Restaurant Review: Fogo De Chao

I know many people have either been to or heard about fogo de chao before, but if there is anyone out there that wants more information about the place, then here you go!

My boyfriend's birthday was this past Wednesday  and I struggled to pick a place to eat. I went with the "oldie but goodie" approach since he's already been to the restaurant before and loved it so I figured it would be good to try it again (I've never been). Your first time can be a little overwhelming because there are so many steps to follow and it's helpful to have someone with you who's been before.

You first start with the salad bar. This isn't your country buffet salad bar....you will find all different types of vegetables, cheeses, and deli meats. Definitely try the apple salad! But be selective because if you fill up on this first course then you won't have much room for anything else. Once you are done, then the fun begins. You have a little card with a red side (no more food) and a green side (bring on the meat!).

When you're ready, you flip the card to the green side and all these servers with big stakes of meat come by asking if you'd like a piece. You can say "no thanks" if you don't want what they bring and wait for the next server to come by. The bacon-wrapped filet mignon, top sirloin, and pork sausages are all pretty good! The great thing is you get to try everything and see what you like the most. They'll also bring you three sides: fried plantains, crispy polenta, and mashed potatoes. And you also get cheesy biscuits. The key is to not fill up on the sides either...but they are pretty incredible. The managers are also very friendly; one came up to us and asked if we were looking for a specific meat that hadn't been by in a while.

Overall, it's a great experience and fun for a date or a group. We got there on the early side so it was a bit quiet but by 7:00 PM the place was packed. If the $51.50 per person price is too high for you, then try it out for lunch. It's the same food but for only $34.50. You'll just start your day in a meat coma. Definitely a pricier restaurant in the District but it's perfect for a special occasion.

The menu is here.

Address: 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004 (They have locations all over the country though.)