Family L.
Yelp
**DISCLAIMER**
I am a very distant family member of the Corduas who opened Churrascos. I feel it's necessary to clarify this as I won't be accused of bias when recounting my experience from Easter Sunday 2025. That's why I waited over two weeks to share my thoughts.
**HEARTBREAK**
"When your memories clash with reality."
Churrascos was once a culinary gem. In the 1990s, we dined there at least twice a month and maintained this tradition across all their establishments: Amazon Grill, Americas, and Churrascos. However, the original Chef lost the restaurant to their new partners, resulting in the closure of some locations, and with that change came a decline in food quality. While we continued our visits, it was clear that the food was no longer what it used to be. We tried to reserve judgment, as it wasn't awful--just vastly different. During COVID-19, they offered a family meal for four to go at a reasonable price. Although the to-go order was not the Churrascos steak, the puntas were still flavorful.
Easter Sunday seemed like the perfect opportunity to return in person and rekindle the joy of the delicious brunch buffets we once relished.
**THE HEARTBREAK**
- The buffet layout was poorly designed, forcing diners to endure long lines to access different sections.
- The chimichurri was bland, completely lacking the signature garlic kick we all anticipate.
- The ceviche was utterly tasteless, devoid of onions and peppers, and the lime juice was barely detectable.
- The dessert station offered the usual Tres Leches but had an off-putting flavor. And the crepe station? Disappointing--just one additional sauce option, like caramel, would have sufficed instead of solely Nutella.
- Overall, food quality was simply unacceptable, and the selections were replenished at a snail's pace. To make matters worse, cold items were not kept at a proper temperature.
You might think that a disappointing buffet experience couldn't possibly get worse, but Churrascos somehow managed to add insult to injury.
I know that gratuity is typically included for parties of six or more. Before handing over our credit card, we checked the receipt (you don't want to double tip), and gratuity was not included. To our surprise, it seemed Churrascos was being generous. However, it quickly became clear how mistaken I was.
The waiter arrived with the card machine and options for tipping or entering our own amount. It was provided in the machine.
(Remember, Easter Sunday is a brunch buffet, not a traditional full-service restaurant.)
I was satisfied with my water and tea refills and the waiter's effort in clearing dirty dishes, so I opted for a 15% tip. Moments later, the waiter returned with the machine, thundering," Parties of six or more are required to add an 18% gratuity." I was taken aback and embarrassed. I paid the extra tip but immediately sought out management to voice my concerns regarding our experience.
Unfortunately, the only response I received was a polite acknowledgment of my feedback--no apology or further acknowledgment of the disappointing service.
It is disheartening to witness how the new owners have diminished what was once an exceptional restaurant. I sincerely hope they take this feedback seriously and implement the necessary changes. The Churrascos we adored is no longer existing, and that's a significant loss.
