Bar entertainment in Rio De Janeiro
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Academia da Cachaça
Along with traditional Brazilian cooking, this indoor-outdoor spot serves over 500 varieties of cachaça. For a treat (and/or a bad hangover), try the passion-fruit batida (cachaça and passion-fruit juice).
reviewed
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B
Londra
Rio’s glammiest bar is inside the newly opened Hotel Fasano, and offers a vision of decadence matched by few of the city’s nightspots. The cozy space, designed by Philippe Starck, has an enchantingly illuminated bar, leather armchairs and divans, and a DJ spinning a good mix of world electronica. As you might imagine, the crowd is pure A-list, the cocktails are pricey (R$15 to R$26), and unless you’re a model (or have one draped on your arm), prepare for a long wait at the door.
reviewed
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C
Adega Flor de Coimbra
In the same building that was once the home of Brazilian painter Cândido Portinari, the Adega Flor de Coimbra has been a bohemian haunt since it opened in 1938. Back in its early days, leftists, artists and intellectuals drank copiously at the slim old bar looking out on Lapa. Today, it draws a mix of similar types, who drink wine and sangria with Adega’s tasty bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish croquettes) or feijoada.
reviewed
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D
Saturnino
Another newcomer to the scene, Saturnino was quick to become a neighborhood favorite. In a large room with high ceilings and touches of tropical decor, the stylish 20-something crowd mingles over chope (draft beer) and fruity cocktails (that could use a touch more alcohol). The open-sided patio in front is a particularly fine vantage point for people-watching.
reviewed
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E
Ponto da Bossa Nova
On a lively street sprinkled with bars, Ponto da Bossa Nova is a cozy wood-lined space with a small outdoor patio that makes a peaceful spot for sampling daily lunch specials (R$13 to R$17), appetizers like carne seca com aipim (jerked beef with fried cassava) and well-made caipirinhas. True to its name, there’s live bossa nova on Tuesday and Saturday nights.
reviewed
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F
Bar Do Serafim
On a lively stretch of Rua Alice, the Bar do Serafim is a simple, convivial boteco (small neighborhood bar) serving tasty Portuguese appetizers and plenty of chope (draft beer). It’s been around since 1944 and remains an institution (and popular happy-hour spot) among neighborhood regulars.
reviewed
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G
Leblon Esch Café
Billing itself as the House of Havana, Esch offers a blend of Cuban cigars and jazz. The dark-wood interior combined with the well-dressed over-30 crowd will probably make you feel like you’re stepping into a Johnnie Walker photo shoot. Groups perform on Friday and Saturday nights (admission R$25 to R$50).
reviewed
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H
Jiló
This lively open-sided bar opened in 2005, adding a splash more color to an already festive street. Creamy chope (draft beer), a tasty appetizer menu and the inviting, informal ambience have paved the way for its popularity, with the bar and its sidewalk tables packed on weekend nights.
reviewed
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Goya-Beira
Small but charming, Goya-Beira faces peaceful Largo das Neves, with the occasional tram rattling by. The open-sided bar draws a vibrant mix on weekends. It’s fine to arrive and leave by tram, but it’s unsafe to walk here from Largo do Guimarães – take a taxi instead.
reviewed
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J
Sky Lounge
This beautifully designed lounge is a stylish but informal place for a drink, with a glass rooftop lending an open feel to the place. DJs spin house and techno to a young Zona Sul crowd. The open-air patio is particularly enticing in the moonlight.
reviewed
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K
Espírito do Chopp
One of many open-air venues in the Cobal, Espirito do Chopp fills up its plastic tables most nights with a festive, low-key crowd. The beer flows in abundance and there’s always music nearby – either here or at one of the neighboring bars.
reviewed
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L
Choperia Brazooka
This popular four-story beer house has lots of nooks and crannies where you can while away the night over ice-cold drafts and tasty appetizers. The 20- and 30-something crowd packs this place, so arrive early to score a table.
reviewed
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M
Rio Scenarium
Perhaps Rio’s most beautiful nightspot, Rio Scenarium has three antique-filled floors, with balconies overlooking the stage on the 1st floor. Talented samba bands play to a dance-happy crowd, about half of whom are tourists.
reviewed
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Esch Café
The smoky twin of the Leblon Esch Café, this Esch offers the same selection of Cuban cigars from its humidor. Its dark-wood interior has stuffed leather chairs and there’s a decent food-and-cocktail menu.
reviewed
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O
Skylab Bar
It’s all about the view at this modestly decorated bar in the Rio Othon Palace. From 30 floors up, the coastline unfolds, allowing a glimpse of the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city) at its most striking.
reviewed
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Cosmopolita
Behind the stained-glass doors of this 1906 saloon, Cosmopolita's bar is a fine setting in which to daydream over a few cocktails before hitting the samba clubs up the street. Or to just wait for the sunrise.
reviewed
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Q
Cobal do Humaitá
A large food market on the western edge of Botafogo (technically in Humaitá), the Cobal transforms into a festive nightspot when the sun goes down, complete with live music and open-air eating and drinking.
reviewed
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R
Botequim
Botequim is an old-school, down-at-the-heels watering hole serving a friendly crowd. The menu has plenty of appetizers and more substantial dishes if you need something to accompany those chopes.
reviewed
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Bar Urca
This simple neighborhood bar and restaurant is in a marvelous setting near the waterfront. At night patrons take a seat along the seaside wall as waiters bring cold drinks and appetizers.
reviewed
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Champanharia Ovelha Negra
One of Rio’s best happy-hour scenes, Ovelha Negra serves tasty appetizers and 40 different varieties of champagne and prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine).
reviewed
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Boteco Casual
On weeknights, Cariocas pack the sidewalk tables at this popular bar – one of several low-key open-air spots on the pedestrian-only Travessa do Comércio.
reviewed
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Da Graça
Colorful Da Graça is one of Jardim Botânico’s liveliest bars, with a festive and colorfully kitsch decor and sidewalk tables packed on weekends.
reviewed
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Sindicato do Chopp
With a peaceful beachfront location, this casual bar is a relaxing and largely local spot to enjoy a draft or a filling meal.
reviewed
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Empório
A young mix of Cariocas and gringos stirs things up over cheap cocktails and blaring music at this battered Ipanema favorite.
reviewed
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Horse’s Neck
Ocean breezes and potted palms give a tropical vibe to this 2nd-floor hotel bar with lovely views across Copacabana Beach.
reviewed
