Churrascaria-which one is best?
Looking to take a five and an eight year old to Brazilian steakhouse. Which has the best food and is child friendly??? WE know Midwest Grill and I understand that Cafe Bello is closed. Would like a place that served alcohol also.
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re: Johnresa
WE had settled on the Old Station Steakhouse(turns out after much searching that that is the official name) but one DC read a horrible review of the place saying it was very dirty.
So we ended up at Midwest Grill. I haven't been there for a couple of years and was surprised that it was quite good. Many items on the buffet and all were fresh- the hot- bacon, chicken wings, french fries, rice beans etc. were hot and the cold (salad stuff) was cold. All quite tasty. The meats were also very good and there was a nice variety. The beef (pichana?) was especially good, although we had to ask a few times for them to bring it- they started with the cheaper stuff like chicken wrapped in bacon. The first round of caiparinhas were watered down and weak. We asked the waitress to tell the bartender that we wanted a real one- without any water- just cachasa and lime. The next round was better (according to the waitress the bartender wanted to know if we were Brazilian and she said yes- so we got the full strength drink). Desserts looked good but were not that great but who cares after all that meat! Service was excellent and the manager was very welcoming. We will try some of the other places when we are not having a celebration just to try them. BTW Midwest was full and lots of parties for 8-12 people.
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There is also Terra Brasilis in Quincy. I have never been, but heard decent things. Here is a review on Chowhound: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/156351.
Kristina Y.
www.thevitullos.blogspot.com -
itaunas
Apr 3, 2009 07:33 AM
There was an ad in the Brazilian newspaper this week confirming that Rodizio in East Somerville had changed hands (which explains some changes in their pricing/system and the buffet offerings). It seemed to say they might be offering alcoholic drinks now, but it could also be poor wording on their part. I can't find any Somerville licensing documents speaking of this, but haven't has as much luck recently with that. I don't think I will be able to check it out before the weekend, but it might be worth a phone call as otherwise it would be a good fit for you. They grill over charcoal and have a pretty decent selection including beef ribs (but not like when it opened), the rodizio there currently is $11.99, the buffet though is the basic 2 main dishes, starches, salad and so on. The previous owners were the same family that has a hand in Gauchao, Taco Loco, Tony's Foodland, Amigo Market, Maya Sol, Tapatio.... and the head is an evangelical minister so I believe they have not pursued liquor licenses as policy, but in general they haven't suffered for business in most of those without.
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itaunas
Apr 2, 2009 01:34 PM
Alcohol meaning beer/wine or hard liquor/caipirinhas also? What general area? BTW, as far as I know its only the Allston Cafe Belo which is closed. The Somerville (not as good), Everett (new), and they run the Station Depot in downtown Framingham.
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re: emilief
itaunas
Apr 2, 2009 03:13 PM
I guess its actually called the Old Station Depot and I have been meaning to check it out because of location, but have not actually been. Its pretty similar to a Cafe Belo, but some Americanized dishes, and I believe they do have a fixed price rodizio. The one caution about it is that they seem to be heavy into the teen nightclub thing on weekends, but I think the bar is well separated from restaurant although you would probably hear it. In downtown Framingham I am betting they grill using gas, but don't know for certain. They do have a full liquor license.
I have done well at Carro do Boi in Framingham, although its been close to 2 years since I have been back (it was my favorite in the area) and I believe its still open. Its country themed and a bit more ethnic, in particular the bar was often filled with guys watching soccer, but the attached dining room has high booths and some families. They also have a full liquor license and I never saw the grill, so dunno if charcoal or gas.
In Boston you need to go to East Boston which has Cabana Grill or Oliveira's, I think the former is a bit better and Oliveira's last I was in didn't have a liquor license, but you are probably better off in Metro West.
Cambridge is Midwest Grill, you know it.
Somerville has lots of good restaurants, but as far as I know only Cafe Belo has a liquor license. They revamped their service so maybe its improved, but I have had so many bad meals I skip it. You might consider going to Oasis, beer, wine and I think cordials. They used to be more a la carte and now are more churrasco (gas grill). I think Pampas in Malden (beer/wine/charcoal) is a bit better and family friendly (some good options in Everett, but they get pretty busy weekends). If you were ok without too much churrasco (they have mixed churrasco skewers & kabobs), you could add PB Restaurant just outside of Sullivan Square.
Best atmosphere and service probably Midwest, slightly more complete buffet included. Oasis is a bit more informal, but does have music weekends and much more affordable. Personally I would try either of Carro do Boi or Old Station, but can't give you a 100% req.
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re: itaunas
trufflehound
Apr 2, 2009 05:51 PM
I've eaten at the Old Station 3 times. The first time was a Thursday, not long after they opened. Meat was scarce, sausage the best. The next 2 times were Friday and Saturday nights, plenty of meat grilling but all in all it is just OK. I want to love it because it's convenient. It's $9.95 and you seem to get what you pay for. It is family freindly if you go before 9:30 or so.
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