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Dinner in Rio is served no earlier than 8 or 9. Nightclubs and special parties never catch up until a bit after midnight. Go on a round-up of the gay bars, before you hit the clubs. A draft, a special dessert or a caipirinha are all good excuses for lounging. Some of these venues have a dance floor with live DJ's, so you may end up staying longer than you expected. Use the map below to find your way around and for tips about each venue. In Ipanema there's Rua Farme de Amoedo. It became well-known because of the gay beach. But now there is also a line-up of cafés and bars that are packed with gays and lesbians. They start at the corner with Rua Prudente de Morais, and extend all the way to Rua Nascimento Silva. Just walk along and see which one has the right crowd for you.  A combination of professionals, intellectuals, actors, fashion victims, gym bunnies, artists, models, fag hags, lesbians, and other night characters keep things eclectic and fun. The opening of franchised bars like Devassa and Sindicato do Chopp and Cafeína actually added to the scene, but changed some staples. Bofetada, a bar and cafe that has been around for ages, used to be a meeting spot since the 70's, when Ipanema Diva Leila Diniz was one of the regulars. The owners' lack of ability to deal with the new pink clientele was perceived, though, and today it is often empty while Sindicato do Chopp next door has people waiting in lines. To Nem Aí is one of the most popular venues, and the fun extends to the street - there's simply not enough room inside for everyone. Do not be surprised to see boys or girls holding hands or kissing, as this is perceived as one of the most gay-friendly areas in Rio. You may stand, or take a table by the sidewalk, and enjoy a draft chilled to perfection as you watch the girls and boys of Ipanema go by. If you get the muchies there's a Subway (the only one in Ipanema) right around the corner of Rua Visconde de Pirajá. And for a sweet tooth nobody beats the delicacies at Colher de Pau, at the corner of Rua Prudente de Morais. Beach Sucos is where you get your cup of açaí and other fresh-squeezed juices with sandwiches. I am partial to family-owned Polis Sucos (the best açai in Ipanema) which is a bit farther down on Rua Visconde de Pirajá, but the clientele is much more mixed, and there aren't any tables. Carolice, a juice bar, and Popeye, a botequim (a bar without tables) are still representatives of hetero pride in a mostly gay area. Don't make a pass at the buffed boy drinking a beer outside - he may be a fighter instead of a gym bunny. Baixo Leblon, that was one of the main attraction back in the 80's, was somehow invaded by teenagers, and lost some of its luster as a gay hub. Baixo Botafogo, that was also popular with gays and lesbians in the 80's and 90's is hardly ever remembered anymore. Looking GoodThere isn't really a dress code, and if you don't feel like dressing up you may go in bermudas and flip-flops, and nobody will give it a second thought - unless they come together with a pair of white socks pulled up all the way to your knees. This is not the place to go all dolled-up in make-up and with your hair sculpted like a piece of art. You are in a beach neighborhood, not in São Paulo, so relax and enjoy. The area surrounding Galeria Alaska in Copacabana, used to be the meeting point for gays, lesbians, and transvestites in the 70's and 80's. If you're on a nostalgic trip, sorry - little of it remained. Sótão, the hottest gay disco of the 70's, is long gone. Teatro Alaska, once official headquarters to all-male burlesque A Night with the Leopards, was purchased TV evangelists... There are new venues to explore, though.  The Copa is a cool lounge with a 60's atmosphere, colorful drinks, and cute waiters. There aren't any signs at the door - look for the theatrical red curtains and the hostess behind the glass. Enjoy the kitsch decor once you're inside. There's a dance floor, and a number of parties (including a lesbian night) keep things happening. Along Copacabana beach there's Maxim's Cafe (mixed), near Copacabana Palace Hotel. This is a traditionally gay-friendly area known as Bolsa, near Lido. Transvestites and hustlers are pretty much part of the scene, and you should exercise some caution. Gay Kiosk Rainbow is right across the street. It can be easily identified by the family-sized rainbow flag. Owners Xanda and Rubirosa are sometimes seen in drag, and there are performances on weekends. If you're in the area, go for a fresh coconut water, or a romantic drink under the stars. La Cueva is still around after 30 years in business. Le Boy Bar is the latest addition to Le Boy complex. Baixo Leblon, with a number of bars, cafes and restaurants, is an interesting area for you to walk around. Venues stay open until very late. This is not an openly gay area, and there are also students, surfers, jiu-jitsu guys, and the whole Rio fauna. Start at the Cazuza square, in the beginning of Av. Ataulfo de Paiva. Walk your way down the first two or three blocks of both Rua Dias Ferreira and Ataulfo. Stop for an ice-cold beer, gourmet ice-cream, pizzas, snacks, juices, or a full meal. The newsstand, tobacco shop, and drugstore are open around the clock. Bar d'Hotel, a sophisticated cafe at hotel Marina All Suites along Leblon beach, is in a walking distance. If you are looking for leather bars, fetish bars, bear bars, Levi's bars, or anything that specific, you will be disappointed. The Carioca scene is more for integration than segregation. Gays, lesbians and friends often share favorite venues and parties with straights. There aren't any bars with mazes and dark rooms either - try the dance clubs and saunas instead. Click around the map below for insiders tips and reviews of each venue. Map of Gay and Lesbian bars, Cafés and Lounges in Rio de Janeiro with insider's reviews
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