sophisticated yet approachable, polished but never staged.

An urban living room in the city

The mood at the new 42 feels like a European bar set that decided to soften the volume and dress a little more everyday. The bar “embraces” the room; green leather sofas and gold-toned metal chairs play off high tables and stools, creating a lively lounge that’s always in motion.

On the floor, mosaic meets industrial touches in a palette of greens and warm neutrals. In the back: a fireplace, bookshelves, a chess table, and black-and-white cats framed by witty quotes—small signatures of the space, little inside jokes you discover over time. A glass ceiling and a window-wall let Athens’ light, shadows, and sounds spill in, so it truly feels like a “home in the city” with an international vibe.

The bar philosophy

Spyros Kerkyras—owner, bartender, and someone who understands the bar better than most—has built the program on one core principle: nothing is accidental. From the type of ice to the choice of glassware and the ingredients, everything passes through a strict filter.

The back bar respects spirits and places the classics in a smart balance between familiar and fresh. Signature drinks play with earthy notes, aromatic distillates, and house-made blends—always aiming for cocktails with personality, not just “concepts.” Expect Dry Martinis with an old-world air, an Old Fashioned the way it should be, and Margaritas with bite and brightness.

From breakfast to the last cocktail

In its new home, food isn’t trying to be fine dining—but it is treated seriously, designed to stand next to your coffee or your drink rather than simply “fill a gap.”

The menu, curated by Dimitris Nikolis (Sea You), leans into comfort ideas with an international lens:

• Morning/brunch: truffle croque madame, avocado eggs, and other options that keep you happily at the table.
• Lunch: salads like Roman with Cretan avocado, Pollo & Mango with fruity vinaigrette, kataifi prawns, or pork–crab spring rolls with tomato jam.
• Evening: mini Wagyu burgers, sushi rolls, and beef tartare on brioche—ideal bar bites with real intention.

At 42, music is always present. From smooth jazz to urban and retro grooves, with resident DJs alternating with guest sets, the soundscape guides the mood. It often becomes the backdrop for themed nights, guest mixologists, or pop-up appearances from the international bar scene.

Spyros Kerkyras sums it up simply: 42 isn’t just a number on a lit sign. It’s a way of translating the pulse of the modern city into a glass—and sharing it with everyone, from first light to the last cocktail of the night.

INFO
Lemos International Centre, Karneadou 25, Kolonaki — Tel: +30 210 7225985
Hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–01:00 | Fri & Sat 08:00–03:00 | Sun: closed