Top 5 (five) hidden bars in Rio… from tourists.

Food | Bars | Culture | Tourism

June 4, 2025
Written by Murillo Pijnappel Moreira

Rio de Janeiro delivers a wide range of bars. Some are great for a beer, others for a quick lunch after the beach, or a few finger foods to nibble on throughout the day. But if you’ve ever joined my Bar Food Tour, you know that some bars have a story. They serve amazing food, homemade drinks, and are wrapped in a special kind of atmosphere that’s hard to explain.

Let’s just say — I call these places bars with SOUL.

Here are 5 spots I personally love and believe will give you a true local experience:

1. Bar da Frente

Originally from Praça da Bandeira, Bar da Frente recently opened a branch in Copacabana. And let me tell you — they serve one of the most creative and delicious finger foods in Rio: the Porquinho de Quimono.

I’m not even going to spoil what it is. If you’re a foodie, you just have to go and try it yourself.

Address (new Copacabana location):
Rua Almirante Gonçalves, 29 Loja B – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22060-040

2. Chanchada

Botafogo, the neighborhood just behind the hills from Copacabana, is often overlooked by tourists — and I really don’t know why. It hides some of the best culinary surprises in town.

One of them is Chanchada. It might not have as much “soul” as others on this list, but it makes up for it with great food. Try the cow tongue sandwich or duck hearts — I always ask to get them with some garlic bread on the side. They also have other solid options, so definitely explore the menu.

Address:
Rua General Polidoro, 164 B – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22280-005

3. Porco Amigo

Still in Botafogo — and still hidden from most tourists — Porco Amigo is a paradise for pork lovers. Everything on the menu revolves around pork, from finger foods to sandwiches to lunch plates.

Start with the Porquette, a croquette made with pulled pork. It’s crunchy, juicy, and absolutely delicious.

Address:
Rua São Manuel, 43 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22290-010

4. Casa Porto

This one is a bit further out, but worth every step. Located in the Port Area — a place full of samba, museums, and historical sites — Casa Porto sits upstairs in an old colonial building at Largo de São Francisco da Prainha.

The place feels like a cozy library, but wait until you try their version of the coxinha. It’s made with almost no dough and filled with pulled pork leg. Pair it with their house drink, the Mamata, a strong but fruity passion fruit cocktail — and you’re set.

Address:
Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, 4 – Saúde, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20081-280

5. Bar do Momo

Now, this one is more of an adventure. Bar do Momo is located in Tijuca, a more local neighborhood far from the tourist zones. But food-wise, it’s one of the most inventive bars in the city.

What I always go for:
• Bolovo – a codfish cake with a soft-boiled egg inside
• Bolinho de Arroz – their version of rice balls
• Coxinha de Rabada – yes, that doughy snack, but made with oxtail and almost no dough

Or just ask for a sandwich. They’re all amazing.

Address:
Rua General Espírito Santo Cardoso, 50 Loja A – Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20530-500

If you're exploring Rio beyond the postcards, these bars are where you’ll feel the real heartbeat of the city. Want to discover more? Join me on the Rio Bar Food Tour, and I’ll take you straight to the soul of it all.