Editor’s Note: We’ve recently been chatting with the founder of Go Lisbon regarding the secret spots around the city that might be appealing to you if you find yourself with a few days to explore and roam. As a result of our fruitful conversation, Mario Fernandes, the contributing editor of “Go Lisbon” will be providing us with local restaurants, day trips, wine bars, etc worthy of your time; however, if you find yourself dying to know more information about a particular topic, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re more than happy to give you exactly what you’re looking for.
Lisbon dines very late, so in between lunch and dinner, after work, or by the end of the afternoon, you’ll be looking to relax and fill your stomach. A glass of wine is always the tempting choice, and for that there are several cafes and bars in the city. We highlight the three most laid-back where you can also get a taste of Lisbon as you sip your glass.
Bairru’s Bodega - Rua da Barroca, 3 (Bairro Alto) Although the vast majority of bars in Bairro Alto only open at night, this one was also created as an afternoon hangout. It’s only a few months old, and is one of the most attractive bars in the neighborhood, especially for a late-afternoon drink. Cheeses and hams are available to accompany a glass of Portuguese wine which can be enjoyed to the sound of Portuguese music in a rustic-style interior. The tables were made from wine barrels and seats are sometimes placed outside for those wishing to see life go by in Bairro Alto on a typically warm afternoon. The bar’s best atmosphere is when the sun is setting and the neighborhood is preparing for another nightlife invasion, but it’s also a good choice for after-dinner drinks.
Side – Rua da Barroca, 33 (Bairro Alto) Side has been one of the most popular bars in Bairro Alto for the last few years. It closed a few months ago, only to reopen with a new “wine bar” concept. Its new name is “Side – Wine for You,” and is one of the rare bars in the neighborhood that open during the day. It doesn’t have much space inside, but everyone prefers to hang out outside by the door anyway. It often hosts wine tastings of mostly Portuguese labels and offers Portuguese cheeses and hams to go with them. At 7PM is Happy Hour, when there are also special musical and literary events from time to time. On other days you may also hear some Fado music, but if a drink and a relaxed atmosphere at the end of the day is all you’re looking for, it also offers free wi-fi service so you can enjoy a glass of wine as you work on your laptop.
Le Gouts Du Vin – Rua de São Bento 107 (São Bento) Seven o’clock at night it way too early to think about dinner in Lisbon. So that’s when this bistro-style bar located in front of the Portuguese parliament building opens its doors for some glasses of wine and snacks. The French name is an indicator of the origin of the owners, although most of the wines served by the glass are Portuguese. As expected at a wine bar, you can also sample a variety of cheeses and hams, but there are also some French specialties to nibble on.
These are only three choices for you to consider during a visit to Lisbon, but since the Portuguese capital is also home to a vibrant and varied nightlife, there are dozens of other bars, especially for the after-dinner hours. To decide where you should go, see GoLisbon.com’s bars recommendations.
Mario Fernandes
Make sure to also check out: Os Goliardos and Garrafeira Alfaia
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