Tunnel & Taps: Quimera Brewpub Blends Lisbon’s Royal Past with Craft Beer Cool
Craft Beer, Gourmet Bites, Community, and Live Music inside a Historic Royal Tunnel.
Dear Readers,
Lisbon’s Alcântara district is a vibrant riverside area known for its blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Once a run-down industrial hub, in recent years the area has transformed into a hotspot for creative spaces, trendy cafés, and nightlife.
It is here in Alcântara that you’ll find Quimera Brewpub nestled within an 18th-century stone tunnel, offering a unique fusion of history, craft beer, music and culinary delights. This distinctive venue combines the charm of a historic setting with the vibrancy of a modern brewpub, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
A historic setting.
The tunnel once served as a passageway for royal horses traveling to the Palácio das Necessidades, the former royal palace and now the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (located above the hill from Quimera). Legend has it that this very tunnel was used as an escape route by Portugal's last king, Manuel II, during the Republican revolution in 1910. Today, the tunnel's rugged stone walls and vaulted ceilings create an atmospheric backdrop for patrons enjoying craft beers and hearty fare.
A transatlantic love story.
Quimera is the creation of husband-and-wife team Adam Heller and Raquel Nicoletti, whose transatlantic love story is as unique as their venue. Adam, a chef from Chicago, first visited Lisbon with his parents who had read about the city in The New York Times. They rented an apartment next to Raquel, a Brazilian circus and theater artist and classically trained musician who had been living in Lisbon for many years. The two met, fell in love, and eventually married, combining their creativity and passion to open Quimera in June 2016.
Serious brewing is going on here.
Adam focuses on brewing a rotating selection of inventive beers boasting twelve taps, featuring a selection of Quimera’s own craft beers alongside guest brews. Production is a priority here and Adam spends most days tending to the tiny brewery which is housed on a lower level of the building. His passion and dedication have led to his brews receiving international acclaim, including awards at the 2025 Lyon International Concours for his Flemish Red Ale and Peach Gold, both barrel aged brews. Although beer is the most popular beverage, the pub also offers a variety of other beverages to cater to diverse tastes.
Culinary offerings.
Under the guidance of Adam (who was formerly the Head Chef of Insólito Restaurant), Quimera presents a menu inspired by New York delis, featuring gourmet sandwiches and burgers. Signature dishes include a Pastrami Sandwich, (Portuguese beef cured and stewed in beer, served with black pepper and mustard sauce) and a Reuben Sandwich, (beer-braised beef with cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing).
The cured meat is braised in beer for 24 hours. Quimera was the first in Lisbon to offer pastrami and Reuben sandwiches and from personal experience, I can say that they are both authentic tasting and delicious!
Other offerings include Salmon Toast, (smoked salmon with red onion, cream cheese, arugula, and capers), and a Kimchi Burger (local beef topped with house-made kimchi and sriracha sauce). They also have vegan and vegetarian items on the menu as well as starters and light fare.
All sandwiches are served on artisanal bread from Gleba Bakery or focaccias by Pausa & Crescente, accompanied by potato chips and coleslaw.
Here you have friends.
While Adam’s passion is focusing on creating award winning craft beers, Raquel focuses on making sure everyone who enters her establishment feels an energy that is both welcoming and friendly. Her engaging and vibrant personality reflects Quimera’s commitment to offer a place where people feel a sense of community. She enjoys bringing folks together and some of her patrons who have met at Quimera have even gone on to get married and raise families. “Here you have friends,” she said.
Events and ambience.
The brewpub regularly hosts music events, including jazz nights and open mic sessions for artists and performers, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Raquel and Adam, both musicians and singers (she plays classical piano, cello and guitar and he plays the drums and ukelele), bring their artistic flair to the venue's ambiance and live music events. Paul and I have attended several of the open-mic music sessions with musicians taking turns playing a variety of instruments or jamming together. It’s always a fun and energizing time and you get to meet a variety of interesting people – either locals, expats, or visitors. Occasionally, when time permits, you will find Raquel and Adam joining in.
Unique venue for events.
The unique setting, combined with crystal chandeliers and a cozy ambiance, makes it an ideal venue for private events and gatherings. If you’re looking for a unique place to hold a company or social gathering, a birthday or anniversary celebration or even a small wedding, Quimera can host private parties (up to seventy people).
What we like about Quimera.
As former small business owners in the food service and retail industries, Paul and I understand the hard work and persistent dedication it takes to make a business successful. Creating an atmosphere that’s unique and creative takes a lot of energy. We also know that customers respond to owners who are friendly and have an establishment that is open and welcoming. It is evident that Adam and Raquel possess those qualities – you can see their passion and joy in their faces and smiles.
If you have not visited Quimera yet, stop by and introduce yourself to Adam, Raquel, and the Quimera team, enjoy a brew and burger in a cool tunnel- and leave as a friend.
If you visit:
Quimera Brewpub - Rua Prior do Crato 6, 1350-261 Lisbon, Portugal
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. - Quimera Brewpub is family and pet friendly.
For more information, reservations, and event details, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
I've worked there for three years. Next time, let's properly introduce ourselves. I had no idea you had been coming in!!!
This was our favorite place when we were in Lisbon. It’s right around the corner from the Airbnb we stayed at. We loved those pastrami sandwiches and their milk stout. And such a cool atmosphere in there, with live music one night with Raquel on the piano. So warm and welcoming, and I’m glad you’ve found it and have come to enjoy it!