Entertainment in South America
-
A
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
-
B
La Ventana
The atmosphere at this long-running venue, located in an old converted building, will take you back in time. There are two salons, both with rustic brick walls and ceilings, and rough-hewn wood beams; one has an impressive stained-glass ceiling. A 20-minute folklore show includes a display of boleadores (balls on strings that gauchos used to tangle up prey). The tango show is also good, and there are 30 performers in total.
reviewed
-
C
Caos
At last – a nightclub just as Miami Vice tells us a nightclub should be. Make your entrance by sashaying down a neon-illuminated transparent Perspex stairway whose innards are home to some unfortunate, sensorily overstimulated carp. Order a drink at the massive, garish bar while admiring the Inca-styled water feature before hitting the shiny dance floor. The crowd here tends to very young locals, and music is a mixed bag.
reviewed
-
D
Boteco
Like most Brazilian cities, the boteco (Brazilian neighborhood bar) culture usually rules the nightlife and, though a chain, the obviously-named Boteco packs in the Recifenses. We’re not sure what whips through faster, the ocean breezes or the waiters loaded down with chope and Brazilian bar munchies such as picanha (choice beef cuts) and savory pesticos (bar snacks). It’s very hard to say no.
reviewed
-
E
Unico
If you like your bars loud and crowded, you’ll love this classic corner magnet – still popular after all these years. It’s not overly large, so on weekends people tend to spill out the door and onto the sidewalk tables and even the street. Plenty of tapas, sandwiches and salads, along with the ultra cool music, could make it a long night – which is perfectly acceptable since it’s open till 6am.
reviewed
-
F
Rubia Y Negra
A true rarity in BA, this bar-restaurant also makes its own beer – right on the premises. You can see the shiny metal tanks up above the bar, brewing up eight beers from stout to wheat to barley wine and a cream ale. It’s an upscale lounge sort of place however, so don’t expect a homey publike atmosphere. Come on a Monday, Tuesday or Saturday and see if the all-you-can-eat sushi (AR$55) goes with the suds.
reviewed
-
G
Le Bar
Provocative design, in-demand DJs, splashy art and killer cocktails – Le Bar is the harbinger of downtown’s nightlife Renaissance. The antique four-story building was redone to resemble a fanciful European parlor with tear-drop lamps casting a sexy glow across the jewel-toned interior. Come late to knock back the passion fruit–tinged Pasiónaria on the rooftop terrace or in futuristic dug-out seating on the 2nd floor.
reviewed
-
H
Bar do Copa
Inside Copacabana's most recognizable landmark, this poolside bar received a dramatic R$4million makeover in 2009, raising the stakes in the hotelier design game. The ceiling, with its 10,000 points of light, aims to mimic the night sky, while crystal chandeliers, glowing column-sized luminaries and gilded mosaics add a vaguely futuristic element to the spacious lounge. There are live bands and DJs; Palace guests get in free.
reviewed
-
I
El Hipopótamo
Hanging out by a picture window at this classic old bar, watching San Telmo street life go by against the backdrop of Plaza Lezama – not much could be more indulgent on a lazy afternoon. It’s the atmosphere that makes the difference; wine bottles in glass cabinets and antique wall signs both add to the charm, and while the basic Argentine fare isn’t inspirational the eclectic crowd here is fun to watch.
reviewed
-
J
Ukuku’s Pub
The most consistently popular nightspot in town, Ukuku’s plays a winning combination of crowd pleasers – Latin and Western rock, reggae and reggaetón (a blend of Puerto Rican bomba, dancehall and hip-hop), salsa, hip-hop etc – and often hosts live bands. Usually full to bursting after midnight with as many Peruvians as foreign tourists, it’s good, sweaty, dance-a-thon fun. Happy hour is 8pm to 10:30pm.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Rock in Rio
The young and wealthy head for Aeroclube Plaza Show (Av Otávio Mangabeira, Boca do Rio), an outdoor entertainment complex with a few bars, dance clubs and free live forró nights. Rock in Rio is a 1700-sq-m dance club with eight bars that gets packed on weekends. Also in Aeroclube, Café Cancun has a Mexican theme to its food and décor, and makes for a fun night of dancing and tequila drinking.
reviewed
-
L
Ayahuasca
Lima’s of-the-moment lounge resides in a stunning restored casona full of Moorish architectural flourishes. Not that anyone’s looking at the architecture – everyone’s checking out everyone else, in addition to the hyperreal decor that includes a dangling mobile made with costumes used in Ayacucho folk dances. There’s a long list of contemporary pisco cocktails, made with infusions of purple corn and coca leaves.
reviewed
-
M
Clan Café
Set against the hillside of Corcovado, the unmarked door of Clan Café hides a large open-air patio covered with abundant greenery. Slow-paced waiters shuffle between the many tables as talented musicians fill the air with sound. Tuesday belongs to chorinho, (romantic, intimate samba) while Música Popular Brasileria (MPB) rules on Wednesday, and jazz on Saturday. The music starts around 9pm.
