Fado in Lisbon

I’m bumping this up so more people will see it. I’ll be interested in any answers since we will be there next autumn.

Páteo de Alfama is a dinner and Fado show in Lisbon.
https://pateodealfama.pt/the-menu/

Thank you. I have done a ton of research. Some of the most recommended come with horrible reviews such as touristy. Something I DO NOT want. Most are price fixe menus between 55 to 80 euros. Many places take cash. I saw a lot of good reviews on Duque da Rua. This one just serves tapas.

After reading your post I took a quick look at the reviews of some Fado restaurants in Lisbon, some of the reviews are really bad.

Might be best to ask the hotel concierge for info on the good Fado places but Fado is an "acquired taste" even in good locations with good artists it's not to everyone's liking.

We will be booking a Tuk Tuk soon and the driver said he would help me with recomendations. I’m curious to see what he has to say. I do not want to go anywhere touristy. I will keep you all posted.

diblack65,
This is meant not as a criticism, but;
You are booking a tuck tuck (THE most touristy thing you can do) and asking the driver (who gets rewarded for any customers he sends) for a recommendation of a "real" Fado experience.

Why not just checkout the Fado Museum in the Alfama? You can learn a lot about the music and maybe be lucky enough to get a recommendation from someone there.
Otherwise, just wander about the Alfama after 11 pm and follow your ears.
We have been to Lisbon 4 times but never have had the night owl stamina to try a Fado crawl. Were I a few decades younger, that is what I would do
Some others on this forum may have better advice

No matter what, you will love Lisbon

Dennis

Thanks Dennis. I did not know that renting a Tuk Tuk was the most touristy thing to do. We thought we would save time seeing the city this way. I also did not know the driver would be compensated for sending us there. Not sure we will be up after 11 pm to wonder around and choose a place. Do any of the shows start earlier. I appreciate your advice. Maybe we want to experience a show and then have dinner else where. I did find shows that start at 7pm and last for 50 minutes. Thank you for your help.

dlblack65
thank you for taking my comment in the intended spirit
If you are physically fit, there is not better city to walk around exploring. We took a walking tour starting in the Praca do Comercio the first day of our first visit in 2016. It was definitely worth it. I don't know the current setup, but I am sure someone else will fill you in.
If you must see a Fado show and are not a night owl, than just go with the flow and accept that it will be geared to tourists. No sin in that.

Dennis

When we took the Rick Steves Portugal tour, we went to (I think) Clube De Fado. It's a huge place, several dining areas, I suspect several seatings and shows. I know we did not go late. It's not far from the Fado Museum, in Alfama neighborhood.

Like you, we were looking for a shorter fado show that ended fairly early. We chose Lisboa em Fado, and that ticked all the boxes. It’s a small space, between 60 and 75 seats. You don’t get food, but do get a small glass of port. One really nice thing is since the space is small, no microphone is needed. The performers are talented, and on the website, you can read bios of the performers and musicians.

‘Real’ fado, like ‘real’ blues, is probably found late at night, after most clubs have closed, and musicians get together. But what I’ve learned, growing up in a tourist town, is that tourist venues don’t necessarily mean bad music. Good musicians appreciate a steady gig.
https://lisboaemfado.pt/en/

The short answer to your question is that pretty much any fado show in Lisbon will be "authentic" in that the performers will be doing it for the love of the music. Only a few fado performers can make a living from fado, and most have to support themselves with day jobs.

My preference is for small restaurants which have a more intimate feel. In my experience, the music is the same no matter how many or how few locals are in the place.