Despite the sexual name and presence on Farme de Amoedo street, reputable for it`s gay crowd, Club 69 offers something refreshing, a cool straight club for the beautiful crowd. The place rocks till the morning. You can sit at the Devassa bar next door and check out the people going in. (ages 20 to 35) approach index: 4 Get there at: 11pm :: Dress fly.

Rua Farme de Amoedo 69, Ipanema Also good on Wed to Sat

A live music saloon with three floors, a dance floor and a central balcony dispersing the music between them. Its is beautifully decorated with antique intems from 1910 to 1960, adding to its charmy ambiance. Lots of seating is available to those who arrive early. Apart from superb caipirinhas made from Magnifica cachaça, the joint also offers great finger food such as the "bijus". A must for anyone staying in Rio. (ages 25 to 60) approach index: 3 Get there at: 9pm :: Dress up.

Rua do Lavradio 20, Lapa :: Also good on Tue thru Sat

What the hell is an Irish pub doing on a Brazilian tour route? Well, for one I live next door to it, so you may have a chance to kick my ass on any recommendations you disagree with. Gringos are great at making caipirinhas, so this is one place to test that theory. (ages 23 to 40) approach index: 2 Get there at: 9pm :: Dress casual.

Rua Jangadeiros 14a, ipanema :: Also good on Fri & Sat

Real Brazilians having a real good time. Since it has no cover charge it becomes a street party. The samba musicians are often in Rio`s A-list. Dress down to fit in. Sing along and dance to Samba or try their “pastel de angu de carne”, a beef turn-over made of corn mash. (ages 20 to 50) Approach index: 3 Get there at: 10pm

Rua Joaquim Silva 11, Lapa :: Also good on Wed-Sat