Empório Santa Maria is a casual Brazilian bar (botequim) on Rua Santo Antônio in the Bela Vista district of São Paulo, Brazil, serving the kind of hearty, unfussy bar food that anchors the city's traditional boteco culture. The menu centers on classic petiscos (bar snacks) like bolinho de feijoada (deep-fried feijoada fritters), coxinha (shredded chicken croquettes), and ice-cold chopp (draft beer), the combination that defines a good São Paulo boteco outing. The food is straightforward and generous rather than refined, designed for sharing over drinks with friends rather than a formal sit-down meal. The atmosphere is loud, informal, and social, with simple tables, a busy bar counter, and a crowd that builds through the evening, particularly after work hours and on weekends. There is no wine program; the drink of choice is chopp served ice-cold in frosted mugs, alongside caipirinhas and other simple mixed drinks. Reservations are not needed -- the format is walk-in and first-come, first-served, with the busiest periods being early evening on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday-Saturday 11AM-11PM |
| Reservations | Not needed |
| Address | Rua Santo Antônio, 838 - Bela Vista, São Paulo |
Signature dishes
- Bolinho de feijoada
- Coxinha
- Chopp gelado
Weather through the year in São Paulo
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for São Paulo.
Location
Rua Santo Antônio, 838 - Bela Vista, São Paulo
-23.5566, -46.6432 View on map
Highlights
- Classic São Paulo boteco (bar) atmosphere and menu
- Bolinho de feijoada and coxinha are signature petiscos
- Ice-cold chopp served in frosted mugs
- Located in the central Bela Vista district
- Informal, social, sharing-focused format
Tips for visiting
- Order several petiscos to share rather than a single main dish
- Expect the busiest crowds after work hours on weekdays and throughout weekends
- No reservation needed -- seating is first-come, first-served
- Pair the food with an ice-cold chopp, the classic boteco pairing
Accessibility
The bar is a street-level space on Rua Santo Antônio in Bela Vista with simple table seating; visitors with mobility needs should confirm current step-free access when visiting.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of restaurant is this?
It is a traditional São Paulo boteco (casual bar), known for petiscos (bar snacks) and cold draft beer rather than formal dining.
Are reservations needed?
No, the bar operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis.
What should visitors order?
The bolinho de feijoada and coxinha, paired with an ice-cold chopp, are the classic choices.