reviewed
-
N
Bardobeco
This spirited bar has more than 40 brands of cachaça - beware! You can ask for meia doses (half shots served at half price) if you want to retain some semblance of sobriety while you sample. There are also creative caipirinhas (the unofficial national cocktail made from limes, sugar, ice and high-proof sugarcane alcohol; try the tangerina do beco), tasty snacks and live music.
reviewed
-
O
Caminito Tango Show
For something much less glamorous and less expensive than many other tango shows in town, there’s this casual and modest restaurant in La Boca. It won’t weigh on your wallet at all; in fact, the performance is free when you sit down for the inexpensive Argentine lunch (the limited dishes run AR$10 to AR$25). Show times can vary widely, so call ahead to find out the current schedule and reserve a table.
reviewed
-
P
Bunker
Featuring big parties throughout the week, Bunker is one of Copacabana’s big draws. Its three rooms have different music and you’ll find an eclectic mix of Cariocas (residents of Rio) and tourists against the backdrop of hip-hop, acid jazz, rock, trance and deep house – among other selections. Weekends get crowded – come early and stake out a spot before the masses converge (around 1am).
reviewed
-
Q
Azúcar
The cha-cha-cha moves, neon lights and humid atmosphere might briefly take you to a more tropical locale than BA – but then a line dance brings you back to this slightly kitschy salsa club. It’s a busy, energetic joint that has a good following, with plenty of salsa, rock and even belly-dancing classes available in the early evening. It’s located diagonally across from the gorgeous Abasto mall.
reviewed
-
R
The Library Lounge
The low-lit Library Lounge, all dark wood with plush forest-green armchairs and stuffed moose-heads, feels out of another era. It’s the kind of place where gentlemen once gathered to smoke cigars, play billiards and schmooze. Order a classic martini and let the sultry lounge singer do her thing. Rojo Tango, the sexy cabaret dinner show staged at the adjacent theater, is great, decadent fun – be sure to book ahead.
reviewed
-
S
Alto de Ponta Negra
The Alto de Ponta Negra , a neighborhood in the upper part of Ponta Negra, around Rua Manoel AB de Araújo and Rua Aristides Porpino Filho, away from the tackier after-dark scene nearer the beach, is dense with a variety of fun bars and restaurants. It's packed with locals and visitors having a good time till dawn, Wednesday to Saturday nights. Just wander along after 23:00 and see which places draw you in.
reviewed
-
T
Centro Cultural Telemar
One of Rio's intriguing new additions, Centro Cultural Telemar is a six-story ultra-modern exhibition space featuring multimedia installations focusing on architecture, urban design and video art. The top floor auditorium has a regular line-up of film screenings and concerts. The first floor functions as a library where visitors can peruse art books and design mags; a listening station features eclectic music.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Buddy's
If you're looking for something on Sheriff Street that's a bit less raunchy than the Sheriff Bar, try Buddy's, which has a metal detector at the door and is a favorite with the upper-middle class East Indian crowd, or Avalanche, the newest trend with a young clientele. Cover charge is usually a few dollars and the street does not sleep. For a listing of upcoming events and live music check out www.gtvibes.com.
reviewed
-
U
Youkali
This big, bright, white bar at the whimsical Youkali hotel is a wonderful place for a drink any time of day. In the afternoon you can sit in the sunshine by one of the enormous windows or at night prop yourself up at the bar for a fabulous cocktail. Try a pisco-based Peruvian Lips - they're addictive! Every evening there's a happy hour from 18:00-20:30 and the places buzzes Tuesday nights when the DJs spin.
reviewed
-
Cine Líbero Luxardo
Belém had three art film houses at last count: Cine Olimpia and Cine Estação are the most convenient to the center. The former hosts international film festivals while the latter shows Brazilian and international art films on weekends. In the Centur complex, Cine Líbero Luxardo shows similar fare, usually for three- to seven-day runs.
reviewed
-
V
Esquina Carlos Gardel
One of the fanciest tango shows in town plays at this impressive 500-seat theater, an old cabaret right next to the lovely shopping mall Mercado de Abasto. The Abasto neighborhood was once Carlos Gardel’s old stomping ground, and he even hung out at this locale. The memorable show starts with a good film about the area, then goes on to highlight top-notch musicians and performers.
reviewed
-
W
Extreme Fun Pub
This relaxed spot is a very enticing place for a tea or coffee, a meal or sociable cocktail – try a Sexy Llama Bitch (B$20). It has salt floors, friendly service, a book exchange and beautiful salar photos. It’s also a good place to learn the classic Bolivian dice games or engage in an extreme challenge drink competition: who will chug down 10 drinks in the shortest time possible.
reviewed