Tasquinha "O Salsa": bar in Madeira
Tasquinha "O Salsa" is a poncha bar in Machico, good value (€). It has outdoor seating.
Little poncha bar in old Machico, in the yellow-and-brown row on Rua da Banda d'Além, with wooden bench tables in the lane under a big awning and festival bunting overhead. Four ponchas on the board (regional, passion fruit, pescador and pé de cabra), plus sangria, nikita and cold beer, with cheap toasties and sandwiches to soak it up: carne de vinho e alhos, squid, tuna and gaiado seco. You order at the counter.
By Mike McCabe
Photos and videos of Tasquinha "O Salsa"
€
Tuesday–Saturday 08:00–23:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Walk-ins welcome
Share this page
About Tasquinha "O Salsa"
Tasquinha "O Salsa" is a traditional poncha bar in Machico
Poncha is Madeira's traditional drink, white sugar-cane rum (aguardente), bee honey and fresh lemon, shaken by hand with a wooden mexelote. Order a copo and pace yourself; the second one always tastes like a good idea.
What to know before you go
- Tuesday–Saturday 08:00–23:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Outdoor seating fills first; arrive before 21:30 in summer for the best chance at a terrace table.
- Local taxis are inexpensive, but pre-book the return if you're staying late, pickups in the villages dry up after midnight.
- Phone: +351 916 122 553.
- No reservations; order at the counter.
- Opening hours as posted on the door, photographed by Mike McCabe.
- Visited by Mike McCabe on 21 October 2026: we ate a tuna sandwich and an espada sandwich, with coffee and water.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Weekend evenings are the busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 08:00–23:00
- Wednesday
- 08:00–23:00
- Thursday
- 08:00–23:00
- Friday
- 08:00–23:00
- Saturday
- 08:00–23:00
- Sunday
- Closed
We have not confirmed these hours with the venue ourselves, call ahead before making a special journey.
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Tasquinha "O Salsa". Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
Loading reviews…
Frequently asked
Has Madeira Info been to Tasquinha O Salsa?
Yes, we visited on 21 October 2026 and ate a tuna sandwich and an espada sandwich with coffee and water. The photos and videos on this page are from that visit.
What should you order at Tasquinha O Salsa?
The four ponchas (regional, passion fruit, pescador and pé de cabra) are the house speciality, with cheap toasties and sandwiches such as tuna, espada, squid and carne de vinho e alhos to go with them.
Is Tasquinha "O Salsa" good for poncha?
Yes: Tasquinha "O Salsa" is one of the recognised poncha specialists on the island, with the traditional rum-honey-lemon recipe served at the counter.
How late does Tasquinha "O Salsa" stay open?
Tasquinha "O Salsa" is open Tuesday–Saturday 08:00–23:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Does Tasquinha "O Salsa" have outdoor seating?
Yes, there are tables outside, and they are the first to go once the sun drops.
Is there a dress code at Tasquinha "O Salsa"?
Casual. Smart-casual is more than enough for bars and rooftops, Madeira nightlife rarely turns anyone away on what they're wearing. Upscale restaurant dining rooms are a separate case: a jacket and closed shoes are expected there, though a tie is rarely required.
Where is Tasquinha "O Salsa"?
Tasquinha "O Salsa" is in the Machico area of Madeira (Rua da Banda d'Além 28–32, 9200-107 Machico).
Where Tasquinha "O Salsa" fits
The town guide it belongs to, and the lists it earns a place on.
More Madeira bars & nightlife
Browse the full directory or step out to the wider nightlife guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
The monthly Madeira letter
Once a month: what's on the island next month, trails that closed or reopened, ferry and cable car changes, and the new guides worth reading. Written by Mike, no sponsored posts, unsubscribe in one click.
Your address is used for this letter only. Never sold, never shared.