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Name: Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
Address: 1901 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Telephone: (215) 525-3233
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.56

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

1901 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19103

(215) 525-3233
Store is closed

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse Menu

Salad & Bar Items

Salad Bar Items

Caesar Salad

Calamari Salad

Smoked Salmon

Shrimp Salad

Baby Arugula

Fresh Jumbo Asparagus

Beef Carpaccio
Rodizio (meat)

Leg Of Lamb

Baby Top Sirloin

Beef Ribs

Boneless Chicken Or Chicken With Bacon

Filet Mignon

Flank Steak

Lamb Chops

Top Sirloin

Pork Loin With Parmesan

Pork Ribs

Ribeye

Sausage

Swordfish

Salmon
Dessert

Apple Strudel

Cheesecake With Capuacu

Mango Cream

Passion Fruit Mousse

Cream Caramel

Walnut Cream

Tiramisu

Healthy Meal suggestions for Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

Salad & Bar Items

Salad Bar Items [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Arugula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Jumbo Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rodizio (meat)

Leg Of Lamb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Top Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Chicken Or Chicken With Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flank Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Chops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Top Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Loin With Parmesan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ribeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Swordfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Apple Strudel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheesecake With Capuacu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mango Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Passion Fruit Mousse [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cream Caramel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walnut Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Jenny M.

Where do you go for an all you can eat meal that isn't the Old Country Buffet, and a bit nicer? A Brazilian Steakhouse of course! After seeing Chima listed for restaurant week at $35 a person, my boyfriend and I decided to head out in the cold and eat as much meat as possible. When we arrived the place was crowded in the main room, but the other parts of the restaurant seemed empty. We were greeted right away from our waiter who gave us the drink menu which was on an ipad, pretty cool. We ended up ordering one of the restaurant week special wines, only $30 and good! The other wines ranged from $35 to $300+ per a bottle. Cocktails were in the $10+ range, but they all looked good! Before we went up to explore the salad bar we were brought two different appetizers with the most delicious dipping sauce ever. I personally loved the Cheesy Bread (luckily they were not unlimited, otherwise I would have filled up on them). The salad bar was okay, I was disappointed they didn't have more pre-made salad options. They had a few non salad items such as rice, black beans, and soup. Personally I preferred the salad bar at Rodizio Grill in New Jersey as they had way more options. After we finished our plates from the salad bar, we flipped our cards to green and started eating what we came for- the unlimited meat. My personal favorite was the Flank Steak, it was delicious. I also enjoyed the ribs and swordfish. The meat service here isn't the fastest, but that is part of the experience. Additionally you can ask any of the staff for a specific meat and they'll make sure it comes to you. Chima can easily accommodate large groups or romantic dates. The place was darkly lit but decorated very well it had a fancy city flair to it. Valet service is $18, but there is a decent amount of street parking around the restaurant. The staff is great, super attentive and very friendly.
(4)
Amanda N.

This review is a tad limited as we dined here for restaurant week but our expectations were definitely surpassed after trying Fogo twice before. It was such a good deal for $35: all you can eat salad bar and a good amount of the usual meats (except filet and a few others). The service was so much better than the Philly Fogo dining experience we had last year as they frequently refilled our drinks and checked in to see if they could direct any other meats our way that we were still missing. I felt the waitress was really trying to upsell the alcoholic bevarages to us, but it's understandable as the restaurant week was quite the steal. The beef cuts were definitely quite decent and had a lot of flavor. Quality-wise they weren't as tender as Fogo but definitely still above average and crave-able. The sword fish as well as the salmon were a little disappointing, slightly dry with the option of either passionfruit or pesto sauce in which both were also disappointing. The cheese puff breads that we're so obsessed with at Fogo were decent. The super fresh salad bar was awesome but the quality of some of the dishes could be a tad better flavor-wise. They also had a really nice selection of sauces available for for self-service that I liked (horse radish, hot sauce, steak sauce, house bbq sauce etc). I'm torn on which place I would suggest to friends looking for a brazilian steakhouse.. the fogo in las vegas is still by far the best in quality and variety, but Philly's falls a hair short in this category of dining.
(4)
Rebecca H.

I really had high hopes for Chima. My husband and I visited this past Sunday for a belated V-day dinner. First of all, we had a reservation and we were still seated 15 minutes late- not a huge deal. When we were finally seated, we were greeted promptly. Our waiter was friendly. The drink menu is impressive- I like that they have iPads for you to see the variety. The side dishes were fair. Loved the fried bananas and polenta (and of course the cheesy bread), but the meat/cheese balls weren't good, and the mashed potatoes were almost completely liquid. The salad bar was a huge disappointment. I'm comparing it to Na Brasa in Horsham, a much smaller place, and Chima paled in comparison. Barely anything looked appetizing, so I had some rice, artichoke, and mozzarella. Our drinks were great. I had the white sangria and my husband had a banana drink. Sized generously and reasonably priced. The meat? Meh. First of all, the variety was disappointing, and we kept seeing the same meat over and over again. Flank steak? Sirloin? Parmesan pork? (We don't eat pork, I felt badly telling the server 20 times lol). The quality was OK, but not outstanding. I was especially disappointed by the garlic steak, but the flank steak and the chicken were very tasty. We ordered the ice cream with banana topping for dessert. We enjoyed it. I ordered tea...the server brought me the tea bag and I had to ask several times for the water. I'm not sure if it was because it was the night before a holiday, but so many people came in completely inappropriately dressed. I can't even tell you how many people were there in sweatshirts, sweatpants, and sneakers. Doesn't this place have a dress code? They should. Honestly, with an excellent Brazilian steakhouse near me in the burbs, I don't see a reason to go to Chima again. I'm bummed- really wanted to love it!
(2)
Kristen M.

I came to Chima for my work Staff Appreciation Dinner. I have previously patronized a well-known Brazilian Steakhouse in Philadelphia and learned many valuable lessons. My strategy was determined well in advance. The goals: maximize belly space, eat a lot of meat, and leave not feeling like death. I knew not to go crazy at the salad bar. Everyone raves about the salad bar. Personally I wasn't impressed and it wasn't hard to resist. I did try something new, the heart of palm; which I found to be not so appetizing. I also knew not load up on the sides of fried banana, fried polenta, or cheesy biscuits. The cheesy biscuits were really good! I only ended up eating 5, whoops. I think it is natural to compare Chima to the experience I had at Fogo de Chao. Fogo is everything Chima wishes it could be. The service at Chima was just OK. The time I spent waiting between meats was longer than I would have liked. To their credit the waitresses did ask a few times if there was any meat we were waiting to try. When we informed them, that meat would arrive 5 minutes later, but we kept having to ask. I felt mildly harassed at Fogo with the different meats they kept bringing around. At Chima, there was no urgency to flip my card to red. Perhaps it was because we had a 100+ person party, but they should be pretty good at handling large crowds. My favorite meat by far was the barbecue ribs. I found the filet to be very salty. I actually had room for dessert which is disturbing. The cheesecake was decently decent, but I would have gladly dismissed it for more quality meat. The truth is I've experienced better and I won't be rushing back here anytime soon.
(2)
Sari A.

Great Salad Bar and amazing meats selections comes with a food coma. Our servers always friendly providing excellent service off and on peak times. Meat will keep coming unless you flip the card to take a break to digest or to get your check. Love it! Four Yelps!
(4)
Theresa A.

For the second year in a row, my husband's company has picked Chima Brazillian Steakhouse as the location for their corporate Holiday Party (at my request!). My husband and I have dined at Chima several times and always recommend it for special occasions and large groups. We always tell everyone the same thing when suggesting it: the biggest downside about it is that it's too fancy to wear elastic-waist pants. During this most recent visit I will say that our experience was good but not great. Our party of 12 had a reservation for 7pm on a Friday night but naturally some were more on time than others. Because several of us arrives early, we took a trip to the bar to enjoy a cocktail or two as we waited for the other guests to arrive. The first turn off was the happy hour menu. First of all--it is completely misprinted. It says "Happy Hour Menu" with lists of drink and their prices...but you are supposed to "know" that some of them are $3 off? I don't know. Very confusing. Additionally--out of a wine list of about 1,000 different brands and types of wine, the happy hour options include ONE white and ONE red. Talk about variety! Oof. I wasn't interested in the two wines they had to choose from and had to ask for a wine list. I was provided an iPad to scroll through and look at their epic selection...while a server hovered over my shoulder (I assume to make sure I didn't walk off with it?!) I was in the mood for bubbly (as per usual) but was shocked to see Rufino Prosecco at $9/glass. The bottle costs $8. Talk about an upcharge! I decided to go with the White Sangria first and held off until dinner for the sparkly stuff. It wasn't until the majority of our party arrived that it got annoying. We had each ordered a drink or two and were now heading to the table. Only this iPad wine list bearing, iPhone ordering, completely digital restaurant cannot transfer the bill from the bar to our table. Great. Add that this is extra complicated because the person with the corporate credit card was the last to arrive. Ultimately we got it figured out but I still thought it was silly. (Ironically his company is 90% software engineers so it gave us a lot to chat about over dinner) Dinner itself was delicious as usual and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (vegetarians and meat eaters alike!). The only hangup was our server, who, while polite and nice enough seemed to disappear a little too often. And because he refused to leave the 6+ bottle of wine we ordered on the table (he insisted on pouring) there were large gaps where some people went without drinks. (Had I been one of them, this review could have been 1 star!!) The last thing to mention was the rather disappointing dessert course. I have always been a believer that it's pretty hard to ruin dessert but luck was not on my side with the dish that I ordered (the passion fruit mousse). I highly recommend ordering anything else. There was not a single person at the table who liked it. The highest rated was a chocolate cake with some sort of berry sorbet. I did have a bite and regretting not ordering it instead. Oh well! Next time. Overall, 3.5/5 Stars (but I rounded up). For as many times as we've been here and I haven't written a review it's worth it. I am sure we will be back again soon and look forward to having more men in poofy pants bring me meat on a sword!!!
(4)
Minzie P.

This place was great! Very good selection of meats and salad bar choices for restaurant week. I will definitely come back for more. Thanks :)
(5)
Simon Z.

I've been here 5 times and each time I feel as if I enjoy it less and less. However, with that said, there are a few dishes that are noteworthy. My absolute favorite is the beef ribs. The beef ribs melts in your mouth and can easily be cut with the side of your fork. It's sometimes a bit salty but when they get it right, it's to die for. Some of my other favorite dishes would be the top sirloin, lamb ribs, lamb leg and ribeye. I would say the other meats are a hit or miss. They're sometimes a bit too dry and once you've had them, you can check them off the list without a need to revisit. Also personally I found the salmon too hard and dry to my liking and the bacon wrapped meats to have its flavor diminished by everyone's favorite breakfast meat (sorry sausage). I would say that once you've gone to one Brazilian steakhouse it's not worth going... Unless for restaurant week.
(4)
Toland F.

********UPDATE August 10, 2015 - 3 of the 4 members of my party have "Tummy Trouble" after our night at Chima. More good news. This place is a disgrace. ******** Here's what you want to know: Chima or Fogo. Answer: Fogo...by leaps and bounds!!!! #TEAMFOGOdeCHAO I would give Chima 2 stars, if i could dedicate 1 star exclusively to my pitcher of Sangria. Otherwise this place was not my cup of tea, hence 1 or -1 star. If you are looking for the short version of this rating here it is: Chima is a wannabe. Very average food, overpriced, and crappy service. Take your money to Fogo and enjoy your dinner. If you want deets on why Chima blows, read on. Hostess/Waitress/Service Just bad. First, the hostess and at least my waitress Emily had an AT-TI-TUDE, One of those, "I work at a restaurant in CC and you are supposed to care" attitudes. She ran through the rodizio process and how it works ( cuts of meat, salad bar, red stop sign and green signal) at lightening speed. Two of us had been to this type of restaurant and two of my party had not. So I took the liberty of slowly explaining it to to our party members so a human being could actually process the information. From the beginning she kinda seemed like we were bothering her at work. (Which is ironic because she was at work) Not a big deal, but a little annoying. There's more about the hostess, but I don't even want to bother with her.... Salad bar The salad bar was blah at best. I did like the vegetable cream soup and some of the cheese offerings, otherwise it was nothing special. As a matter of fact I was a little annoyed that there were wedges of iceberg lettuce (presumably for wedge salad), but not crumbled blue cheese or other fixins to make a wedge salad.. Disappointing, but not a huge deal. There were some other things you would find at a very AVERAGE salad bar. Think Ruby Tuesdays salad bar and add smoked salmon. I may not be giving its due, but the point is---you've had better at a boardwalk casinos buffet. But who cares about salad at a steak house. Next... The Meats/fish Just...BOOOO!!!! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SPECIAL at all. The ribs were over sauced (presumably to hide the fatty, low quality underneath), the other cuts were tough and flavorless (mine were medium in temp...you can order your meats according to your temperature so maybe order it raw?). The prime rib was the worst. Dry tasteless, just not worth the $$$$. The salmon and swordfish were okay at best. I didn't finish either. I think the best thing about the fish were the sauces. Just yuck. I didn't try the chicken offerings, because I was just ready to go. The check Not a bad check. And although I only saw Emily 3-4 times in 2 1/2 hours, we were set to give our usual 20% gratuity. We asked Emily to split the check, because the couple we were with wanted to pay via credit card. We split the check in half $93.51 cash, and 93.51 on the card...you know-even Steven. Well Ms. Emily came back and told us Chima does not take coins. Huh???? She said there is no place to put them? So she gave back the $.51 added it to the credit card. Whaaaatttt??? That's perplexing... I asked Emily what happens if a person were to pay in cash only for a check that included change. For example $55.28. Do you know what she told me? She said they "round it up". HUH??????? What???? So now I'm pissed. Your restaurant doesn't want to deal with change so you "round it up"????? First of all, IFFFFFFF she didn't just make that up---CHIMA is ridiculous and obnoxious (which I told her). But the good news is, I really DON'T believe that's the policy. I think that was EMILY's policy. The restaurant does not take change? I believe she lied. I think she was being dismissive. I think she was being all "this is an exclusive restaurant and we don't do change". And that's a bunch of BS. Chima is a CHAIN restaurant, hence Ms Donalds and freaking Sizzler (which I've had better food at back in the 1990's, lol). Just because the address is downtown, and you get to overcharge and dress your wait staff in black button down tops and pants---DOES NOT MAKE YOU EXCLUSIVE). I've actually eaten at Michelin rated restaurants on a couple different continents, so give me a freaking break with the "attitude/we're too good for change". I am going to contact the headquarters and find out about this change policy. Honestly, it would not have been SUCH a big deal if EVERYTHING else DID NOT FREAKING SUCK. It was a crappy experience. Nothing special and HARSHLY overpriced for the butt you have to kiss to get a decent meal and service. If you are on the fence. FOGO da Chao wins. Never had ANYTHING but GREAT service, awesome and FLAVORFUL food. I know I made a big deal over the change, its only because I find it insulting. This is half review, half rant. For that I apologize. This review was from Sunday August 9th- again, BOOOO!!!
(1)
Kevin W.

Pleasantly surprised at this Philly standout. Given all the Brazilian steakhouse options in NYC, what I enjoyed most about this place versus some of my local options were the following: - Fab service, the folks here are fast, attentive and diligent - The meats actually tasted quite good and it wasn't too salty - LOVE the sauce options here. It's great to see such a cool selection situated right next to the salad bar. It's almost like it has its own spread. - Nice caprihinas, the strawberry one is quite tasty As for the mehs - Dessert selection was okay but what you get at places like Churasscuria Plataforma in NYC is way better - I think the meat selection is solid, but other places I've been had more choices. However, the quality here is definitely top notch - Salad bar is big but the quality of the items pale vs some other places I've been to However, that said, I'd definitely come back again because of the solid quality of the food and great service.
(4)
Jasmine D.

This was my first time to a Brazilian steakhouse. Loved the concept of eat all you can ! Everything was yummy. The salad was fresh and such a wide collection. Every time someone came by our table with the meat they explained well what it was and cut it perfectly! No bits and pieces falling off. The chima mojito was good. Was not strong on alcoholic. I preferred it that way. Servers were patient and always refilled water/ drinks. Finally, it's definitely a little pricey but worth it for the service and the delicious food. Birthday celebrations are twice as much fun.
(5)
Alida P.

Yelpitos, Lemme tell you, for an all you can eat meat treat, I really enjoyed Chima! I met a group of friends for a birthday get-together on a Friday evening. I was not surprised how crowded it was being CCRW. There was initially a little confusion about how many ended up in our party, but after all the kinks were worked out, we sat together, with Jaime serving us, and had a good ol' time. Mind you, come for the meat, save room on your plate! The buffet bar was lush and fresh, and had many many options to accompany your meat selections. I chose a little bit of salad, the rice and black beans, and the rest of the white plate space was for my meats and appetizers at the table ... yucca fries, and fried bananas, and beef balls (best way for me to describe them and they were good) and some doughy bread with salmon dip ... My favorites were: sirloin steak, salmon with passion fruit & mango sauce, lamb chops, and bacon wrapped chicken (ahh, don't we all just love how bacon makes everything taste better? tee hee); I also tasted beef ribs, skirt steak, and pork ribs (good sauce on those bad boys!). I turned my lil token over every time the salmon came through, though. That sauce made it for me. I really saw and tasted why my friend Marc D. likes Chima so much. Do you remember the song from Oliver Twist? "Fooood glorious fooooood" ... Yeah, Chima is like that! So go! Enjoy! It's spendy but definitely worth it. Take a few friends with you and get your meat on, and I do not mean like Lady Gaga! ;o) Be advised: No! You cannot take any meat home! So bring your appetite and enjoy the loveliness of a Brazilian Steak House.
(4)
Brian K.

I could easily talk about all the delicious food here, as all of what I tried was absolutely delicious. But I'd rather talk about the service. Chima had the best service of any restaurant I've been to. I had marked on my OpenTable reservation that I had a gluten allergy, and when my girlfriend and I got there, our server was ready with their gluten-free menu that not only states what is gluten-free, but also what isn't. This is great for people like me who would assume that something as simple as their balsamic vinaigrette dressing would be safe--but their menu clearly states it's not. On the other hand, their delicious cheese bread appetizer both looked and sounded like something that would contains all kinds of gluten/wheat products. Yet it was listed on their menu as gluten-free. Always the skeptic, I asked our server if he could double check that, and so he had one of the managers stop by our table to explain that the bread is actually made from yucca/cassava flour and was completely safe. Additionally, throughout our meal two of the managers stopped by on multiple occasions to make sure we were enjoying everything and also to see if I had any additional questions about their gluten-free options. But the most unexpected part of the evening happened when we received our check: One of the managers came by with a complimentary take-home bag full of the previously mentioned cheese bread. We didn't ask for it, he just simply said that he knew we were enjoying it, and so he wanted us to have some to take home. I couldn't have asked for a better dining experience.
(5)
Amy N.

