Miss Favela

Proudly sporting the green and pink of Mangueira, Rio’s best-loved samba school, Miss Favela serves Brazilian comfort food in the manner of a traditional botequim (tavern). Tasty appetizers like bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish balls) and carne seca (sun-dried beef), are complemented by Brahma beer or knockout caipirinhas. Entrées tend toward the usual suspects: moqueca, barbecue ribs and plenty of grilled steak—decent though not overwhelming options. The festive but rustic setting (brightly painted brick walls, artfully tagged bathrooms) beneath the Williamsburg Bridge, however, has undeniable appeal—particularly on Saturdays when a live band lays down samba (2pm–6pm) and the Mineiro chef cooks up meaty plates of feijoada for a merry crowd.