(costacoffee.gr) – Athens, Greece

How I heard of this place: We walked through the National Gardens leading to the Parliment building, where we were just in time to view the movement of the guards (15 minutes of synchronized movement from the stationary positions) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When it ended, we had only another 15 minutes before watching the changing of the guards. I happened to notice the coffee shop across the street, and made note, just in case…

Type of cuisine: Hot and cold coffee beverages, including blended, frozen options, fruit smoothies, iced tea, freshly baked pies, muffins, cakes, paninis, and a wide variety of cold sandwiches.

Ambiance: Small and cozy, the noticable white, block lettering on the burgundy sign draws attention. The floor-to-ceiling, open, glass windows and wide doorway are open to view the checkered, tiled floor and illuminated glass-top pastry case. A handful of small, rounded, wooden tables are available, and one bar-like setting around a pillar, with matching chairs to accommodate patrons wishing to indulge in.

What I ordered: I chose a small (16-ounce) Mocha Creamy Cooler, topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Chris selected a large (20-ounce) Toffee Creamy Cooler (no coffee), the cup decorated with caramel sauce prior to adding the frozen beverage, topped with whipped cream and more caramel sauce.

What I loved: Both! Yum! It was the perfect, hot-weather, late-morning beverage to cool and refresh our senses and give us the burst of energy needed to continue our whirlwind tour of ancient ruins and historic Athens.

Why I loved it: Simple, creative, international coffee shop with a keen sense of how to create delicious beverages.

Cost: Average (€3-€6 per beverage)