A Land Mark
This place hardly needs an introduction, it’s been one of the busiest bars on the strip since Stelios’ father Stephanos opened it in 1998. I first met Stephanos in 1987, and got to know him better when I worked on the watersports next to his on Protaras Bay in ’91. 1n 1998 Stephanos handed the Watersports down to sons Alex and Kyri, Stelios’ big brothers, and opened Ghetto Cocktail Bar pretty much dead centre of the strip in Protaras. Sadly a massive fire destroyed the place in 2013 and they moved up to the top of the town and I mean that in both senses of the word.
What Next
I finally managed to catch up with Stelios, who’s at the helm these days, much as he graduated in Law at Leeds University following 4 years of studies. And followed that with a short stint at the infamous Pittagis Law firm in Paralimni. I asked Stelios, now 39, to remind me what happened; he said, “My dad was getting older and he passed the watersports down to my big brothers Alex and Kyri, and I was a bit young, so I just helped out in the bar, and after the fire in 2013 we wondered what to do next?
Just by Chance
Just about that time, this place was up for rent and we bit the bullet and moved Ghetto Bar to the top of town” and I quit my full-time job to run the bar with my beautiful wife Katerina by my side as always”.
Not In The Ghetto
I have to say this bar is nothing like its name … it’s spacious, with a cool modern design, comfy seating, with an awesome sound system and cool lighting, and it’s one of the few bars playing nice Chill-Out music by day and party sounds by night. In fact, the nearest it gets to its name is when the Elvis tribute sings the song! … But tbh, where this place excels is in its choice of nightly entertainment, selecting the best live vocalists and tribute acts on the circuit!
At the Bar
They’ve probably got your favourite tipple, with Carlsberg, Keo, Leon, Stella Artois, Kopparberg Cider and Guinness on Draught … With loads of bottled beers from all around the world including John Smiths, Desperados, Hoegaarden, Paulaner Weiss, San Miguel Especial and Peroni.
In Fashion
There’s a huge variety of Gins, including my favourite award-winning gins from local distillers. At that, he mixed me a Vanilla Raz, a blend of Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry fruit Currie, Rose Peppercorns and Guava Juice … Mmmm!
Specialities
Now, this bar is famous for its cocktails, using only imported spirits and carefully selected compliments … with proper mixers … Stelios is a self-taught mixologist spending literally hours each year looking for new ideas on the net amongst others. I asked him to explain; Stelios said, “When we opened the new bar in 2015, I wanted to elevate the experience for travellers. I wanted to try and avoid the cliches of things like Sex On The Beach, and Blue Lagoon but they’re the classics and so we have to keep them on the menu, but we always add our little twist to the concoction”.
Craft Cocktails
Stelios continued “Making cocktails is a bit like being a chef. I’ve studied in-depth the chemistry of alcoholic drinks … It’s not just throwing anything together, there’s an art behind every cocktail, most of our cocktails are shaken not stirred” …
Best Sellers
Top of the list are things like Pornstar Martini with a secret twist, he wouldn’t even tell me … At that, he mixed me a Vanilla Raz, a blend of Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry fruit Currie, Rose Peppercorns and Guava Juice.
Signature Cocktails
I can never decide which one to have so I try and mix up my choice everytime I go … My absolute favourites include Angry Apple, a mix of Rum Havana Club 3 year old, muddled with fresh green apple, shaken well with a touch of homemade Angry Chilli Syrup, topped up with ginger ale … or Ghetto Punch, and my absolute favourite the Ghett O’ Gin, a blend of Hendrick’s Premium Gin infused with Rose & Cucumber and strawberries, shaken well with fresh lemon juice and fresh basil …
For the Kids
They also serve some brilliant Non Alcoholic Kids Cocktails … My grandsons favourites include; Virgin Mojito, Fresh Lime, brown sugar, mint leaves topped with soda or the Peppa Pig, Coconut syrup, pineapple and grenadine and Spiderman, Cranberry juice, orange juice and grenadine … Click here to see their Full Menu
Happy Bunnies
As if this place isn’t really special enough, every night they have Happy Hour from 5 pm ’til 9.30 pm with selected cocktails at only €3 … with literally loads of Hot Shots … Including things like B52, Baby Guinness, Tequila Rose, Apple Caramel or a delicious Blowjob, Banana Liqueur topped with fresh cream … oh spirits are sold by the 3 cl shot or by the half or full bottle plus mixers!
Live on Stage
Naturally, Stelios wanted to give you the best entertainment available … My favourite tribute acts here are my very good friend Leon, who is The Rag ‘n Bone Man to a tee … He also does Teddy Swains, then of course the awesome tributes to Phil Collins, Tina Turner, and the gorgeous Rainey as Amy Winehouse, and my good name Pete, the uncanny look-alike Rod Stewart … and a few that just sing as themselves … and one from my era, Martin does a little Northern Soul and Ska … and that’s to mention but a few …
Entertainment
There’s normally 2 or three shows every night, and this place gets busy so it might be best to book a table in advance if you wanna be sure … It’s a Brit’s favourite but these days they’re getting a good mix of clients from all over Europe, of all ages …
Sports & Snacks
With 3 Big Screen TV’s it’s a great place to catch all the live sports including all the footie and the upcoming Olympics and if you get the munchies, they serve a lovely Margarita Pizza, that’s homemade, crispy and crunchy!
Reviews
They’ve got an absolutely fabulous, well-oiled crew including a few that have been here for years including Lucas, Lakkie, and Irina, who just want to make you happy … I started by saying there’s no need to introduce this bar and their reviews on FaceBook and TripAdvisor say it all …
Open Long Summer Season
April ’til November
Daily: 5 pm ’til 2.30 am ish
All Credit Cards Accepted
Free Wifi
Directions
You’ll find the Ghetto Cocktail Bar at 3, Protaras, its at the top of town about 50 metres down from the traffic lights and almost opposite Magic Dancing Waters … Click on the Google Map icon below …