Short, quick and sweet review: went during restaurant week (twice now) and even amidst all the chaos, they still managed to stay atop of their customers needs so kudos to Chima's service team! Drinks are decent price, not outrageous which is commendable in a classy restaurant. The salad bar is stocked with prosciutto, spinach, smoked salmon and more. As for the meat itself, it was all well cooked and seasoned (can't speak for the filet mignon). The chicken was a bit dry and the ribs are salty but that may just be because of the craziness of Restaurant Week. On the other hand, not Chima's fault but the patrons during restaurant week is a tad bit.. Lacking manners. Overall, a great place to try Brazilian BBQ if you're curious.
(4)
Michael G.

I was here recently with a large group of abut 20 for their Express Lunch. For about $17 I got the full salad bar and a really well prepared steak done perfectly medium rare. For a different set price of only a couple of dollars, one could go with salmon or chicken. The salad bar was well stocked and even had some surprises like a cream vegetable soup that was very tasty. The restaurant was clean, the service was spot on, and everyone had a very nice time. I highly recommend the Express Lunch at Chima. It was a nice surprise for me.
(4)
Shirlana D.

The decor and ambiance here is classic. Upon entering the restaurant the hostess was friendly and greeted us with a smile. This restaurant is a Brazilian Steakhouse and had an abundance of meat. The tables were elegantly set and the waiter greeted us with a fresh warm roll upon being seated. Through out the evening there was a myriad of various types of beef, chicken, lamb, fish and pork. I was told that whenever I wanted to sample different cut or type of meat, I simply had to turn over the place card that I had been given upon seating. I must admit that it seemed to be a quick moment before the wait staff would notice the card was turned over, and they quickly approached the table to offer me another food to sample. While the food was in abundance, I found the salad bar to be lacking. The salad bar had a sample of various cold salads, but seemed to be missing an array of other possible hot choices to accompany the huge variety of meats. Although I eat meat, it was too overwhelming and offered too many meat options with a limited of variety of seafood (again, I get it is a steakhouse). The ambiance was good and the food was ok, but this is a place that I wouldn't have to visit again.
(3)
Miliardo P.

Ok, this is me trying to be understanding. I LOVE Brazilian steakhouses so when I found out that it was restaurant week, I'm totally in. I'd been to Fogo in several cities and decided to give Chima a try because it's infinitely closer to my house. I should've taken the walk. Now as a guy I tend to only notice things like decor when they're bad, and the burnt orange theme of the restaurant definitely qualifies. In all fairness I DID come during restaurant week, so they were busier than usual, that being said...the whole point of restaurant week is having people try your place out so they'll come back and become normal customers. Valet was meh, Check in went ok we were waiting an extra fifteen minutes from our reservation time but the place was packed and I try to be understanding of such things. We were seated and then we waited, and waited......and waited. The dining room was understaffed, I get it but we were starving. After another fifteen minutes I gave up and just asked one of the meat bearing gauchos to help us out, to his credit he did. The gauchos did their jobs and are the only reason for the second star. After grabbing our buffet plates it was time to sit down and eat. All I wanted was a drink. What kind of drink you ask? What kind of overly complicated concoction did I have to wait another FOURTY-FIVE minutes for??? A soda!!!! That ever elusive beverage. After asking three successful servers for a soda ($4 by the way) I finally gave up and asked a Gaucho (the guys who walk around with meat and carving, aka the busiest guys in the place). Plus, aren't they supposed to be upselling me? All I wanted was a soda!!!! When it came time to get a second soda, I just saved time and effort and asked the Gaucho first. You'd think that with that mess they'd comp my soda but no. Oh and before I forget, yet again I understand that its restaurant week, but would a little friendliness from the reception area be too much to ask? I'm happy that you got a foam latte from the bar, but since we're waiting in line extra time, how about a little polite conversation to your lobby full of guests. Instead I'm treated to a list of who's sleeping with who in the restaurant, in case you want to know the bartender........
(2)
TTder C.

Nice hidden gem in center city. Went here on a Tuesday during restaurant week and needless to say it was pretty busy. Didn't have to wait for a party of 6. The food was delicious with 2 fish options (swordfish and salmon). If you only get the salad bar, it comes with the 2 fish options as well (major plus). Our servers and runners were the highlight of the evening. Michelle was our server and zack was our runner. Always topped off water without asking, never had to ask for a clean plate. Even though they were a little busy they were very friendly and attentive. NOTE TO MANAGEMENT: Zack has been working there for 1 1/2 years I think it's about time he becomes a server. It's not often you see an employee working as hard and as dedicated as he was and no reward. 4 stars for the food 5stars for the staff. When I come back I will request a table in Michelle's section.
(5)
Joey M.

Yay for restaurant week! For $35 you get unlimited salad bar, all meats (except premiums like filet minion), and some side orders. For the regular price of $54 you get the above plus the premium cuts of meat. I opted for the $35 special as that was plenty of meat. The salad bar is plentiful but I am sad to say I was disappointed at the lack of flavor of some of the items like the seafood salad. The veggie soup that they offered which was butternut squash ( I think) was great! There was a turkey spread, fried cheese balls and beef croquets as side orders as well as fried plantains and fried palenta. I was a fan of the cheese balls, plantains and palenta. I did not enjoy the flavor of other sides. I enjoyed a glass of red sangria with my meal which I recommend. Now for the meats! The flank steak had way too much seasoning for my liking but was cooked perfectly, medium rare. The sirloin was my favorite and was juicy and tasty. The pork, fish and chicken selections were a tad dry for my liking. Service: What I found very cool is that the drink menu was on iPads that the waiter left with us to peruse! Very modern! The venue is very large and with dim lighting and a relaxing ambiance. We were seated by the window but the vent by the heater wasn't working. We asked one waitress to address this and stated she would ask the manager about the heat. About 10-15 mins went by and we didn't hear anything back so we asked our waiter who stated the same thing. This time the manager did come over and after checking the vent herself, moved us to a warmer location. :) Though I don't typically splurge on Brazilian steak houses I think I would try another before revisiting this venue.
(3)
Mitch S.

1. Cafeteria quality food. 2. My wife's phone rang from an unknown number several times on our way back from the restaurant. She finally answered on the third ring. It was the Chima restaurant manager informing us that they accidentally charged us too little money, and asking me for my credit card information to add the remainder of the bill. ?!
(1)
Connie J.

I actually like Chima more than Fogo de Chao. I feel that Chima has more options, more flavor and I had the best service ever! Last seating is at 9:00PM on Sundays and my reservation was at 8:30PM. Unfortunately, 3 members of my party arrived 10 minutes after. Throughout the entire time, we were never rushed. I highly recommend this place, I loved our server Rick!
(4)
Scott L.

Absolutely ridiculous tipping procedure. Came here for sips on a Wednesday - was charged 34% included tip on the subtotal of my bill. They informed me afterwards that this tip was on the discounted subtotal; nowhere on the menu was this said anywhere. 30 dollars for tip for a couple of beers, a couple of low quality meat dishes, and subpar service (where the waiter purposely came less to prevent us from ordering more during happy hour) is egregious. Will not be returning here again. Better to take my money to Fogo.
(1)
Rochelle H.

I have been to Brazilian style steakhouses before and didn't quite think that they were worth the price. I am carnivorous, for sure, but walking a whole lot of meat past me and hoping that I pounce on it like a wild animal is just not my cup of tea. Furthermore, I have found the meats to be mostly unseasoned and not of the greatest quality. Additionally, the salad bars that accompany the meal aren't usually that great either. Well, well, what do you know... A Brazilian churrascaria that is actually pretty decent, albeit a little expensive. First, let's start with the dÃ©cor. Absolutely not what I expected. Actually on the sleek side even with the Passadores (meat waiters) walking around plying their meat wares. You actually walk into a somewhat small, but cool looking lobby area and then walk up a few steps into one of several dining areas. Since I was a part of a large party (9), we were actually placed in a somewhat separate area away from the actual salad bar area. We actually had our own table captain who explained the set-up and reviewed the electronic tablet drink/dessert menu to us. Additionally, he delivered meat croquettas (somewhat dry), smoked turkey spread (wanted to bring it home), fried polenta sticks (tasty), cheese bread (more like a cheesy Yorkshire pudding), mashed potatoes (extremely smooth) and fried plantains to our table. After that, it was party on! I really enjoyed the selections at the salad bar (Black Beans and Rice, asparagus, broccoli, fresh marinated seafood salad, various salads, soups and very important to me...quite a selection of sauces to accompany your meat. (Chimichurri, several types of steak sauce, horseradish sauce, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, etc... YAY!) I love sauces to go wit my meat! Now the most important reason to go, MEAT! MEAT! MEAT! I loved, loved, loved the lamb chops, beef ribs, ribeye and salmon with passion fruit sauce. Additionally, the pork ribs were decent for them not to be a rib joint. There were several other meat selections (flank steak, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken, etc) but I had to concentrate on the meats that I could fit in and I couldn't fit in another bite. What I really enjoyed was the fact that meat tasted of high quality and was actually EXTREMELY well-seasoned. A major beef with me (pardon the pun)I is the lack of seasoning and questionable quality of the meat at a lot of these places. That was not the case here. Expensive, yes! Definitely worth it if you like to indulge in your favorite proteins in a relaxed urbane atmosphere.
(4)
Lene P.

My absolute favorite so far of the Brazilian steakhouses I've been to! Also best bang for your buck during Restaurant Week. Had a reservation at 8PM for 2, was promptly seated by the hostess, then a server came by to ask us the type of water we wanted. First they served us about small plates, beef croquettes, cheese bread, some turkey spread. All were very good. The drinks server came by and we ordered the special sangria. I didn't think it was very strong. After, we checked out the salad bar which was awesome! Carpaccio, prosciutto, smoked salmon, a variety of salads and cheeses, seafood salad, it was very well stocked and very, very tasty. The server then came around again with more small plates and refilled whatever was previously empty. This time we got the delicious mashed potatoes, sooo very buttery and smooth. Also, fried polenta which was nice and crispy. Now, for the most important part... the MEAT! Always a favorite, get the top sirloin house special picanha. Get it multiple times. It's the best! The flank, ribeye, lambchops, filet mignon were all great as well. The salmon and swordfish come with passion fruit sauce which was tasty and had a nice tangy spice to it. I didn't get to try the roast chicken but I did try the bacon wrapped chicken which is normally not impressive at any steakhouse I've been to but it was tasty here. I was not a fan of the sausage, though. We did not order dessert but had some coffee which was very good. I forgot the name of my coffee but it was $9 and had godiva, almond mocha and some type of alcohol, possibly baileys. The service was awesome. You have people constantly asking if you need a clean plate, refilling your water, coming around asking if you want a certain type of meat sent to your table and how you like it done. The only downside, if you would consider it a downside, is that it's a LOT of people coming to you. It's nice that at least 2 different floor managers came around asking how our dinner was going. Also, the requests we put in for the meats were kind of slow and the server that put it in came around a second time when he was just there taking our order a couple of minutes ago. It was really busy so I would not put anyone at fault for this. The servers were all knowledgeable and friendly. The hostess turned to us and said goodbye, wished us a good night as we left. Overall a wonderful experience, highly recommended and I look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Jamie D.

Went on a lovely Sunday lunch date to Chima for restaurant week. I had been to Fogo before and was excited to try another Brazillian steakhouse! I enjoyed the ambiance in this restaurant a bit more as it's a bit more modern and was glad we went at 1pm on a Sunday because it wasn't too busy. Okay, on to the food talk. Chima has a bigger salad bar with lots of different things and I liked that, but was wary of eating too much of it because I wanted to save room for tasty tasty meats. My favorite was the brisket, which was perfectly tender and bursting with flavor! Everything bacon-wrapped is delicious, obviously. I do suggest sticking to the beef options, as I found the swordfish and pork to both be dry and bland (and the sauces they provide just made it worse). We received appetizers and desserts at our table that I think were for Restaurant Week but you would have to order otherwise. If you have to pay extra for them, don't. The fried banana was tasty, but nothing too amazing. I do suggest getting a caipirinha as they are DELICIOUS.
(4)
Dave M.

I am strictly writing a Restaurant Week review here. Upon first glance, all you can eat for $35 seems pretty good. But don't be a pushover for such gluttony. The saladbar has a wonderful selection but ultimately is very diner-esque. The quality of it didn't make me kick my shoes off in a fit of joy. It was just a salad bar with some fancier selections. The meat was okay, nothing special. The garlic sirloin, the flank steak, the bacon wrapped filet....the list goes on, and this is all well and good, but nothing done exceptionally. Often the meat will be cut for you from the side of the steak done the wrong way. For extra memories of a good time they'll be kind enough to dribble blood and grease from their little carving carriers on you. If you don't want to be served anymore, flip your little token over (Pogs anyone?!?!). They'll probably still annoy you to take their cuts of meat anyway. And then when everyone else is done and you want to start eating again, flip your little token over and the servers are nowhere to find. Complete this pseudo-fine dining experience with exorbitantly priced drinks, tacky serving uniforms, and fellow diners in T-shirts and sweatpants. Is this "fine dining" worth the price? You decide.
(3)
Michael S.

I can almost copy and paste my review from Fogo de Chao on here. They are both tons of low qualtiy meat. I came here for restaurant week with some friends and it still ended up to almost 50 bucks pp. Top choices here: Prosciutto was good ( although fogo's was better) Skirt steak was veryyyy good. This was my favorite cut by far at Chima Oddly, my Filet Mignot was pretty bad. We only saw the waiters bring it out once and I had to ask for it for the second round. Both times the filets had chunks of fat embedded into them. Again, i'd rather spend 50 bucks on a Butcher & Singer steak.
(3)
Lynda Z.

I love this place. It's a feast for the eyes and belly every time I go. Let's break it down: Service: Excellent Food: Absolutely delicious Salad Bar: Unbelievable Atmosphere: Cool and Hip Desserts: Wouldn't know, I'm always too full :) Hits: Bottom Round Steak Filet Mignon (regular or bacon wrapped) Bacon wrapped chicken Ribeye Top Round Steak Parmesan Pork Loin Misses: Swordfish Flank Steak I see other people on Yelp compare it to Fogo de Chau and I get the comparison, but Chima wins this Brazilian battle. Fogo is very good but Chima is delicious and less pretentious.
(5)
Glenn D.

Awesome..one of the best places I have ever eaten..food and environment was outstanding.. I suggest the salmon with the Passionfruit sauce
(5)
Fanny J.

I love the appetizers here!! Cheese bread and creamy mash potatoe are awesome!
(5)
Su P.

What a disappointment! A couple of quick thoughts from our meal last night. 1. Limited meat selection for restaurant week. OK, I understand you're giving a $15 discount from your standard pricing but this is restaurant week. It's a time for you to showcase your restaurant to get people to come back during the rest of the year. A little short-sighted but I can deal with it. 2. Salad bar had a decent selection (pedestrian compared to Fogo) but some of the salads looked like they have been sitting out way too long. Perhaps putting out less at a time and refreshing them more often. 3. What is the point of the coaster if your servers do not look at them? I have never been to a Brazilian steakhouse where I had to flag a server to actually get food. This was beyond ridiculous. Before last night, I could never say that I left a Brazilian steak house hungry. Now I can. I am not sure if this is their standard service or atypical because of restaurant week but it was plain lousy. Looks like we are going to stick with Fogo for our fix.
(2)
Colleen D.

The meat selection was very good and there was never a long wait to get more meat. The problem I had was with the salad bar. It was not in a proper order. The best bet is to take two trips to the salad bar because of the order so you don't have to put your salad over top of the dressing. Also they don't take plates quickly so it seemed like multiple trips to the salad bar were frowned upon but for $50 I am taking as many trips as I please!!
(3)
Yiwen S.

everyone is right. you can't go to chima without comparing it to fogo de chao. fogo has always been the premier standard for churrascarias. so how does chima match up? well the salad bar is just ok. i'm not really qualified to make any sort of judgments on the salad bar, but at least it had fruit (honeydew)! the complimentary sides include: cheese muffins, croquettes, polenta, creamed potato, and fried bananas. the cheese muffins and the fried bananas were where chima really outshined fogo. the selection here is broader than at fogo, in terms of types of meat: pork, chicken, lamb, beef, and even fish! however, the beef cuts here fall short of those at fogo. even so, my favorites were the picanha (top sirloin), bbq pork ribs, lamb chops, and leg of lamb. the latter 3 were well-seasoned, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender, but i wouldn't classify it as top steakhouse quality meat. the atmosphere is much more intimate than at fogo, but we were seated in the back room and were clearly passed up several times by different rodizio servers. our waiter was also hardly around, and it must've taken about half an hour to flag someone down to get us our check at the end of the night. i also came on a separate occasion for happy hour, and the bar area is pretty nice. the bartenders are a little questionable though -- mine didn't know how to pronounce "caipirinha" correctly, and she subsequently made it far too sweet. so cloyingly sweet that i couldn't drink more than one sip. the sangria is VERY good though, highly recommended!
(3)
Steven B.

Imagine that you've never been out for a steak in your entire life and somebody brings you to Outback. You're likely to have a fairly nice time and think you had a pretty good steak. Of course you have nothing to compare it to. Then somebody brings you to Butcher & Singer. Now the game changes completely. Outback doesn't look so good anymore. Unfortunately that's Chima's problem. When it comes to Brazilian Steakhouses Philly has been "Fogoized." Fogo has set a standard and it's a high one. I've been to Fogos a half dozen times and last night was my second visit to Chima. The lovely wife and I had a great time. The service was quite simply fantastic. The salad bar was OK. A ton of variety but as soon as you look at it your brain pops up a picture of Fogos and does the comparison. Chima's comes up short. Our meats were just fine. They were fresh and tasty and we were both able to get the temperature we desired. However the variety fell short of Fogos. Chima's atmosphere is very nice but Fogos takes it to another level completely. As I write this Chima is at 3 1/2 stars and Fogo is at 4 1/2. Yelpers are a perceptive bunch and as a group I agree completely. There is a one star difference between the experiences.
(3)
Tony C.

The reason they get 3 stars is because of a bad waiter. He was not efficient and actually messed up the surprise bday song they do by tellin the bday person he had a cak coming. That happened because he was no where to be found when we needed him then took almost 30 mins to process payment. The food was great as usual but they seem to cater more to larger groups.
(3)
Mimi L.

I guess I have really high expectations. I had reservations for 4 people to try Chima's Brazillan steaks. Reservations was for 8:15pm and we still had to wait to be seated. Finally after going to the hostess desk a third time we got seated at 9:00PM. Upon arrival we were asked to wait at the bar area where we ordered drinks. The bartender was snotty. Like she didn't want to service us. The second round we ordered a bahama mama and it tasted like cinnamon. Ergh... it was gross. Lights to the restaurant pager came on. We went and got seated and our waiter introduces himself and directs us to the salad bar. Great selection on the salads. Our coins were turned over to the orange side. The steaks started to come out. For some reason not all the meats came out to our table. It seemed like they picked and choose which tables they wanted to go to. Besides that we waited a long time for the meats to come out and not everything was served. I was disappointed. Although we had reservations for restaurant week, I felt Chima's was not ready for the crowd that came in. This was my first time there because I heard so many rave mentions and after seeing myself, it was not worth it at all. The other three people I went with said it was horrible. It took too long for them to come out with the meats and seemed like they picked and choose which table they wanted to wait on. I tip really well and was disappointed with the service and food. Being in the service industry, I still tipped them well but will not return to Chima's because of the lack of service and lack of quality in food.
(3)
Carolyn L.

