the more traditional establishments, known as botecos in portuguese, are usually frequented by cariocas discussing everything from football to politics, and each one usually prides itself on serving the best pastels in town.

botecos are easy to spot, as they have fresh fruits on display, along with basic snacks - usually simple in decor, they also offer the best fruit juices in town. beyond the traditional botecos, more discrete and refined in design, there are an endless list of bars throughout the city.