Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Espetus Churrascaria – San Francisco
Espetus Churrascaria - San Francisco
Photo from Espetus Churrascaria
Espetus Churrascaria at a glance
San Francisco Civic Center
- 🍖 Brazilian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $81–$90
mentioned by 115 of the guests
#1542 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Brazilian Restaurant out of 6 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
541
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Meat selection
- Attentive service
- Welcoming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Inconsistent service
- Odor/noise
The restaurant Espetus Churrascaria is a standout Brazilian Restaurant located in the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood. You’re in for a treat with its great dessert options, making it a perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.
This establishment promises an authentic taste of Brazil right here in the city.
Overview: Introducting Espetus Churrascaria
Espetus Churrascaria offers a notable dining experience, particularly for its culinary offerings. Guests often praise the diverse selection of meats and the comprehensive salad bar, making it a destination for those seeking a substantial meal.
The attentive staff also contributes positively to the overall visit. However, some aspects warrant consideration.
While many find the experience worthwhile, the price point can be a point of contention, with some feeling it doesn’t always align with the perceived value. Occasional concerns about the ambiance, such as loud music or specific odors, have also been noted.
Good
7.1
out of 10
541
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
145
negative
27
neutral
369
positive
Espetus Churrascaria achieves an overall Restaurant Score of 7.1, placing it firmly in the good category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.2%, which indicates a mixed but generally positive reception.
With 541 customer remarks, including 369 positive and 145 negative observations, there’s a solid base for these insights. Diving deeper, the Food (7.7) stands out as a strong point, frequently lauded for its quality.
Service (7.1) also performs well, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Ambience (7) is generally considered good, though some specific concerns exist.
However, Value (3.8) appears to be a weaker area, often cited as a concern by patrons.
What people like
- Exceptional meat selection
- Attentive, friendly service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Odor/noise issues
Espetus Churrascaria, with a Recommendation Score of 7.2, presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a robust meat selection and attentive service. If you’re seeking a lively atmosphere and a substantial meal, it’s certainly worth considering for your next outing.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find the overall value to be a point of concern. While the culinary experience is generally strong, those sensitive to noise or specific odors might find the ambiance less appealing.
Plan accordingly for a satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Espetus Churrascaria
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.7 score, and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 76.3%. Many of the 242 positive comments rave about the high quality meats and the impressive salad bar offerings. Guests particularly enjoyed the grilled pineapple and praised the authentic Brazilian cuisine for a truly satisfying dining experience.
However, not all 58 negative remarks were as glowing. Some diners encountered dry/salty meat or cold food like cheese bread and potatoes. A few also noted a limited selection of certain cuts or missing items like mashed potatoes, which could be a minor letdown for some.
Food
317
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
58
negative
17
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High quality meats
- Authentic cuisine
- Excellent salad bar
What people don't like
- Dry, salty meat
- Cold side dishes
- Limited meat selection
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely the best place I’ve ever eaten in my life, hands down. It's the best spot to get real substance and great food. The customer service was awesome, with foods galore.
- salad barThe salad bar was fresh and had a great variety of options
- meatsFirst, for the "salad bar" lovers, which is a huge disservice to what it actually is – a complete menu! You can choose from Baked salmon, smoked salmon, Paella loaded with seafood, and incredible mashed potatoes loaded with shrimp, plus meats, cheeses, and breads. Second, for the meat lovers, they completely skipped the salad bar to partake in the ginormous amounts of meat that arrive at your table within minutes.
- meatIt's important not to fill up too much at the food bar, because the main event is when they start bringing out the meats. The meats were cooked to perfection, with the perfect amount of smoke and a nice and tender texture. The steak was the absolute star of the show; it honestly blows every other steak house I've been to out of the water.
- drinksThere's definitely not enough on it to make it worth $65. The drinks were good but be prepared to spend about $20 each. They have 14 different meats but no one felt it was worth the $75.
- lambSuddenly, lamb and the bacon wrapped chicken we were DROOLING over showed up
- caipirinhashighly recommend you try their caipirinhas
- picanhaask for the picanha. It is excellent!
