Were there any bars or something similar in Rome around the year 1 BCE?

by steven_Aemilius

I recall reading "Claudius the God" by Robert Graves where he wrote a section about the Emperor Claudius discussing the lack of good wine houses in Rome anymore. So were there any wine houses, or bars in Rome?

italianjob17

Afaik there were thermopolias and cauponas where you could get some food and drink.

A thermopolium was a restaurant/snack bar with some tables and a street counter for to-go orders. Often they also had brothels on the upper floor.

The caupona was a smaller establishment more wine inclined, so closer to a modern bar.

In cities like Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ancient Ostia plenty of these establishments were found.

Google Caupona di Fortunato or Thermopolium di Ostia to see some examples.

I suppose Claudius is just commenting on the lack of quality wine.