I've only been to Texas de Brazil, so can't compare. I'm pretty much a meat and potato guy so, the salad bar was a little lettuce and a few slices of Italian meats. But I was really there for the meat on a stick. And if that's your purpose in going there then you won't be disappointed. Some might say the meat is over-seasoned. And it's borderline. But it helps to break up the monotony of endless cuts of beef.

Don't know if it's the best, the worst or in the middle. But, I always enjoy a nice meat orgy.

nr706 wrote:I vote for Asado

Price wise, Asado is the most affordable. Quality wise, I wasn't impressed. My visit showcased unseasoned meat that was primarily served med well-well done. That was 3 years ago, maybe things have changed. I vote for Fogo.

HungryZ wrote:

nr706 wrote:I vote for Asado

Price wise, Asado is the most affordable. Quality wise, I wasn't impressed. My visit showcased unseasoned meat that was primarily served med well-well done. That was 3 years ago, maybe things have changed.

Yes, things have changed. Asado closed quite a while ago.

Having tried Fogo for the first time last week, I'd be happy if I never returned. While the salad bar was exceptionally good, I've learned I really don't like the premise of these restaurants overall. The minute you sit down you're inundated with copious amounts of mediocre chunks of meat. Having six choices of cuts of beef doesn't compensate for the fact that they're all rather bland and get increasingly more so as one gorges themself. It didn't help that the sides were forgettable, as were the drinks.

It had to have been quickest $150 (2 person) dinner I've had in a long time. It's somewhat ironic that beef is the focus, given that the entire paradigm of the place is being repeatedly stuffed like cattle the minute you sit down at your table.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:Having tried Fogo for the first time last week, I'd be happy if I never returned. While the salad bar was exceptionally good, I've learned I really don't like the premise of these restaurants overall. The minute you sit down you're inundated with copious amounts of mediocre chunks of meat. Having six choices of cuts of beef doesn't compensate for the fact that they're all rather bland and get increasingly more so as one gorges themself. It didn't help that the sides were forgettable, as were the drinks.

It had to have been quickest $150 (2 person) dinner I've had in a long time. It's somewhat ironic that beef is the focus, given that the entire paradigm of the place is being repeatedly stuffed like cattle the minute you sit down at your table.

I agree. Also, I find the format to be very disruptive to enjoying your company. The last time I was at Fogo it was with a group of 8. First, half the table was constantly being interrupted (the table cards didn't seem to matter). Then, within 30 minutes half the table was full and finished eating the stuff that they enjoyed while the other half was looking around for the stuff that they wanted. It was an unbalanced, uncomfortable, confusing evening and I blame it entirely on the disorganized gauchos.

It also cost a fortune for a mediocre meal.

I think that of the 'big boys,' Fogo is the best. It isn't superior meat but it's good and the salad bar is excellent. I don't go there often (once every 2 years is enough) but I always find the experience -- usually in a group of 8+ -- to be quite fun.

I think that my favorite meal of this type is the much more civilized and refined incarnation that can be enjoyed at Al Primo Canto in Edgebrook.

=R=

"It had to have been quickest $150 (2 person) dinner I've had in a long time."

That's the business magic of any steakhouse, but these places do take it to a whole new level. I still have a soft spot for Fogo, because I enjoyed it so much in Brazil which seems like a hundred years ago. I was excited to see it migrate to the US, and I must say that it has always been very consistent with what you get in Brazil. But it's hard to take more than once a year or so. Fogo is particularly good for the very reasons mentioned above -- if you have a big group of expense accounters with little in common and nothing to say (happens a lot), Fogo is ideal. But for the same sort of thing in an authentic setting, the Argentine mom and pos around town are much more pleasant, and cheap.

There's a spot in Valparaiso, IN called simply "Gaucho's"

I've been there a few times and found the experience to be fantastic, for the price. $35 per person seems to be a deal compared to some of the others mentioned.

Sunday night is $10 cheaper but you don't get as many types of meat.

Gaucho's
597 W US Highway 30
Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 759-1100

I vote for Fogo. That place rocks and the lamb chops are yuuummyy

By the way

Zed is Dead

went by on last Saturday night and looked closed. I ate there when it was Sal Carvo and Fogo blew it away

Interesting answers...

So from what I gather, Fogo is top gun. I've been there too and I liked it but I'm curious if I would be disappointed in Brazzaz.

I want to try it for all the extras and sides, but is the meat quality the same as Fogo?

Fogo de Chao regester to get 50% off

John Liapes
John j Liapes

Sorry---register where? I'd be interested in going again at half the price.

ndgbucktown wrote:Sorry---register where? I'd be interested in going again at half the price.

Go for lunch if you can. It's just about half-price if not a bit higher.

=R=