Ultimate Guide to Lapa Bars – Run Away From Tourist Traps
The purpose of this post is to facilitate the life of those who visit the city and want to enjoy every moment of the trip. So, thinking about it, we made a list with the most well known and recommended bars in Lapa so you can choose where to go.
Let’s start with a LIST OF THE BEST BARS IN THE LAPA:
1- SACRILÉGIO
This space is a café and a bar, besides the antiquarian Fazendo Arte. Exotic drinks are created by the bartender Rodrigo, such as the famous kir Sacrilege house, which is served with petals and rose liquor, and the famous caipivodcas. Sacrilégio it has a very interesting menu such as baked bruschettas with focaccia, tomatoes in cube, garlic, olive oil, oregano and emmental cheese slices. The events held here help spread the art in the wonderful city. One of the most traditional bars in Lapa!
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 81. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 3970-1461.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Friday from 7pm; Saturday from 8pm.
2- IMPROVISO BAR
Improviso means improvise. It’s not easy to improvise. You need testing, hard work and domaining your art! The musical programming is composed by samba circle and pagode. The space welcomes those who are leaving work and groups of friends who have been partying and celebrating! If you want to go out in a group, you better secure your place by making a reservation.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 80. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 3852-5172
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 6PM to 4AM
3- COLARINHO DO SAMBA BAR
This place is one of the most fantastic bars in Lapa! Curious to know the reason, right? The concept of the bar is to be an extension of the samba schools. It’s the only bar in Lapa where you can listen live samba-enredo (type of samba that the samba schools chose for the rehearsal). The decoration of the place is really cool, with carnival masks hanged on the ceiling.
Address: Rua do Resende, 53. Lapa.
Phone: +55 (21) 96411-9430
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 2 am.
Sundays 4pm to 10pm
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4- RIO SCENARIUM
Didi you know Rio Scenarium was voted by the English newspaper The Guardian as one of the ten best bars in the world? Yes, the house is a mix of cultural pavilion, bar and restaurant. The schedule has live shows, and rhythms such as samba, chorinho and MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). The decoration stands out, made of antiques and chandeliers that cover every corner of the three floors. The buzz of this place is known as much by Cariocas as by foreigners, which is made clear by the huge queue to enter. Every weekend there are live samba or pagode bands, and there is a hidden floor playing international pop or dance music. Tip: Birthdays have free admission.Address: Rua do Lavradio, 20. Lapa.Phone: (21) 3147-9000.Opening hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 pm to 01 am; Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5- LEVIANO
If you want diversity, Leviano Bar is a good option. The bar always has the presence of resident DJ MAM, to celebrate salsa parties, electronic music, pop rock, MPB, funk and reggae and it is still possible to watch a real circus activities. That’s right, the fabric show is part of Leviano’s menu, where four acrobats from the biggest dance and circus companies of Rio de Janeiro go up and down, always in double, performing with red cloths, in a show of strength and beauty.
With a beautiful view of the Lapa Arches and the Cathedral, Leviano Bar has a wonderful kitchen with well-prepared meals, snacks and sweets. The drinks are made by bartenders who give a show while they prepare the drinks that are the highlights of the house, such as the Sexy Delight and the Lover.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 47. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2507-5967.
Opening hours: from 18 pm.
ATTENTION!!!
Free Walker has a surprise for you! We love Rio de Janeiro and as we love the carioca way of life, you can not leave the wonderful city without enjoying a typical night at the LAPA. With that in mind, we offer a Pub Crawl in Lapa, SIMMM! Look how nice it is! And the best thing is that the itinerary of our tour, passes through four of the options of bars described above, that is, our itinerary passes through the BEST places in Lapa, that were chosen with great affection and for a very special price that already includes the tickets to all the bars and a few other surprises, HAHA! Besides of course, be accompanied by a super excited walker, who knows everything about Rio night and will help you to enjoy the best way. It is no wonder that our tour today is number 1 by the TripAdvisor site for nightlife in Rio de Janeiro. EXCITED? Let’s go tothe PUB CRAWL RIO DE JANEIRO?
