Rio de Janeiro Bars

This unique bar allows locals to play the saxophone for the crowd. Along with wine and whisky, also do try the local drink, Caiparinhas. Happy hour is on Mondays.

Address: R. Dias Ferreira, 247 - Leblon Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2274 5590

Located next to the lake, this open air bar with a difference is decorated with bamboo furniture and flickering light torches for an eco-friendly and striking atmosphere. A popular nightspot, Palaphita Kitch is the place to get some exciting range of cocktails.

Address: Av. Epitácio Pessoa s/n, Quiosque 20,Parque do Cantagalo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: +55 21 7841-7843

One of the most charming places in Rio, Urca Bar was founded in 1939 and continues to serve their special Cachaças and amazing seafood fare to tourists and locals alike. Their Monique’s fish stew is great and they have special dishes for your kids too.

Address: Loja (bar) e Sobreloja (restaurante Rua Cândido Gafree, 205 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 2295-8744

Bar do Mineiro has a prime placement at the main drinking and dining neighbourhood in Santa Teresa. The menu has delicious hearty Brazilian meals and light snacks like their legendary pasteis (small, deep-fried pastries) as well as an extensive bar menu.

Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 2221-9227

Communa (Commune) is a melting pot of food and culture with regular pop-up art and fashion events. The low lighting and outdoor setting make it a hotspot casual mingling accompanied by beers and housemade burgers.

Address: R. Sorocaba, 585-Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 3579-6175

This musical cafe has played the best of Brazilian pop especially samba and choro (a.k.a. chorinho) since 2000. This mansion bar regularly hosts live musicians, samba circles and is a giant in the Lapa music scene. They boast the coldest beer, the best samba and delicious Brazilian cuisine.

Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 79 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 2221-0043

Bar Astor is a sophisticated beach bar, modelled after traditional botecos (local bars), they take things up a notch. Glass walls offer an amazing view of Ipanema Beach. Their signature is the gin and tonic, including five variations of it, and they offer a modern take on Brazilian cuisine.

Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 110 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 2523-0085

A popular bar in Copacabana, Pavão Azul is known best for decades as one of the most traditional botecos (Brazilian bar) in the city. It is well known for its codfish bolinhos (fishcakes) and extra cold beers so get here by 6 pm if you want to get a seat.

Address: Rua Hilário de Gouvêia, 71 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 2236-2381

Canastra serves some of the most diverse varieties of Brazilian wines. This cosy indoor space is named after the cheese from Serra da Canastra. Oyster Tuesday is the best night to visit, some patrons arriving 30 minutes before opening to wait for fresh oysters and Canastra’s famous rosé wine.

Address: Edifício Paranoá - R. Jangadeiros, 42 - G - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel.: +55 21 96932-9066