SAN DIEGO — A new Brazilian Steakhouse near Seaport Village is a Meat Lover's Paradise. Galpão Gaucho has opened its seventh location in the U.S. in San Diego.
In this Zevely Zone, I explored their rodizio menu and ate like a cowboy.
"Saddle up San Diego, there's a new steakhouse in town," I said as I walked in the door.
The restaurant experience is inspired by the Gaucho culture. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy 17 different cuts of meat including beef, seafood, pork, chicken, lamb and more.
"What do we have here?" I asked. The Gaucho Chef announced, "Rib eye."
"I like the weather, it's amazing over here," said Jovani Gava. He and his wife Laura hope you show up hungry.
"When people come in, we hope they feel like they are dining together with family," said Laura. The all-you-can-eat experience means you'd better bring a healthy appetite.
"Do you think San Diegans are big enough eaters for this?" I asked. Jovani replied, "Oh absolutely. We are very confident people are going to embrace this really well."
Before the heavy lifting began, we headed to the salad bar with 45 items to choose from.
"This is our beautiful gourmet salad bar over here," said Jovani. "People enter the restaurant and they see the salad bar they say 'wow.'"
For a flat charge of $52 for lunch and $72 for dinner, guests will enjoy a 10,000-square-foot space that can seat about 400 people.
The Gaucho Chefs kept delivering the main attraction. "Beef ribs, bring it on," I said between bites.
"Lamb chops, why not?" Just when you try to catch your breath,
"There is more," laughed Jovani. "All of these meats, no upcharge?" I questioned. Jovani assured me, "No upcharge. We have a set price."
Some restaurants hold back on the good stuff. Not here. Every guest receives a two-colored coaster.
"So, we have this coaster green and red, so green means you want meats," said Jovani.
Green means go. Red means stop. Ensuring guests understand the unique concept and style of service, the server will demonstrate the use of the coaster, which displays bright green and red hues.
To obtain a cut piece of meat, the guest should turn the coaster to green to be met with a meat chef holding a skewer. To temporarily pause the unlimited skewer service, guests can turn the coaster to red, and repeat the process.
"I am still ready to go," I said showing the green side of the coaster.
Grilled cheese with honey, grilled pineapple, then dessert, the food just kept coming until I pounded the table with my fist.
"I'm flipping the card. I am tapping out," I announced. "How long is the meat coma nap that follows?" Laura told me, "Thirty minutes to two hours."
Galpão Gaucho is a national Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant brand with a presence in Napa, Cupertino, Walnut Creek and Roseville in California, as well as Las Vegas, NV and Charleston. Galpão Gaucho San Diego is located at 789 West Harbor Drive.
For more information, click here, or call (619) 373-9969.