Fogo de Chao

I recently went to Fogo de Chao for a work dinner and was mildly disappointed though my initial expectations, thankfully, weren't high. This restaurant is clearly known in Houston as THE place to take clients for work dinners because half the restaurant was filled with large parties of suited men schmoozing. If your clients happen to be from another country, as ours were, the noisy environment makes it near impossible to carry on a conversation across the Texas sized tables when English is rapidly spoken by the rest of the group. The food in my opinion was average despite the rumors that it is ""fantastic"". A few of the meats were tender and flavorfull and others were bland and overdone. I have eaten at other churrascarias where there were more varieties of meat, better side dishes and the enviroment didn't feel so stressful and hectic. This restaurant has just become another mass produced, glutinous steakhouse that still feels the need to overcharge people solely based upon their reputation not on the actual quality of the food. Cons: Food, Ambience, and Service more

ugh, i have been to fogo almost every weekend and my friends and i still dress up, the last time i went was after the nutcracker and i have to go back soon. I love the way that some people go and feel comfortable with what they are wearing, i like that they take kids and have fun. My family opened a restaurant simlar to it and im sorry to say but it wll never be like fogo. I lovee it:)) Pros: food, people, service, clean silverware Cons: nothing:) more

I went there with my girlfriend this week for one of the most, if not the most, amazing dining experiences. I'll start with the salad bar...it's not even fair to call it that, because that makes it sound like something you'd find at the place you go to with your grandmother. The fact that I couldn't identify a few of the upscale items was amazing and intriguing. The attendant standing nearby ready to give me a clean plate took the time to walk the entire perimeter and explain what each item was. Delicious. Now on to the meats. You would think that because of the sheer volume of meats that quality would be an issue. No way. From the Filet Mignon to the Picanha to even the chicken drumsticks it was nothing short of incredible. Both my gf and I agree that this place is now on our ""must visit often"" list. I highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone! Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere Cons: None! more

When this restaurant first opened it was wonderful. Very elegant; people dressed up to go there and the food was fantastic. That was then. Now this place is filled with people who look like they cannnot afford the gas to get there let alone the $50.00 per person price . On weekends it s filled with people from the burbs with screaming kids, tank tops and flip flops. Weekday lunch is still fairly good but skip this place by all means on the weekends unless you like hangning out at the Craker Barrel. Ive noticed the quaility of the food has slipped especially in the last year. I have had my fill of Fogo! Pros: Still fairly nice for weekday lunch Cons: The Weekend Crowd more

My boyfriend and I just got home from celebrating his birthday at Fogo de Chao and I am disappointed to say that the experience was, well, disappointing. I had 7pm reservations, which I would definitely recommend as the place was completely packed when we arrived. After being seated at a great corner table, we checked out the salad bar which included many unique items that were fresh and well-stocked that we really enjoyed. Once we turned our cards over to ?green? the experience began to go downhill. We had waiter and waiter bombarding our table with all of the different kinds of meats, sometimes two or three lining up behind each other beside our table. On one hand, I guess this could be seen as good service, but I personally felt very rushed and overwhelmed. I went into the meal with the mindset that I would taste every meat that I was offered, but only actually eat the exceptionally good ones. Unfortunately, there were only one or two meats that I enjoyed. I liked the filet (although it did not compare to the filet at other upscale restaurants in the area) and the parmesan crusted pork was surprisingly good. My boyfriend loved the lamb as well.\r \r The worst part of the meal came at the very end when the surprise complementary birthday dessert I called ahead and arranged for was not brought until after I had paid the bill and also after I had ruined the surprise by telling him how disappointed I was that the dessert never came.\r \r All in all, it was a fun experience because it is totally different than eating at your average restaurant, but the food just didn?t measure up to my expectations... or the price.\r Pros: Good salad bar and variety of food Cons: Quality of meat more

My wife and I tried Fogo with another couple. We had never been there before, but we are experienced with high-end steakhouses and had heard good things about it.\r \r The bar area is smallish, but has one great feature - pre-dinner drinks at the bar are automatically transferred to your table without asking. No need to take the time to close the tab, and no resentment from the bar staff for transferring it. More restaurants should enact this procedure. \r \r Yes, it's a carnivore's dream with volume and variety, but I didn't think the quality of the meat was that spectacular. At this price level, I would rather have a perfect filet at Fleming's or Vic & Anthony's (or even Truluck's or Houston's) as opposed to mediocre food in volume. The strip was the most flavorful, the fillet was very average, and the chicken was amazingly dry. The waiting in line at the salad bar invokes more of a Golden Corral feel than a four-star restaurant feel. Moreover, the salad bar was anemic (granted, you?re there for the meat).\r \r The waiter carefully (and craftily) persuaded us into ordering 4 deserts, though we thought they were included in the price of the dinner - that was our fault for not knowing. However, he also persuaded two of our party to order ice wine as an after dinner drink - for $25/glass! Now, we didn't ask what the price was, but he should have volunteered that information given the unusually expensive price.\r \r We?re glad we finally tried Fogo, but we will go elsewhere for better quality meat at that price.\r Pros: Lots of meat, meat variety, auto-transfer of bar tab to table Cons: Quality/taste of meat at price level, low value unless you can eat a ton more

