8 Salaminos Str., Ladadika, Thessaloniki In the heart of Thessaloniki, inside a renovated preserved building at 8 Salaminos Street, Blue Cup serves as a meeting point between the world of specialty coffee and the art of fine drinking. Since April 2013, it has been offering a refined experience through single-origin coffees and manual brewing methods, as well as signature cocktails that have built a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the city.
The people behind the success
Blue Cup was destined to change the way the city experiences coffee and drinks. A group of friends with a shared vision and a passion for quality decided to create a space that would combine their love for third-wave coffee with the culture of high-quality drinks and nightlife. What started as a café with authentic character has evolved into a multi-dimensional venue of experiences that reshaped local expectations.
Indeed, Blue Cup is above all about its people. The owners and their team have built a crew that invests not only in the quality of the products but also in the relationship with every visitor. For them, every guest is a friend — part of a growing community. Their expertise in coffee and alcohol, combined with a personal touch, makes every visit unique.
The Third-Wave Coffee philosophy
Blue Cup made a strong entrance into Thessaloniki’s specialty coffee scene. From day one, the owners aimed to introduce the core values of third-wave coffee to the public: freshly roasted beans, transparency in sourcing, respect for coffee varieties, and skill in preparation.
A morning espresso at Blue Cup is not just a daily routine — it’s a ritual accompanied by information, flavor, and a personal connection with the baristas. This is how it built a loyal clientele that seeks quality and authenticity.
It’s worth noting that Blue Cup also operates as a roastery — visitors can purchase ground or whole-bean coffee, along with brewing tools like the V60, Chemex, Aeropress, Syphon, and more.
From Coffee to Quality Cocktails
As Blue Cup gained the public’s trust, 2015 marked a significant turning point. That year, the space was expanded to include a dedicated bar, giving the establishment new life.
The team decided to invest in alcoholic drinks with the same seriousness, focusing on cocktails and unique flavors. They didn’t stick to the classics — they dared to create signature recipes, play with concepts, and bring a more creative edge to the forefront.
Today, visitors know that every drink at Blue Cup is the result of research, inspiration, and technique. In fact, the owners recently launched a cocktail series inspired by the 1990s and the Sega Mega Drive — a concept that impressed and highlighted the playful side of their creativity.
The First Speakeasy Bar in Greece
As part of its evolution, Blue Cup took a bold step by creating Greece’s first speakeasy bar — a hidden space discovered by climbing a secret staircase to the upper floor. There, the setting changes completely. The ambiance recalls the Prohibition era in the United States, with a dark, mysterious atmosphere and décor that takes you back to the 1920s and ’30s.
In this speakeasy, nothing is superfluous. The menu is entirely drink-focused. The bartenders craft signature cocktails that have become known for their uniqueness. The music, often played from vinyl records, enhances the authenticity of the experience, making guests feel as though they’ve entered a secret world where everything is crafted with detail and love for the unconventional.
The Power of Music
Music is an integral part of Blue Cup. In the speakeasy, vinyl nights are held every Wednesday, giving the space a unique identity. The analog sound harmonizes with the bar’s atmosphere, creating an experience that lingers in memory. Meanwhile, in the main area, funky nights every Friday and Saturday lift spirits and bring people together in a lively, joyful vibe.
Finger Food and a standout courtyard
The Blue Cup experience goes beyond just coffee and drinks. Its finger food menu ideally complements the venue’s philosophy. Options include pinsa, smash burgers, hot dogs, and club sandwiches — comfort dishes that suit any occasion. Whether you’re pairing coffee with a light lunch or enjoying cocktails with friends late into the night, there’s something for everyone.
Blue Cup’s courtyard is one of its most beloved features. A space that offers coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter — thanks to outdoor heaters — it serves as a small oasis within Thessaloniki’s urban landscape. It’s a place to relax, alone or with company.
A Success Story that continues
Since 2013, Blue Cup has never stopped evolving. With a commitment to quality, an open mind to new ideas, and a focus on crafting experiences, it has won the hearts of not just Thessaloniki locals but also visitors to the city.
Blue Cup is a textbook example of a success story built on vision, persistence, and a dedication to excellence. It started as a café that introduced Thessalonians to third-wave coffee, evolved into a venue with an innovative approach to cocktails, and made history by creating the first speakeasy bar in Greece.
With music nights, quality drinks, signature creations, flavors that complement the overall experience, and a courtyard that has become a go-to destination, Blue Cup continues to show how passion and innovation can create something truly unique.
