Disclaimer: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse (which literally translates to “ground fire”) is a chain restaurant and though we like to highlight locally-owned establishments here, there’s an exception to every rule. When a restaurant is so good, so unique, and garners so many positive reviews from the local community, you have to stand up, take note, and give credit where credit’s due. Fogo de Chão does just that and wholly deserves recognition for it!
At its heart, Fogo de Chão is a family business, started by two brothers who grew up on a Southern Brazilian farm. Their first restaurant opened in 1979, but it wasn’t until 1997 that the company made its way to the states where it quickly expanded. Portland is the only city in Oregon to have a Fogo de Chão and it’s made quite a splash (seriously, it has over 11,000 positive reviews online!) since its opening almost exactly 10 years ago in May of 2014.
Located in downtown Portland about a block from Pioneer Courthouse Square, Fogo de Chão is a traditional churrasco-style restaurant where you can indulge in the highest-quality, grilled meats and sides. Plus, you’ll experience exceptional service all while dining in one of the classiest and fanciest dining rooms in town.
This is definitely “fine” dining and the price tag bears this out (frugal shopper tip: Costco sells two $50 gift cards for the restaurant for $79.99). Maybe this is the kind of thing you’re able to do on a regular night out, but for most of us this type of restaurant is reserved for anniversaries, birthdays, or other celebrations befitting such a lavish environment and over-the-top meal.
That said, the most popular menu item is their all-you-can-eat option called the “Churrasco Experience” that includes their fully loaded salad bar called the “Market Table & Feijoada Bar.” For the sheer quantity and quality of food you get, this is a great deal but you need to come hungry! You’ll be visited repeatedly throughout your stay by staff offering slices from 14 different cuts of meat that have been fire-roasted in the churrasco tradition including Filet Mignon, Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), Linguica (spicy pork sausage), and Medalhōes com Bacon (bacon-wrapped chicken and steak). They do have many vegetarian options, but let’s face it—this place is for meat lovers!
You can also count on great cocktails (at surprisingly decent prices) like the “Yellowbird” made with Casamigos Blanco, passion fruit, pineapple, Cointreau, and La Marca Prosecco, or “Jorge’s Sour” made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Licor 43, Silver Cachaça, lemon, honey elixir, and Jorjão Malbec. They also offer weekday lunch and weekend brunch, and out-of-this-world desserts like Key Lime Pie, Açai Cheesecake, or Papaya Cream made with fresh papaya blended with vanilla ice cream then topped with crème de cassis and canella pastry crisp.
Some reviewers have rightfully commented that getting a table here can be difficult, so reservations are highly recommended. Even if you do have a reservation, you may be asked to wait, but this is to be expected with the slow-dining experience Fogo de Chão is all about—no one feels rushed to give up their table and neither should you. This is the perfect restaurant to take your time, and indulge on a special night with friends and family.
Hours:
- Dinner:
- Monday - Tuesday, 2:15pm - 9:30pm
- Wednesday - Friday, 2:15pm - 10:00pm
- Saturday, 2:00pm - 10:00pm
- Sunday, 2:00pm - 9:00pm
- Lunch: Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 2:00pm
- Brunch: Saturday - Sunday, 11:30am - 2:00pm
Address: 930 SW 6th Ave, Portland
Phone: 503-241-0900
