Anthony Bourdain went here (on TV) not once but twice. His first visit is featured in "A Cook's…read moreTour". His second, 10 years later, on "No Reservations". I went here 3 times in a single week. There's something to be said for the allure of simple food, especially when consumed on one of the world's most fascinating beaches. Barraca do Uruguai is a sand-based stand at Posto 9 on Ipanema Beach. Posto 9, for those not already up on this stuff, is the most desirable stretch of beach in all of Ipanema or Copacabana. It's where the gorgeous people play. It's where my 23-year old son declared he "got whiplash" from turning his head all day to look at the barely covered lasses. As Mr. Bourdain says, it's where you go to "look at women you're never going to sleep with". He also implores one to "run, don't walk, to the ONLY place for sandwiches on this beach". Are you getting the picture? Barraca do Uruguai really does make some delicious sandwiches. They're inexpensive, prepared to order, and are the perfect accompaniment to the Caipirinha or beer you'll no doubt purchase as an accompaniment. The staff here - a mama bear owner who prepares the sandwiches plus gorgeous, friendly, English-speaking Uruguayan men - doesn't hurt. I never quite figured out how the seating thing works on this beach but they invited me to sit in their section and said they'd take care of me and my stuff all day. They rent beach chairs as well and I'm sure it's no accident that half the gorgeous crowd parks themselves in this section of beach. The sandwiches, which consist of meat, sauce, onions (maybe), and roll range in price from BRL $12 - $18 (about $3 - $4.50 US). Their menu says they have meat-based appetizers, for a bit more money, but I never saw the need. These sandwiches (and drinks) are all you need for a perfect day on Ipanema Beach. Simultaneously light but hearty, you won't need to wait 30 minutes after consuming until you can head back into the ocean. There are a ton of things being hawked as you bake on the shores of Ipanema. Indulge in some of those most definitely. But, when you want to experience great sandwiches without leaving the sand, head for the blue-and-white striped Uruguyan flag, like everyone else.

I was very excited to find Barraca do Uruguay on Yelp last year - almost as excited as I was to see…read moreAnthony Bourdain discover them a couple years before that. As I wait in the airport to depart Brasil with a head full of fine memories, I'm giving a well-deserved review that is long overdue. When on my nearly-annual trips to Rio over the past 10 years or so, I've always spent a day or few on the beach at Barraca do Uruguay. In addition to that they occupy the best spot on the best big-city beach on the planet, they make those celebrated sandwiches, and they are a great family to meet. My favorite is the chicken (frango), with grilled onions, that chimichurri sauce, and a dab of the hot pepper sauce. Add a caipirinha or a can of Skol and I am very, very happy, and truly ready to appreciate the entire beautiful Posto 9 scene. Also available is bottled water, sodas, and chilled coconuts, and you should have at least one coconut-full of juice in order to keep your potassium levels up in the Rio heat. Up until a couple years ago, they used to BBQ the meat on site; however, the city no longer allows that. Moving the BBQ-ing off-site has only minimally detracted from the flavors and the heat of the meat. If you want to go in the water, ask and they'll guard your bag in their stand. (Bonus Rio beach tip: bring minimal items to the beach, and what you do bring, put in a plastic shopping bag, which is less likely to tempt theft than your Gucci purse or murse or whatever you usually lug around). A day at the beach with them, including chair and umbrella rental, a couple of sandwiches, and all the beer you can handle will set you back under US$25/pp. Hi to Fabiola, Gonzalo, Tania, and the rest of the family - I hope to see you all again very soon. Saudades :)

Our friend was craving sea food so naturally we went to a beach-side restaurant that had live music…read moreat the time which is was great. We sit down, send our orders in; and it all went downhill from there. They bit into their shrimp and immediately spit it out- it was vad. They returjednit, the waitee smelled it, unphased. The rissotto came as a being green color. I got the fettucine pomodoro with bacon instead of shrimp thank God. It was edible, but nothing special. The service was awful, we had to waive down any and all waiters just to order, or ask for cutlery. The worst part was the bill, which in hindsight wasn't terrible w the exchange rate, but it was the princioal. They not only charged us for the live music (without giving any of us a heads up), they ALSO CHARGES A PLATE FEE. Our food came on plates, in a restaurabt... And we were charged for that. They also included a 10% tax on the total bill for the waiter. The place is crap, sneaky and not worth it.

One of the coolest things about the beaches in Rio (and most of Brazil) are the many merchants that…read morestop by your blanket to offer you everything from shrimp snacks to nuts and sandwiches. The barracas, however, are like mini beach bars that also happen to rent you the umbrella and chairs (for pretty cheap). Every time I've visited Ipanema beach I station myself in between Posto 8 and 9 at Barraca Da Ana. There, I'll rent 2 chairs and an umbrella and throughout the course of my morning or afternoon there, I'll order a medley of beverages from coconut water (still in it's coconut) to juices, beer, and caipirinhas. Ana or her colleague, also named Ana, frequently walk around making sure to take care of their sunbathing clientele. It's a no frills kind of experience and that's precisely what I love about it.

There are my PEOPLE. Marli and Ed run such a nice little family barraca. The cheap prices are a…read morewelcome change from the touristy Ipanema or Copa beaches. Boo. Get an umbrella, chair, a few beers, all for 30 BR. Love it. They have some chips, plenty of drink options, and many vendors come by on busy days. They can order stuff up at the kiosks, too, but it can take forever. The owners are delightfully friendly, shower running, recently acquired wifi. It's a short walk to the post 8 bathroom if you need it. Not nearly as crowded as other areas of Barra beach, but sometimes the waves can be rough, so watch your kids and your belongings, when they start to creep ashore. I feel very safe at this beach by myself, often leaving my things unattended, or watching things for other people. I almost don't want to tell you all how awesome this spot is! But my love for Ed and Marli and desire to see them succeed overrides. Come join me! I'll be the one speaking English and screaming at the waves eating my kanga.

eles não tinham coxinha, poderiam ter feito melhor e não podiam pagar um restaurante de verdade em…read morevez de um restaurante de verdade no Brasil. Vou lá amanhã e é melhor que tenham coxinha.