5 Greek Coffee Chains That Will Make You Forget About Starbucks
Coffee culture is everywhere, even in the street art. Piraeus, Greece.
Calling all coffee lovers of the world! You may think of Greece and picture the beautiful island destinations, or the brilliant ancient Greek society filled with philosophers, war, and democracy, or maybe you just think about the powerhouse gospel music from Hercules. Whatever your mind drifts to, just know that you are sadly mistaken. No, if Greece should be known for anything, it should be known as the coffee capital of the world. In 2017, the country collectively consumed 40,000 tons of coffee and ranked 17th . With an absurdly abundant number of coffee shops, Greece has ranked among the world’s top countries for coffee consumption for years. In fact, the 3rd largest city in Greece, Larissa, is known as the coffee capital of Europe with one coffee shop for every 100 citizens. Coffee shops line the streets giving you limitless options for the perfect brew.
Although Starbucks ranks supreme in the U.S., the Greeks have all but rejected the international coffee chain. Just 31 of our little green havens exist in the country. And for those that do exist, unfortunately they won’t accept your Starbucks points or gift cards. While Starbucks may be difficult to find, here are 5 even better alternatives to fill your cups.
Gregory’s Cafe
The bright green sign reading “Γρηγόρης” can be found all across Greece. Don’t worry about missing this popular coffee chain, the neon lettering can be seen from a block away. Gregory’s is great for a simple espresso order and a light snack. It also offers the cheapest espresso-based drinks on this list. Even with my typical order of a chicken salad - normally €4.50 in comparable chains - is just €3.70 here. With on-the-go options like breakfast bars, ham and cheese pies, yogurt parfaits, and fresh orange juice this is a great morning stop. It’s also one of the largest coffee chains in Europe, though it can only be found in Greece, Cyprus, and Romania. Of this list, Gregory’s definitely has the widest range of pastry options. Stop here if you’re focused on a quick snack!
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.60
Photo: Hiveminer.com
CoffeeLab
Perhaps my least favorite on this list, but Coffee Lab still needs to be mentioned as one of the largest chains in Greece, and because of its emphasis as a company on sustainability and quality. Their beans come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. The only reason I consider it my least favorite on the list is because the roasts tend to be more bitter. Maybe that’s my own fault for not clarifying I want an Arabica blend, but as we all know, I refuse to accept responsibility for myself and my actions! Coffee lab boasts over 100 stores around the country, as well as Cyprus and Egypt. The stores definitely have a cozy, hipster feel to them that mimics a Starbucks ambiance, just adjusting the color pallet a bit. While the drinks here are more innovative than some other chains on this list - like adding Cold Brew for example - it pays for these innovations with a slightly higher cost to consumers.
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.80
Coffee Island
If you were to ask me my favorite coffee chain in Greece, I’d answer Coffee Island without hesitation. I have tried dozens of coffee shops at this point, and there is something altogether comforting and familiar about this coffee chain. Maybe because it has the largest number of stores in the country and there’s quite literally a store on every block. You have your choice between 419 Coffee Islands (compared to Gregory’s 330 stores) across the country. This isn’t really a specialty shop, but their Greek coffee and espressos are always made with quality. They fall into an average price range among larger chains, and they have fewer food options than some other shops on this list, but that just means that they have more of a focus on their coffee roasts. You can also buy coffee grains in the store pre-packaged, or have them fill up a bag from the bean dispensers placed along the wall. Last time I was in Greece I made sure to bring a bag of coffee beans home to my family so they could experience an authentic brew.
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.70
Photo: Franchise Portal
Coffee Berry
This coffee bar has probably the most modern feel to its store display, yet it’s a nearly 15 year old company. Spread across 115 stores around Greece and Cyprus, Coffee Berry gives a modern and sleek look to coffee. But it’s beyond the aesthetics that make this one of the best coffee chains in Greece, it’s the variety and quality of the coffee itself. Specifically, the grinders used by this chain is one of the most high-end and highly regarded coffee tools on the market. With 21 types of coffee to choose from and 5 methods for production, you are given a chance to personalize your cup to the fullest. The emphasis on quality and customer experience make Coffee Berry a top choice among high-end coffee connoisseurs, while still being an affordable option.
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.70
Photo: Greek Reporter
Mikel Coffee Company
If you’re looking at this list and wondering which coffee chain can replace Starbucks as a pseudo-coworking space, then Mikel’s Coffee is just that. While every other coffee chain on this list offers public seating, they don’t always offer wifi or comfortable indoor seating, and, most importantly, charging ports. Mikel’s is a growing coffee chain that offers much more than just coffee. Mikel’s offers full breakfast menus, a wide range of coffee and espresso products, as well as milkshakes and snack options. You could honestly spend an entire day at one of these stores. One of the youngest chains on this list, Mikels is the most widespread with 208 stores spread throughout Greece, Cyprus, the U.A.E., UK, Australia, even the U.S. and Saudi Arabia of all places. First launched in Larissa, Greece, you know this company is dedicated to creating a quality coffee brand. The catch? Just like Starbucks, this coffee chain bumps up the prices.
Price: Freddo Espresso - €2.00
Honorable MentionS
Bruno
If Bruno was as popular as Coffee Island, this might have been my favorite chain. If the coffee itself doesn’t wake you up, the bright atmosphere of one of their stores will. Embracing bright yellow branding and an emphasis on illumination lighting, Bruno emits a high energy and positivity that is more motivating than relaxing. What’s amazing is that Bruno is the second coffee chain on this list to launch in 2008, just on the cusp of the financial crisis. While the world economy, and Greece’s economy in particular, suffered greatly in the last 10 years, coffee consumption remained at steady levels. Today, coffee and coffee shops are enjoying a growth in sales. Bruno will have all of your favorites, as well as some unique products, like the Brunoccino and Brunito. Not sure what I’m talking about? You’ll have to visit a store to find out!
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.70
Cafe Mera
Unique to Thessaloniki, this coffee lounge is a popular spot among university students and the unexpected traveler, like me. Situated down the street from the Aristotle University, Cafe Mera caters to over 100,000 students, as well as every other citizen in Greece’s second largest city. A large and relaxed environment with plenty of outdoor seating, this cafe also offers board games, a wide variety of food and drink options, a dozen smoothie options, and specialty coffee and espresso drinks. If you find yourself in Thessaloniki, stop by this cafe and ask for the Milky Way, an iced espresso with baileys and whipped cream.
Price: Freddo Espresso - €1.30
Be warned, though, most coffee shops will charge you a different price depending on if you plan to sit or take-away. Usually a 50 cent increase if you plan to sit. Most smaller shops will have the option of walking into the store to order or ordering from a window open to the street. “Grabbing coffee” is a common phrase shared by young and older generations alike, transcending age, gender, class, all of it. Coffee is the great equalizer in Greek society. If someone asks you to grab coffee, be prepared to sit and talk for 2-3 hours. This is going to be difficult for Americans to understand, but that one cup of coffee should last you the full 3 hours.
Have you tried any of these coffee shops? Think another chain deserves to be on this list? Let me know by leaving a comment below!