Leviano Bar
Leviano hides in a basement space downtown that rewards you for finding it. The cocktail menu uses Brazilian ingredients (cachaça, tropical fruits, local herbs) in combinations that feel both creative and drinkable. The bartenders compete in national cocktail competitions, and it shows. The room is dark, moody, and intimate enough for real conversation. It's the polar opposite of Lapa's street party scene, offering a controlled environment where the drinks matter. The crowd tends toward local professionals who know their cocktails and appreciate a bartender who does too.
What to Expect
A refined cocktail experience in a dark basement that could be in Brooklyn or London but uses distinctly Brazilian ingredients. The pace is slow and intentional. Good for a pre-dinner drink or a quiet nightcap away from Lapa's madness.
Dark, calm, and cocktail-focused. Rio's quieter drinking side.
Background soul, jazz, and bossa nova at conversation-friendly volume
Smart casual. The crowd dresses well without overdoing it.
Cocktail enthusiasts looking for Rio's best mixed drinks in a calm setting.
Cards and cash accepted
Price Range
Cocktails R$30-55, bar snacks R$20-40
≈ €3-9 / $3-9
Hours
Tue-Sat from 6 PM to 1 AM
Insider Tip
Trust the bartender's recommendation. Tell them what flavors you like and they'll build something unexpected. The cachaça-based cocktails showcase what the spirit can do beyond caipirinhas.
Full Review
Leviano occupies a corner space in Centro with a bar that's longer than the room is wide and a handful of tables pushed against the opposite wall. It's a drinking bar first and foremost, with a cocktail program that takes itself seriously despite the casual setting. The decor is minimal, letting the drinks and conversation fill the space.
The cocktail menu features original creations alongside well-executed classics. Brazilian spirits like cachaça appear in creative combinations that go beyond the standard caipirinha. The bartenders are skilled and willing to improvise. Prices are reasonable for the quality, especially compared to cocktail bars in Leblon or Ipanema. The crowd is a mix of Centro workers staying after hours and cocktail enthusiasts who make the trip.
Leviano proves that great cocktails don't require a speakeasy entrance or a dress code. The straightforward bar format keeps the focus on what's in the glass. It's one of the better cocktail bars in Rio that hasn't been discovered by the tourist circuit, which keeps the atmosphere genuinely local.
Weekday early evenings offer the best experience for actually talking with the bartenders and trying new things. Friday after-work crowds fill the space quickly. The limited seating means standing is common during peak hours.
The Neighborhood
Leviano is in Rio's Centro business district, an area that empties out after office hours but has been developing a nightlife identity through bars and restaurants that cater to the after-work crowd. The surrounding streets are quieter than Lapa but walkable.
Getting There
Walk from Carioca metro station in about 5 minutes. The bar is in the heart of Centro, accessible from multiple metro lines. Taxis from the Zona Sul beaches take 15-20 minutes.
Address
Rua do Mercado, 23
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Centro
Rio Scenarium
Three-story venue in a restored colonial warehouse filled with antiques and vintage decor. Live samba and choro bands play nightly, drawing a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
Carioca da Gema
Intimate samba house that books some of Rio's best traditional musicians. The small dance floor gets packed on weekends, so arriving before 10 PM is a good idea.
Lapa 40 Graus
Multi-level club near the Arcos da Lapa with different music styles on each floor. Expect samba, funk carioca, and electronic sets depending on the night.
Bar Bukowski
Low-key spot popular with the local after-work crowd and bohemian regulars. Cold draft beer and simple petiscos keep the atmosphere unpretentious.
Angu do Gomes
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.
Bar Brasil
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.