In this post, I’ll cover my pick of the best bars in Rome, Italy. Whether you’re looking for a classy wine bar, a hidden speakeasy, or a laid-back spot to sample the country’s finest craft beer, you’re spoilt for choice here.
Rome is a truly amazing city with a long list of incredible things to see and do. As well as the huge amount of history and culture on offer, the Eternal City also offers some of the best nightlife in Italy.
There are so many cool bars in Rome, you could visit a new place every day for a month and still only scratch the surface. However long you have to spend in the city, be sure to check out a few of these top bars in Rome.
Best Bars in Rome
I’ve been to Italy many times and can confidently say that the following bars and pubs in Rome are up there with the best in the country. I’ve included a variety of bars at different price points and offerings throughout the city to give you the best variety to pick from.
You can expect great drinks, friendly service, and good vibes at each of the venues listed below.
1. Drink Kong (Best Bar in Rome Overall)
Frequently voted among the best bars in the world, Drink Kong is one of the most inventive and interesting bars I’ve ever been to. The most unusual thing about it is that you’re not given a menu straight away.
Instead, the bartenders ask you how you’re feeling, or whether there’s a particular color that springs to mind. They then proceed to pick something for you that matches your mood, describing the process as “instinct mixology”.
The decor is cool too; featuring lots of polished concrete and contrasting, colorful neon artwork. If you’re looking for a memorable evening in one of the best cocktail bars in Rome, this place is a solid choice.
Drink Kong Info
Address: Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8, 00154 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 2348 8666
Operating Hours: 6:30 pm– 2am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Ask them to surprise you! (You can also order classic cocktails if you prefer, though “instinct mixology” is what they’re known for)
Average Cost: €14-16 per cocktail
Website: drinkkong.com
2. The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (Best for Inventive Cocktails)
Another strong contender for the best cocktails in Rome, the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is an incredibly atmospheric speakeasy-style bar on the edge of the Regola district.
It ticks all the right boxes for a superb speakeasy. The entrance is discretely tucked away, the lighting is low and moody, the leather armchairs are deep and squishy, and the drinks are top-notch.
It’s technically a members’ club and you need to pay €5 to join. Once a member, you must find the password on their website before they’ll let you in. I’m not sure quite how I feel about this, but either way, the innovative cocktails are so delicious it’s definitely worth it. Advance bookings are essential most nights of the week.
The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy Info
Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: 9 pm–4:30 am, Mon-Sat; 9 pm-3:30 am, Sun
Must-Try Items: Holy Manhattan, Peat + Milk, Old Fashioned Clarified
Average Cost: €10-15 per cocktail
Website: thejerrythomasproject.it
3. Freni e Frizioni (Best for a Pre-Dinner Aperitivo)
One of the best bars in Trastevere, Freni e Frizioni (which translates as “Brakes and Clutches”) is housed inside a former car mechanic’s workshop and retains many of the original features.
Inside, is a blend of concrete, modern art, and giant chandeliers. The bar also has an outdoor terrace close to the Tiber River which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
I recommend coming here pre-dinner to enjoy some of the best aperitivos in Rome. Come earlier rather than later for the best chance of a table on the terrace. They also serve food, which I’ve not tried personally, but all the dishes I saw on my visit looked tasty.
Freni e Frizioni Info
Address: Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 4549 7499
Operating Hours: 6:30 pm–2 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Cardinal Sin (such a good name!), Satan’s Whiskers, Negroni
Average Cost: €10-12 per cocktail
Website: freniefrizioni.com
4. Stravinskij Bar (Best for Luxurious Surroundings)
A stone’s throw from the Villa Borghese, Stravinskij Bar is inside the Hotel de Russie and spreads across an elegant internal terrace and a gorgeous raised garden.
It’s one of the priciest bars on this list, but the drinks are all amazing. You can also order snacks or main dishes to accompany this tranquil, classy space.
The service isn’t exactly quick, but it doesn’t matter because this is a place you’ll want to linger a while to savor the luxurious surroundings. I’d recommend it for a special occasion.
Stravinskij Bar Info
Address: Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 3288 8874
Operating Hours: 10 am-1 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Stravinskij House Punch, Stravinskij Bloody Mary, Old Fashioned
Average Cost: €18-24 per cocktail, €13 for a beer, €25-35 per main dish
Website: roccofortehotels.com/it/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/ristoranti-bar/stravinskij-bar
5. Salotto42 (Best for History Lovers)
Salotto42 is located in the heart of ancient Rome. It’s right next to the Temple of Hadrian, built in 145 AD, and is famous for its 11 towering columns which you can see from the bar’s outdoor terrace.
