645 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN | Directions 55403
44.978201 -93.274252 View WebsiteView More
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Great Customer Service, the wait staff excellent, especially the server from Mexico.. My first experience and I thought it was great. The meats were excellent however to be honest the side dishes could come up as far as taste otherwise great experience and well worth the monies.
best churrascaria, good price for great service.
We were on vacation inn Minneapolis and decided to go to Fogo de Chao near the corner of Hennepin and seventh. The restaurant is centrally located in the midst of activity near Target Center and so street parking is non existent but there's lots of parking structures and lots around.
We have been to many churrascarias but this one is the best of all. We found the service to be excellent with many cuts of meat (variety of 15) but also the waiter/waitress service was very attentive. So, there is a salad bar included and my faves are the hearts of palm, artichoke hearts and dried tomatos...items not usually available at standard salad bars. Hot dishes brought to each table consist of warm cheese biscuits, very unique, fried polenta and mashed potatoes and fried bananas. When the meat is sliced you can have a choice of rare or well done slices and of course, as much as you please. I liked the filet mignon, but honestly there was nothing I didn't like. One item not tried was the leg of lamb but I can say it looked fantastic. The place was crowded for a lunch, but I would suggest better to go when it's crowded than empty because the food turns over faster. Everyone I saw was having a great time. Also to note, the bathrooms were clean and on the way out there were beautiful chocolates along with my standard matchbook souvenir.
This is not just dinner it's an Experience. Not a good place for Vegitarians or light appities..
We went last Sunday. Although the place was packed we were seated immediately. The servers pulling out our chars. Even for my husband, which confused him for a moment. The server arrived at out table and explained how the experience worked. My husband and daughter went to the salad bar, and I reviewed the wine list. The amazing bread was delivered. I ordered the wine off the extensive and well priced list. Explained when I wanted it to arrive, and joined them at the salad bar. The selections are described by others we loved it.
By the time I arrived to my table, less than 3 min. The wine glasses were placed. My chair was pulled out again, as it was each time we got up. Seconds after my husband put down his flatware his plate was whisked away, and replaced. He did not even see it happen. The same happened for my daughter and I, but we were watching( having laughed at him). The side dishes were placed, The the main event began. Our waiter appeared with the wine I had ordered to go with the meat. He decanted it, and poured for us. We flipped our coasters over and the service began. I can not possibly describe all of the 15 selections, except to say the bacon wrapped meat was dry, but everything else was well seasoned and amazing. The lamb especially. One of the servers learned I like rare lamb and when ever he had some came to me to see if I wanted more( even when I had a red coaster.) Our plates were replaced many times so many I felt for the dishwashers. We were there form 5:30 to 8:30 and felt as if we were welcome to stay all night. We will be going back.
Friday night experience.
This place failed my expectations for good food and service considering the price you pay for dinner. Sure, the ambiance is nice, feels cozy at first and relaxing but after a while, you'll notice the noise that makes conversation difficult. They have good selection of salad/appetizers at the bar but it takes too long to wait to get served a very thin slices of meat. Ive tried all their meats and i could say all of them taste bland to me.
Bottom line is = Not worth the $50++/person for dinner
Beautiful and delicious.
Fogo de Chao is definitely on my list of top 10 places to eat. We had our reservation for about a month, for a Saturday at 7pm.
My impression of the outside of the place on Hennepin and 7th are "Vegas" it reminds me of soemthing off the strrp. Kind of big, and almost gaudy. The doors to the main entrance are beautiful, we walked in, it was fairly busy, we checked in, coat check was offered and accepted, and I walked into the small, and crowded bar area. My husband went up and orded us a drink. And I took a seat. I was there for less than 5 seconds, before a large basket of the-best-bread-I've-ever-had was placed at our table. About 5 minutes passed and my husband returned. After chatted for a couple minutes, our pager went off. We turned it in, and were brought to our table. The front end staff were VERY courteous. The woman carried my drink, and pulled out my chair for me - very classy.
