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Samba BBQ
Master Critic Review
Samba BBQ
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Samba BBQ is a Brazilian rodizio-style steakhouse in the heart of Flushing, where passadores carve picanha, garlic steak, and other cuts tableside for a fixed price. Its focus on juicy grilled meats and a stocked salad bar makes it a practical option for families and small groups who want a steakhouse experience without upscale formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha Top Sirloin, Garlic Steak with Chimichurri, Rodizio All-You-Can-Eat Grill Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: All-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco with picanha and other steaks carved straight from the skewer.
Who should go: Groups and families craving a casual rodizio steak night
When to visit: Weekend dinners or early evening seatings for fresher rotation
What to order: Picanha, garlic steak with chimichurri, salad bar favorites
Insider tip: Pace yourself early on the rodizio and wait for repeat rounds of your favorite cuts rather than filling up on the first few passes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street and nearby side blocks can be tight after 6pm; municipal garages within a 5–7 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, tees, and relaxed outfits fit right in, though many groups dress up slightly for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak rodizio hours; you can hold a conversation, but expect steady chatter and the bustle of passadores moving through the room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — the salad bar offers vegetables, grains, and sides, but the main rodizio is meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — vegans will rely almost entirely on cold and hot bar items; not ideal for a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Possible — many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, and staff can point out safe salad bar selections, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works best for casual, fun dates where shared plates and constant tableside service feel playful. If you want a quieter or more intimate atmosphere, another spot may be better.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait during weekend evenings. Groups of 5+ should reserve to avoid long delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and kids who enjoy simple grilled meats do well here. High chairs and space for strollers are typically available, though weekends can feel crowded.
Best For
Better for: Great for affordable, all-you-can-eat steak nights where variety and volume matter more than fine-dining polish. Ideal for celebrations that don’t require a luxe setting.
Skip if: You want quiet, upscale steakhouse service, premium dry-aged cuts, or strong vegetarian/vegan choices; consider higher-end steakhouses or New American spots instead.