Top 10 Budget Bars in Rome

Top 10 Budget Bars in Rome

Rome on a budget: entirely possible, entirely doable and entirely enjoyable!

Finding cheap alcohol in the eternal city isn’t easy, but there are a few spots that tend to be frequented by locals where drinks actually fall in the affordable range. What’s great about Rome is that even when bars or restaurants are considered “budget” they are rarely ever dingy. Which, if you know Europe, is a big plus.

Read on and I’ll tell you exactly where to go.

1. Bar San Calisto in Rome

One of the cheapest places to drink in all of Rome, the Bar San Calisto is a fantastic spot for beer and people watching.

They have a full bar menu, and even their hard spirits are very reasonably priced considering. Their food menu does well too. It’s all the Italian classics, like penne Napoletana, chocolate dessert and espresso.

Keep this bar in mind when you need something to eat late at night; their kitchen is open until 1:30am.

Bar San Calisto in Rome – by Bar San Calisto – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 5:30pm to 1:30am

ADDRESS: Piazza di S. Calisto, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Circo Massimo

2. Almalu Trastevere in Rome

Cheap alcohol is largely unheard of in the Trastevere; this neighborhood is a tourist trap and no one comes here to save their pennies.

At Almalu you can enjoy an array of cocktails, hard liquor, beers and wine all for the bare minimum in price. I don’t know how (or why) they do it, but it’s made them into one of the most popular local spots in the district.

Stick around long enough and the bartenders will even start giving you drinks for free eventually. Talk about hospitality.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 6pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Via della Scala, 77, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

3. La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni in Rome

This is a little Italian meets American sports bar a short walk from the Pantheon building.

The beers are cheap, the vibe is always festive and any big sporting event will be screened here throughout the space. Its good fun but things do get incredibly rowdy the later into the evening it gets — you’ve been warned.

La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni in Rome – by La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 4pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Via di Tor Millina, 32, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

4. The Drunken Ship in Rome

Also close to the Pantheon, the name really gives everything away about this bar.

The Drunken Ship is just that, a pub in which to come and get drunk. Prices are ridiculously low, even for Roman pub standards. Beer is the main contender, and there is nightly beer pong and flip cup tournaments.

The crowd is usually on the younger side, especially late at night. If you’re in the mood for a more mature space then start earlier here and move on when the children arrive; they are open from 10am.

The Drunken Ship in Rome – by The Drunken Ship – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 2am

ADDRESS: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 20/21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

5. VinAllegro in Rome

VinAllegro is also in the Trastevere. This is a value for money spot, because they do a drink and buffet special.

For just €10 you’ll get access to their all you can eat buffet, and your choice of wine or hard liquor. The buffet will be open for the duration of the evening, and all drinks ordered thereafter will be separate charge.

If you needed to drink and eat on a budget while in Rome, this is how to do it.

VinAllegro – by VinAllegro – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 1:30am

ADDRESS: Piazza Giuditta Tavani Arquati, 114, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Circo Massimo

6. Mr. Brown Pub in Rome

Things get really rowdy at Mr. Brown Pub, be aware before you come here. They are known as one of the most free spirited bars in the city, and every night is cause for celebration.

What I’m saying is, there is no “quiet drink while catching up” here.

I wouldn’t say this pub is cheap, but it’s definitely affordable and suited to the budget Rome experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Vicolo de’ Cinque, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

7. G BAR in Rome

G BAR is just outside the Trastevere in the far north. They have their regular drinks menu, which is reasonably priced, and then throughout the evening there are further discounts, specials and lower rates for students.

This is a young crowd, always. Again, not a place for that quiet drink and a conversation.

G BAR in Rome – by G BAR – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Vicolo de’ Cinque, 60, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Circo Massimo

8. The Good Fellas in Rome

When The Good Fellas was opened, the intention was to be a city spot where patrons could come for a “cheap and cheerful dinner and drink”. It’s exactly that; undoubtably one of the best places for anyone on a budget.

Hamburgers, steaks, risotto, cocktails, wines and sweet treats all at low prices. A real little gem of Rome, and largely unknown to tourists at this time.

The Good Fellas – by The Good Fellas – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 6:30pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Via Montebello, 73/75, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Castro Pretorio

9. Miscellanea in Rome

In a similar fashion, Miscellanea is also a budget friendly place to drink and dine without quality being lost.

The opening hours of this spot are something to be noted; you can come here from 9am until 3am, seven days a week. Both the food and bar menus are very affordable; the cuisine is traditional Italian.

Children are welcome until just after dinner time when the space becomes more of a bar environment.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 9am to 3am

ADDRESS: Via della Palombella, 37, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

10. The Albert in Rome

The Albert is the token English pub near the Trevi Fountain.

Another spot that definitely does not need to be as affordable as it is; but it does bring the customers in their droves.

Sometimes there is karaoke here!

The Albert – by The Albert – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 4pm to 1am

ADDRESS: Via del Traforo, 132, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Repubblica