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Trastevere
This hipster hangout is great for a sunset aperitivo or for late-night socializing. Though the vibe is artsy and laid-back, the bartenders take their cocktails seriously—and have the awards to prove it. In warmer weather, the crowd overflows into the large terrazzo overlooking the Tiber and the side streets of Trastevere.
Via del Politeama 4, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Testaccio
A coffee stand by day and cocktail bar by night, this outdoor establishment began life as a city tram car back in 1903. Now the historic carriage has been converted to a kiosk permanently stationed on a park corner with retro tables and garden seating. A trendy crowd descends at sunset, and seats are at a premium until the wee hours of the morning. But since it is entirely outside, Tram Depot is mainly open in the warmer months of the year (April through November).
Via Marmorata 13, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna's staple wine bar literally corners the market on prime people-watching. Cozy up to the counter to sip a drink under the charming frescoes, or snag a coveted outdoor table. In addition to a vast selection of wine, Antica Enoteca has delectable antipasti, perfect for a snack or a light lunch, as well as a full menu of pastas and pizzas.
Via della Croce 76/b, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
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Trastevere
Open since 1984, Big Mama is Trastevere's homegrown institution for live music, including jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, international, and rock. Tables can be booked online for their nightly shows.
Vicolo di San Francesco a Ripa 18, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Borgo
This cozy spot outside the Vatican is furnished like a familiar living room with a giant leather sofa and armchairs, making it easy to meet the people sitting next to you. In addition to a strong cocktail and wine menu, the owners regularly host art, theater, and shopping events. Aperitivo (Italian happy hour) is served every evening, with a selection of drinks and the option of adding a small plate for €5.
Via Degli Ombrellari 25, Rome, Latium, 00193, Italy
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Piazza di Spagna
Nattily dressed businesspeople and harried tourists enjoy signature martinis at the street-side Café Doney, Via Veneto's grand dame, in front of the Westin Excelsior. The outdoor tables offer prime people-watching, while the seats inside are set under impossibly sparkly chandeliers amongst impeccable Italian design. The café also offers fresh fruit juices and smoothies for a healthy option.
Via Vittorio Veneto 125, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
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Prati
This classy cocktail bar a few blocks from the Vatican makes you feel transported to a cozy salon in New York or London. In addition to some original creations, the bartenders make reliably good classics, including excellent dirty martinis. The kitchen stays open until midnight, so it's also a good spot for a late bite.
Via Crescenzio 91C, Rome, Latium, 00193, Italy
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Trastevere
A charming beer and wine bar and restaurant, "G e G" has an at-home atmosphere, from the relaxed vibe to the shabby chic decor. It tends to fill up quickly, but there's also a charming outdoor terrace.
Largo M.D. Fumasoni Biondi 5, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna
With high bar stools and midnight blue accents, Il Marchese feels every bit the sophisticated Roman nightcap hot spot. It was the first amaro bar in Europe, stocking more than 500 labels of the bitter, herbal liqueur, which can be served straight or mixed into creative cocktails. Pop in for a tapas-style aperitivo, or stay for dinner and watch the chef "shop" from his market of gourmet Italian ingredients that takes up part of the space.
Via di Ripetta 162, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
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Trastevere
Affectionately shortened to “Makke” by Romans, this tiny pub can’t contain the number of beer lovers who flock here at all hours to indulge in a craft pint, or three. Patrons spill out onto the sidewalk behind Piazza Trilussa, sipping the carefully selected artisan brews that arrive from around the world.
Via Benedetta, 25, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Trastevere
The full name is "Rivendita: Libri Teatro e Cioccolata" and that's exactly what you'll find in this charming hole-in-the-wall: books and chocolate. Open only in the evenings, the used-bookstore-bar combo offers wine, sweet cocktails, or coffee served in cups of pure chocolate.
Vicolo del Cinque 11/a, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna
The prize for perfect aperitivo spot goes to the Palazzetto, with excellent drinks and appetizers, as well as a breathtaking view of the comings and goings on the Spanish Steps. Reach it by climbing the monumental staircase that it overlooks, or getting a lift from the elevator inside the Spagna Metro station.
Vicolo del Bottino 8, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna
Closed Permanently
Just down the street from the Piazza di Spagna hub is this modern gem run by Lazio's Regional Food Authority as a chic showcase for the best of Lazio's pantry and wine cellar. You can sample fine wines, olive oils, cheeses, and meats, and also a full seasonal menu of Lazio cuisine, including classics from top-notch ingredients (think gnocchi with ragù of mutton) and dishes with a twist (like lentil and calamari soup, or durum wheat rigatoni with zucchini sauce). Located where famed aesthete and poet Gabriele d'Annunzio once lived, this is not your garden-variety corner wine bar. Stop by during aperitivo, from 6:30 pm onward (reservations recommended), to enjoy this burst of local flavor.
Via Frattina 94, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna
Closed Permanently
Every year, historic disco Gilda reinvents herself to continue the never-ending party near the Spanish Steps. Recent incarnations have added a piano bar and a restaurant just off the dance floors. Expect a younger crowd.
Via Mario de' Fiori 97, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
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Testaccio
Closed Permanently
One of Rome's few "organic" happy hours, the price of a drink will buy you a spread of healthy and organic vegetarian appetizers. Aperitivo (happy hour) starts daily at 6:30 pm, but the modern minimalist restaurant also serves a great weekend brunch with a kids' area that includes a free babysitter.
Via Galvani 24, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
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Piazza di Spagna | Bars/Pubs
Closed Permanently
Victoria House, off Via del Corso and a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo, is Rome's very first English pub. Still considered one of the best for its beer selection and English menu, it has an authentic, worn-in feel—like an old shoe.
Via Gesù e Maria 18, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy