Where to drink in Rome
From cozy speakeasies to trendy locales and stunning rooftops, Rome sure has its fair share of bars. Whether you’re Monti or the centro storico, check out our selection of best bars in Rome to embrace the Eternal City’s vita notturna.
*Many of you are wondering when Rome’s bars will reopen after the two-month lockdown. We’ve marked in green the ones that have already announced they will reopen, and left blank the ones that are still deciding on the dates. In any case, remember that if you are drinking in a closed space, you should wear your face mask when entering the bar and whenever you get up from your table. Also, reservations are highly recommended and in some cases mandatory, so don’t forget to reserve your table! Cheers!
CAMPO DE' FIORI
Chapter Roma
Via di Santa Maria de Calderari, 47 (Campo de’ Fiori)
chapterromaboutiquehotel
Chapter Hotel’s lobby bar is the vehicle that brings everything together. The industrial-chic bar has a minimalist, colorful décor yet is incredibly warm and inviting. Plus, their choice of music (and timing in general) is the perfect way to mix guests with the local Romans. Open and bustling until 1am, the bar’s food & drink menus are internationally inspired with a Roman touch. Luca Mazzullo, Beverage & Food Manager, and bartender Alessandra Delpico just finished working on the new cocktail menu which consists of signature drinks as well as their twist on the classics. Cocktails, like the food, are seasonal here so there’s always something new to taste depending on what time of year you are visiting.
Clorofilla Cucina e Distillati
Vicolo delle Grotte, 17 (Campo de’ Fiori)
clorofillacucinaedistillati.it
OPEN
Tucked away on a quiet side street footsteps from Campo de’ Fiori, Clorofilla is the ultimate place for dinner and late night drinks. Step inside this locale to be immersed in a completely different atmosphere…warm tones, good vibes, bricked walls, a stunning L-shaped bar with over 100 liquors, a cozy and trendy dining area and plants surrounding the whole setting. Browse the cocktail selection – which changes every three months – to be swept off your feet. Each drink is named after a plant… Calendula, Hedera, Artemisia… And every Thursday, don’t miss out on live music with Clorofilla Live: from jazz to blues and karaoke, each week a different musical program awaits you with live performers. Reservations are recommended by calling 0669402296.
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
Vicolo Cellini, 30 (Campo de’ Fiori)
thejerrythomasproject.it
OPEN
Everything inside is 1920s/1930s from the decorations to the bartenders to, more importantly, the drinks. The care in the selection of the best beverage products on the market, meticulous preparation of syrups, infusions, bitters, macerated, cocktails and spirits aged in wood and glass, makes this Speakeasy a benchmark in quality and passion in the world of Mixology. To enter this place we suggest looking up the site, you need a password that changes every month.
Argot
Via dei Cappellari, 93 (Campo de Fiori)
Argot
OPEN
New summer bar in Rome: Argot Prati
Rome’s cocktail lounge and cultural association, Argot, gives off warm, friendly vibes steeped in sleek, vintage nostalgia. With unique and enticing cocktails, live music every weekends and events and a quirky, intimate ambience– Argot is the perfect place to step back in time. The cocktail menu is designed to look like a doctor’s prescription, each cocktail meant for a certain type of personality. As Argot is part of the ARCI Cultural Association, a €10 membership card is mandatory. Just keep in mind that with the new anti-contagion measures there are a few new rules in store at Argot. First of all, there will be three turns: the first from 10pm to 11.30pm, the second from 11.30pm to 1am and the last from 1am to 2.30am. Reservations are mandatory and you can reserve by calling them at 06 45551 966, through Whatsapp +393337686847 or through Messenger.
Barnum Cafè
Via del Pellegrino, 87 (Campo dei Fiori)
barnumcafe.com
You want somewhere cosy, cool, in centro but hidden from the tacky tourist traps around Campo dei Fiori? Sexy lighting, mismatched timber tables, vintage couches and artwork and an eclectic crowd of local Italians. After dark, you can hang out here drinking and snacking on their aperitivo until late.
Open Baladin
Via degli Specchi, 6 (Argentina)
openbaladinroma.it
This place takes its beer so seriously and has such a vast choice of labels that you can even do a little beer tasting as you would normally with a glass of vino in order to make the perfect choice. They also offer up classic companions to a pint of beer, from hamburgers to hot dogs, but with quality beef and homemade ketchup.
