Brazil’s cocktail scene is booming—equal parts flavor, flair, and fantasy. From São Paulo’s intimate speakeasies to immersive underground lounges, these elite cocktail bars are redefining what a night out looks like in Latin America’s largest metropolis.
Whether you're a connoisseur of fine spirits or just want an unforgettable night, here are 7 exclusive Brazilian cocktail bars you need to add to your bucket list. If your in Sao Paulo for Formula 1
If you're ready to skip the lines and unlock these hidden gems with VIP access, book our Hidden Cocktail Bar Tour—a private, curated nightlife experience through São Paulo’s most elusive spots.
Tucked beneath the iconic Astor bar in Vila Madalena, SubAstor is a moody, underground space known for pioneering São Paulo’s craft cocktail movement. Helmed by some of Brazil’s top bartenders, this speakeasy-style bar serves inventive drinks with precision and flair.
The bar is led by renowned Italian mixologist Fabio La Pietra and features a constantly evolving cocktail menu rooted in Brazil's six major biomes. You’ll find native ingredients like babacu oil, bacuri fruit, and long pepper from the Atlantic Forest woven into complex, story-driven drinks. Their biannual "The Mission" series highlights wild Brazilian botanicals in themed menus.
Inside, expect cinematic lighting, crimson velvet, polished brass, and a long marble bar—an atmosphere designed to feel like a hidden film noir scene. It's both a local institution and an international standout, previously ranked among Latin America’s 50 Best Bars.
Must-try: Their reinterpretation of the classic Negroni using cachaça and Amazonian botanicals.
Ranked among Latin America's 50 Best Bars, Guilhotina offers industrial-chic vibes, a rotating seasonal menu, and consistently ranks as one of the best bars in the world. With expert mixologists, globally inspired flavors, and a lively crowd, it’s a must-visit.
Created by renowned bartender Marcio Silva, Guilhotina is known for its dynamic and innovative approach to cocktails. The bar champions seasonal Brazilian ingredients and showcases unexpected pairings that balance tropical freshness with fine spirits.
Its industrial yet warm design features exposed brick, steel elements, and a spacious layout that attracts a fashionable, cosmopolitan clientele. The energy is social and electric—ideal for a stylish night out in São Paulo.
Signature drinks rotate frequently, but house favorites include riffs on gin-based spritzes, smoky mezcal concoctions, and cachaça-forward creations.
Insider Tip: The cocktails here are photogenic—perfect for your Instagram grid without sacrificing taste.
Inspired by vintage apothecaries, Apothek combines molecular mixology with a cozy, refined setting. Located in the heart of Jardins, it attracts an upscale clientele who appreciate originality and discretion.
Led by master mixologist Pablo Moya, Apothek draws inspiration from herbalism, classic pharmacy aesthetics, and European cocktail tradition. The bar is known for its dramatic and sensory approach, where drinks are carefully balanced and presented like works of art.
The space itself is elegant and intimate, with amber lighting, leather accents, and an old-world feel. The bartenders take their time with each drink, encouraging guests to explore new flavors and even choose a cocktail based on mood or intention.
Why it’s unique: Some drinks are custom-blended tableside using perfumery atomizers, liquid nitrogen, or herbal infusions.
Liz is a stylish, low-lit cocktail lounge known for hospitality as much as its drinks. Located in the heart of Itaim Bibi, the bar combines a refined, lounge-like setting with inventive mixology and warm, attentive service.
The décor is elegant and contemporary, with plush seating, golden accents, and a bar team that exudes passion and creativity. Liz’s cocktail list leans toward the sophisticated, with expertly balanced classics and a rotating selection of drinks infused with seasonal Brazilian fruits, spices, and herbs.
The bartenders are known for engaging with guests to tailor bespoke creations—whether you’re in the mood for something smoky, floral, or spirit-forward, they’ll craft a drink just for you.
Pro move: Ask for an off-menu creation based on your mood—bartenders love the challenge.
Hidden beneath the Theatro Municipal in São Paulo’s downtown core, Bar dos Arcos feels like a secret time capsule. This underground bar offers moody lighting, vaulted brick arches, and a cocktail menu as theatrical as its setting.
Built into the foundation of one of Brazil’s most historic theaters, Bar dos Arcos features neoclassical architecture with a contemporary twist. The long stone corridors and archways create an atmosphere that’s dramatic yet refined. The bar’s design blends raw brick, warm lighting, and minimalist furnishings to let the historic architecture shine.
The drink program is forward-thinking and immersive, known for its avant-garde techniques and local ingredients. Expect cocktails presented with visual flair—smoke, fire, glass domes—and a deep emphasis on Brazilian spirits, including artisanal cachaças and regional infusions.
It’s popular with artists, creatives, and stylish locals, especially during pre- and post-performance hours. The live DJ sets and occasional surprise performances keep the experience fresh and culturally rich.
Perfect for: A pre- or post-theater drink, or impressing someone who thinks they’ve “seen it all.”
Located discreetly inside Goya Zushi in São Paulo’s upscale Jardins neighborhood, The Liquor Store is one of Brazil’s most intimate and exclusive cocktail bars. Conceived by renowned chef Thiago Bãnares, this speakeasy-style lounge is hidden behind the sushi restaurant’s sleek facade and limited to just 20 seats.
Perfect for: Discerning cocktail lovers seeking a highly curated, VIP-level drinking experience that blends gastronomy, mixology, and exclusivity.
Concealed beneath an unassuming facade in Pinheiros, Castelo Oculto is one of São Paulo’s most mysterious and theatrical speakeasies. You’ll need a password to enter, and once inside, you’ll descend into a surreal, Gaudí-inspired “castle” built for escapism.
Perfect for: Those who want to feel like they’ve stepped into a secret underground world—with both an intimate speakeasy and a hidden dance floor few ever find.
Many of these bars operate on a strictly invite-only basis or require weeks-ahead reservations. Our Hidden Cocktail Bar Tour offers seamless entry, VIP treatment, and storytelling-driven mixology curated for those who demand more from a night out.
Brazil’s best cocktail experiences are often hidden behind unmarked doors, disguised as sushi joints or buried beneath historic buildings. When you know where to look—and who to go with—you unlock a nightlife scene unlike anywhere else in the world.
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