A few years ago I went to a bar in Florence. I bought a drink (8 to 10 euro) and that entitled me to help myself to a long table filled with a variety of foods. I don't remember the name of the place or what such places are called. Do they still exist in florence and if so, what would be a good one to patronize. Looking for info and suggestions.
Thanks,
steve
Those are just bars that make the aperitivo, the italian version of the happy hour. All bars could do it if they wanted, some posh places want and others don't.
Walk around before dinner and you'll see them.
Note that the worst tourist traps will ask 8-10 € for everything on sale during the happy hour, not only for wine and spirits. It happened to me 5 years ago in Milan, they wanted 9.99 € for a cup of coffee because I made my order between 7 and 9 pm. They are still waiting for the remaining 8.99 €, I'm still laughing at the idea.
As Dario says, you'll find bars with a happy hour buffet scattered throughout Florence. One really good one is at the Biblioteca della Oblate on Via dell'Oriuolo, a short walk from the back of Duomo. You get a drink and buffet for 10 euro, with additional drinks at regular prices. Quality of the food is very good. There are a couple of places along Borgo degli Albizi that appear popular, at the Piazza di San Pier Maggiore end of the street, a short walk from the Biblioteca. I've not patronized them, so I can't comment other than to say their dishes look good and there's a lot of variety.
just curious - is it fill your plate on one visit to the buffet, or do you get a plate and put some things on, then return for others?
Thanks Dario and Frank. I don't make a habit of patronizing such places but had a good experience at the one I visited years ago. I met with local friends there and the food was good. As I recall Nigel, I was given a plate and was allowed to return to the food bar throughout the evening. Not sure if that's allowed everywhere or if it is even the practice today. I'll check out your suggestions Frank, thanks.
There are so many that it would be impossible for anybody to guess which one you went.
But I can give you a list of the best according to a reputable local online newspaper that specializes on bars and nightlife activities (Firenze da bere=Florence for a drink).
It’s in Italian but names are names, and you can use google translate to get a sense of the article.
You can also ask locals for the best BARS CON APERITIVO
