The heart of Rhodes nightlife is largely divided between the old town and the new town. The medieval streets are home to some excellent wine bars showcasing the country’s most formidable wineries, often with soloist performances. Locals often congregate in simple, dimly lit bars in bustling Arionos Square, or burn off energy dancing late into the evening in small, lively open-air restaurants. Rhodes Town offers a curious diversity, from a craft beer joint to a speakeasy, most of which are hidden in alleys. There are a few beach bars along the coast, while the resort of Lindos has a few good rooftop bars.
For more Rhodes inspiration, check out our guides to the best hotels, things to do, restaurants and beaches.
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Old City
10GR
A group of Rhodian oenophiles knew what they were doing when they restored the stone vaults of a 2,000-year-old former granary, which has served various purposes over the centuries, including entertaining ladies of the night. Today it is an atmospheric wine bar with an intricate, hand-carved walnut bar, which has spawned a 10-room boutique lodge. The cellar stocks approximately 170 Greek labels from major wine-growing areas, and most of the Rhodian wineries are represented. Meet small-scale wine growers, old grape varieties and hard-to-find wines such as Thalassitis, which is aged underwater near Santorini. Native black pig and buffalo are among the delicious side dishes.
Contact: 10grhotel.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Just drop by or call in advance to reserve a table
Alter ego
Once the home of an Ottoman general, the oatmeal-colored walls and curved hallways of this dimly lit, chic bar-restaurant need little embellishment. The outdoor summer edition of the Old Town’s largest club attracts a dedicated, well-dressed local crowd at the scarlet bar. Arrive shortly after 11pm to snag a seat in the club for a classic mojito or gin and tonic, as standing room is only available from midnight. Thursdays are reserved for 90s and 00s hits, both Greek and global, while the soundtrack is mainstream on Fridays and Saturdays, followed by RnB on Sundays.
Contact: alterego-bar.gr
Prices: ££
Getting in: Smart casual. Just drop by or call in advance to reserve a table
Macau
An old watermill from the Italian occupation, which supplied the entire neighborhood with water, serves as the bar and focal point of this open-air bar that is a favorite with party-loving islanders. Cocktails worth tasting include Smooth ‘n’ Prickly, a blend of vodka, vanilla, hibiscus and prickly pear, and Red Bullet, a synthesis of vodka, lime, basil, homemade yoghurt syrup and strawberry. Order some sushi while resident and guest DJs get the crowd moving with electronic, afro-soul, disco house and deep house, with the volume increasing as the evening progresses. Percussionists and acoustic guitarists occasionally perform.
Contact: macaobar.gr
Prices: ££
Getting in: Smart casual. Just drop by or call in advance to reserve a table
Rhodes town
The last butler
Without a doubt the city’s smoothest jazz bar, you’ll think you’ve stumbled across a prohibition-era speakeasy in Harlem, classic without a sign giving it away. Yiannis Morfopos leads a group of seriously talented bartenders who come up with fantastic creations like The Marvel of Mankind, named after the palace the King of Babylon created for his wife, along with The Hanging Gardens. Serial Chiller combines aged Caribbean rum, coconut rum, cocoa, vanilla, lime and mango sorbet, while Dia De Los Muertos celebrates the Mexican holiday with aged tequila, pink grapefruit liqueur, hibiscus, cardamom, lime, salt and black pepper in a skull glass.
Contact: 00 30 2241 038981; Facebook page
Prices: ££
Getting in: Just show up. You can make a reservation for the exclusive salon
The Union
It’s just a good atmosphere here. Everyone is welcome, even if you come alone, in this cheerful Hawaiian-style meeting place hidden in a city center arcade. Palms, banana trees and 400 dangling bananas decorate the industrial tropical setting, where you can groove to house, afrohouse, funk and hits from the 90s. Start your evening with bestseller In Rust We Trust, a spicy drink of rum or gin, passion fruit puree, lime juice and ginger syrup. Sink your teeth into delicious homemade burgers, especially The Union, or try smoked bass bao buns. Note the cheerful monthly street parties.
Contact: 00 30 6934 357340; instagram.com/the_union_bar
Prices: £
Getting in: Just show up. Reservations recommended for large groups
Ronda beach bar
If you take a dip at Elli Beach or walk along the waterfront promenade that connects the old town with the new town, this bohemian beach bar-restaurant is an attractive place to cool off with a dip and a drink. Architect Armando Bernabiti is said to have designed the striking building, which was built in 1938 during the Italian rule of the island and previously served as public baths. An anthracite gray marble bar reflects the cylindrical shape of the main room. Elsewhere, rattan lamps, pine chairs and hanging vines create a Thai-inspired look. Lie down under a macramé umbrella and inquire about Cair, Rhodes’ sparkling wine.
Contact: ronda.gr
Prices: ££
Getting in: Smart casual in the evening. Just show up. In summer you can call in advance to reserve a table
Southeast coast
Cozze & Champagne
This unintentionally retro rooftop bar offers views of the Lindos Acropolis, the whitewashed town and the main harbour, but the lynchpin of the operation is a contemporary embodiment of the artsy bartender. Gin-ophiles should opt for the myrtle and mastic scented premium Greek gin Grace with cucumber, rosemary, thyme and craft soda. The Great Magistrate’s Secret, based on spiced rum, is a striking signature cocktail. However, it’s best to let the master mixologist create a crafty medley, with ingredients like volcanic black salt. His version of hot, buttered rum, made with cognac, is extraordinary. Conversations between strangers flow effortlessly to a backdrop of afro and deep melodic house.
Contact: cozzechampagne.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Smart casual in the evening. Just show up
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience on this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who’s dropped by to give you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to suit every type of traveler – and take service, drinks, atmosphere and price into account in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.