I've visited many Brazilian steakhouses across the U.S. - Fogo, Tejas, Rodizio, and more. They're my go-to for special occasions or a hearty feast. When Churrasca in Lubbock closed, I was disappointed, so I was thrilled when a friend told me about Ponto Gaucho.
Ponto’s dinner menu is on par with other steakhouses, offering staples like sirloin, filet mignon, ribeye, lamb, chicken, pork, and ribs. Unique highlights included lamb chops, spicy beef picante, fried cheese with honey, and grilled pineapple. Missing favorites like skirt steak or fish might be seasonal.
The salad bar was smaller than others but had solid options - veggies, cheeses, cured meats, smoked salmon, soups, beans, and rice. While not extraordinary, it was a good prelude to the meat.
The meat service was exceptional, with gauchos delivering cuts at an overwhelming pace. I had to flip my card to red multiple times just to catch up. Filet mignon stood out - it was tender, flavorful, and among the best I’ve had at a steakhouse. The spicy beef picante was a unique treat, while the top sirloin and lamb chops also impressed. Even the pork sausage, which I usually avoid, was excellent. The grilled pineapple was good but lighter on glazing and heavier on cinnamon than I prefer.
Dessert was a delightful surprise. The flan was caramelized, custard-like, and delicious enough for a second to-go order. The crème brûlée, though heavier on the sugar topping than I prefer, was thick, tasty, and satisfying.
Service was top-notch, with attentive staff always available. They promptly refilled glasses, handled special requests, and answered questions. The atmosphere was well-lit, not loud, and welcoming.
Prices were reasonable - $240 for four people. Ponto Gaucho delivered a five-star experience and while writing the first draft of this review, apparently I was too pleased because Google reviews said I crossed the character limit. Suffice it to say, I was very pleased and...
Read moreThis is a really unique place that lubbock has been lacking - it’s definitely an experience that you need to try, that could easily turn into a usual spot! We went for lunch on a Wednesday - there were not too many people there. I prefer that over a busy dinner personally. The food was excellent - from the endless salad bar to the plantains to the meat, it all was very flavorful and unique. The meat was cooked and seasoned wonderfully, I only wish we had the option to keep getting more after a while, it felt like we were a little bombarded to continually get meat for 15 mins and then they stopped coming altogether for more. I need time to eat some before I’m ready for more, LOL! I did have kids with me so that made it harder to really do the whole experience correctly/to my benefit as I also had to take care of their needs. It all seemed very fast paced. I’m not sure rushed is the correct word - just fast, like if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss something good! I got the chefs select and I can’t imagine wanting more options than that lol! So many to choose from and all so good. The ribs stole the show for me, along with the bacon wrapped filet. Perfect cook, perfect seasoning. Those made the price worth it alone. The kids enjoyed the salad bar mostly and the cinnamon pineapple! Under 4 eat free which is awesome, considering they don’t really eat much anyways. The crème brûlée was amazing as well - a bit too large for one person in my opinion so we all shared! Overall this place is definitely one I would go back to at least on a monthly basis - it’s delicious, a fun experience, and surprisingly kid friendly (thank you to the staff!) despite the atmosphere and prices being...
Read moreThis place is absolutely the best restaurant I have eaten at, the food is perfectly cooked, not to mention mouthwatering and delicious, the salad bar is really neat, there are a few normal salad bar items and then they have items you don't normally see on a salad bar, the service is amazing all of the wait staff is polite, friendly and very attentive, but at the same time they are not overly attentive, they keep a eye on your table from a distance and they will come right over if they see or think you need anything, so you can actually enjoy your dinner without being bothered every 3 or 4 mins, the meat servers are just as amazing, they are constantly making there rounds with all of the meats, but something I thought was really cool, you get this little card that has a red side and a green side, if your ready for more meat you keep the green side up, if your not ready for more you keep the red side up, so again your not being bothered while eating, if the red side is facing up the meat servers will not stop to ask if you want more, but believe me when I say "You'll definitely want more & more" I was super impressed with all of the different meats they have from prime Rib, sirloin, bacon wrapped chicken, leg of lamb and more, and the fact that everything is all you can eat is just crazy, you will not leave this place hungry! Oh and you have to try the fried cheese squares they are "AMAZING", this place is by far the best place in town to get a 1st class meal without a 1st class price, my wife and I are going again for our 14yr Anniversary! I would highly recommend checking this...
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