Drink Kong bar Rome

3 Must Visit Bars in Rome

Dear travelers,

What better way to wrap up a day of exploring Rome than with a cocktail? If you’re not in the mood for the classic Italian cocktails, check out these bars. Two of them are ranked among the Top 50 bars in the world. My interest in these top bars began after visiting one in Bali from the Top 500 Bars in the World list. Now, I’m on a mission to visit as many as possible.

Freni e Frizoni: The Heartbeat of Trastevere

In the lively Trastevere district, Freni e Frizoni is a popular spot in Rome’s cocktail scene. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse crowd. Once a car repair shop, the bar’s name means “Brakes and Clutches,” reflecting its history. The decor is industrial-chic, with exposed brick walls and vintage furniture, creating a perfect setting for a laid-back but stylish evening.

This bar ranks 33rd on the 2023 list of The World’s 50 Best Bars and 24th on the 2023 list of Top 500 Bars in the World. Their menu is quite interesting; it looks like a spinner and suggests cocktails based on the time of day, from lighter drinks in the afternoon to stronger ones after midnight. However, despite my high expectations, I wasn’t as thrilled with the cocktails as I hoped to be. The prices are around 14€.

Drink Kong: A Futuristic Journey

Drink Kong is ranked 21st among the Top 50 bars in the world and 17th among the Top 500. Located in the Monti neighbourhood, this bar exceeds expectations. It takes you into a sci-fi and cyberpunk world with its dim lighting, neon accents, and minimalist design, creating an atmosphere that feels both futuristic and welcoming.

Drink Kong’s cocktail menu is a journey in itself. At the beginning of the menu, you’ll find a taste map: A for acid, S for sweet, B for bitter, and K for the Kong factor, which indicates the uniqueness of the cocktail. With over 25 cocktails available and a menu that frequently changes, there is something for everyone. Check out the pictures below to see how these taste map parameters are used to describe the cocktails. The cocktails are from 14€ to 20€.

I tried the “Gaijin,” made with Nikka Coffey Grain whiskey, miso, milk, and pineapple. It was served in a miso bowl to evoke the feel of miso soup. One word—amazing.

Another cocktail I tried was the “Rubra,” made with Santiago de Cuba Carta Blanca rum, tomato, guava, peach, and grapes. The ingredients may seem unusual, but the flavor was incredibly balanced and refreshing.

Make sure to make a reservation, as the bar can get quite busy. One thing I didn’t like was that the cocktails were pre-mixed and only shaken a bit with ice. We booked a spot at the bar counter to enjoy watching the cocktail preparation, but in this case, there wasn’t much to see.

Veleno: The Hidden Gem

The bar Veleno is located near Campo de Fiori, and we discovered it completely by chance. We were on our way to Osteria da Fortunata but weren’t quite hungry yet, so we decided to grab a drink first. We stopped at the restaurant Luciano – Cucina Italiana and asked if we could just have drinks, knowing that it’s usually not allowed during dinner time in Italy. To our surprise, they directed us to their bar in the basement.

This hidden gem featured some of the most unique cocktails I’ve ever tasted. One cocktail was made with Greek yogurt and mezcal, and another with gin and it had a pizza flavor—it literally tasted like liquid pizza. Both cocktails were priced at 14€, and they were absolutely worth it.

Rome is a city full of surprises, and its bars are no exception. Whether you’re enjoying the relaxed vibe at Freni e Frizoni, diving into the futuristic world of Drink Kong, or discovering the hidden wonders of Veleno, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Each bar offers something special, with unique cocktails that push the boundaries of traditional mixology. So next time you’re in Rome, make sure to visit these spots for a drink—you won’t be disappointed!

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us