Escape to Brazil but stay in New York

When I visited Rio last year I ate at a churrascaria chain called Porcao. I was so excited when they opened a location in New York on Park Avenue. This carnivores dream is not just about the food as the atmosphere and service also set it apart. I have dined at dinner several times and on this occasion stopped by to make sure that the service was similar at lunch. We were welcomed and seated in the airy dining area and offered the option of the Executive Lunch which consists of selecting a specific meat (salmon, chicken or beef) and the buffet or to have the Rodizio. Of course we went with the Rodizio!

What is the Rodizio you ask? Tender cuts of meat, poultry, seafood, pork, and lamb are served on skewers to your table. This continues throughout your meal with different choices and cuts of meat such as skirt steak, turkey wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, and sirloin offered. You are given a small coaster that you turn to let the waiters with the skewers know if you are still being served. Green means “Keep it Coming”. Red indicates “I am too full or don’t want anything for now”

Porcao also has a buffet of salads, traditional brazillian dishes, bread and even sushi to compliment the Rodizio. Come prepared to eat a lot of great food. If you save room after the main course feel free to enjoy desserts of fruit tarts, sorbets, and cakes. They also have great drinks including mojitos and the traditional caipirinha!

The best thing about dining at Porcao is the service. Take a visit to the buffet and you will return to the table to find your napkin neatly folded by the staff. You never sit too long before you are served and all the staff is very friendly and helpful. The service is so timely that I joked to my friend that it was like being served by ninjas. Just when you thought,”I really would like to try something new” here comes another waiter with a different choice of meat.

Porcao is perfect for large or small groups and special occasion meals such as birthdays, bachelorette parties or rehearsal dinners or anniversaries. They will make sure that everyone in your group is taken care of.

Hint: Take advantage of the lunch Rodizio as you will save money ($10-15) and you will be full for the rest of the day. The service and food is the same and it tends to be less crowded. Perfect if you are going to eat now and then catch a show later. You can nap after the meal and only need to eat something light in the evening.

Porcao New York is located at 360 Park Avenue South at 26th and Park Avenue. There is also a Porcao in Miami and throughout Rio De Janeiro.

212-252-7080

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