Gringo Cafe — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

I stumbled upon Gringo Cafe thanks to a TikTok, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. Craving a taste of home while exploring the vibrant energy of Ipanema? Look no further. This place is a North American’s dream come true!

From the moment I stepped inside, I was transported to a classic American diner. The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and my mouth watered as I watched dish after dish of pure comfort food emerge from the kitchen. Unfortunately, I was so busy salivating that I completely forgot to take pictures of my food. 😁

Gringo Cafe offers a mouthwatering menu of diner classics, including fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, and customizable eggs. Their breakfast menu is available all day, making it a perfect spot for a late morning meal or a hearty brunch. And don’t even get me started on the cakes and milkshakes – they’re absolute heaven!

I had the incredible opportunity to chat with the owner, Sam Flowers. His passion for bringing a piece of America to Rio is evident in every corner of the cafe. With a background in executive management at Universal Studios, Sam’s journey to opening Gringo Cafe is truly inspiring.

The staff at Gringo Cafe is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. If you’re missing a taste of the US while in Rio, this is an absolute must-visit. Trust me, your taste buds...

Went there twice and the great food keeps making me come back for more. Their Bloody Mary is simply amazing and the food is fresh and delicious. Great value for money, especially given the big portions served.

Only point of improvement IMO should be a closed area with working AC, especially during the summer time, as it is challenging to eat with flies and mosquitoes around, depending on the time you visit. Another thing to be worked on is some of the servers: some are really pleasant, but others have that aloof / uncaring attitude that only people staying in Rio for longer get to (unfortunately) know when it comes to general services and lack of empathy of a big part of the population here.

All in all, it is a good cafe with potential to be a great one if the issues mentioned are...

Gringo Café is hands down one of the best breakfast spots in Rio! We visited twice, and both experiences were fantastic. On our first visit, I had the Farmhouse Breakfast, which was fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. We also tried the spicy buffalo chicken strips, which had just the right kick, and my partner thoroughly enjoyed his grilled chicken club sandwich. The portion sizes were generous, making it a great value. On our second visit, I opted for the sausage, egg, and cheese scramble, and once again, the quality and taste were top-notch. Whether you’re a local or visiting, Gringo Café is an absolute must-try. The food, atmosphere, and experience make it well...