Barraca do Uruguai

Anthony Bourdain went here (on TV) not once but twice. His first visit is featured in «A Cook’s Tour». 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.

Saw these guys on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, decided to check them out. Ended up staying by their Barraca for most of our days while at Ipanema.
First of all, Posto 9 of the beach is really cool. The crowd is young and hip and overall a great atmosphere.
The Barraca itself has friendly staff — we are especially grateful for Gonzalo’s service, he was very quick and attentive. Yes, the sandwiches are a bit small and on the expensive side, but they are delicious! Needless to say, great caipirinhas, cold coconuts and beers! We will definitely come back again once we’re in Rio next time.

Best meat sandwiches and caipirinhas in Copa Cabana. One of each wasn’t enough for this foodie! I was able to read about it from on Anthony Bourdains recommendations before traveling to Brasil and I was not dissapointed. Friendly, Spanish speaking owners. Meat was perfectly seasoned and tender. The chimichuri sauce just added to its deliciousness. The caipirinhas of maracuya (passion fruit) and traditional were both perfectly made (best in Brasil). Their food made me happy! It was worth all the investigating I did to find it. I still dream of their food. Visit them!

Nicest guys! Best Caipirinha! Just stopped by there and found this place amazing. Staff are super awesome and make great Caipirinhas! I also recommend their sandwiches.

I was very excited to find Barraca do Uruguay on Unilocal last year — almost as excited as I was to see Anthony 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 :)

Ever since I saw Barraca do Uruguai featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, I knew I had to pay them a visit. And I am so glad I did. I ordered the steak sandwich with the chimichurri sauce and sautéed onions.
While my first thought was that this was too simple of a combination, this is a case where less is more. The beef is flavored to perfection — it’s salty, tender, and crispy on the edges. The sauce is zesty and a little spicy. Pair the sandwich with an ice cold beer, and you’ll be in heaven.
My sandwich was quite small and the cost was R$ 14,00, so it’s more expensive than your standard beach food fare. Despite that, it’s worth trying because the combination of the beef and chimichurri sauce is magical. Beers are R$ 5,00 and you can also rent beach chairs from them at R$ 5,00 each.

We came here thinking the food might be cold because its on the beach or that there might not be places to sit. We were wrong. This place is worth it! On our last day, we came here instead of a fancy place or restaurant. We decided to try something with a more of a different flavor. I ate the best South American sandwich ever! The spot is on the beach. They sell great tasty sandwiches, agua de coco (coconut juice). We walked a while looking for the place since there are a lot of similar outdoor spots ion the beach. It was near the Uruguay Flag and Ipanema Hotel. They have chairs to sit and some tables. AMAZING sandwiches! Prices are fair!

What a great find! Is a family business, this little joint has been there for 33 years.
The steak sandwiches are a bomb. $ 14/​steak.
I ordered my steak sandwich with everything: chimichurri sauce, onions and spicy peppers. Just delicious!

Anthony Bourdain got the steak sandwich and the caipirinha. ~R$ 12 for a fairly small beef sandwich, but it’s delicious. The chimichurri sauce and onions really make this thing tasty. If you like spiciness, then definitely add the peppers. After digesting the first sandwich, I had to go back and get another one.
Another tip: they take credit cards.

Churros from Uruguay are the best in Brazil, at least in Rio! Very different from texmex churros, these churros come with hot caramel (doce de leite or dulce de leche) filling inside that fried dough sugary delight! Put them in your mouth and ummm (oops! Don’t spill!) ;) this specific vendor became a meeting point for hipster kids in cool Ipanema beach. Perfect combination!

A barraca se tornou point da Praia de Ipanema — e olha que concorrência não falta na região. Parte do que tornou o uruguaio conhecidíssimo por aqui foram os sanduíches de linguiça no pão francês que ele vende aos montes.
Ele traz tudo prontinho, claro, já que a prefeitura não permite mais o preparo de comida na praia. O lanche é realmente uma delícia, mas custa 9 reais, o que eu considero um pouco caro (afinal, estamos falando de pão com linguiça!)
O dono da barraca está por aqui há anos — basta dar uma olhada no bronzeado dele para perceber que a praia é sua segunda casa! Se estiver em Ipanema, procure a barraca, que fica entre os postos 8 e 9, para conhecer a figura.