The 15 Best Bars in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Classic Copacabana boteco that's been a neighborhood institution for decades, known for cold draft beer and fried pastéis. The original spot has expanded to occupy multiple storefronts on the same block.

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Reliable neighborhood bar open from morning until 2 AM, serving a large menu of petiscos, grilled meats and draft chopp. Popular with locals as a casual meeting point before heading out for the night.

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Cachaça-focused bar with an extensive list of artisanal spirits from across Brazil and reliable caipirinhas. The sidewalk tables spill onto the street on busy nights, typical of the Lapa bar scene.

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Low-key spot popular with the local after-work crowd and bohemian regulars. Cold draft beer and simple petiscos keep the atmosphere unpretentious.

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Underground cocktail bar tucked into a basement space downtown. Known for creative drinks and a DJ lineup that leans toward house and disco.

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Corner bar at one of the compound's main intersections, popular as a first stop for newcomers. Serves basic cocktails and cold chopp on draft at prices well below the Zona Sul average.

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A no-frills bar inside the Vila Mimosa complex known for cheap beer and forró music. The owner has operated here for over a decade, making it one of the more established spots in the compound.

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Historic boteco operating since 1955, tucked into a narrow storefront near Praca Tiradentes. Known for its namesake angu dish and cold draft beer served to a loyal crowd of regulars.

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German-Brazilian bar that has occupied the same Lapa-adjacent corner since 1907. Serves cold chopp, sausages, and sauerkraut in a high-ceilinged hall with ceiling fans and worn wooden tables.

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Two-story bar on Rua do Lavradio that fills its upper balcony with a chatty crowd drinking caipirinhas on weekend nights. The ground floor hosts occasional live samba acts.

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American-style sports bar near the beach with cold beer on tap, burgers, and screens showing live games. A reliable late-night option when other bars have closed.

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Copacabana corner bar with a tiled interior and sidewalk tables that stay busy past midnight. Known for strong caipirinhas made with fresh fruit and reasonably priced petiscos.

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Large bar and restaurant occupying a restored warehouse on Rua do Senado. Draft chopp and pub grub attract a pre-club crowd on Thursday and Friday evenings before they migrate to the main strip.

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One of Vila Mimosa's busiest corner bars, known for cold Brahma on draft and a small grill turning out espetinhos. The owner has been running the spot for over 15 years.

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Named after the home state of its owner, this small bar serves mineiro snacks like pao de queijo and torresmo alongside cheap draft beer. A quieter option compared to the clubs.

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