Introduction
So, what are the best places to get a drink in Olhao?
If you’re looking for a bar in here, you won’t have to go far.
Go down to the Mercado Municipale: the market can be found inside the two red brick buildings you’ll find there, but there are numerous bars around the outside – Zona, Le Panorama, Leme…
Cross the road and wander along the front in either direction and you’ll find more bars – Catita & Companhia, No Clue, Sete Estrelas, Olhos Na Ria…
Then head up through the pedestrianized area and on to the Avenida da Republica. Both on the Avenida and before you get there you’ll find yet more bars – Saaz Bar, Café Chocolate, República do Se7e…
Around the market, the bars are a little more expensive, but everything is relative in Olhao!
Have a walk around and I’m sure you’ll find somewhere to satisfy your needs!
My Favourite Local Bar
There are a few bars I like, all for different reasons. But the one that seems most authentic to me, the one that I feel really comfortable in is Sete Estrelas (Seven Stars).
Just off the Av. 5 de Outubro, it’s what I imagine bars were like 40 or 50 years ago.
It’s fairly dark inside, with the bar taking up perhaps a third of the room. Behind it are a number of large wine barrels, and a kitchen that turns out simple but wholesome and tasty food.
But don’t expect a menu. If you want to eat, you eat what’s on the hob that day, and you’ll be charged an arbitrary amount.
Old fishermen stand at the bar. Locals and the odd tourist sit at the tables. Eduardo and Joao stand behind the bar, serving and chatting, occasionally bringing out plates of piping hot food to the tables.
They will think nothing of asking you to move if it will make more room for people to sit and eat. I like that.
Outside, old men sit and chat and smoke. You’re welcome to sit there too.
Don’t expect cocktails: just coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, medronho and a few other local options. But that’s more than enough to sample the delights of a typical Portuguese bar.
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Local Bar:
Sete Estrelas (Seven Stars)
Address: Tv. Alexandre Herculano 4, 8700-361 Olhão, Portugal
Phone: +351 966 878 161
My Favourite Craft Beer Bar
When it comes to craft beer, there aren’t many options in Olhao, but there really don’t need to be: Olhao has the Saaz Bar.
It’s a great little bar, sat back a couple of blocks from the waterfront. It’s maybe a little bit expensive for the local market, but that doesn’t detract from the quality they have on tap.
They have a selection of beers from both Portugal and elsewhere in Europe, beers that change on a regular basis. The staff are all really knowledgeable about the origins and contents of what they are serving.
You meet some fascinating people there.
Last time we visited, we were sitting outside. On the table next to us was a middle-aged lady, dressed fairly plainly, with a simple haircut and a large cross around her neck.
An off-duty Nun reading a book and enjoying a beer, perhaps?
We still don’t know for sure, but when two scantily clad girls wandered past, the lady looked to the heavens and crossed herself. We couldn’t help but laugh. She looked at us and started laughing too, rolled her eyes and crossed herself once more, then went back to reading.
We didn’t speak to her – she was happy on her own. It was just a really nice moment. Sometimes in a bar, you don’t need to speak with people to feel part of something. That’s the case with the Saaz Bar.
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Craft Beer Bar:
Saaz Craft Beer Lounge
Opening hours: Opens at 4pm
Address: Rua do Comércio 42, 8700-427 Olhão
Phone: +351 917 778 333
Website: Saaz Craft Beer Lounge
My favourite €1 a Beer Bar
As always, I like to find a bargain. A beer for €1 is always welcome!
In Olhao, there are a number of bars that server beer for €1 a bottle, but most of them lie away from the waterfront, the area that most of the tourists head for.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a beer for €1 down by the markets.
If you stay on the Av. 5 de Outubro, and head in the direction of the ferries, you’ll come across a series of bars that from first appearances are very local. Fishermen sit outside drinking beer after a hard night on the boats. They laugh and joke, shout at friends driving past. I can understand that if you aren’t from around here, then they may not be too appealing.
But why not just try them.
Olhos Na Ria is my favourite, locally known as Daniella’s, after the lady who runs it, along with her husband Paulo.
It’s a family affair, with their son and daughter always around when not at school. They work there, they have their meals there, the children play there.
Daniella’s serves basic food, cold beers, coffees – all the normal café/bar stuff. It’s a bit rough and ready, but you’re made to feel welcome. They are good people.
When a friend of mine came to Portugal and found himself on hard times, they fed and watered him for free. I don’t know many bar owners that would do that.
