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Chima Brazilian Steakhouse Sets the Bar Higher for Other Steak Houses

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted)

One a chilly Philly Friday night, we ventured out into the East Coast tundra for some meat. Well, technically all the meats. We tried some other super meaty places nearby before (ahem) and were not impressed. However, Chima Steakhouse pretty much blew us away from the moment we sat down. The drink menu is on an iPad which is cool and trendy however I like to have a physical copy in my hand as I like to study the wine list. But our server was knowledgeable and soon we had exactly what our taste buds were asking for. The full menu including the fantastic fresh Brazilian buffet is $56.90 prix fixe so you can stay and eat a course – or 10 if you like. Don’t expect some crappy steakhouse buffet because it is all fresh and pretty healthy with high-end options.

Chima Steakhouse offers guests unlimited Brazilian style Rodízio — grilled seasoned meats served on skewers — including Certified Angus top sirloin (with signature cut – Picanha), baby top sirloin, filet mignon, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, ribeye, flank steak, leg of lamb, lamb chops, barbecue ribs, beef ribs, chicken wrapped in bacon, boneless chicken, parmesan pork loin, sausage, and salmon – as well as the newly introduced cheesesteak as a Philadelphia favorite. Chima’s Rodízio also comes with unlimited access to the bountiful salad bar and side dishes, while guests can choose from a selection of craft beers, wines and champagnes from across the world, along with a full bar.

The first Chima restaurant originated in Uberlandia, Brazil located in the state of Minas Gerais. In 2004, the Silva family introduced a new style of dining and superior service to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chima combined traditional Brazilian rodizio and excellent service with an elegant setting. From the moment you sat down, you were treated like a queen and that – to me – is the ultimate test of an excellent dining experience.

A view of the private dining room at Chima Steakhouse in Philadelphia. Submitted photo
The back room at Chima Steakhouse in Philadelphia.
Tables in the main room of Chima Steakhouse in Philadelphia where we were seated next to a mother and her son having a nice family dinner next to my mother and me.
The delicious and healthy buffet bar at Chima Steakhouse, I won’t even call it a salad bar because it’s so much more than that! Submitted photo
As soon as you are seated, you are instructed that these chips mean keep the meat coming and the black means no more for now, thank you at Chima Steakhouse.
Even these little doughy bread balls were amazing at Chima Steakhouse.
Some sides of plantains and yucca fries with hummus at Chima Steakhouse for some carb options.
Chima Steakhouse, named after chimarrao, a traditional drink of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, symbolizes hospitality and friendship-certainly lives up to its name. Legend has it that, in South Brazil traditional gauchos (cowboys) would consume a diet that consisted almost entirely of beef. The meat was seasoned, placed on skewers, and slow cooked over a wood burning flame. Historically, gauchos were known for their generosity and hospitality.
We highly recommend trying a slice of all the meats at Chima Steakhouse.
This prime rib was my favorite and a sight for sore carnivore eyes at Chima Steakhouse.
OK sure we’ll try some pork too at Chima Steakhouse. It wasn’t all meat mind you they also brought around skewered pineapple and more delicious fruits and veggies impaled on metal poles.
Just in case you wanted to browse the full meaty menu at Chima Steakhouse.
A lovely selection of fine teas to go with your dessert at Chima Steakhouse.
A little caffeine after your meal is one way to go at Chima Steakhouse.
Or you can go the other way with a tart and sweet plum dessert wine such as the Warres Late Bottle Vintage 1999 at Chima Steakhouse.
Chocolate coconut lava cake was for dessert and although a little crispy around the outside, it was still moist and gooey on the inside at Chima Steakhouse.