The latest addition to Lapa’s buzzing nightlife scene, Mofo is a funky-looking joint that has been attracting hordes of trendy young locals since it opened its doors in July. Housed in an old colonial building in the heart of Rio Antigo (the city’s historic centre), the bar’s décor combines belle epoque ornate fixtures and fittings with some ‘swinging sixties’-style black and white tiling. It’s an odd combination, but it just about works.  Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said about the female toilets when I visited. For the toilets to be blocked and unpleasant early on a Saturday night, and within a few weeks of opening is pretty unforgivable, and doesn’t really bode well for the lasting success of the bar.

For the moment though, this split level venue is very much the place to be seen – live samba music at weekends keeps the partiers happy, and a decent food and drinks menu satisfies those who are hungry after a day’s shopping in Centro (Mofo opens at 5pm daily).
Downstairs, there’s space for 130 people to eat, drink and make merry, while upstairs there is room for 250 more – with a balcony and a segragated area for private parties.

Foodwise, the barsnacks are very good – particularly the portions of mini-pasties. (Try the cheese and salami – not very healthy but certainly tasty!), and the menu also features plenty by the way of sandwiches, as well as heartier meals such as chicken and steak with rice and fries (vegetarians don’t do too well here!) 

The caipifrutas (vodka or cachaa with fruit) are good too – try my personal favourite, pineapple with mint.

Mofo is at Avenida Mem de Sá , 94, Lapa