Jenna K.
Yelp
Having had Fogo de Chão experiences twice in two different states, I had a certain expectations. This was the first time partaking in on a Sunday Brunch and the experience was mostly well as expected, though some areas of service was lacking.
RESERVATIONS is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as this particular location was quite booked. We did reserve it through their website, which was pretty simple, and they have access to that information on their end. Unfortunately we made our reservation two days in advance and didn't check the date correctly so it was for a Friday; however, they asked us to wait a few minutes, and we were able to still be seated quite promptly - which was appreciated!
The Sunday Brunch includes the wide selection of meat carvings (beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausage) and salad bar, which was pretty extensive. Upon being seated, we went to the salad bar to start on our pre-course meal. Meat servers promptly came around and offered us varieties of cuts - which were delicious! As long as you have your "meat coaster" on green, they will continue to come around and serve you their selections.
This was also for a birthday, so they gave my birthday guest a complimentary dessert (we went with a Dolce de Leche cake recommended by our server, and it was truly decadent!), presented beautifully on a hand written "Happy Birthday" charger plate and a candle, concluding our delicious brunch, with a lovely memory!
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LOCATION. The restaurant is in El Segundo, on the corner of Rosecrans Avenue and Apollo Street, opposite a 24 Hour Fitness.
PARKING. This location is right off of a busy Rosecrans Avenue where street parking is not available. They do offer valet service at a $12 flat fee, which is not the only option to park your vehicle; however, likely you will have to park your car a bit of a distance otherwise on Apollo Street or Nash Street. Be sure to tip your valet driver upon your exit!
SERVICE. The hostesses were really great accommodating to our reservation mishap, and it was promptly addressed! Also, we came in around 1:30 PM - and technically their brunch service ends at 2 PM, but we were told that there's no issue with us staying longer, though their dinner service will start at 2 PM.
PROS. Selection of meat carving and variety was great; however, we never saw any filet mignon come around which was disappointing. My guest especially enjoyed the lamb chops and I enjoyed selections of steaks that were medium well done. We enjoyed the Salad Bar of selections, fruits, and cheeses - as well as some hot Brunch choices.
CONS. Once we were seated and had our turnaround at the Salad Bar, we waited quite a while before we were served any water or any of side dishes, including the famous Pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). We actually had to flag down the passing by waiter because no one came to check in on us, which was surprising.
We went through three different servers, as the first server "disappeared" after providing us our drinks and the side dishes, but our third server Marilyn was fantastic - right on par with the service experience I expected from Fogo se Chão.
Also the Women's BATHROOM was flooded. The handicap stall had a well of water underneath, and it was not draining. They were aware of it we believe as we saw the yellow caution cones, but the waters were flowing into other stalls as well. I almost slipped while using the stall that was available - next the handicap one. I made this aware to the hostess of the possibility of a slip and fall. Surprisingly, she had no idea this was happening and promised to address it to the manager.
PRICE : The Sunday Brunch is $47.50 per person, including the Salad Bar. Drinks and Desserts are additional; however, the Birthday dessert was complimentary. Children 7-12 is 1/2 price and under 6 years of age is Free. [INTERESTING TIDBIT: They also make dietary 1/2 price adjustments for those who had gastric bypass surgery - you need to provide proof]