A key component of the nighttime culture of the city are the local bars called 'boutequims.' A continuation of the early beer houses of the city, these bars tend to have a simple and unembellished décor, which adds to their homely feel, while tables and chairs mounted on the pavement outside lend them open-air warmth. They sell an assortment of traditional bar foods, including meat and bean dishes, pastries, cod balls, soups and shrimp, as well as more daring and inventive creations.

A mix between bars, restaurants and music houses typically Carioca establishments welcome visitors with both local dishes and live performances, with high-end locations normally spread in the southern zone of rio, along the main avenues of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and in the western zone throughout Barra da Tijuca. Furthermore, many of the luxury hotels in the region pride themselves with boutique bars geared toward high-end crowds and international music offerings, often with live dj's.