You're standing outside those heavy wooden doors, smelling the charcoal and roasted picanha, and the only thing stopping you from charging in is a simple question: how much is Fogo de Chao going to set you back? Honestly, it’s not a cheap Tuesday night taco run. It’s an investment in a food coma. But the price isn’t a single number etched in stone across the country. If you’re in New York City, you’re paying a premium compared to, say, Albuquerque.
Prices shift. They fluctuate based on the time of day, the specific day of the week, and whether or not you’re bringing the kids.
Generally, for the Full Churrasco Experience—that’s the one where the gaucho chefs keep coming until you flip your card to red—you’re looking at a price range between $55 and $75 per person for dinner. Lunch is the secret weapon for your wallet, usually sitting comfortably between $40 and $50. But that’s just the baseline. Once you add in a couple of caipirinhas, a bottle of Malbec, and that molten chocolate cake you definitely don’t need but will absolutely order, that "per person" price climbs fast.
The Breakdown of the Full Churrasco Experience
Let’s get into the weeds of what you actually get for that price. The Full Churrasco Experience is the flagship. It’s why people go there. You get unlimited servings of about 15 to 20 different cuts of meat. We’re talking the signature Picanha (prime sirloin), Cordeiro (lamb chops), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and the Filet Mignon.
It also includes the Market Table.
Calling it a "salad bar" feels like an insult. It’s got aged cheeses, smoked salmon, hearts of palm, and feijoada (that traditional black bean stew that’s basically a hug in a bowl). If you’re wondering how much is Fogo de Chao for just the Market Table, most locations offer that as a standalone option for around $30 to $35. It’s a solid move if you’re a vegetarian or just not feeling the "meat parade" that day.
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- Dinner Price: Usually $62.95 to $72.00 depending on the market.
- Weekend Brunch: Often mirrors the dinner price or is slightly discounted by $5.
- Weekday Lunch: The most affordable way to get the full experience, often under $50.
The price doesn't include drinks, dessert, tax, or tip. If you’re planning a celebratory dinner for two, a $200 bill is a very realistic expectation once the dust settles.
Location Matters More Than You Think
Why is it more expensive in some places? Real estate. A Fogo de Chao in Midtown Manhattan or Beverly Hills has overhead that a location in a suburban mall just doesn't deal with.
I’ve seen the price in Indianapolis sit at $59.00 for dinner, while the Chicago flagship was pushing $70.00 for the exact same cuts of meat. It’s a "market-driven" pricing model. Before you go, it is genuinely worth clicking on the specific "Locations" tab on their official site and selecting your city. They are surprisingly transparent about the pricing if you look at the specific menu for that branch.
How to Save Without Looking Cheap
If the "full" price feels a bit steep, there are ways to pivot.
The Bar Fogo Menu
This is the ultimate hack. If you sit in the bar area, you can grab the Gaucho Elderflower Martini and some "Picanha Sliders" or "Brazilian Empanadas" for a fraction of the dining room cost. During Happy Hour (which is usually 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in most states), you can find $5 beers and $8-10 cocktails.
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The Select Cut Option
Some locations have experimented with a "Select Cut" menu. Instead of the 15+ meats, you choose one specific protein (like an 8oz picanha or a chicken breast) and get unlimited access to the Market Table. This usually knocks about $15 to $20 off the bill. It’s great for people who know exactly what they want and don’t need a parade of lamb and pork sausages.
Children’s Pricing
Fogo is actually surprisingly kid-friendly. Children 6 and under are usually complimentary. For kids aged 7 to 12, they typically pay half price. If you have a 6-year-old with a massive appetite for steak, you’re basically winning at life.
Hidden Costs and "The Brazilian Way"
Be careful with the sides. The pão de queijo (those addictive little cheese breads), polenta, and caramelized bananas are included with the meal. They just keep bringing them. They are delicious. They are also "filler." If you’re paying $70 for steak, don't fill up on the bread.
Water can also be a sneaky cost. Waiters will often ask if you want sparkling or still. If you say "still," they might bring out a large bottle of Acqua Panna which costs $7 or $9. If you just want regular tap water, you have to be specific.
Then there’s the Gaucho tip. In some international locations, service is included, but in the United States, you’re expected to tip on the total. Given the level of service—the constant carving, the table clearing—a 20% tip is standard. On a $150 bill, that’s another $30.
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Is It Worth the Price Tag?
The value of how much is Fogo de Chao really depends on your appetite. If you’re the type of person who eats one small chicken breast and a side of broccoli, you are overpaying. You’re subsidizing the guy at the next table who is on his fifth serving of lamb chops.
However, if you appreciate high-quality cuts of meat seasoned simply with sea salt and roasted over an open flame, the price is actually competitive. If you went to a high-end steakhouse like Ruth's Chris or Morton’s, a single Filet Mignon would cost you $55 to $65 alone. At Fogo, you get that filet plus everything else.
The experience is also about the pace. It’s not a "fast" meal. You’re there for two hours. You’re watching the theater of the Gauchos. For a birthday or an anniversary, the cost-to-experience ratio is usually pretty high.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Specific Location: Go to the Fogo de Chao website and select your city to see the exact current price for lunch vs. dinner.
- Join the Fogo Fan Club: Sign up for their e-club. They frequently send out "buy one get one" or $25 off coupons for your birthday or anniversary. It’s one of the few restaurant newsletters actually worth the inbox clutter.
- Go for Lunch: If you want the exact same meat for $20 less, book a table for 1:30 PM on a Wednesday. You’ll save enough to cover the tip and a drink.
- Skip the "Premium" Add-ons: They will often offer Wagyu ribeye or dry-aged steaks for an upcharge. Unless you’re a connoisseur, the standard included meats are more than enough to satisfy.
- Pace the Card: Keep your card on red for the first 15 minutes. Hit the Market Table, get your sides, and then flip to green when you’re ready to focus solely on the meat. It prevents the "meat sweat" panic that happens when five Gauchos descend on you at once.
Knowing how much is Fogo de Chao is about more than just the number on the menu; it's about understanding the "extras" that can bloat a bill and choosing the right time to go. Whether you're there for the $15 Happy Hour or the $70 grand feast, the quality is remarkably consistent across their 60+ global locations. Just remember to wear your "forgiving" pants.