Why save your nights out for the weekends when there are live bands raising the roof – or just gently caressing it – in bars, throughout the week, too. Read on for our round-up of bars with live music, from flamenco guitar and samba to rock cover bands, for every night of the week.
Monday: Sancho Bar y Tapas
Rua Augusta 1415, Consolação (3141 1956/ sanchobarytapas.com.br)
 |
Inject a little Latin pasión into an otherwise dull Monday night with flamenco guitar at the colourful Sancho Bar y Tapas. Seal the deal with a jug of sangria and a plate of jamón serrano. 8.30pm-10.30pm (also on Wednesdays). Read more on Sancho Bar y Tapas
Tuesday: Cervejaria Nacional
Avenida Pedroso de Morais 604, Pinheiros (3628 5000/ cervejarianacional.com.br)
 |
A rotating lineup of jazz bands jam Tuesday nights away at this microbrewery-cum-bar, perched on sacks of malt on a platform above the mighty tanks. Rock and blues are also played on Thursday nights. Cover R$12 (Rock and blues are played on Thursdays). Read more on Cervejaria Nacional
Wednesday: Bar do Arnesto
Rua Ministro Jesuino Cardoso 207, Vila Olímpia (3848 9432/ bardoarnesto.com.br)
 |
The soundtrack is 100 per cent Brazilian at this samba-themed boteco – a favourite with an after-work crowd. Fridays host a roda de samba, with sertanejo country music for the Saturday student crowd, while Wednesday is strictly bossa and MPB. 8.30pm-12.30am. Cover R$6. Read more on Bar do Arnesto
Thursday: Queen’s Head
Rua Tucambira 163, Pinheiros (3774 3778/ queenshead.com.br)
 |
Acoustic pop rock on Thursdays eases the regulars at this recently refurbished pub gently into the weekend, when more boisterous bands take to the stage, drowning out any chance of a quiet pint. 9.30pm-1.30am. Cover R$15. Read more on Queen’s Head
Fridays: As Mineiras
Rua França Pinto 965, Vila Mariana (5083 5835/ asmineiras.com.br)
 |
Eating and drinking is what the people of Minas Gerais do best, so you’re in good hands at As Mineiras, run by two women from the neighbouring state. Order some pastéis de angú (corn meal fritters) and a caipirinha or two and enjoy the live MPB classics. 7pm-10pm. Cover R$5 (live MPB also on Saturday). Read more on As Mineiras
Saturday: Cervejaria Ô Fiô
Rua Lício Marcondes Amaral 51, Morumbi (3721 6636/ cervejariaofio.com.br)
 |
A large outdoor terrace, pots of steaming pork-and-bean feijoada and one of the city’s biggest beer menus paint the perfect Saturday afternoon picture, completed by live samba (and hopefully rays of sun). Stay on for live MPB in the evening. 2-6pm samba; 7-10pm MPB. Cover R$9. Read more on Cervejaria Ô Fiô
Sunday: Eu Tu Eles
Av. Brg. Faria Lima 2902, Itaim Bibi (3071 4535/ eutuelesbar.com.br)
 |
Sundays at this spacious Itaim bar are a favourite with a good-looking crowd, wtih live rock ’n’ roll the soundtrack to serious boozing and flirting. 8pm-midnight. Cover R$25-$40. Read more on Eu Tu Eles
- Prices were correct as of March 2013
- Discover the best São Paulo bars with a view
