Bottoms up dear readers – there is a whole new batch of amazing pubs springing up all over town! But don’t blame us for it, as we all need a comfy place where to hang out and take shelter in these rainy April days (that’s right, we even have a popular saying about how much it usually rains in Portugal in April). After all, will you let a little rainfall (discrete “Les Miserables” reference) ruin your vacay in Porto? That’s right, if good old Saint Peter isn’t doing you any favours with the weather, take it as a heavenly sign and hit the pub scene instead. In fact, we’re pretty sure you won’t even notice it’s raining after going on such a pub crawl!
HERE ARE 5 RECENTLY OPEN PLACES TO DRINK IN PORTO
APURO – VEGAN BAR
Photo by: André Espinha
Alright I know following up such a promising intro with a vegan bar might not be the most orthodox of choices, but what can you do when the place is this cool? With minimalist decorative elements, organic food and a very industrial feel to it, Apuro has a weirdly Scandinavian vibe… not necessarily a Ragnar Lodbrok-Scandinavian but more like a “let’s hang out, drink craft beer and discuss the benefits of a welfare state”-Scandinavian – a nice place for hygge! However, and once the night falls, the bar rears up its edgier side as indie bands perform and the whole place comes alive! Apuro is open from Monday to Saturday between noon and midnight (extended to 2am on Saturday nights).
READ ALSO: Five Incredible Vegetarian Restaurants You Need To Try When In Porto
CERVEJARIA SAFRA
If you want to have a taste of what it’s like to visit an upscale version of a traditional Portuguese tavern, then Safra is really worth checking out! Inaugurated last October, this atmospheric beer hall is the perfect spot for a late afternoon beer, a cheese and chorizo board (12€) or some pork-inspired tapas (pork shank sandwiches starting at 3,50€ everyone!) to start your engines before dinner time. Cervejaria Safra is open from Wednesday to Monday between 5pm and 2am.
READ ALSO: Probably The Best Craft Beer Bars In Porto
MINI BAR
Photo by: Bao Onda
After enjoying tremendous success in Lisbon, Portuguese Chef José Avillez (one of the most respected and well-known in the country) has finally decided to inaugurate a Mini Bar branch in Porto! In all fairness, this is the one place you should head to in case you’re looking for a complete dining experience, and we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed in case you just want to stick to one of their flashy cocktails. That’s the thing about Mini Bar – it’s not just a meal or drink, but rather an outside-the-box creative retro experience. So sit back in one of their velvet leather couches, breath in the theatrical atmosphere and enjoy one of the city’s most popular, latest additions. Mini Bar is open Tuesday to Saturday between 7pm and 2am and closed Sunday and Monday.
READ ALSO: 5 Of Porto’s Secret Lounge Bars
DICKENS PUB
What? An authentic British pub in Porto? Sign us up! At Dickens (yes, after the famous author) beer is the undisputed star, with over 40 different references up for grabs, and some of them available directly from the tap. As with any proper British pub, huge-screen TV’s broadcast live football matches from all around the world, though in Porto you don’t have to worry about chairs flying your way once Manchester United concedes that late equalizer! As a final note, and in case you want to leave a mark on your city escapade, bring along an interesting object and show it to the management – if they like it, it may become part of the decoration! Dickens is open every day between 6pm and 1am.
READ ALSO: 5 Best Porto Sports Bars To Drink And Watch Football
ROMANOFF
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
If his body wasn’t displayed in a public mausoleum, we would risk saying Lenin could be turning over in his grave! But fear not fellow left-wing enthusiasts – despite its name, everyone is welcome at Romanoff. With its dim lights and welcoming atmosphere, this pub is an amazing spot to relax for an hour or so while listening to their insanely cool soundtrack. Order an imported beer or a scotch from their selective whiskey list, and you found yourself the perfect plan for those twilight hours. Romanoff is open every day between 6pm and 3am.
And that was our lazy guide on how to deal with winter weather in Porto! Check out these amazing pubs and you’ll have more than enough material in your hands to help pass the time. Which one are you definitely paying a visit to? Let us know on the comments section!
