Page 357 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

ENTER T AINMENT IN ROME  355

sophisticated Ferrazza (see Esquilino location. This quirky steady rise in the number of gay
p343), in San Lorenzo, serves club has a unique program of bars and clubs here. Some are
up exceptional wines for more selected oldies and also exclusively gay, but others
sophisticated customers, while specializes in burlesque attract a mixed clientele.
the ancient wine bar, Il evenings, with stars from all For lively social drinking, head
Vinaietto, has a dizzying over the world as well as local for Anfiteatro My Bar and
selection of wine bottles which ones trained in the club’s own Coming Out, between San
they also serve by the glass. The burlesque academy. The Nag’s Giovanni and the Colosseum,
slick surf-bar Duke’s in Parioli is Head is a disco-pub that is to mingle with a mixed crowd
slightly away from the center, especially worth noting. that usually spills out onto the
but is worth it for celebrity- In and around Testaccio, the street. Nearby, the men-only
spotting. Duke’s has tried to undisputed clubbing heart of bar Hangar continues to
curb its soaring popularity by Rome, you’ll find it difficult to pack them in.
closing on Sat urday nights, but decide which club to visit. When it comes to clubbing,
to no avail. It remains the The lavish and sophisticated La the ever-growing number of
number one place to be seen Cabala attracts celebrities and gay one-nighters in both alter-
in north Rome. Rome’s upscale clientele with its native and mainstream clubs in
Finally, and not just for Lungotevere location, while many ways present the best
hopeless romantics, breath- the multifunctional Shari Vari is venues for drinking and
taking views of Rome can be the place for eating, drinking, dancing until the early hours.
enjoyed at the lavish rooftop relaxing, and dancing. Radio Goa, just off Via Ostiense,
terrace bars at hotel Eden (see Londra can always be counted occasionally hosts gay nights
p302), near Via Veneto, and Bar on for a good DJ set, while such as the women-only Venus
Zest in the Radisson Blu es. nearby is the ever-popular Rising once a month; Mucca
hotel (see p302) near Termini. Mexican-infused Charro Café. Assassina (quite literally
At dusk, particularly after a Just off the Via Ostiense is the “homicidal cow”) pulls in the
sunny day, these stunning trendy La Saponeria, and at the crowds every Friday at the
venues offer a great place alternative Planet Roma you monumental Qube in
to start an unforgettable can drift between three rooms Tiburtino, while Planet Roma
evening out. Not far from the offering three completely hosts the Gorgeous I Am
Colosseum, Caffè Propaganda different DJ sets. Last but by one-nighters every Saturday.
is a chic café whose interior is no means least, the legendary These clubs are in addition to
reminiscent of an early-20th- Goa remains the champion the justly famous gay-friendly
century Parisian bistro, while of Roman clubs, attracting disco Alibi in Testaccio with its
Porto Fluviale in the up-and- the best of Italian as well as explosive mix of house music
coming nightlife hub of international DJs. and retro classics.
Ostiense is the place to go for The wine bar at ‘Gusto offers Pride Week, a yearly event
aperitivo and beyond. live music, and the chance to held at the end of June/early
explore the venue’s various July, is a time when gay Romans
restaurant areas while enjoying hit the streets for seven days
Clubs a glass of wine from the vast of nonstop partying. The
To brush shoulders with TV selection available. A similar program and date change
starlets and government multipurpose venue is the from year to year, so it is wise
undersecretaries, head for nearby La. Vi. with its terrace to consult listing magazines
Gilda. Its glitzy dance-floor and late-night lounge music. for full details.
and restaurant have made it However, if you’re in the mood In summer, as with most
a favorite with the Roman jet for a mainstream alternative clubs, Rome’s gay venues
set and hangers-on. The that is free of charge, and easier move out doors in an attempt
famous Sixties nightclub, to gain entry to, then head to to beat the stifling heat. Often
Jackie O, revamped in lavish the upbeat Habana Café for the outdoor club nights are
style, with a lush interior, a a continuous program of live hosted at Gay Village, a
piano bar, and an expensive music, and DJ sets every evening. summer-long outdoor party.
eatery, draws an inter national, For something a little This is yet another important
thirty-something crowd. different, the Radio Café is a indication that gay culture
Also in the Via Vento area is multifunctional venue with is finally beginning to be
Elegance Café with its live jazz a lounge, café, disco, and accepted on the main stream
music, while farther north the meeting spaces frequented entertainment scene.
traditional disco is at its best at by a trendy media set.
Piper, which changes its look
each season and organizes Gay Scene Centri Sociali
imaginative floor shows and Centri sociali, or illegally
other events. Smack in the While the city’s gay scene is not occupied buildings that have
center of town is Micca Club, as well renowned as Europe’s been converted into centers
which relocated here from its larger capitals, there has been a for the arts and entertainment,

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