Rio de Janeiro: LGBTQIA+ Bar Food Tour & Local Stories

Summary

Copacabana’s bars, street laughter, and the flavors locals crave

You’ll feel like you belong from the first “entra aí” as you join locals for salty bolinhos de bacalhau and cold chopp in Copacabana’s real bars. With every laugh and story Murillo shares on this LGBTQIA+ friendly tour, you’ll taste more than food — you’ll catch a bit of Rio’s soul tucked behind every plate and glass.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing Murillo did was wave us inside like we were old friends. Not a stiff handshake — just this easy smile and “entra aí!” that made me forget I was technically on a food tour in Rio de Janeiro. Inside the bar, there was this smell — fried something (I never figured out what), mingling with lime and cheap beer. The regulars barely glanced up from their card game. Murillo explained how Cariocas use bars as living rooms, which made sense once I saw how people just wandered in to chat or argue about football.

We tried bolinhos de bacalhau at the first stop — salty, crispy on the outside, soft inside. I probably ate too many. Someone in our group asked about the rainbow flag by the door, and Murillo grinned: “Aqui todo mundo é bem-vindo.” Here everyone’s welcome. It felt true. At each bar along Copacabana, he’d tell us little stories — sometimes about the owners (one lady had run her spot for 40 years), sometimes about the drinks themselves. I tried a chopp that tasted colder than anything I’ve had back home. By the third place, I’d lost track of time and just let myself listen to all the Portuguese around me — loud, fast, full of laughter.

I didn’t expect to get so into the rhythm of it all. There was this moment at our last stop where someone turned up samba on an old speaker and a couple started dancing right between the tables. Nobody cared if we were tourists or locals or anything else; it was just noise and music and plates being passed around. The private Rio food tour includes all your drinks and snacks — no awkward splitting bills or worrying if you’re ordering wrong. Just eat what shows up and try not to spill sauce on your shirt (I failed). Walking back after, Copacabana felt different somehow — less postcard-perfect, more alive.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore local bars and food in Copacabana

• Meet guide Murillo at 19h
• Walk to first hand-picked bar
• Enjoy finger foods and unique drink
• Listen to stories about the bar
• Visit second bar with local specialties
• Sample distinct drinks and foods
• Discover history of Copacabana
• Stop at third bar with character
• Taste more local dishes and drinks
• Conclude at fourth bar with legacy
• Experience Carioca culture through food and drinks

Top questions

Is this Rio bar food tour LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Yes, it’s explicitly LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcomes everyone.

What foods are included on the Rio food tour?

You’ll try local specialties like bolinhos de bacalhau plus unique snacks at each stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes, all drinks are included during the tour.

How long does the Copacabana bar food tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on group size.

Where does this Rio food tour take place?

The walking tour visits four hand-picked bars in Copacabana.

Can vegetarians or vegans join this Rio bar tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for vegetarians or vegans but can adapt for pescatarians.

Is there a local guide during the food tour?

Yes, you’ll be led by a local guide who knows Copacabana well.

What time does the Rio bar food tour start?

Tours run Tuesday to Sunday at 19h (7pm).

What’s included

Your evening covers all snacks and alcoholic drinks at four family-run Copacabana bars, guided storytelling with a local host who knows every corner of these streets, plus flexible adjustments for allergies or timing if needed—just show up hungry and ready for conversation.