The carioca way of life usually amazes tourists who visit Rio for the first time. Cariocas (Rio locals) are really easy-going, have the beach as their back garden and – above all – are super sociable. This attitude extends to the nightlife in Rio de Janeiro as well. While you'll find many trendy bars and clubs, the average bar scene is relaxed - the perfect way to idly pass a few hours with friends and friendly locals. Experiencing these real carioca bars will make your vacation in Brazil that much more memorable. To help you fit in and feel like a local (and Rio is really receptive in that matter), we’ve put together some tips on how to act like a carioca at a bar. [caption id="attachment_2109" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Drink like a local at Bar do David Drink like a local at Bar do David / source[/caption]

 1. Drink a Beer at a Boteco

If you want a truly Carioca experience, don't limit yourself to the fancy bars and clubs aimed at tourists. The popular watering holes for locals are called botecos or botequims. These are traditionally places where you can buy alcohol and cheap food, and relax, meet up with friends or like-minded regulars. Of course, popular botecos like Bar do David, pictured above, in Chapéu Mangueira favela, attract travellers as well, thanks to their reputation for delicious food (mainly fried), ice cold beer, selection of cachaças and relaxed atmosphere.

[caption id="attachment_7581" align="alignnone" width="640"]Rio's Bar Scene is perfect for people watching on the pavement. Rio's Bar Scene is perfect for people watching on the pavement. / source[/caption]

 2. Order Like a Local

  • If you can handle your liquor, order a caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. If you're feeling really adventurous, try a shot of straight up cachaça, the distilled spirit made from sugar cane. Referred to as pinga by locals, you will notice many Brazilians spill a few drops for the saints before drinking.
  • When you want to order a beer, remember that in Portuguese it is called a cerveja. Ordering a chopp will get you a draft beer, the most popular way of ordering beers when you're with friends, and garrafa is the word you're looking for if you just want a bottle. Of course, the other phrase you'll be needing is "Mais uma!" when you want another one! Popular local beers to order are Skol, Brahma and Antarctica.
  • Don’t call the waiter “garçom,” simply because nobody does. You may choose your favourite from options like “amigo,” “campeão,” “companheiro” and many others. Go with the locals on that.
[caption id="attachment_2108" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Saude! Cheers! How to drink like a carioca in Rio! Saude! Cheers! How to drink like a carioca in Rio! / Source[/caption]

 3. Carioca Bar Behaviour

When you're surrounded by locals, the last thing you want to do is stick out like a sore thumb thanks to your obvious tourist behaviour. Here are some more tips on how to act like a carioca when you're at the bar:

  • When you get to a bar and you are lucky enough to find an empty table, there’s no need to ask if you can take a seat. There are no reservations in places like these. So just run for it before someone gets there before you.
  • If the boteco has no tables, ask if you can order the drinks and food directly at the bar or if you have to pay at the cashier first. Usually, people who work there are really relaxed and you may eat and drink all you want – even if it is outside – and pay for it at the end, no worries.
  • Nothing goes down better with a few chopps then some great Boteco food. If you are not quite sure about it, go for salgadinhos, the typical Brazilian snack, generally fried. There’s sure to be one to suit your taste:  pastel, coxinha, bolinho de bacalhau and many others. We suggest you try each one and choose your favorite.
  • If the boteco is in a bar district or on a crowded street, you may see some peanut vendors that leave a sample of the product on your table and keep walking. If you're not interested, simply leave the peanuts alone, and the vendors will take them away without hassling you.

  • When it is time to leave, ask for the check like a real carioca: “fecha a conta, amigo”. But, before doing it, ask for the “saideira,” the so-called last drink. If, after that, the bar atmosphere is making it hard to leave, don’t worry, ask for another one, your waiter won't mind.

    If all else fails just relax, adopt your best happy-go-lucky attitude and enjoy a cold beer, some fried snacks and the friendly company of cariocas at your local boteco.

    Now you know how to act like a carioca and enjoy the local bar scene! And if you want to up the tempo a bit, be sure to check out our nightlife tours in Rio.