Even from São João do Meriti, in Baixada Fluminense, Igor Updated can be considered a “carioca da gem”. Resident for five years of Lapa, “the fine flower of Rio’s bohemian life”, as he himself says, the bartender is a regular at the bars of the Rio de Janeiro.
Since the age of 19 in the food and beverage business, Igor currently runs the counters at Drizzle Bar Lounge in Leblon and Ipanema. The brand’s first unit is in Santiago de Compostela, in Spain, and five years ago it landed in the Marvelous City in the sophisticated neighborhood of Leblon.
Current winner of the Campari national beverage championship, in which he presented reinterpretations of the classic negroni in the final of the competition, the bartender accumulates awards and mentions by the specialized press in Rio.
Also a regular at the Galeto Sat’s and Baródromo bars, Igor’s list of suggestions is large, but he shares his favorite counters and addresses in Rio de Janeiro, along with precious tips from a good bohemian:
Bar do Momo, Bar Madrid and Bode Smell
It is the “holy trinity” of the Tijuca bars. At Momo, you can eat the classic rice ball and, to drink, bartender Filó’s hibiscus gin and tonic.
In Madrid, right away you are introduced to Júlio Iglesias with the following phrase: “Ha que si drunk y lo Sabes!”. Well, drink or “lick a cracking beer” as they like to say. The passion fruit beat is the best in town, and the tongue croquette is a great accompaniment.
As for Bode Cheiroso, I joke that the house could be called Bode Cremoso: drink their coconut shake and you’ll understand. It’s like a cream! They serve several delicacies, but wait and ask for the “Cereal Bar”, which is what they call the house crackling – the most famous in the city.
Addresses: Bar do Momo: Rua Gen. Espírito Santo Cardoso, 50 -Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel.: (21) 2570-9389; @bardomomooficial
Bar Madrid: Rua Almirante Gavião, 11 -Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel.: (21) 3594-8526; @barmadrid
Goat Smell: Rua General Canabarro, 218 – Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel.: (21) 2568-9511; @bardobodecheiroso
Adalto’s Bar
Bar do Adalto is located in Lapa, in an old townhouse, and, as the name says, it is run by Adalto, who is practically my godfather of bohemian life. On the tables of the house, 3×4 photos of customers and passersby make up a unique tavern setting. On the walls, more photos.
Adalto is loved in the samba community in Rio de Janeiro. His PF is disputed and praised by everyone. “I buy it is a good thing!” he says proudly. To drink, bet on beer, always cold. Or, for the more courageous, order the Rabo de Foguete – a variation of the Rabo de Galo that Adalto puts in whatever drink you want.
Address: Rua Joaquim Silva, 15 – Lapa, Rio de Janeiro -RJ. Tel.: (21) 2221-8376; @bardoadalto
Cachaça corner
It’s a classic of Rio’s bohemian life. It is the traditional “deep dawn” in Lapa. Known by many, they say that if you come to Lapa and you don’t end up “in Cachaça”, as intimates refer to, you haven’t come to Lapa.
On the shelves, more than 80 labels of different cachaça, bottles and shakes. Between drinks, I recommend peanut butter and beer – always cold. To eat, here’s the tip: just ask for the menu at the neighboring bars and the staff will serve you.
Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 108 – Lapa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel.: (21) 2509-1069. WhatsApp: (21) 98359-8982; @cachaca
The immortals
It’s a complete tavern! It has good food, draft beer, assorted snacks, cold beer and great “bar cocktails” – in quotes because I consider it a category that few people make with care. Thiago Teixeira’s menu is varied and there is an appreciation for cocktails.
To eat, I suggest the Luigi sandwich, which includes a blend of skirt steak and pork loin. For the most hungry, I recommend the meat parmigiana. Finally, the house’s Red Ale beer is also worth ordering.
Address: Rua Ronald de Carvalho, 147 and 154 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ. Tel.: (21) 3563-8959. WhatsApp: (21) 98319-0222; @osimortais.bar
Prainha’s breath
With regard to drink, food and people, Bafo da Prainha is the best event of the year. I say that it’s more than a tavern: it’s belonging, it’s collectivity. The bar occupied the Largo de São Francisco da Prainha square and helped to revitalize the Little Africa region, in the port area.
To drink, my tip is the Alice Maravilha caipirinha. Of course, there could not be a lack of a cold beer, which comes here in the styrofoam. To open the paths, ask for a sacaralho, the garlic bread of the house, and the slutty toothpick, a portion of quail egg, tomato and olive.
Another suggestion: take advantage of your proximity and go to Porto house eat a leg drumstick. Unmissable!
Address: Lgo. of S. Francisco da Prainha, 15 – Port Region, Rio de Janeiro – RJ; @bafodaprainha
Reference: CNN Brasil