My husband and I love this place. If you love meat and would like to enjoy different kinds of cuts and types, this is the place for you. They have a great salad bar, good desserts, and drinks. I recommend making reservations. If you have a last minute cravings, go there early... around 5pm or later... after 8pm. We always get excellent service and they have a good wine selection. Pros: Excellent food and service Cons: Need reservation on weekends more

This is one of my favorite places to eat when I really want red meat. The service is phenominal and the food is great. The wine list is also superb. They're always busy, so don't try to go without a reservation, or if you do go right when they open or late. It can get very noisy because the dining room has a very open floorplan. They only thing I can think of that is bad is that the meats start to taste the same to me after a while. Pros: Beautiful & Tasty Cons: Too Filling, Can't Eat Enough for the Price more

Went for first time with 2 friends, best Mojito I've had in awhile, other drinks very good too, but don't fill up on drinks or the wonderful starter ""salad"" bar, though the salmon, cheeses, artichoke hearts and the marinated sundried tomatoes were amazing, but not your traditional salad bar. The star of the show is of course the meat. It was served promptly when the chips were turned to the green side, and if not cooked to our preference, the very attentive waitstaff was willing to bring it back around cooked to our request. All questions were answered promptly and knowledgeably. When dessert time came, we were full, but succombed to temptation, and had Papaya Mousse, but my vote goes to the house -made daily Creme Brulee: All in all a truly outstanding meal, we plan to make this a special place. Note :I did not notice any children there, but it was a week night. more

Restaurant was very busy, and is definetly not a place to hold a conversation. The food is amazing, you flip your little card over to green for go and red for stop, and as soon as you flip to green you are surrounded by people offering you different types of meets prepared in a lot of ways. Pros: Delicious never ending servings of meat. Cons: Very busy and loud. more

OMG this place is good. There are 10-15 different cuts of meat heated to perfection in this Brazilian style... more

This is the fifth time that I have been there and I have to say there is no other place in the Houston area that has service like Fogo or has the quality of meat that Fogo has. This place is amazing with the portions of meat, the salad bar and the extras like mashed potatoes and fried bananas. The service is top notch and the wait is usually short. I have been to many Churrascaria style restaurants and this one it the best! Pros: The amount of food is ridiculas! The service is the best! more

Wow, was I happy and impressed. First and foremost, I didn't pay, so that made it great, but also means my review has nothing to do with the idea of how much it costs. Just know it costs money to go here, you have no excuses in regards to this now! (btw, they don't charge for water, unless you drink the bottled water and surprise, they charge you for that). So if you go, just enjoy the food, which I thought was incredible. Nothing I had was dry, and everything was wonderfully seasoned and tasted great. The buffett was definitley more than a salad bar, that is for sure as it was loaded with all kinds of foods, including meats like salami, salmon and others. A matter of fact, it really had very little leafy salad. My wife had just he buffett and loved it! \r \r As for me, I ate the meat. I read about the place being full of people, but I thought they meant on a weekend. I went on a Tuesday night at 8 pm and the place was packed! If you don't get a reservation, please save your whinning for some place else. There is no way you can give a negative review about waiting to eat, especially for a place that actually takes reservations in this day and age where no one wants to. With this knowledge that it is packed though, understand, it is a little difficult to talk at times and I would never consider this a romantic place because of this (although I am sure most dates would love to watch their man completely stuff his face with bloody red meat).\r \r I will let you decide what meat you like the most, since everyone has different opinions, but I love beef and I thought the cuts were absolutely wonderful. Add in the fact you are getting a sample of so many different cuts and not just one steak or cut, this is a great deal.\r \r All in all, the restaurant is great, the service is splendid and the food is wonderful.\r \r Pros: Variety of beef, Service, Portions, Taste Cons: Crowded, pricey (hey, it is a con, but shouldn't keep you away) more

