Neighborhood Bar Rio de Janeiro: Bar de Gomez

Posted by Starboard Home, Port Out on July 21, 2012 · 3 Comments

“This is the kind of bar I could settle into for an entire weekend without ever having the desire to leave” said Mr. Murphy earnestly. Rather tellingly, he then tucked into a silver platter of german style sausage on a bed of onions, and washed it all down with an Ice Cold Chopp, or Bhahma Beer. Bar do Gomez, as its known locally, is a fantastic hole in the wall Boteca (Brazilian for Boozer) that at first glimpse seems to be the set of some visiting movie production, but its the real deal.

The waiters are that old school type, all masculine yet jovial, sporting mustaches and rocking their aprons. You can imagine that to get a job here, you need to know someone or be a member of the family. The place has been open since 1919 and not much has changed in the decor front since, which makes for charming surroundings. We went there at least three times, and each time it was packed with locals, tucking into excellent food, quaffing ice cold beer or sampling one of the 50 Cachachas available. Its easy to get a seat, but the crowd spills out onto the pavement to enjoy the bamly Rio nights. The food is excellent, from empanadas to pies, the atmosphere is absolutely delightful, the beer ice-cold and the wine glasses so full you can't lift them for the first sip, rather you have to bend down and take a slurp, so you can lift it without spilling. Even better, the house pour is anonymous but excellent. Who cares what grape or appelation it is?! It comes in massive glasses and is delicious! Hmm yes, count me in for the weekend too.