The Top 10 Bars In Flamengo Rio De Janeiro

Flamengo is a quiet neighborhood in the south zone of Rio. Whilst it doesn’t have the buzz of major tourist points such as Copacabana and Ipanema, it’s popular with the locals for its huge park for sports lovers, less-crowded beach and art museums. While the nighlife there is not as famous as other spots, it is still a popular choice, especially among the Cariocas. To get you started, we check out some of the best bars that Flamengo offers.

Devassa

Devassa is a chain of successful botecos in Brazil. Botecos are small bars, typical in Brazil and a deep part of the social aspect of Rio life. Crafting its own beers, Devassa produces the popular Devassa Loura (blonde), Ruiva (red), and Negra (black) beers that each have their own distinct taste. Its Devassa Puro Malte Tropical Lager is also highly popular. Yet it’s not all about the beer here: Devassa also serves a mean yet sweet caipirinha and an impressive menu of cocktails.

Boteco Belmonte

A Rio classic, this chain of bars represents the modern style of botecos. Belmonte serves popular Brazilian appetizers such as pastels and deep fried balls of prawns, cheese or meat as well as a mean feijoada. Nearby Flamengo Park is the finishing point for the various annual 5km, 10km, and half marathon races, which makes Belmonte a popular drinking hole for a celebratory drink.

Herr Brauer

For a night of sampling different beer, Herr Brauer is the place to go. With a huge menu of imported and national beers, there are options for all tastes, from lighter, clear beers to dark, strong lagers. The range of appetizers are good, with knowledgeable staff giving recommendations of the best complementary beers. Those looking for a snack could try the deep fried rice balls, which are much nicer than they sound.

Armazem do Chopp

Antique decor and even a train make up the interior of this charming and friendly bar in Flamengo. It gets packed on the weekends as locals and tourists fill up the place to enjoy the cold beers on tap while taking in the welcoming and lively atmosphere. The added bonus of this place is undoubtedly the homemade pizza, which is simultaneously soft and crusty, and just perfect with any beer.

Armazem do Chopp, Rua Marquês de Abrantes, 66, Flamengo, RJ, Brazil, + 55 21 2225 1796

Boteco da Praia

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Beer, Brazilian, South American

Simplicity is of the essence at this little bar with its small interior and a few tables and chairs scattered outside. Yet the view of the park gives it a breezy charm and it serves good, honest Brazilian food and cold beer on tap. The cherry on the cake at Boteco da Praia, though, is its range of over 60 cachaça brands which is perfect in a caipirinha or just to drink neat. Ask the barman for his recommendations. For cachaça lovers, there is no better spot in Flamengo than here.

Sublime

A mix between a shop and a bar, Sublime offers some of the best beer in Rio. It regular holds beer tastings, giving a window of opportunity to try beers otherwise hard to find in Brazil, such as specific brands from Germany, Belgium, Denmark and Scotland. There are around 50 styles of beers at Sublime including Pilsen, lager, IPA (Indian Pale Ale), wit and saison. Locally made snacks and biscuits are on the menu too for those feeling a bit peckish.

Sublime, Rua Senador Vergueiro, 45, Flamengo, RJ, Brazil, +55 21 3738 0466

Tango

Those looking for a taste of Argentina, Tango is a great option. Tango has a well-stocked wine cellar with wines from Argentina, as well as representatives from other countries too with reds, whites, roses and of course, Champagne options. The menu has traditional Argentinean food that makes a great snack while drinking. There are also several imported and national beers, as well as the classic traditional beers from Argentina such as Quilmes.

Bar Diobar

At Bar Diobar, it’s all about the attentive service, friendly atmosphere and good, cold beer. The venue itself is clean and comfortable, and what it lacks in outstanding decor it makes up for by doing everything else right. The tables outside are great for drinking ice-cold beers and doing a spot of people watching.

Bar Diobar, Rua Marquês de Abrantes, 38, Flamengo, RJ, Brazil, +55 21 2556 4093

Paris Bar

Bar, Cocktails, Pub Grub

With exposed-brick walls, a round marble counter and white tiger-print bar stools, Paris Bar blends traditional with modern to create a luxurious environment with a relaxed setting. The best drinks on the menu are undoubtedly the cocktails. Staff are encouraged to design their own, taking inspiration from personal preferences as well as international classics to produce unique and delicious cocktails. Ask the barman for the specials and recommendations.

Bar Bambi

Bar, Pub Grub

Bar Bambi is a hit, especially among football fans as there are regular screenings of national football matches here – in particular the famous local rivals Flamengo vs Fluminense. The bar itself is dinky and plain, yet serves a good cold beer and plenty of types of cachaça. The caipirinhas there are generously made, with no regards to measurements; cachaça is just poured in until it reaches the brim.

About the author

Sarah Brown

Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro. Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid. Find her on Instagram @sbgrio