Brasilia Grill — Restaurant in Newark

I usually make a point of not writing negative reviews about restaurants. I find it somewhat unethical, especially since I work in the industry. However, this time I can’t overlook the experience I had at this place.

The atmosphere was relaxed, as you’d expect from a Brazilian restaurant, and everything was very clean. The food was tasty — the meat was juicy and high quality, perfectly seasoned, even though it came at a different temperature than I ordered.

The initial service was great. The bartender was friendly and efficient, quickly took my order and brought the drinks. Full marks up to that point. Unfortunately, that’s where the good experience ended.

My dish was brought by the food runner (honestly, at first glance I thought he might have been the dishwasher, as only someone working that hard would have a uniform and apron that dirty). I don’t know who he is, but he walked up, practically tossed the plate in front of me, turned away, and started chatting with two friends standing nearby.

Still, I didn’t see it as a big deal. Each establishment has its own way of operating, and I respect that. But as soon as I started eating — which, to be fair, was very good — I noticed the meat wasn’t cooked to the medium rare I’d requested. I asked if they didn’t have that temperature available, and he asked if I wanted a replacement. I said no, since I had already eaten most of the flank steak and it wouldn’t be fair to the restaurant. I just wanted to understand if they didn’t offer medium rare.

He pointed at my plate and said he could see a medium rare piece right there. I replied that the entire dish should be medium rare. That’s when he asked me if I had a problem with him.

I genuinely questioned whether what was happening was real. What kind of service is this? What kind of place allows someone to behave like that in front of customers without being held accountable?

I replied that I didn’t have a problem, but since he asked, I requested he give me some space — I just wanted to eat in peace. Unbelievably, he told me that was his area and he wouldn’t leave (meaning he would stay right in front of me). So I had no choice but to ask for the bill. And if that weren’t enough, he added, “I insist!”

At that point, anyone would be upset. I admit I lost my temper and insulted him. I apologize for that.

But even after that, I had to hear things like: – “I’ve worked here for 7 years. Everyone likes me.” – “Who are you? I’ve never seen you here.” Among other things.

So I ask: how do you let someone like that work in customer service? How do you allow an employee to provide this kind of service?

Absurd. I was waiting for a friend — we were going to stay at the bar drinking wine until 7 p.m., then head to the dining area for the all-you-can-eat experience and introduce a commercial partner (arriving today in Newark just to meet us) to “authentic Brazilian barbecue.” But no problem — even if it’s farther and not my favorite, we’ll go to Fogo de Chão. At least there, I know I won’t run into someone this unprofessional.

Anyway, I hope I never have to go through something like this again. And I truly hope this establishment rethinks...

Hi my name is mike. I used to come here a lot a couple years back with party of six or more. Yesterday evening I want there again with a party of six which was Friday night 01/22/2016 and when we got there it was pretty empty from how I used to see it before especially on a Friday. I guess people are starting to realize that they were getting ripped off so Thy decided not to go there anymore. But I don't blame them at all. The main thing I noticed when we got the Bill how expensive it was ,and just to remind you the party of six are three kids and three adults and we started breaking down the bill to see what was going on, The first thing we noticed was The soda that used to be 2.50 . And the most we would pay at any other place is 2.50 for a glass of soda, and we can drink as many refills for free. But not here at the Brazilian Grill now the soda went up to 5.00 dollars a glass, and five dollars for every refill, that is crazy , which we didn't know that the refills wasn't free until we got the bill, so just in soda alone on our bill was 95.00 dollars. And the rotizio wasn't all that like before , before they used to bring you a very big selection of all types of meat.and that used to be 22.00 dollars a person . Now it's 30.00 a person ,Friday night if we got five or six different types of meat that was a lot, and let me tell you for a party of six with three little kids and three adults , the bill was $320 that's unbelievable, because they Put the gratitude automatically on your bill also , and they add it with the biggest percentage 15% . Which I think that is wrong, I think you should be the one to decide what the percentage should be 5 , 10 ,or 15% should be your choice not theirs. Me my wife and my mother-in-law was very disappointed with this place , my wife is going to make a big article about this place and how people are getting ripped off, as for us we would never go back to this restaurant again. I hope people are reading this before they go to this restaurant called the Brazilian Grill on Monroe Street in Newark,New...

Super disappointing dinner. Maybe we hit an off night or something?! The reviews/ratings for this place seemed to be good.

First thing- we walked in the door and the hostess was too busy chatting to address us as we walked in. Finally she seated us.

Once seated our waitress got our drinks, took our order, and told us how to use the green card to let the "boys" (as she called them) know we wanted them to come around with the meat skewers. Other than bringing a Pitcher of water to our table we didn't see our waitress again until she was qued to bring us our check.

The food at the buffet was surprisingly decent. I liked the fried fish, rice, fried eggplant, and beans. The first meat that came around to us was prime rib and it was fantastic. The 2nd meat was skirt steak and it was ok, too salty for our liking. The 3rd was 2 skewers. 1 was a sausage that wasn't bad the other was a bacon wrapped piece of beef and it was rancid. I seriously think the bacon was spoiled. I could smell it from my plate and it didn't even look right. The 4th was ribs and they were "ok". The 5th and final meat we tried was some kind of beef and it was EXTREMELY salty and had bone fragments in it. That did us in and we didn't even continue trying anything.

Our waitress never once asked if we wanted anything else, wanted dessert, or if our food was good. Her efforts were minimal yet we were required to pay a 15% gratuity. She stood around and chit-chatted with other staff, including the hostess, instead of waiting her tables.

Definately NOT worth $70+. I would of been disappointed with a $30-$40 bill for our experience and the food, let alone $70+. The built in gratuity, that you cannot reduce, but can add a tip is just too much when the food is mediocre and the service...