California (Las Urbinas 44/56, Providencia, Santiago) – this is a sports bar, where patrons can have a beer and watch football games (both futbol and American football), as well as other sports (like NBA basketball, NHL hockey, and Major League Baseball/MLB). On occasion, local DJs are booked to throw pop music parties. Food-wise, this bar […]
Blondie (Alameda 2879, Santiago) – this one-time movie house became a gothic 80s revival electronic dance music club. This club is large enough to accommodate large groups of 20 and 30-something years olds, who not only come here to dance to various forms of dance music (from 80s New Wave to Electro House & Trance), […]
Skye (Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antônio 4700, Jardim Paulista, Sao Paulo) – the Hotel Unique, deep in the upscale Jardins district and a couple of blocks from Ibirapuera Park, is one of São Paulo’s most popular and stunning hotels. On the top floor, there is the Skye Restaurant and Bar, which offers an incredible view of […]
Ó do Borogodo (Rua Horácio Lane 21, Pinheiros, São Paulo) — this quaint nightspot is one of the most popular Samba hangouts in Sao Paulo. Both Samba, and bands playing other genres of Brazilian music are often booked here. The atmosphere here is very folksy, whose local patrons tend to dress modestly, not too flashy.
The View (Alameda Santos 981, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo) – this rooftop bar & restaurant is located on the top floor of the Transamérica Hotel, only one block from the busy Paulista Avenue. As the name suggests, the vista is the biggest selling point. Being situated in the highest region of the city, diners can […]
Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio 20, Centro, Rio de Janeiro) – this multilevel bar is another Rio hangout where Samba dominates the musical scene here. What makes this venue stand out is the over 10,000 antique pieces that adorn its interior. Because a lot of foreigners hang out there, expect drinks to be expensive.
Mercearia São Pedro bar (Rua Rodesia 34, Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo) – this is a local dive (which has the appearance of an old fashioned Brazilian corner store), fills up at night to the point where patrons end up drinking outside. A novel way to meet locals.
Leviano Bar (Av. Mem de Sá 47, Centro, Rio de Janeiro) – this renovated mansion, located in an old section of Rio, features Samba, Forró and acrobatic shows. Its old school atmosphere appears to favor a local crowd. Still, given its location, many visitors find their way here, too.
Casa da Matriz (Rua Henriques de Novais 107, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro) – this venue plays both Brazilian pop & rock music, as well as international rock – catering to a young upscale local college crowd. Some evenings are dedicated to 80s New Wave music, and others to 90s grunge music like Nirvana. Casa da […]
Lapa 40 Graus (Rua Riachuelo 97, Centro, Rio de Janeiro) – this is a multi-level, vibrant bar with a dozen pool tables, and a separate dance floor where live Samba and other Brazilian sounds are played.