Of course Lapa doesn’t have only eight bars, right? In the continuation of the post there are all the bars that open in the most bohemian neighborhood of the city and the most useful information for you who wants a quieter hang out after our Pub Crawl, HAHA!
SAMBA AND GAFIEIRA BARS IN LAPA
1- MAS SERÁ O BENEDITO
In a historic mansion and currently listed as Historic Heritage, is located the space that mixes bar, restaurant, samba house and cultural space. Besides a lot of musical diversity and excitement, the menu of snacks brings the traditional dishes of the bakers of Lapa. It’s a must see!
Address: Av. Gomes Freire, 599.Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2232-9000.
Opening hours: Restaurant from Monday to Friday, from 11 am to 4pm. Saturday from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bar and shows with weekly varied schedule from 7 pm.
2- CARIOCA DA GEMA
In a two-story mansion, where once there was a tenement, the space is one of the most traditional strongholds of Rio’s samba nights. It is an environment with a strong influence of samba and chorinho, divided in four environments: main hall, balcony, jirau and second floor. Several important sambistas come to perform every night. It is the perfect place for anyone who loves to dance, but there is also a balcony to relax a bit. And if you get tired and hungry, the first floor has the bar and pizzeria with a variety of drinks and fancy cuisine.
Location: Avenida Mem de Sá, 79. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2221-0043.
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 7.30 pm; Saturdays from 9pm and Sundays from 7:30 p.m.
3– BECO DO RATO
Open since 2005 the place is for those who like good music, culture, cheerful people, personalities, cold beer and WONDERFUL snacks. In charge of the bar is Márcio Pacheco who is also responsible for the best samba roda in Rio, Samba Luzia. The mineiro / carioca, makes the joy of its customers and friends with samba good and good food.
Address: Rua Joaquim Silva, 11. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 96984-5797.
Opening hours: Tuesday and Sunday, from 7pm.
4- CENTRO CULTURAL MEMÓRIAS DO RIO
Decorated with relics of the 19th century, the bar exposes the memories of the city of Rio de Janeiro, as its name suggests. The venue also offers live performances according to the weekly schedule. In addition to the joy of music, the snacks of the house are very popular, accompanied by a beer.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 289. Lapa.Phone: +55 21 2221-5441.Working hours: from Wednesday to Thursday, from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am; Friday, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Notes: Double shot of caipirinha on Wednesdays.
5- BARODROMO
A place with samba school fantasies that immediately impress at the entrance, with banners and paintings that decorate the space of the bar, which mixes the culture of the carnival and the bohemia of the wonderful city. The space in Lapa received samba personalities like Zé Katimba, Monarco and Martinho da Vila. With outdoor space for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors, with snacks and drinks without major concerns.
With draft beer and the beers for lovers of the famous brew. The snacks are little tapioca, cookies, feijoada on Saturdays among other options of Brazilian food. Monday to Friday open for lunch. On Friday the samba starts at 5pm. And one Saturday a month the space offers feijoada and a group of samba.
Address: Rua do Lavradio, 163. Lapa.
Phone: +55 21 2504-5754.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
LAPA ROCK BARS
1- SATISFACTION ROCK BAR
A combination of bar and pizzeria, with live rock n ‘roll. The bar usually brings musicians covers of great bands such as Pink Floyd, Guns’N’Roses and Led Zeppelin.
Address: Rua do Riachuelo, 18. Lapa.
Phone: + 55 21 3970-1845.
2- LAPA IRISH PUB
With a typical Irish pub decor, Lapa Irish Pub features amateur rock band to stir the night. Imported beers such as Guinness and Murphy’s Stout stand out, plus it is a super laid back place for those looking for fun.
Address: R. Evaristo da Veiga, 147.
Phone: (21) 2221-7236.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 0:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3- ROCK EXPERIENCE
On the first floor of the Rock Experience, former Rio Rock & Blues, there is a bar where guests can try drinks, burgers and snacks. The ambience is decorated with objects that tell the story of rock and blues, which are the musical genres played on the property. The space is divided into four floors and the house is a meeting point for rock lovers.
