Bar Veloso Leblon – Fun by the sea in Rio

Who can resist a round of cold beer and delicious meals on a sunny day? If you are one of those who love to stop by the bar after going to the beach, Veloso Leblon is certainly the place.

Today we’ll talk a little about the trajectory, the menu and all the characteristics of this Rio classic. Check out this article and learn more! Close to Posto 12, the popular gastrobar is on Aristides Espínola Street, on the corner of General San Martin Avenue, a popular spot in the region and popular with young people.

The place is popular with those who visit Leblon Beach and Leblon Viewpoint during the day, but the bohemia and fun continue well into the night. Strategically located close to the best attractions in the neighborhood, Bar do Veloso has become a mandatory stop for anyone wanting to get to know Rio de Janeiro.

Veloso Bar is a very nostalgic place for those who appreciate the golden years of MPB, as it is part of the range of establishments that trained many artists on the shores of Rio de Janeiro, already known as a cultural city during the Bossa Nova era.

In fact, it was at Bar do Veloso that it all started when it comes to Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. This is because artists at that time already frequented the owner’s building, which was called Veloso. There is speculation that the name of the bar was a tribute to the artist Caetano Veloso, and this should not be ignored, because one thing does not exclude the other. After all, we are talking about Leblon and Ipanema, the Bossa Nova neighborhoods.

Bars in Leblon

Despite being located in Leblon, it was in the legendary Bar Garota de Ipanema, in Ipanema, where it all actually began, as the owners were inspired by the stories that intersect about the Rio artists of that time. The establishment, located on Rua Vinicius de Moraes, was formerly known by artists as Bar Veloso, after the owner’s name.

It was in Ipanema that Tom Jobim and Vinicius saw Helô Pinheiro passing by in “his sweet swing on the way to the sea” and composed the international hit “Girl from Ipanema” which ended up renaming the bar Garota de Ipanema, which in the 1970s was purchased by current owners.

Legend has it that Tom Jobim was once in the now renamed Garota de Ipanema and received a phone call. The owner called him and Tom answered and replied: “I’m at Veloso”.

And it was from this incident that the inspiration came to use, or maintain, the name at Bar do Veloso Leblon, which would be opened in 2008 by the same owners. Some also say that the name is a tribute to singer and composer Caetano Veloso.

Speculations aside, the fact is that Veloso Leblon is a very popular place in Rio and is loved by people who go there. The traditionality of the bar blends with the history of the old Zona Sul neighborhood, providing residents with the unique experience of living in such a traditional and noble neighborhood in Rio.

Bar Veloso Leblon

The relaxed and cool atmosphere, the tables occupied on the sidewalk and the public drinking beer on the open balcony is already a common sight for those who pass by. In addition to the great value for money, it is precisely this festive spirit that for over 15 years has made Veloso Leblon the ideal stop for that hearty post-beach lunch or a bar review.

In 2017, the house closed for a few months for renovations. Already renovated, the place received acoustic treatment, new bathrooms, graffiti on the walls and other aspects of the decoration. The result was a very well balanced environment between the Rio de Janeiro of Bossa Nova times and the contemporary.

Currently, in addition to the hall for 80 people downstairs, the house also has a second floor with capacity for 40 people. In other words, whether due to the atmosphere itself or its size, Veloso Leblon is the ideal bar for events, parties, shows and launches.

Among the facilities at Bar do Veloso, we highlight the following:

• Takeaway food;
• Reservations;
• Outdoor tables;
• Television;
• Access for wheelchair users;
• Full bar;
• WiFi;
• Table service.

Veloso Leblon menu

As expected, Veloso Leblon also does well when it comes to gastronomy. The kitchen offers the best in the world of bar food, but also innovates on some occasions. Along with the renovation, the bar got a menu makeover. Now the menu offers a wide range of pizzas, burgers and kebabs, such as steak, accompanied by farofa and homemade sauce.

Chef Alexandre Giacomazzi, who studied at the Scuola Di Arte Culinária Cordon Bleu in Firenze, Italy, focuses on pizzas, as well as skewers and grilled dishes for the menu. Among the skewer options, all accompanied by farofa and country-style sauce, are chicken, fillet, sausage and shrimp. Another good choice is the crostini, a type of bruschetta, with parmesan and sausage ragout flavors.

Other items on the menu are also praised, such as the portion of cod cakes, croquettes and also the crab cake. Among the dishes at Veloso Leblon, it is worth mentioning the generous picanha na stone, which serves more than two people and comes accompanied by egg farofa, fries, rice and country-style sauce.

Finally, in the drinks sector, the flagship could not fail to be the indispensable Brahma draft beer and “the coldest Original beer in Rio de Janeiro”, as the owners say. The variety of cachaças also draws attention. The drinks menu designed by award-winning mixologist Alex Mesquita is well worth checking out.

Special mention for the Veloso Spritz made with Aperol, orange bitters and Brut sparkling wine. The highlight also goes to other creations, such as the refreshing and cold-flavored gin and tonics, such as Bombay Sapphire with coriander, Bahia orange and tonic water. Another big hit at the bar is the Clericot in 1.5 liter jugs that contain sparkling wine, cointreau, Persian lime, green apple and peach.

Bars in Leblon: How to get to Veloso

In fact, this is a neighborhood that stands out when we talk about variety and leisure, as there are already many options for what to do in Leblon. But if there’s one thing that makes anyone’s jaw drop in the neighborhood, it’s the number of excellent bars in Leblon. It’s even difficult to choose just one. Here are the address and opening hours of Bar do Veloso in Leblon:

Address: Rua Aristides Espínola, 44, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro.
Opening hours: Every day, from 11am to 1am.

While some of these establishments focus on informality and traditional bar cuisine, others have as their strong point the natural beauty of this charming neighborhood in the South Zone. And this in itself is in line with the neighborhood’s identity: a region that is home to sophisticated establishments , such as the famous restaurants in Leblon, but which often also carry just the right dose of casualness.

Whether it’s more traditional and features old Rio (Veloso, Jobi, Belmonte and Bracarense), or more contemporary and sophisticated (Jeffrey and Yndú Lounge), in Leblon you’re sure to find the perfect bar for your day or night. Traditional and charming, Leblon is full of social and cultural attractions.

It is a region full of sophistication and beautiful natural landscapes, such as Morro Dois Irmãos, ideal for those who want to live in comfort and safety. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that the neighborhood has everything you need to live well and in style. In Leblon you can find excellent restaurants, bars, clothing stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes, theaters, bookstores and other services.

Furthermore, the properties available in the neighborhood are quite impressive. These are high-standard apartments and penthouses, with large square footage, well-distributed rooms and very refined finishes and environments. Ultimately, Leblon has options for those looking for convenience, a privileged location and the best.

The Zona Sul neighborhood has the most valued m² in the city, and is also considered the most upscale neighborhood in Rio. Check out the luxury properties for sale in Leblon with INVEXO, a real estate agency specializing in luxury properties in Rio de Janeiro.