Do you feel like siping a cocktail in a beautifully restored 1920s cottage in downtown Sao Paulo? Get to know Drosophyla bar and restaurant, a spot not to be missed in the capital. Viver a Viagem went there and shows you the house.

Drosophyla was established in 1986, in Belo Horizonte (capital of Minas Gerais state). In early 90s it moved to Sao Paulo. In 2015, the bar and restaurant moved to a wonderful 20s’ cottage in downtown area.

The house is open during night time. During the week you can listen to live music and, once in a while there are workshops of bitter with cocktail tasting.

Beyond cocktails, finger food and the decoration, the house itself draws attention to its historical and architectonical asset. Lily (the bar’s owner) has established more that a bar, she actually gave the city and all of us a present.

Look at the ceiling, the walls, the floor, the candelabra; look all around you!

The pattern you see on the walls is not wallpaper, it’s rather the original meticulously restored painting. The floor is made of three different kinds of wood. The wooden thresholds are back to its glorious form. The circular staircase and the ceiling are also outstanding jewels of the building.

Try some original drinks and the interesting apothecary cocktails, signed by barman and mixologist Kleiton Martins.

The apothecary was a medical professional who treated patients with potions. Based on this concept, Kleiton uses ingredients with medical properties such as: propolis, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, fruits and his own bitter.

The glassware is a gorgeous surprise. Lily picked the most beautiful glasses to serve drinks. Jasmineiro in served in a 40-year-old British china cups.

Bitter silvestre workshop

A bitter is a preparation of herbs used in many cocktails. It may add a tangy, bitter and sweet and sour taste to the beverage. Years of research and experiments yielded in a self-created composition. In this workshop Kleiton teaches what is a bitter, how to do the bitter silvestre (wild bitter) and how to use it.

During the class you learn how to do it and get the chance to prepare a delicious cocktail. Throughout the process it is possible to understand how the preparation is elaborated and one can feel the hypnotic sent of the spices.

It’s a free workshop. All you have to do is to enroll and participate. Follow Drosophyla on facebook and stay tuned for the next edition.

Li-Lo-Lu-Xo

Drosophyla has its own store with merchandise from all over the world.  Each corner is full of amazing things ready to be discovered.

Lily

I remember when I came back from Japan she invited me for lunch and afternoon tea at her house. As soon as I got there and she opened the door I saw her wearing a masai necklace and a headdress from a country that I don’t remember.  We had lunch and chatted about Japan and her amazing trips to the inner China. During the afternoon tea, we had a lovely Japanese tea in a Russian kettle and poured in British china cups. Lily is from the world, she is multicultural.

All that is reflected in her personality and everything that surrounds her.  Ideas, thrifts, dressing code and musical taste. She is very authentic and plural.

While photographing in Drosophyla I didn’t resist and had to ask for an exclusive portrait for Viver a Viagem.

Thank you Lily!

Directions and working hours

Monday to Tuesday: 7pm to midnight
Wednesday to Thursday: 7pm to 1am
Friday: 7pm to 2am
Saturday: 7pm to 2am

Reservation and information

55 (11) 3120-5535
drosophyla@drosophyla.com.br

Check out the official website for a 360º view of the saloon.

Rua Nestor Pestana, 163 – Consolação S. Paulo