This is a great place to come at any time of day. It opens mid-morning when you can settle in with a coffee and take in the history and atmosphere of the buzzy Piazza di Pietra, and in the evenings, they serve delicious cocktails made with a range of homemade ingredients as well as tapas-style small plates.
It’s an amazing bar and one that just really works without seeming like it’s trying too hard. I really like it!
Salotto42 Info
Address: P.za di Pietra, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 678 5804
Operating Hours: 10:30 am–2 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Tea Mule, Fizz des Alpes, Aperol Sage
Average Cost: €10-15 per cocktail, €12 per dish
Website: salotto42.it
6. La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni (Best for a Calm Atmosphere in the City Center)
Despite its central location, this place feels like a real hidden gem and is one of the best pubs in Rome. I recommend coming here in the late afternoon and lingering for a while, enjoying the Italian craft beers on tap, bottles of Belgian Trappist beer, local wines, decent cocktails, and reasonable prices.
It’s located on a busy street a minute’s walk from the bustling Piazza Navona, but inside, the whole place is an oasis of calm. There are many cozy little corners to hide away and take a rest from the hustle and bustle of downtown Rome. If you’d prefer to sit outside, they have several outdoor tables too.
This is a popular bar with locals and is a great spot to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy some of the best cheap drinks in Rome. The waiting staff are super friendly too and will make you feel very welcome.
La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni Info
Address: Via di Tor Millina, 32, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 686 1107
Operating Hours: 2p m–2 am, Sun-Fri; 12 pm-2 am, Sat
Must-Try Items: Brewfist IPA, Shire Pils, Tripel Karmeliet (my favorite strong Belgian beer)
Average Cost: €6 for craft beer, €6-10 for long drinks
Website: botticellapub.com
7. Spirito (Best for Hidden Speakeasy Vibes)
If you’re looking for a speakeasy-style bar that’s a little more under the radar than the famous Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (above), head over to Spirito. It’s located in the eastern neighborhood of Pigneto, further away from the popular tourist sights than most other bars on this list, but is more than worth the extra time it takes to get there.
Access to the bar is through a sandwich shop, and you need to give a password to gain entrance to the hidden bar behind. Inside, the main bar itself is made from an old roulette table and there are several smaller tables with comfy red leather sofas.
The bar is open late and the chances are you’ll be the only tourist there (which is a huge plus in my opinion). They also serve food and their menu includes a good selection of vegetarian options.
Spirito Info
Address: Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 53, 00176 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 327 298 3900
Operating Hours: 7:30 pm–3:30 am, Sun-Thurs; 7:30 pm–4:30 am, Fri-Sat
Must-Try Items: Oregoni, Classic Martini, Into The Mind
Average Cost: €10-14 per cocktail, €8 for a glass of wine, €9-14 for burgers
Website: club-spirito.com
8. Open Baladin (Best for Craft Beer Lovers)
Craft beer lovers, this place is for you! Open Baladin has over 30 different craft beers on tap, many of which are locally produced. The decor is simple, but that only serves to highlight the huge range of complex flavors on offer here.
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy to recommend beers for you and let you taste one or two first before you decide. To help line your stomach, they also serve a range of tasty food choices, including pasta, arancini, and burgers.
It can get busy here in the evenings, especially Thursday through Saturday, so I’d recommend booking in advance if you’d like to come on one of these days (and be prepared to wait a while for service). If you’d prefer to sample their delicious beers in a more peaceful, refined environment, consider coming mid-afternoon.
Open Baladin Info
Address: Via degli Specchi, 6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 683 8989
Operating Hours: 12 pm–1 am, Sun-Thurs; 12 pm–2 am, Fri-Sat
Must-Try Items: Their lineup of beers changes frequently – ask the staff for their current favorites
Average Cost: €5-7 per beer, €10-15 per main dish
Website: baladin.it/open-baladin-roma
9. Il Goccetto (One of the Best Wine Bars in Rome)
Il Goccetto is a classy and atmospheric wine bar that claims to stock close to 800 different Italian wines, plus bottles from a number of other countries. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just fancy a glass or two of something tasty and local, Il Goccetto has something for you.
They sell a good number of wines by the glass, and you can also order a range of tasty snacks and larger mezze-style platters to enjoy along with your wine. I really like the decor here too – there’s lots of wood, well-placed artwork, medieval chandeliers, and a whole wall covered from top to bottom with wine bottles.
The vibe isn’t stuffy at all and the prices are, on the whole, surprisingly reasonable. In fact, I think this place is a strong contender for the best wine bar in Rome.