I've been here on 2 occasions. The first was very pleasant. We were seated by a super polite gaucho (server) and they explained how everything worked. I've never had better service, anywhere...ever. We when proceeded to eat WAY too much at the salad bar. When we were ready for our carnivorous feast we flipped our chip to the orange side and servers came out of the woodwork. They show you the meat, tell you what it is, ask you how you want it, and slice you off a piece. Now as far as the meat goes, it is just ok. They all have alright flavor, but are sometimes more dry than I would like. Nothing had me begging for more. One note: The sangria here is bangin'! It come served in a gigantic goblet with fresh fruit. It is well worth getting. They also give you bottomless apps to go with your meat: super creamy mashed potatoes, polenta fries, and friend bananas. All of them were actually very good. Now, the second visit here was for an anniversary. It was one of those 115 degree days in the hot summer and we made a reservation. Turns out their AC was not working that day. They failed to tell us when we called that it wasn't working, they didn't tell us when we got there, only when we were being seated did we realize it must've been 85 degrees in there. We thought "maybe they are trying to make it FEEL like we are in Brazil". The salad on the salad bar even gave up and started to wilt. We had taken a cab there and did not want to go back outside to find somewhere else, so we stuck it out. We sweat through our entire dinner and rushed so we could eat and leave. One upside was that even in long sleeves and pants, the gauchos remained as kind and polite as ever. We also received complimentary champagne for our anniversary.
(3)
Stephanie S.

Just another Fogo de Chao. I'm not sure how Chima gets average of 3 stars and Fogo is 4.5, I really don't think there's much of a difference in the food, or service. Chima has a slightly larger selection on the salad bar, a little more cheeses and cured meats. There cheese selection was fabulous. The artichokes were too spicey for me, which was a dissappointment. But everything else on the salad bar was amazing, the smoked salmon with the cheese side spread was awesome. The meats were very good. Some meat wasn't rare enough, so they cooked me a new slab to my liking. Very fast and nice servers. The filet mignon was to die for, sooo tastey. Better than Fogo! But, the other meat choices were a little less than Fogo. However, Chima offers salmon and swordfish, neither of which is offered by Fogo. So, having choices of fish I would much rather than extra meat. Overall, its basically the same as Fogo, either one is a winner!
(4)
Shivon R.

I don't think have never eaten so much meat in my life. And I think I will avoid doing so in the future. Regardless, it was an interesting experience. I came here for restaurant week so the deal included the salad bar and a choice of about 5-6 meats (beef, chicken, and fish representing) but no dessert?? I was a bit disappointed about that. The meats were good, but I started to feel a bit 'over it' not too long into the meal. But I must say the salad bar was very impressive.
(3)
Najah M.

I went here during restaurant week because Fogo was not on the list. Personal the meat and ( chima has fish) selection was not as good as Fogo. The place is big and beautiful but they do not have enough people serving food. Me and my fiancÃ© say there for 15 mins and not one person stop by our table ( and yes we had our clip flipped over on the right side). We had to get the attention of a waitress to get the meat to come to our table. We felt like a couple of rejects. This did not happen once, but multi times ( this won't happen at Fogo). The salad bar was not good and the side dishes were okay. The dessert size was way smaller than Fogo, theirs is 4 times bigger than chima. Sadly I won't be back here.
(2)
Andrew P.

So.. restaurant week offerings are limited? where was the baby top sirloin, filet mignon, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, rib eye, flank steak? Probably have to give this place another shot on a non-restaurant week day.
(3)
Frank G.

No Vegans need apply! This is all-you-can-eat at its ultimate. Juicy meat, meat, meat. Great service, and the place is very classy - you could definitely impress a date here, but don't waste this feast on a dainty eater. Bacon wrapped anything is my favorite, so the filet mignon got my full attention, but everything was tender and tasty. Didn't visit the salad bar - waste of valuable space (in my stomach). Also, didn't order dessert - no room. But I definitely left this place with a smile on my face.
(5)
Tony M.

If only I had a bigger capacity. Everything is soooooo good here, you want to try it all, bacon wrapped and/or not. Juicy, tender, not too seasoned, PERFECT beef, lamb, pork. I'm drooling now. They also have fish, which I usually like, but you do Brazilian for the MEAT, right? We stuck to beers with our meat, so can't address the wines or cocktails, but the beer selection was good. Also had no room for desert. Did have room for the cheesebread, which is awesome. My buddy and I agreed we would definitely come back with a date - the ambience is impressive, as is the service. We did not wait for our table, and once seated, our plates were never empty. Of course, you're wasting your money if you bring a dainty eater here, no doggy bags, and no sharing, which is reasonable considering it's really all-you-can-eat.
(5)
James S.

I see that a couple dozen people have mentioned Fogo de Chao in their reviews of Chima and I can't help but do the same. Fogo de Chao has set the bar for Brazilian style steak houses and that bar is set high. Here's my quick run-down of Chima vs. Fogo. Setting: Chima is very nice inside, but its more like a club type atmosphere and less elegant. Still nice though. Service: Great. Nothing special, but nothing wrong. Salad Bar: Chima's is very different from Fogo's. They have the basics like fresh veggies and cheeses, but then they also have hot foods like meats and rices. My favorite part, and the part that I fell in love with about Chima is the variety of home made sauces. They all have really nice and fresh flavor to them. One in particular tastes exactly like A1 and was great with the steaks. Huge plus! Meats: Almost the same selection as Fogo. They taste basically just as good. I don't know what but I just like Fogo's a little better. The one part that Chima does have on Fogo is that they serve fish. For many people this would be a huge bonus but I'm more of a meat man myself. Dessert: Haven't gotten it, but with the money you save here opposed to Fogo de Chao you may be able to afford it and I'm sure it would be delightful. Overall this place is great. The food is outstanding. If you sign up for their e-mails you'll get discounted prices from 35-40 dollars a person for select nights. Not bad. That's about $15 less than the cheapest you'd get Fogo for. If you've never been to a Brazilian steak house, this would be a great place to start. They are a tremendous experience and a great place to go and pig out. Definitely recommend Chima, but know that you have other (more expensive, but probably better) options.
(4)
Ana L.

This place has absolutely lost its elegance! Once a top restaurant for me, now has me never wanting to return. It's started off with the host who answered my call for a reservation; chewing gum loudly and completely rude. The food was mediocre this time. The servers were not as professional. It's like they let go of all the good people who once worked there and replaced them with people who barely had training or manners for that matter. I gave this restaurant 2 stars because I love their salad bar abd the tiramisu was wonderful. The near selections weren't as good a before. The lamb was grey, the fish options were cold and over cooked. The BBq ribs were tough. To top off the evening, after I left Chima, on the walk to my car, I got sick. Must have been the grey colored meat.
(2)
Devin D.

Chima is to Philadelphia as Fogo de Chau is to NYC. (I know they don't have one in New York, it's an analogy!) Sorry Chima, you're just not as good as Fogo. Service was good, but not GREAT like Fogo. All your meats were very good, but not GREAT like Fogo. And your atmosphere and decor are nice, but not as spectacular as Fogo. OH, but wait... CHIMA, you serve FISH. Fogo does not. Could this be your saving grace? No, not at all. Avoid the fish, it was very dry and seemed overcooked. priceisrightfail.com So you get four stars for a very nice effort. Perfection is a hard thing to compete with. Also, if you try to bring your girlfriend here for her birthday hoping to get a free piece of cake, the odds are 50-50 even after you tell them it's her birthday.
(4)
Chef R.

The only thing I don't like about this place is the price (too pricey to come more often) and the fact that every time a come here I put on a few pounds :) I recommend you to starve yourself for a few days before you go and another few days after you go. You pay a fixed price for all you can eat. It's difficult to remember that you are there for the meat when you visit the salad bar, they have all kind of tasty stuff: beef carpaccio, calamari salad, gorgonzola mousse, smoked salmon...it's hard to resist. They also bring complimentary hot appetizers to the table. I remember the cheese balls...they were great! They give you a coin that you flip when you are ready for more meat. There are many cuts of meat and fish. Ribeye, filet mignon, filet wrapped in bacon are my favorite. When you can't diferenciate the cuts of meat anymore, it's probably the time to stop eating. I always quite a little bit to late and I feel like could leave that place rolling. The dessert is not included in the price but who has room for dessert?
(5)
Brittany S.

It was everything I dreamed of,lol,all the meats were delish! The swordfish w/ passion fruit sauce was different and taste awesome together. The salad bar was great they had spinach & mushrooms to of my fav things to eat in one,fresh broccoli (im big on the greens,lol)they had a great Arugula salad which is hard to find because alot of ppl don't prepare it right but theirs was on the money. Cantelope is my absolute fav they had big juicy chunks of it I was in heaven....
(5)
Yo J.

I have been coming here since last year when my friend took me to this place. I usually just Take the medium rare marbled steak .It's a great place for group casual dinners or so not so much on the romantic side in my opinion. They do have their on and off days sometimes they have good food and service sometimes it's just ehh. They do get rude at times specially when it's packed like I understand he stress but try to be professional
(3)
Mallory D.

Before I get started, let me just warn you that I am not much of a carnivore, so a lot of this limitless steak situation is lost on me. However, I can definitely recognize great service and a great deal when I see one. Chima will occasionally do a $35 per person deal, and when they do I think it is the best deal in town. On top of all the different cuts of steak they serve, they also have fish & an awesome salad bar to offer. I prefer the atmosphere over Fogo or other similarly formatted restaurants. Chima is very spacious and has a nice ambiance.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

I really enjoyed coming here for our annual company party. The staff was great - service was excellent and our host was very helpful in explaining the whole dining experience. Plus I swear, my wine glass was never empty. The salad bar was well stocked and I definitely loaded up my plate. All the salads were fresh and the cheeses were great. The cuts of meat were very good. I held out for the bacon wrapped filet and was not disappointed. They also gave us several sides on our table - the fried bananas were terrific as was the creamy potatoes. Dessert was a little "eh" after everything, but it was probably because I was completely stuffed.
(4)
Sharlene G.

Great choice of meats and seafood (unlimited) . Good size salad bar with nice options. Nice location. Staff/service was great. Make reservations.
(4)
Mr P.

We had a birthday dinner here last night. Everyone agreed that it is better than Fogo. Here are the reasons - drinks are a lot stronger :o) - salad bar is not as big and fancy but good and it has the Brazilian traditional black bean stew not particularly good, but at least they have it - meat is better, more choices and they don't marinate the meat so you taste the different cuts, and not as salty as at Fogo - the retro deco is endearing - wait staffs are attentive, but if you want second on drinks better order half way before your first one. - about a third cheaper overall As good as it is, I can only eat that much meat once in a long while. Come to think of it, I will probably skip breakfast this morning.
(4)
Kunal P.

I concur with John N's review from 5/10/11. I've been to this place a few times, only because we had a bunch of coupons and I'm in a group that likes to visit brazilian steak house once every few months - strictly for the consumption of meat in mass quantity. So, it seemed to be a cheaper alternative than fogo. The food is good. But, not great. The atmosphere seemed ok - too industrial like. The wait staff & hostess were super friendly. Again, if you had to compare by food, and if you frequent brazilian steak houses only in a blue moon, fogo is a better option.
(3)
Cara S.

We went to Chima during restaurant week. I was expecting a crowned, rushed restaurant with a loud atmosphere with tight tables and was completely surprised. We made reservations for 8:00 and were sitting down by 8:10 which was amazing. Tables are spaced apart, so i never felt as thought the people sitting next to use was ease dropping on our conversation. The salad bar is AMAZING! The food is even better. Our waitress was wonderful. She kept coming back to check us on and ask if there was any type of meat that we were still waiting to try. Dessert was amazing. I was so impressed! My experience was a 10 out of 10. I cannot not wait to go back!
(5)
Joseph B.

made my first visit to chima this evening to celebrate a birthday. from the start i was very impressed. they offered complimentary valet parking which was a huge plus. upon entering the restaurant the staff was very pleasant and greeted us at the door. we were seated after a very very brief wait. the restaurant is very dimly lit but the ambiance is perfect. all of the servers and wait staff were extremely cordial and explained everything to a tee. the salad bar was huge. there were alot of foods there that ive always wanted to try but never had an opportunity to so i jumped in head first. everything was fresh and neatly displayed. after salads it was time to dig in to some meat. the servers were so cordial and accommodating. they were eventually coming faster than we could eat. before going i was really worried that the restaurant would be full of stiff overdressed customers but it wasnt like that at all. do you need to wear a suit and tie, no. but business casual will definitely suffice. overall it was a good night. i really cant think of anything they could do better at this place. i will definitely return.
(5)
Buffy H.

I've been here twice but was disappointed with my second visit. The first time I went to Chima was for Thanksgiving with my boyfriend and I loved everything about the experience including the Brazilian drink the waiter suggested (which I think was the drink special that day). It was a lovely experience, I didn't feel rushed, and the waiter was attentive despite a full, bustling restaurant. I never felt like I was waiting for food, and the salad bar (with its Thanksgiving additions) was superb and quickly replenished. (Although I didn't try the turkey.) I went a couple days ago for a weeknight visit and it definitely wasn't as great as I remembered (although I'm sure a restaurant pulls out all the stops for Thanksgiving). Service was a little slow and not as personal as the first time even though when we arrived the restaurant was not even close to full (although it filled up as time went on). Chima was extremely loud (there were three birthday parties). The salad bar was still great and nothing ran out, but there were definitely times we were sitting there waiting for the main courses! Now to my main beef (haha!..) with my second visit. The baby top sirloin was dry and well done. The flank was way over-marinated and tasted like a salt lick. What!! I'm one of those people who slinks into a corner in shame when I feel like I'm wasting food, especially something like steak, but I couldn't eat it. My boyfriend felt the same way about these two less-than-stellar choices, but it's okay, I just ate everything else! Although before this I was pretty committed to Chima sentimentally (Thanksgiving with my boyfriend was one of our first serious dates and a great memory I'll have to actually give Fogo a chance now. I'll still give Chima four stars based on my first visit and the chance they were having an off night, but I hope you have a better experience than my second visit!
(4)
Daniel G.

Hands down the worst dining experience of my life. Granted I did go on restaurant week, so I shouldn't expect to have the best experience, but from the minute I walked into the restaurant to the minute I walked out, I was not happy with how the restaurant was run. We sat down was were not offered menus and was not given much guidance to how the whole Brazilian Steakhouse thing works.The quality of meat was poor, the coloring of the meat looked bad, and half the cut was fat. The salad bar was sub-par. The wait staff was awful. Will not be back... EVER. Boom.
(1)
Lauren B.

So- I'll say this...Food is incredible, as is the service. But honestly, I don't think anyone has enough room in their stomachs to get the most for your money here. So if you're hungry (as in, haven't eaten in days) then I suggest visiting Chima. If you're only slightly peckish, skip this place and head over to The Palm for the petite filet minus the meat coma/guilt. If you're getting taken out for a corporate dinner or whatever other reason you're not paying then run to Chima. Otherwise, skip the gluttony of the Brazilian steakhouse experience and just have a steakhouse one.
(3)
Cody M.

This place is as good as it gets when it comes to meat! Great service, cool environment and some great food. The $50 per person fee is a little steep but well worth it! Go now, don't think twice!
(5)
Gary M.

My Wife and I enjoy fine dining when on vacation and to celebrate a special occasion. Chima's Brazilian Steakhouse was just that. Fine Dining. Atmosphere was great and Toma our waiter was extremely knowledgeable on the different foods about to come our way. For those who have never experienced a Brazilian Steakhouse, it is quite different from any other type of steakhouse. Here you get small pieced of different cuts of meats, seafood, and fish. Take my word for it you will be quite satisfied when you are done. The serving staff comes around with skewers of the selections and give you a slice or a piece of the selection. You get this round disc at your table. One side says I want a server to stop at my table and serve me a piece or food, and the other side says stop I need a break. When you turn the dist to feed me they come by in droves giving you pieces off the skewer and when you turn the disc to stop they leave you alone. You can always turn the disc over again and the servers will begin to give you samples from the skewer. I promise you will not leave hungry. The salad bar is huge and included in the price for dinner. Dinner is price fixed because it is an eat all you care to eat. The wine selection is unreal. They had a bottle of wine that sold for $1600.00. Way over my budget, but they also had plenty of very reasonable and enjoyable bottles as well. I enjoyed Chima so much, I went back to the hotel concierge and raved to them about the experience. I found out that there are a few Chima Brazilian Steakhouses in the country and luckily one near me. Somebody make me a reservation.
(5)
Jill C.

I'm very sorry to give this place a bad review, but dinner last night was one thing after another... We didn't get a table until over an hour past our reservation time, the bartender had short term memory loss and couldn't multi-task, waiter was absent, warm sides were served cold and they F'ed up desert. It was the hubby's bday and when I made the reservation, the hostess said they would bring out a dessert and sing - that never happened. The salad bar at Fogo is better. Can't personally say anything about the meats (I don't eat meat so I stuck to the salad bar) but the hubby enjoyed it. The servers spent a great deal of time on what looked like iPhones - I really hope it was a high-tech drink ordering system. Sorry to say but I doubt we will return. For the price we paid we would have had a better dining experience elsewhere.
(2)
Jonathan A.

Wait staff was polite and attentive during the whole meal, and the food was very good. On the downside, the place is huge and impersonal, and has a bit of chain restaurant feel.... Prices for wine are ridiculous.
(3)
RXL T.

Not impressed at all, the 2 girls and the waiter for the tables were great I didn't like the hostess or her managers, they just kept staring at the table talking to one another like something was wrong which made me very uncomfortable. You can tell when someone is talking About you but what they should have been talking about was why they were still operating when the ac was not working right, the meals should have been discounted. The manager kept standing near the table and watching us until the bill paid, then poof he was gone no more to be seen that night. I will never come to this place again or recommend to colleagues
(1)
Steve C.

One word....wow. Ok, so I did not think I was going to be a fan of this place. Im pretty set in my ways and new things tend to irk me especially at first. So when I heard the style of serving I was thinking...wowing gonna hate begging for someone to come feed me and have to help them get it in my plate! Well I was shocked on how much I fell in love with this place. The wait staff was extremely polite, attentive, informative and knowledgeable. (thanks for the great service Sam). Great customer service goes a long way with me, and this is some of the best I've experienced. Those gouches are awesome they can spot u in a dim room quickly and are always there to offer you more food. The food was fantastic... My favorites were the filet and the lamb. From the salad bar, everything was delicious but hands down the rice and beans reminded me of those my Cuban grandmother would make. The atmosphere was warm, intimate and inviting. I was very happy with this place, I will be back for sure!! Pricing is good but if you are a light eater you may not get your monies worth. I do hear that they offer specials regularly through their email list and their website, this cuts the price down a bit and may be more cost effective if you have more self control than I do and eat lightly.
(5)
Jay N.

