OK, is it crazy to ask for this....

Is there such a thing as an authentic taverna in Athens, with folk dancing, THAT IS NOT A TOURIST TRAP OR FILLED WITH BUS TOURS?

I'd really like to go to an authentic place, not one staged for tourists on the 6 countries in 7 days whirlwind tour.

Any suggestions?

OK, OK, and if that is asking too much, how about a semi-touristy restaurant that will feel somewhat authentic.

Thanks!

Rick in Maryland

This link http://www.timeout.com/athens/rest/
might be helful. Though I would suggest http://www.athinorama.gr
but it is in Greek only.

For real food experience you should go to Salonica or Thessaloniki (northern Greece). Excellent food and environment

In the Plaka at the base of the hillside are several restaurants with dancing at night. Of course they're touristy, but the dancing was <i>very</i> athletic, not the dancing in a circle or smashing of plates sort of thing I'd seen in Greek restaurants at home.

Also, don't miss seeing the Evzones at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

I love the Greek dancing and the music! We went to a Greek festival not long ago and just listening to the music makes you want to jump up and dance, Have fun Rick!!

Many, many years ago I attended a performance of the &quot;Dora Stratou Folk Dancers&quot; ... I thought it was quite entertaining.

http://www.grdance.org/

Performances are at an amphitheatre near the Philopappou Hill, not too far from the Acropolis.

I seem to recall one could have dinner in Plaka and then easily walk to the amphitheatre in 20-30 minutes.

Try rembetika or laika or bouzouki clubs, they always have good music, and often audience members (as opposed to performers) dance traditional Greek style dances. These clubs pretty much always have a cover charge. I'm not aware of any tavernas or other food-service establishments that have performers dancing and whose target audience is not tourists (although you can see terrific dancing at some of these places, so who cares if the audience is full of tourists, since you are one too! :-}

On Matt Barrett's website he gives addresses for a few of these clubs, plus other websites also give suggestions that you can find easily with a google search. I just don't remember names of the places we've been -- I'd have to say, well, we were in Exarchia... or Psirri... or Plaka... or Kolonaki, but just can't come up with the names and addresses. Anyway, the Matt Barrett URL is http://www.athensguide.com/nightlife.html

Good luck and have a good trip!

Oh, yes, definitely planning to go to the Dora Stratou Folk Dance Theatre one night.

All the other suggestions are great, too.

Thanks!

Rick in Maryland