Galeto Sat’s

Galeto Sat's is a galeto bar on Rua Barata Ribeiro in Copacabana, and it has built its reputation on grilled chicken served late into the night. Time Out Rio describes it as the place to go for a proper saideira, the last drink of the night.

The first branch, in Copacabana, was founded by two Spaniards named Garcia and Rivera and opened in 1962, according to Riotur. In 2010 it was bought by Sérgio and Elaine Rabello, who with their children opened a second branch in Botafogo, on Rua Real Grandeza, and later a third in Barra da Tijuca, on Estrada do Joá. The original corner has been a late-night refuelling stop for decades, according to the Rio food tour company Eat Rio, whose writer recommends the sliced picanha, the egg farofa, the chicken hearts and the garlic bread. Riotur sums up the secret as keeping the flame lit, literally, and notes that Sérgio, known as Serjão, has a large collection of cachaças.

The order to start with is the porção de coração de galinha, a plate of grilled chicken hearts, which Time Out lists as unmissable. Then comes the famous galeto completo, the charcoal-grilled chicken served with rice, egg farofa, chips and molho à campanha. Picanha, both beef and pork, is the other main option. Garlic bread and a sandwich with queijo coalho are good extras, and the menu also takes in filet mignon, grilled pork belly and frango à passarinho. Everything is washed down with chope that Time Out describes as always ice-cold.

The appeal is its late hours. Time Out's 2024 listing gives opening from noon until 04:00 from Sunday to Wednesday and until 05:00 from Thursday to Saturday, which makes it a popular stop after a night out in Copacabana. Hours can change, so check before making a special trip. The phone number listed is +55 21 2275-6197.

It is a casual, affordable place that suits groups, night owls and anyone wanting to try one of Rio's classic bar foods without ceremony. Time Out put the average spend at around R$100 per person in 2024.

For a sit-down meal in the same neighbourhood, Churrascaria Palace on Rua Rodolfo Dantas offers a more formal take on grilled meat.