A-Part-Mental: Bulgaria

Looking for a chill spot in Bulgaria? Arrive day or night to this flat-turned-absinthe lounge, ring the buzzer, mount the stairs, creep curiously from room to room, and watch as each necker, drinker, smoker’s eyes dart upward as if you’re Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut. Above you, white flowers pop from the ceiling’s plaster, attaching their vines to vintage chandeliers and Bulgarian artist Svetlana Todorova’s gargantuan pieces are a palpable presence. The owner, Plamen, created A-Part-Mental in the spirit of ayurveda (eye-yer-vay-duh) which means “knowledge of life.” He welcomes your wandering. Watch a film. Spin some music. Browse a book. Play the house guitar. Smoke a clove. Find the kitchen for homemade sangria or Himalayan chai. It’s a destination between cosmopolitan and coffee house. Be sure to say hi when you see me.
Tips for finding it: In the city of Sofia, hit the intersection of Neofit Rilsky and Chesti Septemvri, look for Ygo (a 24-hour pizza and pasta place) and enter the grand English gate next door.