Fogo De Chao Orlando Offers New Bar Menu (Review With Photos)

Hi everyone!

One of our favorite restaurants in Orlando is Fogo de Chao, a Brazillian steakhouse which offers 16 different cuts of meat in the goucho way of preparing it. Lunch or dinner here is incredible! But for those looking for a lighter bite, Fogo De Chao now has a bar menu with a variety of delicious offerings.

Fogo de Chao invited us to try the new bar menu, and we did sample each item on the menu. Jeff also tried the new Chilean Sea Bass entree, which is great for those who don’t eat steak (or might want something different). Fogo de Chao is located on International Drive near the Orlando Convention Center, and is also close to where the Orlando Eye is being constructed.

Fogo de Chao, as of this writing, is ranked #7 on TripAdvisor of 3000 restaurants in the Orlando area. It is that good.

We arrived at restaurant opening, so it wasn’t crowded yet.

Lester was the bartender that night. He made us some wonderful drinks!

Our first drink was the Caipirinha, which is Brazil’s national cocktail. The drink includes silver cachaca, fresh limes and cane sugar. All of the drinks we tried were excellent.

Our meal began with Fogo de Chao’s delicious signature cheese bread. We have had these many times before as part of our meals in the dining room.

I first tried hearts of palm on the salad bar at Fogo de Chao. Here, it is part of the Warm Hearts of Palm and Spinach Dip small plate (9.00), and includes crispy bread.

I had no idea what to expect with the Polenta Fries ($7.00), which includes grated parmesan and malagueta aioli. They were like french fries, but thicker inside than most french fries I’ve had. I expect that this one is very popular!

I don’t eat seafood, but one of Jeff’s favorite items was this Grilled Spiced Shrimp Skewers with Passion Fruit Sauce ($14.00).

Lester showed us the house Cachaca, which is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. Fogo de Chao has it’s own, and it is used in many drinks.

Fogo de Chao also has it’s own Malbec.

This was my favorite item, the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers ($15.00). This is the plate that reminded me most of what Fogo de Chao serves tableside on skewers. I forgot to try the chimichurri salsa, but that might have been for the best – the meat here at Fogo de Chao speaks for itself. They salt the meat while cooking with coarse sea salt, which brings out the flavor.

This was my favorite drink, the Brazillian Martini. It includes VeeV Acai Spirit, mango puree, passion fruit juice, limes and a Brazilian guarana extract. The sugar on the rim was a pleasant surprise.

Lester made sure we enjoyed our drinks.

He brought out the Veev Acai Spirit to complement the photo of the Charcuterie Board ($14.00). I also tried the Superfruit Lemonade, another winner in the drink department. I especially liked picking out the fresh fruit (blueberries and strawberries) when I finished with the drink.

I had no idea what this starfish-looking item was, and it ended up being the first time I ever tried figs. I don’t know what took me so long, they were delightful. Assorted cheeses, prosciutto, salami and crostini round out the board.

Jeff tried and really enjoyed this Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail ($19.00) on ice.

When Fogo de Chao first opened, I learned a new word: picanha. When hot and sizzling, it is simply one of the most exquisite cuts of meat I’ve ever had. Filet Mignon is great, and I’m sure a much more expensive cut – but I will turn it down to have more picanha when in the dining room. As part of the bar menu, the Picanha Sirloin Sliders ($9.00) are on cheese bread.

The Chilean Sea Bass is a new dining room entree. It comes with the salad bar but not other meats. I know that a lot of guests prefer to dive into the meat and skip the salad bar, but the salad bar is truly a meal unto it’s own.

Jeff ended his meal with coffee, I with hot chocolate (yum!)

Actually, Jeff ended his meal with coffee and Brazilian beer. He asked about the different types that Fogo de Chao offered, and then tried the Xingu, which is a dark beer. I think he’ll be ordering it next time we visit!

I couldn’t finish the Mango Refresco – it was stronger than other drinks, and I had to drive home. I would definitely have it earlier in the evening.

Jeff finished the Xingu.

Thank you to Fogo de Chao for hosting us! My recommendation is this: the bar menu is great if you don’t have a big appetite (or have a wait and want to have an appetizer ahead of time). Everything we tried here was delicious. But if you can save room, 16 cuts of meat and a high quality salad bar await. There is no bad choice here, it’s like the Camry vs. Camry commercial – you can have Fogo or Fogo, two different experiences to choose from. No matter which your choice, head to Fogo de Chao. We have always had excellent food and service here, whether reviewing it or paying on our own. Lunch in the dining room is less expensive than dinner on most days, and Fogo de Chao participates in Magical Dining Month each September.

Current hours and dining room prices:

Lunch (Mon-Fri)
$31.50 | (Salad Bar Only – $22.50)
Mon-Thur 12:00-2:30
Friday 12:00-3:00

Lunch (Sunday)
$35.50 | (Salad Bar Only – $22.50)
Sunday 12:00-3:00

Dinner
$48.50 | (Salad Bar Only – $24.50)
Mon-Thur 5:00-10:00
Fri 5:30-10:30
Sat 5:00-10:30
Sun 5:30-9:30

Children 6 and under are complimentary. Children 7 to 12 are half price.  Any beverages, desserts, tax, and gratuity are additional. An 18% gratuity is added to all parties at lunch and parties of 6 or more at dinner.

Fogo de Chao is located at 8282 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819, and their phone number is (407) 370.0711.

Fogo de Chao invited us and paid for our meals. We paid a gratuity to our terrific bartender Lester. All views are ours.