Rome Adventure

December 5, 2005 10:12 AM

Going to Rome tonight and staying a week. Recommendations for a couple in the mid-twenties for fun night time activities.

We like fun bars but not necessarily clubs, altought not opposed to going one. Intrests include hip hop, rock, etc...Live music is always a plus. Also a romantic place to take my SO for dinner/drinks/dessert?

posted by Cool Alex to travel & transportation (9 comments total)

There will likely be lots of people in the bars and streets of the Trastevere at night. If you speak any Italian it would be pretty easy to have some conversations with the locals there. I was offered several drinks when they learned I wasn't a fan of our current president!

I also recommend Gelato at Giolitti's or Della Palma, which are both near the Pantheon. I can't remember the names of any restaurants I ate at, but it shouldn't be too hard to find some good food! I do remember that there was a restaurant in the Theater of Pompey with some of the ancient walls still visible, which might be good for a romantic meal. Maybe someone else who's been there can confirm or deny that.
posted by stopgap at 10:52 AM on December 5, 2005

I spent a week in Rome this October. Wonderful city. I would recommend staying away from American and English-style bars and pubs. They tend to be expensive filled with other tourists. Although, if you're looking to hang out with other English-speakers, The Druid's Rock is an unremarkable Irish Pub near the Termini that's always seems to have plenty American and British expats hanging about. My favorite neighborhood was the Trastevere, on the west side of the river. It's a beautiful old neighborhood with narrow cobble stoned streets that has plenty of cafes and restaurants. It's suffered from gentrification recently, but there's still plenty of local character. The most fun I had was just hanging out in the cafes for hours, which is what most Italians do. If it's not too cold, you can grab a table outside and order an espresso, a cafe correcto (sic? it's espresso with liquor), a beer or a bottle of wine and just relax and take in the wonderful scenery. Rome is one of the best cities for people watching.
posted by Kronoss at 10:59 AM on December 5, 2005

I agree on giolitti and della palma. I forget which one I liked more, all I remember were the unbelievable richness of the gelatto.

For the best cappuccino you will EVER have.

Walk to the pantheon. Walk to the front steps. Turn around, facing the fountain/tower thing.

Turn to the right, look down the street. You will see (like 1-3 streets down) on the left, taza de oro.

Go there.

Go to the guy in the front, order a cappucino, take your receipt to the coffee making guys, and hand it to him.

Leave change on your plate for a tip.

Tada. Best cappucino EVER.
posted by Lord_Pall at 11:21 AM on December 5, 2005

Lord_Pall, Tazza d'Oro is very good, but some people also swear by Caffe' Sant'Eustachio, which is in the Piazza of the same name. Another thing to mention: remember that Italians only drink coffee in the espresso form in the afternoon and evening. Just ask for a "caffe."
posted by lackutrol at 12:33 PM on December 5, 2005

Tazza d'oro is soooooo awesome.
posted by jeb at 1:17 PM on December 5, 2005

Any of the bars round Campo dei Fiori are pretty cool.
posted by greycap at 2:16 PM on December 5, 2005

I recommend a visit to the Trevi fountain, which can be very romantic at night.

Also, the best gelato in the world is right near there. I will attempt to give you directions. If you eat no other gelato in Italy, you must eat this gelato, especially any fruit flavours that are in season. Nothing else comes close. Seriously.

The place is called San Crispino. It's closed on Tuesdays. If you're at the Trevi fountain, walk along the street that faces the fountain, right above the steps where people sit. Follow this street, to the left as you face away from the fountain or to the right as you face it. I forget if it continues cleanly, but basically there is another street that runs into is perpendicularly, and on the corner is a gelato shop (I think). This is not what you want, but continue along the first street, the one that runs in front of the Trevi. The fountain is now behind you on your left-hand side. You pass a number of shops. A little ways along, it looks as if there is a street to your left, but there isn't really - it sort of ends. You want to walk a little further, probably only 100 metres from the fountain, until you come to the first real street (where to your right is a gate, and a hill, probably there'll be a guard there). Turn left here, and just down and on your right is San Crispino, with a small entrance. It's not flashy, it's just the best, with great staff.

There's a map here, but I'm not sure it's much help.

Anyway, partake liberally in the ambrosia they serve there.

I hope those directions aren't entirely incoherent. World's best dessert at the world's most beautiful fountain. Doesn't get better. Except maybe if there weren't all those other people and guys selling silly little toys everywhere.
posted by Dasein at 9:58 PM on December 5, 2005

Caruso's (going by memory here, the name might be misspelled) was the single best dance club I've ever been in. It was a salsa club, and had an incredible dance-leader who whipped the crowd into dancing, taught everyone, and just made the night magical. If it still exists (four years later) and you like to dance, it is a must-go place.
posted by Invoke at 11:00 PM on December 5, 2005

It's a bit rainy right now, so always have an umbrella along unless you're fond of cold, wet night-time stolls.

For a listing of events, buy Roma C'è from a news stand (website not much use).

You have a bit of conflicting advice above, but Trastevere is always good for a wander & a meal. Via del Governo Vecchio by Piazza Navona also has some good restaraunts (Ciccia Bomba has some orgasmic pacchino, zucchini, & vongole gnocchi*) as well as a few bars nearby.

I prefer Fiddler's Elbow to Druid's Rock in terms of Irish Pubs; not as grungy.

In Campo dei Fiori either sit with a bottle of wine under Giordano Bruno like the Italians do or hit I Giganti for pricey drinks. There's a newish futuristic-looking bar also, but I can't remembre the name right now. Sloppy Sam's is slightly more tolerable than Drunken Ship or Heartbreak if you must drink at one of the American watering holes there. Late at night after you're done imbibing, grab a porchetta sandwich from Aristocampo - they're divine.

Testacchio is where most of the discos are (Caruso's mentioned above). Dress sharp, no Nikes and be prepared to wait for the doorman to think you're cool enough to be let in.

A bit further out on Via Tuscolana 232 is a small enoteca called Arte del Bere. You can't go wrong with what they reccomend, though I have to say my favorite is the carpacchio di pesce spada affumicato. Small, quiet, & good for a bit of a romantic night.

*The rules of eating in Rome:

1. Fish on Tuesdays & Fridays (that's when it's freshest)


2. Gnocchi on Thursdays (ditto)


3. No lasagna unless you've been invited to someone's home & their Mom makes it

posted by romakimmy at 4:37 AM on December 6, 2005