Not a well known tourist hang out but safe enough and they do love to see a foreigner come through the doors. This quieter corner of Lapa has housed Buraco da Lacreia ('Centipede's Hole'!) for nearly twenty years providing great music, a mixed crowd, and waiters sporting nought but a bow tie and an apron to cover their modesty. Spread out over a three-storey house in Centro, its karaoke room is something of an institution with amateur singers giving it their all on the mic every Friday, Saturday and on vesperas (nights before public holidays). Pay a cover charge and take advantage of the free-flowing beer and caipirinha - or soft drinks, should you be feeling conscientious about the effect of alcohol on your vocal performance. A popular warm up spot for The Week on Saturdays (though the club is still a good ten minute cab ride away), head down and belt out some classics before hitting the dancefloor.