Bar Fogo launches new experience in Oak Brook

Fogo de Chao is a full-service Brazilian steakhouse known for a massive salad bar and roving waiters who bring skewers of meat directly to the table. This dinner and a show experience has pleased American diners since 1997 when the company opened their first Fogo location in Addison, Texas.  

This churrascaria has four venues in Illinois with each having a unique layout and special offerings. The Oak Brook location, at 1204 22nd Street near the outdoor mall, launched a Bar Fogo experience recently. 

The bar area is larger in square footage than the Downtown Chicago Fogo de Chao, so there are opportunities for live music and room to spread out. Not only are there spaces to sit at the bar but a lounge area, booths and individual tables are options for guests. 

Hosting live acts where the music can drift over into the main dining room is certainly a way to drum up business. This really adds to the atmosphere and spirit of the surrounding patrons while they enjoy Brazilian cuisine. 

The band needs at least a small step-up stage or some form of a riser to be seen in the dark bar setting. It is always easy for guests to be distracted while chatting and drinking, so these artists deserve a little more attention to their work than the current setup allows. 

How about a beverage to unwind after a long day at work? The caipirinha is Brazil's national drink and is made with cachaca rum muddled with sugar and limes. Fogo offers strawberry, cucumber mint and even bourbon versions of the traditional cocktail. The wine wall is packed with a multitude of varietals to choose from or sip on a Xingu, a black beer named after indigenous people who live near the Xingu River. 

Try ordering some of the small plates from the menu that are packed with big flavor. The hearts of palm spinach dip will satisfy bigger groups or impress the crowd with a jumbo shrimp cocktail for the table. The Brazilian empanadas are another item that will appease hungry stomachs with a flaky pastry served with creamy chimichurri aoli.   

Charcuterie boards with various meats and cheeses are now a part of this delightful bar experience. It is just a sample of showcasing the taste level of this elegant establishment that seems to have no budget limit. Wash the light bites down with an Argentinean Malbec or a Samba Squeeze Martini made with Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, St-Germain, blood orange and guava.

 While the market table and meat adventure is always an option for purchase, a smaller version added to an appetizer dish in the bar would be a fresh idea for the place. This would give the gauchos something to do in the bar as they wander around with the skewers in the room. 

Bring over the small cuts to top off a sandwich or cheese tray, amigos! 

Bar Fogo continues to evolve and elevate the game for dinners, meetings or dates with a fun casual vibe. Oak Brook has a nice-sized patio for even more seating and outdoor festivities. Get ready for a meaty celebration when the weather heats up this summer! 

Make a reservation at FogodeChao.com for an upcoming Bar Fogo party on April 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at $39 per person.