John Kruse
Google
***** Here’s What You Need to Know *****
From an American Tourist
* The entrance isn’t as well-marked as for the seafood restaurant to the right. There is an elevator on the left side and stairs further left.
* You get a plastic card when you come in, one for each person. You will need it to exit.
* You’re probably the only #Americans in the place.
* On a Friday afternoon, it was empty at 12:00 and packed by 1:00.
* Dramatic, high ceilings, you stay cool even on a hot day.
* The place has a purposeful NE Brazil vibe. Think their cowboy country around Minas Gerais.
* A real mixed clientele, suits at one table, tank tops and flip flops at another.
* You pick a table AFTER getting your food.
* You take a plate and go down either side of two very long cafeteria-style rows. I couldn’t figure out if they are one way or not.
* There are small English translations of the Portuguese descriptions of the food items. “carne de sol” is “sun-dried beef.” Think shoe leather. However, you’re bound to find options you like.
* Your plate is weighed and you are charged by the #kilo no matter if it’s #picanha or beans.
* There are gaucho-themed servers who will take your drink orders at your table using the four-digit number on your card. Yes, they have Diet Coke.
* You pay by tapping your cards on machines on the wall on the way out. Then you drop your cards in the slots at the exit turnstiles.
* 2 of us got out for ~ $30 which included a #mojito and dessert.
* I’m dead serious, you can nap in a hammock on your way out.
* I’m glad we tried it. Nothing like it in the States. Not sure if I go back. Maybe try the seafood place next time.