Once we got situated we were met by one of the many hardworking wait staff. He asked us if we'd like water, and offered a selection. Within minutes we had water, and went to the salad bar. The salad bar offers things that you don't find at other salad bars (much nicer than any casino buffet, and I've been to the Paris, and Rio) It's small. But you have things like: endive, picked veggies, fresh veggies, artichoke hearts, mayo salads made with fresh, top quality ingredients, fresh mozzarella, and an assortment of italian meats, cheeses and breads.
As soon as our salad was finished we were brought clean plates, we flipped our coasters over, and were greeted with an array of meats. Everything I tried, I enjoyed. My favorites being the sausage. chicken breast, bottom sirloin, pork, and filet. The filet was the best I've ever had. (and yes I've been to places like Kincaid's, The Steakhouse in Vegas, Capitol Grill, etc) We were approached quite a few times, and asked if we were happy, if we needed anything, how the food was, etc.
It was a very nice experience. I will return
Overpriced except for the largest appetites.
We visited Fogo de Chao on a Friday night. Our table for two bordered a walking path for the servers. Because of the crowded space, my boyfriend was continuously bumped in the back.
The food: The salad bar offered just barely above average options, comparable to a casino. Our side dishes (mashed potatoes, plantain fries, and fried bananas) appeared and tasted processed. The cuts of meat varied in quality. The bacon-wrapped chicken and filet were both dry. Only the picanha was well-seasoned and delicious.
The service: Very attentive but a little disingeniune. Our server offered a clean plate and then seemed annoyed when we accepted it. We felt rushed in and out. Our total dining time was 50 minutes.
The ambience: Loud and crowded. Also, because it is special occasion dining, you get to hear "Happy Birthday" every ten minutes.
The value: Our bill was $140 for two meals, a glass of wine (recommended by the server - the priciest glass on the menu), and a tip. Save your money and go to Oceanaire, Murray's, Mission, etc. for better food and a better experience.
Overall, the local Fogo de Chao can't compete with some of the other local offerings.
Too loud and Poor Food.
We went on a Saturday night and the only thing I can say is: if you want the feel of going to a busy buffet, then go here. The line for the salad bar was over 20 people long, so you waited and moved a foot, waited and moved a foot and hey, now I can grab my plate and wait. After the only ok salad bar, the rest of the night just got worse. The meat wasn't that great or abundant - my plate sat empty 75% of the time. It's hard to have a conversation since it's so loud and there is a lot of activity around you. I'd prefer actually being served a variety of meats instead of waiting and flagging down anyone walking down with some type of meat.
I'm glad we tried it but will not go back.
Fun and Different. A group of friends and I tried Fogo for the first time this past week. We were happy that not only were they pleasant about us being walk-ins, but not upset that it was shortly before their closing time. The salad bar was excellent and offered a great variety. We tried all the types of meat and enjoyed that most were almost perfect temps. We will certainly be back and bring more friends. It was all very interactive!
Not so much for your buck.
The ambience and atmosphere of the place is great, great decor and the staff service, uniforms and attitude is excellent. the best I have found here. The salad bar is very good, the preparation and taste of the food is great too but....
the tables are very crowded to my test and feels like the people next to you is actually in your table so if you are looking for romantic, calm and relax go somewhere else.
They didn't bring to the table all the items listed on the menu even after asking for it.
The quality of the beef isn't the best either and for the prices I paid at Fogo I prefer to go to restaurants like Capitol grill, Mannys, Kincaid's or Murrays any day.
One of those places that I go once to try it out but doubt I go back.
Variety of Meat, along with the Great Service. If you love meat, you'll love this place. The service is great, the food is great. The only problem that may occur is waiting for your table even when it was reserved ahead of time. The place is nice, but it's not recommended if you intend to go there for a romantic date. Overall, it's a great place and the money is well worth it.
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