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A fantastic tourist destination in Northern Italy, magnificent Lake Iseo offers a wide range of activities to do and things to see. For those looking to take a break for aperitivo or head out to the bar at night, there are a few great spots in the area. Check out the eight best drinking spots in the shadow of the Alps.

Lake Iseo

Suite Daniel American Bar

Suite Daniel American Bar has been in Iseo since 1986, serving up a bevy of cocktails and mixed drinks. The menu is quite extensive, featuring more than 200 different beverages. Patrons can enjoy the tunes playing in the background as they indulge in a glass of wine, as each night of the week is assigned a specific music theme. Latin American and disco plays on Friday, while on Saturday the techno beats take over.

Address and telephone number: Via Martiri della Libertà, 6/c, Iseo, Italy, +39 030 981126

La Lanterna Pub

The huge selection of beers from all over the world has made La Lanterna Pub one of the top bars on Lake Iseo since opening in 1991. Most of the beers at La Lanterna come from small or medium sized breweries, many of which are rare finds. To accompany one of the brews, patrons can enjoy one of the many pizzas – the menu even includes a beer pairing suggestion for each one. Located in the town of Lovere at the northern tip of the lake, this is a pub definitely worth checking out.

Address and telephone number: Via Giacomo Matteotti, 6, Lovere, Italy, +39 035 964123

Cafe Caprini

Hidden between the winding back streets of romantic little Lovere on the northern end of the Iseo shores, Cafe Caprini welcomes visitors with a charming, sun-kissed deck and a stylish little interior. Don’t leave without sampling one of the finely brewed coffees, or – the in-house special – a fruit juice mixed with the freshest ingredients going. Expect friendly service and a charming place to sit.

Address and telephone number: via Gramsci 32, Lovere, Iseo, Italy, +39 035 077 6131

A coffee at Cafe Caprini

Bull Cafe

Located lakeside, it’s hard to find a place with better views than Bull Cafe. The panorama is particularly striking during the evening hours, when the sun is setting behind the mountains that surround Lake Iseo. During aperitivo hour, patrons can relax and enjoy a small buffet. Or, for something a bit more substantial, there are delicious burgers and sandwiches.

Address and location:Via Duomo, 11, Iseo, Italy, +39 030 981104

L’Olandese Volante

L’Olandese Volante, or “The Flying Dutchman”, is known mainly for two things – burgers and beer. This joint is sure to provide something a bit different from the typical lake food found in and around Iseo. The American style burgers are excellent; give the egg or bacon burger a try and you will not be disappointed. The simple furnishings – wooden tables and benches – definitely give the place a pub-like ambiance too.

Address and location:Via Risorgimento 1 Traversa 11, Iseo, Italy, +39 340 096 3845

Pisogne, Iseo

Antico Caffè Centrale

A superb choice for aperitivo, Antico Caffè Centrale serves up small snacks to go along with a refreshing beverage that hits the spot after a day of exploring Lake Iseo. Munch on some small pizza bites, olives or potato chips while indulging in some prosecco. The cafe even offers gelato – perfect on a hot summer’s day. In need of a pick-me-up? The cappuccino here is excellent as well.

Address and location: Porto Gabriele Rosa, 15, Iseo, Italy, +39 030 980 216

Sucré Café

Sucré Café is another great choice for aperitivo in Iseo, thanks to the friendly servers, comfortable outdoor seating and excellent drinks and food. The cafe’s location – just a few blocks from the center of town – makes it a convenient choice. Sucré holds special events fairly often too – on certain days, customers are met with live music or DJs spinning their beats.

Address and telephone number:Via Campo, 37, Iseo, Italy,+39 030 989 523

Aperitivo

Origami Live

Music, drinks, a pool and even a beach; these are all things you’ll find at Origami Live – a multi-purpose space in Clusane. Looking for a place to relax with a drink in hand? Grab a seat in the elegant lounge area or seek out a spot to soak up the sun by the water (whether that’s lake or poolside). Origami can get quite busy on the weekends, so make sure to come by early to claim your spot.

Address and telephone number: Via Risorgimento Traversa Settima, Clusane, Italy +39 030 982 9100

About the author

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.

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