Yes, the food is good; particularly in you're a die-hard carnivore.. And if you're not a carnivore, you have no business at Chima. The way Chima and other Brazilian steakhouses work is, you have a constant and steady stream of servers coming to your table with various flame grilled meats on skewers. You have a little disk. Flip to one side if you're happy and need nothing; flip to the other side to signal the servers to stop at your chair to offer more meats. Salad bar is expansive and offers a variety of great veggies, pastas and other side dishes. I'm not one to crave steaks and meats like a lot of serious meat eating guys, but Chima makes you wish your stomach was bigger, at least during your visit. The lamb was superb, grilled to perfection, and I'm not even a lamb eater. The fillet was magnificent. Meats are offered as rare, medium and well done, except for the chicken obviously. Rack of lamb, lamb chops, fillets, sirloins, porks; it's all here in an endless parade of barbecued deliciousness. The service was friendly and helpful, server guys impeccably dressed with crisp white shirts and black ties. The management however should work on their table-side manners. We were part of a 40-plus person celebratory dinner which our dear friends had planned. The air conditioning decided to break down on the evening we were there and while the servers, in their own misery apologized often, not once did we see a member of management stop by with an explanation or apology. Not as big of a deal to me, but for our friends who had planned and paid for the entire evening, spending a few thousand no doubt to feed all of those people, it was shameless of the management not to at least make an appearance table-side. Food is good, people are friendly but if you have any issues, don't look for a manager to make it right. Deliciously sad.
(3)
Jessica N.

Oh, Chima- there were so many reasons I wanted to love you more than Fogo. For one, we appreciate coupons, and coupons from your website for $20 off the meal are A-ok with me. Two, your waitstaff is wonderful- very helpful, attentive without being pushy and friendly to my children (whereas Fogo looked horrified by their presence). Also, you didn't charge us anything for the kids, which is awesome, especially since their meal consisted of olives, rolls and rice. Also, the atmosphere was great, especially as the crowd started to build. But, dear Chima, Fogo outdoes you in the food department. The servers were constantly without meat that was medium rare, causing my poor meat/blood starved husband to wait with his little card for someone to bring him something from the kitchen. I was excited for a fish selection, which Fogo does not have, but the fish was actually tough and visibly overcooked. For what it is worth, I thought your sides were better than Fogo's, though they basically consist of the same foods. Overall, the food was "ok," and for the price, I wanted more in the quality department.
(3)
Myron C.

I was disappointed to say the least because I have had better service than this in the past. As professional, I don't feel the $694. was worth its weight in gold. I am a profound cook and I come from a family of amazing cooks, that being said, I won't miss the food; moreover I will say this , if someone puts a bad taste in your mouth its enough to last a lifetime, the service I received was more than enough . I no longer wish to dine at Chima's again. I lost count how many times I have dined,treated and referred people to this establishment; this place has left a life long bad taste for me and im not referring to the food, I was not satisfied with the way my party of 15 was treated on Oct 7th (my cousin and I had a birthday dinner). The servers seemed to over look our table several times (over 7) and when we made request for water, meat etc they never honored it. The servers also became clumsy while serving meat, not being aware or concerned that the grease/sauce was dripping on clothing. The manager on duty was less help then expected. After or complaints, then they show up, once discussed we had to complain, appetites diminished . I live in Atlantic City and to travel 60+ miles to be treated wrongfully was a waste of of something I can't recover (Time).
(2)
J. J.

Do lunch
(2)
Jojo R.

So I've ate at way too many of these brazillian steakhouses. Texas De Brazil, Plataforma, and Rioz have been my 3 fav's. this is a nice substitute. Good service, good atmosphere. When meat was requested they would punch it into their iPhone and it came quickly. Good communication bw staff. Very good salad bar, and capahini (spelling) brazilian drink. All meats were very very good too. Well seasoned.
(4)
Brittany B.

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse has provided me with one of my most delightfully memorable dining experiences I have had in my past few years living in Philadelphia. Waiters constantly circle the tables with over 15 rotisserie meats including top sirloin, filet, ribs, lamb, pork, chicken, sausage and fish. Each patron, upon being seated, is given a little round disk that either says, "Yes, more please" or "No, thank you." If your disk is on the "yes" side, the waiter will stop and ask you which cut of meat you would like, and then they slice it right there onto your plate. Fresh, hot, and it melts in your mouth! If your disk is on the "no" side, they will simply pass you by, not disrupting your experience. In addition to the meats, for the sides they offer a massive smorgasbord island buffet that you may help yourself to. Options include salads, soups, cheeses, and a variety of Brazilian style extras. The sangria was fantastic, the decor was chic and inviting, and the waiters were amazing. They gave us complimentary desserts which were to-die-for as well. Go to Chima for an unforgettable experience.. you will NOT regret it! PS: bring a big appetite!
(5)
Michael K.

I don't know if I would come back here. It wasn't a busy evening and the hostess said she could seat us within 15 minutes. But we ended up waiting 1.5 hours at the bar because she kept forgetting about us. Everytime we went back up to the hostess stand, she said we were next in line. But then other walk-ins were getting tables in ahead of us. by the time we got a table, there was only 30min of hot food coming out. we were so upset that we couldn't enjoy the dinner. $60 per person for 30 min of food......not good
(1)
Vaughn B.

The sides dishes are so/so. the salad bar is mostly bland with few flavorful dishes. most meats were kind of salty. i took my wife here and she completely wasted my money lol. i recommend going with "the guys" instead of a "date" unless she really likes eating steak..... and lots of it lol.
(2)
Gina M.

Now, this is my favorite Brazilian steakhouse by far in philadelphia. It is beautiful inside and the food is amazing. Besides for the different cuts of steak they have, they also have a lot of fish and chicken options. You definitely need to make reservations however. They are always busy. The salad bar is phenomenal. Definitely try it out, maybe during Restaurant Week when it's $35 a person.
(4)
Sophia S.

Chima was fine. But my experience here was eclipsed by the memory of the high quality meat at Fogo de Chao. Chima was a lot of okay steak.....quantity is its selling point. So if you're really into a high quality cut, chima may not be for you.
(3)
Shingo K.

Food was really good. But expensive.
(4)
Nichole D.

I've been to this place twice, and both times the service was awful! I was just here on Sunday night. We had a reservation for 8:15, we arrived early and thought they would seat us early, nope! We waited 45 minutes. Once we were sat a waiter came over and gave us water getting it all over my one girlfriend because he was pouring it so fast. He didn't ask us if we wanted drinks, I had to call him back to the table to get a some. We then went up to get our salads, we didn't get meat for an entire hour after eating our salads. The only reason we did end up getting it was because the table next to us starting complaining. At the end of the night we asked to speak to the manager, we made a complaint about the service and how the meat just wasn't coming and the manager Paulo just kept making excuses as to why the service was awful. He didn't offer us and solutions like a round of drinks or free desert, nothing! I will not be back to this place again, I thought I would give it a second chance but it failed.
(1)
Wil S.

We decided to go here for a party of 25 for my friend's birthday. I arrived a little early and decided to sit at the bar for a beer. The bartenders were nice and not bad to look at either. We get seated almost immediately after everyone arrived with the food starting to come out shortly after that. The food was very good however I will say I like Fogo De Chao's food slightly better. 4 stars because of the ambiance and good looking staff. I would definitely recommend you try it if you haven't already.
(4)
Austin C.

I think this place is generally overrated. Go to Fogo de Chao instead. Environment is nice, dark, and wooden, but the tables were set a bit too close together. Overall food was decent for a Brazilian steakhouse, but not as great as I had expected. The salad bar, for one, had all kinds of strange vegetables and relatively little meat. Cheesy bread balls were good. Meats were pretty good, but for some reason they didn't make me want to get them over and over again. I found that I lost interest after eating a few bites of each type of meat. The best was the House special and the chicken. but in general, forget this place and go to Fogo
(3)
Nisha G.

Went to happy hour pretty good drink selection. Their rolls were divine. The plantain and artichoke dip was delicious.
(5)
Doron B.

Oh, I love this place. The food, service as well as the ambiance is great. This was my second time there and everything was great. Except they didn't have my filet wrapped in bacon. But that's ok. I sat there for a few hours and ate everything else in site. They actually brought me put some complimentary champagne and a dessert. That was cool, I really appreciated that. My flip coin dropped on the floor and my server actually went and got me a fresh one. The price is a little high but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Sheila G.

This is the 3rd Brazilian steakhouse that I've been to. Fogo de Chao was really good. Na Brasa was horrible. From reading the reviews, I thought this might not be as good as Fogo, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think it was just as good, if not better. The biscuits were not as good as Fogo, because they were a little warm instead of hot, but still yummy. The turkey spread was probably my favorite thing all night. I really liked it! The beef balls were yucky, but my husband liked them. The salad bar was really, really good. The chicken potato salad was out of this world. I loved the edamame and quinoa. Everything I had from the salad bar was great, but I limited what I had so that I could eat meat. I loved all the meat that I had, especially the lamb and beef ribs were AMAZING!! I eat chicken all the time, so I didn't try that. The only thing I did not finish was the fish. I've been eating fish since I was a little girl, and I really like it. But not this fish, it just didn't taste right. But reading the reviews, it seems like you need to get the fish on the right night. I just wished they had shrimp instead. The fried bananas are really good too. We had dessert (but I should have just ate more meat). I had the Creme Brulee, which was ok. I think when you order Creme Brulee, it should be hot on top. this was not, but the flavor was ok. My husband had key lime pie and it was good too. It was my birthday, so they also came out with Tiramisu. They really should have come out with that BEFORE I ordered dessert. Anyway, Tiramisu is just gross and I didn't like that either. I have to say I'm giving this 4 stars because what you come there for is what they are really good at. MEAT MEAT MEAT. And the salad bar was really good. The service was really good. I asked my waiter for lamb, and it was out in like 1 minute to the table. Our bartender was really really amazing too. They need to work on their desserts and offer better fish. We will be back!
(4)
Erik M.

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra $15 for Fogo de Chao - you will thank me later! Restaurant week visit - and they pulled a bait and switch on our party of 5. No one ever said - and there was no advertising - that the menu would be SUBSTANDARD. Not when we made our reservation, not while they were seating us, and not before they took our drink orders. They waited until we were comfortably seated and then dropped that nice clunker on our group. On top of that 75% of the menu was Pork items. This was a huge problem for our Muslim friend who has visited here before with us without issue. He was left with the choice of 2 steak types, 1 fish, and 1 leg of lamb - plus the salad bar. The leg of lamb was inedible. It was like eating a greasy salt lick. The swordfish was edible. He couldn't have the chicken as it was wrapped in bacon or the 3 other types of pork either. I've sent a letter to their main office letting them know how badly they screwed the pooch and it's been 4 business days without even the slightest acknowledgment of my message. I actually felt embarrassed bringing this party to this establishment. It will be a hard sell to get me or my party to return to Chima. We will gladly pay the $15 more per person and go to Fogo de Chao from now on.
(1)
Garry M.

Love this place! A little pricey, but worth it. Salad Bar is amazing and the meats are 90% excellent. I say 90%, because the swordfish and salmon aren't always consistent (I've been there 3 times and only once was the fish amazing). The Lamb keeps me coming back.
(4)
Lindsay D.

To start, my boyfriend is a big fan of ridizzio, me? Not so much. However, the reviews were pretty great for Chima and we had never been here before. The wait staff is outstanding, the decor looks like a cheesy casino and the salad bar was a fail. The cow derived meats were outstanding, the pork was dry as anything, we don't care for lamb, but it looked great. Believe it or not, my favorite selection was the boneless chicken, I know...crazy! It was so crispy and juicy and Mmmmmmmm. The salad bar failed for a few reasons: -The "fancy" salads were visually stimulating, but VERY underwhelming in flavor. -The Rice/Bean dishes were just ok. Very generic...I could have made them at home. -Their savory "mousse" selections were horrid. Bizzarre texture and odd flavor, that's probably why they were still whole on their platters. The cocktails here are OUTSTANDING, albeit, a little lengthy in the wait, but very very tasty. Chima gets a 3 because it's excellent at meats, service and beverage, but fail at salad bar, decor and giving me "something different" then any other brazillian steakhouse. Sorry Chima...you were very nice people, but very expensive.
(3)
Ryan B.

This does not compare to Platforma Churrascaria in NYC (but who does) I can definitely say I'm a fan. Just like every Brazilian BBQ make sure you plan accordingly before, and by plan accordingly I mean fast until dinner. Seriously, though come here with a game plan on what meat you want to eat. I personally LOVED their lamb chops which seem to be the least common thing they bring around to the tables. Also one of my fav apps they bring to the table are the cheese bread thingys (yea that's the best word I could come up with) The Apps bar is definitely loaded but no sushi?!?! The waiters are super nice and all have good eyes to be able to spot your GO/STOP card from across the dark room. 2 side notes: 1) Go to their website before going and register to get a free $20 gift cert. 2) If you're a dude and this is your first time going to a Brazilian BBQ do not, I repeat DO NOT bring a date you're not comfortable with yet, you will be a useless, meat comatosed mess after dinner.
(4)
Stephen S.

They are running restaurant week at $35 per head. This price only came with limited choice of meat. It's really limited - We had to wait about 20 - 25 minutes for a service of meat coming by because we were presented special tag - second class customers. Full service is $49.50. Purpose of eating Brazilian BBQ is not to get a pile of meat when you see them coming by. Rather you selectively choose small portion as they are supposed to come by in minutes again and you eat fresh. Not to night! You waited, and waited, got a little bite, then waited and waited again. Salad plate was not changed to main course plate at all. I finally had to ask for that service so I don't mix my salad left over with meat. Food quality is 3.5 stars while service and hospitality deserved 1 star the most. We spent $190 for four people on this restaurant week special? They drew new customers in to tell them they don't serve a second chance.
(1)
Dev S.

The food is good and definitely will keep going back... Would be better if the meats didn't take forever to come out, it's annoying to have to wait 10-15 minutes for the servers to come around with meats you like. Either way the beef is really good
(3)
Connie C.

My friend made reservations for us for 7:45pm. We dared to adventure out during restaurant week. We arrived at 7:45pm but was not seated until almost 9pm. We went up to the hostess several times asking about our table but the female manager replied, "We understand you had reservations at 7:45pm but that does not guarantee you to be seated at that time. It only guarantees you a table." No offense lady but I've worked in numerous restaurants before and when a customer has a reservation for that time that table at that time is his or hers. You could technically call in for reservations at 9pm but show up at 7pm saying you had reservations and get a table then, no? Idiot. Anyway, we started off with the salad bar. There was a bunch to pick from but I saved myself room in my tummy and just picked up a couple pieces of broccoli and asparagus to enjoy with my meat. The guys are walking around with the meat and our first pick was the top sirloin. I got the medium rare cut and it was perfect temperature. The cut was nice and the meat was good. Next came the baby sirloin-I asked for medium rare once again but instead I got a well-done piece. To my dislike, it was tough and hard to chew so I put it aside. Third round was the BBQ Pork ribs-the sauce was delicious and the meat fell right off the bone. Then came the salmon and swordfish-I tried both and I did not like either. The swordfish was dry and the salmon was overpowered by the sauce that they put on top. Say no to the sauce! After waiting for 15 minutes, the lamb came out. It was not good at all. I'm not a fan of lamb to begin with but the lamb here was just SO gamy. The lamb chops were a little softer but still the taste of lamb sits in your mouth. I had to eat a spoonful of mash potatoes to swallow it. The bacon wrapped chicken was VERY dry and VERY salty. The last round of the night was the filet mignon. Of course, it comes last but it's because it's the best out of all the meats offered at Chima. It was by far the best of the 15 cuts which is sad because out of the 15 meats offered I only really enjoyed 2. The sangria, however, was REALLY good and I usually do not like sangria. Lastly, the sides were good. The fried plantanas? tasted like french fries but crispier. The mashed potatoes looked like baby puree but it was SO good. I think I enjoyed the mashed potatoes more than the meats. The cheese bread was also a favorite. Other than that, it was a good experience but not worth $44 (restaurant week price). My mouth was dry because everything was a tad bit salty and the service was alright. We waited 20 minutes before being offered the dessert menu then another 15 minutes to get the check. I rather spend $44 on a really good BIG juicy steak than come back here again.
(2)
Yinong C.

Nice restaurant. The service is nice. But the beverage is not refillable. I am glad there is also seafood in both salad bar and barbecue. In general, the taste of the meat is really good. You should try it.
(4)
Zanna H.

I'm so sorry Fogo... I cheated on you and it was wrong. I went to Chima last night to feed my craving for red meats presented & carved for me table side. I was pulled in by its hip warm decor and more lounge atmosphere. All I could think about was you though. Like how your salad bar is superior in most ways, & how your meats are seasoned better. But I have to admit there are a lot things they are doing right or better. Their wait staff is every bit as attentive as yours, their lamb offerings are better in flavor. Chima can't replace you Fogo, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
(4)
Yohann S.

This review solely based on their foods, drinks and services that they gave during my friend's wedding party. First was the drinks/bar. It was good. Love it. Even though the situation was getting quite hectic, but I applaud those bartenders. They didn't get upset or anything. They served everyone quickly and without complaining. Then comes their salad bar. They have good varieties. (I didn't go to Fogo yet. So I don't know if Fogo's salad bigger or higher quality or whatever. What I ate over there at Chima was good) Next was the main menu. The meats. Don't judge me. That was the first time I ate at a brazilian steakhouse. The way things work was new, and I found it pretty neat. Their meat is delicious. I love it. Excellent service too! Overall, it is a new and satisfying experience for me. I'll be back for sure.
(4)
Julie S.

Overall amazing food and drinks. The salad bar had a great selection, and all of the meat provided was perfect.
(5)
Charlene C.

This was probably my 4th or 5th time here, but I brought a friend from out of town for the first time ever. She LOVED it. Amazing salad bar and even more amazing rodizio, with huge variety for both. My favorite rodizio items would have to be the top sirloin, baby sirloin, roast lamb, and salmon (with the passionfruit sauce), although pretty much everything from their grill is good. Everything in their salad bar is always fresh and flavorful. The only dessert I've ever gotten was the chocolate toffee cake with Kahlua and raspberry sorbet, but it was delicious. I also recommend a Guarana on the side, if you like soda. They serve it with a piece of orange. Very refreshing. Not only was the food impeccably delicious, as usual, but the service was exceptional. We seemed to have about 2 or 3 waiters monitoring our table situation, someone came over at least twice to see if we had any requests for the grill, and one young man in particular noticed how much we loved the small plates and started bringing us each a dish when we asked for refills (and believe me, we ate those plates clean). We were so happy with the food and service that we called the manager out for compliments at the end of the meal - I NEVER do this, but it was definitely well-deserved. And for the record, Fogo de Chao has got nothing on Chima... I love Chima and will definitely be back in the future.
(5)
Nick B.

