According to the world’s press, all millennials detest Applebee’s and love gentrification—but we also hate gentrification. The technological boom placed the world in our pocket, providing access to everything at a touch. On Instagram we can fall in love with Jessica’s Newfoundland and cry at Sarah’s grand-paternal loss within seconds. All of this produces, not unreasonably, the desire to have everything easily. In honor of that desire, here are four aperitivo spots in Florence that offer a little of everything for a millennial’s 10-euro budget. From veggie to edgy, trashy to classy, you might not fulfill all your desires (will you ever?), but you can try.
Kitsch Deux
The Kitsch Deux of America would undoubtedly serve nachos. The Kitsch Deux of Florence serves everything else within blooming red walls, periodically displaying pirate flags. Inside an area the size of a walk-in closet, Kitsch Deux lines the walls with food. The classic pastas, couscous and breads all appear, but in quantities and variations beyond your 10-euro dreams—counting a drink. And when the second drink adds 5 euro, little complaints emerge pre-night-out. From 6:30 to 10:30pm, check out Kitsch’s affinity for deity statues while sipping on boat-sized cocktails.
Via S. Gallo, 22R, Florence
Oibò
Once you’ve eaten troppi nacho equivalents, seek out classier cousin Oibò. Overlooking the basilica di Santa Croce, Oibò mixes artisan mixology and artful sustenance for the not-so-artsy price of 10 euro. The purple-lit space lacks wall-to-wall pasta, but the butter pasta and fried rice outpace yesteryear’s leftovers. Oibo’s main show, however, remains the cocktails. Often adorned with berries and mint, wrap your lips around handcrafted blends served from 7 to 10pm.
Borgo de’ Greci, 1, Florence
Quelo
Fashioning a refurbished theme throughout, Quelo serves vegan foods and fruity mixes. The multinational menu features rice salads, beans, tzatziki and crudités. From 7:30 to 10:30pm, this Santa Croce gem serves homemade food to the beat of live performers. The showcase cocktail, the Ultimate Mix, combines freshly squeezed fruit and veggies with vodka. A bustling local spot, Quelo invites a foreign college crowd with their emphasis on low prices and vegan choices.
Borgo Santa Croce, 15R, Florence
Art Bar
Antico Caffè del Moro, alias Art Bar, doesn’t serve aperitivo food other than chips and popcorn, plus the fruity palaces atop their drinks for the price of 7 euro a pop. Bursting with 40s-era vibes and the music to match, Art Bar attracts both local and TripAdvisor crowds. The bartenders compose serious faces while crafting concoctions, attesting to the quality of their technique and contrasting with the playful paintings on the pealing walls. It’s cheap, lively and delicious. Plus, the fruit’s good for you.
Via del Moro, 4, Florence
FB Antico Caffè del Moro – ART BAR Firenze – Caffè degli Artisti
