São Paulo is Brazil's most cosmopolitan city, with sundry cultural attractions to satisfy all tastes. Local newspapers like O Estado de São Paulo publish entertainment supplements on Friday. The newsmagazine Veja publishes the city magazine supplement Veja São Paulo that comes out on Sunday. Get those to see what's going on in town. Certain neighborhoods have earned reputations as happening spots. Many of the most popular dance clubs can be found in the Vila Olímpia district. Some of the best venues for live music can be found in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena. Check out some of our picks. (For more on Brazil’s biggest city, see the BrazilMax São Paulo Travel Guide.)
São Paulo Bars
Balcão – Popular with foreign correspondents and sundry other misfits from the worlds of arts and letters. Patrons sit around a contiguous curved weaving counter that gives the bar its name. Rua Dr. Mello Alves, 150, Jardim Paulista. Telephone 3063-6091.
Brahma – Travel back to the time when the old downtown was the place to be. Live samba and Dixieland jazz in the main room, with a modest cover charge for those who decide to sit there instead of on the terrace or in the old wood-paneled bar area. Avenida São João, 677, Centro. Telephone 3333-0855.
Filial - Though moderately upscale, the Filial’s décor recalls that of a characteristically Brazilian “boteco,” a down-home neighborhood bar made eulogized in by 20th century samba composers like Zé Ketti and Noel Rosa. Caters to the 30-and-over demographic. Open until the wee hours. Opens for Feijoada lunch on Saturday. Rua Fidalga, 254, Vila Madalena, Telephone: 3813-9226.
Finnegan’s – This Irish-style pub is popular with all English-speaking expatriates, regardless of national origin and is in vogue with the natives. The menu includes Guinness on tap and Irish coffee made with Jameson. Rua Cristiano Viana, 358, Pinheiros. Telephone 3062-3232.
Jacaré Grill - This tiny grill house has become one of Vila Madalena's most popular spots. Its bar appetizers – e.g. sausage in passion fruit sauce - are famous throughout the city. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are particularly lively as thirty- and fortysomethings take over the sidewalk to chat and enjoy ice-cold beer and snacks. Rua Harmonia, 321, Vila Madalena. Telephone: 3816-0400.
Pirajá – A Rio de Janeiro-style “botequim” (simple corner bar) transplanted to Sao Paulo. Always packed. Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 64, Pinheiros. Telephone 3815-6881.
Posto 6 - A Rio de Janeiro-style bar that offers one of the best happy hours in town. A great place to unwind and listen to soothing strains of jazz, bossa nova or Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Photos and artifacts of the "Marvelous City" adorn the walls. Rua Aspicuelta, 644, Vila Madalena. Telephone: 3812-4342.
Sao Paulo Clubs
Blen Blen Brasil - The offerings are as eclectic as the inspired decor, running from blues to various Brazilian styles. Mix of live music and DJs. Closes for summer vacation. Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha 520, Pinheiros. Telephone: 3815-4999.
Boogie – This dance club features hits from the 1970s and '80s that animate a crowd that, for the most part, was born during those decades.; Rua Alvorada, 515, Vila Olímpia. Telephone: 3168-8872.
Canto da Ema - Canto da Ema features forró universitário—an electric version of the traditional northeastern rhythm that has become popular throughout Brazil. The crowd is mostly in its twenties. The club offers “forró” dance lessons several times a week before the show starts. Live music and DJs. Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 364, Pinheiros. Telephone: 3813-4708.
Carioca Club – Live samba, samba rock and a Brazilian version of zouk dominate the stage at this dance club. There are also shows by name acts like Zeca Baleiro. Samba rock dance lessons on Wednesdays. Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 2899, Pinheiros. Telephone: 3813-8598.
Funhouse - One of the most popular alternative clubs in town, where twentysomethings let loose to indie rock. Featuring live bands. Upstairs has a relaxing lounge and a jukebox. Rua Bela Cintra 567, Cerqueira Cesar. Telephone: 3259-3793.
Madame Satã - The legendary rock temple was the place to be in the 1980s. It continues to attract crowds to dance to music of that era. Rua Conselheiro Ramalho, 873, Bela Vista, Sao Paulo. Telephone 3285-6754.
Manga Rosa – One of the few clubs near the offices and hotels of a booming office district. Brazilian and international DJs play house, trance and techno. Praça Soneto, 1754, Brooklin. Telephone: 5507-3938.
Vinyl - This club features a high ceiling and mezzanine over the 500 square meter dance floor. The interior design comes out of the 19th century belle époque. There are two lounges, including one with a pool table. DJs play an eclectic mix of music for a mostly younger crowd. Rua Gomes de Carvalho, 799, Vila Olímpia. Telephone: 3845-8555.
