FRENI E FRIZIONI — Restaurant in Rome

Very high hip factor at this mostly Italian locals millennial after-work crowd (although the secret is getting out to tourists from the Lonely Planet book). Translated "Breaks and Clutches," Frenzi e Frizone is set up high along the river just after Ponte Sisto and Piazza Trilussa, at the gateway to Trastevere. Combined gritty garage feel contrasts a glitzy bar and an inviting vegetarian apertivo spread. There is a sprawling open area piazza for seating -- at a table or casually along the ledges overlooking the adjacent alley. High energy bartenders with showy preparation of traditonal bitters martinis. Great people watching and one of the funnest apertivo venues in the city. Opens at 6:30pm. The ordering process can be a bit stressful. It begins by paying all the way to the left of the bar at the register and awaiting a bartender's attention with your receipt (same as any bar in Rome -- have 1 or 2 euros tip visible). If you don't know what you want, the regulars behind you in line can get impatient. Overall, do not miss this...

We stopped here for two drinks after strolling the Trastevere one night. The bar was crowded but we were quickly offered a seat. The menu was metro themed, with each drink being named for a town/metro in Europe. My friends and I ordered about 5 drinks from the menu and each of them were really tasty (and very interesting). The menu has a good variety -- from an umami cocktail, to a bright and refreshing cocktail, to a boozier, stirred cocktail. For a bar this size they did a great job getting the drinks out very quickly -- I am sure if it was more crowded, the service would have slowed down but it was not an issue for us. The staff was friendly and made us feel welcome. It seems you can get simple drinks (beers, wine) straight from the bar if you're unable to get a seat, this may be a good option if you're there during one of the peak times. They have a pretty good sized liquor menu and I was able to sip some Calvados to close out the evening. This is a great stop if you're hanging in the Trastevere for dinner and...

Horrible place, from the food to the service, it was such an unpleasant experience. I visited as part of a larger group on a hot July day, therefore not had a choice otherwise I would have not chosen a place like this. The vibe is very unkempt. Sticky floor, disgusting graffiti in the bathrooms, yuck. The charm of a student place. At the time of my visit they only served buffet-style food, salads ect. The food looked absolutely gross and the sort that may upset your stomach later so I passed the offer. My party all drank alcohol and when I asked the waitress for some tap water, she brought the smallest glass possible. Not even with ice or a larger bottle for the rest of my group. It was a super hot day and I had to ask her again to please fetch me a larger glass with ice and some water. To which she just rolled her eyes. We later had some more friends joining us, and needed additional chairs. First we got ignored by the staff and then had to take matters into our own hands and find free chairs. So rude, so...