If you’re looking for a relaxed, stylish and elegant place to have a drink, catch up with friends or just unwind after a long day at work, then why not drop by one of Rome’s top cocktail bars? From ultra-chic establishments with table service to members only bars and laid-back live music venues, Rome has a fantastic range of cocktail bars to choose from.
The Best Cocktail Bars In Rome.
The following are the best cocktail bars in Rome:
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy – Vicolo Cellini, 30.
Originally named after the legendary bartender, Jerry Thomas, who revolutionized the US cocktail scene in the 19th Century, this intimate bar is one of the city’s premier destinations after dark. The bar room has a secretive feel which is reminiscent of the clandestine activities of the period of alcohol prohibition in America during the 1920s.
Making use of recipes that date back decades, as well as modern favorites, the small bar was founded by a group of friends in 2010. Located in the very heart of Rome, the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy has become a major hub of the Italian cocktail industry. In fact, the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy really hit the headlines when it made it onto the ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’ listing for 5 years in a row!
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is a members only bar but you can quickly apply for your membership for just 5 Euros once you arrive. You will need to make a reservation before you arrive though so you can find out what the required password is to be allowed to enter – just like in the Prohibition of the 1920s.
The Race Club – Via Labicana, 52.
Set in an underground brick vault with elegant leather chairs, the Race Club is one of the city’s more exclusive members-only cocktail bars. Combining the very best of old-world traditions and modern mixology, the Race Club is the perfect place to put up your feet and relax with friends at the end of the day. The Race Club is run by a fun-loving team who call the bar’s memberships ‘driving licenses’! You’re always guaranteed great hospitality in this hidden gem and even if you visit alone you’ll soon find yourself making friends and being welcomed into the speakeasy atmosphere.
One of the Race Club’s signature cocktails is called the ‘I Have A Drink’, and was inspired by the famous speech Martin Luther King gave in 1963, ‘I Have A Dream’. This must-try cocktail is made from bourbon whiskey, fat wash amatrice cheek, white truffle, black pepper syrup and Japanese Bitters Shiso. Each time you buy a ‘I Have A Drink’ cocktail, as well as any other drink on the charity menu, a donation is made to a cancer research charity.
To enter the Race Club you need to purchase a membership but it only costs 5 Euros and lasts for a full year.
Drink Art Gallery – Piazza Del Fico, 23-24.
The Drink Art Gallery feels like a 1930s American club in the post-20s era. With a superb cocktail list, premier German and Belgian beers as well as a divine selection of magnificent wines, the Drink Art Gallery is one of the city’s premier establishments. The bar is full of authentic vintage artifacts and the unique décor gives the bar room a cozy feel. Each week there are live music events that often include jazz pianists and old-time bands.
When you visit the Drink Art Gallery you should consider trying the famous ‘Zombie’ cocktail which, as the story goes, was invented by a bartender to help a customer sober up before a scheduled meeting that he had. Later, the customer returned to tell the barman that he had felt like a ‘zombie’ all day – and so the cocktail got its name.
However, beware, the Zombie is a very strong drink, with the fruity taste dangerously concealing the high alcohol content. Consequently, due to the Zombie cocktail’s strength, each customer is limited to only 2 per visit to the Drink Art Gallery! If, on the other hand, you want something a little less hair-raising, you could opt for a Mint Julep instead which is cool as a cucumber and won’t leave you wondering how to find your way home that night.
Apotheke Cocktail Bar – Via Giovanni Amendola, 9.
This art deco-styled bar is situated on a beautiful rooftop terrace with spectacular views across the city skyline. Just a few moments from the central Termini station, the Apotheke Cocktail Bar has a huge cocktail list that incorporates all the traditional classics as well as the best of modern trends. You can also choose from a great wine list that includes numerous Italian labels.
The rooftop bar also serves food so you can enjoy dinner with a cocktail after work. There’s a good range of food on offer including favorites such as pasta carbonara with truffle cream, pizza, swordfish pie and the house specialty of marinated salmon with yogurt. Every evening there is also a live pianist which makes the Apotheke a delightfully romantic place to spend an evening.
The Apotheke Cocktail Bar and restaurant is hugely popular, so it’s always worth booking your table in advance.