We took our extended family here for Thanksgiving. The food was really good. Everything tasted great, and the salad bar was awesome. There were big problems though. Our server was nonexistent. We had to wait long periods of time in between drinks or getting any attention. I made a comment, and nothing changed. Another problem was that the men with the meat and the knives stopped hitting our table after a while, and would not even come over when we asked. I'm sure it has something to do with their logistics, but it made me wonder if they were trying to show us the door. Either of these issues are irritating, but combined with the price, I expected more. I would not return to this restaurant unless I had a deep discount.
(2)
Shel B.

My recent birthday, we went here... The place is huge!!!...and for a Saturday night, I expected d place to be packed... But its not. Service: Our waitress seemed like a little distracted, or absent minded. But then the busboys and steak guys made up for it. They keep walking around giving us meat and more meat!!!! I sound like a real carnivore here LOL. FOOD: A salad bar is set up in the middle, I had almost everything. Salad and Steak is a very good combination. PLus I had my mojito waiting for me in the table. The steaks are awesome. Ive been to a highly rated Brazilian Grills in the country and I would just say that this place has the best Brazilian steaks I have tasted. My favorite was the lamb chops, it was cooked medium, very tender and spiced. Then the filet mignon which is also very tender and just melts in your mouth. They fell short in the fish dishes though, but overall, if you wanna pig out , this is the place to go!!! ATMOSPHERE; Its a nice and big place. The decor is so inviting. The location is very accessible.
(3)
Andrea F.

Great service, delicious meats, to-die-for dessert. Went here with my boyfriend for my birthday and had one of those Restaurant.com $25 gift certificates, so that helped put a dent in the price. For what you get, though, $50 a person for the Rodizio dinner isn't that bad considering the quality of the service and the huge selection of meat. Best piece of advice: your meal is what YOU make it, so if you aren't impressed with the lamb (I wasn't), stop asking for it and have them bring you something else. The dinner is run by a card system. Flash the green card if you want hunky Brazilian men to cater to your every whim and drop a stack of meat on your plate. Flash the red if you're too overwhelmed and need time and room on your plate to cut and actually try your meat. This explains why I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. It gets a little overwhelming after a while and god forbid you accidentally leave it on the green side. A server, carrying a skewer of ribs, will eye you from across the restaurant and make a beeline for your table. Just politely say 'no'. What's great is that you can tell them "send the other guy over that had the salmon" and they'll grant your wish. Come here on an empty stomach and try everything at least once. I remember there was about 14 things to try ranging from filet mignon, leg of lamb, swordfish, etc. I'd have to say that the best meat was the top sirloin...extremely succulent. The waiter (who was very friendly and attentive) also brought us delicious fried polenta and bananas and some kind of gooey bread for sides. If I came here again, though, I wouldn't waste my time on the salad bar or the sides. It fills you up too fast. You get your money's worth during the meat sampling, so if you're a carnivore, go all out, check off your favorite meats, and order seconds and thirds. Remember, it's unlimited. Though we could barely move after the meal, we still ordered dessert. I was going to order some apple pie dessert but the waiter insisted that we try the chocolate mousse cake. I'm so glad he did. It was a light, creamy chocolate mousse with a crunchy bottom and was served with a drop of raspberry sorbet and drizzled in dark chocolate sauce and a few strawberries. Best way to end a meal.
(4)
Rannica A.

I love chima. Unlimited meats, great service. Our server, Lauren, was very funny and attentive. I loved her. However, when I was at the bar beforehand waiting to seated, I ordered a 2 drinks at the bar. When I received my bill, gratuity was added 18% for my two drinks and it was hidden. What pissed me off was that I already threw down a 5 for my 20$ drink bill before I even realized that Daniela took the pleasure of adding my tip for me. Sneaky sneaky.
(3)
Cara P.

Warning: Only go if you have starved yourself all day. The meat (surprisingly, the chicken... rarely order chicken when I go out to eat... and lamb were my favorites) was incredibly juicy and tender. The sangria was the delicious, and by far the largest one-glass portion I have ever had. Even the salad bar had great variety and options! The wait staff was helpful and always had some skewer of meat coming my way. I would hope that in the future, they invest in some more "regular" wait staff... help keep water glasses full, and plates clean. This is not a place I will frequent often due to price and the gut-buster effect that quickly follows the completion of your meal, but will definitely give it a go once in a while. Also, be sure to get dessert after your meat extravaganza. (The sugar will counteract the salt).
(3)
Dan P.

This is my second visit here. First time was in middle of last summer. Much nicer experience then, full menu, drinks weren't watered down, and they had shrimp in addition of full selection of meats. This time was way over booked for Restaurant week. They clearly took all reservations from anyone that called without regard for any planning. Felt bad for the 2 hostesses that were trying to take names and distribute tables. We had 8 PM reservations and were seated around 9 PM, which was only because we asked several times, otherwise had the feeling they were just giving tables away to who ever asked the most. As others have stated, menu was limited. We had 2 people order the full menu and pay the extra 15 dollars and never say the full menu of meats. Had to specifically ask them to bring out the rib-eye towards the end when they were full. So basically the 2 people that paid for the full menu paid 15 extra each for about a 1.5 oz piece of rib-eye. Drinks seemed watered down and full of ice. Had to ask 4 times for extra bread. The only reason we went here instead of Fogo was because of one person only ate fish. Also same person ordered salad only which includes the fish, but they charged the RW pricing with meat. It was only 5 difference so we didn't bother waiting for the adjustment. The only reason this is 2 stars is because we did get full, the Pichana and Skirt steak were good. But the place was so over crowded b/c they clearing just took all reservations. Salad bad is definitely better at Fogo Also.
(2)
Nicci L.

I wanted to give this place 5 stars, but sadly, I cannot. My best friend insisted on coming here for his birthday. We read so many good reviews, plus there was a 1 1/2 hour wait on a table. We figured it had to be fabulous. We were wrong. First of all, they are too overpriced for mediocre food. We went during philly restaurant week on Jan 25, 2013. I don't know if the discounted food was the reason for inconsistancies, but we were not happy. We are easy to please however, we left this place quite disappointed. We started off with drinks. The Long island's tasted like rum and coke. The mojito's were the worst mojito's ever. They were watered down and tasteless. I didn't feel anything after 2 drinks that would normally have me buzzed. The drinks looked pretty though. We ordered some kind of chicken and bacon appetizer. That was the best thing we ate there. The rest of the meal was less than appetizing. The salad bar looked nice, but we didn't like the selections. A lot of the food was smoked. I didn't like the idea of smoked/raw meat sitting at a salad bar. The endless meat portions did not taste seasoned at all. We did not care for the sides, which were scant in selection. There was nothing to eat but meat. At the end of the night, my best friend had tummy issues and I woke up the next day with rashes all over. I felt bad because it was supposed to be a nice birthday meal. I don't know what food triggered his tummy issues and my skin eruptions, but one thing I do know; we will NOT return.
(2)
Felicia C.

Such a fun place to eat! We went for Restaurant Week, so instead of paying $50 per person, we only paid $35. It's a great deal, as you get small bites, the delicious salad bar (which includes things like prosciutto, queso fresco, hearts of palm, and other unique offerings), and all the meat you can eat! I had sirloin, fillet, lamb chop, chicken wrapped in bacon, salmon, swordfish....It was awesome.
(5)
Sharon P.

I've been to both Chima and Fogo in Center City - Philadelphia. And I would go to Chima over Fogo any day. That is... during restaurant week (: Chima has a wider variety of items at the salad bar compared to Fogo. They also have several sauces/salsa/dips/whathaveyou to accompany your meats deliciously. (The pico de gallo-ish salsa is great with your steaks). They also have a tad bit more wider range of meats since they also serve salmon, swordfish, stuff wrapped in bacon, sausages.. others? Side dishes are bomb. The mashed potatoes are deliciousssssssss and the munchkin bread things are things you can't stop eating. I kind of thought that Fogo was a bit on the salty side? I don't know. Or just more "straight forward" if you can get what I mean with their meats. I'm all about flavor and seasonings so I prefer Chima !! Plus, I never reallyyyy had any problems, except their may be a bit of a wait without reservations, so get that done before going there. Well, even with reservations, a group of friends and I waited 45 minutes+ to get to our seats, and it was near closing time. But hey, they gave us free drinks for the night and the food made up for it. Just make your reservations, come with a hungry belly, gain some patience if the wait comes up, but the food will all make up for it (:
(4)
Kelly H.

Great Experience! We went to Chima on a Saturday evening for my future father-in-laws birthday. So much food! They start out with beef croquettes and these heavenly breads filled melted cheese (dont fill up on these!), then comes the salad bar: more heaven. When youre ready: they bring on the meats. There was nothing that I didnt like! Make sure you look at the menu- we didnt realize until we packed full that we didnt have any lamb chop. We asked one of the servers and they brought it over right away: but I was too full to really enjoy it. I cant wait for an occassion to go back!
(5)
Rob W.

Standard brazilian steakhouse. Note: reservations don't mean anything. Unless you get pushy, you just end up in the queue when you arrive.
(3)
Charlee D.

This is still one of my favorite places to go for a special date. The lighting, the atmosphere, everything is so special (at least in my book.) Come before your reservation and give yourself time to relax and have a drink at the bar. This is probably one of my favorite restaurant bars as far as feel and ambience go. Also, if you're sitting there for 10 or more minutes, they will bring you complimentary appetizers (the beef croquettes and the cheese breads.) Never had a problem with the bar staff and never had to wait more than 15 minutes for our reservation. The salad bar could be my favorite part. It is easy to go a little crazy here, but please do yourself a favor and don't fill up on the salad bar. As a matter of fact, FAST on the day you come to Chima!! No kidding, you'll leave more than full. My favorites at the salad bar are the smoked salmon (perfect), the fresh mozzarella balls, and the proscuitto. They also have a shrimp salad and a calamari salad that are out of this world. Small portions though, or you'll never get through the meat! As soon as you flip your card over, gauchos (the servers) appear from out of nowhere to present you with a specific kind of meat. Bacon-wrapped filet is my favorite; but the top sirloin, filet mignon, and the baby top sirloin are all spectacular. Please do not come here and ask for well-done meat. You're ruining it!!! It's just a known fact that meat does not taste as good when it's well-done. Flank steak and bacon-wrapped chicken are good also. The salmon and swordfish...ehhhh. I've had better, I've had worse. Some nights the swordfish is incredible, other times it's been just OK. Don't get the sauce they serve with it, it's overpowering and doesn't really highlight the flavors, in my opinion. Lastly, the appetizers and sides. Wow. Eat the cheese bread!!! I don't know what they're doing to this dough to make it so damn good, but it's unlike anything I've ever had. I've come here just because I couldn't stop thinking about the bread. The polenta fries are also excellent, if you're into polenta. They sprinkle shreds of cheese on them...so good. The fried plantains are delicious, especially as soon as they come out. Take a bite off the end! They are crispy and sweet. The beef croquettes are also very good and taste great paired with a beer. Not crazy about the mashed potatoes, though I'm not really a mashed potato fan in general. YES, the meat is salty. YES, you will need to drink a lot of water afterwards...but this should not deter you from at least trying the place once. When have you gone to a restaurant and NOT been thirsty afterwards??? Do not think you are going to scarf down your meal and leave this joint in an hour. You WILL be left sitting and waiting. This is an EXPERIENCE; give yourself a few hours to enjoy it.
(4)
Wei T.

The hostess that failed to greet us was a bit pretentious, but I gotta say, I was a big fan of this place. I only got two pieces of meat but it was pretty tasty - I tried the lamb and the chicken. I would have ordered more but I was all starstruck by the salad bar. So many fresh veggies and meats (salmon, prosciutto, etc.). I didn't know it but you can get the salad bar only option if you wish. That's what I'll opt for, next time. Plenty of pastas and starch options for the carb indulgent eaters, too.
(4)
James V.

If you like being a carnivore, you will love this place. I went after work one day with a couple of co-workers for happy hour. Chima offers happy hour specials including the typical beer and wine specials as well as a Brazilian Caipirinha (which was perfect). Besides great drinks, the bartenders had great personalities and were very engaging. We enjoyed happy hour so much, we decided to stay and have dinner and were glad we did. The food was amazing! They invite everyone to start with the salad bar which is stocked with tons of fresh salads, fruits and some other tasty options. While each item is probably worth trying, I highly recommend only sampling only a small portion from the salad bar as you will want to save lots of room for the meats that are being served. They have servers/guachos moving from table to table, providing various options of rotisserie meats. Everything they offered was delicious! After trying just about everything, I found my personal favorites to be the top sirloin, salmon, and Parmesan crusted pork. I definitely had seconds and thirds of those options and am already looking forward to going back for more!
(4)
Alphonso D.

Love this place, the food is great. You go for the meat selection but the salad bar was satisfactory. Bring your appetite, you want to go in on E. I had this really good brazilian drink there (can't remember the name, sorry), but my entire party enjoyed there drinks. It's pricey so be prepared for that going in. The food was so good though that I went to their Virginia location and it was equally as good.
(5)
Sana R.

Look to spend about $45/person. If you join their email list they'll send you special dates when it'll be $34/person. It's pretty upscale so dress for the occasion. Typical meats are cow, pig, lamb, and fish. The salad bar is very unremarkable so don't expect to fill up that way. If you come for happy hour sit by the bar and they'll bring you out that free cheesy bread. YUM!
(3)
Michelle Y.

Came here for Restaraunt Week. I'll get straight to the point: Salad bar: 5 stars. Fresh and a lot of variety. had to stop myself from getting full from salad. Service: 5 Stars. Prompt and attentive service. Meat: 4 stars. Can't compare to fogo de chao since i've never been there, but i admit some of the meat tasted a bit too salty. the CHICKEN WAS AMAZING! and there was one meat, forget which one, but it was sooooooooooo tender. Kinda bummed that the filet mignon wasnt included in the restaraunt week menu. Appetizers: 5 Stars. the mashed potatos and fried bananas..... yum. Would i come back? Not for the full price. Not because it was bad, but because I can barely eat $35 worth of food so it'd be a waste for me. I'd rather spend the $60 bucks and eat filet mignon at a steakhouse. I would definately recommend though.
(4)
Mary W.

Chima is a great restaurant if you are a believer of QUANTITY over QUALITY. Although the meat is not top-notch, the salad bar is plentiful. I have been here twice and the second time, the salmon was tender and delicious. So perhaps if you are lucky, you will experience the same! As mentioned before by other reviewers, definitely purchase a $25 gift certificate on restaurant.com . I bought mine for only $2. Happy eating!
(3)
Steph H.

C-H-I-M-A C is for the Cheese that I love from the salad bar H is for how HUNGRY you should be when you arrive I is for how Incredible the meat is cooked M is for ... MEAT! A is the grade I would give you on a report card. I've gone to chima twice now and I plan on going many more times. I love the all you can eat brizillian steakhouse so much, I can't believe it flew under my radar for so long. The best thing about chima is that you never have to pay full price. Go to restaurant.com and get a $25 coupon for $2. Also, join their "preferred diners" club, they send coupons and stuff all the time. Also, skip the veggies on the salad bar and just fill up half your plate with the amazing cheeses and pair it with your meat as it comes. OH! And also get some of the Brazilian guarana soda, it's delightful!
(5)
Erin B.

technical review is 3.5 stars... went here for restaurant week... for $35 all you can eat is a great deal. They give you a little card that you can flip for "go" or "stop" as the guys in pirate pants bring around meat on sticks. i kept mine at go because i wanted to try everything! there were definitely favorites and not-so favorites... LOVE: the hugely stocked salad/soup bar. great for getting started and all items were a nice compliment to the meal. LOVE: the appetizers that come to the table in tiny dishes. i think potato puree, some kind of spherical meat thing(?) and something else. all were AWESOME. i could have drunk the potato puree from a pitcher it was so tasty. DON'T love: my BF wanted to save room for the meats, and didnt eat much of the side dishes or salads... needless to say he was very sick the next morning and had to call off work. not sure if it was the lamb (we all thought it was a little funky) or if it was just too much meat for one person. LOVE: the parmesan pork. my fave. DON'T love: the bacon wrapped filet was under impressive. this place doesnt include dessert in their rest wk. menu... we did get coffee and desserts but they were a little high for what it was. i wish they had a coffee bar similar to the salad bar that was included in the price. now, Chima is always all you can eat, i believe the normal price is $50/person. i would not pay that much for this place. if you want to go, try it for restaurant week.
(3)
Melissa W.

Who can say no to sexy foreign men dressed like pirates and carrying around giant hunks of meat speared with swords? Certainly not me... unless they're just offering chicken or I'm already in a semi-conscious meat-induced coma. For $35 (a special they have fairly often (extended restaurant weeks and various holidays), unlike Fogo de Chao), this is awesome. Sure the meat is a little on the salty side and they're all spiced similarly if not the same, but there are enough different cuts from different animals that you get to taste a variety of flavors. I skip the chicken and fish and go straight for the good stuff: filet mignon, picanha, beef ribs, lamb chops, leg of lamb, and even some flank steak and ribeye. The Brazilian cheese bread is delicious, as are the ultrasmooth and ultrabuttery mashed potatoes. The fried bananas are also fantastic, and I usually dislike fried plantains. The salad bar is quite good as well. Needless to say, the service is good. Also, they sing happy birthday in Portugese. The decor is pretty snazzy, though the wall hangings in our section were a little odd: tough and manly gauchos posing like fashion models and sipping on what I can only assume to be caipirinhas. Come hungry, and bring someone to carry you out afterwards.
(4)
Rhonda S.

My experiences with Brazilian Steakhouses had been limited to Fogo de Chao, I must say Fogo has nothing on Chima! The salad bar is great with a wide variety of salads, pasta salad, calamari, smoked salmon and bread. Then as sides to your meal the server brings you brazilian bread, fried bananas, mashed potatoes, and a couple of other things that I can't remember. The meats were absolutely delecious! So full of flavor and the variety was excellent. Best of all they also had fish as a choice. Not too many Brazilian Steakhouses also serve salmon and swordfish. The dessert menu was great as well, we tried the apple streudle and it was wonderful. This is by far now one of my favorite restaurants. I was happy to see that they also have one in the DC metro area as well. I will be visiting that one soon! If you get the chance please try this place, you won' t be sorry!
(5)
MissDimples K.

Exceptional Service, Great Meat Selection & Nice Salad Bar...Even Better Side Dishes. The Mashed Potatoes Were The Best I've Ever Had! Only Drawback Is That I Don't Feel Like I Got My Monies Worth, I Might Have If I Had Gone Over To The Salad Bar Again. I Was More Pleased With The Salad Bar And The Side Dishes Then I Was The Meats. Overall This Place Is Great For A Nice Dinner Date...An Expensive One, But Nice!
(4)
Mary Y.

One of the BEST!!!!!! Brazilian Steak house I have encountered. The restaurant is very clean, nice atmosphere, the food is awesome especially the meats are so TASTY!!!! my favorite are the side dishes especially the salads, It's all you can eat so make sure you don't eat before you go since the price is up there. I would recommend this to anyone looking somewhere CLASSY!!!! and excellent food , You have to try the desserts MOUTH WATERING!!!!!!
(5)
Carrie E.

