5 Best Bars in São Miguel, The Azores

Inside Solar Branco Eco Estate, The Gin Library houses the largest gin collection in Europe, and one of the largest in the world, with more than 2,000 bottles, including estate-made Ghosts of the Ocean. Book a visit in advance online, which includes one gin and tonic for €15; you can try others from the collection, or a gin flight with snacks, for an extra fee. A portion of each sale goes to whale conservation in the Azores. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottles of gin to swap for one of the owners’ locally made bottles.

If you’re looking to expand your Portuguese wine knowledge, you can’t do better than to stop by this wine bar tucked away down a nondescript alleyway. The owner or his helpful staff will happily pour you wines by the glass if you let them know your tastes and price points. You can also order Azorean cheeses or meats to accompany your vinho.

This is the place to try wine from the Azores, with probably the largest selection in town, along with wines from throughout Portugal and Europe. Pair your tasting with a fine selection of local cheeses, and don’t miss the chocolate cake to finish.

Billing itself as “your living room away from home,” this cozy club bar showcases live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

This welcoming bar and bistro specializes in classic cocktails and a good selection of gins, plus eclectic tapas-style plates to share. Don't pass up their specialty: broken eggs with asparagus and potatoes. Sit on couches inside, or hang out outside if you manage to snag a spot.