Just in time to take advantage of carnivorous holiday revelers, Southern Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão is set to open its doors at 201 Third St. (at Howard) on Dec. 23rd. (You may remember the location as a long-running Chevy's outpost.)
The churrascaria—founded in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a focus on roasting spears of meat on an open fire—will join 39 other locations in the United States (including one in San Jose) and Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil.
"San Francisco is very much reminiscent of our hometown in São Paulo boasting some of the world’s best restaurants, hotels and historic landmarks,” said CEO Larry Johnson in a press release issued yesterday. “We’re excited to be a part of this iconic city, and are looking forward to sharing our culture and the gaucho traditions of Southern Brazil with new guests in the Bay Area.”
Like its sister restaurants, the dinner menu at Fogo San Francisco will feature a variety of fire-roasted cuts of meat and seafood, a buffet packed with salads, veggies, soup, and feijoada—a traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yucca flour. An extensive wine list, cocktail program and indulgent desserts will round out the menu.
Given its close proximity to Financial District office towers and Moscone Center business travelers, it's no surprise that the San Francisco location will be one of the chain's first to offer a quicker and more casual dining experience at lunch and its happy hour bar. From 11am-2pm Sundays through Fridays, the lunch menu will cater to diners on the clock, while the bar will offer shareable small plates and drink specials from 4:30-6:30pm Mondays through Fridays.
Dinner hours will vary: 5-10pm Mondays through Thursdays; 5-10:30pm Fridays; 4-10:30pm Saturdays; and 3-9pm Sundays.
As for the space, expect a warm environment with nods toward traditional farm culture in Southern Brazil, with touches like lasso light fixtures, woven ropes adorning one wall and a nine-foot sculpture of the Brazilian statue O’Laçador greeting patrons at the door.
