Ma che Siete Venuti a Fa'

Trastevere, Rome –

Established in 2001 as a football bar, the theme at the amusingly named Ma che Siete Venuti a Fa’ (What the Hell Are You Doin’ Here) was originally based on the two owners’ amicable rivalry between Rome’s two football teams, an idea still apparent in the collection of jerseys and scarves that line the walls next to posters and photos of the teams.

The bar has since discarded its initial sports focus to concentrate on specialty beers, and was the first venue in Rome to import handcrafted beers from Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the UK, and the US, and to grant exposure to some small Italian beer producers.

Consisting of just two narrow rooms and a bar, the venue’s floor-to-ceiling wood paneling creates a warm and cozy atmosphere where knowledgeable bartenders are happy to educate patrons about all things beer and let them sample the rotating selection of international brews.

Unlike most beer pubs in town that attract primarily English-speaking crowds, the clientele at Ma che Siete Venuti a Fa’ is made up of curious and appreciative locals who create a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe.

But don’t think sports have entirely disappeared from the mix here – on game days, visitors will still find boisterous crowds that pack the bar and spill onto the street to cheer on their favorite teams.