Athens Exarhia

Barba Yianis, 94 Em. Benaki (☎210 38 24 138), This taverna has been around for 90 years, and it hasn't lost any of its charm. Pale yellow walls, high ceilings, and a cafeteria-style food selection make this a cozy place to sit and enjoy some classic Greek “homefood,” in the words of the manager. Try the beef in small pieces (€8), roast pork in lemon sauce (€8), and the green beans (€5). Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Boe, Araxobis 56 (☎210 38 35 811), A hipster coffee shop in a hipster area. In a giant corner venue with umbrellas and chairs out front, this cafe stays busy until closing every night. Settle in with a book or laptop and pass the afternoon away in the cool, marble-floored environment, then head outside with friends at night for some cappuccino and conversation. On a budget? Take your beverages to go—Boe, like many restaurants in Athens, has cheaper prices for takeout. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Kavouras, 64 Themistokleous (☎210 38 38 010), Cheap souvlaki and beer in a great location make Kavouras a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner. Add a vegetarian souvlaki to any meal for just €0.90. Though variety isn't this place's forte—the menu consists entirely of souvlaki varieties—it does this Greek fast food staple well. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.
Club Crepe Xarchia, Corner of Ikonomou and M. Themistokleous on Pl. Exarhia (☎210 38 40 773), Delicious crepes right on Pl. Exarhia. Huge salads (€5) come with tons of ingredients, but the food is made to order and not as quick as the self-proclaimed “fast food” moniker would suggest. Fidgety people and late-night eaters beware: seating is on a bit of a slant and you may topple over on accident. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Barbara's Food Company, Em. Benaki 63 (☎210 38 03 004; www.bfoodcompany.gr), Wide, white-painted boards and metallic countertops give this spacious eatery an airy feel. Greek yuppies sit at tables and try the rigatoni with mozzarella (€6), the salmon with ginger and orange (€8.50), and fettuccini with swordfish and tomatoes (€7.50). Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Fasoli, Em. Benaki 45 (☎210 33 00 010), For food cooked with love and served under an obscene number of uber-hip, steel-encased lightbulbs, come to Fasoli to enjoy modern taverna food in their main room, downstairs, and outside. Every day brings new specials, and regulars boast about the great service. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.