AK K

Bar Basso, a historic gem in Milan, is a cocktail aficionado's dream. Famous for the Negroni Sbagliato, this bar offers a unique blend of classic and contemporary drinks. Its retro charm and lively ambiance attract a diverse clientele, from locals to tourists. The knowledgeable staff and an array of expertly crafted cocktails make it a standout. Bar Basso is a quintessential Milanese experience, not to be missed.

Home of the famous Negroni Sbagliato (Negroni Mistake). We arrived around 7pm on a Thursday evening and got a table inside more or less straight away. 2 x drinks including aperitivo snacks = €20! Rel…

Bar Basso è un locale storico dove il tempo sembra sospeso tra specchi, legni caldi e atmosfere d’altri tempi. Famoso per aver inventato il Negroni Sbagliato, qui il rito dell’aperitivo diventa leggenda: cocktail scenografici e iconici che raccontano la tradizione milanese. Sedersi ai tavoli del Bar Basso significa immergersi in una storia viva, fatta di brindisi, conversazioni e luci soffuse, un angolo di Milano che continua a incantare.

Uno dei locali più vecchi di Milano, frequentato da gente con una certa età ma anche giovani. Spritz e prosecchi e stuzzichini. Affollatissimo e molto difficile ad prenotare un tavolo. Ma ogni tanto si libera un tavolino all'aperto mà senza riscaldamento ché è una vera pecca. Ma c'è sempre il tavolo al bar per un veloce drink con amici. Prezzo ragionevole per un locale di un certo livello e per un drink in un bicchiere speciale diverso dalle solite. Vale provare per una piccola esperienza diversa dalle solite.

Aperitivo molto basico con patatine, olive e delle tartine. Molto buono il fragolino. Arredamento che si è fermato nel tempo mantenendo la storicità del locale. Servizio rapido. Giusto andarci per vivere la storia di Milano, ma sicuramente si possono trovare posti migliori per fare un aperitivo

Storico locale milanese dove e' stato inventato il Negroni sbagliato,punto di ritrovo negli anni 70/80 per il caffe e l'Happy Hour. Frequentato dalla Milano bene e dagli Yuppies. Rimane ancora un icona nel panorama milanese anche se ha perso un po di smalto incalzata dall'apertura di nuovi locali di tendenza.

Bar storico milanese nel centro di Milano. Ho preso un Aperol Spritz ed era un po' annacquato. Piatti da aperitivo onesti in quantità e qualità. Club sandwich molto buono. Prezzi adeguati con la zona.

aki okuda

​The Soul of Milanese Drinking: Bar Basso ​If you want to experience the heart of Milanese cocktail culture, Bar Basso is an essential pilgrimage. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time, where mid-century elegance meets a vibrant, local energy. While the wood-paneled interior is charmingly nostalgic, the real star is the Negroni Sbagliato. ​Invented here by mistake in 1972, this "broken" Negroni replaces gin with sparkling wine, creating a drink that is refreshingly light yet sophisticated. Served in their iconic, oversized scenographic glassware with a hand-cut block of ice, it is more than just a cocktail—it is a piece of Milanese history. ​Whether you are a design enthusiast during Salone del Mobile or a traveler seeking an authentic aperitivo, Bar Basso offers an unmatched atmosphere. It remains a masterclass in how a simple "mistake" can become a worldwide legend.

Erick Alexander

Historic bar with a lively atmosphere and a counter that feels from another era. Cocktails are generous and well made, perfect for a proper Milanese aperitivo. Definitely worth trying at least once.

Ion Scripliuc

Dropped by Bar Basso recently — the experience was a bit mixed but mostly positive. The menu was a little crumpled and worn. Just a heads-up: the menu only includes drinks, so don’t come hungry. The service was genuinely good — staff were friendly, quick, and clearly knew their cocktails.

Richard Norris

We didn't order food, but got some really nice olives. The drinks were great. The service was fine, the location isn't great for views but they do a decent job of getting a nice vibe going anyway. Bar Basso probably won't be the highlight of a visit to Milan, but you'll have a lovely time and be glad you went all the same!

Oguzhan Kocabas

I came to Barbasso to taste the Negroni .What I learned that first Negroni was invented here 50 years ago.The environment and ambiance was very nice. I can't make a comparison as I drank Negroni for the first time, but I liked its presentation and taste. I have spend pleasant few hours.