The Barber Shop – Via Iside, 2.
Situated in an old barber shop, the bar is a members only cocktail club with a beautiful atmosphere, plush leather chairs and elegant antique tables. The Barber Shop is dog-friendly and serves a stunning array of superbly crafted cocktails, both famous and lesser known. The bar staff take great pride in their work and are always more than happy to help you out with recommendations, depending on your personal tastes.
Smoking is allowed in the bar and the stylish atmosphere is trendy and popular with a young to middle-aged crowd. The Barber Shop is the ideal bar for a late night out with your friends but it’s also a great place to unwind at the end of a long day. You will need to request a membership card to enter the bar.
Salotto42 – Piazza Di Pietra, 42.
Located opposite the ancient temple of Hadrian, the Salotto42 has a chic Parisian atmosphere and extremely ornate décor. This super sophisticated cocktail bar is famous for inventing new cocktail recipes and in the astounding interior, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.
As well as serving drinks to passing customers, you can book a private event to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion at Salotto42. You can also arrange a plush private banquet and enjoy a full catering service while savoring some of the best cocktails in the city.
The Hole Trastevere – Via Dei Vascellari, 16.
With a superb selection of cocktails and European beers at prices that are hard to beat, the Hole Trastevere is a funky bar where you can kick back and relax with your friends. The intimate atmosphere hosts regular parties throughout the month that attracts the hippest residents of Trastevere. Most weekends there is a themed party and for major events like Halloween, you should certainly consider wearing fancy dress!
The staff are super friendly and you’re bound to meet plenty of new friends each time you visit. You’ll generally find a pretty trendy crowd at the Hole Trastevere, so if you’re a student or a young professional this is definitely somewhere to check out this weekend.
Banana Republic Roma – Via Giovanni Bettolo, 3a.
Having opened its doors more than 25 years ago, the Banana Republic is a mainstay of Rome’s cocktail scene. With a good range of cocktails and beers behind the bar, you can really let your hair down in the comfortable surroundings. If you’d like something to eat, the Banana Republic has a dedicated chef and a top quality menu to choose from.
From finger snacks to salads, grilled meats to fish dishes and pasta, you can enjoy a full dinner while sipping a drink at the Banana Republic. The ideal combination of street food, beer and a cocktail bar, the Banana Republic is the perfect spot for a late-night city center dinner with your friends.
Drink Kong – Piazza Di San Martino Ai Monti, 8.
Situated in the historic center of Rome, just a few minutes from the Colosseum, the Drink Kong is certainly one of the city’s swankiest cocktail bars. Founded by Patrick Pistolesi, the Drink Kong has made it onto the prestigious ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’ list, attaining 19th place!
For a truly exclusive experience, the Drink Kong has a magnificent cocktail list and a really cosmopolitan atmosphere since it’s extremely popular with tourists, locals and Expats. As one of Rome’s most famous cocktail bars, no fan of mixology can afford to miss out on paying the Drink Kong a visit.
Emerald’s Independent Bar – Via Crescenzio, 91c.
If you’re searching for a retro establishment that serves food, cocktails and has regular live music, then look no further. The bar is modeled on the parlor of a famous South American explorer who would allow people to see the objects and artifacts that he brought back from faraway lands. In fact, the bar is named after the explorer’s pet peacock, Emerald, who is said to have been given to him by an Indian princess and would later fascinate the guests in his home!
Located in the Hotel Prati, Emerald’s Independent Bar is an exquisite cocktail bar and restaurant. With marble-tiled floors, velvet and leather chairs and an edgy but stylish décor throughout, Emerald’s Independent Bar is one of Rome’s hottest nighttime destinations. This eccentric bar can also be hired for private events such as parties, anniversaries, business lunches and has often been used as a set for fashion photoshoots.
The Finest Cocktail Bartenders Are Alchemists At Work.
Of all the cities in the world, Rome has some of the best cocktail bars of all. Cocktail bars are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are opting to sample the delightful products of modern mixology, instead of settling for a simple beer or glass of wine.
Spending the evening in a cocktail bar is a stylish way to relax and you’ll have the chance to taste a huge range of new drinks. If you’re new to the world of cocktails, you should never be afraid to ask the bartender to give you some tips because they will always be more than happy to help!