- pineappleThey even serve pineapple to finish off the meal
- qualityDesserts are also very delicious, and they have great caipirinhas. While it's on the pricier side, the quality is guaranteed and it's all you can eat, making it very worth the money spent. It's a great place for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
Frequently criticized
- foodOur experience began at the salad bar, where I particularly enjoyed the beans and salmon. While some of the food was a bit on the dry side, the meats started coming once we spun the wheel to green. My favorites were the chicken hearts and lamb.
- meatsThe meats were short, I think it wasn’t enough
- meatNo lamb chops, no decent quality steak. They kept repeating14 types of meat, bit they are all sausage and cheap quality meat.
- salad barMy experience at the restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the meat dishes. I was advised to stay away from the salad bar and charcuterie, not because they weren't good, but because you'll want to save all your stomach space for the delicious morsels of meat. The recommended dish, Bacon Wrapped Pork Ribs, was a highlight.
- potatoesonly Brazilian place i been to with no potatoes
- qualityFurthermore, if you enjoy Caesar salad, you won't find it here. I found the place to be overpriced for the quality of food offered. Not recommended!
- steakFirst off, the food we did have was very good. However, we were only offered steak once within the first 30 minutes we were there. The most important metric for a churrascaria, TTS (Time To Steak), was 17 minutes.
- Brazilian steakhouseWorst Brazilian steakhouse that I have been
- Caesar saladyou are not going to find it
- CaipirinhaThe bartender doesn't know how to make it. We ordered two. What we received was cheap chacasa with soda.
If youre craving a hearty meal with plenty of high-quality meat and a great salad bar, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies with meat temperature or selection, so manage your expectations for every single cut. Overall, its a good bet for an authentic Brazilian feast.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place generally hits a good note with a score of 7.1. Many guests, in 79 positive remarks out of 118 total, frequently highlighted the friendly staff and attentive staff, with specific mentions of server Bia and the authentic rodizio-style service making for an excellent experience. It seems the team genuinely strives to make you feel welcome.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.9%, suggesting some room for improvement. About 37 negative comments pointed to issues like slow service and frustrating wait time, with some feeling a hard push/upsell on drinks or even perceived discrimination. It appears consistency can sometimes be a challenge, leading to varied experiences for diners.
Service
118
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
37
negative
2
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent customer service
- Authentic rodizio service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent attention
Often praised
- serviceA nice place to spend an evening with company. They offer a fixed menu formula with a very rich side dish buffet and meat that is served and carved directly at the table. The types of meat they serve are diverse: chicken, lamb, angus, fillet, etc.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was great, and the staff was very nice and attentive. The meats were also delicious.
- customer serviceWe had the best customer service; everyone was very attentive. We loved the food, and I highly recommend the Brazilian lemonade – it's on another level!
- ServiceThe food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was a perfect 5/5. Service was also rated a perfect 5/5. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner experience.
- serversThe servers were super friendly and very knowledgable
- AslanAslan stood out as they helped me fix a receipt issue with lots of patience and professionalism
- Brazilian staffconnect the Brazilian way with the Brazilian staff
- Dominican chefThey went out of their way to make us feel good. The cuts of the skewers were better than ever last night, thanks to the perfect preparation by the Dominican chef, who truly has a gift for this kind of food. While all the staff was wonderful, I particularly enjoy connecting the Brazilian way with the Brazilian staff.
- Happy Birthday songThey sang Happy Birthday to her and she loved it.
- accommodatingEspetus provides an authentic experience of a Brazilian churrascaria. Thank you, Henrique and John, for accommodating me and my friends on our night out! I'll be coming back.
Frequently criticized
- servicedisrespected and felt offended and discriminated against
- staffUpon leaving, we reconfirmed the price with the same staff member, who stated it was $54 each *if* we liked and shared the restaurant's Facebook page. My only feedback is: Don't let unprofessional staff ruin your good business!
- ClarityThe owner needs to clearly post when special pricing expires. Clarity is the best way to do business. To the owner: I gave you my information, so please reimburse me the $30 you cheated me out of!
