The story
Fogo de Chão traces its origins to the Serra Gaúcha, the mountainous farm country of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. The founding brothers grew up in that landscape, learning the churrasco grilling tradition before leaving for Rio and São Paulo to train formally as churrasqueiros. Their first restaurant took shape in Porto Alegre, built from wood and driven by an obsessive dedication to quality. Word spread quickly — politicians, businessmen, and celebrities made the trip from across Brazil — and a second location followed in São Paulo. Since 1979, that founding fire has never gone out.
The concept reached the United States with a debut in Dallas, Texas, and has since expanded to dozens of cities. The Lynnwood location on Alderwood Mall Boulevard brings the full Brazilian steakhouse experience to Washington state, alongside sister locations in Bellevue and Seattle.
The heart of any visit is the churrasco itself — fire-roasted cuts carved tableside in the gaucho tradition. Signature cuts include Picanha (prime top sirloin), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and, for special occasions, Wagyu New York Strip and Beef Ancho Bone-in Ribeye. Alongside the churrasco service, the freshly curated Market Table offers seasonal produce, salads, and Brazilian sides, making the meal as vibrant and varied as the tradition it comes from.
Bar Fogo rounds out the experience with Brazilian-inspired small plates and cocktails — among them the Caipirinha, Brazil's national drink — in an atmosphere that moves comfortably between lively and refined.
The wine program earned Fogo de Chão a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, a recognition that reflects genuine depth of selection. The house Founders Tribute Wine Collection pairs South American and Californian bottles directly to specific cuts: a Reserva Malbec from Mendoza alongside Picanha, a Chilean Red Blend with Fraldinha, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley with Filet Mignon. Curated wine dinners — such as the multi-course VIK pairing event featuring a 100-point 2021 VIK Red Blend — demonstrate how seriously the team takes the table beyond the grill.
The Lynnwood restaurant is well set up for larger occasions, with private dining, full catering services, and to-go options available. Whether the occasion is a business dinner or a celebration, the Brazilian steakhouse format — abundant, communal, and unhurried — suits a table of any size.
Recognition
Ambience
Location