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.
Address
Rua do Mercado, 23
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.