Bon Vivant
Bon Vivant is a small craft cocktail bar near Praca Gil Eanes that takes mixing seriously. The space is intimate, maybe twenty seats between the bar stools and a handful of tables against exposed stone walls. The bartenders rotate a seasonal menu of original cocktails alongside a solid list of classics, with each drink priced around EUR 9-12. They use local Portuguese spirits where possible, including medronho (strawberry tree brandy) in several signature drinks. The atmosphere is quiet and focused on conversation. Music plays softly in the background, and the lighting comes mostly from candles and low-wattage bulbs. The crowd tends toward late-twenties to forties, with a mix of well-traveled tourists and local professionals who appreciate a properly made drink. Bon Vivant opens relatively early and works well as a civilized start to the evening. Space is limited and reservations aren't taken, so arriving before 9 PM on weekends is the only guarantee of a seat.
What to Expect
A quiet, intimate bar where the focus is entirely on what's in your glass. The stone walls and candlelight create a warm atmosphere. Expect conversation-level volume and drinks made with visible care and precision.
Intimate, candlelit, and focused. A pocket of calm in Lagos' party scene.
Background jazz and ambient. The drinks are the entertainment.
Smart casual. The vibe is refined without being formal.
Cocktail enthusiasts, couples, and anyone who wants a sophisticated drink in a setting that matches.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Cocktails EUR 9-12, wine EUR 6-8, beer EUR 4-5
≈ $10-13 cocktails, $7-9 wine, $4-5 beer
Hours
Tue-Sun 6 PM to midnight
Insider Tip
Sit at the bar to watch the preparation and chat with the bartenders. Ask about the medronho-based cocktails for something uniquely Portuguese. Arrive before 9 PM on weekends or you'll wait.
Full Review
Bon Vivant proves that Lagos has room for more than just backpacker bars. The cocktail program here would hold its own in Lisbon or Porto, with a menu that balances creativity and drinkability. The medronho-based cocktails are worth trying because you won't find them anywhere outside Portugal. The bartenders know their ingredients and can adjust drinks to your taste if you ask.
The space itself is small enough that it feels personal. Stone walls absorb the sound, candles provide most of the light, and the bar becomes the natural focus of the room. Sitting at the bar is the best experience because you can watch the preparation and talk with the staff about what they're making. Table seating works for couples but feels slightly disconnected from the action.
Bon Vivant draws a noticeably different crowd than the bars a few streets away. People here are drinking one or two carefully chosen cocktails rather than racing through rounds of shots. Conversations are audible, phones stay in pockets more often than not, and the overall energy is calm and appreciative. It's a welcome change of pace.
The only drawback is the size. On busy summer evenings, the limited seating means you might not get in. There's no reservation system, so timing matters. Early evening visits reward you with unhurried service and a bartender who has time to craft something special.
The Neighborhood
Bon Vivant is tucked near Praca Gil Eanes, Lagos' main square. It sits in the transition zone between the restaurant-heavy streets and the nightlife strip, making it a natural bridge between dinner and whatever comes next.
Getting There
Near Praca Gil Eanes in central Lagos Old Town. Walk from anywhere in the Old Town in under 5 minutes. The square is the main landmark, and the bar is on one of the narrow streets leading away from it.
Address
Praca Gil Eanes, Lagos
Other Venues in Lagos Old Town
Three Monkeys
Lagos' most famous backpacker bar with cheap drinks, a packed dance floor, and the starting point for most hostel bar crawls. Gets rowdy after midnight during summer but keeps a friendly atmosphere.
Nah Nah Bah
Cocktail bar on Rua 25 de Abril with a creative menu and a mellow vibe. The upstairs terrace is the best spot for warm evenings, and the bartenders know their craft. A step up from the backpacker bars without being pretentious.
Stevie Ray's Live Music Bar
Intimate live music venue hosting local and touring musicians most nights during summer. Blues, rock, and jazz dominate the lineup. The room holds maybe 60 people, so it fills quickly on weekends.
Whyte's Bar
Reliable Irish-run bar that serves as a social hub for the hostel crowd. Pool tables, reasonably priced pints, and a mixed-age clientele that ranges from gap-year travelers to long-term expats.