Blink, and you’ll miss the entrance. Linger, and you’ll remember the drinks.
€€
R. da Bica de Duarte Belo 51A, 1200-056 Lisbon
Bica
website
Mon – Fri, 19h – 2h; Sat, 19h30 – 2h; Sun, 19h – 2h
Corkies Speakeasy hides exactly where it should: behind an unmarked door along the Bica funicular, requiring a doorbell press and a small leap of faith. On the other side is a polished, modern riff on an old-school speakeasy — cosy, confident, and refreshingly unpretentious.
We ducked in for a pre-dinner drink and immediately regretted not building the evening around it. The Aguas Calientes is a smart mezcal-forward margarita with a chilli-oil edge and a salt-dusted glass that immediately brought on a craving for loaded nachos. The New Prohibition reworks the Negroni with all the right twists. Word to the wise: these are not classics in costume. They’re thoughtful, well-balanced drinks that hijack the conversation.
Presentation is minimal, flavours are layered, and everything is extremely drinkable. The vibe is relaxed but intentional, helped along by a two-man team that’s genuinely warm, attentive, and clearly invested in what they’re pouring.
If you’re tired of safe menus and boring cocktails, Corkies is the antidote. Ring the bell, grab a chair, and prepare to be titillated.
