Bar Basso

This classic bar survives, practically untouched, since the late 1950s. It is where Mirko Stocchetto, the bar's owner, created the Negroni Sbagliato after mistakenly pouring spumante instead of gin.

Sbagliato translates as 'mistaken' and his mistake has been the mainstay of this neighbourhood bar ever since. Ask for yours to be served in one of the enormous stemmed chalice glasses. These were designed by Mirko himself and back in the 1980s he licensed the design to the glass maker WMF so you see the glasses in some of the city's other older bars. Sadly, Mirko passed away on the 10th of November 2016 but his family continue to run Bar Basso as a living museum to Milanese bar culture.

Bar Basso literally translates as 'low bar' but it occupies a corner site rather than the basement space, as the name might suggest. The interior is lined with dark walnut panelling and adorned with chandeliers. My favourite spot is at the old woodworking bench covered in graffiti, which sticks out among the classic furnishings. The original liquor licence is framed behind this table.

For more bars in Milan, please see our recommended Milan bars page.