Mercearia São Pedro bar (Rua Rodesia 34, Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo) – this is a local dive (which has the appearance of an old fashioned Brazilian corner store), fills up at night to the point where patrons end up drinking outside. A novel way to meet locals.
Leviano Bar (Av. Mem de Sá 47, Centro, Rio de Janeiro) – this renovated mansion, located in an old section of Rio, features Samba, Forró and acrobatic shows. Its old school atmosphere appears to favor a local crowd. Still, given its location, many visitors find their way here, too.
Casa da Matriz (Rua Henriques de Novais 107, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro) – this venue plays both Brazilian pop & rock music, as well as international rock – catering to a young upscale local college crowd. Some evenings are dedicated to 80s New Wave music, and others to 90s grunge music like Nirvana. Casa da […]
Bar Veloso (Rua Conceição Veloso 54, Vila Mariana, São Paulo) – first-time visitors to São Paulo are likely to witness the celebration of favored Brazilian drinks, such as the caipirinha (who are served here in 20 combinations of fruits, such as cashews with lemon, jabuticaba, mandarin with finger peppers and three lemons). In addition, stomach-satisfying […]
Vento Haragano (Av. Rebouças 1001, Jardins, São Paulo) — one of Sao Paulo’s best churrascarias is the impressive Vento Haragano in Jardins. As a traditional churrascaria gaúcha, Vento Haragano is decked out in decorations typical of classic steakhouses from the south of Brazil, and the waiters dress in traditional uniforms. The variety of meat and […]
Lapa 40 Graus (Rua Riachuelo 97, Centro, Rio de Janeiro) – this is a multi-level, vibrant bar with a dozen pool tables, and a separate dance floor where live Samba and other Brazilian sounds are played.
Garota de Ipanema (Rua Vinicius de Moraes 49, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro) – this bar attracts a lot of tourists, since this was the one-time watering hole for the songwriters of the famed “Girl from Ipanema” Bossa Nova song (Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes). Some of the locals that do show up there come […]
Fosfobox (Rua Siqueira Campos 143, Loja 22ª, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro) – opened since 2004, this nightspot is for the 20-something crowd that dabbles in Reggaeton, EDM (electronic dance music), and House music from Europe and USA. Depending on the night, entry price varies significantly from R$20 to R$50 per person.
Emporio 37 (Rua Maria Quiteria, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro) – reputed to be the oldest rock-themed bar in Rio, Emporio is popular simply because it’s opened after-hours (which explains why there isn’t a crowd until after 1:00 am). There are two dance floors for Brazilian and international rock music, which is ideal for the expat […]
Circo Voador (Rua doa Arcos, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro) – live musical acts are often booked here at this cultural space, complete with a variety of musical genres (from rock and metal (like AC/DC), to Samba, Pagode and Funk. For those wanting some breathing space from its often crowded dance floor, there’s a palm tree […]