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.
DRINKS:
Caipi Sexta @ Caminhos Language Centre (Ipanema) – Once a month, Caminhos language centre sets up shop on the street and throws a hugely popular street party outside its building.
This is a place where students past and present, teachers, friends and many other expats all congregate to drink caipirinhas and start the weekend with a bang. All caipirinhas are only R$5 with students getting their first drink for free.
Except to meet plenty of friendly and interesting people speaking both English, Portuguese and many other languages. The party starts at 5PM but then usually moves to the popular Ipanema bar, Canastra, and then sometimes even onto legendary jazz club, the Maze. This is a cheap, cheerful and sociable way to start the weekend.
Caipi Sexta – Rua Farme de Amoedo, 135 – Ipanema
For more information, check the event page.
PARTY:
Sorveteria do Rock! @ Casa da Matriz (Botafogo) – Casa da Matriz will be embracing the gods of rock once again at the finest party house in all of Rio for what is sure to be an unforgettable night.
From indie to classic rock, from metal to pop punk, there’s something for everyone who loves to rock all night long. And of course, there will be lots of free ice cream distributed at the party to cool down the ravers. The first floor will have lots of rock ‘n’ roll, indie and pop punk.
Floor two will be playing the best current hits of pop and Rio funk. Don’t forget the hundreds of free ice creams that’ll be distributed as well as two-for-one on caipirinhas and gin and tonics until 2AM! Plus, Stella Artois will be R$9 all night long.
The party should get started at 11PM and tickets are between R$10-R$15.
Sorveteria do Rock! – Rua Henrique de Novaes 107 – Botafogo
For more information, check the event page.
LIVE:
Barra Blues Festival @ Uptown Barra (Barra da Tijuca) – Between December 14th and 16th, Uptown Barra is hosting the Blues Rock Festival. The audience will enjoy shows with a program focused on blues, rock, jazz and folk during the three days of the festival. The event will also have great gastronomy and an amazing kids area for the little ones.
On Friday, the festival starts at 5PM, with the scheduled running order of bands as follows: Hallisson Max (Fuzion Jazz), Chá Etílico, Corcel Mágico, and Tell Mama Blues. Tickets are either R$10 or a donation of 2kg of non-perishable food.
Barra Blues Festival – Av. Ayrton Senna, 5.500 – Barra da Tijuca
For more information, go to the event page.
LOUNGES, BARS & PUBS:
Winehouse (Botafogo)
Winehouse is a wine bar run by a British expat that has brought an eclectic range of wines to Rio including a mix of fabulous national wines and international favorites. There is also a great selection of nibbles and cheese boards. For those that aren’t too keen on wine, there is plenty of beer and cocktail options too. Happy hour begins at 5PM and finishes at 8PM.
Winehouse – 5PM
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 – 11AM
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 exceptionally cold 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 – (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 nice atmosphere and friendly service.
Canastra – 6:30 PM
Rua Jangadeiros, 42, Loja B – Ipanema – (21) 99656-1960
Entrance: See venue for details.
Blue Agave (Ipanema)
Blue Agave Ipanema is always a great place for Mexican food, drinks and for watching live sport streams and broadcasts. Just around the corner from Posto 9, the bar is also known for its mostly English-speaking staff and crowd which frequents the establishment. Be sure to check out Blue Agave in Copacabana also for a great night out.
Blue Agave Ipanema – 1PM
Rua Vinicus de Moraes, 68 – Ipanema – Tel: (21) 3592-9271/7544-5151
Entrance: FREE. Food and drink prices vary.
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To have an event included in the Nightlife Guide, please email:
events[at]riotimesonline[dot]com.