Best Brazilian Steakhouse in the U.S.
Texas de Brazil
Brazilian steakhouse chain – Texas de Brazil is a well-known steakhouse with more than 50 locations in the US and a few more abroad. Through Texas de Brazil, the brand hopes to unite the traditional churrasco with the “spirit and hospitality” of the Lone Star state. The menu is all-you-can-eat (desserts and drinks extra), and the charcoal-grilled meat choices include some expensive steaks like filet mignon and lamb chops, covering a wide range of land residents. Additionally, you have a choice of three other picanha options in their Brazilian steakhouses: regular, garlic-rubbed, and even lamb.
With a variety of hot and cold selections, the salad bar is equally impressive. Sarah Hansen says that the assortment of meat dishes are delicious and deserving of your attention.
At the bar, you can always purchase a la carte if you don’t have a big appetite. Additionally, The Orange County Register notes that Texas de Brazil Brazilian steakhouses chain has done a fantastic job converting to takeout during COVID, offering solo and family-style dishes in addition to a la carte meats that are available by the pound. This is great news for those who would want to enjoy their meal outside of the restaurant.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
At this well-known Brazilian churrascaria, you can be sure you’re in good hands. It has dozens of outlets around the country as well as a few abroad, including the Middle East. Fogo de Chão has made a name for itself as a well-oiled meat grilling and slicing machine ever since it arrived in the United States in 1997. The Washington Post notes that “the chain has the meat-and-service thing down pat.” It adds that waiters will know exactly what to do if a card is placed on the table in front of you. The green side indicates that you can continue adding meats, while the red side indicates that you need to take a little rest.
If you’re more of a surfer than a turf player, Fogo de Chão has just expanded its seafood menu. They have included more upscale options like Chilean sea bass. They also included a chilled seafood tower that is topped with an impressive array of lobster tails, claws, jumbo shrimp, crab clusters, and green-lipped mussels. Not to be overlooked is the salad bar, called the Market Table here, which serves a variety of charcuterie, antipasti, and seasonal specialties like candied bacon, smoked salmon, and feijoada, a traditional Brazilian black bean stew, if you’re looking for something green to balance the seafood and land-based meats.
Plataforma Churrascaria – New York City
Since 1996, Churrascaria Plataforma, a New York City classic, has been igniting the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. If you’re really hungry, The Infatuation suggests going for the all-you-can-eat option; the restaurant’s lamb is especially noteworthy. If you’re not just interested in meat, the enormous restaurant also has salad and feijoada bars.
The price is somewhat more than other places on this list (the entire spread will usually set you back $69 due to its prime location and premium meats), but it’s well worth the cost to take a seat in the expansive dining area and indulge a little. You can also visit during lunch if you’re willing to pass on some of the more visually appealing meats, such as lamb chops, filet mignon, and ribeye. At that point, the entire meal is discounted to $42, and you can still indulge in the delicious leg of lamb, hog loin, and picanha in addition to the comprehensive side menu and gourmet salad bar.
Gaúcha Alma – Boston
Thanks to Brown University, there is a sizable Brazilian community in Massachusetts, thus it comes as no surprise that Boston has excellent churrasco. Rumored to be “the soul of the gaucho,” Alma Gaúcha is one of the city’s top churrascarias. It’s a relatively new establishment in the hip Seaport District that specializes in USDA Prime meats that are up to 45 days old, and the quality is evident. Pick from filet mignon, ribeye, picanha (of course), and marinated New Zealand lamb leg with fresh mint and lemon. Alma Gaúcha also provides information for those who abstain from red meat. Pork ribs, classic parmesan pork, and slow-cooked chicken marinated in beer and cognac for the entire night are among the options. Another seafood choice is some salmon that has been cooked over an open flame and is accompanied by a zesty passionfruit sauce.
Kelly T. posted a review on Yelp stating, “Every meat is delicious.” “I would go here every weekend if my body’s metabolism could handle it.” The salad bar and side dishes are also highly praised, with honey-drizzled grilled cheese being one of the most well-liked options. You may even get a cup of clam chowder that is thick. After all, this is still Boston.
The vast wine list at Alma Gaúcha, which boasts over 150 bottles and naturally features various South American varieties, is likely to please oenophiles.
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
Before any of the others, there was Rodizio Grill, which opened in Littleton, Colorado, 25 years ago. This became the first Brazilian steakhouse to open in the United States (via The Denver Post). With more than 20 sites in 12 states, the restaurant is still going strong today. Wowing diners with its carved tableside rotisserie grilled meats, including its distinctive grilled pineapple.
Standard offerings like picanha and bacon-wrapped chicken are available, along with some intriguing new additions like a center-cut steak with parmesan cheese and, for the more daring diner, the well-known Brazilian appetizer coração de frango temperado, which translates to “grilled chicken hearts” if your Portuguese is a little rusty. Regarding the Voorhees, New Jersey location, one Open Table reviewer said, “Excellent place to go for a night out with friends or a date night with a loved one.” Since the food simply keeps coming, I do advise against eating much before you arrive.”
