A secret with a vintage flavor in the heart of Rome

In the 1920s, during American Prohibition, the sale of alcohol was illegal and the famous speakeasies were born: clandestine venues, often hidden behind anonymous doors or in basements, where the fun continued away from the eyes of the law. To enter, you needed a password and a certain discretion: people would “speak easy,” hence the term, to avoid arousing suspicion. Between dim lights, jazz music, and forbidden cocktails, these secret places became symbols of freedom and creativity.

Today that roaring atmosphere lives again in Rome, just a few steps from the evocative Campo de’ Fiori square, thanks to the Jerry Thomas Speakeasy. The small entrance on Vicolo Cellini, almost invisible to passersby, conceals a world suspended in time. Exposed brick walls, vintage furnishings, and warm lighting welcome those who cross the threshold, projecting them into a sensory experience that blends history and innovation.

Founded in 2010 by a group of passionate bartenders, Jerry Thomas was the first Italian “secret bar,” created to bring back the art of classic mixology. Over the years, thanks to travels, research, and cultural exchanges, the venue has earned a spot six times in the “50 World Best Bars” ranking, becoming an international reference point. The same care and dedication led in 2013 to the creation of the famous Vermouth del Professore, made in collaboration with Distillerie Quaglia: a product that pays homage to ancient Piedmontese recipes and encapsulates unique aromatic notes.

An evening at Jerry Thomas is not just a night out: it is a ritual. The bartenders craft tailor-made cocktails, tell stories, and guide guests on a journey through scents and flavors of another era. The must-try recommendation? Tasting the Vermouth del Professore, neat or in a dedicated cocktail, to discover the authentic heart of the venue.

And to cross the threshold of this secret world, there’s an intriguing detail: access is not free. You must book online on the official website and, upon confirmation, you’ll receive a small challenge—the password that opens the door. Only those who know it can enter, keeping alive the charm of Prohibition and the sense of complicity that has always defined speakeasies.

📍 Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM
📱 Social: @jerrythomas.speakeasy