- Time To SteakTTS (Time To Steak), was 17 minutes
- birthday celebrationthey didn't celebrate mine
- customer servicerethink the people manage customer service
- dessert orderpushing dessert order on half of the table
- discriminationFor me it was a discrimination
- flip the tablepushing too hard to flip the table
- hiccupsThere were some hiccups which made our experience somewhat unpleasant
The service here can be a bit of a gamble; while many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like slow service or long waits. If youre patient and value a lively atmosphere, it might be worth a try, but dont expect flawless execution every time.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a high note, scoring a solid 7, which is considered good! Many of the 33 positive comments rave about the warm, authentic atmosphere and the overall fun experience, often highlighting the restaurant's cleanliness and unique Brazilian way. It seems like a charming place that truly delivers on its promise of a great time.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66%, with 15 negative opinions pointing to some bumps. Guests have struggled with difficult parking, found the live music too loud for conversation, and noted issues with unpleasant odors or cold window seating. Some even felt it was a baby unfriendly place, which could impact the overall experience for certain groups.
Ambience
50
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, authentic atmosphere
- Restaurant cleanliness
- Fun, solid experience
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud live music
- Unpleasant odor issues
Often praised
- atmosphereThe experience was nothing short of phenomenal, as always. From the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the attentive staff who make you feel like a valued guest, every aspect of Espetus is top-notch. The endless selection of meats, cooked to perfection and served tableside, is a true treat for any carnivore.
- experienceThey also have a good wine selection and a nice dessert menu. Call it all a very enjoyable experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Brazilian wayconnect the Brazilian way with the Brazilian staff
- ambianceClean and open ambiance
- artexcellent art
- charming placeWe were truly surprised by the service and the quality of the meats. It's a charming place for dinner, and the staff was very attentive. For the price, four of us dined, including a good bottle of wine, and the total was $500.
- everythingI just love everything about this restaurant
- fun experienceSuch a fun experience
- kidsNo problem bringing kids as well
Frequently criticized
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Brazilian musicWill stick with Fogo de Chão next time we’re in SF. (Minor note: they played pop, no Brazilian music).
- atmospheregiving a 1 for atmosphere
- baby unfriendly placeTotally baby unfriendly place
- burnt oil/smokesmell of burnt oil/smoke
- conversationIt was unpleasant to try to converse
- live musicthe live music was too loud
- odor lawsMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently negative due to persistent odor issues. The establishment has been breaking local odor laws for years, and the smell of burnt oil/smoke is noticeable in nearby apartments. This significantly impacts the atmosphere.
- placeIMO This place is a fraud
- window seatingThey sat us by the window so it got cold fast.
If youre looking for a vibrant, clean atmosphere and dont mind a potential hunt for parking, this place could be a great pick. Just be prepared for a lively environment, which might mean a louder experience for some, and consider your seating preference.
Value (3.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Alright, lets talk value! While the overall score for value is a modest 3.8 and customer satisfaction sits at a challenging 26.8%, its not all doom and gloom. Some guests did find bright spots, especially with special deals.
Out of 56 total comments, 15 positive remarks highlighted the price during a summer offering or lunch promotion, often praising the quality for the cost. These specific deals offered a moment of worth. However, the majority of feedback, with 35 negative comments, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the general price point was too high, citing unexpected corkage fee charges, and even accusations of false advertising. This led several diners to conclude it was a waste of money, suggesting the regular pricing needs a serious look.
Value
56
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
35
negative
6
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Special deals shine
- Quality can justify
- Prices sometimes fair
What people don't like
- High prices generally
- Unexpected fees appear
- Pricing discrepancies
Often praised
- priceA tad bit more expensive than some places, but definitely worth it
- pricesThe prices are reasonable and not exaggerated
- great pricefor a great price
- lunch promotionNo almoço tem promoção, é mais barato
- qualityit’s definitely worth it for the quality
- summer lunch specialsummer lunch special, $38 per person. What a great deal.
- summer offeringspecial summer offering which discounted the meal
Frequently criticized
- priceThis place came highly recommended by SF locals and I therefore had high expectations. However, for a place that charges significantly more than the standard chain restaurants (Texas de Brazil and Fogo de ChĂŁo), and as regulars at Brazilian steakhouses, my recommendation for anyone interested in a good experience would be to go somewhere else and if you're specifically looking for a Brazilian steakhouse, skip this location altogether and just go to one of the tried and true chain restaurants. I only went to this location, unsure how the other location might compare.
- salad barA total rip off. There's definitely not enough on it to make it worth $65. The drinks were good but be prepared to spend about $20 each.