Last night I feasted on meat carved tableside by men dressed as gauchos. And no, I wasn't at Epcot Center or in a Fellini movie...I was at Chima. And it was glorious. I was there for a special event, so we got to see the place in full swing and total capacity. After loading our plates at the salad bar (which, btw, is huge and also includes fresh mozzarella, a personal favorite of yours truly) we sat in the gorgeous dining room, complete with contemporary red/crystal chandeliers that I am totally coveting, turned over our cards and let the madness begin. Here an orange card means "Bring me some meat and keep it comin'," and black means "Please, for the love of God, no more." Our table of four ate enough to feed a small village (yes, I feel a tad guilty about that) but particularly enjoyed the succulent filet, sirloin and Parmesan encrusted pork loin. It was quite an experience, and I walked out of there wishing I had a handbag big enough to smuggle food out in. Is that wrong? The consensus is that, while gorgeous inside, this is a man's dinner. My girlfriend and I had a great time, but the testosterone factor was high. I'm sure it had to do with all that meat and knivery...so I think this is a perfect place for a power dinner or a meal pre-bachelor party. Just remember to leave the strippers at the club - after all, Chima is a class act.
(3)
Anh C.

My 21st birthday took place at this steakhouse and I do not regret it one bit =) It was my first time trying out an all you can eat steak house and I thoroughly enjoyed it although I'm not much of a ra-ra carnivore. The decor was very elegant and my party was placed at a table right next to the salad buffet table. We were instantly seated and greeted by our waiter. The side dishes were very good starters and a popular item at our table were the butter bread balls. They were warm, puffy, buttery goodness. A must try. But not too much or you won't have room for the various types of steak, pork, chicken, and fillet that they have circulating around the room. Come hungry and leave very satisfied :)
(4)
Ashley L.

I've been here twice and have had a great experience both times. This is the only Brazilian steakhouse I've been to but do not feel the need to go anywhere else. Went once for my mom's birthday and they gave us a complimentary tiramasu. The second time was during Restaurant Week, where you get the full menu (all you can eat) for $35 instead of $50! Highly recommend coming here during Restaurant Week. Great salad bar with more options than you could ever imagine. Be careful not to overdo it, you have to leave room for the meat! Their meat list is pretty extensive, with 16 different options. However, I felt the same meat kept coming around to our table too often. Not sure if I really was offered every type of meat. I will say that the lamb chops were probably the best I've ever had. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jennifer T.

Just what fat Philadelphians need - an all you can eat MEATapalooza! I've been to Chima twice, once for their grand opening and once during the latest Restaurant Week. Both times, I was severely disappointed - from the service staff (I had possibly the most obnoxious server EVER), to the meats (Chima is over salted), and the salad bar (what exactly is "corn mousse"... and there's no Parm barrel!). Note: you don't get the entire meal deal when you go during RW - no lamb chops and no dessert. Lameballs, they should disclose that before you sit down. Like the majority of other reviewers, I suggest you head over to Fogo if you want to indulge in a coma-inducing meatfest!
(2)
John N.

I'm going to cut to the chase - not nearly as good as Fogo. The food was good, don't get me wrong. The salad bar as good, the meat was good - but nothing was great. Nothing stood out as being excellent, there wasn't any single item you walked away from the table thinking "that was the best X I ever had". Fogo had at least 3 or 4 items that were "the best X I ever had", there was a wider range of selections, the salad bar was bigger and higher quality, and even the sides were better. There were even a few items at Chima that were just "meh", which I cannot say about Fogo. The service was probably better than Fogo, the atmosphere I actually liked more, but purely on a food-for-food level, doesn't come close. I feel kind of bad saying that, because if I hadn't gone to Fogo first I probably would have loved it, and maybe 2 stars is a bit harsh - but considering that for $10 more you can go a few blocks east and have a supremely better experience, I don't understand why anyone would go to Chima. There is a reason why they are on Restaurant.com and Fogo isn't. For $50 a plate, unless you have a gift certificate, it's not really worth it.
(2)
Sal M.

If I could do 2.5 stars I would. But I can't in good conscience go 3. When I called to confirm my open table reservation, I also asked the young lady who answered about some allergy concerns at our table. She told me she wasn't "really familiar with the menu." The waiter called us "yous" all night. When I tried to order a bottle of wine he had zero knowledge to convey. I ordered an 09. They brought the same bottle in a 10. I didn't break balls since I'd ordered a cheap bottle. Someone with a little wine knowledge could easily have sold me a more expensive bottle. It was Thanksgiving after all. The buffet is extensive and quite good. The rodizio meats are hit or miss but it's easy to find 2 or 3 you really enjoy. I would go back again, when I want Brazilian steakhouse. They're rather formulaic.
(2)
Suzanne F.

Went here for Thanksgiving dinner. The website does not do the restaurant justice. I don't eat much red meat, but I put aside my reserves and asked for a piece of beef as the server approached my table. Really excellent, as was all of the meats I tried. The salad bar is awesome - beautiful, as well as delicious, and comes with every dining experience. The little appetizers set out at each table were excellent. I went with two carnivores, who certainly got their money's worth of meat. Dessets were okay. I found out that for $29.99 you can get just the salad bar and fish (salmon and swordfish) if you don't want meat. The fixed price is $50.00, and any serious meat eater can easily eat twice what he/she pays for the meal. There were plenty of families eating here on Turkey Day, so they may have a kids fixed priced menu, too. This is a place to go for a major eating experience.
(4)
Shy S.

Always a good time here! While some people tend to look at it as "Fogo De Chao" light, I do think it's different enough, and good enough, to stand on its own. The differences between the 2 are very small. I think that while the meat cuts overall may be slightly better at Fogo, the salad bar has more of a selection while there is also more appetizers to choose from as well. And the staff is extremely friendly! Chima is a good place and somewhere I'd easily recommend!
(4)
Brian L.

Came here with the family a few months ago. Previously, I've been to Fogo de Chao and Picanha, and this was my first time going to Chima. In short, the experience wasn't bad. Service was there and the food was alright. The beef rib I thought was a tad fatty and not very appealing. The lamb cuts were overcooked and not as rare/tender as I prefer (even though I requested medium rare). They oftfer seafood too, which (I believe) they don't have at Fogo or Picanha. On the plus side, the atmosphere was MUCH nicer than Fogo or PIcanha.
(3)
Geoff c.

Great staff. Went there with a handful of friends. We're all young, just out of college, so staff at nice restaurants aren't always pleased to see a group of us. But they were very nice to us. Great atmosphere. Elegant interior. Food was great. The salad bar has wider variety than Fogo. Swordfish was good. Meat wasn't too over-salted. The only drawback is the price. It's more expensive than Fogo (sorry for the frequent comparisons), but I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference. Perhaps people with more sophisticated tastebuds will say that it's worth it, but for someone who is just gorging themself with meat, like myself, it was a nice visit but a one-time thing.
(3)
Jes S.

What a wonderful time!! And the food was just fantastic. Things I loved: -- The little sides they have on the table are never-ending and so delicious. My family loved the parmesean cheese balls & fried polenta the most. -- So much fantastically cooked meat. Other reviews speak plenty of the meat and all the good stuff is true! There were some things we didn't like, but I think that's just because of taste. -- The DESSERTS were to die for. We had barely any room left, but we had the Chocolate Kahlua Cake and Chocolate Lava Cake. We are a family of Chocolate cake makers and lovers... Both were SO GOOD. -- The service! The people were all fantastic! I had waited for the Top Sirloin and sadly watched it go by and quickly run out of meat. Our server asked if we wanted anything and we mentioned the sirloin. In 2 minutes it was at our table and I devoured 2 slices... Same for my mother when she asked for the beef rib. Additionally... It was my sister and my birthday dinner (one day apart!), and when I called the reservation I had said yes to everything they do. We had people sing to us in Portuguese, great fun, and two free desserts on top of our cakes! Some places skimp on that little dessert, but this was all out. We each had a little cake (big enough for two people who hadn't gorged on meat) and candle ! What a lovely place. :)
(5)
Candice S.

Staff - Ultra friendly Food - Good, not great Atmosphere - Cool but very very open, a tich industrial The BF LOVED the meat-a-pallooza that Chima offered, but I simply dont eat enough to get the full experience. The salad bar was very good and the cocktails were amazing... I think I just need to give it a go when I am starving so I can try everything that Chima has to offer!
(3)
Hoa T.

Same concept as Fogo de Chao. Service was fast. When you flipped over your token, the meats kept on coming. I particularly liked the lamb chop. The salmon and swordfish were a great change in pace from the meat fest. I also love how when you signed up for their mailing list, you get a discount coupon. I would come again. As to whether this was better than Fogo, I can't really say. It has been so long since the last time that I ate at Fogo to make a good comparison. But it shall be done.
(4)
Vicky M.

Great meal! This was my second visit -- this time to celebrate my recent graduation. It was a family and friends affair - party of 6. I would recommend bringing coupons for $20 off of 2 rodizos dinners which are (were?) available on their website. Love -- the variety and the quality of the meat. Perfectly cooked and the cuts! My personal favorite is the top sirloin, which will be yours too if you're a fan of the gristle side. Speaking of sides...the sides which come with the meal were typical. The beef coquette (sp?) and fried polenta were interesting to eat, enough to break up the meat caravan. The only stand out side dish were the fried bananas - amazing! Perfectly warm and crispy. Not Love - this is a pricey meal and throwing in a couple bottles of wine, it can become even more expensive. They should have a BYOB policy. Overall - save this outing for a special occasion. You will definitely leave satisfied.
(4)
Erica M.

Chima was delicious! The meats were fresh and I always got the temperature I requested. The lamb was a bit dry, but every other meat was incredible. The mashed potatoes were amazing...I don't know what they put in them, but they are addicting! Pao de Queijo (cheese bread) is always incredible. My only complaints were that we had a 7 o'clock reservation and we had to wait until 7:15 to be seated (even though there were many open tables). And our server asked us at least 8 times if we wanted something to drink. Otherwise, the service was good until we asked for a check (it tooks over 20 minutes to get) and the food was awesome! Be sure to do some Googling to find coupons before you go!
(4)
Dan L.

Incredible meat selection - though the leg of lamb was a bit dry. Nice salad bar. Drinks were strong. It was super-hot in the place - as the temperature had just gone up in the city and their AC wasn't really working well enough yet for all of the meat grilling.
(4)
Meghan C.

It's okay...I do prefer Fogo, but I think they have a better salad bar. But I'm not paying $45 ($50?) a head for salad. The service with regard to the meat was great, but heavens...if you want to drink, just order three at once because it is impossible to catch their eyes. I think we actually just ended up getting bottles of wine because it was that painful. I don't remember the sides so they must not have been Fogo fried polenta worthy.
(3)
Todd O.

why are people talking about the salad bar? i go to a brazilian steakhouse to eat meat...off of ninja swords. starved myself through lunch to prepare for the festivities which lied ahead. for the philly restaurant week price of $35, it was definitely a steal. waiters came around with an assorted variety of meats...my favorites being the pork ribs, top sirloin, and ribeye. the swordfish and salmon came with a delicious passionfruit sauce which complimented it nicely. keep your button on "yes, please" and they'll keep it coming all night long. the wine prices are steep, so our party opted for guarana, the brazilian soda, which we nicknamed brazilian awesomeness in a can (see picture). get it. you'll see the servers playing on ipod touches...this is their way of ordering drinks/sides, along with calling over servers to bring me more meat. by the end of the meal, i needed a wheel chair to get rolled out of the place since i couldn't move.
(4)
Fred H.

Two-star rating may be bad, but according to Yelp's two-star description "Meh. I've experienced better," it's spot-on for Chima. Let me sum up my review with these words: Just go to Fogo. I went to Chima expecting similar service and food to Fogo, Texas de Brazil, etc. Unfortunately I found both lacking. What surprised me most was the service. At Fogo, when you are finished with the salad bar and flip your disk to Go Meat, you're promptly greeted with a fresh plate and a barrage of "Gauchos" serving different cuts. Couldn't have been more the opposite at Chima. After finishing the salad bar, and flipping our disk, we sat there for at least 5 minutes with dirty plates and no meat. This became the common joke of the night. I found myself multiple times sitting there my fork and knife sitting on my empty plate, looking around the room for some sort of service. At one point, I looked around the room and saw ZERO gauchos for a lengthy period of time. Food-wise, it was just ok, it paled in comparison to the cuts at Fogo. The only two saving points were the salad bar which is mostly on par with Fogo and the $20-off coupon you can get from the Chima website. I'll finish with words you may have already heard: Just go to Fogo.
(2)
anthony L.

A lot of the time with Brazilian places I find that the meat is extremely salty. Not true at chima! I found most of the meal to be absolutely delicious. Waiters were prompt with the meat once you flip your card to "go!" and the drinks were plenty strong! All in all I had a really good experience here. hands down the best Brazilian steakhouse I've been to.
(5)
Meg A.

I ate at Chima when it had only been open for about two months. So, in all fairness, some things have probably improved since then. My boyfriend and I decided to have our anniversary dinner there and had a reservation. When we got there, the table wasn't ready, so we went to the bar where I ordered the house specialty drink a caipirinha. The bartender served it with a warning (never a good sign) stating that if I didn't like it, she could give me something else. The drink was - not smooth. And I know good caipirinhas because a good friend of mine is Brazilian and makes them for us. This was not good and I switched to a margarita which was adequate. When we were seated, I noticed that the place was packed and that the tables next to us were very close. Too close, actually. In fact, for our "romantic" dinner we felt like we couldn't talk at all because of all the ruckus around us. And the mother/son duo next to us were straight out of a bad sitcom complaining about everything and whining. No, one cannot control whom one sits near at a restaurant, that it true. But the restaurant should certainly know when the tables are too close. I could have reached my hand straight out and touched the other patron. The beef was excellent. I believe the fillet mignon was particularly tasty. I liked that the gauchos took the time - despite how busy the place was - to make sure you got the meat done to your preferred doneness. The chicken was well seasoned but a little dry and the swordfish and salmon were both inedible. But, hey, I don't go to Brazilian steakhouses for seafood so that is OK. In fact, they could drop the fish from their fare altogether and be fine. I might eat here again, if I had a coupon from Groupon or something like that. Truthfully though, I like Fogo de Chao much better. And I have since heard rumor of Brazilian steakhouses in the GNE so I may have to scope those out.
(3)
Jessica A.

I ate at Chima for the first time a month ago, and I think I'm still full. It was my first experience at a Brazilian steakhouse and my husband and I really enjoyed it. What's not to like about men coming around to serve you unlimited cuts of delicious meats? The atmosphere was bustling, but not distracting. Our server was running around like a crazy man and left us for a bit too long at the end of the meal, but he was very friendly. I don't even remember what types of meats I ate, but my only complaint was that the filet was very salty. I really enjoyed the sides, especially the fried bananas, which were amazing. Now here comes my #1 issue of the night: the wine list. Very expensive. I was perusing the list at the bar while we were waiting to be seated, and seeing nothing less than $12 or $14 a glass. So I asked the bartender if they had a house pinot noir, which they did. Silly me for not asking what the price was -- it was $14! I've never ever been anywhere where the house wines were as much or more than other options on the menu. It's not even about the extra couple of dollars, it's just the principle. Anyway, overall it was a thumbs up. I wouldn't rush back there as it's too indulgent to do very often, but I'm sure I'll go back eventually.
(4)
Jan K.

After my dinner last Sunday at Chima, it occurred to me that I have no single complaint about the experience. Probably the only thing between them and five stars is beyond their control because Philadelphia apparently won't let you cook on wood fire in center city. Picanha gets away with it up on Castor Ave. So I can only really compare it to Fogo, or Na Brasa in Philly. I have been to to other Rodizios that use wood, and there is a detectable difference. That being said, I took the family (wife and three teens) on Sunday. We were seated immediately, and our waiter good-naturedly went over the drill (advising us against filling up on either the salad bar or VERY creamy buttery mashed potatoes. When they first opened, I had read a review saying the meat was over-salted. Apparently they read it too, and brought in an experienced Manager to ride herd over the gauchos so they "got it" about the salt. The selection of meats was typical, but one VERY nice and unique feature was that our waiter had a little hand-held wireless device, and upon request would direct leg-of-lamb, Parmesan pork loin, what-have-you to our table instantly. Unlike other Rodizios, the gauchos paid attention to the yes/no pucks, and did not disturb us with foods once we had declined them. I did not bother, for example, with fish or sausage (I like both, but let's face it, I was there for MEAT !!) Quality of the beef, pork, lamb, and chicken was high. I have been disappointed by other Rodizios who seemed to be using blander grades of meat. We had some gift cards, which lightened the tab somewhat, but prices were typical of the genre. $12 was a little steep per glass for the Malbec, but the waiter did recommend the less expensive of the two (the other was $14.00) Salad bar was on a par with Fogo / Na Brasa as were the typical sides (puffy cheese biscuits etc.) Fried bananas were HOT and fresh, and a cut above the others. Overall, service was extraordinary and I think intentionally much more casual than Fogo who is their real competition. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Jennifer S.

The food is AMAZING but I strongly suggest you fast before coming here - you will need the extra room. Every piece of meat is cooked perfectly and the side dishes are amazing. The salad bar is not your typical sneeze-guarded crap, it includes carpacio and gorgonzola mouse! The event planner (for large groups) is phenomenal and incredibly accommodating. She can make a simple dinner into an extraordinary experience.
(5)
Bethany W.

I've only been here once for happy hour so maybe I'm not qualified to write a review of this place, but I'm going to do it anyway! My friend invited me because she had a coupon for a free appetizer. We each had a Caipirinha, which the bartender informed us is Brazil's national drink. I can see why, because it's delicious and very, very alcoholic. Like, we decided to not have another drink because that one Caipirinha did each of us good. For food, we split the salmon salad - which was a large enough portion for both of us to feel like we had a full meal. They also brought us some pastry-type things to snack on before the food arrived, including some cheese-puff type pastries that were AMAZING. I would probably go back to Chima just for those. The service was pretty attentive at first but tapered off towards the end - only by a little, though. I really liked the decor of the place, too - the bar area was nice but chill enough so that my friend and I didn't feel out of place in jeans. I'm not sure I'd ever go back there for a full meal unless someone else was paying because I'm a poor non-profit employee, but I definitely want to go back for more after-work drinks!
(4)
Chris M.

Went in almost cocky and snarky. Thought, right.. lets try this Fogo De Chao wannabe! Gauchos carving hot, delicious meat at your table is my idea of heaven. Fogo showed me the light, and rewrote my idea of dining pleasure. Went to Chima, they have certainly met the challenge. Quality of meat is superb, service is second to none. Sure, you gotta flip the card.. telling the gauchos "Feed Me".. they are there before you can swallow your last bite. Please, what else could a person want? I'm still digesting all the gluttony I ate, it was worth having to hit the gym the next 45 days to burn it off. I would cut back on the birthday singing.. let ppl goto TGI fridays or Chi chis for that garbage. Also, bypass the salad bar..sure it is terrific, but you'll save room for ..the main event.
(4)
Sheila B.

