Bars

Located in the ultra-sophisticated Fasano Hotel, Baretto (Rua Vitório Fasano 88, Jardim Paulista, tel. 11/3896-4000, www.fasano.com.br, 6 p.m.–3 a.m. Mon.–Fri., 8 p.m.–3 a.m. Sat., cover R$30 after 9:30 p.m.) is hands-down the classiest bar in town. Refined and elegant, its subtle lighting, rustic wood floors, leather sofas, and velvet paneled walls cast a romantic spell. The mood is further enhanced by the outstanding nightly performances of jazz and bossa nova on the bar’s intimate stage. The cocktails, if not overly imaginative, are impeccably mixed.

Balcão (Rua Melo Alves 150, Jardim Paulista, tel. 11/3063-6091, 6 p.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat., 6 a.m.–1 a.m. Sun.) is an apt name for this ingeniously original bar whose 25-meter (82-foot) balcão (counter) curves and zigzags throughout the interior. The placement of barstools on both sides creates an atmosphere that is particularly conducive to conversing as well as neighbor gazing. The public is an older crowd (30s–50s) who sip wine and caipirinhas and tuck into sandwiches on ciabatta bread, while casting the odd gaze towards the original Roy Lichtenstein that dominates one wall.

Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Unique, Skye (Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio 4700, Jardim Paulista, tel. 11/3055-4702, www.skye.com.br, noon–3 p.m. Mon.–Fri., noon–4 p.m. Sat.–Sun., 6 p.m.–1 a.m. Sun.–Thurs., 6 p.m.–2 a.m. Fri.–Sat.) is one hell of sexy hotel bar. Tables spill onto a wooden deck with lounge chairs, a cool blue pool, and stunning views of the emerald expanse of Parque do Ibirapuera backed by skyscrapers. At night, the pool is lit up in red, the distant skyscrapers glow like fireflies, and DJs spinning electronic bossa nova and house music turn the rooftop into an achingly hip lounge. The indoor restaurant serves innovative Brazilian fusion cuisine.

Live Music

Syndikat Jazzclub (Rua Moacir Piza 64, Bela Vista, tel. 11/3375-9185, 8 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Tues.–Fri., 9 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Sat., cover R$7–15) is an intimate and mellow little club whose jazz shows take place in a smoky basement with pillows scattered around the floor. The more spacious main floor is a fine place to relax and indulge in imported beer and crepe-like panquecas.

© Michael Sommers from Moon Brazil, 2nd Edition