Review of Leblon Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in Greensboro, NC

Leblon is an upscale churrascaria-style steak house located at 4512 West Market Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. When I first dined at Leblon I was only told that it was a "Brazilian steak house" and not being familiar with that trend in dining, had no idea of what to expect. One major thing that sets apart a churrascaria steak house from a traditional steak house is the Rodizio-style waiter service, where meat is brought to your table on skewers by a gaucho and served until you can't eat anymore, so if you're going to Leblon make sure you're hungry. There's a reason why my friends and I refer to a trip to Leblon as "Meat Festivus."

Currently this Leblon's location is advertising the Rodizio for $27.95, which includes all the meats plus a salad bar. Leblon's salad bar is far more than the traditional salad bar. There are a variety of soups, cold prepared salads, baked eggplant, hearts of palm, cold sliced meats, vegetables, artichoke hearts, and other items from which to choose. You're given a card when you are first served: one side of the card is red and the other green. The procedure is that you turn your card to the "green" side to let the gauchos know that you're ready for meat to be presented. Then it's rapid-fire meat assault (in a good way) until you flip your card to the "red" side. You can always turn it back to "green" if you didn't get enough, so pace yourself. Some of the meats carved at your table are pork ribs, turkey breast with bacon, beef tenderloin with bacon, rump roast, various styles of sirloins, pork loin, leg of lamb, pork sausage, and chicken. While I sampled most of the meats served, I didn't have any lamb so I can't comment on that. Everything else tasted great, particularly the filet (beef tenderloin with bacon.) Each table also receives polenta, cheese bread, fried bananas, and Bourbon sweet mashed potatoes.

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and desserts are extra. There are different rates for the salad bar only and discounted prices for children. Even though you can eat to your heart's desire, over $30 for a meal is a little steep. That's why "Meat Festivus" is reserved for special occasions.

I would rate Leblon four out of five stars, with the only downside being the price. The quality of the food at Leblon's is excellent and the service fantastic. The interior of the restaurant was clean and because we made reservations there was no wait. I highly recommend that you try out the churrascaria experience at least once in your lifetime!