Wine & Dine, Rome

The Fiddler's Elbow came recommended from by guidebook(Rough Guide) where it was mentioned that Newsweek hated rated this as one of the ten best bars in the world. Well such a claim is subject to argument, I did enjoy the place immensely. The Fiddler's Elbow was but two blocks from my hotel, so that was another reason I decided to stop in. The place was packed with hardly a place to stand. I eventually found a place at the bar beside a sixtish year old man. He turned out to be a Irish Clementine Monk and a very good conversationalist. Anyway this is the kind of establishment that draws both tourists and locals hence you could meet someone from anywhere. Since my visit, there has been another two establishments by the same owners opened up in Venice and Florence.

Dress Code: Casual

If you want a walk on Rome's wild side, all you need to do is sign up for the pub crawl. Any of the major Rome hostels have tickets for the "festivities." It includes a short walking tour of a few of Rome's attractions, a guide/host, entrance into 4 bars, each with a free shot and reduced price drinks. All in all, it is a great way to meet young people from all over the world, and basically to drink. Can be fun, especially if its your birthday!

Dress Code: Normally, I blow by this bit, but it IS Italy. Without a doubt you can dress up for the occasion and still feel scrubby compared to the locals, or you can dress like all the other tourists and at least be comfortable while the locals laugh at you. Your choice.

This little pub is located in the heart of Trastevere and it is always full of people (not only because is little!). The good quality of the beer attracts a lot of guests, but also the friendly manners of the staff and the special atmosphere you feel here give an important contribute to the success of this place.
An other significant point is that Big Gilda is in a strategic position, where people use to stroll frequently. Sometime you can also enjoy (it seems impossible for the limited space) live music!

Welcome to this exotic corner located at walking distance from the Pantheon. Habana is a small and friendly pub with an spirit that is overwhelming. In the first room, the bar, you can try one of the many tropical cocktails (cuba libre, mojito, caipirinha and many others) together with a sandwich or other snacks offered at the bar.
The second main room, if you manage to get there, is the entertainment room and its where the dance floor and the stage are situated. Live music rock and pop covers are played on Friday and Saturday nights followed by dancemusic that goes on until closing time.

A bar housed in a former garage - hence the name (Breaks and Clutches). Just accross the bridge into Trastevere this small bar spills out into a little square, with candles burning and throngs of good looing people perched on the wall surrounding the square. The bar had a real buzz, which is what first draws the attention from the bottom of the steps, I found it to be a really friendly little bar with a good mix of patrons, the staff were friendly too and only too happy to help.
Cocktails are a speciality and the Mojitos were amazing especially on a hot summers evening - the whole cocktail list looked fantastic and there seemed a good wine list too, although regretably I didn't sample any. There was also a very tempting buffet on offer which looked much better than the 2nd rate tourist crap I'd just eaten.
The decor of the place was a juxtopisition between the futuristic and reclaimed which created a unique ambience.

Especially during summer, Castel San'Antangelo is open to the public at night. There are the Cabaret (short theatrical performances), live folk music (Celtic at the time we went), animations for children (clowns), galleries, souvenir shopping and even dining located on the different terraces and courtyards all over the castle. Other than of course a night tour inside the castle and a night view of its surroundings, which is a whole lot of a different experience than the day tour.

The events/activities (excluding dining and shopping) mentioned above all included in the entrance fee that cost about 10euro.

Dress Code: Come as you may, though I notived that more of the ladies wear some bit of casual chic attire, but it is really not necessary unless of course you wish to dine.

We had something like OOOOOoooh!
And the OOOooh-feeling doesn't bump up
that often. This is a bar located on a little square-
the piazza Mattei , which is known for it's
foutain with tortoises.

There are some simple chairs were you can sit
down and enjoy the sound of the water of
this little square. Most tourist don't seem to
come to this place. I don't like those huge
squares were you have to sit packed on one
of those terraces. (often with a group of noisy
'Hollanders' at your side)

We had already a long day going -
inside the ceiling is quit low .
An eclectic collection of colorful sofas is
waiting for you to hang , sit....

I discovered some local liquors on the menu..
That is what I wanted. Lemoncello. Delicious.
A soon got a bit dizzy , the soft yazzy music
made me dizzle....

Something else positive is that your not
allowed to smoke cigarets inside.
(ok that was positive for me -)


We only found one like this in Rome -
write it down , it is worth it!

Thanks to a tip that I read on VT before our latest trip to Rome, we popped to Vineria il Chianti one evening and had a fabulous night.

We were lucky enough to get a seat out the front in a small courtyard, and settled back to enjoy a glass or 3 of some delicious Italian wines.

There is an extensive wine list and also a fabulous food menu.

Service was friendly and efficent, and a great night was had by all - I highly recommend this place!

Dress Code: We were pretty daggy looking.....had been site seeing all day...