Bar Goyana

The Belgian-Brazilian couple behind MOJO Mousse Bar brings El Barrio a new Brazilian-inspired cocktail bar located in the space next door to MOJO through a door that gives a little speakeasy touch, and it’s the perfect spot for a date or after dinner: drinks & dessert.

The glowing and colorful bar is stacked with craft cachaças, exotic liqueurs, and house-made syrups. The outdoor seating can sit up to 25 people making it perfect for bigger groups. The décor is inspired by Brazil, the high energy and love to celebrate life that only Brazilians have.

“After a pandemic year and with not many nice places to go in our area, we decided that a Brazilian vibes cocktail bar was the perfect addition to the neighborhood,” says co-owner Jaqueline Queiroz. A prominent mural painting of Tropical Brazil highlights Brazilian female creative figures such as the “Abapuru” from Tarsila do Amaral, quotes of Cora Coralina and a portrait of Carmen Miranda. “The name Goyana is a homage to my hometown in Brazil: Goiania, located in the country side near the capital, Brasilia,” says Jaqueline. The interior design is signed by Bendesign Studio, led by Brazilian interior designer and architect Ruben Brito, whose studio is based in Miami; the art mural was created by Ruben Brito and painted by artist Adeline Jadot.

The cocktail menu includes “The Goyana,” made with aged cachaça, passion fruit and Baunilha do Cerrado (a wild and rare Vanilla found at Jaqueline’s family farm in Goias); “El Barrio Tropical,” a spicy mango margarita, honoring their location in East Harlem; and “Belgian Fashion,” an old fashioned made with bourbon and chocolate bitters. The wine list is signed by Chef Johan Halsberghe and includes the Chef’s favorites: Champagne Drappier, Gigondas from Cote du Rhone and top Californian Westwood’s Red. The Belgian Beer Program includes classics: Duvel, Chimay, Houblon Chouffe IPA, Westmalle Double and smaller Belgian crafted bottled beers on rotation.

The small plates pay tribute to the Brazilian and Latino cuisine, which includes grilled curd cheese with black truffle honey, typical in Brazil; Stuffed Pão de Queijo (the famous Brazilian Cheese bread) stuffed with parmesan and Jalapeno; and Chef Johan’s famous Crab Cakes. The Brazilian national dish “Feijoada” is also available in the regular menu along with other classics such as Bobo de Camarao and Fricasse de Frango.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.