Can I buy you a drink?

“I went to the worst of bars hoping to get killed but all I could do was to get drunk again.” ― Charles Bukowski

Since that was of no use, let's try the best ones in town then, shall we Charlie?

Bar review: Skye Bar//Frank's Bar//Alucci Alucci//Brown Sugar//Bossa

I am more into restaurants, but I must tell you that the first following two bars are absolutely worth the visit, for different reasons. And some others, not that worthy, but here, just for the record.

Skye Bar

The place is a bit intimidating, it feels like it is too fancy and expensive for you, mere mortal.

But it's not that pricey, it's very affordable for the experience. Actually, to go there, there's no need to pay anything, not the entrance or cover charge. All it takes is a credit card required to be left with the waiters during the service. But that credit card is not necessary the one the account is gonna be charge on.

The bar (and the restaurant) is on top of Hotel Unique. With unique architecture, the Hotel Unique was designed by architect Ruy Ohtake and it is hard to ignore. Imposing, it is shaped like a big boat, posed as an open-air piece of art.

I felt like a celeb in a high end cocktail party, swurling my fat chic ass around, like in those 'Gossip Girls' parties. The view is a-maw-zing. Overlooking the city, the Skye Bar deck has a wonderful panoramic view of São Paulo.

The puffs and sun loungers under low light side of the red color reflectors to the pool are an invitation to enjoy the view of Ibirapuera Park and Jardins neighborhood with buildings of wall lights on the horizon.

The drinks and food are passable, nothing really extraordinary. I would reccommend the pizza, to share with your friends.

I found the Wasabi drink interesting in the menu, so I ordered it. Exotic but not fantastic.

Overall experience: One of SP's landscapes, so go for the architecture and the view, without even having to pay much for it. Is okay if you don't overdress, is not as fancy as you would expect. But I woulnd't recommend wearing short skirts ladies - the seatings are too low. And take a sweater with you, it can get windy and chill.

Address: Hotel Unique - Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo

Frank's Bar

Probably the best place in São Paulo to have extremely well executed cocktails while listening to jazz in a vintage, classy speakeasy vibe. The bar is run by the one and only Spencer Jr., former MyNy and Isola, who has been awarded a couple of times as the best barman in Brazil.

The perfect place to sit is on the counter where you can see the cocktails being made with mastery and hear the story of how they were created and about the ingredients. To make the best cocktails in São Paulo, it all starts with the manufacture of ice, made with mineral water. It is perfectly transparent and manually carved.

The “Rabo de Galo” had a beautiful diamond sculpted ice.

The Negroni was heavenly smooth – blended in two aging methods: in amburana and oak. The scent exhaled dazzles and makes you wanna shred tears of joy.

The staff was super friendly, super helpful, knew how to explain everything in and out the menu and gave great suggestions.

About the food menu, it was made a partnership with “Meats hamburger”, which serves some very tasty treats but all very gourmet. I haven’t tasted any of them, but they do serve some nuts to accompany the drinks.

If you are a cocktails lover you must come. The price of cocktails goes around R$ 35.00 each - a great price for the quality and the service. They have a Jazz trio on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 19hs to 21hs and on Fridays it starts at 22hs (if I am not mistaken).

Thanks for sharing your poison with the humanity, Master Spencer.

Overall experience: Hell yes. Come come come!!

Address: Maksud Hotel -208 - Alameda Campinas, 108 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo

Alucci Alucci

I went to Alucci Alucci for a couple of drinks. Despite the music that was a little too loud, I simply adored the decor. So charming, all red and black, very burlesque/cabaret style - just lacked "all that jazz"- in the literal musical sense.

I only got a shot of the upper floor, which was kind of empty that day.

(The Iphone camera just do not express well the vibe of the place.)

The place is all about the ambiance, that is not even that great because is just too noisy to hear anything the other side of the table is traying to say. Is about hypeness, not (at all) about quality of food and drinks.

I had a couple of cocktails (Bellini Lichia R$37, Haru R$35 and Passion Martini R$38) that I did not think were exceptional in any sense - but at least they managed to get me tipsy.

(this one is the Passion Martini)

And we ordered two entrées: Shimeji Tapiocas R$35 and Brie Raviolis R$46. To call them ordinary would be too much. 'Edible' would be more appropriate. They were not even pretty to look at.

Dessert was pretty, I had the "Taça de Bem Casado" R$26, translated as a bowl of "happily married". It is traditionally two little sponge cakes filled with dulce de leche, egg curd or jam, and they are a must have in any wedding in Brazil. But mine came in a bowl, meshed up with ice-cream.

Good, but way too sweet for my taste. Suited for Brazilians I guess.

Overall experience: Meh. Is not worth the cost for the quality. I would not be in a rush to come back.

Address: R. Vitório Fasano, 35 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo - SP

Brown Sugar: The barman came to our table and explained everything in a very detailed and friendly way. The rest of the staff was not very well instructed or just plain blasé. The place is modern and sophisticated. Dark ambiance, candles and all. Good drinks - I had a Negroni - but they seem to have good wine also. Bruschetta was so-so.

Address: R. Padre João Manuel, 1055 - Jardins, São Paulo - SP

Bossa: The architecture of the place is quite mesmerazing. The friendliest staff, good drinks, okay food but will not swipe you off your feet. I had a tiny Tuna Tartar for R$39,00 and a liquid cheescake for R$20,00. Please for the love of God, do not order that dessert! It was a mistake. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with a negroni.

Address: Alameda lorena, 2008 – Jd. Paulista – São Paulo/SP