Florence is known for its outstanding architecture, iconic works of art and amazing pasta dishes, not necessarily for an alternative scene. Despite that, Public House 27 – often called simply "the Public House" – remains one of the most popular bars tucked away near the Santa Maria Novella train station. And like Florence, it’s an experience in and of itself.

You won’t find any swanky cocktails or black dresses here, and they far from tout the wine selection that you would expect from a Tuscan bar.

At Public House 27, it’s all about the beer, which is imported internationally and from local breweries. See, there's been a new interest in locally crafted brews in Italy, and Public House 27 leads the way in providing these new beers to the locals in Florence.

A sample of Public House 27's decor — Photo courtesy of Public House 27

This is not a tourists’ bar: you won’t hear any English, despite its location so close to the main city center. And the crowd it draws isn't your typical young crowd ready to party, either.

The décor alone is definitely reason to pop in. Combining a sense of the macabre and still maintaining a tribute to vintage culture, the Public House always has something new to look at every time you enter.

Whether it’s the creepily placed dolls in the back corner or the reel of vintage black-and-white films projected on the wall, it’s a quirky and unique spot that will remind you of basement bars from cities like New York rather than around the corner from home-style restaurants in Italy.

You can expect to find all the classic beers here, like Guinness and Stella Artois, but don’t limit yourself to just these. The Public House will often feature a beer or two from the local area, and though Italian beer-makers are still working to make themselves known and perfect their craft, the options that the Public House offers their guests are usually the best of the best.

This is also the place for happy hour specials and themed nights, so it’s a bar that is worth returning to again and again if you're planning on staying in Florence for more than a few days.

You’ll want to make sure you stop in well before 5 p.m. on days when there's a soccer game: the bar can get a little rowdy, with passionate fans encouraging their teams on.

Public House 27 is open every day of the week except Sunday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Weekends can be especially crowded, so consider checking it out on a weeknight instead.