Address: Rua Riachuelo, 20. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2222-2334.
Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday: from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
LAPA BARS WITH VARIED MUSICAL STYLES
1- PAIOL 08
Right nest toFundição Progresso and facing the Lapa Arches, the new bar has a very carioca style, offering a well diversified musical program and a handmade decoration. The idea is to escape from the traditional and join music and gastronomy. For the happy-hour, customers can enjoy cold chopp from the exotic drinks and finger foods present on the menu. It is a place where all tribes meet: from the executives who work near the offices of the Center to university students and cultural agitators. With two environments, the stage / lane in the refrigerated lounge and the balcony overlooking the Arches.
Address: Rua dos Arcos, 24, LAPA.
Phone: (21) 2524-2950.
Hours of operation: weekly schedule varied.
2- ESPAÇO LAPA CAFÉ
Inside an old mansion, the Espaço Lapa Café has a special decoration and a menu of beers with more than 400 labels. INCREDIBLE! Among them, the rare Argentine Beagle beer from Patagonia. With a diverse musical program, every week, the space receives live bands. We can consider the house as a mixed of bar joint, art gallery and dance floor. Among the attractions of the house are salsa, pop, soul and mainly rock n ‘roll.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 457.
Phone: (21) 3971-6812.
Opening hours: Monday from 11am to 10pm; Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am to 0 am; Thursday to Saturday, from 11am to 2pm.
3- TEATRO ODISSEIA
This space was one of the first places to open its doors and believe in the nightlife of Lapa. Set in a three-story 19th-century mansion, the nightclub attracts young, lively people who are willing to enjoy it all night long. The diversity of events is one of the characteristics of the place, with crazy parties and hot, intense live performances and nights of indie, rock and electronic, and samba and MPB. It has space for 700 people, and the house is always crowded with those who are looking for a good night out in Rio.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 66. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2507-8432.
Working hours: weekly schedule varied.
4- CLUBE DOS DEMOCRÁTICOS
This is a space that has a pretty cool story. It was founded in 1867 by a group of bohemian shopkeepers who won the lottery! HAHA. It is the best space for those who like to dance the Forró Pé de Serra, it also has gafieira for those who like to show their moves in the middle of the hall, which brings you back to the beginning of the 19th century. And many find that this is the charm of the place. Cool for the more experienced or those who want to take the first steps.
Address: Rua do Riachuelo, 91/93. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2252-4611.
Opening hours: weekly schedule varied.
5- LA ESQUINA TEATRO BAR
In a beautiful house, occupying a privileged space in Lapa, under the command of Uruguayan chef Hernan Olguin, La Esquina offers various snacks such as sandwiches and salads, burritos and tortillas. Well, to go with these delicacies, the drinks also had to bespecial right? Guess what? The caipifrutas are “spiced”. That’s right, you did not misread. HAHA. They are used as seasonings like majerican, ginger, mint, cinnamon, pepper. Are you curious? And besides all this, there is music from Thursday to Sunday with DJ Leandro Ravaglia.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 61. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2509-1390 / (21) 99565-8069.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Friday from 6 pm and on Saturdays starting 8 pm.
6- SARAU RIO
One of the Lapa’s newest show bars, with three floors, two simultaneous stages and varied attractions! Sarau is in a big house on one of the main streets in Lapa. In addition to the floors where the performances take place, guests can enjoy the outdoors, overlooking the Circo Voador and the Arcos da Lapa on one side, and the massive graffiti from the collective Flesh Beck Crew on the wall of the house. Meals served in the house are among traditional appetizer stuffed with sauce served on Italian bread, feijoada cookie, pumpkin soup with shrimp and the portion of angu dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese. VERY GOOD!!!!
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 64. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2508-7154.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 6 pm to 04 am; Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7- FUNDIÇÃO PROGRESSO
Fundição Progresso is a reference of Brazilian Culture, bringing together art school, artistic residences and stage for great musical shows, located in Lapa nest to a postcard of the wonderful city. The events have already received great names in national and international music, from maracatu, cinema, theater, design to classical music. The venue also maintains a green space dedicated to urban agriculture and sustainability, Canto das Flores.