- price increaseI wasn't made aware of the price increase until I sat down
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant used to be great, but recently the prices have gone way up without any added value. During happy hour, the prices on the menus and what the staff tell you are completely different and higher when the bill arrives.
- San Francisco mandated employee feeparticipate and charge customers the “San Francisco mandated employee fee”
- billThe bill came and our price end up at $161.85!!!
- corkage feewebsite lists the corkage fee as $30 but we were informed by the server that it is in fact $60 a bottle
- corking feecharge $65 for a corking fee
- false advertisingrequesting reimbursement for the false advertising
- gimmickDon't fall for the gimmick!
If you're eyeing this spot, definitely hunt for those summer offering or lunch promotion deals, as they seem to offer the best bang for your buck. Otherwise, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience, especially with extra charges like corkage fees, which might leave you feeling shortchanged.
How are the prices at Espetus Churrascaria?
Youre looking at roughly 84 per person – reported by 115 diners. That puts it in the $81–$90 category. For a Brazilian Restaurant, its comfortably higher-end.
While the average sits in this range, the data shows many guests are happy to spend quite a bit more, with a significant number opting for experiences over 100 $. This suggests a delightful mix of premium offerings.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 115 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Brazilian Restaurant offering a higher-end experience. It seems to cater to guests looking for a more premium meal, and the prices reflect that.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Espetus Churrascaria
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Steaks and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The steaks were truly amazing, incredibly delicious and tender. The service was also outstanding, with staff who were endlessly attentive and very friendly.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received perfect scores.
- steaks10
- service10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food, Service, and Value!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The selection of meats was great, and the salad bar was both plentiful and really tasty. I found the prices to be fair and reasonable.
I’d even recommend this spot for a date, as the service was excellent with nothing to complain about.
- selection of meats9
- salad bar9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Experience, Fell Short
My experience at this restaurant was quite strange. Initially, I was served by one person at our table, but then ended up with a different waiter, and we received very little attention throughout the meal. The meats were short, and I felt there wasn't enough.
Additionally, there were no seafood options available. I previously visited a Napa from the same chain and had an excellent service experience. Unfortunately, this location fell short.
I'm unsure if I would return, as I have a bad taste in my mouth.
- waiter2
- meats2
- seafood2
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Fixed Menu with Rich Buffet
A nice place to spend an evening with company. They offer a fixed menu formula with a very rich side dish buffet and meat that is served and carved directly at the table. The types of meat they serve are diverse: chicken, lamb, angus, fillet, etc.
, and the cuts of meat are also varied. The quality of the meat is good. Recommended!
- side dish buffet9
- meat8
- cuts of meat8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Overcooked Meat, Disappointing Experience
My experience at this restaurant was very disappointing. I do not recommend it. All the meat was well overcooked.
Unlike most Brazilian steakhouses that offer different temperatures, this one only serves meat that has clearly sat and was reheated. We came for dinner and left within 20 minutes. I will not be back.
- Service5
- Atmosphere8
- meat1
- meat temperatures1
- reheated meat1
What Espetus Churrascaria offers
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Salad bar
- All you can eat
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Espetus Churrascaria?
At Espetus Churrascaria, you can indulge in an all-you-can-eat Brazilian dining experience, featuring a vibrant salad bar. You’ll also find a great wine list, a fine beer selection, and cocktails to complement your meal. Coffee and organic dishes are available, ensuring a comprehensive culinary journey.
What is the atmosphere like at Espetus Churrascaria, and do you need reservations?
Espetus Churrascaria offers a quiet, trendy, and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or an intimate dinner. Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner to secure your seating. Paid street parking is available, and private dining rooms can be booked for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Espetus Churrascaria?
Espetus Churrascaria holds an overall Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a good dining experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.7) and Service (7.1), while the Ambience (7) is also generally well-received. However, Value (3.8) is an area where opinions are more divided.
Are there any common complaints about the pricing at Espetus Churrascaria?
Yes, several customers express concerns regarding the pricing, with some finding it expensive or feeling that the value doesn’t always align with the cost. There are also mentions of unexpected price increases and additional fees.
What can I expect from the atmosphere at Espetus Churrascaria?
The atmosphere is generally described as warm, welcoming, and a fun experience. However, some guests have noted issues such as loud music, difficulty finding parking, or occasional smells of burnt oil/smoke.