TRASTEVERE
Alembic
Piazza in Piscinula, 51 (Trastevere)
AlembicRoma
Dimmed lights, a trendy yet cozy atmosphere, chill-out music floating in the air, and the perfect mix of unique cocktails and art. This is Alembic, the funky bar in the heart of Trastevere where you’ll be spending most of your nights. Wax dripped on wine bottles, beautiful chandeliers, great people and modern art everywhere. Sit in one of the chairs or couches or walk around and mingle. Whether it’s for aperitivo or drinks, Alembic will deliver and will become your ultimate spot in Trastevere. Check out their facebook page for info on events.
La Punta Expendio de Agave
Via di Santa Cecilia, 8 (Trastevere)
expendiodeagave
OPEN
If you are the traveling type and love reminiscing about your adventures over good food and cocktails, Agaveria La Punta is for you. Following three years of travel through Mexico, and a collaboration between city hot spots The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy and Freni e Frizioni, Trastevere’s newest bar has opened its doors to Rome’s wanderlust minds. The owners are well versed in the Mexican cocktail, specifically those influenced by the region of Oaxaca, after having researched the area extensively. Tequila and Mezcal play a strong role in the drink list which also includes a few beers on tap that can be read off of a passport inspired menu. Reservations are highly recommended and there’s a new food and drink menu that awaits you!
Read the full review of Agaveria La Punta
Coffee Pot
Via del Politeama, 12 (Trastevere)
coffeepotcompany.com
OPEN
Set in an uber-cool, collective space featuring lounge and an outdoor patio for the summer months, this is the type of place you don’t want to leave in a hurry. Specialising in sushi, tacos, and great drinks from an extensive cocktail menu, Coffee Pot is the perfect place for drinks in Trastevere. Hip, stylish and with great music! Two new concepts are now in store: the “aperitivo in piazzetta” allowing you to order your drink in the outdoor bar counter and get some free sushi tapas to take away and enjoy in the many piazzas and streets of Trastevere (daily from 6.30pm – 9pm); and a whole new menu with some great new additions as well as Coffee Pot’s classic dishes!
PIAZZA NAVONA
Bar del Fico
Piazza del Fico, 2 (Navona)
bardelfico.com
OPEN
This is where all Romans go for a cocktail or just to show off and be seen. It’s a great place to meet posh but cool locals and wait around with a cocktail or beer until the clubs are full and ready for dancing the night away. Inside is always packed and the crowd spills out into the piazza making this the ultimate place for pretty-people-watching in Rome. From May 22nd, Bar del Fico will reopen from 6pm to 2am, and from May 25th, they’ll be open from 12pm to 2am!
MONTI
Blackmarket Hall
Via de Ciancaleoni, 31 (Monti)
blackmarkethall
OPEN
For those of you who want to be transported back to the roaring twenties, and for the lovers of cocktails, good food and live music, Blackmarket Hall will definitely be your new haunt. This cocktail bar has nestled itself into Rome’s Monti neighborhood, just a few steps from Blackmarket Monti on Via Panisperna. The aesthetic charm of the place also finds its way into their bar, where the cocktails and drinks are prepared by their mixologists. And as far as dining is concerned, Blackmarket Hall is definitely a place where you can enjoy a hearty burger or a fish and chips if you find yourself feeling peckish, and for those of the vegan persuasion there are a couple of veggie burger alternatives along with a number of salads to choose from. To kick off their reopening, Blackmarket Hall has some new signature drinks and food menus in store! Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling +39349 1995295 or on their website.
Read the full review of Blackmarket Hall
The Race Club
Via Labicana, 52 (Colosseo)
theraceclubspeakeasyroma.com
A relaxing nightcap at a speakeasy is a great way to end a wild night out, but what if there was a speakeasy that had the energy, vibe and cocktail menu to become your go-to spot at any time of night. A stone’s throw from the Colosseum and Monti, The Race Club is a new speakeasy that’s fast becoming a beloved late-night underground den.
