Experience a bit of the gaucho life with expertly grilled meats at Texas de Brazil.

If you've never eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse, you truly don't know what you're missing. It's easy to say that they go around with huge skewers of meat, just waiting to tempt you with all sorts of gourmet cuts, but until you've actually seen it, it's hard to imagine. Start with a Brazilian cocktail like their classic caipirinha and settle in for an incredible meal.

ADDRESS: 11750 Fair Oaks Suite K240 | Fairfax, VA
PHONE: (703) 352-4111
RESERVATIONS: Book online or call
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS: Half-priced caipirinhas | 4:30-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
PRIVATE DINING: 3 rooms available, call for availability

It's not all about the meat when you go to Texas de Brazil. Their beautiful salad bar has 50+ items including imported cheese, charcuterie, and a variety of housemade sauces and dressings. Your salad veggies share space with marinated artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, tender asparagus spears, and hearts of palm ... but don't forget the hot offerings on the side. The day we went, a rich lobster bisque was the soup of the day.

This is what you really wanted to see, though. Cooked in the churrasco tradition of slow-roasting over an open flame, a wide variety of specialties are simply seasoned with salt and served tableside. 

Courtesy of Texas de Brazil

We were treated to a lunchtime feast, and there were over a dozen roasted meats being served. My personal favorites were the rich, marbled beef rib, the house-special sirloin, and the lean flank steak. Everything from leg of lamb to snappy sausages and filet mignon are on offer, so don't be shy. You're given a little coaster to indicate your preferences – red means you're taking a break, and green lets the gauchos know to stop at your table. Each table is supplied with freshly baked cheese rolls (your newest addiction), mashed potatoes, and sweet roasted bananas as a palate cleanser.

As hard as it is, try and save room for dessert. We shared the chocolate mousse cake (rich and satisfying) and a passion fruit mousse (tart and refreshing). I would highly recommend both of these as a sweet finish to your meal. If you prefer to drink your dessert, they bring a tray of after-dinner liqueurs as well. 

All in all, you are guaranteed a wonderful dining experience at Texas de Brazil. They truly have the Brazilian steakhouse concept down to a science. The service is excellent, the food is divine, and the cocktails are delicious. Personally, this is usually one of my choices for my birthday dinner, and apparently, I'm not alone!

"To be honest, we're a family restaurant. People come for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations. Everyone has something that they love and we really enjoy seeing people have a good time." – Erick Flores, Manager

For more information, or to make a reservation, visit the Texas de Brazil website. They have locations all over the country!

**All of the photos in this article are by Sarina Petrocelly unless credited otherwise.

Are you a big Texas de Brazil fan? What's your favorite dish? Let us know in the comments!