A Brasileira

The most famous of the old cafes of Lisboa. Opening in 1905, it used to be the meeting point of artists, writers, bohemians and intellectuals, home of debates and stories of popular figures of the time, and of the commerce of coffee. At the beginning of the XXth century, at a time where asking for a cup of coffee wasn't as commonplace as today, the shop offered the drink for free. The popular expression 'bica', used to designate a cup of coffee served directly from the machine, seems to have first appeared here, although the legend has different versions. With a ornamented entrance in art nouveau style, charming interior with a collection of paintings and an esplanade in the company of Fernando Pessoa's statue, it is nowadays one of the most sought-after spots in the area, always full of people inside and outside, enjoying the esplanade in Rua Garrett. Beside the cafe, there is also a small restaurant in the lower floor.