With the new Lei Seca initiative out in full force (and rightly so) across the city, locals and visitors to areas such as Recreio and Barra initially had to organize well to drink special labels as driving to the South Zone was no longer an option. It was either spending cash on a taxi or convincing a friend to become the dreaded designated driver. But drinking good beer is no longer a mission for those in the West Zone and that’s because all of a sudden various bars have sprung up around Rio specializing in the beloved aqua vitae of Cariocas.
If you’re already familiar with the branch in Leblon, it’s perhaps better you forget. The classic tiles are there, as well as the great drink offers. But the differences are clear in the size of the salon, which is much bigger in this Barra branch. But the biggest shock is no doubt the impressive glass wall with 21 taps of draught beer (chope) which has put Brewteco on the map as one of the bars with the most variety in Rio. Fifteen of them are permanent fixtures from Rio breweries. The others are rotated with the latest labels. Ask for a menu and accompany your cold one with their succulent chicken wings that come with cubes of gorgonzola (R$28).
The brainchild of Brothers Felipe and Bruno Oliveira, this bar is located right next to a big office building in Recreio. Tables spill out onto the street and fill up during happy hour. There are 6 beers on taps meanwhile there are 130 different bottle labels among them national and imported. If you want to stick with the local brews, try the Bitter Ale Zu Bitter by local Rio brewery Zuhausbier (R$29 for 600ml bottle). If you’re after a classic Belgian there’s La Chouffe (R$59 for 750ml bottle). Kill your hunger with an “#anchonaipe”, strips of rib eye steak in an IPA-beer-based sauce accompanied by French fries (R$41).
In the middle of the office buildings right next to the Barra maternity hospital, (a great place to celebrate the birth of a new child!) is this beer-lovers’ paradise. Choose from the menu which you’ll see when it arrives at your table is more of a tablet or have a little look at the labels on the shelves in the bar’s shop. Out of São Paulo you have the Jupiter Vienna Lager which comes with distinctive malty notes and is a great option to open up your tab with (R$25 for 300ml). Then there is Schornstein a bitter IPA with citrus notes that comes from Germanic-influenced southern state of Santa Catarina (R$32 for 500ml).
One of the most award-winning bars in Rio, Delirium Café attracted 100s of regulars to Ipanema daily. But nowadays, all of its quality and beer-expertise has found a new home in Barra. There are 20 taps of draught beer, 12 more than the first branch, and 400 different bottle labels, among them some true rarities. On tap there is the delicious Green Flash West Coast IPA hailing from the U.S., a must-try (R$28.90 for 300ml). To make sure you’re not drinking on an empty stomach, have a look at their food menu which has great offerings such as the sliced filet mignon with shitake mushrooms and a sauce that uses Belgian beer Chimay Red as a base (R$44).
One hundred and twenty bottle labels and 3 taps make up this bar’s assortment of options which has become one of the most popular spots for people that work in Città America mall or even those that are just passing through. The majority of the offerings here are Belgian beers, one of them being the celebrated Tripel Karmeliet, one of the most famous in its class (R$73.90 for 750ml). Among the local labels, there is the IPA Nema, a favourite from Rio brewery 3Cariocas (R$25.90 for 600ml). Super popular among the bar’s appetisers is the delicious provolone-filled linguiça (Brazilian sausage) (R$39.90) Tip: Keep an eye on their Facebook page for a heads up on their various different events.
