The Best Bars In Pigneto Rome

The hip and alternative Pigneto neighborhood feels worlds away from the tourism of Rome’s historic center. This working class neighborhood has experienced a revival over the past few decades, even inaugurating a stop along the new Metro C line, and is beloved by Romans for its authenticity, cheap restaurants and nightlife. With so many funky bars to choose from, you could spend all night hopping from one spot to the next without burning a hole in your pocket.

Necci dal 1924

Bar, Italian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

A classic, Necci is the most famous bar in the neighborhood and arguably helped propel Pigneto’s rising popularity. It was the go-to bar of famed Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini who filmed his 1961 masterpiece Accattone in this quartiere. Though the bar has been modernized over time, it carries forth much of its original spirit and continues to attract intellectuals and artists who dillydally in its lovely courtyard smoking cigarettes and sipping coffee. Open from morning to night, its a great place to stop by for a bite to eat and a drink at any hour of the day.

Cargo

Bar, Italian, Wine, Beer

Another favorite outdoor bar is Cargo, which lies on the pedestrian thoroughfare Via del Pigneto. Though it is surrounded by other venues, Cargo remains the watering hole of choice for its great value and friendly service. Boisterous in the evenings, this bar has a prime position for people-watching and makes an excellent aperitivo platter, so stop by before dinner for some nibbles.

Yeah!

Yeah! is a musical oasis that is sure to appeal to creatives of all types. With its intriguing decor, up-cycled furniture, instruments on display and hundreds of LPs, its a great place to relax to the sound of cool tunes. Open from morning ’til late, Yeah! doubles as an inspiring co-working space, replete with natural light and ample seating. In the evenings, be sure to try the signature zenzerino, a gingery adaptation of a mojito.

Birra+

Bar, Pub, Beer, Pub Grub

If craft brews are the way to your heart, you’ll find yourself right at home at Birra+. This intimate beer bar has a dozen beers on tap ranging across styles and provenances, along with a wide variety of bottled beers that include rare ales and other hard-to-find labels. The illustrations and graphics pinned to the walls are the works of local artists.

Il Tiaso

Bar, Italian, Wine, Beer

One of Rome’s coziest wine bars is certainly Il Tiaso. Styled as an old-fashioned enoteca, it has a handful of small round tables and plenty of mood lighting: you can’t beat the atmosphere for an intimate evening chitchatting over vino. The ceiling-high mahogany bookshelves are stacked with books and labels, and the bar offers a fine selection of Italian wines by the glass or by the bottle.

Co.So.

This unique little spot is a treat for the senses. Short for Cocktails & Social, Co.So. features typewritten menus delivered to your table in Manila envelopes, bubble wrap coasters, an all-you-can-eat popcorn machine and peanut M&Ms to snack on while you sip on your bespoke cocktails. Each drink is carefully crafted and served in a unique glass, and this may be the only place where you can sample a carbonara sour: the secret ingredient is guanciale-washed (fat-infused) vodka which adds a savory flavor to the citrus classic.

Spirito

Bar, Italian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

If you’re after a speakeasy-style atmosphere, Spirito has got you covered. This hidden bar is located in the back of the Premiata Panineria visible from the street: go inside the sandwich shop and lift the black phone hanging on the wall to be let in. Once inside you’ll find an enormous space with casino-themed decor, a large outdoor patio and a long list of delicious cocktails.

About the author

Livia Hengel

Livia Hengel is an Italian-American writer, photographer and traveler with a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust. Originally born in Rome, she spent her life living around the world in Peru, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey and the US before moving back to her city of birth. She is passionate about all things cultural, existential, stirring and beautiful and is happiest when she is contemplating human nature over a glass of wine or wandering off-the-beaten-path in a new city. When she's not traveling around Italy, you can find Livia eating her way through the best restaurants in Rome or keeping up with Instagram. Livia is the author of The HUNT Guide for Rome and also contributes to Spotted by Locals.