This bar is probably one of my favourite spots in Porto to hang out. The owners are good people and the atmosphere here is hard to find anywhere else. Candelabro in Portuguese means Chandelier, but don’t be confused when you enter because there are no chandeliers inside. This name was given to the place because this was its original name before it was a bar.
Essentially was an “alfarrabista” (old book and magazine store) before it was completely restored. The owners Miguel & Hugo restored the place in order to maintain several original aspects of the old book store that was there before. Miguel also designs store fronts as a profession and essentially every one to two months changes the show windows with creative and original concepts that are true artistic exhibits. On specific national holidays like, the 25th of April they go all out and invite local artist to participate.
In terms of the drinks and snacks, they are affordable in comparison to the area and you have the liberty to ask the bar man to make drinks the way you want them; this depends on the bartender. It isn’t a cocktail bar, but more like a place where you can drink a glass of wine, a beer, a gin tonic or a cuba libre and have a conversation with friends as well as take advantage of the free wifi to check your emails and figure out what you want to do next. It is also a good place to read a book in the afternoon, and if its good weather take advantage of the tables outside.
In terms of food you can choose from, there a verity of dishes prepared by 2 in house chefs, Sara and Bruno, check the menu at the bar and order if you get hungry. The bar boasts always a hand picked selection of wines various whites and red you can order by the glass, also try the house pet-nat there is a white and a rose option they are made by the owners of the bar.
This is the type of bar that in my opinion is difficult to replicate because essentially the atmosphere is created by the historical aspect of the place, its location and the love that the owners have for it, as well as the fact that there is nothing in this place that does not have an original touch to it. In terms of the best hours to go, the early afternoon during the week is probably your best bet, as this is quite a popular spot and during peak times (weekends after dinner, and weekdays before dinner) the place can get a bit packed and it loses a bit of its atmosphere as a chilled hangout spot. Its places like these that make me proud of this city and remind me that sticking to your origins, and maintaining some parts of the past are a definite breath of fresh air in comparison to clean cut Ikea filled places that have no personality and atmosphere.
- Address: Rua Da Conceiçao No. 3
- Opening Hours: Everyday 13:00 – 2:00
Summary
This bar is probably one of my favourite spots in Porto to hang out. The owners are good people and the atmosphere here is hard to find anywhere else.
