Best Bars in Porto 2026 - Where Locals Are Actually Drinking Now

Apotecário Speakeasy - Neo-vintage cocktails in a hidden den

Apotecário Speakeasy is one of the most talked-about new bars in Porto, and it still feels like a secret. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, the interior leans into old-apothecary aesthetics: amber bottles, warm low lighting, and a bar team that looks genuinely excited to mix something off-menu.

It is trending because locals are sharing it as their new date-night spot and cocktail geeks are praising the balanced, seasonal drinks. The 4.7 rating with early review momentum signals a bar that is opening strong and still easy to get into before word fully explodes.

Best for: inventive cocktails, small groups, relaxed late-night conversations.

What to order:

• A signature house cocktail with herbal or botanical notes
• A bartender's choice if you like surprises
• A classic like a Negroni or Old Fashioned to see their technique

Good to know:

• New business, so hours and menu can evolve quickly
• Ideal to start your night before moving to livelier spots nearby

Copper House - Taproom - Craft beer with living-room vibes

Copper House - Taproom is a fresh arrival on Porto's beer map, and it is already attracting attention from craft-beer fans who want something more intimate than the big-name taprooms. Think warm copper accents, a small but curated tap list, and a staff that actually wants to talk about what is in your glass.

It is trending because early visitors are leaving perfect-score reviews and sharing it in niche beer forums and group chats, even though it is still relatively under the radar with no big review spike yet. That combination of 5-star feedback and low mainstream awareness is exactly what makes it a MapsBuddy pick.

Best for: craft beer flights, casual catch-ups, pre-dinner pints.

What to order:

• A tasting flight to sample local and rotating guest taps
• The freshest IPA or pale ale on the board
• A lighter style if you are bar-hopping and want to pace yourself

Good to know:

• New business with room to grow its tap list
• Often quieter than central bars, so great for conversation

Terraplana Café - Neighborhood bar with serious cocktail skills

Terraplana Café has been a local favorite for years, but it is having a renewed moment. By day it feels like a relaxed café; by night it transforms into a confident cocktail bar with a loyal crowd of regulars and curious visitors.

It is trending again because word of mouth has pushed it beyond just locals. Recent reviews praise its consistent quality, friendly service, and the way it anchors a small pocket of nightlife outside the most touristy streets. With a strong 4.6 rating across a large number of reviews, Terraplana has long-term credibility plus fresh buzz.

Best for: balanced cocktails, neighborhood atmosphere, mixed local and traveler crowd.

What to order:

• A house cocktail that uses local ingredients or Portuguese spirits
• A classic sour or spritz if you want something refreshing
• Coffee or a low-alcohol option if you are pacing an extended night

Good to know:

• Can get busy on weekends, especially later in the evening
• Nice choice if you want to feel like a temporary local

Nope Pelmeni and Dumplings Bar | Cocktails, Craft Beer, Natural Wines, Chess and Board games - Playful nights with dumplings and drinks

Nope Pelmeni and Dumplings Bar | Cocktails, Craft Beer, Natural Wines, Chess and Board games is one of the most original bar concepts in Porto right now. It combines comforting dumplings and pelmeni with a bar program that spans cocktails, craft beer, and natural wines, all surrounded by chess boards and table games.

It is trending because it hits multiple micro-scenes at once: foodies hunting for dumplings, natural-wine fans, and groups looking for a social bar that is not just about drinking. The 4.9 rating with hundreds of reviews shows serious enthusiasm, and recent feedback highlights the fun, unpretentious vibe.

Best for: game nights, casual dates, small groups that want food plus drinks.

What to order:

• A plate of pelmeni or dumplings to share
• A natural wine by the glass if you like something a bit funky
• A house cocktail to pair with your game of chess or cards

Good to know:

• Expect a livelier, playful crowd rather than a quiet cocktail lounge
• Great option if you want to stay in one place for both dinner and drinks

Zenith - Brunch & Cocktails Bar - All-day hotspot that rolls into the night

Zenith - Brunch & Cocktails Bar is one of Porto's most famous daytime spots, but its cocktail bar side is increasingly the reason people linger into the evening. Known for long lines at brunch, Zenith uses the same energy and creativity in its drinks menu.

It is trending for bar-hoppers because many travelers now plan a late brunch that slides naturally into afternoon and early-evening cocktails. With a huge volume of reviews and a solid 4.5 rating, it is a proven crowd-pleaser, and recent comments highlight the Instagram-ready drinks and social buzz.

Best for: daytime drinking, pre-game cocktails, groups that like a busy atmosphere.

What to order:

• Signature brunch cocktails like twists on mimosas or espresso-based drinks
• Colorful, garnish-heavy cocktails that photograph well
• A non-alcoholic option if you are there earlier in the day

Good to know:

• Very popular, so expect crowds and a lively, sometimes loud setting
• Ideal if you want a one-stop spot for food, coffee, and drinks

How to navigate Porto's bar scene right now

• Start early, finish late: Many of these spots work both pre-dinner and after midnight, so you can build a flexible route.
• Mix new and established: Pair newer bars like Apotecário Speakeasy and Copper House - Taproom with proven hits like Terraplana Café or Zenith.
• Leave room for spontaneity: Porto's side streets often hide tiny wine bars and neighborhood taverns that are worth a drop-in between these stops.

MapsBuddy helps you spot the bars that are quietly exploding in popularity, so you can experience Porto's nightlife before the rest of the world catches up.