What Texas de Brazil Is and How the Meal Works

Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian steakhouse chain where servers bring grilled meat to your table on skewers and slice it directly onto your plate. You control how much you eat by using a two-sided coaster at your table — one side signals the servers to keep bringing meat, the other tells them to stop. The meal includes an all-you-can-eat salad bar, sides like rice and beans, and typically costs between $50 and $80 per person before drinks and tax, though prices vary by location and time of day.

The experience is different from a traditional restaurant where you order one entrée. Instead, you pay a fixed price and servers continuously bring different cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken until you've had enough. The meal usually lasts 90 minutes to two hours. You sit at a table with other guests or your own party, and the atmosphere is designed to feel social and celebratory.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas de Brazil charges one price per person that includes unlimited grilled meat brought to your table, plus access to a full salad bar and side dishes.
  • You control the pace of the meal using a coaster — green side up means keep the meat coming, red side up means stop.
  • The chain has locations across the United States, and prices and hours vary by restaurant, so check your local location's website before you go.
  • The meal works best if you pace yourself and use the salad bar early, since the meat courses can be heavy and filling.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends, because tables fill up quickly.

How the Coaster System Controls Your Meal

When you sit down, your server places a coaster in front of you. One side is green or says "Continuar" (continue), and the other side is red or says "Parar" (stop). Flip it to the green side and servers begin bringing meat. Flip it to the red side and they stop approaching your table. You can flip it back and forth as many times as you want during the meal — there is no penalty for changing your mind.

The coaster is the entire system. Servers watch the tables and only approach when they see green. This means you never feel rushed, and you never have to say no to a server or feel awkward about declining meat. If you want to take a break and eat salad, flip to red. If you want more, flip back to green. The servers understand this system and respect it completely.

What's Included in the Fixed Price

The price you pay covers the grilled meat service, the salad bar, and hot sides. The salad bar typically includes lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, cheese, and various dressings. Hot sides usually include rice, black beans, fried plantains, and sometimes polenta or other starches. Bread service is also included — servers bring warm rolls or flatbread throughout the meal.

Drinks, dessert, and tip are separate. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails all cost extra. Many locations offer a drink package or wine pairing option if you want to add that to your reservation. Dessert is available but not included in the base price. Some locations offer a prix fixe menu that bundles in a dessert and drink, so ask when you call or check the website.

How to Make a Reservation and What to Know Before You Go

Texas de Brazil locations take reservations through their website, by phone, or through reservation platforms like OpenTable. You should reserve ahead, especially for dinner and weekends — walk-ins may wait an hour or more, or be turned away if the restaurant is full. When you book, you'll choose your date, time, and party size. Some locations have a dress code (business casual or better), so check your specific restaurant's policy.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The host will seat you at a table, and your server will explain the coaster system if you're unfamiliar with it. The entire experience typically takes 90 minutes to two hours. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, tell your server when ready — they can guide you through what meats and sides are safe for you.

Pricing and What Varies by Location

Texas de Brazil has restaurants in multiple states, and prices differ based on location and day of the week. Lunch is typically cheaper than dinner — you might pay $40 to $50 at lunch and $60 to $80 at dinner. Some locations charge more during peak times or on weekends. Children's pricing is usually available and is lower than adult pricing.

Check your local restaurant's website or call directly to confirm current prices. Many locations offer special pricing for groups, corporate events, or private dining. Some also run promotions or prix fixe menus during certain times of year. The website will have the most accurate pricing for your specific location and date.

Pacing Your Meal and Using the Salad Bar Strategically

The meat courses come continuously and in large portions. A common mistake is filling up too quickly on meat and missing the variety. Many guests find it helpful to start with the salad bar and eat some vegetables and bread before flipping the coaster to green. This way, you're not as hungry when the meat arrives, and you can pace yourself better.

The servers bring different cuts in a sequence — they typically start with chicken and pork, move to beef cuts, and finish with lamb. If you want to try everything, pace your eating so you're not completely full after the first few rounds. You can always flip to red, take a break, and flip back to green later. There's no rush, and the meal is designed to last a while.

What to Expect Regarding Dietary Needs and Restrictions

If you're vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions, Texas de Brazil can still work for you, but it's not the primary focus of the meal. The salad bar and sides are substantial, and you'll have plenty to eat. However, you're paying the same price as someone eating meat, so you may feel like you're not getting the full value. Call ahead and let the restaurant know your restrictions so they can prepare and set expectations.

If you have allergies, inform your server when ready. The kitchen can tell you which dishes contain nuts, shellfish, gluten, or other common allergens. The servers and kitchen staff take allergies seriously and will work with you to keep you safe. Never assume a dish is safe without asking — cross-contamination can happen in a busy kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to eat meat at Texas de Brazil?

No. The salad bar and sides are included in your price, and you can eat only those if you prefer. However, the restaurant is designed around the meat service, so a vegetarian or vegan guest will have a smaller portion of the meal. You pay the same price regardless, so consider whether the value works for your diet.

What if I don't like a particular cut of meat?

You can politely decline when a server offers it. straightforward say no thank you, and they'll move on. You're never obligated to take anything. The coaster system lets you control the flow, but you also have the right to refuse individual cuts without explanation.

Can I bring children, and is there a kids' menu?

Yes, children are welcome. Most locations offer a children's price, which is lower than the adult price. The salad bar and sides are the same, but the meat portions and variety may be adjusted for younger appetites. Call your local restaurant to confirm they have a children's option and what the price is.

How long does the meal take?

Plan for 90 minutes to two hours. This includes time to order drinks, eat from the salad bar, enjoy multiple rounds of meat, and finish dessert if you order it. The pace is relaxed, and there's no pressure to rush. If you're on a tight schedule, let your server know and they can adjust the pace slightly.

Is a tip included in the price?

No. The fixed price covers the food and service, but tip is separate and calculated on your bill. Standard tipping is 18 to 20 percent of the total, just as it would be at any other restaurant. Some locations may suggest a tip percentage on the check, but it's your choice.