Intro: Why Zante’s Pubs Deserve Your Loyalty (and a Few More Euros)
Imagine this: You’re in Zante, Greece, the sun’s dipping into the Ionian Sea, and your feet are still sandy from the beach. You need a beer. Not just any beer—you want the kind of pub that’ll make you forget your ex’s name, your phone password, and your dignity. Welcome to Zante’s pub scene: a mix of tavernas with questionable plumbing and rooftop bars that charge €15 for a beer but somehow still call it “artisanal.”
This guide is your cheat code to surviving (or thriving in) Zante’s pub world. Spoiler: There’s a pub that looks like it was designed by a cat who’s been drinking for weeks. Also, you’ll find out where to get the best ouzo that’s not actually ouzo.
Pub 1: The “I’ve Had Too Much to Drink to Pronounce the Name” Taverna
Nestled in the corner of Laganas, this pub is a masterclass in “authentic” Greek charm. The owner, a guy named Giorgos (or Georgios or Giorgio—it’s confusing even for him), serves beer in recycled wine bottles. The tap water is €3, but the local lager will set you back €6.50. Pro tip: Order the “special” and prepare for a mystery flavor that might taste like regret.
- Why Go: To pretend you’re in a movie where the protagonist solves a murder using only olives and a rusty spoon.
- What to Order: The “Greek Special” (probably Skoda beer) and a plate of dolmades that might contain actual secrets.
- Internal Link: Why Giorgos Shouldn’t Be Making His Own Beer at Home
Pub 2: Skyline Rooftop Bar — Where the View Costs €10 More Than the Beer
If you’re here to sip a €12 craft lager while pretending you’re in Miami, Skyline Roofbar is your spot. The vibe is “sophisticated,” the lighting is dim enough to hide that you’re wearing last year’s jeans, and the DJ plays 2012 EDM hits. The best part? The view. The worst part? The view. Like, “I paid for this and it’s just a hotel with a sign that says ‘Zante’” view.
- Why Go: To impress your date with a photo of the sunset and a €18 “local specialty” cocktail that’s just vodka in a fancy glass.
- What to Order: The “Zante Sunset” (gin, lime, and the faintest hint of regret).
- External Link: Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer (Because Skyline would probably pay €100 for your €20 brew).
Pub 3: The “I’m Not a Pub, I’m a Café That Sells Beer” Trap
Located on the main strip of Kalamaki, this place is a masterclass in confusion. The menu says “café,” but the owner insists it’s a “pub.” The WiFi password is written on a napkin that’s been used to wipe up someone’s tears. The beer is €5, but if you ask for a “tap water,” it’s €4 and tastes like it’s been recycled by a seagull.
- Why Go: To experience the thrill of ordering a beer and getting a “special offer” you didn’t ask for.
- What to Order: The “House Lager” (which is Skoda, but they’ll charge you like it’s imported from Mars).
- Internal Link: How to Make a Pub That Sells Skoda Look Like a Michelin Star
Pub 4: The “I’m a Bar But Also a Gallery, Because I’m Broke” Spot
Tucked behind a mural that’s 70% peeling paint and 30% existential dread, this pub is the love child of a thrift store and a failed art student. The barista, who looks like they haven’t slept since 2015, serves €6 craft beer and €8 “artisanal” burgers that are 80% lettuce. The playlist is a mix of 2000s indie rock and the sound of the AC breaking down.
- Why Go: To feel like you’re in an art film that’s only playing in one theater in Zante.
- What to Order: The “Local Brew” (Skoda) and the “Special Burger” (lettuce).
- Internal Link: Why This Pub Needs a Business Consultant
Pub 5: The “I’m Too Cool for You” Rooftop Bar
Located in the heart of Laganas, this pub is for people who think €15 for a beer is a “steal.” The vibe is “exclusive,” the lighting is dim enough to hide that you’ve spilled wine on your shirt, and the DJ is a guy named Paul who plays 2009 dubstep. The best part? The view. The worst part? The view. Like, “I paid for this and it’s just a hotel with a sign that says ‘Zante’” view.
- Why Go: To pretend you’re in a movie where the protagonist solves a murder using only olives and a rusty spoon.
- What to Order: The “Local Special” (which is Skoda, but they’ll charge you like it’s imported from Mars).
- Internal Link: Contact Us to Avoid Paying €15 for a Beer
FAQs: Your Burning Questions (and Our Answers)
- Q: Are the beers really Skoda? A: Yes. In Zante, Skoda is the default beer. Even the fancy pubs call it “local.” You’re welcome.
- Q: Can I get a better deal on beer? A: Only if you bring your own. But then you’re a tourist, and you’ll be fined €200. Just pay the €5 and pretend it’s fine.
- Q: Are there pubs near the beach? A: Yes, but they’ll charge €10 for a beer and €5 for the view. The view is just the beach.
Final Tips: Survive Zante’s Pub Scene Like a Local (or at Least Like You Know What You’re Doing)
1. Always order a “local beer.” It’s Skoda, but you’ll feel like you’re drinking something exotic.
2. Never order a “tap water.” It’s €3 and it tastes like regret.
3. If a pub serves a “special” cocktail, ask for the ingredients. It’s probably just vodka in a fancy glass.
4. Bring euros in small denominations. The owners might not take cards, and they’ll charge a 15% fee if you pay in crypto.
5. Never, ever ask for a second opinion on the “artisanal” burgers. You’ll be charged €10 for a salad.
Call to Action: Drink Responsibly (or Not, We Don’t Care)
If you’re ready to experience Zante’s pub scene like a local, or at least like you know what you’re doing, visit Strategies.beer for more guides on surviving Greece’s bar culture. And if you’re a bar owner in Zante and want to avoid €15 beers, contact us for business strategies that won’t make tourists cry.
P.S. If you see a pub that charges €20 for a beer and calls it “craft,” you’re in the right place. Zante thrives on these things.
