The Basics Drinking Out

6 Excellent Places to Drink in Lisbon

The Portuguese capital has local wine, craft beer and a bar owned by John Malkovich.

By
Joanne Chen
Joanne Chen
Joanne Chen is an award-winning writer and editor. She has covered food, health and lifestyle for 20 years and is the author of "The Taste of Sweet."
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Updated 09/17/20
Red Frog speakeasy interior, with a stunning chandelier surrounded by a metal globe
Relax into the plush interior of speakeasy Red Frog. Image:

Red Frog

 

Think of Lisbon, that vibrant seafaring city that launched the Age of Discovery, and you can’t help but imagine epic dinners in which the port wine and vinho verde are flowing. And you’d be right: Any Portuguese restaurant worth its sea salt will have at least a couple of options of each on the menu.

But Lisbon is also a hot spot for drinks of all kinds, from craft beer to carefully crafted cocktails. These are just a few recommendations to get you started. Start here, but wander a little, chat with locals and launch your own delicious quest for discovery. This is how to drink in Lisbon.

  • Dois Corvos Cervejeira

    Dois Corvos Cervejeira interior, with horizontally slatted booths and white walls

    Dois Corvos

    The microbrewery, in industrial-chic Marvila, offers a wide variety of pints, half pints, tasters and flights. Also, check out what’s happening with the fermenters and brewhouse, both in plain sight just behind the bar. To get closer to the action, sign up for a brewery tour. And don’t forget to purchase a few bottles to bring back home with you. Afterward, check out the other two craft breweries in the Lisbon Beer District—Musa and Lince.

  • Dona Maria

    Dona Maria winery interior with view of large barrels

    Dona Maria

    The historic Dona Maria estate in Estremoz is about 90 minutes from Lisbon, but feels a world away. The winery has been around since 1718 and is set in a palace, complete with stunning gardens and its own lake among the vineyards. The grapes are tread in centuries-old marble tanks (the owner actually had to use dynamite to break up the marble blocks in the soil), which hold everything from viognier to petit verdot. Choose from one of five different tasting options, served with local bread and cheese.

  • LuxFrágil

    LuxFragil interior with view of crowd dancing under black lights
    Luisa Ferreira

    Even if dance clubs aren’t your scene, LuxFrágil is worth checking out for the sheer spectacle of it. Co-owned by actor John Malkovich, the docklands dance venue features furniture so big it swallows you up, plus an events calendar jam-packed with international music acts. If you can’t take the heat on the dance floor, find your way to the rooftop balcony bar, serving seasonal cocktails to go with views of the Tagus River.

  • Matiz Pombalina

    Matiz Pombalina cocktail bar façade

    Matiz Pombalina

    Sometimes you want a good cocktail and some quiet conversation. Located in Lisbon’s historic district, Matiz Pombalina beckons with soft lights, soothing soul and jazz, and velvet Louis XIV-style armchairs. There are three rooms to choose from, plus an outdoor smoking spot. If you’re looking to geek out on the cocktails, choose the room by the entrance, where the liquor bottles are in view and the bartenders will happily demonstrate their craft.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.

  • Red Frog

    Red Frog speakeasy interior

    Red Frog

    You’ll feel a little naughty the second you hit the “press for cocktails” button at the entrance of Red Frog and walk into this dim, hidden bar. The cushy chairs and 1920s and ’30s décor conjure a speakeasy vibe, and the cocktail menu sways Prohibition-era. You’ll hear a little swing, a little jazz and maybe some rock ’n’ roll. Most important, you’ll be able to choose from a well-stocked bar. Tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for, and they’ll create something fantastic.

  • Topo

    Topo bar interior, with a blond-wood bar and a turntable

    Topo

    When the sun dips low in the sky, Lisbon’s young and thirsty flock to the rooftop at Topo. You’d be smart to join them. The stylish indoor-outdoor bar serves expertly made classic cocktails along with stunning views of the top sights in Lisbon. São Jorge Castle, Mouraria, the Praça Martim Moniz—you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of it all. Hungry? Dig into a menu of smart pub food, such as chicken satay, pork belly sandwiches and burgers with Gorgonzola.