Il Goccetto Info
Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 9944 8583
Operating Hours: 12 pm–12 am, Tues-Sat; 5 pm–12 am, Mon (closed Sundays)
Must-Try Items: Barolo Riserva, anything from Alto Adige (i.e. South Tyrol), ask for other recommendations
Average Cost: €5-10 per glass of wine, €20-40 per bottle for most wines, €5-10 for food
Website: facebook.com/ilgoccetto
10. Litro (Best for Natural Wines)
If you’re a fan of natural wines, I recommend trying out Litro, in the Monteverde district. It’s a little tucked away (which helps to improve the local-to-tourist ratio) but is still within easy walking distance from the center of the city.
The staff is friendly and happy to impart their knowledge about the various different styles of natural wine on offer. Even if you’re not really into natural wines, they have a good selection of other drinks on the menu, including several delicious mezcal cocktails.
As well as a funky interior with lots of cool artwork on display, Litro also has an attractive outside patio that’s popular with locals and is a great place to settle in with a bottle. They also serve food.
Litro Info
Address: Via Fratelli Bonnet, 5, 00152 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 4544 7639
Operating Hours: 6 pm–12 am, Mon-Sat (closed Sundays)
Must-Try Items: Chianti Gallo Nero, home-made lasagne
Average Cost: €5-7 per glass of wine, €7-15 for food
Website: N/A
11. Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (Best for a Buzzy, Fun-Loving Atmosphere)
Another fantastic place for craft beer, Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà is a famous (and tiny) pub in Trastevere. It’s well-known and loved for serving an impressive range of top-quality local and international craft beers, and is something of a local institution.
Inside, the atmosphere is casual and intimate, with a few small tables and comfy chairs. If the sun is shining, pull up a chair on the sidewalk outside the bar and enjoy the buzzy, fun-loving atmosphere.
If no chairs are available (which is a distinct possibility – this place is very popular), just do what the locals do; lean against the wall with a drink in hand.
The tap list changes all the time, and the bartenders are all VERY into beer so will be able to help you decide if you need any suggestions. I don’t usually like sour beer, but the stuff they have here was enough to convert me.
They even have a few cask-conditioned ales (also known as “real ales”), something you don’t usually see much outside of the UK.
Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà Info
Address: Via Benedetta, 25, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 4291 8213
Operating Hours: 11 am–2 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Ask for recommendations (the list changes regularly)
Average Cost: €5-7 per beer
Website: football-pub.com
12. Necci dal 1924 (Best for Drinks Out on a Budget)
Located in the eastern Pigneto district, this superb little cafe bar is nearly 100 years old and serves a range of excellent food and drinks. It’s popular among locals and you likely won’t see too many other tourists there.
They have a peaceful garden with fairy lights and lots of greenery out back where you can enjoy your food and drinks during the day or at night.
Rome is a fairly pricey place, but Necci dal 1924 is one of the rare spots in the city where you can get an Aperol spritz for €5. The food here is a little more expensive, but it’s really delicious and worth the additional cost in my opinion.
Overall, if you’re looking for somewhere affordable (especially if you stick to the drinks) and authentic, this is one of the best cheap bars in Rome.
Necci dal 1924 Info
Address: Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 68, 00176 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 9760 1552
Operating Hours: 8 am–1 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Aperol Spritz, a glass or two of Pecharmant (yes, it’s French, not Italian, but it’s tasty!)
Average Cost: €5 per spritz, €5-7 for a glass of wine
Website: necci1924.com
13. Blackmarket Hall (Best for Unique, Quirky Spaces)
Unique and eccentric, Blackmarket Hall is another one of my favorite cocktail bars in Rome. The interior is a maze of tunnel-like rooms, intimate booths, hidden alcoves, and a couple of outdoor patios. Exploring the place in search of somewhere just perfect to sit is all part of the fun.
It has an eclectic selection of mismatched furniture and furnishings that somehow really works and jazz music wafts through the air, (apart from when the bar hosts live music, which it does semi-regularly).
The menu contains a fairly standard selection of beers and wines, and the cocktails are decent. But it’s really the unique nature of the place itself that makes this bar so special.
Blackmarket Hall Info
Address: Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 349 199 5295
Operating Hours: 6 pm–2 am, Mon-Sun
Must-Try Items: Jimmy Crusta, The Other Side
Average Cost: €5-6 per beer, €10-13 per cocktail
Website: blackmarkethall.com
14. Bar San Calisto (Best for People Watching)
Another cool little spot in Trastevere, Bar San Calisto serves great coffee, Italian beers, and excellent-value cocktails. It’s popular with locals, especially students who come here to take advantage of the low prices and relaxed, casual vibe.
