Caroline Café opened doors in Jardim Botânico in April 1994. In a short time the venue, inspired in New York City bars, became popular with Cariocas. The décor mixed objects such as model airplanes, pictures, posters, and toys purchased by partner Alfredo Barbosa in the 17 years he lived in the Big Apple.

In addition to the décor that was a novelty in the city, the menu included several dishes that became best-sellers, such as the gourmet burger (Caroline Burger), and drinks, such as the caipirinha made with sake. The large selection of imported beers, including Mexican Sol, also became well-known.

The large wooden counter in the bar was carved by Barbosa himself (he is also a carpenter), and it soon became a meeting spot for singles. Many trends started here with the combination of drinks, DJ music, informal parties, Sunday brunch, and many other ideas. It is one of the most happening places in Rio.

After eleven years in business, today Caroline is a space that is beyond quick fads. It has already become a reference among the bars and restaurants that followed it. This hybrid concept mixing a restaurant, bar, sushi bar, music and bazaar is spreading around the town.

The menu – Caroline Café hás two menus: one for lunch and another for dinner. This was the first venue in town to open a sushi bar. The lunch menu includes appetizers such as the tortillas with salsa and the pie combo, and entrées such as the shrimp omelet with Caesar Salad, or the Caroline Mignon Picadinho, with cubed filet, carrot rice, french fries, scrambled eggs, fried banana and farofa (pan-toasted manioc flour). There are also the specials from the grill, with two side dishes and the sauce of your choice. There are specials of the day from Sunday to Friday, such as the Seafood Risotto on Wednesdays, or the Nosso Bacalhau, shredded cod fish cooked in olive oil with onions, baked potatoes and eggs.

For dinner the delicious appetizers include mini burgers, a mixed portion with chicken and beef burgers served with barbecue and apple sauce. There are also tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. Salads, soups, sandwiches and other Caroline clássics are also in the menu.

Caroline Burguer is one of the staples, and it is served both for lunch and dinner. This half-pounder NY-style beef burger is served on a milk bun with bacon, Mozarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, french fries, barbecue or Thousand Island dressing. Another Carol classic is the Tuna Steak, grillled to perfection in with cassée tomatoes cooked in herbal oil, with summer squash and potatoes, or the Rosmarino Medallion, with rosemary sauce and gorgonzolla risotto.

Caroline Café also offers low-colesterol ostrich specialties. The ostrich sausage is served spicy with onions and broiled in cachaça. The ostrich burger with 150 grams grilled to order is served on an Australian bun with mozarela cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and french fries. The ostrich steak is grilled to taste and served with sautée pupunha with vegetables and fine herbs.

The sushi bar, headed by Sushiman Hiroshi, offers temaki and maki, including the Dragon with salmon, shimiji, smoked salmon, and flambée tuna spread, sashimi, suhis, and combos, such as the Combinado Caroline.

The Caroline Sunday Brunch, is very popular with assorted rolls and breads, jam, classics such as the Eggs Benedict with Fried Potatoes and the Saladinha – a whole-wheat toast with grilled ham, egg, and hollandaise sauce, French Toast with grilled sausage, honey, butter, omelets and waffles. The Complete Brunch features your choice of five items with honey, butter, white cheese, home fried potatoes, fruits of the season, and a courtesy drink (Bloody Mary ou Caipivodka):

• Favorites (waffles, bread basket or french toast)
• Eggs (scrambled, fried, poché or egg White)
• Cold Cuts (cooked ham or sausage)
• Hot Drinks (espresso, capuccino, hot chocolate quente or tea)
• Juices (of the day, orange, or tomato)

CAROLINE CAFÉ: Rua J.J. Seabra, 10 – Jardim Botânico (2540-0705).
Sunday to Friday, from 12 noon. / Saturdays and Holidays: from 7 p.m..
Capacity: 200 seats.
C.c.: Amex, Dinners, Mastercard, Rede Shop.
Valet parking at night. We take reservations.