NYC’s Brazilian restaurants and bars offer a taste of the Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are set to kick off this month, but just because you can’t make the cross-continent journey to Brazil doesn’t mean missing out on the cuisine. Make a reservation at these Brazilian restaurants right here in your backyard, or order in for your Olympics viewing parties and pretend you’re watching from Rio instead of from your couch.

Beco
45 Richardson St.

This Williamsburg spot’s name is short for botecos, traditional local neighborhood bars in Rio famous for their upbeat atmosphere and inexpensive food. Beco serves affordable breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, with options including the popular national dish feijoada, a pork and black bean stew. Stop by for happy hour Monday-Friday to appreciate their collection of South American wines and Brazilian beers.

Brigadeiro Bakery
156 Sullivan St.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this Brazilian bakery in SoHo will satisfy it. Chef Mariana Vieira began her career by selling brigadeiros, the truffle-likeBrazilian treats, out of her basement and now ships them all over the country.Try them in tons of different flavors, from traditional (chocolate, lemon) to seasonal (passion fruit) and crowd-pleasers (Oreo), or try a slice of brigadeiro cake.

Fogo de Chão
40 W. 53rd St.

This ornate Midtown steakhouse is an outpost of a chain that started in Brazil, where meat is grilled churrasco-style on metal skewers over charcoal.Let them win you over to South America’s preferred cut of beef with their signature picanha steak. The bar is notable for its extensive varieties of caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail made with sugarcane liquor and lime.

Market Ipanema
66 Kenmare St.

The fast-casual craze has brought Market Ipanema to Nolita, the Rio-based restaurant’s first U.S. location. They are especially known for their mini tapioca crepes, which come in savory and sweet options. Other menu items include their Brazilian Acai Bowl, flavored with cassava, a shrub native to South America, and Pao de Queijo — Brazilian cheese bread.

Beach Bistro 96
95-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

As its name suggests, you’ll find plenty of seaside ambiance at this Rockaway Beach spot in Queens. Brazilian husband and wife duo Carlos Varella and Andressa Junquiera keep it casual and fun here, with a menu full of affordable eats including pasteis (Brazil’s version of stuffed pastry).

Favela Grill
33-18 28th Ave.

This family-owned restaurant in Astoria has been a neighborhood favorite since opening in 2006. The menu is focused on simple ingredients that create the feel of a cozy home-cooked meal, Brazilian style. Comfort fare rules here — don’t miss the feijoada, one of the city’s best, and the moqueca fish stew — but they also offer grilled meats, seafood and pasta for a casual dinner out.