Tabocas Steakhouse, you had me at brisket. A cut of meat I would never normally go near, was zesty, juicy and grilled to perfection. As the "meat boy" came around w/ a skewer of the first slab of many last night, I was like butter. This place melted me like butter. The ambiance is balanced — lighting, music, granite, waterfall — and the wait staff (cue drum roll) enthuses a pride that puts you immediately at ease. After a not-so-gentle nudging by our server, we went w/ the all-you-can-eat meat and salad buffet and was grinning from ear to ear. It was the best dining out experience I've had in '09. Topping Olives on New Year's Eve (sorry Todd!).
The routine is fun. Turn over the coaster that says "Keep" and the games begin. Meat boy comes by every 5 to 10 min. w/ Brazilian sausage, sirloin, pork loin, chicken wrapped in bacon and chix livers on a rotisserie skewer. With a mini tong, you snap up a slice as it falls from the knife. A fresher way to ingest meat I know not. And here's the best part Booze Hounds, the drinks rock. Gourmet Guy ordered a caprini that tasted like we landed in Rio. And it was served w/ a slew of limes in a stout glass for under $6. I had the Portuguese house red for $6, which was as pleasing.
We can only imagine how good they will taste on Tabocas' deck overlooking the Concord River this summer. This spot has been home to Brazilian steakhouses for years, Beira Rio and Rios, but Tabocas finally got it right. 26 Andover St., Lowell. tabocassteakhouse.com
I went in there to buy a gift certificate and was very impressed with the decor. Can't wait to try it out.
Posted by (((Brian))) | February 12, 2009 6:16 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 18:16
Will keep this place in mind - but was hoping you'd report on the final tallies for the Souper Bowl as promised....I searched for the results online, but in vain. It's a tad early to be planning on dining al fresco; we haven't put Soup Season behind us yet!
Posted by greygarious | February 13, 2009 9:29 AM
Posted on February 13, 2009 09:29
GG, I've been waiting to read a post on Taboca's for a while, and glad to finally see it. My wife and I went during their first week, and it was one of the best all-around restaurant experiences I've ever had in Lowell. HIGHLY recommended.
Posted by bc | February 13, 2009 4:22 PM
Posted on February 13, 2009 16:22
Can't wait to give it a try. Will save me the trip to Guacho's in Manchester when I am craving Brazilian BBQ.
Posted by anon | February 14, 2009 12:27 AM
Posted on February 14, 2009 00:27
The boyfriend and I went to Tabocas for V-Day and it was great!!! The meats were cooked to perfection, not dried out like some other brazillian BBQs in Cambridge, they had great buffet choices, and also some soups! Usually the brazillian BBQ restaurants have a limited and not so great buffet selection and you just go to eat all the meats, but Taboca's had a great buffet and meat selection. Also, they gave all the girls complimentary chocolate covered strawberries! The ambiance and decor are very nice and for valentine's the buffet area was decorated with red rose petals. The service was right on and it wasn't crazy and hectic on Valentine's like I expected even though every table was full. They didn't overbook the reservations like most other places on holidays! I'll definatly be going back again!
Posted by Hungry Grl | February 15, 2009 10:43 AM
Posted on February 15, 2009 10:43