Lola

Tucked into the heart of Mykonos Town, Lola Bar has built the kind of loyal following that most venues only dream of, the sort where guests don't just visit once, they come back every single night of their stay. Hosted by Gilles and Dimitris, this intimate cabaret-inspired bar trades the island's usual thumping disco for something rarer: jazz standards, French chansons, and a warmth that makes you feel like a regular the moment you walk through the door.

The setting is genuinely elegant, high ceilings, eclectic and colorful décor with a beguiling touch of decadence, and a lounge atmosphere that feels closer to old-world glamour than beach-town party bar. The cocktail list is where Lola really earns its reputation, expertly made martinis (the lemontini and espresso martini both have devoted fans), poured by staff who clearly take pride in the craft. And crucially, the music here is set at a volume where you can actually talk to the person next to you, real songs, real voices, real instruments, not just a wall of computer-generated thump.

That combination has made Lola something of a haven for a slightly older, more relaxed gay crowd who want an evening rather than a rave. If you know what "Lola" as an archetype represents, camp, theatrical, a little larger than life, this place gets it instantly, and the atmosphere and furnishings lean gently into that spirit without ever feeling like a costume. It's an ideal spot to ease into a Mykonos night: not too loud, not too young, not too much of anything except genuinely good hospitality.

One of the things guests mention again and again is the owners themselves. Gilles greets people at the door and makes them feel instantly at home, while Dimitris works the bar with a reputation for crafting some of the best cocktails on the island. That personal touch, in a town full of anonymous mega-clubs, is exactly why Lola has earned cult status among both locals and returning visitors.

Whether you're starting your night here before heading to the bigger dance floors, or making Lola the whole evening with good conversation and better martinis, this is one of Mykonos's true gems. Add it to your list, and pair it with LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation nearby through misterb&b for an island stay that balances the wild nights with a genuinely warm one.