Dennis Oliveira He didn't start his career behind the counter, but rather in a kitchen as an assistant in an Italian restaurant. Cocktail shakers seemed increasingly off his radar when he was promoted to cook.
The change occurred when he was invited to cover a bartender's vacation, at which point he fell in love with the art of “mixing”, as he emphasizes. Even though he was wary of the bar, he agreed to work as a bartender elsewhere and, over time, sought to specialize in the world of cocktails.
Currently, Denis has more than a decade in the area, during which he spent Cantaloup Restaurant and by The View Bar , for example. Today he is head bartender at Capanema a restaurant next door to DOM where he developed the first 100% kosher cocktail menu in Brazil.
Outside of his counter, the professional also tries other drinks around the city and shares below his favorite bars and restaurants for good drinks in São Paulo:
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Sylvester Bar
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Almost a bar, Sylvester is very close to Rua dos Pinheiros and is run by Frajola Souza and his faithful bartender Leone Gonçalves oil.
From the menu, my favorite drink is the Caju Tuxeto (R$ 35.90), a Leone creation that contains Gin Larios 12, Tio Pepe Jerez, cajuina reduction with olives and orange bitters. It's a cocktail only Sylvester has. In addition to the originals, the menu has no shortage of classic cocktail options that satisfy all tastes.
Sylvester Bar: Rua Maria Carolina, 745 – Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo – SP / Tel.: (11) 3034-1268 / Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, from 5pm to 11pm; Thursday to Saturday, from 5pm to 1am; closed on Sundays.
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Luce Gastronomy
Luce is a little piece of Italy in the heart of Oscar Freire and I consider it a great option to go as a couple. Despite being an Italian restaurant, one of the restaurant's distinguishing features is its cocktails, especially signature drinks.
My tip is the Luce Royale (R$45), which is like a reinterpretation of the Moscow mule. It is made with hibiscus reduction, sake, vodka and lemon juice.
Luce Gastronomy: Rua Oscar Freire, 45 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – SP / Tel.: (11) 99457-4554 / Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 12pm to 11pm; Friday and Saturday, from 12pm to midnight.
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QT Pizza Bar
Brazilian pizzeria best placed among the 100 best in the world in 2023, QT Pizza Bar has a contemporary rustic atmosphere that attracts a lot of attention as it passes by on Ministro Rocha de Azevedo street.
The house also has a bar at the entrance that is super casual, ideal for late afternoons. It is managed by the bartender Daniel Anjos who was runner-up in the national Rabo de Galo competition in 2019.
Among my highlights is the Voador drink (R$39), my favorite on the menu, which is nothing more than a reinterpretation of Rabo de Galo by Daniel. It has a blend of red vermouth, cachaça, pork belly and salted caramel.
QT Pizza Bar: Alameda Min. Rocha Azevedo, 1096 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP / Tel.: (11) 96072-8745 / Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, from 6pm to 11pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 5pm to 11pm.
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Bar Astor
With a modern and relaxed concept, Astor soon became a favorite bar in Oscar Freire. The house has a pleasant space with tables on the sidewalk and also a rooftop at the top.
The Astor Star Martini (R$44) is my choice from the menu. The drink contains vodka, liqueur 43, passion fruit, citrus, vanilla and artisanal passion fruit cookies to decorate. It's a great choice to relax after a long day of work.
Bar Astor: Rua Oscar Freire, 163 – Jardim Paulista, São Paulo – SP / Tel.: (11) 94364-3170 (WhatsApp) / Opening hours: Monday, from 12pm to 3:30pm and from 5pm to 11pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, from 12pm to 3:30pm and from 5pm to midnight; Thursday, from 12pm to 3:30pm and from 5pm to 1am; Friday and Saturday, from 12pm to 1:30am; Sunday, from 12pm to 8pm; holidays, from 12pm to 10pm.
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Garoa Bar and Restaurant
Located in Chácara Santo Antônio, in the South Zone, Garoa has a bohemian bar style, with typical bar food, but with a gourmet touch. The house has craft beers, cold draft beer and live music every day, as well as space for events with a wine cellar and several wine labels.
In my opinion, Garoa also has a difference: the menu innovates in terms of cocktails by focusing on cocktail trends. My highlight is the drink The Passion (R$39), which contains passion fruit puree, vodka, Malibu Rum, lemon, sugar syrup and red wine.
Garoa Bar and Restaurant: Rua Fernandes Moreira, 1211 – Chácara Santo Antônio, São Paulo – SP / Tel.: (11) 98770-6100 (WhatsApp) / Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to midnight; Sunday, from 12pm to 11pm.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
