The Bottom Line
Pros
- Chamas is a unique, upscale and enjoyable dining experience
- The meat and cheese selections are incredibly delicious (the garlic flank steak is my fave!)
- Chamas is a perfect place to take your time over a meal and catch up with friends and family
Cons
- The meal format at Chamas is slightly confusing
- Chamas is not a very good choice for dieters or vegetarians
Description
- Chamas Churrascaria is located in Brightleaf Square near downtown Durham. 905 West Main St. #115, Durham, (919)682-1309
- Parking is free in Brightleaf Square's lot (with validated ticket), but the lot is often full at peak times.
- Chamas serves Dinner 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 5:30 p.m. - until the place clears out on Saturdays.
- Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse is closed on Sundays.
- Lunch is available at Chamas 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on weekdays only.
Guide Review - Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse Durham
The first time I visited Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, I was with my husband and in-laws. My father-in-law had spent part of his childhood in Brazil, so he was eager to get a taste of his favorite Brazilian foods. The rest of us didn't know what to expect.
It was about 6:00 pm on a weekend, and Chamas was busy, but not too full to seat us. We started right in on the buffet, which included giant cheese wheels, beans and rice, a salmon dish (that we all agreed was a good idea, but overcooked) and fancy vegetables such as asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, artichoke hearts, etc. It also included salad and "plain vegetables" like sliced tomatoes, but these vegetable selections looked a bit wilted. Obviously, salad is not the main attraction at Chamas.
We had all ordered the Full Rodizio, which includes all-you-can-eat meat selections in addition to the buffet. Meats included chicken, sausages, lamb and various cuts of beef. Some of the meat selections are even wrapped in bacon!
Here's the deal: there are "Guachos" roaming the restaurant in traditional Brazilian dress, carrying skewers loaded with giant cuts of meat. When they see that your plate is less than completely loaded with food, they will visit your table and offer you a serving of their meat selection. Beware--their job is to make sure that you leave the restaurant completely stuffed, so they sometimes won't take no for an answer!
After we were done with our main course, the waiter brought a dessert cart around, and though the selections looked delicious (flan, cheesecake, and other decadent desserts), we were full. Also, we're thrifty, and we couldn't figure out whether dessert was included with the buffet (it isn't), so we passed on it!
We all enjoyed the meal thoroughly, and my father-in-law claimed that the meal had certainly taken him on a trip down memory lane.