Read the full review of The Race Club
Drink Kong
Piazza San Martino ai Monti, 8
drinkkong
OPEN
Drink Kong is the newest addition to Monti’s nightlife scene. Owned by the legendary bartender Patrick Pistolesi, Drink Kong is the place to relax while sipping perfectly mixed cocktails and tasting delicious food right at Piazza San Martino ai Monti. There is the main bar that greets you as soon as you walk in with a wall of carefully chosen spirits. To your left, there is a futuristic lounge. Walk right, and you’ll find yourself in “the jungle room” where you can enjoy beer on tap, long drinks, and live music nights twice a week. In the back, there is a room with walls covered in Japanese art and a long, natural wood table, where you can reserve a spot to try crafted cocktails made by the owner himself. The bar’s motto is “drink kong, think kong, be kong” but the basis of the bar is that the bartenders and the owner do not want you to have a drink. They want you to have an experience. As there is limited seating due to the new measures, reserve your table in advance by emailing at prenotazioni@drinkkong.com and choosing your time slot ( 6.30pm – 8.30pm; 8.30pm – 10.30pm; 10.30pm – 12.30am; 12.30am – 2am)
Sacripante Gallery
Via Panisperna, 59 (Monti)
sacripantegallery
Built into the bones of an old convent, Sacripante Gallery strives to mix the old with the new. As you step inside this dual art gallery and bar, you feel transported to another place, to an older time, and with its range of classic cocktails reminiscent of 1920s American speakeasies. In addition to events like gallery openings and readings, Sacripante has DJ music sets some evenings, as well as an aperitivo on Tuesday and Sunday that starts every day at 8pm.Class is the definition of Sacripante.
Read the full review of Sacripante Gallery
Ai Tre Scalini
Via Panisperna, 251 (Monti)
aitrescalini.org
REOPENING SOON
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the service is top notch, while their music ranges from jazz to traditional Roman stornelli. Along with the selection of a hundred or so wines on the list, one can taste the excellent Menabrea beer and a number of great distilled spirits. They boast wines by the glass to suit all budgets. The strictly Italian wine list is not intimidating in price yet you can certainly find all the country’s classics.
CENTRO STORICO
Il Marchese
Via di Ripetta, 162 (Via del Corso)
ilmarcheseroma
OPEN
Conveniently located near Piazza del Popolo, Il Marchese (named after the movie Il Marchese del Grillo) claims to have two souls. A concept illustrated perfectly with their unique menu, space and cocktails. Combining French elegance and décor with the heart found in traditional Roman cuisine, it is equal parts Osteria and Cocktail Bar. Il Marchese is also Europe’s first Amaro bar. There are 600 different amaro labels to choose from and an extensive list of cocktails with that ingredient as the main protagonist. But not to worry if you aren’t into amaro, Il Marchese has some of the city’s best cocktail scene with barlady Desire Verdecchia at the helm. To welcome you back, Il Marchese has prepared some new menus, some great lunch formulas and delivery and takeaway services. They recommend you reserve your table by calling 06.90218872 or filling the form below.
Book your Table for Lunch, Aperitivo or Dinner
Read the full review of Il Marchese
Julep Herbal & Vermouth Bar
Via Sistina, 69 (Centro Storico)
roccofortehotels.com
Julep is an intimate mixology bar on the second floor of the Hotel de la Ville. The drinks menu is extensive and they specialise in Vermouth with over a hundred varieties. Settle in for a sophisticated evening of live jazz and soul music with expertly mixed cocktails. The concept of the bar is inspired by the Spice Routes, the complex network of trade paths which connected the East and West. As you enter the bar you will be presented with a mysterious wooden box containing three sachets of spices. Depending on your choice the barman will produce a bespoke cocktail to your tastes.
Read the full review of Julep Bar
The Gin Corner
Via di Pallacorda, 2 (Centro Storico)
thegincorner.com
The Gin Corner, with an emphasis on the word “The”, is The first lounge dedicated to Gin in Italy. It opened in 2013 in the very central Hotel Adriano and has been hugely successful ever since. This gin mecca is not only popular with Gin aficionados who can enjoy hundreds brands of Gin but it is also frequented by those who enjoy a good cocktail. The Gin Corner has more than 100 different kinds of gin from all over the world, all hand picked by head barman Patrick Pistolesi. The cocktail menu is obviously centered around gin: from a Gin & Tonic to a great classic like the Martini and the more common Negroni.
Read the full review of The Gin Corner
Zuma Bar & Lounge
Via della Fontanella Borghese, 48 – Palazzo Fendi (Spagna)
zumarestaurant.com
OPEN
Accessible through an independent entrance in Via della Fontanella di Borghese 48, the Zuma Bar and Lounge – on the 5th floor of Palazzo Fendi – is surrounded by a terrace with unparalleled views of the historical centre of Rome. Open from 6pm till 2am, the Zuma Bar offers a cocktail menu with an exciting mix of Zuma signature and seasonal cocktails such as raspberry & passion fruit martini; rubabu, with rhubarb infused sake, vodka, passion fruit and lemon; shiso and yuzu mojito, with rum, shiso, yuzu, lime and soda water. Due to limited don’t forget to book your rooftop aperitivo (from 5pm to 7pm) or your rooftop dinner (from 7pm till 11pm from Wednesday – Sunday) by calling 06.99266622.
