Kypseli is a neighbourhood full of stories, contrasts, and memories. Every street carries traces of the past, while in recent years, new establishments have been redefining its identity. Nestled between the bustling streets of Patision and Drosopoulou lies a small pedestrian street, just 61 meters long, known as Komna Traka. This narrow passage, which was almost unknown to many until recently, is now coming back to life thanks to the new bar that bears its name. Komna Traka is not just another bar in Athens` scene – it is an experience that makes you feel as though you are discovering something unique.
The pedestrian street Komna Traka is named after Komna Traka, a fighter in the Greek Revolution of 1821, who hailed from the historic Comnenus family. Although small in length, the pedestrian street has witnessed significant events. During the post-dictatorship period, it housed the political office of Akis Tsochatzopoulos, which carries its own implications for the area`s memories. For the old residents of Kypseli, however, the most nostalgic memory is the bakery-patisserie that once dominated the corner with Tinou Street, famous for its "pontikaki" (mouse) pastry.
Having grown up in the area, I admit that I was unaware of the name of the pedestrian street. However, I certainly did not miss the old patisserie with its wonderful pastries. Today, this historic corner is being reborn, bringing to the forefront a bar that perfectly fits the unique identity of Kypseli.
When I first walked into Komna Traka, I was captivated by its small details. It has retained the sign "Bakery-Patisserie" to remind us of the history of the place. It didn’t want to erase it; it wanted to continue it. An aesthetic that combines vintage and timeless elements creates an environment that transports you to another era. The wooden furniture, the subdued lighting, and the details reminiscent of old bars in Athens, or even Vienna, make the space particularly welcoming. There are no verbose decorative touches, and the charm of the place lies in its simplicity. The bar invited me to sit down and try some of the drinks on the menu.
The vintage Campari sign led me to start with a Negroni, which was perfectly balanced, followed by the Senorita`s Sour with gin, raspberry, and white chocolate cordial that offers a delicate, light sweetness. All of this in a bar where, if you go with your friends, you`re sure to engage in conversation for hours. In addition to the cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, there is an interesting wine list with a focus on Greek labels, as well as selections of beers for those who prefer something more casual. What particularly impressed me - in a positive way - was that the accompaniment for the Negroni consists of olives and marinated anchovies. So simple yet so rare.
Komna Traka is much more than just another bar. It is a meeting point, a landmark for those seeking a carefully crafted drink in an environment that combines the atmosphere of old Kypseli with modern taste trends. As the weather warms up, I am sure that the pedestrian street in front of it will fill with people, and this beautiful and interesting social buzz will enliven the area. I say this because when it’s empty, it loses a bit of its magic. If you find yourself in the area, it’s worth discovering—because sometimes, the smallest streets hide the biggest surprises.
Info: Komna Traka 2, Kypseli
The pedestrian street Komna Traka is named after Komna Traka, a fighter in the Greek Revolution of 1821, who hailed from the historic Comnenus family. Although small in length, the pedestrian street has witnessed significant events. During the post-dictatorship period, it housed the political office of Akis Tsochatzopoulos, which carries its own implications for the area`s memories. For the old residents of Kypseli, however, the most nostalgic memory is the bakery-patisserie that once dominated the corner with Tinou Street, famous for its "pontikaki" (mouse) pastry.
Having grown up in the area, I admit that I was unaware of the name of the pedestrian street. However, I certainly did not miss the old patisserie with its wonderful pastries. Today, this historic corner is being reborn, bringing to the forefront a bar that perfectly fits the unique identity of Kypseli.When I first walked into Komna Traka, I was captivated by its small details. It has retained the sign "Bakery-Patisserie" to remind us of the history of the place. It didn’t want to erase it; it wanted to continue it. An aesthetic that combines vintage and timeless elements creates an environment that transports you to another era. The wooden furniture, the subdued lighting, and the details reminiscent of old bars in Athens, or even Vienna, make the space particularly welcoming. There are no verbose decorative touches, and the charm of the place lies in its simplicity. The bar invited me to sit down and try some of the drinks on the menu.
The vintage Campari sign led me to start with a Negroni, which was perfectly balanced, followed by the Senorita`s Sour with gin, raspberry, and white chocolate cordial that offers a delicate, light sweetness. All of this in a bar where, if you go with your friends, you`re sure to engage in conversation for hours. In addition to the cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, there is an interesting wine list with a focus on Greek labels, as well as selections of beers for those who prefer something more casual. What particularly impressed me - in a positive way - was that the accompaniment for the Negroni consists of olives and marinated anchovies. So simple yet so rare.
Komna Traka is much more than just another bar. It is a meeting point, a landmark for those seeking a carefully crafted drink in an environment that combines the atmosphere of old Kypseli with modern taste trends. As the weather warms up, I am sure that the pedestrian street in front of it will fill with people, and this beautiful and interesting social buzz will enliven the area. I say this because when it’s empty, it loses a bit of its magic. If you find yourself in the area, it’s worth discovering—because sometimes, the smallest streets hide the biggest surprises.
Info: Komna Traka 2, Kypseli
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