The Jerry Thomas Project

The Jerry Thomas Project is Rome's pioneering speakeasy, hidden down an unmarked alley in the Centro Storico a short walk from Campo de' Fiori. Opened in 2010 and named after the 19th-century American bartender often called the godfather of mixology, it launched the Italian capital's craft-cocktail revival and remains its most celebrated address. Entry preserves the full speakeasy ritual: guests join as nominal 'members', receive the rotating password — normally provided when booking through the bar's own channels — and knock at a discreet door to be admitted. The single room is small, low-lit and styled like a 1920s parlour, with red velvet, antique mirrors, framed prints and a compact bar where every drink is built by hand. The crowd is largely 28-55, a blend of cocktail-literate Romans, visiting bartenders and curious travellers; dress is smart-casual and the atmosphere is intimate and conversational rather than rowdy. The drinks programme is the reason to come. The bar made its name on historically researched classics — Sazerac, Martinez, vintage punches and pre-Prohibition sours — served alongside a rotating list of original cocktails that lean on rare spirits, house syrups, infusions and fresh citrus. Expect to pay around €15-20 a cocktail, well above a typical Roman bar but in line with a serious mixology destination. Low-volume jazz and swing fill the background, kept quiet enough for talk; there is no dancefloor and no DJ. Hours are evenings only, broadly from 9PM until the small hours, with the venue dark on some weeknights, so Thursday to Saturday are the busiest sessions. Space is tight and reservations are essentially required — walk-ins are routinely turned away once the room fills. There is no cover charge beyond the token membership and no bottle service; the entire experience centres on the quality and history in each glass.