Il Baffo della Gioconda
This intimate cultural association is ironically named ‘Mona Lisa’s Mustache,’ a nod to the famous Dadaist painting by Marcel Duchamp. Frequented by hip and intellectual types residing in the pulsing San Lorenzo neighborhood, Il Baffo della Gioconda offers a variety of nightly events to a largely local crowd. There are plenty of live music shows, with Brazilian choro on Thursdays and samba on Sundays, as well as cultural events ranging from book presentations and wine tastings to theater and art exhibitions.
Il Baffo della Gioconda, Via degli Aurunci 40, Rome, Italy, +30 333 328 9466
‘Na Cosetta
Monk Club
Monk Club is not only one of Rome’s premiere music halls; it is also a large garden where shows are held in the summer and where young, old, and families all gather for a relaxing evening on its deck chairs. This multi-recreational spot draws international musicians specializing in indie rock, psychedelic, and all manner of alternative sounds. The venue also boasts an eclectic program of events including film screenings, lectures, and a number of festivals including Rome Psych Fest, Think Green Eco Festival, and RomeEuropa Festival.
Monk Club, Via Giuseppe Mirri 35, Rome, Italy, +39 06 6485 0987
Lian Club
Located on the Tiber River, this boat-club is a fun alternative to traditional watering holes or concert venues in the city. Lian Club hosts live music shows, DJ sets, parties, and theater shows, and it has a bistro to boot. Stop by for its aperitivo starting at 7pm to take in the sunset from the water and stick around to soak in the atmosphere until 3am. The club also offers burgers and hot dogs at midnight to satisfy your late-night munchies.
Escopazzo
This self-styled disco pub and cocktail bar is one of the few places for karaoke in Rome — and given that it’s situated right beside Piazza Venezia, it could not be more central. Escopazzo (which means ‘I leave crazy’) caters to a young crowd who partake in drinking, dancing, and theme nights. The festive atmosphere will appeal to partygoers, as it offers DJ sets and cover bands as well as karaoke and drinking games. It’s also one of the only places open until 5am in the city center. Check it out for festivities surrounding Halloween or Carnevale.
Escopazzo, Via d’Aracoeli 41/43, Rome, Italy, +39 06 678 4371