Aperitivi are a great way to meet friends after work and grab a bite to eat at the same time. Just about every bar nowadays will lay out a spread of various snacks, anything from pizzette (mini pizzas) to plates of pasta, in the late afternoon and evening. Once you have ordered a drink or a non-alcoholic fruit cocktail you are allowed to help yourself to the buffet. Drinks usually cost a few euro more during this time, as the buffet is included.
For aperitivi, students tend to congregate in the university quarter and in via del Pratello while professionals head for the pedestrian area around Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Santo Stefano and Corte Isolani.
Choices are endless, here are just some options:
Aperitivo hotspots
Le Serre
Giardini Margherita
green, large, host to different exciting events,
a great place to meet friends for a drink,
to study or read a book on your own
Mambo
Via Don Minzoni, 14
Modern Art Museum’s bar
Nu Lounge Bar & Bamboo
Via dei Musei, 6 & 4
Great location: to see and be seen.
Le Stanze
Via del Borgo di San Pietro, 1/a
Student locale in a restored chapel, sure to impress visitors.
Swine Bar
Via Augusto Righi, 24/a
Relaxed atmosphere, good wine selection.
Fram cafè
Via Rialto 22
Relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere offering vegan and vegetarian fare
Bar Senza Nome
Via Belvedere, 11/B
Run by hearing impaired, pleased if you order in sign language
L’Altro Spazio
Via Nazario Sauro 24/f
In addition to a bar, the space hosts concerts.
Caffè Pasticceria Gamberini
Via Ugo Bassi 12/R
A Bolognese institution, a place to bring Mom when she visits.
Caffè Zanarini
Piazza Galvani, 1
A Bolognese institution, a place to bring Mom when she visits.
Guero
Via Goito 9
for cocktail & nachos lovers
Casa Minghetti
Piazza Minghetti
great all year round, though in the summer the outdoors is perfect for people-watching
Osteria del Sole
Vicolo Ranocchi 1/D
a Bolognese institution in the heart of Quadrilattero, the oldest osteria in town and beyond, meeting place for artists and philosophers. Come for the wine and bring your own food!
Osteria da Mario
Via San Felice 137
a cozy and friendly neighbourhood osteria with good wine.
Celtic Druid Irish Pub
Via Caduti di Cefalonia, 5
Cluricaune Irish Pub
Via Zamboni, 18b
Madigan's Irish Pub
Via delle Lame, 108/F
© Image from OpenStreetMap modified by IWF Bologna