+1

Historic Milanese bar, famous for the Negroni Sbagliato. Lively, welcoming atmosphere perfect for an aperitivo with friends. Quick, polite service. Slightly pricey, but the cocktail quality makes up …

Busy place with average service. Dont expect a high level of personal service. Large spritz - amazing olives

I think I found this place on a trip building website. It’s cute for happy hour and a quick appertivo. Was sat straight away, and with a decent table. The appertivo spread was nice. Server was nice…

Considerando il nome storico del locale avevo aspettative molto alte, purtroppo disattese. Sono stata nel locale più volte e il servizio mi è sempre sembrato approssimativo e poco curato. L’ultima volta ho ordinato un caffè shakerato: il personale appariva incerto e dal bancone si sentivano commenti sul mio ordine. Mi è stato servito in un bicchiere avvolto da un tovagliolo. Ho inoltre trovato bizzarro che mi siano stati portati degli stuzzichini quando avevo ormai terminato la consumazione.

Bar storico di Milano, ci sono tornata dopo 40 anni, per caso. Tutto è rimasto com'era il che sarebbe positivo se solo il vintage fosse curato. Invece il locale avrebbe bisogno di essere curato e restaurati rispettando lo stile. Il personale è stato molto gentile ed i panini erano buonissimi. Ingredienti di qualità.

Il locale è storico e ricorda gli anni della bella Milano. Tuttavia, ho da lamentarmi rispetto al prezzo. Due baileys 16 euro. Follia pura. Il personale è gentile, però… capisco l’inflazione, ma con 16 euro devi portarmi almeno un bicchiere in oro puro.

Aperitivo venerdì sera, ora di punta. Atteso quasi 20 minuti prima di poter ordinare. Tavolo pulito male. Negroni serviti in bicchieri nani anziché quelli grandi tradizionali. Aperitivo salato basico e limitato. Siamo rimasti delusi.

Sumit Raj

We stopped by Bar Basso in Milan for a quick drink, and it turned out to be a nice experience. The drinks were excellent, and the place offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The food was just okay, but the service can be a bit slow. That said, the lively vibe makes up for it — the place is quite popular among youngsters and has a great atmosphere to unwind with friends.

+1

Will .Odwarka

Understand it is a historical and design relevant place and all but a little bid of love for guests would go a long way. Anyway happy that I did it and finally could drink my Negroni from a goblet

Rob M

It's a fun atmosphere and an interesting historical bar, but oh man the service is bad and extremeeeely slow. Many tables around us were visibily angered at the lack of attention. The younger Black gentleman bussing tables was trying to help and was polite and apologetic but was helpless at getting the orders out. Make this guy the manager! Good drinks but honestly can't really recommend!

Enjoyed several giant Spritz's at this historic Milan watering hole! Everything was just right... if you didn't use the toilets! bathroom was FILTHY! Caused us to worry about the state of the kitch…

siamo entrati per la fama del bar e del suo negroni sbagliato, drink molto buono devo dire aperitivo scadente, le patatine erano un po’ molli, si sentiva che erano aperte da un po’, il resto, focaccia, frittatina ecc non troppo buone siamo rimasti delusi dal prezzo, 24€ totale per due sbagliati, mi sembra esagerato considerando la presentazione generale del tutto da un bar storico mi aspettavo prezzi più bassi che vanno “contro” ai nuovi bar sofisticati (meglio andare in quelli, almeno il prezzo è giustificato) vabbè :(

Bar storico in una zona della città da me ampiamente conosciuta e alla quale sono in qualche modo affezionato, anche se non è che sprizzi per bellezza. Le porzioni sono molto abbondanti ed i cocktail non sono male, ma i prezzi sono veramente fuori portata. Non si può pagare 12 euro per un gin lemon con vista tangenziale, questi bar possono andare avanti solo grazie al turismo di stranieri.

Mr. Traveller

When I visited during the day, the place was quite empty, which was pleasant, and I got a seat immediately without waiting. Unfortunately, the waiters didn’t speak any English at all. When I asked for a non alcoholic beer, they confirmed it — but when the drink arrived, it wasn’t non alcoholic. The alternatives they offered also contained alcohol, and due to the language barrier, they didn’t seem to understand the issue. We eventually agreed on a mineral water. After about 10 minutes, I decided to pay and leave, as the communication issues made the atmosphere uncomfortable and I didn’t really feel welcome. Overall, I had the impression that tourists are not particularly welcome here. Card payment was possible.

София Локтионова

The service in this bar was really disappointing because the waiter was rude to me and my friends, also very slow. The price for an aperitivo is so high-for one aperol 12€. About food: they served a little plate of chips and 5-6 pieces of snacks for 3 people. The place itself is very beautiful but all the rest is really disappointing. I wouldn’t come here once again.

Jonathan Fargion

Historical Milanese Bar for aperitivo. Service was t great. They brought us the wrong order twice. Not too much attention to the customer. Overall quite pricey.

