Jonathan's Angels Bar

Centro, Rome –

An unforgettable part of Rome’s nightlife scene, Jonathan’s Angels is a popular destination for affluent creative types who show up to indulge in exotic cocktails in an unusual environment.

Although there’s a DJ and a small dance floor in the back, the real attraction here is the décor itself, an incredible ornate fantasy of wooden beams and elaborate chandeliers that adds another dimension to the already funky atmosphere.

Oddly enough, Jonathan’s is most memorable for its bathroom, which features an array of candles held by angel statuettes, images of the Madonna, and a working marble fountain into which hopeful patrons toss coins. And on the weekends, the delightfully strange vibe is augmented by the presence of a tarot card reader ready to reveal the fortunes of those waiting in line.

The rest of the décor is dominated by racy photos of celebrities and a series of curious paintings of the owner – a muscular man with flowing white locks – posing as a gladiator, the pope, an artist, and even Caravaggio’s Bacchus.

Despite the fabulous eye candy inside, most patrons prefer to enjoy their drinks at the outdoor bar – though with no common space to mingle, groups do tend to stick to their own. The best bet is to enjoy Jonathan’s Angels with a group of friends and just soak it all in.