Review of Rio Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in Raleigh, NC

I had dinner at the most wonderful restaurant the other night and just had to share the experience. Be forewarned, this is a meat lover's dream but not the place to go if you are not a serious carnivore.

Rio Churrascaria has two locations in the Triangle area of North Carolina, one in Raleigh and one in Cary.

Addresses:

9650-145 Strickland Road

Raleigh, NC 27615

919-846-6560 (p)

919-534-0285 (f)

107 Edinburgh Drive South

Cary, NC 27511

919-463-0410

www.riosteakhouse.com

Cost of Buffet: $25 + tax and gratuity, not including drinks and dessert

Rio Churrascaria is a Brazilian Steakhouse. When I first heard this term, I had no idea it was such a phenomenon, but apparently they are quite popular.

Basically, a Brazilian Steakhouse is a buffet of all the meat you can eat. Every variety of beef, chicken, and pork is brought to the table on a skewer, one at a time, and the waiters do not stop coming until you tell them to.

Our servers started out with filet wrapped in bacon, with chicken wrapped in bacon following right after. From there it was a festival fit for a king of the most delicious meats I have ever tasted. My favorite was the garlic beef and the pork spareribs, but truthfully everything was wonderful! The meat was all tender, flavorful and substantial. There was so much that although we never had more than a piece or two on our plate at a time, there was always more than enough.

In addition to the array of meat that was paraded about, there is a large and plentiful salad bar that had several different types of Mediterranean and American salads, seafoods, and cheeses. There was peel and eat shrimp, fresh tomato and mozzarella, bread, cubed cheese, and a multitude of vegetables. And, speaking of bread and cheese, instead of a bread basket, the tables all have a basket of what to me can only be described as melted cheese balls which were absolutely heavenly!

The décor of Rio Churrascaria is inviting and warm. The dining room is large and open with a smaller section of tables by the salad bar area and a long bar that extends almost the entire length of the restaurant. Tables are done in white table cloths, and the place definitely has an upscale feel. The prices are reasonable for what is offered; $25 for the buffet not including drinks and dessert. It may seem a bit pricey at first thought but for the amount of food and service that is offered, the price is well worth it.

Speaking of the service, everyone we encountered during our meal was very accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable. We never had to wait for anything, including drink refills, which came complimentary and were as frequent as the food. My soda was filled probably three times without me asking and without an additional charge.

The only two things I did not experience were dessert and the restrooms. I was so stuffed after the wonderful meal, I could not think of putting another bite in to my mouth, although I would loved to have tried the mousse or the mango cheesecake. As for the facilities, if you have to go, you have to go, but if you don't, well then...you don't. I'm sure it was up so the standards of the rest of the restaurant, though.

As I said, Rio Churrascaria is not the place for someone who does not love meat. But, if you do appreciate high quality, savory meats in all varieties, you will not want to miss out on this fantastic dining experience.