Baccano
Via Delle Muratte, 23 (Trevi)
RistoranteBaccano
Baccano is a Mediterranean Bistro that looks like it could be in Paris but tastes of Rome. A few steps from the Trevi Fountain, the sophisticated interior and extensive Italian menu appeal to locals as well as nearby tourists. But the real draw is the man behind the bar (but not always literally) Mario Farulla. There is a wide selection of beverages to choose from but the most quintessential would be an Aperol Spritz, made by the entertaining and dashing Alessio Giovannesi. It’s the most universal (and most popular) drink in Italy – and also the perfect segue to dinner.
Club Derriere
Vicolo delle Coppelle, 59 (Centro Storico)
clubderriereroma
OPEN
Club Derriere is a hidden bar located in the heart of Rome. Hidden because the main entrance is in a small alleyway off of the bustling Piazza delle Coppelle – the other secret entrance is through one of the back, private dining rooms of the massive restaurant Osteria delle Coppelle. Inside you will find a dark, intimate space much like a living room which makes Club Derriere the perfect spot for a nightcap and a popular after-hours spot for industry peeps. Simple ingredients, complex flavors and easy to drink cocktails are in store. Booking in advance is mandatory and they’ll be waiting for you from 10pm onwards!
PRATI
Bukowski’s Bar
Via del Ombrellari, 25 (Prati/Borgo)
bukowskisbar.com
OPEN
Vintage finds, bohemian Roman style décor, a library of books and pop culture references will certainly appeal to your senses. Odes to Fellini, Bukowski and even Star Wars, are carefully placed throughout while art shows grace the walls. For entrées one might get prosciutto and hummus, go for a sandwhich, their special tartares or an especially gracious list of salads. The highlight? Bukowski’s Bar offers twelve different kinds of spritz! And wine lovers, go for the good stuff with Bukowski’s wine selection of Italy’s tastiest. Art, dinner, drinks, and leisure are just around the corner from the Vatican, Bukowski’s Bar has established itself as a place worth seeking out by any pursuer of good things.
Read the full review of Bukowski’s Bar
Chorus Cafè
Via della Conciliazione, 4
ChorusCafeRome
REOPENING IN SEPTEMBER
Experience the most beautiful city in the world at Chorus Cafè, amidst timeless elegance a stone’s throw from St. Peter’s. Chorus isn’t just a restaurant and bar, it’s more of a Roman living room, where in a unique and glamorous setting, Massimo D’Addezio, already Best Bar in the World 2008 – Best of The Best Virtuoso – and the internationally-experiencedChef Andrea Sangiuliano will tempt you with their extraordinary proposals.
SAN LORENZO
La Conventicola degli Ultramoderni
Via Di Porta Labicana, 32 (San Lorenzo)
laconventicoladegliultramoderni
With their Conventicola degli Ultramoderni, “Mirkaccio” and “Madame De Freitas” have lit a fire under Rome’s bar scene, carrying a style that can best be described as vaudeville meets variety show meets café chantant. Hosting about a dozen, vastly different artists each night, along with the occasional burlesque performance, this venue is like nowhere else in Rome. While everything about the space is designed to entertain, from the blue sparkly seat cushions to the cabaret style furniture, a serious devotion to the arts defines its purpose. That is, there is nothing hokey about it. Mirko denies the label “vintage,” which he deems to be merely a modern trend; he is interested rather, in timeless artistic talent. Although the emphasis on beverage has been intentionally overshadowed by the locale’s main draw of live performance, the cocktails are outstanding. Open Wed-Thurs, 9pm-4am; Fri-Sat,10pm-5am.
Read the full review of La Conventicola degli Utramoderni
OSTIENSE/TESTACCIO
Latta
Via Antonio Pacinotti, 83 (Ostiense)
lattaroma
OPEN
Inspired by the 1950’s American soda companies and taking into account the two biggest trends in the beverage world right now (natural, low abvbeverages) Latta offers high quality drinks and food at affordable prices in a casual, cool setting. On the drink list are beers and ciders on tap, natural wines, highball drinks and a little something they call fermented cocktails. The food menu is inspired by pub food, offering a modern street food version with a Roman twist. Don’t forget that reservations are mandatory by calling 06 8892 3791 , only payments with cards are accepted and from May 24th, you’ll be able to live their outdoor piazza even during the day (from 11.30am till late)!
