SOUTH AMERICAN
Churrascaria Plataforma: Brazilian. 316 W 49th @ 8-9th; 23/19/$71; All you can eat MEAT. Carnivore Heaven. Skewers of Meat from friendly servers. Giant all you can eat buffet/ salad bar keeps even vegetarians happy. $10 parking for up to 5 hours. Perfect for large groups or birthdays; Tip for newcomers – don’t grab all the meat they throw at you- wait for the best of the best (short ribs and steak).
Pomaire: Chilean. 371 W 46th @ 8-9th Av; 23/16/$42; 956-3056; Restaurant Row comes through again; Spicy pre-theatre fare; Personal, ultra friendly service; Colorful room with indigenous art; Fish entrees stand out. $25 dinner prix fixe; Lots of very interesting dishes and lunch & brunch available; Also a decent drink and wine list.
Chimichurri Grill: Argentinean/Steak. 609 9th Av @ 43rd-44th; 23/16/$50; 586-8655; The place to go for a ‘tier-2’ steakhouse; More affordable than the Del Friscos of the world; The Short Ribs and the mixed grill will leave you mouth-watering and extremely stuffed; Tons of salads, sides and appetizers; Go for the swiss chard empanda apps!
Estancia 460: Argentinean. 460 Greenwich @ Desbrosses-Watts; 21/15/$40; 431-5093; Rustic setting with outside seating; Hearty menu with Italian inspired dishes as well – many pasta options; Seared meats on the grill stand out. Portions are very large. There is a romantic vibe and setting and excellent service; Every Thursday – Strip SSteak for $19.95. Lunch and Brunch menus available.
Churrascaria TriBeCa: Brazilian. 221 WB-Way @ Franklin; 23/19/$65; Brazilian; All you can eat MEAT. Heaven. Skewers of Meat from friendly servers. Nicer, larger than other locations. Fun, though expensive experience. Massive buffet will keep non-carnivores happy; Tip for newcomers – don’t grab all the meat they throw at you- wait for the best of the best (short ribs and steak).
Novecento: Argentinean. 343 WB-Way @ Broome-Grand; 22/18/$45; 925-4706; Delicious steaks; Trendy area. Not a typical steakhouse – this place is fun! Bistro digs. Skirt steak and empanadas are excellent; Sitting at the bar for your meal is fun if looking for a casual evening; Good for private parties; They even have some pasta dishes and other non-traditional steakhouse items.
Casa: Brazilian. 72 Bedford @ Commerce; 22/20/$43; 366-9410; Diamond in the ruff; Truly delicious food for the genre; Not just meat/ steak dishes- menu has many traditional Bahia and Minas offerings; Seafood stew is tops. So are the caipirinhas. The concentration is on a unique, authentic experience. The feel is one of a Brazilian home and you’ll receive home cooking!
Azul Bistro: Argentinean. 152 Stanton @ Suffolk; 23/18/$45; 646-602-2004; Steakhouse that is inexpensive for this genre; Good wine; Meat lovers paradise. Sizzling meat and melt in your mouth empanadas; Food served in platters as opposed to servers walking around; About 10 different steaks to choose from. Massive portions with lots of sides.
Mancora: Peruvian. 99 1st Av @ 6th St; 21/15/$31; 253-1011; Bargain basement, yet high end quality Peruvian fare; Large, filling servings; Homemade meals; Authentic. Fish, the best Chicken and meat dishes to die for; Large selection on menu. Try their excellent ceviche; Candle lit décor and somewhat trendy; You can order half a Rotisserie chicken with a side for $8!!
Buenos Aires: Argentinean. 513 6th St@ Ave A-B; 22/15/$38; 228-2775; Under the radar; Authentic local cuisine; Grilled meats and perfection in empanadas; Succulent steaks- best being the skirt steak; Carnivores playground; Large, inexpensive wine list. Short ribs, and shrimp in garlic butter also outstanding; Even have a few pasta dishes and seafood selections. Something for everyone.
Caracas Arepa Bar: Venezuelan. 93 E 7th St @ Av A-1st Av; 25/14/$20; 529-2314; As good as Arepas (corn filled rounds with fillings) can get; Tons of varieties to choose from; Immensely popular; Incredibly tasty food; Always a line to get it for a seat as it is small- but worth it. Just wildly popular and authentic; Happy Hour drinks include $2 beers and a carafe of Rum Punch for $16;
Circus: Brazilian. 132 E 61st @ Lex-Park; 21/19/$54; 223-2965; Not just steak- they offer a creative menu of amazing local favorites; To die for Caipirinhas; Great diamond in the ruff. Ultra friendly service; Surprisingly good is the Shepherd’s pie; Happy décor and good vibe found here. Local style and effort put into every dish.
Zebu Grill: Brazilian. 305 E 92nd @ 1-2nd; 20/16/$42; 426-7500; Brazilian Steak; Top-notch churrasco; Powerful drinks. More reasonable prices than others; Rio-level caipirinhas; Friendly neighborhood service and a fun option.