Bologna gets a lot of attention for its all-star culinary canon, and not a lot for its aperitivo game. That’s a shame. Aperitivo here is unpretentious, refreshingly different from its touristy and polished counterparts in Rome and Milan. Maybe it’s the warm, brick-red glow of the city at golden hour, the way locals spill out into the streets beneath the portici, or the glasses of sparkling local Lambrusco that pair perfectly with prosciutto, tigelle, and stracchino. Thanks to the University of Bologna (the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088!), the city has a young crowd who, come 5 PM, flock to the city’s many bars, a smattering of which have natural wines and cheap cocktails. Here, 16 of the best. 

Caffè Rubik – An old-school “amaroteca” on via Marsala, this bar is dedicated purely to amari (Italian herbal liqueurs typically enjoyed as digestifs). You won’t find a better Americano in town. The decor is the best part: old cassette tapes, vintage ’80 posters and figurines, and tables painted by local art students. The patatine, unassuming chips, sometimes even a little stale—keep on flowing without you having to ask.

Medulla Vini – Right near Piazza Maggiore, this is the city’s best-kept secret for all things biodynamic, organic, and natural. This tiny wine bar and shop is serious about its bottles—with a selection from Georgia, Slovenia, and France, plus Italy—but easy-going about everything else. There’s no menu; just tell Luca what you’re in the mood for and he’ll pour you something exceptional (and offer answers to all the oenological questions you’ve always been too timid to ask). With just a handful of tables and chairs lined up underneath the portici, the best way is to do as the locals do—perch on the wall and settle in for the evening.

Bar Senza Nome – The first (and only!) bar in Italy to be owned and run by members of the deaf community, it’s as much a celebration of inclusivity and communication as it is an ode to simple Italian drinking and cooking. Expect a full apericena—heaped plates of couscous, grilled zucchini, colorful salads, and warm focaccia straight out of the oven. If you don’t speak Italian sign language, you simply visit the noticeboard inside with drinks and dishes written on little notes that can be torn off and brought to the bar.  

L’Ortica – Cool without trying, L’Ortica is the place that’s always buzzing, with a name that translates to “nettle” and green accents that soothe amidst Bologna’s red and brown cityscape. Organic beers, natural wines, coffee, juices, and a chalkboard list of spirits and amari are on offer. Try their signature spritz—a slightly bitter, herbal twist on the classic—or something off their bulky by-the-glass wine list, courtesy of their own neighboring enoteca La Bottega de L’Ortica, with homemade small plates and chalk-marked bottles lining the walls.

Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita – Among the lush greenery of the Giardini Margherita, Le Serre (translating to “greenhouses”), as it’s fondly referred to by locals, is a summertime staple. What used to be a set of aging glass houses is now a vibrant cultural community hub. From May to September, live music, cinema, and poetry drift along wooden tables, scattered deckchairs, and aromatic herb gardens. The drinks are fittingly fresh and botanical; try the Basil Spritz. 

Zerocinquantino 051 – It would be easy to miss this enoteca and tigelleria within Bologna’s bustling Mercato di Mezzo, but you shouldn’t. Post up at one of their outdoor high-rise tables and watch as the tourists and locals alike shop in and explore the market. You can sip on wine from their own production, but the real draw is the fresh-from-the-oven tigelle: the signature stamped breads that you stuff with cheese and meat. We recommend also ordering their homemade caponata and gardiniera. 

Le Stanze – It’s not often you get to drink a martini inside a church, but at Le Stanze, that’s exactly the routine. Housed inside the former Bentivoglio family’s private chapel, this bar—complete with impressive frescoes, of course—is a feast for the eyes and for the taste buds. They also have a dinner menu, but it’s best for the cocktails and well-priced bottles of wine—best enjoyed at the long bar or while sunk into the sofas. 

Osteria l’Infedele – A few steps from Bologna’s most beautiful church (which actually conceals seven other churches) in Piazza Santo Stefano, this rowdy bar feels as though it has been around almost as long as the church itself. Old posters and eccentric mirrors cover the walls, while groups of students and older generations gather around wooden tables to drink strong Negronis or local wine. With a closing time of 3 AM, L’Infedele is great for a nightcap amaro.

Corner Bar – Corner Bar does it all; a café during the day, a bistro in the evening, and a late-night bar on the weekends, it excels on all counts in the beverage department. With plenty of natural light inside and a few portico-covered tables outside, it’s a great choice anytime of day or year, especially if you order the plate of superlative mortadella and one of their creative cocktails. 

Bar Maurizio – This spot isn’t fancy—which is exactly why people love it. On Via Guerrazzi, this bar is a Bolognese institution, the kind of place where you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It has all the hallmarks of a great student dive: plastic chairs, drinks that won’t drain your wallet, and maximalist decor of trophies, whacky art, old bottles of liquor, and even older radios. A bit rough around the edges, but in a charming way. Expect simple drinks and simpler food. 

Kinotto Bar – Hidden behind the nightclub Locomotiv in the north of the city, Kinotto is one of Bologna’s quieter spots: slightly retro, with large armchairs and soft lighting. Inside is cozy, and outside is ideal for grabbing a big table and soaking up some sun. They make a mean Negroni, and have some solid wine and beer offerings. A go-to for nights when the aperitivo enthusiasts arrive in bigger packs.

Gianni Vini Bottega Storica – Open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, this enoteca and caffè is a reliable spot anytime of the day. Start your morning with an espresso and brioche, and circle back at aperitivo time for a craft beer, classic cocktail, or glass of wine from their vast selection of Italian labels. No matter what you order, you’ll get some salty nibbles (olives, potato chips, and taralli), and the staff here are so friendly you’ll really want to make this a daily ritual. 

Osteria del Sole – Some may say this one’s overdone, but, truth is, it never gets old. Down a narrow alley in the heart of the Quadrilatero, Osteria del Sole has been pouring wine since 1465 (you read that right!), and, aside from the addition of an Aperol Spritz, not much has changed—if you want to eat, you bring your own food. Armed with mortadella and Parmigiano, claim a seat at one of the long tables or in the courtyard (where you can still see the rings used for tying up horses), though be warned that it gets a bit sweaty during the summer. This one is for those who like their aperitivo loud, communal, and just a bit chaotic.

I Panini di Miró – Serving great cocktails and even better taglieri, I Panini di Miró is ideal for when you’re in a peckish mood but not quite hungry enough to scarf down a cotoletta alla bolognese. The platters come with grilled zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, and the expected mountain of charcuterie and cheese. Select wines and craft beers round out the evening, making this the perfect stop before a night out in the city. 

Osteria Tricheco – A retro glass facade, bar stools, curated playlists, and natural wine characterize this enoteca—named after a walrus—in the city’s more refined Santo Stefano area. The wine list stretches from easy-drinking local Pignoletto to fancier Franciacorta, and the atmosphere is warm and intimate. Their tiny outdoor courtyard, lit with string lights, is particularly adorable, and they have a tight, fun menu with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. 

BONUS

“Mercato delle Erbe” – This market is a local-favorite for fruit, vegetables, and fish, and its backside, the bustling Via Belvedere, is filled to the brim with bars and even more packed with people. An aperitivo-lover’s dream where you’re always guaranteed a great drink and good company.