Stadlin
Via Antonio Pacinotti, 83 (Ostiense)
stadlinrome
OPEN
Located near the “Ponte di Ferro” this trendy club has an industrial style and is connected to an adjacent electronic vinyl store, which boasts a selection of underground records ranging from deep house to Dubstep. Stadlin serves a decent aperitivo (with vegan options as well), and tasty cocktails accompanied with electronic and funk DJ sets from Tuesday to Sunday. Softer acts open the night, and are followed by energetic acts later on.
Ch1887
Via di Monte Testaccio, 30 (Testaccio)
ch1887
OPEN
Simone Mina, sixth generation of a famous restaurant family here in Rome, is the mastermind behind this tiny establishment. He’s also the only person operating it. His concept was to create an imaginary museum of liquids in this hidden space located on the second floor of Checchino dal 1887, a restaurant that has been around for 130+ years. Taking inspiration from his family and the surrounding neighborhood of Testaccio, Ch1887 combines food and cocktail culture, by experimenting with flavors and ingredients that can be found in traditional Roman dishes.
PIGNETO
Cargo Pigneto
Via del Pigneto, 20-20/a (Pigneto)
cargoalpigneto
OPEN
The very first wine bar in the car-free zone of central Pigneto, Cargo is the go-to bar in this buzzing area. Having had a major facelift following a change of management, the bar now has even more to offer. The newly refurbished interior combines shabby chic with monochrome, and the menu offers a big selection of drinks from cocktails to wine and even Guinness on tap. The free Wi-Fi and DJ Sets and reasonable prices make it a popular destination for aperitivo or dopo cena drinks. Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed.
FLAMINIO
Metropolita
Piazza Gentile Da Fabriano, 2 (Flaminio)
metropolita.roma
OPEN
This locale in the Flaminio neighbourhood has become one of the hottest places in town for drinks. Footsteps from MAXXI and the Ponte della Musica, it’s the perfect place to indulge in mixology cocktails, wines, and Italian and international delicacies like nachos with guacamole and cured meat and cheese boards in a trendy setting. Metropolita’s reopening comes with three new concepts: the “Chiosco”, which is their window that will be transformed into a bar directly on the piazza where you’ll be able to order your take away; a new summer drink list and food menu with gourmet burgers; and their delivery that will be active from June 5th, directly on their app or on their official website. If you’d like to enjoy your drink in the tables outside, reservations are mandatory by calling 06 8438 1895.
CENTOCELLE
RUDE Centocelle
Via dei Castani, 228 (Centocelle)
rudecentocelle
OPEN
R.U.D.E. is the perfect neighborhood bar in the cool and now up-and-coming Centocelle. Owners Marco Zampilli and Cristian Ricci and their bar staff push the limits. Their Pop-Art inspired drink menu by Michele Ferruccio is minimal but impactful (think less is more). Also unique is that each drink has a music pairing and a coaster (with a QR code) will be given to you with that specific song for your drink, that you can download and listen to later on Spotify. This bar stimulates all of your senses simultaneously – from visuals, to sound and taste.
PARIOLI
Palmerie Parioli
Viale Parioli, 7 (Parioli)
palmerieparioli
OPEN
This trendy restaurant and cocktail bar footsteps from Piazza Ungheria has become a magnet for a stylish night out. The venue’s 400sqm on two floors, boasting a terrace and an indoor tropical garden, offers delicious oriental cuisine and perfectly-made signature cocktails. For a more intimate cocktail experience, head to the bar on the ground floor, while if you want to pair your signature drinks with live music and Dj sets from Thursday to Saturday, head on to the second floor. Don’t miss out on aperitivo (6pm – 8.15pm), lunch (12.30pm – 3pm), and dinner (8pm – 11pm) from Tuesday to Saturday in this beautiful space. On Monday they’re only open for lunch and on Sundays they’re only open for takeaway. And with the new measures on social distancing, Palmerie Parioli has added more outdoor seating. Reserve by calling +39 380 7417379.
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Wonderful reading! I’m going to spend my birthday in Rome next year and I needed some suggestions for a good bar for celebration. Thank you for sharing.