Rio de Janeiro’s bustling beachside Ipanema neighborhood boasts a buzzing bar scene which mostly caters to a more sophisticated crowd. Thankfully, for those who just want to catch a game of football with a casual beer or two, there are a number of promising options to choose from. Here are our picks.
Shenanigan’s
A classic Ipanema watering hole, Shenanigan’s is a hit with both backpackers and locals alike. Expect plenty of traditional Irish food and wooden decor in this happening establishment, which is about as close to an authentic Irish bar as it gets in Rio. Punters love their reasonably priced tap beers, even if they are served in a plastic cup. Best of all, there are more TVs showing sports than you can poke a stick at.
Blue Agave
R. Vinícius de Moraes, 68 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, +55 21 3592 9271
The Lord Jim Pub
A popular spot for homesick British expats and travelers, Lord Jim’s serves a wide range of hearty English cuisine in a cozy, traditional setting. Numerous imported English lagers are available on tap, and it’s a great place watch British sports such as rugby or cricket.
R. Paul Redfern, 44 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, +55 21 2249 488
Boteco Belmonte | © Wikimapa / Flickr
Boteco Belmonte
Decked out in a smooth polished wood interior, the Ipanema addition of this casual gastropub chain is a favorite place for locals to catch up or watch a game on one of their many flat screen TVs. Be sure to try their seafood pasteis – deep-fried dough pastries packed full of shrimp and other tasty treats.
Rua Teixeira de Melo – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2267 9909
Boteco Belmonte I © Wikimapa / Flickr
Brewteco
Beer connoisseurs rejoice, as this hole-in-the-wall establishment has sourced the some of best craft beer from all corners of the globe. Offerings include IPAs from California, wheat beers from Germany, and ales from Belgium, just to name a few. Sports may not be the focus here, but there is a TV which attracts a small but enthusiastic crowd during big games.
Rua Dias Ferreira – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro – State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 3217 8280
Armazém Devassa
R. Visc. de Pirajá, 539 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, +55 21 2540 8380
Bar Veloso | © Christian Benseler / WikiCommons
Bar Veloso
Named after the famous bar where Vinícius de Moraes and Tom Jobim wrote the song The Girl From Ipanema, this lively bossa-nova themed bar pulls in a steady crowd of Ipanema’s fashionable youth. Those looking to watch a game should head upstairs to an air-conditioned salon where fans congregate to watch football in relative peace.
R. Aristídes Espínola, 44 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil, +55 21 2274 9966
Bar Veloso I © Christian Benseler / WikiCommons
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