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    El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52

    3.3 (45 reviews)
    ModerateSpanish

    El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52 Photos

    EL GORDO - TAPAS BAR 52 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52

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    Reviews With Photos

    Happy Hour complementary sampler
    Jeff C.

    I realize that some reviewers have slammed this place as an overpriced tourist trap, but I was actually quite happy with my whole experience. I made my way to the bar and was quickly served by a friendly bartender. This is a Tapas bar, so you are expected to explore the menu, and yes, if you're not careful things can quickly get out of hand. However, the prices are clearly marked, so all you really need to do is count as you go: 2 euro each for chicken samosa, veal cake, and lamb fritter = 6 euros + another chicken samosa because those little babies are delicious and 3 beers at 5 euros each = 23 euros+ the piece de resistance, a 9 euro plate of octopus in garlic Olive Oil!! = a grand total of....32 euros. Ok, this is math that I can do for once to the square root of Yum Yum. So was it expensive? I guess so, but the food was completely worth it. I haven't had octopus like that since I had studied in Spain many years ago. It was perfect with a somewhat nutty flavor, and the rest of my tapas were equally yummy. My only issue was that they had smoking within the bar area (loss of a star) which for even in Europe is like clinging to something as archaic as a pager or VHS tape.. Time to let that one go guys.

    The bar. Liquor and ephemera.
    Edward G.

    No one at Tapas 52 tonight --those at the service window, or sitting outside or waiting to get in -- must read the reviews. The place feels like it is THE place to be in Lisbon on this Saturday night despite the poor reviews. It was busy all day, in fact, as the crowded intamacy and energy from what feels like regulars drew my attention earlier as a passer-by. Now as a customer I found a seat at the small bar and asked for a red wine from the very young and competent barkeep. He quickly poured a taste. I liked it and he filled my glass. We never discussed price. It was 5 Euros. No rip-off, no shock pricing. It seems one pays immediately in Portugal so there should be no surprises. The price seem fair to my American standard. For tapas, I had the #47, potato with ham and egg. The portion was large. A fried egg atop a pile of thick chips and sliced dried ham. It was 9 Euros. It was plainly prepared, tasty but not gourmet. There are times when I travel that I feel I am in the best place on earth for me. This was one of those times.

    Calamari
    Ali C.

    Nasty stale food. The only benefit here is good beer. Our calamari was overdone and stale. Do not come for the food!

    Watch out for those small plates and dishes placed on your table before you sit down. They are not free.
    MJ D.

    The location made this place not the service. In general it's a roadside bar with overpriced food and under delivered service.

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    1 year ago

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Some of the best food we had in Lisbon and the staff is amazing! The black pork cheeks were simply out of this world!

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    7 years ago

    Excellent food and atmosphere, Reccomendation the Spanish omelet and pork cheek in red wine reduction

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    9 years ago

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    El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52 Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52

    I highly recommend any or all of the stuffed mushrooms.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    El Gordo - Tapas Bar 52 - spanish - Updated May 2026

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