On the Rox Bar

Testaccio, Rome –

Located at the entrance of the Testaccio nightlife district – and with a last call at 5am – On the Rox is a popular destination for off-work bartenders and late-night partiers who flock to the bar after all the other clubs close.

Divided into two rooms, the rough décor consists of curved walls and ceilings left unfinished, as well as beer posters and decals tacked to the wall and giant beer barrels that serve as tables.

Earlier in the evening, a young and outgoing crowd shows up to mingle and drink before heading elsewhere, while international students often crowd the place to take advantage of the substantial student discounts on offer.

A thirty-five foot bar ensures that patrons never have to wait long for refills, so they can get right back out to the boisterous dance floor where pop and R&B plays just as loudly as at any of the nearby clubs.

Plenty of tables and bar seating create a sociable, albeit noisy, atmosphere, while the outdoor patio caters to a quieter crowd more interested in cocktails and conversation.

The patio is especially lovely on warm evenings, as it faces bustling Via Galvani and acts as a perfect launching pad for patrons to head out from On the Rox and stumble into the Roman night.

Or morning, as the case may (more often than not) be.