These secret bars in Lisbon are so exclusive that you have to ring the bell, but when the door opens, you’re back in time.
If you’re thirsty for nostalgia and love the Lisbon that once was, put on your top hat and get ready to travel back in time.
We’ve revealed five bars that will never go out of fashion, the most charming classics of our bohemian Lisbon.
1 – Foxtrot
Foxtrot is one of Lisbon’s secret bars and one of the four creations of Luís Pinto Coelho, the incredible collector who gave us Procópio, A Paródia and Pavilhão Chinês.
Anyone who can name another bar that has a fireplace, a garden, a snooker table and where you can still eat a steak at two in the morning is inventing.
The décor calls for a little dancing and anyone who has two has no excuse not to dance to the name. And best of all? There’s parking!
Address: Travessa Santa Teresa 28
2 – A Paródia
The name of the bar already promises an epic night. A Paródia opened two days after April 25 and was inspired by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro’s satirical magazine.
It’s a place to play the piano, discuss politics and drink cocktails.
The décor is Art Noveau and there is a legendary collection of matchboxes. You know the evening has been a success if you manage to change someone’s mind or be a caricature of yourself à la Bordalo!
Address: Rua Patrocínio 26-b
3 – Old Vic
If you think the man at the second table is Sherlock Holmes, you may well be right. At the Old Vic, one of Lisbon’s secret bars, you not only travel back in time, you go all the way to London.
The décor is made in England, in wood and warm tones, and inspires mysterious conversations. The red velvet sofas make the atmosphere cinematic and there are even buttons to adjust the light and call the waiter.
The only difficulty will be choosing your favorite “poison”, because the appetizers are on the house. “Spectacular, my dear Watson!” is the only possible conclusion.
Address: Travessa Henrique Cardoso 41
4 – The Procopius
You know you’re in the right place when the barman wears a bow tie! Procópio is the most sought-after 1940s bar for true vintage lovers, and it recently turned 50.
A place for lively gatherings, it has seen high-profile political and intellectual figures drink at its table.
As well as the legendary margaritas sipping to the sound of jazz, it’s the ideal place for those who like to smoke cigarillos. Here you can still breathe like you used to.
And anyone who sees all this glamor inside has no idea that Procopio is actually hidden behind a discreet door where it looks like a family with three children lives.
When you get there, you feel like you’ve entered a secret portal where bohemia welcomes you.
Address: Alto de São Francisco 21
5 – Chinese Pavilion
It’s the jewel in the crown!The Chinese Pavilion could be called the Universal Pavilion, such is its collection of objects, paintings, miniatures, helmets, toys, medals and everything else you can imagine.
Make the most of it while you can and don’t pay for a ticket to Lisbon’s most incredible bar.
There are five rooms so full of wonders that you won’t be able to look at your phone. Even the menu is worthy of study: between teas and cocktails, there are illustrations that ask us to tell stories, to the rhythm of the pool cues. Simply unforgettable.
Address: Rua Dom Pedro V 89
13 bares em Lisboa onde podes beber uma cerveja bem fresquinha