Gin Lovers
Gin Lovers is a dedicated gin bar with over 100 varieties and a menu of house-made tonics that takes the spirit seriously. The interior draws from Art Deco influences, with geometric patterns, brass fixtures, and moody lighting that contrasts sharply with the rough-edged streets of Intendente outside. Gin and tonics are the core offering, priced at EUR 9-14 depending on the gin selected. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you through the menu, suggesting pairings of gin and tonic that bring out specific botanical profiles. Beyond G&Ts, the cocktail menu uses gin as a base for creative originals. The crowd tends toward gin enthusiasts, couples, and small groups willing to pay above neighborhood average for quality. The atmosphere is calm and focused on conversation, with music kept low. Gin Lovers represents the new wave of Intendente businesses that bring refined concepts to a neighborhood still defined by its rawness.
What to Expect
A refined, well-designed bar focused on gin. The staff will talk you through options with genuine expertise. The atmosphere is quiet and adult, suitable for conversation and appreciation rather than party energy.
Sophisticated, knowledgeable, and intimate. An oasis of Art Deco calm.
Jazz, ambient, and lounge. Background level.
Smart casual. The interior's design quality sets the tone.
Gin enthusiasts, couples, anyone seeking a refined drink in an unexpected neighborhood.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Gin & tonics EUR 9-14, cocktails EUR 10-14, beer EUR 4-5
≈ $10-15 gin & tonics, $11-15 cocktails, $4-5 beer
Hours
Tue-Sun 6 PM to 1 AM
Insider Tip
Tell the bartender what flavors you like and let them choose the gin and tonic pairing. Try a Portuguese gin like Sharish or Gin do Mar for something local. The botanical flights (3 different G&Ts) are the best way to explore the range.
Full Review
Gin Lovers takes a single spirit and builds an entire experience around it. The menu of 100+ gins is organized by botanical profile, origin, and style, with each paired to a recommended tonic and garnish. This level of curation distinguishes it from bars that simply stock many bottles. The staff understand the differences and communicate them without condescension, making it accessible even if you normally just order "gin and tonic" without specifying which.
The Art Deco interior is a deliberate statement in Intendente. While the streets outside retain the neighborhood's transitional character, inside the geometric details, brass fittings, and soft lighting create a space that could sit comfortably in Principe Real or Chiado. The contrast is part of the appeal for regulars who appreciate finding quality in unexpected locations.
Prices run higher than Intendente's average, sitting at EUR 9-14 for a gin and tonic. This reflects both the quality of the spirits and the expertise behind the bar. For context, you'd pay similar prices at Bairro Alto or Chiado cocktail bars without the specialized knowledge. The botanical flights, which offer three different G&T pairings, represent the best value for exploration.
Gin Lovers works best for people who approach drinking with curiosity rather than urgency. The pace is unhurried, the staff encourage questions, and the experience improves with attention. It's not a place to get drunk quickly. It's a place to discover why one gin tastes different from another and why the tonic matters as much as the spirit.
The Neighborhood
Gin Lovers sits on Rua de Sao Lazaro, slightly west of Intendente's main cluster. The Art Deco interior represents the neighborhood's evolution, bringing refined concepts to streets that still carry visible traces of their rougher past.
Getting There
Rua de Sao Lazaro 88, walkable from Intendente metro (Green line) in about 7 minutes heading west. Also accessible from Martim Moniz metro (Green line). The bar is on a quiet street, so navigate by address.
Address
Rua de São Lázaro 88, 1150-333 Lisboa
Other Venues in Intendente
Damas
Small concert venue and bar that programs an eclectic mix of live music, from Portuguese jazz to experimental electronic acts. The intimate room holds about 100 people and the sound setup punches well above its weight for the size of the space.
Cena de Copos
No-frills neighborhood bar on the edge of Intendente that attracts a local crowd alongside students and young professionals drawn by cheap drinks and an unpretentious atmosphere. The outdoor seating fills the sidewalk on warm evenings.
Chapitô
Multi-level cultural space built into the hillside near the castle, functioning as a bar, restaurant, and circus school. The terrace offers one of Lisbon's best views over the city and the Tagus River, and drinks are reasonably priced for the setting.