The Alternative Press

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - Churrasco BBQ and Steakhouse has proven to provide some of the best traditional Iberian dishes, leaving customers with a taste of Portugal. Being the only Portuguese restaurant in the city of Maplewood, customers from different towns travel to get a taste of the sweet barbecueand chow down in food heaven.  

Churrasco, pronounced “Shhhhurrasco,” located on Springfield Avenue, is a Portuguese and Spanish term meaning grilled food, so you can only imagine the great amount of barbecue and steak there is to eat.  

While bringing Portugal to the streets of Maplewood, Churrasco’s famous dishes include Loin of Lamb, Prime Filet Mignon, Grilled Beef Ribs, and Paella. For new customers looking for something different laced with an exciting taste, this is the place you want to be.

The restaurant has been family owned since 2006. Maria, longtime resident of Union, owns the restaurant with her husband, Eduardo, her brother and sister-in-law. Eduardo, a chef, always dreamed of having his own restaurant and throwing a twist of Portuguese tradition in the mix.

“When the opportunity arrived we jumped on it," Maria said.

With weekly specials and dishes such as Roasted Goat and Tripe, the authenticity is filled in the atmosphere of the restaurant. To go with the great food customers can dine in a comfortable and warm setting with chestnut furniture and beautiful dim lighting.

On warm days customers can enjoy their barbecue on an outside patio, providing a true vacation scene. Churrasco’s can suit all wants and needs whether you are dining in or taking it to go.

Along with providing great service and keeping tradition within the establishment, Maria expresses the importance of the family business.

“Everyone has invested in this business and it is family owned, so this means a lot because time and hard work was put into this business. My children also have a job and cool bosses. I’m not saying that I am expecting them to take over in the future, but the business means a lot to all of us,” Maria said.

For more information, visit www.churrascosteakhouse.com or call 973-761-7744.

Editor's Note: Briana Darby is a student at Kean University and wrote this article for a journalism class.