Fogo de Chão

The story

Fogo de Chão Pasadena: Brazilian Churrasco with Wine Spectator Acclaim

The Tradition of Churrasco

Fogo de Chão brings the culinary art of churrasco to Pasadena. The story begins in the mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where the founding brothers grew up on a farm and learned the gaucho grilling tradition. After formal training in Rio and São Paulo, they opened their first restaurant in Porto Alegre in 1979. The concept spread to São Paulo, then to the United States with a debut in Dallas, and has since grown into a global presence. Every location, including this one on Colorado Boulevard, honors that heritage by slow-roasting meats over open flames, just as the founders did.

The Pasadena Experience

At the Pasadena restaurant, guests are welcomed into a warm, energetic space where gauchos circulate with skewers of fire-roasted cuts. The experience is built around the full churrasco: a continuous rotation of seasoned meats carved tableside—from Picanha (prime top sirloin) to Fraldinha (bottom sirloin) and lamb chops. Alongside the meats, the Market Table offers a fresh, vibrant spread of salads, vegetables, and Brazilian sides. For those who want to mix it up, Bar Fogo serves Brazilian-inspired small plates and cocktails. The restaurant also accommodates private dining and group events, with a private room and catering options.

Award-Winning Wines

Fogo de Chão’s wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023, a testament to its carefully selected list. The Founders Tribute Wine Collection features South American reds—Malbec from Argentina, Red Blends from Chile, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from California—each chosen to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the churrasco. Whether paired with a lean cut like the Double Bone-In Pork Chop or a bold Wagyu New York Strip, the wines enhance the meal without overshadowing the fire. This dedication to pairing makes the Pasadena location a destination for both steak lovers and wine enthusiasts.