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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 (around R$15 to around R$26 ), and unless you're a model (or have one draped on your arm), prepare for a long wait at the door.
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Lord Jim
Something of a novelty for Cariocas, Lord Jim is one of several English-style pubs scattered about the Zona Sul. Darts, English-speaking waiters and all the requisite expat beers - Guinness, Harps, Bass, Foster's etc - are on hand to complete the ambience. The pub hosts quiz nights on Wednesdays.
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Melt
The sinewy Melt club is one of those places that couldn't possibly be anywhere but Leblon. Models and their admirers lie draped around the candlelit lounge, while wait staff glide between the tables delivering colorful cocktails. Upstairs, DJs break beats over the dance floor, occasionally accompanied by a few percussionists.
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Mike's Haus
This German-style pub attracts a mix of expats and Cariocas on weekend nights. It's a bit off the beaten path, so plan on sticking around a while before moving on.
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Nuth
This long-running club (pronounced 'nootch') is one of the city's favorite dance spots despite its location in Barra. Expect a friendly, well-dressed crowd grooving to DJs spinning electro-samba, house and hip-hop. If you don't like the venue - or the price tag - there's a handful of other bars and restaurants nearby.
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O Plebeu
In the liveliest stretch of Botafogo, O Plebeu is a handsome but unpretentious two-story bar with tables spilling onto the sidewalk and a second-floor balcony. Neighborhood regulars pack this place, drawn by ice-cold beer (served in bottles), codfish balls and the low-key garrulous crowd.
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Palaphita Kitch
A great spot for a sundowner, Palaphita Kitch is an open-air, thatched-roof wonderland with rustic bamboo furniture, flickering tiki torches, and a peaceful setting on the edge of the lake. This is a popular spot with couples, who come for the creative (and pricey) cocktails and the fine views.
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Pista 3
Brought to you by the same owners of nearby Casa de Matriz, Pista 3 is another good dance spot, with notable DJs spinning a wide mix of rock, electronica and funk. It has two floors, one for dancing, one for lounging (complete with pool table, and area for drinking and snacking).
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Pizzaria Guanabara
One of the pillars of Baixo Leblon, this popular drinking spot serves lousy pizza - but that hasn't stopped patrons from packing this place at all hours of the night. Expect simple ambience and a young, flirtatious, beer-drinking crowd.
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Praia Vermelha
Perched over the beach of the same name, Praia Vermelha has gorgeous views of Pão de Açúcar looming overhead. By night, jazzy MPB bands play from onward, making for an enviable open-air setting. The food, unfortunately, is less spectacular. Steer clear of the limp pizzas and stick to beer and cocktails.
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Rio Scenarium
One of the city's loveliest nightspots, Rio Scenarium has three floors, each lavishly decorated with antiques. Balconies overlook the stage on the 1st floor, with dancers keeping time to the jazz-infused samba, choro or pagode filling the air. Rio Scenarium has had much press outside of Brazil, and today it has a local-to-foreigner ratio of 50:50.
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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 décor, the stylish 20-something crowd mingles over chope 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.
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Shenanigan's
Overlooking the Praça General Osorio, Shenanigan's is a fairly recent addition to Ipanema's growing pub scene. And it's no small success: through the smoke hanging overhead, the beautiful wait staff shuttles between tables packed full of Cariocas and sunburnt gringos. The exposed brick walls, pool table and mix of spoken languages all contribute to the dark and pubby ambience Shenanigan's aims for.
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Sindicato do Chopp
A Copacabana institution, this open-air bar looks out on the wide avenue, with the beach in the background. Owing to its breezy location, it attracts a wide mix of people, all playing a part in Copa's inimitable street theater. The food isn't so hot here, but the beers are icy cold and the ocean is, well, right there. A second Sindicato do Chopp, on Av Atlântica 514 in Leme, also overlooks the beach.
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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 a particularly enticing in the moonlight.
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Skylab Bar
It's all about the view at this bar in the Rio Othon Palace. From 30 floors up, the coastline unfolds, allowing a glimpse of the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) at its most panoramic. The perfect sight to see over the rim of a caipirinha (drink made with sugarcane liquor).
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Taberna do Juca
A staple of Lapa's hard-drinking scene, this classic-looking spot attracts a diverse bunch - old artists, shop owners, musicians, prostitutes and the odd ones you can't pin down - and the crowd tends to get more colorful as the night progresses.
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Tô Nem Aí
On one of Ipanema's livelier streets, this popular fairly new watering hole attracts a fun, very mixed crowd to its indoor and outdoor tables. Caipirinhas and chope are the drinks of choice, and there are excellent appetizers and light fare on hand.
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