Anyway, just give it a go. I love it there.
PS if you like a good bottle of wine, there’s a great wine shop just next door – wine-tasting optional!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite €1 a Beer Bar:
Olho Na Ria
Address: Av. 5 de Outubro, 8700-302 Olhão, Portugal
Website: Olhos Na Ria
My Favourite Bar at the Market
When you first come to Olhao, the focal point is the Municipal Market on the waterfront, overlooking the Ria Formosa.
People gather there to look at and buy the fresh produce, or maybe just to have a coffee or a glass of wine whilst watching the World go by.
The bars on the waterside of the market are perfect for this.
My favourite is an unassuming little bar, run by a French couple – Edith and Antony.
Beer, wine, cocktails, tapas-style menu and a great view: I’m not sure what more you can ask for!
If you want to sit out on the waterfront, relaxing with a cold drink, receiving good service and food, then this is the place!
It ‘s only been open a year or so, but it already has quite a following. I’m not surprised!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Bar at the Mercado:
Le Panorama
Address: Av. 5 Outubro Mercado Vercado, Loja 53, 8700 393 Olhão
Phone: +351 289 155 203
Website: Le Panorama
My Favourite Cocktail Bar
Personally, I’m not one for Cocktails. They hurt too much the next day! But if a cocktail is your wont, then a great place to try is Catita & Companhia, across the road from the Mercado.
The staff are friendly, and there is often live music played. It’s a lovely, laid back bar that stays open late. I’m getting older now and don’t head out late so much anymore, but I’ve heard it’s fun!
Personally I prefer to go there early, it’s Happy Hour from 6-8pm!
I only found this out recently. I was wandering around taking photos for Blinking Flamingos when Charles (a lovely, if slightly eccentric older guy, better known as Captain Jack) shouted at me from outside Catita’s.
“It’s Happy Hour! Come on!”
I wandered over to have a chat. Out came the owner, who also wanted to chat.
And so we chatted.
We also had a couple of large beers at a very reasonable price, and I went home happy, with another bar for the blog!
It’s tough in Olhao!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Cocktail Bar:
Catita & Companhia
Opening hours: 6pm-4am, Closed Mondays
Address: Avenida 5 de Outubro, 60, 8700-302 Olhão
Phone: +351 912 178 707
Website: Catita & Companhia
My Favourite Irish Bar
Well, in Olhao, it’s not hard to find your favourite Irish Bar. There’s only one:
Mo’h Irish Pub.
You can find it down past the Real Marina Hotel and Spa, tucked away beneath the Real Marina apartment blocks.
I’ll be honest here and say that the beer isn’t great (but I’m well choosey!). However, if you want to watch Sport, and enjoy the company of British Expats, then it’s the place to go.
Also, the whisky options aren’t bad at all, and if you like Live Music, then pick a day when it’s on and you’ll have a great night!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Irish Bar:
Mo’h Irish Pub
Address: Urbanização village Marina 20 A, 8700-408 Olhão
Website: Moh Irish Pub
My Favourite Bar for Culture
Yes, I know it’s weird… bar, Olhao, culture…
The words don’t really seem to go together – but amazingly they do!
Republica has its own cinema, it serves breakfast lunch and dinner, you can sit and have a drink inside, or wander out the back and sit on the terrace, you can attend one of its Art exhibitions, you can attend a Tai Chi class…
It’s the weirdest bar, with such an eclectic mix of possibilities…
You may have to pay for some of the shows/options, but I promise you, it will be worth it.
If you want to do something a little bit different in Olhao, then this is the place to go!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Bar for Culture:
República do Se7e
Opening hours: 9:30am-10pm Mon to Thur; 9:30am-11:45pm Fri to Sat
Address: Av. da República 14, 8700-310 Olhão, Portugal
Phone: +351 289 155 999
Website: República do Se7e
My Favourite Beach Bar
Blimey! This was a tough one!
The main problem is that Olhao doesn’t have a beach, so trying to choose my favourite Beach Bar was problematic!
Having said that, Olhao is the gateway to the barrier islands of the Ria Formosa, and on one of these islands you’ll find a bar that was voted the ‘Best Beach bar in Europe’ by a UK National paper.
Am I going to tell you about it now?
No Chance!
You’ll just have to wait for me to start writing about what the islands of the Ria Formosa have to offer!
Just wait!
Blinking Flamingos’ Favourite Beach Bar:
Like I said: Just wait!
