Fogo de Chão

The story

Fogo de Chão Hawthorne – Brazilian Churrasco Steakhouse with Wine Spectator Award

A Taste of Southern Brazil in Hawthorne

At Fogo de Chão in Hawthorne, the centuries-old churrasco tradition comes alive. Since 1979, this Brazilian steakhouse has been built around the art of fire-roasting meats, a craft rooted in the mountainous landscapes of Rio Grande do Sul. The founders grew up on a farm in the Serra Gaucha, learning to cook over open flames before opening their first restaurant in Porto Alegre. That dedication to quality and heritage now reaches diners in El Segundo, where the Hawthorne location brings the full churrasco experience to Southern California.

The Churrasco Experience

Here, gaucho chefs—churrasqueiros—carve an array of fire-roasted cuts tableside. The menu highlights signature Brazilian cuts like Picanha (prime top sirloin), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and Costela (beef ribs slow-roasted for over five hours). Beyond the meats, the freshly curated Market Table offers vibrant salads, seasonal vegetables, and authentic sides. For a lighter moment, Bar Fogo serves Brazilian-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and a notable wine list.

Award-Winning Wine Program

Fogo de Chão’s Hawthorne location earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023, a recognition of its carefully selected wine program. The restaurant’s Founders Tribute Wine Collection features four exclusive labels—Jorjão, Eulila, O’Leão, and The Sonhadores—each paired to complement specific cuts. Whether it’s a Malbec from Mendoza with the Picanha or a Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley with the Filet Mignon, the pairings deepen the churrasco experience. Special events like the VIK Wine Dinner further showcase the restaurant’s commitment to world-class wines.

A Legacy of Fire and Flavor

From its origins in Porto Alegre to its expansion across the U.S. and beyond, Fogo de Chão remains true to the culinary art of churrasco. The Hawthorne location carries that legacy forward, offering a warm, energetic atmosphere where the flames are always ready. Whether you come for the full churrasco experience, a seasonal four-course menu, or simply to explore the Market Table and bar, this is Brazilian hospitality at its most direct and satisfying.