9 Best Bars in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Not merely the place in Rio to try caipirinhas (made here with a variety of tropical fruits), Academia da Cachaça is a veritable temple to cachaça. The small bar sells close to 100 brands of cachaça by the glass or bottle, as well as mixing the famous sugarcane rum into dangerously drinkable concoctions such as the cocada geladinha—frozen coconut, coconut water, brown sugar, and cachaça. The Northeastern bar snacks here include sun-dried beef, baked palm hearts, and delicious black bean soup. There's now an affiliate in Barra da Tijuca, but it's hard to beat the Leblon original.

Officially Armazem São Thiago, this neighborhood institution is universally referred to by its nickname, Bar do Gomez, in honor of the late owner whose family has run the business for close to 100 years. Pictures documenting the bar's history adorn the high wooden walls, and surveying the scene in the present, you get the pleasant impression that little has changed over the years. The draft beer flows like water, locals swap stories at the long wooden bar, and new friendships are forged at the outdoor drinking posts. Favorites among the bar snacks include the giant olives, a pastrami sandwich, and the shrimp plate. Early on a Friday night, this is a good place to strike up a conversation with locals before heading down the hill to Lapa.

This happening hangout is set on one of Ipanema's prettiest squares. Spread over three floors, it combines a rum bar with a rooftop terrace and vibrant lounge area. The star of the show is mixologist Tai Barbin, who is known for his barrel-aged negronis. Gourmet snacks are available alongside an extensive drinks list and service is reliably attentive.

The liveliest of Santa Teresa's many drinking dens and the hub of much social activity, this enduringly popular boteco anchors one end of the neighborhood's main drinking and dining strip. Some excellent snacks are served here—the pasteis de feijão (fried pastries filled with black beans) being a firm favorite with locals—as well as hearty plates of meat-based comida mineira (cuisine from Minas Gerais State). A street party atmosphere prevails on Sunday afternoon, when the bar is standing room only and revelers spill out onto the road outside.

A trip to Bracarense after a hard day on the beach is what Rio is all about. Crowds spill onto the streets while parked cars double as chairs and the sandy masses gather at sunset for ice-cold chopp (draft tap beer) and some of Leblon's best pork sandwiches, codfish balls, and empanadas.

Occupying a vast outdoor space under the gaze of Christ the Redeemer, this collection of bars, restaurant, and shops throngs with people after dark, when the air is filled with the tipsy chatter of locals relaxing over dinner and drinks.

This is the original Garota (there are branches all over the city), where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes penned the timeless song "The Girl from Ipanema." The place serves decent food and drink, but it's the historical significance that draws the crowds. Occasional live music events take place in the upstairs lounge.

Authentically Carioca and a fine place to experience Rio spirit, the bar at down-to-earth Jobi stays open on weekends until the last customer leaves. Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior—Jobi serves some of Rio's most delicious bar snacks and is one of the best-loved bars in the Zona Sul.

Specializing in some of Brazil's finest institutions—strong and fine-tasting cachaças (Brazilian rum), mouthwatering moquecas (stews), and, of course, live samba—Mangue Seco's location on the popular Rua do Lavradio makes it a perfect place to start a night out. Arrive at sundown, grab one of the sidewalk tables, and watch Lapa life unfold as you sip a caipirinha and browse the menu.