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Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
8.1
Located in a historic bank building, this Brazilian churrascaria offers continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats and an extensive Market Table perfect for business lunches. The Bar Fogo area features all-day happy hour ideal for informal meetings over Brazilian-inspired cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha, Filet Mignon, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Continuous tableside meat service with dry-aged lockers
Who should go: Teams celebrating wins with unlimited options
When to visit: Weekday lunch for faster service and business crowd
What to order: Full churrasco experience, pão de queijo, caipirinhas
Insider tip: Flip card to green only when ready for more meat
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in nearby structures $8-12, street parking challenging during lunch rush
Dress code: Business casual to business formal, suits common at lunch, smart casual acceptable for dinner
Noise level: Moderate to loud - large open dining room, conversation possible but requires slight elevation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturdays
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for business lunch rush (12-1:30pm), walk-in otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive Market Table with 40+ items including salads, imported cheeses, hearts of palm
Vegan options: Limited but doable - Market Table has roasted vegetables, salads (request no cheese), fresh fruit
Gluten-free options: Yes - all meats are gluten-free, Market Table clearly labeled, GF pão de queijo available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the all-you-can-eat format can feel overwhelming and the meat sweats aren't romantic. Bar Fogo with small plates is the move for early dating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches usually yes with short wait. Dinner walk-ins should head to Bar Fogo first - full menu available and you can add your name to the dining room list while having drinks.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids 7+ who aren't picky eaters. Kids under 6 eat free, 7-12 half price. The continuous service keeps them entertained but the formal atmosphere isn't ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Group celebrations where everyone has different meat preferences - unlike traditional steakhouses, everyone gets exactly what they want without sharing or compromising
Skip if: You want a quiet intimate dinner or have vegetarians in your party who'll feel left out of the main experience despite the Market Table options
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
8.0
This Brazilian churrascaria in a historic bank building features continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats carved by gaucho chefs. The theatrical dining experience includes an extensive Market Table and Feijoada Bar, creating an interactive date night adventure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha (Top Sirloin), Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: All-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco experience
Who should go: Adventurous meat lovers wanting variety
When to visit: Weekday lunch at $44 vs dinner at $67
What to order: Full churrasco experience, picanha, pão de queijo
Insider tip: Bar Fogo has all-day happy hour with $9 caipirinhas
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, self-park in adjacent structures $5-15, street parking scarce evenings
Dress code: Smart casual to business, jeans acceptable but lean dressy for date night
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can hold conversation at your table
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive Market Table with 40+ items, cheese bread, salads
Vegan options: Limited - Market Table has options but confirm dressings/preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - all meats are gluten-free, Market Table clearly labeled
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're adventurous eaters - interactive dining creates natural conversation, though the all-you-can-eat format might feel intense for some first dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, dinner risky - try Bar Fogo for walk-ins with full menu access and happy hour pricing
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids under 6 free, 7-12 half price, high chairs available, constant entertainment from gaucho meat service keeps them engaged
Best For
Better for: Theatrical dining experience and meat variety beats traditional steakhouses - 16+ cuts vs typical 5-6 options
Skip if: Want intimate quiet dinner or prefer ordering one perfect steak - try Mastro's or Ruth's Chris instead
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
This internationally-renowned Brazilian churrascaria occupies a striking historic bank building, featuring gaucho chefs who tableside-carve fire-roasted meats over an open flame. The full churrasco experience includes an elevated Market Table with imported cheeses and fresh salads, while the in-house dry-aged meat lockers and Bar Fogo's all-day happy hour add distinctive touches to the dining journey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha, Filet Mignon, Pão de Queijo
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Authentic Brazilian churrasco with 14+ meat cuts and in-house aging program
Who should go: Groups celebrating or meat enthusiasts wanting endless protein variety
When to visit: Weekday lunch for better value pricing or Bar Fogo anytime
What to order: Full churrasco experience, don't skip the Market Table and sides
Insider tip: Bar Fogo offers all-day happy hour with $5 beers and $9 cocktails
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Self-parking in adjacent structures $8-12, valet available $15. Street parking nearly impossible weekends. Colorado Blvd garage 2 blocks east is most reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual encouraged - collared shirts and nice jeans work, but you'll see suits at lunch. Skip athletic wear and flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderately loud - energetic atmosphere with meat cart activity. Can hold conversation but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6pm. Always book ahead for parties 4+.
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 min, but business lunch rush (12-1pm) can hit 30 min waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive Market Table with imported cheeses, hearts of palm, fresh salads. Can request sides-only option at reduced price.
Vegan options: Limited - Market Table has options but cross-contact likely. Better vegan choices elsewhere in Old Town.
Gluten-free options: Yes - most meats naturally GF, staff trained on options. Notify server for Market Table guidance and dedicated tongs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Depends on your date's style. Great if they're adventurous eaters who enjoy interactive dining, but the tableside service and continuous meat parade can feel overwhelming for conversation-focused first dates. Consider Bar Fogo section for more intimate, controlled experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: usually yes. Weekday dinner: 50/50 odds before 6pm. Weekend dinner: very unlikely. Bar Fogo area is first-come, first-served and easier for walk-ins wanting the full menu with less wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids 6 and under eat free, ages 7-12 get half-price. High chairs available, servers patient with picky eaters. Best for kids who'll try new foods; the parade of meat options keeps them engaged. Avoid if seeking quiet family dinner.
How does the pricing work? Fixed price per person ($60-70 dinner, $35-40 lunch) for unlimited churrasco plus Market Table. Drinks, desserts, and premium cuts extra. Bar Fogo offers à la carte options if full experience feels excessive.
How long does dinner take? Plan 90-120 minutes for full experience. Pace yourself - meat keeps coming until you flip your card to red. Can extend with dessert and drinks at Bar Fogo afterward.
What if I don't eat much meat? You'll overpay. The value proposition is endless protein. Market Table alone doesn't justify the fixed price. Better off at Bar Fogo for smaller portions or choosing different restaurant entirely.
Best For
Better for: Choose Fogo over other Pasadena steakhouses when: you want variety over single-cut perfection, dining with groups who love interactive experiences, seeking birthday celebration atmosphere, or wanting fixed-price predictability. The in-house aging program and 14+ cut selection beats most competitors' range.
Skip if: Skip Fogo if: you're seeking intimate date-night ambiance, prefer traditional steakhouse À la carte ordering, want quiet business dinner conversation, are vegetarian/vegan-focused, or prize single perfect steak over variety. The energy and constant service works against romantic or contemplative dining.