Hans Stern Lookout

At the end of a beautiful night, do you ever look for a peaceful place, maybe with a view, maybe for a last nightcap? Enough of the noise, excitement, lazy waiters, long waits etc.?
Well, I have the spot for you, that is, as long as the weather is good.

Try the Mirante Hans Stern which is located on the Ave. Niemeyer, quite close to Leblon. It basically consists with a great view and a simple kiosk. Actually, it is not only a great place to relax at night, but really any time of the day as well. And what's more, you can walk there from the beach.

It used to be called Mirante Leblon but was renamed, in 2007, in honor of Hans Stern, the founder of our most famous jewelry store, H. Stern. There is even one of those on 5 th Ave. in NY and the prices are the same. Of course, there is such a little thing as NY taxes to consider. If you go and visit the store headquarters in Ipanema you will be amazed by the service. Be prepared to be offered anything from water to caipirinhas while they tempt you with the wares.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!

A small aside: I have to check until what time the kiosk is open and I don't suggest walking on the Avenida Niemeyer alone at night. Sorry.

Well, it continues to be a great spot and is open until the last customer leaves. 1/27/13

Bar do Horto - old Bar da Graça

This is a very charming bar, restaurant. It is totally decorated in wrapping paper, with lots of knick-knacks and ornaments made out of ordinary plastic kitchen gadgets. But most of all, it is the food that recommends the place. You HAVE to try the ~bobó de camarão~, shrimp in yucca cream, that is out of this world.
We also love to go there after a hike in the Floresta da Tijuca or in Jardim Botânico, just to sit outside and enjoy a nice cold beer. (look at the trails in this blog)
The pictures here are thanks to my friend Monica (www.dbstudio.blogspot.com) who goes on adventures with me and especially enjoys have gotten back safely.
http://www.dohorto.com.br/
Rua Pacheco Leão 780
Jardim Botânico
21 3114-8439 21 7817-7352

Academia da Cachaça

Have you tried yet our local fire water, cachaça or pinga? Made out of sugarcane, it is like undistilled rum and is drunk usually mixed with limes and sugar (caipirinha), or any other fruit in which case it would be called “caipirinha de” whatever fruit you choose like pineapple, strawberries and so on.

The ACADEMIA DA CACHAÇA is a very popular bar which threatens to spill over onto the street. It’s main claim to fame it the huge variety of pingas available, shots of which are consumed in large quantities. Make sure to eat something as well, while you’re at it, as caipirinhas are very drinkable but after three you might have trouble getting up. I warmly recommend the baked heart of palm (palmito do frade)

Result of too many shots

Mistura Carioca

Many of the night spots in Lapa (the center for night spots in Rio) are getting bigger and bigger and more popular and louder.

Not so with Mistura Carioca, at least for now. It an intimate place, with a small stage for the very accomplished musicians who play a wonderful SAMBA. Your feet will positively start moving on their own volition.

The service is good and there is plenty of room on the second floor if you just want to relax and listen to the music. And just look at the great smile on the doorman above.

Rua Gomes Freire, 791,

21 2221-6833

Toca do Baiacu

A very democratic place......all drunks welcome

The beer is good and you can sit on one of the busiest commercial streets of Old Rio.

They used to have a custom of ringing a bell each time a pretty girl walked by. This custom was abandoned several years ago when neighboring establishments complained that women were no longer walking past, either they did not want the attention or else were afraid the bell would not ring.

Ask for Michael when you go, you'll get special service, especially if you buy him a beer.

Rua do Ouvidor almost at the corner with 1 de março

Bar Luiz

The best chopp in Rio

The longest coil - 55m (did you know that the longer the coil the creamier the foam?)

One of the oldest bars in the center of town, built in 1887 by the son of swiss immigrants

Open from noon until the last guest departs

The menu consists of German food like Kassler Ripchen, sausages, potato salad etc.

Rua da Carioca 39

Or else go to the modern offspring where the beer is also delicious and the foam creamy

Right in front of the Copacabana Palace

You can see the world go by and enjoy the breeze from the ocean

Adega Pérola

A casual and charming place

About 100 diferent savory tidbits, mainly seafood

Secret recipes brought from the Madeira Islands

Very cold beer to relieve your thirst

Open since 1961

Open Mondays thru Saturdays from 10am thru midnight

Rua Siqueira Campos, 138 Copacabana - Zona Sul - 2255-9425

Credit cards accepted (AMEX excepted)

And don't forget a last sip for the road - how about pinguinha mineira? (firewater from Minas Gerais)