10 Best Bars in Trastevere, Rome

This hipster hangout is great for a sunset aperitivo (the vegetarian buffet is hugely popular) 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 terrazza overlooking the Tiber and the side streets of Trastevere.

This upscale watering hole feels miles away from the packed alleyways of the rest of Trastevere. Not much larger than the vintage railroad car the bar is designed to resemble, the interior is swathed in blue velve, and the staff are dressed as porters from another age. The classic cocktail bar comes from the master mixologists behind Rome's most popular speakeasy and has a studied menu of mixed drinks, hard-to-find spirits, and a great selection of Champagne. Reservations are essential and can be made online.

At this long-standing gathering spot for students and creatives drawn in by the cheap drinks and lively atmosphere, the crowd spills out onto the neighboring cobblestone streets until the early morning hours. Spritzes are slung from a premixed container to keep the line moving, and most customers don’t bother asking for a glass for their bottle of beer. The lack of creature comforts is a part of the eternal charm.

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.

This chummy, no-frills pub is too nice to be considered a true dive bar, but the dim lighting, rock playlist, and locals-only vibe make it a reliable spot for a night out. The outdoor tables are so close together that making friends with neighboring revelers is essentially required.

Ercoli was founded as a specialized deli in Rome’s elegant northern neighborhood of Parioli. The Trastevere location is a warren of hidden rooms leading from a coffee bar to the open kitchen, but at the heart of the space is a cocktail bar with stadium seating. Built in what was once a theater, the seats face the on-stage bar, where expert mixologists craft drinks. The "Tini," a creative riff on the classic martini, is the specialty here.

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.

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. There is a rotating selection on the 16 taps, and an impressive list of bottled beer.

Set on a private terrace overlooking Trastevere, Ombre Rosse bustles with expats and other regulars who appreciate the cocktail creations and the ever-lively atmosphere. On weekends, the outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo and nibbles before finishing off an evening with friends at the bar.

The full name of this little bar 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 drinks with double-entendre names that are served in edible shot glasses made of pure chocolate.