Rio de Janeiro
Amid the bars and eateries of Baixo Copa, casual Vizinhando is a good anytime spot that serves ice-cold beers and loads of good sharing appetizers, plus…
Must-see nightlife in Brazil
Santa Teresa & Lapa
Antônio's has lots of old-school charm with its hanging lamps, wrought-iron trim and simple wooden tables. There are a few seats on the sidewalk for…
Brasília
One of several bars and restaurants at the Pontão that has an appealing waterside location, Mormaii is quiet midweek but gets much busier on Friday and…
Ipanema & Leblon
Barthodomeu is a friendly, open-sided bar that has boteco charm. It has wooden tables, minimal decor and waiters that bustle about under trays of chope …
São Paulo State
Campos do Jordão's own local brew is one of Brazil's most well-known quality (not quite craft) beers. Here they serve four standards on draft and at least…
São Luís
There are many bars on the sands along this stretch of Av Litorânea with plastic chairs crammed together under umbrellas, but Adventure is usually the…
Salvador
Drinks are standard, and you’ll have to deal with an endless stream of panhandlers sitting at these outdoor tables, but the views at night – several…
São Paulo
In upscale Itaim Bibi, Side is one to simply sit at a great bar and imbibe well-crafted cocktails. The bar itself, half inside the restaurant, half…
Recife
UK Pub is a fairly posh lounge that draws a sexy crowd for imported beers plus varied live bands and DJs. Despite the name it's mostly Brazilian music –…
Santa Teresa & Lapa
Tucked down a lane a few blocks from the mayhem of Lapa, unpretentious Bar da Nalva is a low-key meeting spot by day (with good-value set lunches) and a…
Recife
An upscale, beach-facing boteco (small open-air bar) that pulls a crowd on most nights. The breezy dining area serves as a decadent drinking den, and you…
Ipanema & Leblon
One of the pillars of Baixo Leblon, this popular drinking spot serves lousy pizza, but that hasn't stopped patrons from packing it out at all hours of the…
Foz do Iguaçu
A breezy outdoor drinking den along Av Jorge Schimmelpfeng with an unbeatable happy hour if you're feeling like Brazilian chopp (50% draft discounts…
Gramado
This small coffeehouse right on the main drag takes caffeine a tad more seriously then elsewhere. Espresso (R$5) and other drinks are prepared by trained…
Santa Teresa & Lapa
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-…
Rio de Janeiro
This subterranean club is hidden under a shopping center near the metro station. Good DJs spin everything from funk to glam rock, and the crowd here is…
Santa Catarina
From a traditional Azorean-built home once occupied by a 'good' witch, this 10-tap pub is a worthwhile spot for a local pint if you're heading out to the…
São Paulo
Presided over by Saddam, beloved for his kind attention as well as his myriad gold chains, this simple place attracts a mixed gay-alternative-punk crowd…
Rio de Janeiro
One of Rio’s top happy-hour scenes, Ovelha Negra draws a mostly local crowd who come for the lively conversation and the 40 varieties of champagne and…
Ilhabela
The island's only craft beer destination features 10 taps out of a 'tap truck,' which you can enjoy on a colorful and sunny patio. Brews include session…
Porto Alegre
One of Porto Alegre's most classic cafes, Café do Mercado roasts their own beans and serves a mean espresso (coffee R$5 to R$16.80) in three separate…
Centro & the Mainland
A trashy classic, where the intense dance floor pulses to a heavy bass, while swirling bodies lose themselves in the flashing lights. Three bars ensure…
Recife
This modern dining and harborside entertainment complex next to Marco Zero houses a series of bright and inviting cafes, restaurants and bars that come…
Bahia
Perched on scenic stilts over the river, this restaurant makes a great setting for an early-evening drink – if you can get anyone to serve you (service is…
Minas Gerais
On Ouro Preto's main street, this stone-walled cellar pub with back patio keeps its youthful clients happy with 80 different varieties of beer, cheap eats…
Espírito Santo
Next to the Rio Itaúnas bridge, this supremely laid-back shack of a bar serves everything from juices to caipirinhas and hosts live reggae during peak…
Ceará
Located at the entrance to Broadway, Regart is our favorite local bar for its pleasant sidewalk seating and second-floor balcony overlooking the action.
Rio de Janeiro
The trendy favorite in town, with DJs spinning amid an audiovisual assault in the space of a former TV station. The cover charge is R$15 to R$50.
Porto Seguro
The major beach clubs all put on weekly nighttime luaus (parties); the one at Barramares is the most stunning. It’s about 6km north of town.
Bahia
On warm evenings, everyone and his brother is sitting at these sidewalk tables, drinking beer and enjoying a starlit view of the river.
São Paulo
A laidback indie bar along Rua da Consolação awash in religious imagery and other creative paraphernalia, and often features DJs.
Rio de Janeiro
A neighborhood crowd gathers over chope (draft beer) and salgados (snacks) in the evenings at this low-key spot.
Rio de Janeiro
Inaugurated in 1887, this saloon and dining spot serves refreshing brews, with sausages and other filling snacks to match.
Foz do Iguaçu
This buzzy and friendly staple has a big terrace, well-poured chopp (beer) and a menu of pizza and other food.
Bahia
A pretty coffee stand with a few tables on the main square across from the cathedral. Hours can be a bit unpredictable.
Morro de São Paulo
Head over to this beach bar on secluded Quarta Praia to have some cocktails or beers while the waves lap at your feet.
Maceió
This busy beach bar offers live music and free-flowing cocktails in a prime location on the oceanfront promenade.
The Amazon
In a park off the main plaza, this kiosk is a popular watering hole for Xapuri’s young and restless.
São Paulo
Fight the local boys for an outdoor table at this cozy and very gay branch of a classic Sampa café.
The Amazon
One of several bars and restaurants clustered around this corner, drawing a mixed crowd most nights.
