Estrelas da Babilônia

Not far from Copacabana beach in the nearby favela. Looks sketchy at first, but walkable (even at night). If you don't feel like huffing it up the hill, take a moto taxi to the stairs that lead you right up. Nice servers, beautiful view of Copacabana and Cristo Redentor (looks really cool lit up at night on top of the hill).

Did not try the food because we weren't hungry, but the coconut/pineapple suco was delicious.

Estrelas da Babilônia is the full experience.

First, there's getting there. Visiting Morro da Babilônia is one of the pacified favelas and while many taxi drivers will take you there without problem, you may get an uninitiated driver who's uncomfortable driving into the favela. Whatever the case, don't let this deter you. You can either get dropped off at the bottom of the favela where you can pay a mototaxi driver (they're mostly located at the start of Laderia Ary Barroso) to get you to the stairs that lead to Estrelas or you can have the taxista take you to the drop off point, about 5 minutes driving up the hill into the favela. It's about an 8-10 minute walk from there. Any hesitations you can ask locals for the "bar gringo."

If you're looking for a party, you'll want to head there on a Friday or Saturday night around 10/11pm when the international travelers staying at the favela hostel make their way to the top for some beers, pizza, belgian fries, and dancing. The resident DJ, who attracts favela locals and tourists alike, mixes everything from Beyonce to Brazilian pop songs, seamlessly blending the two and catering to the many walks of life that find their way to Estrelas.

The Belgian/Colombian couple that run the place are darlings. Bibi, the Colombian sweetheart, and Paul, the sweet-tempered Belgian, are welcoming as ever. You're also bound to find lots of Colombians running the bar!

What makes this place special is partly the adventure of getting there (you feel 3 shades more confident for having ventured into a favela!) and then the magical experience of being there.The unmatched views of Rio alone are unreal and the delight of mixing and mingling with people from distant parts of the world is super unique. Not to mention the adorable (and wily!) favela kids running around. There's a festive and community spirit here that's really special. I feel more Brazilian after spending time there.

If you are adventurous and interested in gaining some perspective about life in a favela, this place will not disappoint.

The locals respect that you are willing to come here and we felt very safe. Getting there and finding it is another challenge. Basically it is at the top of the hill and your view of Copacabana beach is fantastic.

Beers are cold and cheap. Street meat was delicious - I had the chorizo.
The DJ had the dance floor hopping last night.
Enjoy a unique and fun experience.

The views here are incredible.
I took an uber here. The driver said he was scared and dropped me off at some random location in the favela at 9pm. As it turned there was nothing to be afraid off except the very very long climb up to the top. I had to ask the locals the way the entire time. Super friendly people. Not sure what all the fuss about favelas is about.

I recommend coming for a drink and the view.

While I was in Rio, I watched a lot of World Cup games. Twice in the stadium (France/Ecuador, Colombia/Uruguay), one at the FIFA Fan Fest (US/Germany), and one at Estrelas da Babilonia. The last one was the most memorable.

Nothing like cheering on Penalty Kicks with a bunch of Brazilians and ex-pats in a favela. The ownership and staff are really friendly, and if you're lucky, they might bring you an extra pizza (or two).

This is a hidden gem. Away from tourist crowd. Good service and good food even if it has limited options. But more than that you would enjoy the view and serenity. Christ on one side and beaches on the other. Sunset would be the best time to go there. You take motor bike taxi to go up the hill to reach this bar. Amazing experience