The Fogo de Chão on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a highly-regarded Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) that brings the authentic culinary tradition of Southern Brazil to a modern, upscale setting.
Unique Features
The Fort Lauderdale location, situated in The Main Las Olas mixed-use development, offers several unique elements:
- Open-Air Churrasco Bar: Guests can dine near and watch the “gaucho” chefs—professionally trained Brazilian chefs—butcher, prepare, and grill various cuts of meat over an open flame, showcasing the culinary art of churrasco.
- Expansive Outdoor Patio: The restaurant features a large, covered outdoor patio, allowing for al fresco churrasco dining, which merges the vibrant Brazilian culture with the laid-back South Florida atmosphere.
- Butcher Shop Storefront: This location includes a butcher shop where guests can purchase premium, ready-to-grill cuts like Picanha (top sirloin), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), Ribeyes, and Filet Mignon to take home.
- Dry-Aged Meat Lockers: The restaurant has a dry-aged meat cabinet for in-house aging, offering premium cuts that are renowned for intensified flavor and enhanced tenderness (aged 22-42 days).
- Architectural Design: The venue features modern design aesthetics, including floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring wine displays, and rich furnishings that pay homage to its Brazilian roots.
History of the Location
The Fogo de Chão brand itself has a rich history, founded in Southern Brazil in 1979 by two brothers who grew up on a traditional farm. They elevated the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco—roasting high-quality, simply-seasoned meats over an open flame—into a cultural dining experience. The brand expanded to the U.S. in Dallas, Texas, and has since grown globally.
The Fort Lauderdale Las Olas location is one of Fogo’s more recent expansions in South Florida:
- Announcement: Fogo de Chão announced in August 2021 that it would open its fifth Florida location on the corner of Las Olas Boulevard and Southeast Third Avenue in The Main Las Olas.
- Grand Opening: The restaurant officially opened its doors on August 19, 2022. The exclusive kickoff dinner and ribbon-cutting ceremony, held the night before, featured local dignitaries including Broward Mayor Michael Udine and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, along with Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan.
Highlight Menu Items
Fogo de Chão is famous for its Full Churrasco Experience, a continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats carved by the gaucho chefs. Highlight menu items include:
- Signature Cuts:
- Picanha: The prime cut of the top sirloin, considered Fogo’s signature specialty.
- Fraldinha: Bottom sirloin with strong marbling for a robust flavor.
- Cordeiro (Lamb Picanha) & Lamb Chops.
- Premium cuts like Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and Wagyu New York Strip (often available as enhancements or separate offerings).
- Market Table & Feijoada Bar: An extensive and customizable selection of seasonal salads, exotic vegetables, imported charcuterie, cheeses, and traditional Brazilian dishes like the Feijoada (traditional black bean stew with sausage).
- Brazilian Sides: Traditional sides served throughout the meal, such as Warm Pão de Queijo (cheesy yuca bread), Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Caramelized Bananas.
- Seafood and Enhancements: Offerings like Whole Branzino (blistered churrasco-style) and the Seafood Tower (with lobster tails and snow crab legs) are available as enhancements.
Customer Feedback
While specific, aggregated customer feedback data (like a rating average) requires reviewing current public review platforms, the overall model of Fogo de Chão typically draws praise for:
- Service: The attentive and authentic tableside service by the gaucho chefs.
- Atmosphere: The vibrant, luxurious, and spacious dining environment, particularly the lively Bar Fogo area and the outdoor patio.
- Value and Variety: The unlimited churrasco and the extensive Market Table often appeal to diners looking for a comprehensive, experiential meal with high-quality ingredients.
- Customization: The ability to cater to various dietary preferences (pescatarian, keto, gluten-free, vegetarian) with its diverse offerings is frequently noted as a positive.
Significant Events
The most significant events associated with the Las Olas location are its announcement and its Grand Opening ceremony:
- August 2021: Signing of the lease agreement, marking the commitment to the Fort Lauderdale market.
- August 18, 2022: A private Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with city officials.
- August 19, 2022: The official public opening. During the first week of opening, the restaurant made a commitment to donate a portion of its sales to Feeding South Florida, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger.
Location and Contact Information
Fogo de Chão maintains a brand-wide presence on major social media platforms, which can be found via the main company website:
- General Company Website: https://fogodechao.com
- Social Media: Links to Facebook, Instagram, and other channels are typically available on the main company website or by searching for “Fogo de Chão” on those platforms.
