Bar
Rio Scenarium
A three-floor live music house on Rua do Lavradio that began as an antiques shop in 1999 and now hosts samba, gafieira and choro.
Carioca da Gema
A Lapa samba house in a traditional old house on Avenida Mem de Sá, with live samba from Tuesday to Saturday and a bar food menu.
At a glance
- Type
- Samba bar
- Area
- Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Live samba nightly except Sunday and Monday
- Food menu
- Cover charge
Why we recommend it
Carioca da Gema is a samba bar on Avenida Mem de Sá in Lapa, housed in a traditional old townhouse. Diário do Rio describes it as a reference for samba in Rio, and it is one of the classic addresses for anyone who wants to hear live samba.
The music is the point. Shows run from Tuesday to Saturday, and according to a June 2026 report in Diário do Rio, doors open at 19:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the show starting at 20:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday and at 21:00 on Thursday. On Friday there is a voice and guitar set at 20:30 before the main show at 22:00, and on Saturday doors open at 20:30 for a show at 22:00. On public holidays and their eves the show starts at 21:00. The bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
The venue charges for entry: on World Cup match days in 2026 the price ranged from R$30 to R$40 depending on whether you stood or had a table with a view of the screen. The bar also serves food: during the 2026 World Cup it offered a themed menu, and its regular snacks include a coxinha made with pumpkin dough and filled with carne seca and catupiry cheese. Caipirinhas are a natural choice.
The same report gives a flavour of the house's spirit: during Brazil's World Cup matches in 2026, the bar showed games on a big screen with live music before and after, and caipirinhas went half price for ten minutes after every Brazil goal. Diário do Rio has also reported on themed weeks such as one dedicated to women's voices in samba, so it is worth checking the programme for special nights.
Carioca da Gema suits couples, small groups and music lovers who want an authentic samba night, and its programme runs five nights a week.
Lapa is a natural place to continue the night. Rio Scenarium, on Rua do Lavradio, offers a bigger, three-floor take on Brazilian music, and the Escadaria Selarón and the Lapa Arches, also in Lapa, make a good daytime visit. Jurema Bar, between Glória and Lapa, is a good spot for dinner and cachaça cocktails before the show.
Programmes and entry prices change, so check the latest information through the bar's own channels before you go.
Carioca da Gema FAQs
When is there live music?
From Tuesday to Saturday; the bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays, according to Diário do Rio.
What time do shows start?
Usually between 20:30 and 22:00 depending on the night; on Fridays the main show is at 22:00.
Is there a cover charge?
Yes. Entry is charged; on 2026 World Cup match days it ranged from R$30 to R$40.
Does it serve food?
Yes, including a pumpkin-dough coxinha with carne seca and catupiry.
Where is Carioca da Gema?
At Avenida Mem de Sá 79 in Lapa.
Is there a themed programme?
Yes. Diário do Rio has reported special weeks, such as one dedicated to women's voices in samba.
What kind of music is played?
Samba, with voice and guitar sets on some nights.
What is nearby?
Rio Scenarium, the Escadaria Selarón and the Lapa Arches.