If you have an Italian vacation scheduled or are looking into planning a trip make sure you check out some of these bars along the way.
Bar Luce
Located in Milan, this bar was designed by American director Wes Anderson, who is known for his bright use of color in his movies. The bar’s style is reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s in Italy. Anderson apparently drew his inspiration from Vittorio De Sica’s Miracle in Milan and Luchino Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers. Anderson said, “I tried to make it a bar you’d like to go to five times a week.”
Location: Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milan
Hours: Friday-Sunday 10am-7pm
Reservations: barluce@fondazioneprada.org
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
This 1920s-style speakeasy was the brainchild of Leonardo Leuci and a few friends. They were discussing the popularity of speakeasies in places like New York City and London. The group decided Rome needed to join the trend and revive the fading art of mixology. They named the bar after the author of the first mixology book in the 1800s. However, eager patrons will have to make a reservation before entering and they will also need a password upon arrival. The password is the answer to a question that can be found on the bar’s website but be warned the question changes at random.
Location: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10pm-4am (Sunday 9pm-3am)
Reservations: +39 3701146287 on Tuesday thru Saturday from 2pm-6pm
Ice Club
As the only ice bar in Italy, Ice Club is, as the name implies, completed made of ice. This even includes the glasses you are served vodka in. The bar does provide patrons with thermal cloak and mittens and with an interior temperature of -5 degrees Celsius, or 23 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re going to need it. No reservations are needed, except if visitors are looking to rent one of the club’s igloos, private corner seating. There is also a gift shop for those who wish to commemorate their experience long after they’re gone.
Location: Via della Madonna dei Monti, 18/19, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 5 pm-1 am, Thursday to Sunday 2 pm-2 am
Reservations: +39 06 97845581
Nu Lounge Bar
Founded by four friends, Nu Lounge Bar is a vibrant Tiki Bar located in the historic cent of Bologna near Piazza Maggiore. This passion project has blown up since it first opened in December 2000. This is a great place to meet up with friends and have a few drinks while pretending you’re on some far off tropical island. Make sure you try one of their signature drinks when you go.
Location: Via de’ Musei, 6, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Hours: Monday-Thursday 6:30pm-2am, Friday 6:30pm-3am, Saturday 12pm-3am, Sunday 12pm-2am
Reservations: +39 051 222532
Sources:
- Bar Luce [FondazionePrada.org]
- The Jerry Thomas Project [The Jerry Thomas Project]
- Rome Speakeasy [Vanity Fair]
- Ice Club Roma [Italian Insider]
- NU Lounge Bar [NU Lounge Bar]
- Feature Picture [Flickr]