This was our first time at a Brazilian style steakhouse, and we were very pleasantly surprised. This is one of the best restaurant adventures my son and I have ever had. :) On top of the fabulous salad bar, they just keep bringing meat. Prime rib, filet mignon, flank steak, ribeye, salmon, chicken wrapped in bacon, pork ribs, pork loins with parmesan cheese, rib-eye, leg of lamb, lamb chops, sausage, beef ribs, sirloin, sword fish, salmon... Pricey, but you do get an awful lot for your money. You also need to make reservations.
(5)
Lin P.

ambiance and overall decor are bizarre. drinks are priced way to high. decent meat.
(2)
Brian S.

Meatpocolypse. If you are looking to gorge yourself fully of good meats, a Brazillan style "rodizio" is the way to go. However, I preferred Fogo de Chao much better than Chima. We went during restaurant week so the price was a bit cheaper, and the only thing not available to us were the lamb chops. No big deal. I just felt this was a poor mans version of Fogo, and everything from the meats to the salad bar was better there.
(3)
Ruth Y.

My good friend was kind enough to pass on to me a 2 for 1 deal at this all you can eat meat fest. mmmm First of all, I have to mention that it was VERY annoying to have to wait 20 minutes (yes, 20!!!!!) even after having made a reservation weeks in advance. Seriously, people without reservations were seated much more quickly than we were . We were about 5 seconds away from making a scene when we were finally seated. Fortunately, our very nice waiter, Brian made up for our poor lobby experience. The service was very attentive and accommodating. We got 5 plates of the fried bananas, which are in several people's opinion, the best part of the meal. YUMMY!!!!! The rest of the food was very decent as well. We tried (by our accounting) all 15 types of meats on the menu. My personal favorites were the lamb chops and leg of lamb (no trend here hahaha ). Some other favorites were the frank steak, chicken wrapped in bacon and ribs. The "salad" bar was very good as well. We enjoyed that everything was labeled so that we knew what we were eating. This is all compared to Picanha, the other Brazilian steakhouse that we've been to. Picanha has the reputation of being more authentic and a better bang for the buck. Nothing I have seen discredits this. Although there is a lot to be said for the cleanliness and the clarity of the menu and the labeling of the salad bar at Chima's. I have to say Chima is a good experience if you can get it at a discount, but I personally am partial to Picanha's brisket and mmmm skirt steak mmmmm. *wipe drool* . Hahaha
(3)
Emilia M.

So I had the brilliant idea of making a reservation for a good friend and myself on a Sunday evening at 6:45. When we arrived we were told that we would be seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The place was jammed packed, but i did not expect to wait an hour and fifteen minutes before we were seated! When we sat down, the waiter, a very young man, was pretty short with us. He served us cold sides, and then disappeared. Each and every waiter in the place was on their cell phones. I even noticed that his cell phone was in his hand as he refilled my water. A refill I had to ask no less than five times for! Here is the kicker. I went to the bathroom and there was not a single sheet of toilet paper nor was there soap!!! SO GROSS!!!!! It's a shame, though,as the food was actually pretty good. They just need better management. I.e. Someone who is there and actually watching to see that his or her staff isn't doing their job. So not worth the money, trust me.
(1)
Khwaja H.

A carnivore's paradise and a vegetarian's nightmare. Solid buffet. Great service. Prefer this over Fogo De Chao
(4)
Lea T.

Great Brazilian Steakhouse! Personally I like the salad bar and meat/fish selection here better than Fogo de Chao. The salad bar is also an option on its own for vegetarians for $24. I enjoy the premade endive blue cheese and walnut salad, as well as some other pre-mixed salads. There are also numerous meats (prosciutto, beef carpaccio, salami), cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, provolone), vegetables (hearts of palm, asparagus, roasted red peppers), as well as a delicious roasted vegetable soup and rice & beans. Love the salmon with tropical mango sauce, flank steak, bacon wrapped chicken, bacon wrapped filet, and sirloin steak. There is also lamb, beef ribs, swordfish, and pork loin. The beef croquettes, cheese bread, mashed potatoes, fried polenta, and caramelized bananas are provided as side dishes also. Its a great idea to come here for lunch, the prices are less and the same menu is offered. Appetizers and small plates are also offered at the bar which has happy hour specials.
(4)
Joel G.

Last night my husband and I dined at Chima in Philadelphia for the first time. From the time we pulled up to the valet til we left the restaurant, the staff were friendly, service was supers and second to none, and the food was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! Appetizers, salad bar, the 16 different meats which came around and the Tiramisu... To die for! This was all an early anniversary gift from a very dear friend and we can not thank her enough. If you haven't already, try them out!
(5)
Pilar W.

I've been here several times and overall it has been really wonderful. Let me st the negative and end on positive. I've a worker was extremely smelly and i am very sensitive to smell. He was very kind, but i actually could not eat because whenever he came anyplace near my table i thought i would become ill. (Yes I'm that sensitive) thus, it was a wasted trip. On a separate visit i found hair in my food And it was not mine it spilled my visit and out was my first thing i went to eat. The company i was with ate and all was well. They did give me a free meal to come back. So, you might wonder why i come back... because this place really is incredible. The managers, staff they really try. It is clean and beautiful. The ambiance, they never rush you and my friends have always enjoyed dinner. I would go just to eat their little cheese bread. It its simply the best!!!! I wish they sold it. I had weight loss surgery and really can't even eat much at all bit ir is so enjoyable i find it well worth the night out. There is something for everyone. I moved recently and my gift for friends helping is taking them there this Friday night. It's a must try, as it puts the other steak houses to shame. (No disrespect) try the sauce with the fish. Incredible, salad for every taste. Meat cooked to order. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Thuy C.

I've been to Chima a number of times. It's definitely decadent. I love the concept of endless meat. Yes, I'm a carnivore but I love my vegetables too! Gladly, they also have an endless salad bar. And another great aspect they serve fish too! My favorite cut is definitely the picanha aka top sirloin, medium rare. And it's always hard for me to flip my card from green to red even when my mind and body tells me, "You're full!"
(4)
Rachael H.

0 STARS!!! AWFUL!!! AVOID CHIMA AT ALL COSTS!!!! GO TO FOGO DE CHAO!!!! It is Valentine's Day at 3:56 p.m. I was just called 20 minutes ago by the Philadelphia location notifying me about my 4:45 p.m. reservation which I have made 2.5 weeks ago. I confirmed. And then the reservationist went on to tell me that it was mandatory that I pay 89.95 per meal which I was NEVER notified of. After 20 minutes of speaking with her and requesting to speak with a manager, who "couldn't come to the phone because they were on the floor", I was told that there was nothing they could do for me and I "should have known" that there was a special deal. I made this reservation through Open Table and there was NO SIGN of any special deal for Valentine's Day. Now, myself and my boyfriend, whose birthday we were also supposed to be celebrating have no where to go because their team couldn't do ANYTHING for us. This has been the most ridiculous restaurant experience I have ever dealt with. The reservationist was EXTREMELY COCKY and was yelling at me over the phone that there was no manager available. I am extremely disappointed with this establishment. I have heard such wonderful things about the food and now I will never get to experience because their Philadelphia team has made my stomach turn. This has been the most treacherous restaurant I have ever had to deal with. Restaurants are supposed to be built around customer service and we have received the poorest service ever!!! This staff AND RESERVATIONIST should be ashamed of themselves!!!!!
(1)
Anna P.

I love it here!!!!! The food is so good, and the service is great.
(5)
Erin C.

Not my kind of place. This is the only Brazilian steakhouse I have been to, and if you are happy with quiet servers coming up behind your shoulder with plates of big meat chunks then maybe you'll enjoy it. Large groups sit at long tables. Everything is fine and whatnot, but I wasn't blown away by all the protein. Or the salad bar. The salad bar did have a good number of options, but nothing phenomenal. The bacon wrapped chicken was not "roasted to perfection." I think my favorite was the bread... Also, yes, drinks take forever and are weak. Womp. To me, Chima just seems like a waste of money.
(3)
Gary W.

My wife and I just love this steakhouse. We have dined here a few times and they just get it right. The service s top notch- my only complaint would be that it takes a while to get a drink from the bar,, that does need to be fixed- Other than that- food is great, love love their salad bar- and let us not forgot it is all about the meat. Nice job!
(5)
Monica L.

PROS: Good quality, awesome salad bar, great dessert, excellent service CONS: Somewhat bland flavors Talk about stuffing yourself to death... Chima lets you experience that (just like any Brazilian steakhouse, I presume). The salad bar consists of a variety of cheeses, smoked salmon, and interesting vegetables (heart of palm, edamame). The meat selection is incredible --- and the staff just keeps coming with more cuts to try. At the end of our feast, we thought about skipping dessert altogether since no one really had any free stomach space, but we decided to share one papaya mousse --- and we did not regret it at all!
(4)
Christian B.

If you like the Brazilian Steakhouse dining style, or have ever been to competitors in the local area, Chima is definitely one of the more top notch places to dine in the city. Good atmosphere, excellent staff, and a great menu were part of our dining experience here. Just a few small touches, and this place would have easily been five stars, but still well worth the price of admissions. Atmosphere - Very modern and fancy, from the sheer curtains separating the bar/lounge from the dining area, to the pressed white table clothes and folded napkins when you return from your table, Chima has a first class experience all the way. The warm tones and stone lobby make for an excellent wait, if not for sitting at the bar and enjoying some great drinks. The aroma of finely cooked meats and delicious salads and sides finds your nose the instant you walk inside. Waitstaff - Since there are many people who work to make a part of the dining experience here, I'll just give an overall review. Staff is extremely friendly, accommodating tastes and cuts of meat perfect for your dining style. Quick, efficient, and friendly, they continued to bring over different dishes, with each one have a unique style and flavor. Recommended great selections for drinks & desserts which turned out to be fantastic! Food - Quality of the food we had was amazing. Started with drinks from the bar including mojitos, wines, and other various Brazilian beverages. The fresh mint and premium spirits were definitely appreciated by my group. For dining, the well stocked salad bar (and underrated soups) were a nice way to start the feast. But the real reason to come here is the different items, from the top sirloin, to the parmesan pork to the chicken wrapped bacon, everything was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked to delight my tastebuds. The biggest issue we ran into was the speed at bringing over the dishes. There were chunks of time we had to wait while food was prepared where we had nothing on our plate and no side dishes left on the table. Seemed to be a little longer then planned and compared to other places, but when the food did come, it was absolutely delicious. Intangibles - Underrated dessert menu here if you still have the room. Split some chocolate cake with my wife, and the raspberry sorbet with it was out of this world good. Perfect way to end a delicious meal when dining out. Cost for all you get is VERY affordable and definitely is a great place for a first date or place to go with the steady girlfriend/fiancee/wife. Make sure to bite the bullet and valet park, can be a little cumbersome to try and park without valet in this area. Overall - A solid dining experience in Philadelphia, be you from the city or just visiting. A bit more on the pricey side for dining options, but well worth it for the amount of food, sides, salad bar, and other benefits you have from dining there. If you go on a speedy service night, you'll only be leaving earlier with a fully stomach, which is not necessarily a bad problem to have.
(4)
April L.

We went during restaurant week, but we opt for the regular menu instead because my boyfriend wanted lampchops and filet mignon, we sat in the most crowded area but sometimes we were ignored even though our cards were flipped to orange. The filet mignon was so delicious, that was the best part, but some of the chicken they had was sort of dry. Some other meat that had was very salty, sometimes too salty for my taste. Dessert was phenomenal, the tiramisu blew me away! I would come back, but only for special occasions because after tax and tips were included, it was about $67 per person.
(4)
Sarah K.

Have I never reviewed Chima's before? That seems impossible. I've been here so many times. I've never been to Fogo, so I can say with confidence, that this is my favorite Brazilian Steakhouse in Philly. Let's see if that ever changes with a visit to Fogo. Unfortunately, I would have liked to give Chima's 4 stars, but since I am not actually a fan, I don't think Chima's deserves it. Honestly, every time I come here, Chima's loses its luster. They do have an awesome salad bar (sometimes it is not super, super fresh, but fresh enough), sides, like cheesy mashed potatoes and cheesy puff bread, and Guarana soft drink, and they do unload a mountain of meat on you. Perhaps because I cannot shove so much meat into my little, tiny belly, I find this place over priced. I really recommend that you only come here for restaurant week - the meats you are missing out on during this time are made up for by the quantity of meats that you actually can eat. If the prices were always at restaurant week prices (which even then, is an even $50 including tip and tax), maybe then, would I raise my rating to 4 stars.
(3)
Clare J.

Went during Restaurant Week. Was slightly hesitant after reading some other R.W. reviews, but we had an absolutely wonderful experience. We had a 7:15 reservation for 2 and arrived early. We were seated at once. We were both a bit skeptical because we were seated in a far, far dining room with two huge tables with parties of 20+ at each. Based on other reviews we expected to be ignored and never see any meat. Not the case! Our server Tod arrived almost immediately with the drinks iPad and his recommendations. He was friendly, funny, efficient and informative. He and his co-server were fantastic throughout the night. We headed to the salad bar first. The quinoa and edamame and the artichoke salad were my favorites. The prosciutto and salami were also good. Wasn't crazy about any of the cold, cooked veggies. The second we sat down the meat showed up and did not stop. We had to turn over our cards several times just to try to get in a bite before the next skewer showed up. I loved the Picanha Nobre (sirloin with garlic, SO good), the salmon with passionfruit sauce, the linguiÃ§a sausage, and the bacon wrapped chicken, which was surprisingly flavorful and juicy. I really wanted this to be a 5 star review because we had such amazing service and food the whole night, but the cocktails were a huge disappointment, especially considering the price. I'm new to Philly, but when you are charging Hollywood drink prices for a watered down beverage, I am not going to be happy about it. We went with passion fruit caipirinhas. I thought they were overly sweet, but no flavor and very, very weak. I would have been fine if they were sweet from passion fruit, but there was barely a hint of it in the drinks and you cold barely tell there was cachaca in there. Maybe the bar was over run with orders since the place was absolutely packed, but considering the drinks cost nearly half the price of the meal, they were definitely a waste of money in my book.
(4)
Teddy M.

I've never written a review before so this would be my first time. Also, this will be the last time we'll be eating in this restaurant. Ever. Don't worry. Service, in terms of the usual hi how are you and so on was great. However, the entire experience was dull. First of all, we reserved for mother's day. Since the first time we got here, we felt like it was a mistake. This restaurant was so racist. They seated us all the way in the back because we're Asians. Then the people who they call "chefs" came to our table one by one but they were asking us with a sour face whether we want the certain kind of meat or not. Then, we didnt even have enough time to decide, they walked away as if we didnt want anything. Really? Then when they all think that we're done. They didnt even bother to come to our table anymore. They just keep skipping us like we're homeless in the corner waiting for food. I tell you, the busser (Nick) worked way harder than the chefs or the servers. What kind of business is this place running? I'm telling you, Fogo De Chao was well worth more than this scam and it's cheaper than what they charged too. So NOT recommended.
(1)
Crystal L.

At first the dining experience started very crappily. There was some misunderstanding and they thought we wanted the salad only option. After seeing the servers bypass our table for a few minutes we realized the error and the manager quickly corrected it. However, I think I would've been happier with a salad bar only option anyway because most of the meat were overcooked. I think they put it back on the grill after bringing it out for a round so that they can keep the meat warm. Also, the salad bar had more than just veggies, there were different types of seafood like salmon, bay scallops, and they also had beef carpaccio and cured meats. The service at the end was stellar. We were celebrating a birthday and they brought out the dessert with a candle, usually standard service but then the manager also took a picture of us and developed it right away and had a paper frame - the type that you generally have to pay $15 at an amusement park. Wow! They definitely know how to make a night special. I would definitely go back whenever I'm in the city.
(4)
Rose V.

Came here for my girlfriends birthday a month ago and I loved it! Host greeted us immediately when we walked in and then seated us right away. I know I shouldn't compare them to their neighbor competition, but Fogo had better sides /: I loved the fact that they noted the occasion and remembered to bring out a lit dessert/cake for my gf's birthday. On top of that we got a group picture that was printed for her to have as a souvenir! I thought that was cute and something that simple, shows customer appreciate :)
(4)
Erika C.

Great food. Great service. Very pricy. We enjoyed the salad bar a great variety and the meats were well seasoned. If you are new to the restaurant I advise you to start slow with the meats. When you first get there they come so quickly with the rodizio.. So many different types of meats that once you taste like 5 you quickly start to fill up. Overall great place!
(4)
Ray L.

I was here for Christmas Eve a couple years ago and I had very high hopes. I had never been to a Brazilian steakhouse but had heard great things so I went in with my expectations pretty high. And they were all matched and then surpassed. We decided to go there for Christmas Eve dinner and got the first reservation time. The outside looks great, kind of what you would expect. When we went in we were told that since we were a little early, we would have to sit at the bar and wait. That was fine, a drink was in order anyway. My wife got some wine and I got a caipirinha. I let her try my drink and that was a mistake because she liked it so much she took it. We were at the bar for awhile and had a nice conversation with the bartender. Finally, we were seated. Since we were the first seating the restaurant was literally empty. So we sat then decided to go over to the massive salad bar. It was huge and had an amazing selection of everything you could think of. All kinds of veggies, salads, cheese and cured meats. BUT IT'S A TRAP!!!! Don't fill up on all of those amazing things because you won't have enough room to eat all of the meat they are going to bring to you! So when we finally sat down the parade of meat started. As long as your coaster is green and not flipped to red they will ask you if you want some. Since we were the first and only people in the restaurant they all immediately came to us. Filet mignon, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken wrapped in bacon, short ribs, fish with mango sauce and so much more. In rapid succession because they all just came to us. They also would periodically drop off an appetizer like fried cheese or plantains. This place is amazing and we will be back.
(5)
Kim M.

I can't speak for the normal dining experience because I came here for a work event, but needless to say I would definitely come here if I had an occasion for a nice dinner. For the event there was a cocktail spread of about 5-7 choices. I can't say all of them were really good but what was worth remembering was the skewered tomatoes&fresh mozzarella, the cheese bread (basically cheese balls of heaven), the artichoke-wrapped smoked salmon, cream cheese, & capers, and - of course - the meat. We were served either rib-eye or sirloin but either way it was cooked to perfection. I went up 4 times to refill my plate even on just this limited selection of food. Also, they had 3 great sauces to pair with the meat. The one with basil in it was my favorite.
(5)
A E.

This is another restaurant week review. But still, even with a slightly limited menu, we got a pretty good idea of what it was like. To be blunt, filet is mostly as tasteless as it is tender, so I wasn't shedding any tears that it wasn't out there. I will say that there was a rather large gap between our seating, and anyone stopping by our table, but once it started people came at quite a rush, so I can imagine the kitchen getting slammed with a mass seating. Fortunately, they had quite the salad bar to keep you busy in the meanwhile. Usually I try to avoid it, as it stops you from the meat course, but they had a rather large selection of cured and smoked meats...which were rather tasty so I really felt that I was getting my money's worth. If that wasn't enough, the apps (cheese bread, croquettes) were nice little note while waiting for the real deal. I don't know if it's high cuisine, or whether my mood improved with the theater of presentation, but I would definitely splurge every so often to be back.
(4)
Kimberly Y.

