Red Frog

Red Frog is one of the bars that put Lisbon on the international cocktail map. It was opened by the bartenders Emanuel Minez and Paulo Gomes on Praça da Alegria, a small square just off Avenida da Liberdade, and it celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025. It has featured in international rankings of the world's best bars, and it remains a reference point for the city's cocktail scene.

The bar is a speakeasy, a style inspired by the hidden bars of Prohibition-era America. The entrance is discreet, and inside the room is small, dimly lit and intimate, with a focus on conversation and the craft behind the bar. Finding the way in is part of the fun, so look carefully for the entrance.

The focus is on signature cocktails created by the team, which change with new menus, alongside expertly made classics. The bartenders are usually happy to suggest something based on your preferences if you are unsure what to order. Prices are at the upper end for Lisbon, in line with a high-end cocktail bar, and you are paying for skill and care rather than volume.

Red Frog suits couples and small groups who want a quiet, sophisticated drink rather than a loud night out. Space is limited, so it is a good idea to reserve, particularly at weekends, and to arrive on time for your booking. Large groups are hard to accommodate. The bar opens in the evenings and has traditionally closed on Sundays and Mondays, so check current days and times before going.

Praça da Alegria is a short walk from Avenida metro station on the blue line, and from Restauradores at the lower end of Avenida da Liberdade. The square has a small garden, and the streets around it have other bars and restaurants, so it is easy to combine with dinner nearby. Pace yourself, as carefully made cocktails take a little time, and if you can sit near the bar, you can watch the team at work. The hotel bars along the boulevard, including the SEEN rooftop at the Tivoli, and Príncipe Real's bars up the hill are within walking distance for another drink afterwards.