Bar Spritz

Tucked away in the heart of Venice’s San Marco district, Bar Spritz Venezia is far more than just a stop for a quick drink—it’s a gateway into the city’s vibrant bacaro culture. With its charmingly rustic wooden interiors, buzzing countertop, and the warm clink of glasses echoing through the day, this spot embodies the authentic Venetian spirit that so many travellers seek.

Bar Spritz is open early, serving fresh croissants, coffee, and light breakfasts to locals rushing to work or visitors keen to start exploring. But it’s in the late afternoon that the bar really comes alive. As the sun begins to drop behind terracotta rooftops, Venetians and tourists alike gather here for what’s perhaps the city’s most cherished ritual: the aperitivo.

The bar’s namesake drink, the Spritz, takes centre stage. Choose the classic Aperol for its trademark orange hue and balanced bitterness, or venture into more local territory with Select, the Venetian-born aperitivo liqueur known for its richer, herbal notes. Served in large stemmed glasses, garnished with a plump green olive or a slice of orange, the Spritz here feels as Venetian as the winding canals outside.

Of course, the drinks are only part of the story. True to bacaro tradition, cicchetti—small, tasty bites—line the bar. You might sample marinated anchovies on toast, fried mozzarella, slices of salami, or fresh seafood. Venetians often make an evening of hopping from one bacaro to another, sampling a different drink and plate at each, but many find themselves happily lingering at Bar Spritz, drawn in by its laid‑back energy and genuinely friendly staff.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively. Wooden stools cluster around high tables inside, while the few outdoor seats look out onto the narrow street, perfect for people‑watching. There’s no pressure to stay seated; many prefer to stand at the bar, glass in hand, chatting with friends or striking up conversations with fellow travellers. It’s this unpretentious sociability that gives Bar Spritz its charm.

What makes Bar Spritz Venezia so special isn’t a flashy menu or designer decor, but the feeling that, for a moment, you’re part of Venice itself. Here, you can sip slowly, taste local flavours, listen to the swirl of dialects around you, and savour the city not just as a postcard backdrop, but as a living, breathing place.

So whether you’re strolling from nearby Campo Santo Stefano, exploring the quieter lanes beyond Piazza San Marco, or simply looking for a true taste of Venetian daily life, Bar Spritz invites you in. Raise your glass, take a bite, and toast to la dolce vita—Venetian style.