Several generations purchased Spanish olive oil, English biscuits, and fine sausage at Armazém São Thiago, aka Bar do Gomez. The place was originally a food emporium purchased from a Portuguese immigrant by Spanish immigrant Jesus Pose Garcia, named after Santiago de Compostela and with a faithful clientele among Santa Teresa gentry. In all likelihood, many of those fine foods were served at great parties such as the ones thrown by Laurinda Santos Lobo in her mansion, now Parque das Ruínas.

The introduction of supermarkets in Brazil in the 1970s was one of the factors causing a decline in business; it was during the era of José Gomez Cantorna, grand-nephew of the founder, that the old emporium gradually took on its role as a boteco and became known as Bar do Gomez.

The bar was brought to a whole new level of charm in 2003, when Ricardo Pose Garcia, the founder's grandson, restored the place according to old documents and photos and recovered its original name.

The crowd spills out onto the street at Armazém São Thiago, a great place to flirt, enjoy icy beer, eat codfish croquettes, share the pangs of a broken heart with a friend, and root during soccer finals.

Food is rich and well-made; besides croquettes, there are several types of linguiça and cold cuts served in portions, as well as sandwiches. Though chopp is a favorite on Rio's cold afternoons and nights, the bar also has a very good selection of cachaça labels.

Hours:

Mon-Sat noon to 1 a.m.
Sun noon to 10 p.m.

Address & Contact Information:

Rua Áurea 26
Santa Teresa
Rio de Janeiro – RJ
55-21-2232-0822
www.armazemsaothiago.com.br