Set in a residential neighbourhood in Andaraí, it may be a trek north to one of the biggest samba parties in the city, but the spacious Zona Norte club is home to a certified Rio favourite. Samba do Trabalhador (The Worker’s Samba) refers to the thirteen musicians who play in the roda, the 4.30pm kick-off time on a Monday afternoon suddenly making the name seem a little ironic. Treat it as an excuse to knock-off early, though, and you’ll reap the rewards, the musicians led by Moacyr Luz playing through until around 9pm. Sporadic Sunday afternoon shows follow a similar pattern. The very essence of Rio de Janeiro.