Top Bars in Rome you should visit
© The Court / Palazzo Manfredi Hotel
Bar ohne Namen
Entschlossen verweigert sich Savage, der Bar einen Namen zu geben. Stattdessen sind drei klassische Design-Symbole das Logo der Trinkstätte in Dalston: ein gelbes Quadrat, ein rotes Viereck, ein blauer Kreis. Am meisten wurmt den sympathischen Franzosen dabei, dass es kein Gelbes-Dreieck-Emoji gibt. Das erschwert auf komische Weise die Kommunikation. Der Instagram Account lautet: a_bar_with_shapes-for_a_name und anderenorts tauchen die Begriffe ‘Savage Bar’ oder eben ‚Bauhaus Bar‘ auf.
Für den BCB bringt Savage nun sein Barkonzept mit und mixt für uns mit Unterstützung von Russian Standard Vodka an der perfekten Bar dazu.
An Article by Maurizio Maestrelli
When in Rome... do as the Romans do. The old saying has never been truer when it comes to cocktail bars. Romans love their bars and have every reason to do so. The capital of Italy has developed a kind of renaissance in the last decade with a flourishing of cozy places packed by creative bartenders. Some of these bars are hidden somewhere in the city, as proper secret bars should be, others have a spectacular view on some of the most iconic Roman monuments, all of them are pushing the boundaries of mixology towards the future.
1. The Court
Maybe only Russel Crowe has been closer to the Colosseo than clients at The Court, from the terrace it seems that you just have to extend your arm to touch it. The view is spectacular, mostly at the “golden hour”. The bar is part of Palazzo Manfredi Hotel and it’s led by bar manager Matteo Zed, back in the city after an international career. Sip your Martini or your special signature drink thinking that, centuries ago, below this place there was the Ludus Magnus, the ancient gladiator gym.
Via Labicana, 125
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© The Court / Palazzo Manfredi Hotel
2. Drink Kong
Best cocktail bar in Italy for the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, holding position number 21, Drink Kong welcomes guests with neon lights, a long counter that – like in a theatre – separates the public from the actors, but with the difference that here there’s more interaction, and with a “hidden” room dedicated to great scotch whisky. Patrick Pistolesi and his team have injected tons of inspiration in the new drink list “Perimeter and shape”, just let them guide you.
Piazza di S. Martino ai Monti, 8
© Claudia Gianvenuti / Drink Kong
3. Nite Kong
Opened last year, at the time of Roma Bar Show’s last edition, Nite Kong is the spin-off of Drink Kong. The ambience recalls the night clubs of the Seventies, with velvet sofas, twilight atmosphere, screens with hypnotic images and a well illuminated bottle holder behind the counter. The drink list draws on the great classics with some almost forgotten ones.
Via Giovanni Lanza, 111
© Gianvenuti / Nite Kong
4. Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
The address is known, but you need the secret word to enter at the Jerry Thomas speakeasy, a little cozy bar that already made history not only in Rome but in Italy. The team was a true pioneer in the cocktail renaissance revitalizing the art of bartending, spreading it outside the circle of luxury hotels where it was “resting” for quite a long time. Obviously, they have a drink list, but speak to the bartender and let him lead you in the journey.
Vicolo Cellini, 30
© Alberto Blasetti / Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
5. Jerry Thomas Bar Room
Roma Bar Show 2023 was the perfect time to start new cocktail bar adventures. As Drink Kong also Jerry Thomas turned towards one. The “bar room” is small as a ship’s cabin, but a suite size one, so it’s better to call before moving towards Trastevere. The specialty of the bar, quite unique in Italy, is an amazing selection of rare rums and whiskys that are usually sold by the entire bottle. Here instead you have the opportunity to taste them. It’s worth the trip.
Via del Moro, 10
© Jerry Thomas Bar Room
6. Freni e Frizioni
In Trastevere, the “old heart” of Rome you shouldn’t miss Freni e Frizioni. A street and a high-volume cocktail bar with an effervescent atmosphere and an informal attitude. But, when it comes to cocktails, the team lead by Riccardo Rossi takes things very seriously. The drink list changes twice a year and every time there’s a lot of research before any cocktail reaches the final glass. Take the opportunity in this bar to explore the world of Peruvian pisco of which Rossi is one of the leading Italian experts.
Via del Politeama, 4
© Freni e Frizioni
7. Latta
Dedicated to the world of fermentation, Latta is something quite unique on the city bar scene. In their laboratory they ferment fruit, honey and malted barley to create an amazing range of natural sodas. You can enjoy them on their own or explore a new philosophy of mixology trough classic recipes with a “Latta” twist. There’s a lot of space at Latta so expect companies of people and a friendly, informal atmosphere.
Via Antonio Pacinotti, 83
© Latta
