Exploring Rome can be thirsty work, and after a long day’s sightseeing you deserve an even longer drink. 

The Eternal City is packed full of wine bars (enoteche), artisan breweries (birrifici) and even Irish pubs.

But if you’re reading this, you’re looking for something more off the beaten path. And we don’t blame you, because plenty of places are crap. 

Rome is home to a host of hidden watering holes known as Speakeasies.

Here’s where to find them. 🤫

The Jerry Thomas Project 

Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, Roma

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 pm. - 4:30 am., Sunday 9:00 pm. - 3:30 am.

Situated not far from Piazza Navona in Rome’s city centre, the Jerry Thomas Project is a is Italy’s first-ever secret bar and a real-feel tribute to the father of mixology after whom it’s named. 

Its entrance is unmarked, and you'll need to ring the bell to get in. But once you step inside you’ll feel like you've traveled back in time to the roaring twenties.

Its intimately lit interior is illuminates a myriad of vintage furniture, vinyl players, and a well-stocked bar straight out of the pre-prohibition era.

But the real star of the show here is the drinks. The Jerry Thomas Project regularly features among the world's top bars, and is nationally renowned for its innovative and exquisite cocktails. 

Don't miss their signature drink, the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, which is a perfect blend of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters.

How do you get into the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy?

The Jerry Thomas Project is a members-only bar. But you can purchase your annual membership on the door for just €5.

You should book a table beforehand to avoid disappointment.

The Barber Shop 

Address: Via Iside 2, Roma

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 pm. - 4:00 am

Situated not far from the studenty district of Monti, the Barber Shop is hidden in plain sight on the corner of busy road.

Step inside and you’ll find yourself in a classic men’s hair salon. But descend into the basemenent and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a chic, trendy speakeasy with a Peaky Blinders feel.

Its mustachioed barmen serve delicious, simplistic cocktails, each of which is made using only three ingredients each. Make sure to try something whiskey-based, as these are the Barber Shop’s specialities.

This speakeasy is the perfect place to go after the Tipsy Tour, which finishes not far away from the metro station Colosseo.

As with almost every other Speakeasy in Rome, the Barber Shop is a members-only bar. But you can buy membership on the door for a €5 fee. 

Make sure to book your table online before you visit. 

The Race Club

Address: Via Labicana 52, Roma

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 pm. - 3:00 am

Situated just down the road from the Barber Shop speakeasy, the Race Club Speakeasy is another great option for afters at the end of your Tipsy Tour of Rome. 

The building has an interesting history (which building in Rome doesn’t), having housed secret societies, a gambling den and a recording studio. Today, unlike more traditional Speakeasies which recreate prohibition-era / 1920s themes, the Race Club is unapologetically rock’n’roll.  

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The Race Club ranges more towards the expensive side, with cocktails reaching up to €20. But the quality and vibe are consistently on the money.

This speakeasy imposes a set of rules for patrons: consumption is obligatory and bills are paid collectively. It’s also a members-only club, so sign up ahead of time or buy annual membership on the door (€5).

A word of warning: don't show up dressed too casually or donning full racing gear or you might end up with a long pit stop outside.

Spirito

Address: Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 53

Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 7:30 pm. - 3:30 am, Friday - Saturday 7:30 pm - 4:30 am

Spirito may not be the most centrally situated Speakeasy in Rome, but it’s certainly one of the best. And if you find yourself on a night out in the trendy, artsy and very Roman district of Pigneto, you should make the time to visit. 

Spirito’s entrance is located inside the Premiata Panineria al Pigneto, behind a secret door the says "Carni Scelte". You’ll find a black intercom to the left of the door: lift the handset and press the button to enter.

Spirito’s prices are very reasonable, especially compared to city centre. Most cocktails will set you back around €10 but none exceed €12. 

The speakeasy also boasts an impressive food menu of burgers, fish’n’chips and snacks with which to line your stomach or sober up and sort your life out.