It is also a reference for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro with the National Championship of Carnival Marches, which in six years has already received more than six thousand entries, besides receiving the essays of important carnival blocks in its headquarters, such as Monobloco, Rio Maracatu and Bangalafumenga. Aside from this, it is one of the main venues of Rio de Janeiro.
Address: Rua dos Arcos, 24. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 3212-0800.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 08 am to 21 pm.
BARS AND PUBS LAPA
1- BAR DA LAPA
The official bar of the Antarctica beer, the Bar da Boa has gained a new name: Bar da Lapa in a privileged space of the district, between the Av. Mem de Sá and the Street of the Lavradio. The space has two floors and has a good music schedule, a cold beer to chill and impeccable food, such as the barbecue sauce, the feijoada cookie and other wonderful options.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 69.
Phone: (21) 2221-2542.
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday starting at 6 pm.
2- BOTECO DA GARRAFA
Boteco da Garrafa is part of the same network of the famous Boteco Belmonte, and is a great option for bottle beer, you will not find draft beer there. And for that they have more than 30 different brands, the establishment counts on labels of national and imported beers, such as German, Belgian and Latin American, as well as Uruguayan, Argentine, Chilean and, of course, Brazilian. A place very well known by cariocas and a great option for those who visit the city..
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 77. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2507-1976.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 0am.
3- BOTECO BELMONTE
A network of botecos scattered throughout the city, this one is well-known by the Cariocas. The secret of so much success is no doubt the cold Chopp and well prepared appetizers that make the customers happy, such as the pies of various flavors, in addition to more elaborate dishes and the good service of the waiters that make all the difference. This is one of the most popular bars in Lapa!
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 82. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2224-2169.
Opening hours: from Sunday to Wednesday, from 10 am to 1 am; Thursday to Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
4- ARCO ÍRIS DA LAPA
Arco-Íris da Lapa is one of the most popular bars in Lapa. Open since 1960, it’s always full. With cheap and cold bottle beer, it is a favorite meeting place for many people after work or for those who plan to enjoy the night in Lapa. ATTENTION: The mandatory point for cariocas and non-cariocas is the ARCO-IRIS DA LAPA.
Address: Avenida Mem de Sá, 72. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2253-8908.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, from 7 am to 2 am. Thursday to Saturday, from 7 am to 4 pm. Sunday from 4 pm to 2 pm
5- BAR DA CACHAÇA
A good option to start or end the night. Meeting point and reference among the bars in Lapa, there is always a crowd that prefers to stand in front of the bar, if you prefer to sit, there are tables that occupy the whole square, and the bar is one of the favorite of the regulars of Lapa. The space was founded in 1960 and houses more than 2000 types of various sugar cane spirtis. A famous tip is to order a dose of jambu cachaça, it makes your tongue and lips numb. Interesting right? Just do not expect any refinement, the place is very simple.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 110. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2531-7219.
opening hours: daily from 4 pm to 5 am.
5- MANGUE SECO CACHAÇARIA
If you are looking for a place to taste the best cachaças produced in the city and other cities in Brazil, this is certainly a good recommendation. This bar works with ALL cachaças of RIO DE JANEIRO! There’s one for everybody. It is a meeting point to enjoy the night of Rio with a good selection of cachaças.
Address: Rua do Lavradio, 23. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 3852-1947.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 12 pm.
6- BOTEQUIM VACA ATOLADA
The bar is known for being one of the most authentic samba bars. Simple and lively, the musicians play in the middle of the hall and the more energetic stand around partying, dancing, singing and making new friends. Vaca Atolada promotes the diversity of regulars, all in search of good music, cold beer and good snacks.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 533. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2221-0515 / (21) 2508-6541.
Opening hours: varied weekly schedule.