Although Rodizio Grill’s quality may not be as high as that of some of its competitors. The “full rodizio” is reasonable priced. It costs less than $35 and comes with gourmet salads, endless Brazilian sides. And as much rotisserie grilled meat as you can fit down your gullet. That’s a relative steal when you consider the costs of some of the other slots on this list. Additionally, if you frequently visit the restaurant or intend to do so, register for Club Rodizio to receive special offers and promotions, along with a birthday present.
Chama Gaúcha
You better provide the goods if you plan to launch a steakhouse in a city known for its beef. On that score, Chama Gaúcha excels, offering a dozen meat selections, including many steak cuts. The San Antonio Express-News, however, claims that the beef ribs are the main attraction here. In addition to the cow, the meat feast is completed by chicken, hog, and lamb, both rack and leg. Those who need even more nourishment are impressed by the salad bar, which has over thirty options. The wine collection, which is kept in a cellar with regulated temperature and features multiple award-winning labels, is similarly preserved.
Try to set aside some stomach space for dessert, even though it might seem unachievable after all that food. The slate features traditional Brazilian papaya cream, tropical ice cream, and fruit combinations topped with Crème de Cassis blackberry liqueur. This goes along with classics from Latin cuisine like tres leches and flan. However, the true star of the dessert show is the Fireball Cheesecake. This is caramelized and lit ablaze at the table by a generous pouring of Liquor 43, a popular Spanish alcoholic beverage.
The San Antonio Current suggests coming here on special occasions when you have lots of space. Many other people concur that this is a dining destination. The 24th position on Yelp’s 2019 list of the Top 100 Places to Treat Yourself went to the Chama Gaúcha location in San Antonio.
Los Angeles’s Pampas Grill
The churrasco served at this well-known stand at the venerable Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles is well worth the wait. Both residents and visitors may be seen waiting in line at Pampas Grill to fill up on a variety of Brazilian favorites. First things first: fill up at the self-serve salad bar, which has a variety of vegetables and sides. A few substantial main dishes are also offered, such as chicken stroganoff, beef stew, and the traditional feijoada. However, the latter is only served on the weekends.
Your server will slice off portions of the meat of your choosing at the grill station, which is the next stop. Make sure to prioritize the soft garlic beef. Other standout dishes include the leg of lamb, picanha, and bacon-wrapped chicken. When you get to the cash register, weigh your plate to find out how much your lunch will cost in total. If you decide to go for the complete feast, be aware that every item is charged per pound. This includes even the hard-boiled eggs and sirloin. Stated differently, prioritize the meats over the salad bar products to get the most value for your money.
Eater LA says the quick-service restaurant is a great option for customers on a tight budget. In case you would rather have a traditional dining experience, Pampas Grill has a physical location in Culver City, California.
Miami’s Brazilian Churrascaria Steakhouse
Steak Brasil Churrascaria is undoubtedly among the greatest Latin American restaurants—especially if you’re craving some succulent meats. According to Eater Miami, this well-liked downtown location offers incredibly reasonable costs, especially when compared to certain other Miami eateries. Additionally, it offers a very large selection of sides, cheeses, and meats.
Granted, the dining area isn’t as big as some of its rivals, and there are only nine meat options. The selection is also a little on the small side. To be honest, there are still a lot of options available. These include flavorful prime sirloin, picanha, pig loin, leg of lamb, & beef ribs. Also, chicken drumsticks and hearts, sausage, and soft flap meat. There is an abundant salad bar if, for some reason, there isn’t enough food to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, every hot meal that isn’t barbecued is made fresh and served right to your table.
Make sure to give Steak Brazil some thought for your upcoming party or special event. It is perfect for large parties as well.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
Another Brazilian-based chain to make its way stateside is Chima Steakhouse, but as they say, the more the merrier. Three more locations can be found in Philadelphia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tysons Corner, Virginia. The first U.S. location opened its doors in 2004 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The name Chima, according to the restaurant, is a reference to “chimarrao.” This is a traditional drink from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It stands for the kind of community spirit and togetherness the establishment seeks to promote.
Tradition-wise, this place serves excellent Angus Prime picanha. You may also get it with grilled jalapenos and homemade chimichurri sauce for extra oomph. The large selection of cuts will be appreciated by steak aficionados as well. It includes filet mignon, ribeye, baby top sirloin, and New York steak. They’re all available plain or wrapped in bacon for those who want a little more opulence. At the salad bar, they even have paper-thin slices of beef carpaccio.
Additionally, Wine Spectator awarded all four Chima Steakhouse locations the 2021 Award of Excellence, saying that the house specialty is California varietals.
