Bar Basso

Bar Basso is a living testament to Milan's cocktail culture, opened in 1947 on Via Plinio 39 and passed to Venetian bartender Mirko Stocchetto in 1967. Its hallmark? The accidental invention of the Negroni Sbagliato in the early ’70s—sparkling wine in place of gin—served in iconic oversized Murano goblets, now globally celebrated. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a mid-century ambience: dark walnut paneling, pink walls, chandeliers, brocades and original marble floors, virtually unchanged since the ’50s. The bar’s bespoke Murano glasses with huge 6×8 cm ice cubes are a showstopper. Under the stewardship of Mirko's son, Maurizio (a UC Berkeley alum fluent in English), Bar Basso stays rooted in tradition while remaining relevant to modern patrons. It draws a cosmopolitan crowd—designers, architects, creatives—especially during Salone del Mobile and Milan Fashion Week, when it becomes the unofficial hub for Milan’s style community. The menu extends beyond the Sbagliato to over 500 drinks, including classics like Manhattans and Bloody Marys, plus unique creations like “Mangia e Bevi,” a decadent dessert cocktail blending hazelnut gelato, zabaglione, panna and liquor. While its raw, buzzy energy is part of the charm, some reviewers note spots can feel slightly rough around the edges—slow service, wear-and-tear—that reinforce its authentic, unpretentious personality . Open Wed–Mon from 9 AM to 1:15 AM (closed Tuesdays), this iconic venue continues to serve as a muse for Milan's creative and cocktail-conscious crowds.