Emily T.
Yelp
Such a disappointing experience. We waited in line for about 30 minutes, which we expected without a reservation. While we waited, we could overhear a lovely fado singer inside, she was the quintessential harmonic voice you would expect. Once we were next in line to go in, the owner/manager's buddy showed up with a date and were allowed to go in with a huge line of people waiting. Can't say I'm surprised, that happens at most clubs, but when you are traveling from far to experience this while an apparent local can come anytime, it's irritating. We were rudely told to go in and head straight to the back to stand even though there were seats available. We sat on some side seats and were told to get up, and told to go further back behind a beam, so we had no view of the performance.
Because we had already waited and I was bent on trying to make the best of it, I placed a soup and drink order at the bar, the bartender misheard me and gave me "Vinho Verde" instead of "Caldo verde," and when I corrected her the other bartender shushed me since the rude male that directed us (I'm guessing another manager) was singing. Mind you, I was speaking closely to her, not yelling from across the bar. The sangria looked like some store bought bottle, it wasn't awful, but wasn't great. The Caldo Verde was decent, but my serving had no chorizo. The guy singing could use some lessons too. We left promptly after.
I'm aware they have a reputation, but that doesn't mean you should let it go to your head and be rude to newcomers, who can then give you a negative review. Two stars only because the soup was pretty good, and the first singer sounded top notch (from what I could hear outside).