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I love the Boteco Belmonte and apparently, so does everyone else I talk to. It’s a real bar’s bar, from its wooden decor and good lighting to its young and happy clientele, it’s full of charm and chopp (draught beer). Back when I was living in Rio, I believe there was only one and that was at the end of Oswaldo Cruz on the border between Botafogo and Flamengo (Praia do Flamengo, 300). These days, it’s a chain with 7 or 8 locations and it can be found in the following locales:
Lapa (Rua do Lavradio, 116)
Ipanema (Rua Teixeira de Melo, 53B)
Jardim Botânico (Rua Jardim Botânico, 617)
Copacabana (Rua Bolivar, 28)
Urca (Avenida Portugal, 986)*
Leblon (Rua Dias Ferreira, 521)
Barra (Rua Armando Lombardi, 800)
* – Can anyone confirm the Urca location?
The boteco is included in Rio Botequim, a small-sized photo book of the top 50 bars in Rio, which I happily own (the book, not the bars, unfortunately). Gema Carioca wrote a positive post (in PT) on the chain with a picture of the Urca location. A strange fact, in the urinals in the Leblon branch, there are giant ice blocks. Unfortunately, if you are looking for images or videos on Belmonte to get a feel for what its like, you’ll come out empty handed (except for a few images here). My suggestion is to see the place yourself and have a great time!
Tags: best bar in rio, boteco belmonte, chopp, eyes on brazil, nightlife, rio de janeiro
