Houston, Texas is a large and exciting city, filled with activities for any age and any interest. Plus, with its size, Houston definitely does not have a shortage of restaurants--not even a specialty cuisine, such as Brazilian fare. If looking for a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, visitors and locals will find that Houston has options.
Nelore Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse in Houston, has a rustic look with white linen topped tables. The decor is elegant but the atmosphere both casual and welcoming. The way Nelore works is that of a traditional Brazilian steakhouse--for a fixed price, there is an all-you-can-eat salad bar and unlimited portions of meat. At the salad bar in addition to salad fixings are cold appetizers, such as tabule and hot options, such as fried yucca. Gauchos come around with skewers of freshly grilled meat cuts so patrons can choose which sorts of meat and how much they would like. Choices include beef, pork, chicken and lamb. There is also a wine list meant to complement all the different meats. Reservations here are recommended and can be made over the phone or on the website.
Nelore Churrascaria
4112 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77006
713-395-1050
nelorechurrascaria.com
Fogo De Chão is an international chain of upscale Brazilian steakhouses. Open for lunch and dinner, this location in Houston has murals hanging on the walls, a 30-item salad bar and 15 different cuts of meat. The meat is prepared over an open fire pit and brought to the tables on skewers. The churrasco-styled meats include beef, pork, chicken, lamb and sausage. The prices for a meal are fixed but are cheaper for children under 10 or for those only indulging in the salad bar (which can be quite a filling vegetarian option). There is also a full bar, serving traditional Brazilian drinks like the caipirinha, and a dessert menu worth indulging in--try the papaya cream.
Fogo De Chão
8250 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77063
713-978-6500
fogodechao.com
If looking for a Brazilian meal differing from a Southern Brazil-style churrascaria, the Emporio Brazilian Cafe might be the destination. The menu here has appetizers, such as fried yucca and salgados--pastries filled with cheeses and meats. As for entrees, there are traditional Brazilian dishes, such as feijoada--a black bean and cured meat stew--Brazilian strogonoff and Bobo de Camarao--shrimp and vegetables sauteed in yucca, coconut milk and palm oil, all in very large portions. For vegetarians, there is a platter offering grilled vegetables, collard greens, yucca and rice. Emporio Brazilian Cafe also has a kids menu and offers take-out.
Emporio Brazilian Cafe
12288 Westheimer Drive #210A
Houston, TX 77077
281-293-7442
brazilian-cafe.com