Monika H

Effective and very tasty negroni sbagliato. But the service was at a very low level.. they seem not to take care of people that come, it ruins a nice atmosphere in this nicely decorated vintage bar. So opinions about waiters are totally true. Moreover, aperitivo was very poor.. worth to go once, but only once

. Arrived at 12:30 pm for lunch and to enjoy their famous Negroni Sbagliato. My husband had been talking about it for weeks. It was a beautiful day, so we chose to sit at an outdoor table. There wer…

Old worldly vibe could have been a charming experience. Terrible uncaring bordering on racist service. We had a reservation, got the table but the waiter refused to take our order for reasons best …

Old worldly vibe could have been a charming experience. Terrible uncaring bordering on racist service. We had a reservation, got the table but the waiter refused to take our order for reasons bes…

Old worldly vibe could have been a charming experience. Terrible uncaring bordering on racist service. We had a reservation, got the table but the waiter refused to take our order for reasons best …

Il bar e’ un’istituzione a milano ma la gestione del servizio e’ rimasta negli anni 50. Tavolo da 8 persone 8 drink oltre un’ora di attesa: sono finiti i bicchieri.. versione ufficiale. La realtà sono degli assoluti incompetenti.

Come da attesa, il bar storico trasmette delle ottime vibes anni ‘50, ma tutto il personale é scortese, maleducato, per niente accomodante. Si viene trattati male e occhio al conto gonfiato rispetto al menu. Simpatico da provare una volta e non tornarci più.

Attirati dal nome e dalla storicità del locale, ci siamo fermati per un aperitivo prendendo due spritz. Totale: 24€, accompagnati “in omaggio” da due patatine e due olive. Un accompagnamento davvero misero e un rapporto qualità/prezzo semplicemente triste, soprattutto considerando che non siamo certo in Piazza Duomo. Esperienza decisamente negativa: usciti con la sensazione di aver pagato solo la reputazione, non il servizio né l’offerta. A Milano, con la stessa cifra e anche in zone più centrali, si trova facilmente di meglio. Non ci tornerò. Mi spiace.

Kristina M

Genuinely disappointed that I have to record the experience I had when visiting with my family on 20 December 2025. I live in the area and visit often for drinks and love bringing people here. The staff are usually busy but efficient and kind. There seemed to be a new set of staff on the floor, one in particular with the grace of a bull in a china shop, who kept hitting into one of our chairs, and leaving the door to outside open, and practically threw the drinks down on our table so much so that the ones in the short glasses spilled. He came to roughly collect a plate or two whilst we were still drinking and knocked over at least two half full goblets of Negroni, one which fell directly into my lap and fully soaked through my clothing (that’s a lot of liquid). Not a word of sorry, in English or Italian, he gruffly walked off and looked like we inconvenienced him. A second staff member came and seemed to take responsibility for this person, excused him whilst practically shoving serviettes into my crotch which not welcome contact, handing them to me would have sufficed. He was quick with excuses saying it’s the other guy’s first day and he’d replace the drink. We didn’t want a replacement drink (which came anyway). I wanted the bill cut and not just for the one drink that got me, at which point he argues and says it’s not his fault for the spill, with no regard to how we were treated and the fact that my clothes would need dry cleaning. The second staff member then tried to charge us full price for all drinks, and only after I noticed and argued he took off one, snarling at me saying it wasn’t his fault. I was so frustrated and embarrassed that I paid just so I could leave. After complaining to the floor manager it turns out the staff member was meant to remove two drinks. The floor manager was genuinely apologetic, but did nothing and no offer of refund or offer to foot the dry cleaning bill. Accidents happen but the way this was handled caused me a huge amount of stress and embarrassment. If you go, take a drink at the bar and don’t risk the harassment of table service.

Noah Gomberg

Went to Bar Basso this evening at the strong recommendation of a friend at home. The ambiance was cute and the drinks were reasonable; aperitivo was basic. (Olives and chips - other aperitivo seemed to be reserved for later in the evening/bigger spenders.) At the end of the meal, our waiter shouted at us repeatedly (in Italian; neither of us speak it) about a misunderstanding with the bill until his colleague confirmed he’d just noted the tab was in cash and quickly switched to card. We settled immediately and left. It was a simple misunderstanding which led to an inordinate amount of hostility from our server. My partner and I were both clearly a bit surprised by the encounter as was his colleague who sorted the whole thing near-instantly. Given the hostility from the server we’d never return, nor would we recommend it to other travellers.

Felice Capicoy

Service was terrible. We had to wait super long to be even handed a menu. When we went, the bar wasn't even super busy. The 2 tables beside us were clearly weren't happy either. An Italian guy (bless you, sir) had to complain for us that we weren't being served because he also wasn't getting good service either. This is supposedly the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliatto. Maybe the sbagliatto was born out of incompetence instead of it being intentional and these guys just got lucky.