This is one of my favorite places in the city for people-watching. Pull up a chair on the outdoor patio area, order a coffee, a spritz, or whatever else takes your fancy, and enjoy the lively Roman atmosphere.
They also offer a range of tasty pastries, granitas (semi-frozen desserts), and other sweet treats. Their giant Maritozzi cream buns are some of the best in the city – very indulgent and completely unnecessary, but oh so good!
Bar San Calisto Info
Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 583 5869
Operating Hours: 6 am–2 am, Mon-Sat; 7 am–12 am, Sun
Must-Try Items: Aperol Spritz, Negroni Sbagliato, Maritozzi Cream Buns
Average Cost: €2-3 per beer, €3 per spritz, €1-2 per pastry
Website: barsancalisto.it
15. Rooftop Spritzeria Monti (One of the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome With a View)
There are several bars on attractive rooftops in Rome; however, this is my favorite for sure. It’s located close to the center of the ancient city and offers wonderful views over the surrounding area, including toward the Colosseum.
This place is a “spritzeria” and the menu specializes in various different types of spritzes. You can choose from a selection of classics (Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, etc.), or opt for one of their original creations like Il Diplomatico (made with red pepper gin, licorice, and bergamot).
If you get peckish, you can also order from a selection of small plates, including cold cuts, cheeses, and a few vegetarian and vegan options. This is one of Rome’s best rooftop bars and I’d really recommend a visit.
Rooftop Spritzeria Monti Info
Address: Via dei Serpenti, 108, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 339 715 7636
Operating Hours: 5 pm–12 am, Sun-Thurs; 5 pm–1 am, Fri-Sat
Must-Try Items: Il Diplomatico, Campari spritz
Average Cost: €8-12 per spritz
Website: bzarhotelandco.com/spritzeria-monti
Bar Tours in Rome
Here are a few highly-reviewed bar tours that would make a fun addition to your time in Rome.
Fun Bar Crawl in Rome With Local Guide
This private evening walking tour and bar crawl is a great way to explore the trendy Monti neighborhood. Your guide will take you to some of the area’s best bars and teach you about the (very colorful) history of this part of the city.
Bar Hopping in Rome
If you’re in the mood for partying and meeting other travelers, check out this late-night bar crawl which includes games, lots of drinks, pizza, and admission to a popular local nightclub.
Rome’s Tipsy Tour
This is another excellent walking-tour-meets-pub-crawl. You’ll learn about ancient Roman history and visit a number of famous historical sights, all while enjoying copious amounts of beer and wine, (plus a few shots for good measure).
Rome Bars and Pubs FAQs
Here are answers to some popular questions about the best bars in Rome.
Drink Kong is often voted one of the best bars in the world. Some of my other favorites are Freni e Frizioni and La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni.
Tipping isn’t usually expected at bars in Rome. If a bartender gives really excellent service, I might leave a tip at the end, but usually not. Either way, it’s completely optional.
That’s a matter of personal taste. You can find great bars all over the city, but Trastevere has some of the quirkiest and the most fun. Two of my favorite Trastevere bars are Freni e Frizioni and Bar San Calisto.
Yes, there are several bars in the city that serve excellent craft beer, such as La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni and Open Baladin.
A glass of house wine in an average (not super fancy) bar or cafe tends to set you back roughly €3-6.
This depends on where you order it. In some of the city’s less touristy bars, you can get a spritz or another simple cocktail for €4-5. In fancy cocktail bars and clubs, expect to pay €10-15 for a cocktail.
A pint of regular draft beer is usually around €4-5.
During the daytime, yes, as long as you aren’t being antisocial. However, public drunkenness (i.e. being “manifestly drunk in a public setting”, in legal jargon) can lead to a fine. With a few exceptions, you’re also not supposed to drink on the street after 10 pm.
Yes, Rome is a city known for its excellent nightlife. There’s no shortage of good bars in Rome, from classy cocktail bars to funky craft beer bars and nightclubs.
Wine is very popular in Rome, as it is throughout Italy. Many Romans are also partial to Campari-based cocktails, such as Negronis, Sbagliatos, Campari sodas, and spritzes. Craft beer is increasing in popularity too, especially among the younger generations.
To Summarize
When it comes to nightlife, Rome has everything. You’ll find elegant wine bars, hidden speakeasies, buzzing beer halls, cozy pubs, creative cocktail bars, stylish clubs, and everything in between.
It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and somewhere I’m sure you’ll love too. Be sure to check out some of these amazing bars during your time in the city. They’re all totally different, but each one is great.
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