My 8 Favorite Nightlife Drinking Spots in Rome to Start the Evening

If you’re coming to Rome and looking to have a night out on the town, you may feel a little overwhelmed trying to figure out where to go.

Basically, you want to be in Trastevere, one of the most central and local neighborhoods of the city, chalk full of excellent bars, restaurants, cafes and street food (and basically anything else you need or could want in Rome). Even if you aren’t a planner, you can come to Trastevere and most likely, wherever you end up will be good.

But if you want specifics, these are my personal favorite bars in Rome to get your party on.

Be sure to read up before you head out!
Best Italian Cocktails
Italian Digestivo
Non-Alcoholic Italian Drinks

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Map of Nightlife Drinking Spots in Rome (Bars in Rome)

Quick Guide to Nightlife Drinking Spots in Rome (Bars in Rome)

Name	Address (Neighborhood)	Best For	Closing Time
Pimm’s Good	Via di Santa Dorotea, 8/9 (Trastevere)	Live music	2 AM
Jerry Thomas Bar Room	Via del Moro, 10 (Trastevere)	Exclusive, intimate nightlife	2 AM
La Punta Expendio de Agave	Via Santa Cecilia, 8 (Trastevere)	Tequila and mezcal cocktails	2 AM (1 AM on Sunday)
Bar San Calisto	Piazza di S. Calisto, 3 (Trastevere)	Hanging at the bar in Rome with locals	2 AM
Freni e Frizioni	Via del Politeama, 4 (Trastevere)	Young crowd	2 AM
Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà	Via Benedetta, 25 (Trastevere)	Craft beer	2 AM
Big Star Bar Diner	Via Goffredo Mameli, 25 (Trastevere)	Meeting people	2 AM
Blackmarket Hall	Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31 (Monti)	Live music	1-2 AM depending on the night

Nightlife Drinking Spots in Rome (Bars in Rome) in Detail

Tip: If you’re a planner like me, then be sure to book online or by calling ahead to secure your table!

Pimm’s Good

People sit in the outdoor area of Pimm's in Rome in the evening. It's covered by umbrellas that have twinkling lights. There's a menu out front and heating lamps.

Via di Santa Dorotea, 8/9 (Trastevere)

Best For: Excellent cocktails

Pimm’s Good is a charming little bar perfect for a relaxed drink or a no-frills snack late into the night. The building’s façade is draped in ivy, and its location in bustling Trastevere makes it ideal for people-watching and after-dinner hangouts. The intimate space occasionally hosts live music, which you can find out more about on their social pages.

You can really drink anything you want here including good beer, reliable cocktails and of course, everything in between. I also like to come here for an aperitivo as well.

Jerry Thomas Bar Room

Via del Moro, 10 (Trastevere)

Best For: Exclusive, intimate nightlife

Jerry Thomas Bar Room is Rome’s first true craft cocktail bar with space for only around 35 guests. This exclusive spot is famous for its pre-Prohibition classics and unique signature drinks but to get in, you must adhere to their membership program and advanced booking (sounds complicated but it’s not – super easy on their website). The dim, smoky ambiance—with custom cocktails and vodka-free concoctions—is ideal for travelers looking for an exclusive evening in Rome.

My Take: When I am in Rome, this is actually not my style at all but rather, I prefer traditional, local bars that are easy going and cheap. I had to include the Jerry Thomas Bar room because I know all my readers aren’t like me!

La Punta Expendio de Agave

Via Santa Cecilia, 8 (Trastevere)

Best For: Tequila and mezcal cocktails

La Punta Expendio de Agave is a Mexican restaurant specializing in Tequila and mezcal drinks with an excellent menu if you are craving a bit of international flare (think tacos, nachos, tostados). Colorful and bright, La Punta Expendio de Agave is fun and cheery, making it not only one of my favorite spots in Rome to start the evening off at but also, to get an aperitivo or eat dinner. Their website is extremely user friendly, making it easy to book your table outdoors, at the bar, indoors or for a full mezcal tasting!

Bar San Calisto

Wooden table full of bottles and cups of beer in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood. Behind, people sit at another table.

Piazza di S. Calisto, 3 (Trastevere)

Best For: Hanging at the bar in Rome with locals

Bar San Calisto is a favorite bar among locals no matter what time of day you happen upon it. This is a no-frills yet charming Italian bar with affordable drink options, outdoor seating and plenty of simple food. Expect to find plenty of young folks, students and residents hanging out for hours. As night falls, the crowd only gets bigger and spills out onto the street.

More Bars: If you are traveling throughout Italy, you may also want to read up on the best nightlife spots in
Coolest Bars In Florence For Aperitivo & After Dinner Drinks
My Favorite After Dinner Drink Spots In Venice

Freni e Frizioni

Via del Politeama, 4 (Trastevere)

Best For: Young crowd

Freni e Frizioni is a large bar in Trastevere located in a converted mechanic’s garage near Ponte Sisto. Serving up trendy cocktails and popular among students, this is my top pick for younger folks visiting Rome. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà

Via Benedetta, 25 (Trastevere)

Best For: Craft beer

Translating to “what did you come here for?”, this cool beer bar is a local favorite in Trastevere for its excellent craft beer selection and one of my personal favorites. With just a few tables and a casual, neighborhood feel, it’s perfect for both a pre-dinner drink or a late evening brew.

Big Star Bar Diner

Front entrance to Big Star Bar and Diner in Rome, Italy. The sign is on a black awning and there are people sitting in chairs at metal tables.

Via Goffredo Mameli, 25

Best For: Meeting people

Big Star Bar Diner, despite its name, is similar to a classic Italian bar with a retro vibe and international menu including burgers and sandwiches as well as brunch options. But I am writing it up not for that, but for its cool atmosphere as night approaches. Come here for beer on draft, cocktails and anything else you fancy. Have your drink at one of the many small tables outside, indoors or standing with all the locals. It’s a great place to try and meet some new friends.

Blackmarket Hall

Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31 (Monti)

Best For: Live music

Blackmarket Hall is the only bar I recommend that isn’t in Trastevere in Rome. Here, you feel like you are transported back to the 1920’s with its decor and jazz themed music nights. While I come here to sit at the bar and drink, you can come and eat too (and though I have never eaten here, I have only heard good things). Reservations highly recommended.

Salute! Discover some of my favorite spots:
Aperitivo in Florence – Florence (on a budget) – Florence (apericena)– Venice – Rome
After-dinner drinks in Venice – Rome
Wine bars in Florence – Rome – Venice (bacari) – Montepulciano
Rooftop bars in Florence