SubAstor

Located in the basement of Vila Madalena’s iconic Astor, SubAstor is a pioneer of São Paulo’s high-end cocktail scene, in operation since 2009. Designed by Superlimão, the space features sleek, hypnotic aesthetics: a long glowing marble bar, mirrored walls adorned with inverted bottle displays and Brazilian map motifs, plush seating, and atmospheric red lighting. A built-in mini “laboratory” window houses live seedlings used in cocktails, connecting guests to the source of their drinks. Led by esteemed bar director Fabio La Pietra, SubAstor is celebrated for its focus on biomes—the “Mission” concept pairs each cocktail with a Brazilian ecosystem, using foraged ingredients like cambuci, babacu oil, and bacuri. Recent menus blend regional fruits with spirits like tequila, bourbon, cachaça, and amaro in creative riffs. Classics like “Cerrado” (tequila, bacuri, cold‑brew coffee) or “Mata Atlântica” (bourbon, aguardente de pera, cambuci cordial) showcase SubAstor’s botanical artistry. Internationally acclaimed—the bar ranked #58 in the 2023 World's 50 Best Bars—SubAstor routinely hosts global guest bartenders and remains at the forefront of Brazil’s cocktail renaissance. Expect a mature, cocktail-savvy crowd; cozy, dim setting; and passionate bartenders eager to discuss ingredients, techniques, and Brazil’s biodiversity. Visually stunning, intellectually engaging, and deliciously flavorful—think of it as São Paulo’s answer to a botanical laboratory + speakeasy hybrid.