7- BAR DAS QUENGAS
This is one of the bars that has a very characteristic decoration, HAHAHA … The Quengas Bar has women’s underwear hanging on poles. Aside from the decoration, the differential of the place is in the preparation of the snacks and appetizers, made in the flames, that win more and more customers. Are you going to say you’re not interested?
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 175. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2232-0670.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.
8- ANTONIO’S BAR
Another bar belonging to a network of Belmonte, Antonio’s Bar offers a good menu of cachaça and good appetizers. The menu has options of pasteis such as shrimp and catupiri, palm with broccoli, and a variety of pizzas. A good option to relax and taste good snacks.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 88. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2507-0971 / (21) 2224-2169.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, from 12 pm.
9- ARMAZÉM SENADO
Initially just a warehouse, it currently functions as a bar with simple and rustic decor. The place offers beers and appetizers like salamis, cheeses and mortadella. For those looking for a simpler and more traditional options.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 256. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2509-7201.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm. At weekends, it opens only on the first Saturday of each month, from 8 am.
10- BAR DO ERNESTO
This bar was founded by Germans and offers a typical German cuisine, as well as imported beers that complement the menu, and the live shows on Wednesdays and Fridays, make the audience happy. It is worth checking it out.
Address: Rua Teotônio Regadas, 5. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2509 6455 / (21) 2508 5780.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 1 am.
11- BOTECO DO GOMES
Boteco do Gomes is played by the young people who are wanting to enjoy the night in the trendy neighborhood of Rio. The tip is that Fridays and Saturdays are the best days of feijoada, and for Sunday it’s the stew.
Address: Rua do Riachuelo, 62. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2531-9717.
Opening hours: from Sunday to Thursday, from 7 am to 1 am; Friday and Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
12- SÓ KANA
It won’t disappoint the customers! The environment offers the clients several options of drinks. Snack options include pastels of various flavors, codfish, fried potatoes with sausage and meat croquettes.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 45. Lapa.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, from 3 pm to 12 am; Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am.
13- BOTECO CARIOQUINHA
The house offers a variety of over 60 beer labels for those who appreciate the imported beverage. To accompany so many beverage options, the snacks are offered at the same level of refinement as the steak with onions and mixed pastels, much appreciated by the young people who go to the bar.
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 822. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2252-3025.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 11 am to 1 am; Friday, Saturday and holidays: 11 am to 3 pm.
14- BAR DO ADÃO
Bar do Adão is one of the bars that offers a variety of pastels with over 60 choices between sweet and savory. Besides all this, it still guarantees the satisfaction of its customers with a well diversified menu of drinks between champagne, cachaças and wines. Very charming!
Address: Rua Gomes Freire, 602. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2232-2630.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 12 pm to the last client.
15- GARGALO GALETERIA
Gargalo Galeteria is a must see in Lapa. A 100 year old building, several levels and original wooden floors to make it even more charming! They serve excellent grilled chicken and barbecue ribs. The best part: Thursday to Saturday nights, the Gargalo Galeteria features live music and dancing. It’s easy to enjoy the evening with music and good food, right?
Address: Rua do Riachuelo, 64. Lapa.
Phone: (21) 2242-0857.
Opening hours: daily from 11 am to the last client.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LAPA NEIGHBORHOOD
Contrary to popular belief, Lapa is a middle-class neighborhood in the Central Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The place has a diversity of bars, restaurants, discos and thematic pubs, which seeks to cater for all tastes. And I guarantee, most visitors are charmed by the diversity of the party that happens at night in this place.The neighborhood is famous for the Carioca Aqueduct, the main reference and postcard, built to function as an aqueduct in the colonial times of Brazil, and from 1896 to the present day, serves as a trail for the tram that connects the city center with neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The neighborhood was also emancipated for cultural reasons, since all peoples of all ages gather here to celebrate the nights in the wonderful city, with plenty of the typically Brazilian caipirinha that can be easily found in all bars in Lapa.
If you want to know more check our blog post about Lapa in Rio de Janeiro and about Rio de Janeiro nightlife
This post is a contribution of Free Walker to ensure the fun of your trip!
