With the nearby Maracanã stadium closed until 2013, it's a good job that Aconchego Carioca doesn't rely on the football-loving hoards for their patronage. Rather, here is a locals' spot on the edge of the hectic Praça da Bandeira that has a citywide reputation for a happy-go-lucky atmosphere and incredible bar food. Recreating the feijoada stew in the form of small, fried balls of intense flavour first grabbed the bar flies' attentions, and now the queues for a table speak for themselves. Over 150 different beers and well-priced snacks to go with them, all served up under a ceiling full of hammocks. Rather unusual, and just as essential.