In Porto, there are bars that are already classics and are part of all of our collective imagination; but increasingly, the speakeasy concept seems to be taking hold and winning over the city. However, to get into UNDER, you’ll first need to find it. Tucked away in Pátio do Bolhão— a sort of urban clearing where no one ever stops by chance—this is a true “secret bar.”
When you reach the door, you probably won’t find a bar counter; instead, you’ll discover an art gallery measuring just 6 m², “the smallest” in the city, according to the owners. Here, among its mirrored walls, you’ll find the door leading to the actual bar: signature cocktails, vinyl music, DJs, and food are all part of the offerings at Porto’s new speakeasy.
The concept behind the new “secret bar”
The concept behind the new “secret bar”
On August 6, Porto welcomed UNDER: a new concept in speakeasy bars and living art galleries, founded by Rita Lopo and Maria Monjardino, designed for those seeking an intimate and relaxed space to unwind after work, kick off a night on the town, or simply catch up with friends. The twist has been part of the project’s identity from day one.
“UNDER started out almost as the idea of a ‘dark kitchen, ’ but we quickly realized that the space called for something much more lively and full of soul,” explains co-founder Maria Monjardino. “We created UNDER as the kind of place we ourselves would like to go to at the end of the day: a quiet spot in Baixa, far from the chaotic noise of the night.”
The gallery at the entrance currently hosts “Enlaivoscer,” an exhibition by Beatriz Kieling, a fine arts student at FBAUP, on view through September 30, featuring sculptural paintings on paper exploring the relationship between humans and nature. The walls also feature a mural by Inês Arisca, which serves as a calling card for the space’s urban identity.
From cocktails to food to share
On the other side of the secret door, the cocktail menu features signature creations such as the Garota de Ipanema (€14), a blend of cachaça, jambu infusion, ginger, red berries, spices, and artisanal syrup, and the Tangerine (€12), made with vodka, tangerine, tamarind syrup, and ginger foam. The mocktails are sure to impress: the Cinderela (€5.50) combines orange, passion fruit, lemon, and pineapple with grenadine; the Red Flower (€4.50) blends hibiscus, soda, and mint.
In the kitchen, the concept centers on finger food and dishes meant for sharing, with no set menu. The Under sandwiches range from Bresaola & Shiitake (10€) to Pistachio, Burrata & Mortadella ( 9€), and Pork Cheek & Island Cheese (12€), with a vegetarian option of Pesto & Grilled Vegetables (8€). Rounding out the menu are homemade cookies (€1.50) and cheese boards to share (€18).
Useful Information
📍Where: Pátio do Bolhão 35.
⏰Hours: Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Every Friday there’s live music or a DJ set.
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