Venice - Harry's Bar

Frankly, no. Downstairs is distinctly ordinary and I suspect the posh folk have another room.
Bellini's just as nice can be had in many other bars with much nicer views and atmophere.

We did a Venice Pub crawl on our own, which was much more authentic and quite charming. Here’s Rick’s description: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/venice-cicchetti-crawl

Thanks for the advice. :)

Years ago we went to Harry's Bar and I ordered beer. 'Sorry. Sir, we don't serve beer.' Fine, then I'll have a Margherita (an Italian queen after all). 'Sorry, Sir, we have no tequila.' Evidently, they must have well satisfied us after that since I can't remember how the story ended.

It depends on what you consider to be an “authentic” experience “similar to Harry’s.” Harry’s started in the 1930s as an American style cocktail bar catering to affluent international visitors, including many celebrities in the last century. It still relies on that reputation, and its prices reflect that, although the celebrities have long ago moved on. If you want a Harry’s like experience with less hype, go to the bar of one of Venice’s five star hotels. If you want something more authentically Venetian, go just about anywhere else, including the good advice from other posters.

If you want to pay 20e or more for cocktail I'd rather have an amazing view at least like Hilton Stucky Rooftop bar or something like that. Is the experience worth the cost and trouble is a question only you can answer. Cafe Florian is a a coffee shop from 1720 on Piazza San Marco and you'll pay 12e for a cappuccino in their gold gilt rooms but that's not what really what you're paying for.

If you're looking for history or an authentic experience in Venice I'd look to something like Cantina Do Mori founded in 1462 that Casanova reputably visited and still offers cheap wine and cichetti - although it you choose "big Italian named" wines like Barolo they will happily charge you 15+e a glass versus 5e for everyday wines. But the bar is famous for being the oldest bar in Venice so you will not be the only tourist in the place. I don't think there are tourist free experiences anywhere in Venice anymore.

There are tons of cool little bars in and around in Venice - maybe something like Osteria Al Squero which is a great little bar directly across from the boatyard where they fix gondolas. I guarantee you will pay a lot less but is the experience of saying you had a drink at Harry's bar worth it? That's up to you.

Enjoy Venice,
=Tod