Where to Find Rome’s Best Secret Bars (with a map)

Where to Find Rome’s Best Secret Bars (with a map)

Looking for something even more charming than Rome’s existing street bars? Speakeasies began popping up in Rome about a decade ago following the spread of the underground cocktail bar trend across Europe.

Rome’s secret bars are well hidden, and exclusive to the point where you either require a reservation, a password or a membership card. Don’t worry — it’s not difficult to get any of these; it’s more to create hype.

Keyhole in Rome

You’d never find the entrance to Keyhole if I didn’t first tell you what to look out for. Confused travelers can oftentimes be seen roaming up and down this street in the Trastevere trying to figure out where they went wrong.

First thing to note, Keyhole only opens at half past midnight every evening. This is not somewhere you go for pre-drinks or a nightcap after dinner; this is where you start your evening in the dead of night.

Blackmarket Hall in Rome – by Blackmarket Hall – Uploaded by them

Keyhole is a underground 1920s cocktail and jazz lounge with mood lighting and incredible decor. Look out for a grand old door covered in vintage keyholes, usually draped in shrubbery (if the season permits). Enter here.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 12:30am to 5:30am

Address: Via dell’Arco di S. Calisto, 17, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

The Jerry Thomas Project in Rome

If 1930s style cocktails served to over candlelight and the sound of live piano sounds desirable to you then The Jerry Thomas Project it is.

This was one of Rome’s first secret bars, and remains the best. To this day they only ever let in between 30 and 40 people per night, no exceptions. What’s more, entry is via password only; you’ll get this when you make a reservation to attend.

There is no smoking inside, all bills are to be settled cash and they even make their liquor on site. A €5 membership fee is payable on arrival and it only expires after one year.

The Jerry Thomas Project in Rome – by The Jerry Thomas Project – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10pm to 4am

Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

The Barber Shop in Rome

The Barber Shop is where you’ll go once, and then go every time you find yourself in Rome again. Almost all of their clientele are long time regulars who have been visiting for years whenever in town on both business and leisure.

As the name suggests, the concept is a barber shop. The space is set with everything from vintage mirrors to swivel chairs and old cash registers; like a scene from a mob film where a cash exchange might take place.

The Barber Shop in Rome – by The Barber Shop – Uploaded by them

Bookings are said to be mandatory; and this is true on busy nights like at the weekend. But on evenings when they really just need to fill the space one can usually always worm their way in.

Dress nicely, be polite and add to the ambience with your energy; this is not where you come to toss back tequila shots and climb on tables.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10pm to 4am

Address: Via Iside, 2, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: San Giovanni

The Race Club in Rome

The Race Club is an institution near the Colosseum. This is another spot where a 1950s mob movie could have been filmed.m

It’s themed as an exhibition hall for old car and bike memorabilia; like the ultimate retro mechanic’s headquarters. There are unique collectables all over the place, and car lovers have a but of a museum experience when they come here.

The Race Club in Rome – by The Race Club – Uploaded by them

It’s strictly membership only; but don’t let this put you off. All you have to do is sign up on arrival and pay the small fee & you’re a member for life. Another spot where regular travelers return to every time they are in town.

A lot of their cocktails are Mexican inspired, which is definitely interesting on the palette.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10pm to 3am

Address: WVia Labicana, 52, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Manzoni

Blackmarket Hall in Rome

Walking by Blackmarket Hall while in Monti you’d be inclined to deduce that it’s nothing but an empty bar hall in which you’d probably be the only customers were you to enter. In reality, everything at Blackmarket Hall happens underground and, I’ll tell you, it’s always the opposite of dull.

Once down the stairs you’ll enter one of the most beautifully curated spaces you’ve likely seen in your life. A vintage lovers dream with distinct collector’s pieces from the 20s through 60s.

Blackmarket Hall in Rome – by Blackmarket Hall – Uploaded by them

The bar itself is a lot bigger than most people expect, there is even an outdoor section that can be reached by going even deeper.

The music is typically jazz or folk, drinks are delicious and exciting, & the menu is mostly light burgers and appetizers. On Sundays there is always live music.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

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

Address: 31 Via dè Ciancaleoni, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Vittorio Emanuele

Bukowski’s Bar in Rome

Bukowski’s is situated right by the Vatican, and most people deem it as nothing more than a lunch and dinner cafe at best.

Little do they know that as the evening gets later, this space turns into a full blown secret bar that stays open until two in the morning, daily.

Bukowski’s Bar in Rome – by Bukowski’s Bar – Uploaded by them

The best way to make sure you’re part of the action would be to make a dinner reservation for around 9pm. Eat, be merry and watch everything begin to shift around you as the clock creeps closer to midnight.

The music gets louder, the drinks get stronger and everything seems to come to life. One of the true hidden gems of Rome.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 2am

Address: Via degli Ombrellari, 25, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Ottaviano-S. Pietro