At Quinn’s Wooden Bar, Athens Discovers A New Destination.

In an era where many bars occasionally flirt with excess, Quinn’s in Ilisia serves as a reminder that true quality lies elsewhere: in the finer details, the warmth of the space, and in good drinks that speak for themselves. A new bar that feels as though it has always been there — almost like a secret waiting to be discovered.
 
The feeling that you`re in a bar created first out of love and then out of a desire to impress is rare. Quinn’s in Ilisia, the new project by Ilias Marinakis, manages to convey that sense from the very first moment. Perhaps it’s the inviting mosaic flooring, or the heavy wooden bar, or the Jeronimo Bosch painting that dominates above it. Or maybe it’s the fact that behind every corner of the space, there’s a story that had already begun to unfold as early as 2024.

Although Quinn’s has only been open for a few weeks, its logo bears the inscription Est. 2024, honouring the period when the idea was conceived. Ilias Marinakis decided to create a space reminiscent of the classic bars he admires. A bar where the wood will age beautifully over time, the stools will be fixed to the floor, and conversations will flow freely. While bringing this vision to life may have taken some time, today Quinn’s proves that every moment of patience was worthwhile.

Ilias Marinakis is no stranger to the scene. With nearly two decades of experience behind some of Athens’s most renowned bars, Quinn’s represents his personal gamble – and perhaps his own moment of redemption. The name bears a double meaning: it is a tribute to his favourite pub in Camden, as well as to his father, Antonis, whom friends affectionately call ‘Kuin’. In this way, the establishment gained its soul before it even opened its doors. 

The wooden bar dominates the space, sturdy and welcoming, while the mosaic floor and the heavy stools, firmly anchored to the ground, reinforce the sense of permanence. Above the bar, Hieronymus Bosch’s painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights" stands as a silent focal point, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

At Quinn’s, the cocktail menu pays homage to the classic school, with a touch of effortless creativity. The Dry Martini, made with Plymouth Gin, dry vermouth, and lemon, is served crystal-clear and perfectly balanced — just as it should be. The Stupid F* Bird** playfully experiments with banana, raspberry, Aperol, gin, and lemon, delivering a delightful sweet-and-sour freshness on the palate. For those who favour richer flavours, the Luscious, with salty caramel, milk chocolate, vodka, and espresso, offers a full-bodied, almost dessert-like character.

On the other hand, Venus in Furs combines reposado tequila, mezcal, strawberry, and guava into a tropical universe accented with hints of vanilla and coconut. Meanwhile, Flew Over My Head balances sour grapes, Midori, blood orange, and prosecco, creating a harmonious interplay between acidity and fruity brightness. The Timorous Beasties offers a potent blend of Laphroaig, bourbon, Campari, and bitters, with the gentle bitterness of nutmeg leaving a graceful impression at the finish.

For those seeking a classic Cosmopolitan with a slight twist, Cosmopolitan Kinda blends cherry, vodka lemon, orange, and cranberry into a sophisticated variation. Naturally, no cocktail menu would be complete without a bold tiki-inspired option: Undead Quinn, aka Zombie, is an indulgent mix of falernum, Jamaican rums, overproof rum, and absinthe, delivering a powerful and complex profile.

Even the non-alcoholic options deserve a mention, with Adam and Eve playfully combining mandarin, fig, or ginger beer — proof that at Quinn’s, quality is consistently upheld across the entire menu.

Quinn’s opens early in the morning with excellent coffee from Create, crafted by Stefanos Dwmatiwtis, without any compromises on freshness or ingredient quality. As the day progresses, the bar fills with visitors seeking drinks, but soon there will be another reason to linger: the food. Periklis Koskinas has curated a small, refined menu featuring simple yet impeccable offerings: comfort food dishes that perfectly complement the drinks without overshadowing them.

In Ilisia, just a few steps from the former Hilton, Quinn’s brings something authentic to Athens’ vibrant scene. A bar that doesn’t pretend or shout, but wins over with its honesty and style. And, as often happens with the best places, you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer.

Info: Maiandrou 7, Ilisia