Top of the Strip
Joker Square is the newest bar on the strip, and it’s one of the biggest, and already one of the best. I suppose that was inevitable really, as my very good friend Floris, and I go back to his Good Fortune days in Ayia Napa, circa 1987, you couldn’t get any more authentic and traditional, my little sister Mell worked with them in 1995, so I dined there often … in those days Andreas was small enough to fall asleep on the table lol!
Like Father
Floris moved to Protaras in 1992, opening Olympus Restaurant, and naturally, the quality of the food was the same if not even better. His three sons worked with him, so gained extensive experience from the best, and at the same time, youngest son Andreas had Woody’s pub on the top road, for a couple of decades, a very successful British-style pub, all wood and brick, appealing to the British market and passing visitors.
Family Business
In 2021, Floris decided to retire, and they amalgamated Woody’s & Olympus Restaurant and turned it into Joker Square, with the 3 sons, aka 3 Jokers, Andreas, Vangelis, and Christos taking the helm, and as Andreas said “and so, we started a new era.”
3 Jokers
This is without a doubt, one of my favourite bars on the strip and now one of my favourite eateries too … I asked Andreas, why the ‘3 Jokers’? He said in Cyprus, the Joker is the one that does all the jobs. So I asked Floris what are you now, King of the Bar? He laughed and said … No! I’m the ‘Jack’, I’m here to keep the peace lol
All in One
Let’s start by saying, this place isn’t just any old bar, but naturally there’s a very good chance you’ll find your favourite tipple, as this bar is fully stocked. It’s also a cafe if you just want to grab a snack, and it’s a restaurant if you want a 3-course meal. It’s also an entertainment bar, every night in the summer, and a live music venue, with regular live bands even through the winter, on Fridays and Saturdays, and at the same time it’s a sports bar, in fact, there’s so much happening here that I can’t cover it all but here’s a quick peek …
Behind the Bar
Top Barmen and Mixologists, serve all your favourite tipples, from a massive menu. There’s 11 Beers and ciders on draught, including Carlsberg and Keo, then the British favourites, John Smiths, Heineken, Erdinger Weissbier, Leon, Estrella from Barcelona, Guinness from the Green Isle, and my favourite Stella Artois from Belgium. As for Cider, you’ll find, Magners, Thatchers, Strongbow and the tantalizing Koppenberg Strawberry and Lime Ciders … If that’s not enough they’ve also got loads of bottled beers from all over the world!
That’s the Spirit
There’s a massive selection of spirits, all imported, and original … There’s 10 Gins, including Hendricks, Bombay, Pink Gin and 4 flavours by Whitley Neill … 6 Vodkas, 5 Rums, and my tipple Whiskey, with some very special blends to choose from, all the way up to Johnny Walker Blue Lable. If fact, Andreas assures me if you’d prefer Gold Lable just ask!
In the Mix
All the cocktails are made with premium spirits, by experienced mixologists. On that note the cocktails are split into; 16 Vodka based delights, everything from Sex on the Beach to a Screaming Orgasm, or my favourites the Gin Cocktails, you must try the Gin Fizz, served in proper Gin glasses or the 69 Special, soooo moorish 😉 … and for Rum Cocktails, top of the list The Joker, Spiced Rum, Fanta Orange and Guinness Top
Specials
Here’s where they come into their element; Their Frozen Cocktails are absolutely delicious, and then there’s the Barman’s Specials, mixing a Long Island Tea to knock Mike Tyson’s socks off. The Porn Star Martinis are really naughty, The Espresso Martinis and of course, all the Classic Cocktails and even the children have their selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, they’ll love!
Sports Bar
When it comes to ‘Live Sports’, this place is hard to beat, boasting over 30 Big Screen TV’s covering all the live sports at the same time, so, they can be showing the Premier League from UK, the Rugby from Ireland, the boxing from USA and the Golf from Dubai all with English commentary, and tbh, if it’s not on, all you have to do is ask … oh and, if you like cracking a frame or two, do ask about the regular Pool competitions.
No Joke
Serving only the best quality without holding back on quantity … Opening at 9 am or 10 am ‘ish, am for Breakfast, for a Full English; 2 eggs, 2 bacon, sauteed mushrooms, pork sausage, beans, grilled tomato, toast and jam, or The Cypriot, 2 eggs, village bread, sausage, sliced lountza, grilled halloumi, fries, olives, tomato and cucumber … Opa!
Healthy or Vegan
You must try The Jokers Breakfast; Sliced fillets of smoked salmon, 2 poached eggs, fresh avocado, and Philadelphia cream cheese, served on toast … or The Vegan Coconut Yoghurt Bowl, vegan coconut yoghurt, plant-based granola, fresh berries, and dried coconut flakes.
More Munchies
Some of my favourites include delicious Jacket Potatoes, and 8 different kinds of pasta, the Carbonara is delicious, and the Seafood Pasta is a tastebud explosion … or choose a lovely fluffy Ommellett, maybe a tasty Club Sandwich or Pizza, or the Jumbo Pork Chop, that just about fits on the board, or everyone’s favourite, The Rack of Spare Ribs, that’ll leave you licking your fingers as well as your lips!
Specialities
This place specialises in Platters on Boards to share with your friends … My fav is the Steak Platter but the top seller here is the Hot Grill Meat Platter with Black Angus Beef from Argentina or Ireland … They also have Cold meat platters, Cheese Platters, Fruit Platters or Mixed Joker Platters.
Fresh
All the dishes are cooked fresh to order even the Beefburgers are homemade, with Black Angus Beef and the chips are hand cut using the freshest Cyprus Potatoes from a local farm … and let’s not forget a selection of Fresh Fish & Seafood dishes including the Freshest of fresh Sushi … Oh and, Andreas let me into a little secret that they are launching a new menu very soon …
Parties & Events
These guys live to host, so it’s an awesome place to throw a party or special event, from your anniversary or birthday to your stag nights or hen nights. They’ll always start the party by lining up a row of shots to compliment your first round and you can choose the food for your party buffet … Oh and, don’t be surprised if you get surprised here …
Entertainment
In the summer months, there’s live entertainment every night … Tribute Acts, Live Bands, Comedy, and this year one of my favourite bands Lithos Rock Band will be resident at Joker Square, and when it comes to entertainment Kris and the guys are just awesome!
Winter Warmers
During the winter months, Lithos Rock Band are live every Friday and Saturday night … On Fridays, it’s English Rock & Pop and Saturdays it’s Live Greek Night … You may need to book to guarantee a table.
Open all year
Summer
Daily: 9 am ‘ish ’til Late
Winter
Daily: 9 am ‘ish ’til 11 pm
Directions
You’ll find them at 9, Leoforos Protaras, Protaras … it’s at the top of the strip, quite apt really, close to Magic Dancing Waters … Click on the Google Map Icon below …
GPS: 35.017794, 34.047401
No:1 On Quality & Quantity
More …
Network Reference No: 9009
