Jamie W and I figured out that there are two gay-focused areas in Lisbon. It appeared that Barrio…read moreAlto is where the louder and younger bars and dance clubs are congregated. Not our scene. We presumed Principe Real is Lisbon's mellower gayborhood. Embedded in an affluent residential area, this is where we headed after a full day in Belem.
Despite some navigational challenges, this bar was our first stop. If you happen to gravitate toward the bulkier, more hirsute members of your brethren, this is the low-key bar for you. Initially we were confused by the smattering of straight couples hanging in the front patio, but when we entered, the gay element was much more prominent.
Groups of gregarious men in tanktops were at the various hi-top tables. Lonelier bears hung out at the smallish counter. It wasn't that crowded even though it was a balmy night. We managed to secure a table for ourselves and had a couple of refreshing 8,5€ Expresso Martinis (Photo 7). No thumping music, more '90's dance pop. It was quite chill.
COCKTAILS - 4 stars...smooth libations
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...chill inside, patio seemed more like a straight area
SERVICE - 4 stars...nice bartender, helpful
TOTAL - 4 stars...a quieter bear den
RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/qi-D5O-t1O