One of the best new places to open up recently in Lapa: 4 floors, each with different bands and DJs. The first floor has a butequim and pool hall, the second a lounge, the third another pool hall, the forth a large dance floor and stage with Rio's top names in Samba and other sounds from Rio. Amazing! Lots of dancing. Come early and stay till the wee hour. (ages 25 to 40). Approach index:4 Get there at: 10pm :: Dress casual.

Rua do Riachuelo 97, Lapa :: Also good on Fri & Sat

A series of after-work bars filled with downtown’s “what-a-day-I-need-a-drink” crowd. (ages 21 to 50) approach index: 4 Get there at: 6pm :: Dress casual. Be sure to check out the live pagode at “Kamikase”...free!

Arco do Teles, Centro :: Also good on Wed & Fri

Although hard to find, it offers true samba, chorinho and pagode and a very bouncey dance floor. Up stairs lounge and outdoor patio up in the back ideal for hot nights. Worth checking out, specially since the finger food is well made. (ages 27 to 50) approach index: 2 Get there at: 10pm :: Dress casual.

Rua Sacadura Cabral 155 :: Also good on Fri-Sat

Swanky martini bar in Jardim Botanico, filled with hip locals. Lots of variations on the caipirinha, so try them all. (ages 22 to 40) approach index: 3 Get there at: 9pm :: Dress nice.

Rua Saturnino de Brito 50, Jardim Botanico :: Also good on Wed-Sun