Drinks Deluxe Even the stars of fashion are not immune to the allure of a good aperitif. The cocktails most in demand at the moment are those served in the bars of the city's most exclusive hotels, where the models and foreign designers stay while in town for the shows: the Four Seasons and the Principe da Savoia. Places like the Cap Saint Martin, Julien Café and Joe Pena's, have joined the ranks of historical Milanese watering holes like Taveggia, Bar Basso and Bar Zucca. Hotel Four Seasons Via Gesù, 8 Subway: MM3 Montenapoleone, MM1 San Babila Bus: 61, 94 The prestigious Hotel Four Seasons bar is the "before-dinner rendezvous for professionals of the fashion world", according to Roberto Bonetti, the bar's manager. The drinks are more expensive than average,but the surroundings are worth it. Hotel Principe di Savoia Piazza della Repubblica, 32 Subway: MM3 Repubblica Tram: 29, 30, 9, 1, 2, 11, 20 Principe da Savoia's "Giardino d'Inverno" winter garden with a glass cupola on the courtyard is, and always has been, a favorite among Milano's prominent personalities. Bartender Lino Pergamo is a specialist at making the ever-popular Martini cocktail. Bar Café Radetzky Corso Garibaldi 105 (Closed Mondays) Subway: MM2 Moscova Located in Brera on an unparalleled artists' avenue, this is an aperitivo classic! The crowd (a little on the snobby side...) consists of the young and the not-so-young from the fashion and advertising industries. Lots of quick snacks, great bakery treats! Bar Magenta Via Carducci 13 (Closed Mondays) Tram: 19, 24 Bus: 94 Subway: MM1 Cadorna A traditional Milanese meeting place, an ideal stop-off for an aperitif or nightcap. A raucous and very busy brasserie bar with bench seating in the center. Favored by the scions of Milanese high-society. Self-serve sandwiches and light snacks. Take Away Via San Marco 33 (Closed Saturdays at midday and Sundays ) Tram: 29 - 30 Subway: MM2 Moscova Ever and always "à la page", this is one of the few places in Milano where you can eat and drink tranquilly seated at an outdoor table. Crowded at happy-hour and evenings. Don't count on finding a parking space anywhere near this popular bar in Brera where many go to "see and be seen". El Tumbun de San Marc Via San Marco 20 (Closed Sundays) Tram: 29 - 30 Subway: MM2 Moscova This pub in the heart of Brera has been attracting a varied clientele since 1963. Lots of foreigners, especially Brits, desirous of pleasant conversation without bothersome music blaring in the background. Happy Hour on Mondays from 18:00-24:00. Coquetel Via Vetere 14 (Closed Sundays) Bus: 94 One of the many popular spots in the area between Ticinese, Sant'Eustorgio and the Parco delle Basiliche. The crowd comprises the very young, the bohemian and the radical-chic. The bar and surrounding gardens crowded at Happy Hours. Flying Circus Bus: 94 Piazza Vetra 21 (Closed Saturdays) This bar does particularly well in summer months due to its outdoor tables and the fabulous view of the Chiesa di San Lorenzo. The clientele is largely made up of the "in" crowd. The ceiling and walls are adorned with model airplanes of the 20's and 30's. Newspaper rack. Cocktail Happy Hour from 18:30-20:30. Cap Saint Martin Via De Amicis at the corner of Via Arena (Closed Sundays) Bus: 94 Frequented by managers and fashion's younger crowd, the Cap Saint Martin is not only noted for its excellent aperitifs, but also for the rich and very original buffet which accompanies them. It is advisable to get there early. Joe Pena's Via Savona, 17 (Closed Mondays) Tram: 14 Bus: 68 This is the most famous Mexican place in Milano, offering a modest variety of Happy Hour treats such as tacos and a salad bar to accompany the unbeatable Mojitos and Margaritas. Taveggia Via Visconti di Modrone, 2 (Open 7 days) Bus: 54, 60, 61, 73, 84, 94 Famous for its loveable staff, who've been mixing a mean drink since 1930. Try the Sorso Antico, hard and heavy like they used to make 'em, served with excellent savouries. Bar Basso Via Plinio, 39 (Closed Tuesdays) Bus: 62, 92 Probably the most historical cocktail bar in Milano, where the celebrated Mirko Stocchetti 40 years ago created the Negroni Sbagliato, using spumante instead of gin. Bar Zucca Piazza Duomo, 21 (Closed Wednesdays) Subway: MM1-MM3 Duomo The king of the aperitives where Campari, still the tops among aperitifs was born in 1867, along with a delicate Fragolino. It's in true Art Nouveau style.

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