By Harrison Baxter

A fine dining restaurant in which they serve all-you-can eat steaks? “Every teenage boy’s dream,” says Jett Bristow (‘25). Texas de Brazil in Short Pump Town Center fits this description perfectly. The idea for this restaurant was derived from Southern Brazilian cowboys called gauchos. The gauchos would cook meats over an open fire, bringing the result to be carved right at the table as a show of skill and to be festive. The chain made its way to Richmond in 2006, with its tenth location and its first in Virginia. 

A large sword of top sirloin steak. Photo courtesy of Texas de Brazil.

I recently dined at the restaurant with my family, including my younger brother Stuart Baxter (‘27), and it has quickly become a household treat in the Baxter family. On the day we went, my brother and I decided it would be best not to eat lunch, or anything else that afternoon, in preparation for our dinnertime feast. As we were seated, our waiter explained the system of the restaurant. My parents and older sister went off to the salad bar, which also featured hot items such as lobster bisque. My brother and I stayed at the table, where the waiter explained that the small paper circles next to our plates signaled that we were either ready for more (noted by the green side) or not ready to be served more food (noted by the red side). If the meats served do not intrigue you, the salad bar and hot food section of the menu has high quality and delicious alternatives, along with side dishes you can order, such as potatoes au gratin and jasmine rice. 

As we turned over our cards to the green side, we were greeted by traveling waiters carrying large swords stacked with meat, which are approximately three feet long. The meats ranged from top sirloin to filet mignon, with delicious alternatives such as parmesan chicken and Brazilian sausage mixed in. While dining, customers can also request different doneness levels for the meat, ranging from medium rare to well done. “The spicy sirloin is definitely my favorite, and the waiters usually let you have as much of it as you want, rather than only letting you take a certain amount at a time,” says Jack Dooley (‘25), a Texas de Brazil regular. Personally, the garlic filet was my favorite, with the tenderness matched with the flavored seasoning that left me and my family constantly asking our waiter that the dish be brought back to our table, which is another neat feature of the dining experience 

Cards on the table to indicate whether you want service. Photo credit: Trip Advisor user Ladope.

The atmosphere felt somewhat chaotic, with the waiters racing around the restaurant carrying large swords, but also the restaurant is well-suited for family meals. The glass windows to see into the kitchen fascinated me, as you can vividly see the meats being slow-roasted over an open flame, providing an awesome display for the middle of the dining area. Although the fires were right in the middle of the restaurant, the heat did not fill up the rest, and it was surprisingly cool in the dining area. On the table, there are also sides that come automatically, such as garlic mashed potatoes, french fries, and even fried bananas, which were especially delicious and something I had never had before. . 

At the end of the meal, my brother and I found room for the rich chocolate mousse cake. He said it was the highlight of his meal, and my dad agreed, with his choice of the Key lime pie. Overall, the meal came out to around $50 a person, which was well worth the experience of the restaurant and the delicious food. The restaurant is a favorite of my family and always the first place we turn to on special occasions. 

Featured image courtesy of Texas de Brazil.