A Severa

Frommer's Review

Although it's not quite as good as Adega Machado, good food and the careful selection of fadistas make this a perennial favorite. Every night, top male and female singers appear, accompanied by guitar and viola music, alternating with folk dancers. In a niche, you'll spot a statue honoring the club's namesake, Maria Severa, the legendary 19th-century Gypsy fadista. As difficult or as unsettling as it might be to imagine, before Richard Nixon became U.S. president, he came here with his wife, Patricia, and led a congalike line between tables while warbling the refrain, "Severa . . . Severa . . . Severa." After midnight, tourists seem to recede a bit in favor of loyal habitués, who request and sometimes join in on their favorite fado number (though not usually forming Nixonian conga lines).

The kitchen turns out regional dishes based on recipes from the north of Portugal. Expect to spend at least 36€ ($47) per person for a meal with wine. It's open daily from 9pm to 2am.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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