Palermo’s Hottest Bars Right Now: Where Locals Actually Drink

Palermo Bars Guide - Trending Spots Locals Love

Palermo’s bar scene is in a sweet spot: still mostly local, but with enough experimentation to keep cocktail nerds and craft beer fans happy. This guide zooms in on a handful of bars that are quietly blowing up in ratings and word of mouth.

Use it to plan a bar crawl in the historic center or to find a single perfect spot for an aperitivo that might become your new ritual.

BAR MAROCCO - Classic Palermo bar with serious loyalists

BAR MAROCCO is not new, but its numbers are wild: a 4.5 rating with more than 1,700 reviews and still climbing. That kind of volume means it is a true local anchor, not a one-season trend.

What makes it trending now:

• Steady stream of recent reviews that keep pushing it into “most trusted” lists.
• A reputation for being that reliable, no-fuss Palermo bar where prices are fair and service is fast.
• Word-of-mouth among locals who use it as a meeting point before nights out in the center.

Expect a classic Italian bar format: strong espresso in the morning, spritz and beer flowing through aperitivo, and a friendly, slightly chaotic vibe during peak hours. It is the kind of place where you can stand at the counter, chat with the barista, and feel like a regular even on your first visit.

Best for: Budget friendly drinks, people watching, starting a night out.

Pro tip: Stand at the bar instead of sitting if you want a quicker, cheaper round and a more local feel.

Beta Cocktails Laboratory - Experimental cocktails in a lab vibe

Beta Cocktails Laboratory is where Palermo’s cocktail geeks are quietly gathering. With a 4.9 rating and a focused but passionate review base, it has the feel of a discovered secret rather than a tourist checklist stop.

Why it is trending:

• Very high rating that catches the eye of cocktail hunters.
• A “laboratory” approach to mixology that plays well on social media and review photos.
• Limited but thoughtful seating, which creates a speakeasy style intimacy.

Inside, you get a modern, almost minimalist bar with bartenders who treat each drink like a small experiment. Think house infusions, clarified cocktails, and twists on Italian classics. It is the opposite of the generic spritz bar.

Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, small groups who care more about drink quality than volume.

Pro tip: Ask for their current off menu experiments. Regulars say that is where the most interesting flavors show up.

High Hops - Craft beer playground

High Hops is Palermo’s answer for people who want hops instead of Negroni. With a 4.9 rating and strong word-of-mouth, it is turning into a must stop for craft beer fans passing through the city.

Why it is on the rise:

• High average rating from a still growing number of reviews.
• A rotating selection that draws in locals who want to try new labels regularly.
• A laid back, pub style atmosphere that works for both pre dinner drinks and late night sessions.

Expect a tap list that leans heavily on Italian and European craft breweries, with some international guests. Staff tend to be knowledgeable but relaxed, happy to guide you if you are new to IPAs or sour beers.

Best for: Craft beer lovers, casual nights with friends, anyone tired of the same three lagers.

Pro tip: Check their latest tap list on social channels before you go if you are chasing specific styles like double IPA or stout.

Bottega Monteleone - Wine, cocktails, and neighborhood charm

Bottega Monteleone sits in that sweet spot between bar, wine shop, and neighborhood hangout. Its 4.8 rating and rising popularity come from a consistent mix of quality drinks and cozy atmosphere.

What keeps it trending:

• Reviews highlight both the drink selection and the staff’s recommendations.
• A “bottiglieria” feel that appeals to people who want to discover Sicilian wines without a formal wine bar vibe.
• Strong neighborhood energy that makes it feel authentic rather than staged.

You will find Sicilian labels by the glass, bottles to share, and simple but well executed cocktails. The space is intimate, often buzzing with low key conversation rather than loud music, which makes it a good stop if you want to actually talk.

Best for: Wine curious travelers, relaxed aperitivo, small groups.

Pro tip: Let staff know what kind of wine you usually drink at home. They are good at matching that to a local Sicilian bottle you probably have not tried.

Bar Touring - Old school institution with huge fanbase

Bar Touring is a Palermo institution with nearly 3,000 reviews and a 4.4 rating. Even if its recent review count is quieter, the sheer volume of feedback and its long standing reputation keep it in the city’s bar conversation.

Why it still matters:

• Massive review count signals decades of steady trade and loyal customers.
• A classic Italian bar format that works from breakfast to late evening.
• Often recommended by locals as a familiar, no drama spot near busy routes.

Expect a bright, busy counter, pastries, coffee, and a dependable lineup of beers and simple cocktails. It is less about curated mixology and more about convenience and rhythm, which is exactly what many travelers want between sightseeing stops.

Best for: Quick coffee or drink breaks, mixed age groups, people who like classic Italian bar culture.

Pro tip: Use it as a reset point on a long walking day. Grab a coffee, a cold drink, or a simple aperitivo before moving on.

How to build a Palermo bar crawl

If you want to turn these spots into a single night out, try this flow:

1. Start early at BAR MAROCCO for a first spritz and to soak up the local vibe.
2. Move to Bottega Monteleone for a glass or two of Sicilian wine and some conversation.
3. Head to Beta Cocktails Laboratory for creative cocktails as the night picks up.
4. Finish at High Hops if you still have energy and want a craft beer nightcap.

You can swap in Bar Touring at the beginning or end depending on where you are staying and how classic you want your bar experience to be.

Staying ahead of the curve with MapsBuddy

Palermo’s bar scene shifts fast, with small places gaining traction through reviews and social buzz long before they appear in traditional guides. MapsBuddy tracks that momentum in real time so you can find the bars that locals are actually excited about right now, not last season.

Use this list as a starting point, then keep exploring nearby spots that are just beginning to trend. That is where you will find tomorrow’s favorites before they go mainstream.