The Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

The Jerry Thomas Project, known as Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, opened in Rome’s Centro Storico in 2010 by a group of visionary bartenders and is now one of the world’s most celebrated hidden bars. Named for Jerry Thomas, “the godfather of mixology,” the speakeasy pays homage to the Renaissance of classic cocktails with inventive twists and house‑crafted spirits such as Vermouth del Professore. Guests enter through a discreet black door at Vicolo Cellini 30 by reservation only and must answer a daily password question found on the bar’s official website to gain access. The interior is compact and atmospheric—dark leather, velvety carpets, retro lighting, gangster nods like Sinatra mugshots, and jazz echoing softly in the corners. Smoking indoors is permitted, and flash photography is discouraged. Cocktails—from €15 to €18 (some house specials around €20)—are meticulously prepared à la minute, not pre-batched, spanning classic originals and artful reinterpretations like the Banana Paradise, Mole Negroni, Peat+Milk, Ghost Old‑Fashioned, and South Lake Fizz. The time slot for each booking is typically around 75 minutes to allow equal access for all guests . Membership costs €5/year upon first visit, and reservations are mandatory for entry—no walk-ins accepted. It's widely recognized as Rome’s finest speakeasy and has featured multiple times in The World’s 50 Best Bars rankings.