Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse
Travelers looking for a taste of Brazil in the Piedmont will love the scrumptious Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in Durham. This fine restaurant, located at 905 W. Main Street / #115 Brightleaf Square, offers casual-elegant dining and features a 40-item salad bar and authentic Brazilian dishes served tableside by Gauchos in traditional dress.
Rodizio is a popular Brazilian style of serving a variety of meat that originated in the south of Brazil in the early 1800s. Meats are seasoned and slow cooked until tender. The Gauchos bring large, succulent cuts of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and sausages on tall skewers to the dining tables where they then carve individual servings.
Chamas Churrascaria is smartly decorated with soft lighting, wood floors, high ceilings, and an outdoor dining / cocktail area that is open in good weather. The bar and huge buffet take center space in the renovated warehouse. Meals are offered at a fixed-price rate with drinks and desserts separate.
All meals come with unlimited trips to a gourmet salad bar that includes giant cheese wheels, vegetables, salads, appetizers, cold seafood, and a selection of hot international style dishes. If you plan to eat the meat, lighten up on the salad bar, which is easier said than done as there is a large variety of tasty items to choose from. Delicious breads and rolls are included with the meal.
Meat eaters will have a small card that is red on one side and green on the other. When you’ve had your fill of salad, flip the card to the green side. This tells the servers that you’re ready for the main course. Salad plates are cleared (more are at the bar if you decide to go back), and large dishes of mashed potatoes and fried bananas are brought out. The Gauchos then make the rounds with a seemingly endless variety of meats.
Another tip, if you’re not sure what type of meat will come out next, try a little bit and then have more of what you enjoy when it comes around again. It’s okay to pass on a meat, even if your green side is up, and you can turn the card to red for awhile and then back to green. The Gauchos do not stop serving meat, potatoes, or fried bananas until you call it quits. Take time to enjoy yourself. This is a dining experience to savor, not rush through.
Once you’ve had your fill, a dessert cart is brought out with an array of delicious desserts. If you’re tempted, order one to go. Desserts cost extra, although diners celebrating a birthday (on their birthday) get a free dessert of their choice. Not in the mood for a full dinner? Try Amelia Cafe at Chamas for a light lunch, coffee, and delicious pasteries and desserts. Free wireless Internet is available.
Chamas Churrascaria is open for lunch M-F from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and dinner M-F from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and dinner on Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until the restaurant clears out. Fixed-rate dinner prices range from $31 – 50, depending on the type of dinner you choose. Lunch offers several types of meals to choose from. Visit the Chamas web site for menu and more information.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking is available at the lot across the street from the square. Lot parking is free if you have the restaurant validate your ticket (which they will gladly do). Chamas Churrascaria is available for parties and special events.
For more info: Phone: 919.682.1309 Web Driving Directions