We have the top three picks for this Friday, and below there is a list of bars and lounges that are always a good option.
PARTY:
O Carnaval Nunca Acaba (Gamboa) – The Carnaval vibes are coming to the heart of Rio’s portuary zone.
“O Carnaval Nunca Acaba”, a party aiming to celebrate the most Brazilian of all festivities, happens tonight in Gamboa, with some of the coolest carnival blocs performing live, such as Vem Cá Minha Flor and Charanga Talismã.
Gamboa 345 – Rua da Gamboa, 345, Gamboa.
Check the event for further details.
MÚSICA BRASILEIRA:
Balaio Bom (Centro) – Balaio Bom will be taking their roda de samba to Praça Tiradentes Square tonight.
The group will play traditional samba and pagode. DJ Roger Flex will make partygoers dance with black and balanço music.
Theatro Municipal – Praça Floriano, s/n – Cinelândia
Check the event for further details.
MÚSICA BRASILEIRA:
Forró de Bamba (Lapa) – It’s time for some live forró music at Clube dos Democráticos, in Lapa.
Raiz do Sana will be playing traditional forró until 4 AM. DJ Darvyn Orlan will spin Brazilian music during the intervals.
Clube dos Democráticos – Rua do Riachuelo, 91 – Lapa
Check the event for further details.
LOUNGES, BARS & PUBS:
Bartman (Flamengo)
This eccentric boteco does everything right. With great Brazilian bar food, excellent beer, and a loyal crowd, Bartman also sets itself apart from the competition with its mad decor of kitschy comic book regalia. Try the carne seca with fried aipim for a real hearty treat.
Bartman – 9 AM
Rua Buarque de Macedo, 83 – Flamengo – Tel.: (21) 2558-6913
Entrance: Free
Casa da Cachaça (Lapa)
This cultural heritage site of Rio de Janeiro was the first cachaçaria to open in the city, back in 1960. And by the look of things, they’ve been busy ever since, with over 200 cachaças piled up the walls and hanging from the ceiling. The regular caipirinhas here are a great value and pack a punch. For an interesting twist, try a flavored shot, such as the açaí-infused cachaça.
Casa da Cachaça – 4 PM
Av. Mem de Sá, 110A – Lapa – Tel.: (21) 2531-7219
Entrance: Free
Winehouse (Botafogo)
Winehouse is a wine bar run by a British expat who has brought an eclectic range of wines to Rio including a mix of fabulous national and international favorites. There is also a great selection of nibbles and cheese boards. For those that aren’t too keen on wine, there are plenty of beer and cocktail options, too. Happy hour begins at 5 PM and finishes at 8 PM.
Winehouse – 5 PM
Rua Paulo Barreto, 25 – Botafogo – Tel.: (21) 3264-4101
Entrance: Free
Void/ House of Food (Botafogo)
Blending culinary, drinks, and fashion, the bar/store invites a different chef to prepare a new menu every week. Besides great imported beer labels, it usually serves delicious veggie food and homemade burgers.
Void Botafogo – 11 AM
Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 31 – Botafogo – Tel.: (21) 3593-3326
Entrance: Free
Pavão Azul (Copacabana)
Pavão Azul is a lively bar in Copacabana, famous for its icy beers and prawn pastels. It gets crowded there every night, making every day of the week seem like the weekend.
Pavão Azul – 6:30 PM
Rua Hilário de Gouvêia, 71 – Copacabana – Tel.: (21) 2236-2381
Entrance: Free
Canastra Bar (Ipanema)
The Canastra Wine Bar in Ipanema offers a great selection of wines and cheeses and is quickly becoming known for its pleasant atmosphere and friendly service.
Canastra – 6:30 PM
Rua Jangadeiros, 42, Loja B – Ipanema – Tel.: (21) 99656-1960
Entrance: See venue for details.
Imaculada Bar e Galeria (Saúde)
A charming old-world bar that hosts music and art exhibitions while serving excellent food and drinks. Located near both Pedra do Sal and Praça Mauá, they offer a hearty feijoada on Fridays and Saturdays, plus live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, including karaoke, samba, and jazz.
Imaculada Bar e Galeria – 11:30 AM
Ladeira do João Homem, 7 – Saúde – Tel.: (21) 2283-2747
Entrance: Free
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To have an event included in the Nightlife Guide, please e-mail:
events[at]riotimesonline[dot]com.