Ok, this is a good restaurant and the meat is pretty good. The better churrascaria is definitely in the city on Montrose and the prices are a couple dollars less too. The side buffet here is not as good as to what I am accustomed to and the meat dryer and lacked as much flavor. The chicken was not good enough to finish more than one bite and the sausage just didn't do it for me. The ribs at Fogo however are incredible! I do like the fact that Fogo brings sweet cooked bananas to the table, major plus! I do recommend this place for a business lunch or dinner, but to me it's too much of a corporate suburban atmosphere to be romantic and I would not bring my sweetheart here. Pros: most of the meat Cons: sides selection, location more

I was invited to the restaurant by a friend. The place was very crowded, but we had reservations so it was good for us. After we were seated, we then went to the buffet style bar where there were all different kinds of veggies and some other foods like rice, black beans,cheese & etc...\r We went back to our table and shortly afterwards the meats started rolling to the table. There was chciken, sasuage, lambchops, rib eye, roast and many other kinds of meats I couldn't keep up with but, I must say I enjoyed this place. Pros: Crowded Cons: Meat lover paradise more

This night was a Wow-the-boyfriend-night! A random-I-love-you-so-much-moment. It's a must to make reservations and with it, there is very prompt seating. This night was my third visit and was a beautiful experience once again! If your body is sensitive to salt and heavily seasoned foods, stick with the salad buffet. The wine list is extensive and don't be shy to ask for a sample or two. Now, do expect to pay top price for everything and anything. Ahh, the beverages. The alcoholic beverages are strong, delicious and perfected to a T. Great job bartenders! The plates for dinner time is $42 per person and around $25 per person for lunch. The food is delightful!! My favorite part was recieving the honey fried banana as one of my starters automatically. I have a passion for such a dessert. :-) Please and say this for all to hear: DON'T EAT ANYTHING before you come to Fogo. There's to many items to taste. You don't want to miss out and also please allow yourself at least 2 hours. You'll need the breathing time. Now as far as service...You will never once have to tag down a server. Service is top notch! Years ago, I was a server and have an understanding of resturants and making people happy, so I know to tip well. 18%-20% preferred for the atmosphere. Gratuity is done with 5 or more people. If you're looking for an unforgettable, wonderful, outstanding experience, please give Fogo a whirl!! Pros: Experience, Amount of Food, DELICIOUS Cons: Can't take home leftovers!! :-) more

The bar is great while you wait for your table. Be careful of holidays...you could be seated near the buffet line, and that's hellish! People standing in line right next to your table. The food is consistently good, and always plentiful on the buffet and service to the table. The little cheese breads served at the table are so good, but don;t fill up on those...you need room for the other delights. This is definately a place you want to dine in for the experience. Great valet parking staff - quick and friendly. I liked it. Pros: great food - plenty of it Cons: Eating too much! more

If you love meat, well this is meat heaven! They have beef, chicken, lamb..whatever meat you can dream to eat. You HAVE to try ALL the meat that comes around your table. They have this red and green button for you to signal whether you want the meats to come around or not. And when they do, you can choose which ones you want to try. Yes, it is a bit pricey for usual dining..but once or twice a year won't hurt your pockets. The waiters are fantastic and so are the guys/girls who carry around the meat on those sticks. They even have a little salad bar for you to go to. Parking is by valet so you can just pull up, get out, and go dine. Pros: great variety of meats Cons: a bit pricey more

I have tried this place for both lunch and dinner, and I prefer lunch. The menu is the same for both just lunch is half the price. The food is excellent especially the chesse crusted pork. If you go for dinner try to sit close to the kitchen door. I know this is normally not where you want to be because it is loud and to many people walking by, but it is the best place to be here. The whole restaurant is pretty loud so the table placement doesn't matter. It does matter for the choice of meat. The guys always come and go from the same kitchen door so if you sit to far away from it you do not get a good chance to try all the meats. If you possibly have room for dessert the chocolate cake is wonderful. Pros: Great for business lunch Cons: Price more

I've heard a lot of hype for this place and had pretty high hopes. Generally, I wasn't disappointed with the meal. But for the price you pay, I wonder if it's worth it. The salad bar, and hot sides are very good here. At a first glance I'd say the wine list is extensive, but doesn't include enough options for those less willing to spend on the wine. Service is very good. The meat does not live up to the reputation. I'd say it was relatively dry, chewy, and salty compared to my expectations. I enjoyed it tremendously, but I expected it to be better. The atmosphere is very busy and loud, but you've got a nice crowd and a nice setting. There is another churasscaria place I'd visited before this one, and my friends all raved about how Fogo's meat is better. In my opinion Fogo has better service, does a better job at trimming the fat off the meat, and has the right idea by bringing out hot fried polenta as frequently as needed. The other option has better prices, more tender, juicy meat, and is more quiet. Pros: Many meats Cons: Pricey... doesn't deliver the satisfaction of a good steak house more