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English Bar 42BWorth Trying

Name: English Bar 42
Address: R. Bernardino Costa 42, 1200-052 Lisboa, Portugal, 1200-052 Lisboa
Rating: 4.4

R. Bernardino Costa 42, 1200-052 Lisboa, Portugal · Portuguese restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (925 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Bustling sports-bar vibe serving big-portioned Portuguese comfort food (notably francesinha) with friendly staff but inconsistent service; good for casual meals if you can tolerate occasional delays and noise.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

English Bar 42 delivers solid casual dining with strong food quality anchored by its signature francesinha and generous portions, but quality variation and uneven service during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The lively match-day atmosphere and convenient Pink Street location make it a reliable choice for Portuguese comfort food and group gatherings, though not a destination for fine dining.

Restaurant Summary

Set just off Pink Street, this spot hums with match-day energy: TVs flicker, jugs of sangria pass, and servers trade easy banter with tables. One diner said the staff were "friendly and quick" even when the room was buzzing. Expect a casual scene that is lively and loud at peak times. Cooking leans toward Portuguese comfort food with a sports-bar twist. The headliner is francesinha smothered in a tomato-beer sauce that fans describe as addictive, alongside hefty burgers and grilled steaks. Portions run large and satisfying; finesse is less the point than crowd-pleasing plates. Quality shines most on the sandwiches, with fish and large-group execution more variable. For families, the menu is naturally kid-friendly: burgers, fries, grilled chicken, and simple soups are easy wins. There is no specific kids menu in evidence, but prices are moderate and sharing works well. On game nights it can be loud, so earlier visits suit younger children.

At a Glance

Signature francesinha with rich, crowd-pleasing sauce
Big portions and moderate prices for central Lisbon
Service and timing slip during peak hours and for large groups
Mixed reports on fish dishes and temperature consistency
Reservations sometimes not honored or canceled late

What Sets It Apart

francesinha_focus
match-day_energy
portion_heft

What People Love

Addictive francesinha sauce
Friendly, upbeat servers
Hearty portions that satisfy
Easygoing sports-bar vibe

Points of Concern

Service coordination can be erratic at peak, leading to delays or mixed-up orders
Some diners experienced cold or overcooked fish; stick to strengths like francesinha and burgers
Isolated claims of unwanted appetizers added to bill—clarify what is charged
Review patterns show signs of peak-time strain rather than systemic rudeness; experiences vary by shift

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€30-42 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Anchor your meal around francesinha or a burger; share a starter to gauge pacing; pair with a jug of sangria if not price-sensitive

Perfect For

Watching a match over hearty comfort food
Casual group dinner before nightlife
Travelers craving a filling Portuguese classic
Solo bite at the bar off-peak

Location Insights

Area: Lively nightlife hub near riverfront; mix of locals and visitors, bars and casual eateries.

Safety: Busy, well-trafficked entertainment area; typical nightlife crowds, generally safe with normal urban caution.

Nearby: Steps from Pink Street and Time Out Market zone; bars, clubs, and transit at Cais do Sodré.

Santo AntónioSanto António is an upscale neighborhood characterized by elegant buildings, luxury hotels, and a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options. The dining scene here caters to sophisticated palates, with a blend of classic Portuguese cuisine and international fare, often attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday09:00–01:00 Tuesday09:00–01:00 Wednesday09:00–01:00 Thursday09:00–01:00 Friday09:00–02:00 Saturday09:00–02:00 Sunday09:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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