Meat-eaters love dining in Chicago, where the smell of sizzling steaks permeates the air. In the late 1990s Brazil introduced its famous churrascaria restaurants to the Chicago dining scene and locals learned the only thing better than a great steakhouse is a great all-you-can-eat steakhouse. Thank you, Brazil.
The Chicago branch of this restaurant chain occupies a prominent corner in the popular River North neighborhood, its famous blue tower visible long before the aroma of grilled meat hits the senses. Gaucho-costumed chefs serve 15 different roasted meats tableside. Take a full portion, or just a little taste--more is on the way. Choose from 30 cheeses, fruits, vegetables, rice, bread and more meat at the gourmet salad bar. Between courses, enjoy a cocktail, beer, wine or refreshing non-alcoholic soda. If possible, save room for dessert. Try the signature papaya cream, chocolate cake, key lime pie or turtle cheesecake.
Fogo de Chao Chicago
661 N. LaSalle Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60654
312-932-9330
fogodechao.com
Wine and whimsy are on the menu at Texas de Brazil, which features a two-story wine cellar. Begin at the salad bar. Select vegetables, cheeses, meats, fruits, rice, bread and even sushi. As costumed chefs roam the dining room carving flamed grilled meats, delight in the skills of the high-flying aerial wine artist who plucks bottles from an open two-story wine cellar. Try a Brazilian cocktail or wine as you choose from Texas-size servings of beef, lamb, pork and chicken. If you still have room for dessert you can choose from cakes, pies and flan served a la carte. A second, smaller restaurant is located in the Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, only 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Texas de Brazil
51 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-670-1006
texasdebrazil.com
Texas de Brazil
5 Woodfield Shopping Center
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-413-1600
texasdebrazil.com
No gauchos here. Chef/waiters wear traditional white smocks and toques as they patrol the dining room offering chunks of lamb, pork, chicken, beef, shrimp and lobster. Well-labeled salad bars offer seafood salads, roasted vegetables, cheeses and soups. Choose from 150 wines or enjoy a cocktail in the bar area or busy rooftop.
Brazzazz
539 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-595-9000
brazzaz.com/
Sit down and enjoy yourself at Al Primo Canto. Waiters bring an unlimited supply of meats and side dishes to tables. Although the restaurant's name is derived from a traditional Brazilian recipe of chicken marinated in wine, Al Primo Canto serves plenty of steak. The original location on Chicago's Northwest side was joined in 2010 by a second restaurant on the Near North side.
Al Primo Canto
5414 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60646
773-631-0100
http://alprimocanto.com
Al Primo Canto
749 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
312-280-9090
alprimocanto.com
