Rei da Poncha: bar in Madeira
Rei da Poncha is a poncha bar in Funchal, good value (€). It has outdoor seating and open past 01:00.
A classic Funchal poncha bar serving the island's signature drink, sugarcane rum (aguardente de cana) whisked with honey and fresh citrus or passion fruit, best taken standing at the bar with a cup of boiled peanuts.
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About Rei da Poncha
Rei da Poncha is a traditional poncha bar in Funchal
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.
Poncha is Madeira in a glass: aguardente de cana, honey and lemon (the fishermen's original) or one of the fruit versions, passion fruit, tangerine and maracujá are the usual rotation. It arrives foamy from the whisking and is deceptively easy to drink.
The classic accompaniment here is a cup of peanuts boiled in their shells, salty, soft and nothing like the roasted kind. This is a local's bar more than a cocktail lounge: order at the counter, drink it fresh, and treat it as the start of an evening rather than the whole one.
What to know before you go
- Monday–Thursday 10:00–00:00. Friday–Saturday 10:00–01:00. Closed Sunday.
- Outdoor seating fills first; arrive before 21:30 in summer for the best chance at a terrace table.
- Taxis around central Funchal run all night and rarely cost more than €6; Bolt is the cheaper backup.
- Google rating: 4.8 from 4,619 reviews.
- Price guide: €5–10 per person.
- Menu on tripadvisor.pt.
- Outdoor seating, outside food allowed.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Funchal nightlife is most lively Thursday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday are quietest.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00–00:00
- Tuesday
- 10:00–00:00
- Wednesday
- 10:00–00:00
- Thursday
- 10:00–00:00
- Friday
- 10:00–01:00
- Saturday
- 10:00–01:00
- Sunday
- Closed
We have not confirmed these hours with the venue ourselves, call ahead before making a special journey.
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Frequently asked
Is Rei da Poncha good for poncha?
Yes: Rei da Poncha is one of the recognised poncha specialists on the island, with the traditional rum-honey-lemon recipe served at the counter.
How late does Rei da Poncha stay open?
Rei da Poncha is open Monday–Thursday 10:00–00:00. Friday–Saturday 10:00–01:00. Closed Sunday.
Does Rei da Poncha have outdoor seating?
Yes: Rei da Poncha has outdoor seating, which fills first on warm evenings.
Is there a dress code at Rei da Poncha?
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 Rei da Poncha?
Rei da Poncha is in the Funchal area of Madeira (Rampa do Cidrão 147, São Martinho, 9000-059 Funchal).
Where Rei da Poncha 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.
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