Portas Largas

Description:

• A key hang out on the Bairro Alto bar trail, this sturdy old tasca (tavern) welcomes a predominantly young, gay-friendly crowd from all over the world. Its origins as a fado house are still apparent, with azulejos tiles depicting a singer and musician decorating one end of the bar. Loose configurations of battered wooden chairs and a slightly dishevelled air only strengthen its delightfully ad hoc appeal. This place positively heaves during the summer months and once armed with one of the bar's famous caipirinhas or mojitos customers invariably escape the sweaty interior for the relative cool of the cobbled Rua da Atalaia. The vibe is friendly and it's a great place for people watching. The bar's musical heritage is upheld on Saturday nights when African or Brazilian combos strike up with their customary hip-swaying rhythm. During the week guest DJs provide the soundtrack. © NileGuide2011 While the official name means 'wide doors', everyone knows this place as 'record' because it is in the same building as the newspaper of the same name. A typical Lisbon style snack bar by day, the ambience at Portas Largas revs up after sunset. Its location on one of Bairro Alto's busiest streets makes this the ideal place to stop in at for a drink. The decor is simple with tables, chairs and wooden benches. You can even relax with a drink on the dimly lit balcony.
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