I came to Chima for the steak, but was more impressed by the salad bar, which is pretty extensive and fresh! The steak was average, and probably not worth the price. If I remember correctly, I was surprised by the sirloin being good, but the filet was meh. *WARNING* The Restaurant Week price does not include filet mignon, ribeye, top sirloin(?), or lamb. Basically, you can just get chicken and flank steak. You will end up paying pretty much normal price if you want these options + salad + dessert, which is what we ended up doing. The service was all right. They didn't seem to have a good system going, so some meats seemed to often skip our table, so we had to flag some down. They're very nice, but also sometimes give the wrong temperature of meat. I understand it can be hard to find the right temperature on one slab of meat, but at least let us know instead of confirming that it was medium well. My friend who likes well done steak had a pretty hard time, and my medium well pieces seemed to have quite a bit of blood. Chima was definitely full to the brim during Restaurant Week, so it was really loud and busy. Of course, this meant that my table also had to shout so we could hear each other. We were very intrigued by the one dancing clip that played over and over on the walls of the large dining area in the back... I'm not sure if this is normal or what they're going for.
(3)
Kelly C.

Excellent delicious food!! Such a good atmosphere and the waiters were very attentive and nice. Would definitely come back!
(5)
Luxxi R.

Quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants, for the Parmesan biscuits alone!!! Filet is always great n the fresh mozzarella on the salad bar is to die for. Try the red sangria, cheesecake and tiramisu too. Service is usually great. I went one time n locked my keys in the car, they called someone and had me inside the car in no time! Went again last night for restaurant week and the server wasn't as attentive as usual but we still had a great time. My only thing is- it's not really a kid-friendly environment lol but I mean realistically I shouldn't expect every restaurant to cater to kids. My daughter did enjoy the white rice n filet tho. She also made a smiley face with her delicious dessert!
(5)
Cindy W.

I'd like to give it 3.5 stars, the food is delicious, wait staff attentive, restaurant nicely decorated but once you've gone to Fogo de Chao nothing compares to their service or grandeur
(3)
Robert F.

Everything (service, salad bar, appetizers, ambiance) is better than Fogo de Chao with the exception of the meat. Both places charge $50 per person for their all you can eat meat-fest. I also don't like their $3 Guaranas without refills and $3 hot tea that wasn't hot. Basically your paying at least $75 per person when tax, tip, drinks, and desserts are computed and in my opinion, not a great value.
(2)
Dani L.

Words can't describe how wonderful this restaurant truly is. Relatedly, I'm largely unable to speak when I'm at Chima, because I'm either salivating in anticipation of or enjoying the delicious wonders of this restaurant. I've been to multiple Brazilian steakhouses in Philly and NY, and none can compare to Chima. The variety in meat options is unparalleled, the hot chocolate cake makes me melt inside, and the waitstaff will treat you like royalty even during Restaurant Week. Worth every penny, every time.
(5)
Teresa K.

We tried to get reservations during restaurant week but they were all booked. However the lady who answered the phone said we could have the same deal this week. So we went on Monday. Our reservations were at 5:30. We met at the bar and tried their drink special of the day which was refreshing and strong. We were seated promptly at 5:30. The place was pretty much empty at the time. Our waiter was extremely nice and our service was attentive. The meat kept coming. The reason we selected Chima over Fogo was one of the people I was with does not eat meat, and Chima offers swordfish and salmon. I've been to Fogo 3 times, and I really couldn't tell any difference between the two places. We all enjoyed our meal here. I don't think I would go back and pay regular price at any time. None of us eats enough to get our money's worth, but it was a nice, fun place to go with restaurant week prices.
(3)
dana t.

Sides sucked Meat tasted one dimensional Best thing is the sword fish
(1)
Glam n.

Went here for my anniversary dinner with my babe it was good but the servers should come out more with different meats.
(3)
ted z.

Lots of mediocre meat for a lot of cash. The coupon thru the end of august made the entire meal digestible. If you ever been on cruise ship, this is it. From the decor to the gobs of mediocre food, this is a cruise on land. The only thing missing was the band and the rocking back and forth. Fago is better but Capital and Palm are hands down better than both. who needs all of the excess food anyway. If that is what you want, go to the Chinese Buffet on Columbus Blvd for a lot less.
(3)
Mike M.

Chima was the start of a bachelor party I was part of on Friday night. Since I was familiar with Brazilian barbecue, this immediately threw up some red flags in my mind. Is a full stomach of meat the best way to start a night of drinking? I decided to not argue, and just let the evening play out. On that note, I apologize for anybody walking by 16th and Sansom on Saturday night, the groom's vomit provided us all a great laugh that I'm sure will be recounted numerous times at the wedding, but I doubt it added to the ambiance of Center City. Since I woke up this morning with the contents of my stomach intact, I figured I'd weigh in on this place. I felt the quality of the meat is better at Fogo, and the atmosphere is a little more fun. If you're looking for a first time Brazilian BBQ experience, I think Fogo de Chao is the way to go. I did enjoy Chima's addition of swordfish and lamb to the gameplan, in fact, I thought these were their strongest offerings. Their salad bar was decent, but certainly not as intimidating as Fogo's. The service was good, but I didn't get the sense of excitement of a flurry of gauchos swarming our table... perhaps because it wasn't very crowded in there: 7pm on Saturday night and it was half empty, not a great sign. The tables are definitely more spaced out than at Fogo though, so I felt less likely to be impaled by an errant gaucho knife. If you love this food (like our meat-addled groom) than you should check it out. By the way, after 'the incident', he recovered impressively and continued on the night strong for many more hours. So it's good to know that Chima may make you stumble, but it won't incapacitate you.
(3)
Rob R.

Add this to the rising number of Fogo de Chao wannabes. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy this place but it lacks a certain "authenticity" that you get when you go to Fogo. I can understand why places like this are popping up - the concept is great: an endless amount of perfectly grilled red meat served on swords complimented with an extensive salad bar. At a top steakhouse you'll spend $50+ for one (10-20 oz.) cut of steak. At Chima, you'll spend $50/pp and will enjoy as much steak as you can consume in one sitting - and try different cuts. You can't go wrong (that is, unless, you're a vegan). People are going to think I work for this place, but.... you can snatch up a $25 gift card at Restaurants.com for $10. Or, check out their website and sign up for their email newsletter. They offer specials nearly once a month and around every holiday. This isn't a place you could go every week, but certainly makes for a nice event out with a small group of friends.
(4)
Michelle J.

An endless meat buffet is as gluttinous as it gets. The items from the salad bar really compliment the meat and they have a wide variety of different sauces to go with the meats as well. I do agree that Fogo steps it up when it comes to the meats, but I still have no complaints about Chima.
(5)
Stella H.

Sorry, but the whole "meat on a stick" thing is lost on me. Were it not for the nice salad bar (and actually, it's much more than than) and the sides they give you at your table, I would likely rate this one star. I hate the whole concept of having a hunk of meat sliced down in my face, The Brazil style of cooking is also way to salty for me and takes away from the taste of the meat itself. I felt overwhelmed each time I would turn over my coin (indicating I wanted to be served) and was immediately swamped by the Gaucho's who do the slicing. Give me my food and get away from me - I don't want someone (or something) literally in my face the entire meal. Dinner here is not for those who are looking for a nice quiet evening! I've been there twice, the first time with about 10 people and you could not carry on a conversation because of the noise level and the size of the table. The second time, it was just myself and a friend and we kept having to repeat ourselves between the noise and the constant Gaucho interruption. I guess guys with big hearty red meat appetities would appreciate this more than I do. The bar is OK, and they do make a mean Mojitio, but the happy hour scene here is really pathetic.
(2)
Luigi C.

Since we were fancying meat, we decided to try Chima. The restaurant is very nice inside, nicely decorated, and it can accommodate large events. In pure Rodrizio-style, for a flat fee of ~$40/person or so, one has access to unlimited salad bar and meats. I have to say, the salad bar wasn't as amazing as I had hoped, but still quite rich in cheeses and vegetables. The collection of meats was remarkable. I could count at least 12 different varieties of meat (at least those brought by churrascheros to our table). In pure Brazilian tradition, meats are pre-salted with 'sal grosso' (dry coarse salt), which gives it a unique flavor. Fraldinha (flank steak) is my favorite cut... inevitably, I ended up eating too much,which is my greatest problem at Brazilian Steakhouses. Overall, I thought we had a nice dining experience. I will probably go back on a week day, as they get pretty packed on weekends.
(4)
Jennifer W.

My husband and I went here for New Years Eve! We had reservations for 8PM and was seated at 8PM! This was out first time at Chima's. We enjoyed the salad bar... And the endless meats! We enjoyed the top sirloin and the filet mignon... And the barbeque ribs... And the bacon wrapped chicken... It was all scrumptious! We will definitely be back for more!! Good stuff!
(5)
Sandra W.

Chima's got a great intimate atmosphere, very cozy (unlike Fogo de Chao). I liked that in addition to the meat they offered a salmon and swordfish which were both great! I didn't really look at the salad bar but those I went with did and they were happy with it. The service was average... nothing too great but not the worst. Overall, I enjoyed my meal.
(4)
Jason K.

Interior is nice and the staff go out of their way to make you feel appreciated. The salad bar here is fantastic with a wide array of very fresh, sometimes exotic and delicious items. It was hard for me to not go back for seconds and remember that the main deal here is the endless meat. The sides that they serve you at the table are in a word amazing. We had the cheesy rolls with butter, croquettes made with pork and beef accompanied by a cream sauce for dipping and the most delicious mashed potatoes I think I've ever had in my life. The meats are a mixed bag which is surprising since that is the whole focal point of the restaurant. Some was fantastic and some not so much. The reason for the variance in how good the meat was pretty much came down to two factors, seasoning and cooking. Some of the meat had funky seasoning on it that I just didn't care for. More often though the problem was with the cooking. I had several different pieces of meat that were WAY overcooked - one of which was the lamb chops, they were dry as a bone, which is enough to make you cry. Fortunately there's such a variety of meat that even when you do get something you don't like you just push it aside and get something else. Alcohol here is VERY pricey so be prepared. My buddy insisted we had to have a couple of caipirinhas. They were delicious but for the size (served in a standard size 6-8 oz whiskey glass) I don't know if they were $9 a pop delicious - but hey it's center city so what do you expect. Our main waiter was a bit on the slow side and was MIA at times but otherwise the service was fairly brisk and friendly. Chima is pricey but I would definitely go again.
(4)
Jane J.

I went on restaurant week to Chima with two of my friends. While the waiters carrying the cuts of meat were excellent and very attentive, our two actual waiters provided very poor service. Not only did they never check on us during our meal, but we waited over an hour for someone to come over with our check. Once we were ready to pay, we waited another 45 mins for the waiter to get our friend's credit card. We then waited over an hour for our waiter to come back with the credit card. They were impossible to flag down, as they totally avoided eye contact with us. Granted, I know they were busy during restaurant week, the service was nevertheless inexcusable. Chances are, I'll never come here again due to the service.
(2)
Joshua D.

The decor is good, and the price is not so bad. the salad bar was really good, also their rice and black beans. As for the meat that they serve, i mean it was well cooked, but in terms of flavor. the meat just did not do it. so unless you are a beef head looking on packing a lot of meat to compliment your protein intake, then this is the place. But if you are looking for flavor in food, then maybe this is not the place. As for the wait staff very good service.
(3)
Christy V.

I have been to Chima at least 3 times and generally have been very pleased with the food, service and ambience. My recent visit was during restaurant week, which I have done before without issue. Sadly tonight was significantly disappointing. First, restaurant week is about getting a taste of a restaurant for typically less than your normal price range. Chima has SERIOUSLY misled loyal customers as previously they had offered a $15 discount during this week, now you could only receive your full experience at full price. The restaurant week pricing only included the bare minimum. So, wanting to get the full experience my friends an I opted for the more costly option, somewhat dismayed but still hoping for a good experience. Unfortunately service was the worst I've had at any restaurant recently. We wait for up to 25 minutes for service of any type, this included our wait staff and the steak servers. Our plates were often empty leaving us looking around for an explanation and receiving none. Granted this was restaurant week, they were very busy, but the point is that this week is to invite people in for a great meal and great experience is that they may return to your restaurant at a later time or perhaps recommend it. Sadly I must say I will never return to Chima. The price vs. service ratio was very poor.
(1)
William L.

Food was great, as good as I remembered.
(5)
Curli C.

I made a reservation for 8pm at this restaurant. Thirty minutes later, we were still not seated. We had somewhere to be at 10pm so by 8:45, we just left. No point in making a reservation with them! The hostesses just kept pushing us to go to the bar. I don't know if I want to even attempt coming here a second time. Probably should just go to Fogo de Chao because they are more professional and prompt.
(1)
Larry M.

A few friends and I went here for a guys night out b/c why wouldn't you pick this kind of place for that kind of event.A couple of us arrived early before our reservations so we went to the bar to wait. The bartenders were very nice and knowledgeable. They knew exactly was was in stock and not. I'll keep it simple there is not much to complain about. The meats - we had all of them and they were all good to great. The service was pretty good could have been a little better.
(4)
Ophelie A.

Let me explain why the 1 Star. The service and food were really good. I was not crazy about the restaurant layout. It was ok. The Brazilian Steakhouse in Town Square, Las Vegas out shines by far. Dinner was great! There were 6 of us, and we valet parked. We arrived about 8pm and for three of our party guests this was a first time. Our tab including tip was $532.26. Which I don't remember seeing anywhere that they automatically add 18% when it is a party of six. And that's a shame, because we normally do 20% when we really like the service. Our Servers were great. (In the restaurant that is). As we were leaving I gave my daughter back her $100, which I folded and handed her trying to be discreet. She mistook the notion and handed it to the valet attendant. She assumed it was a dollar, each one of us was handing the attendant a dollar. This was not planned it just seemed to happen that way, even though he was already taken care of on arrival. We had given him a pretty substantial gratuity. We don't realize what happened with the $100 until the next morning. My daughter upset that she made such a mistake. We called the restaurant to explained to the manager what happened and hoping the valet attendant would be honest enough to return the extra money! The manager told my us that the valet attendant said he never received $100 from us. That's really sad that he was not being honest. Needless to say, I will not go back and have told other family and friends about our situation and the outcome. So, sorry city of Brotherly Love, but I wish honesty could be added to that mantra! You get ONE STAR for lack of honesty. So I just told my daughter to think of it as a gift and perhaps this man really needed the money. We hope he put it to good use.
(1)
Michelle D.

Don't know why Chima only had 3.5 stars when I opened Yelp. This meal has blown me a-way. The food is fresh and beautifully prepared. The staff are super attentive and friendly. Even the desert was amazing, though I was way too stuffed already!! This was my first time at a Brazilian steak house... I recommend you try it, unless you're a vegetarian. ;)
(5)
Xindy W.

Im usually not a meaty person, but Chima was an exception. Overall experience was great. The servers are always asking if you want meat and always filling your water. Ambiance was great as well, meat was great. Only thing that I was not impressed by was the salad bar because of the limited options they offered.
(4)
Sam P.

-The service was absolutely atrocious -they sat us 45 minutes after our reservation time -they didn't give us our side until we asked for them twice and they it came at the end of the meal -meat was subpar -overall dinner experience was 2.5/10
(2)
Ilana R.

Delicious food, wonderful service. A bit too pricey for being Brazilian...but clearly not something you do too often. Was celebrating a birthday and felt great.
(5)
Maggie L.

Went last night with friends for restaurant week. Food was good-- probably not worth $54/meal-- but the service was HORRIBLE. We were seated and ordered drinks, everything went along nicely and servers were polite. However, after being served our initial drinks/appetizers, our waiter did not return to our table ONCE. We had to flag people down to a.) take away our dirty plates & cups, b.) order more drinks after we'd finished our first, and c.) receive our check. The inattentiveness of the waitstaff was ridiculously unprofessional. Not only that, but I tried to order a light beer, and had to wave someone down. Waited 20 minutes, it never came. Flagged down a separate waitress to re-order my beer-- again, never received it. Finally we had to walk up to the staff and ask for the check (as we were finished and again no one came to check up on us during our 2+ hours of dining), and guess what? I was charged for a beer that I never got! There's no way I was paying that. Management would do well to rotate out their wait staff or do extensive re-training, but I don't really care much as I will not be going back to this place. I would rather spend that kind of money at a restaurant with normal-to-great customer service. Also, we were sitting under an HVAC duct and I got a huge piece of dirt/lint in my water, like the size of a fingernail. Again, had to flag down a waitress to get different glass of water...
(1)
Sophia Q.

So here's the deal. We visited this place during restaurant week - yes, I understand that the crowd was probably much more than they were equipped to handle, but considering they do this every restaurant week, I would still expect better from them. Our reservation was for 7:45 pm and we weren't seated until 8:10 pm. OK, that's forgivable. I'm not unreasonable. We immediately headed to the salad bar, as we were starving. Our "first course" of polenta, fried bananas and mashed potatoes didn't arrive until 25 minutes later. Unusual, I thought, but they must be really busy (which they were). However, come around 9:20 pm, we had only received two cuts of meat. Interesting. It also has to be noted that my husband is almost strictly a meat eater, so he did not fill up on the salad bar....so he was literally starving. Finally around 9:50 pm, we complained to the manager that we'd only received 3 cuts of meat, despite being seated at 8:10. She immediately went out of her way to make sure more came our way. OK. 3-4 servers came rather quickly to our table. However, after that, we again experienced long waiting times. Ultimately, while I filled up on the salad bar, my husband left the restaurant mildly hungry (and he's not someone who eats a lot). Given that it's restaurant week, but customers are still paying $35 a person, plus taxes, plus tip. That's a lot of money, because our bill ultimately came out to $53 a person (regular dinner price is $54). Pros: The food is good. The waitress brought our dessert very quickly (also very good), a very kind manager who did her best. Cons: Terrible service, terrible "self-tipping techniques" (a VERY generous tip was automatically added to our bill, despite them not deserving it!), terrible wait times. I've been to MUCH better Brazilian steakhouses. Don't waste your money on this one.
(1)
Tiffany T.

Restaurant Week Review: I am in LOVE with their salad bar. I couldn't get enough. Pile on the portebello mushroom salad, the soup, prosciutto, salami, fresh cheese, jumbo asparagus, corn custard galore. The seafood salad was really good too. I know a lot of guys are like let's eat as much meat as possible! I on the other hand, like to ENJOY my meal, and get a little bit of everything. THE MEAT: 3 stars overall for this. For a few reasons - we kept getting the same meat over and over. flanksteaksflanksteakchicken/chickenwithbacon/Âflanksteak/flanksteak. We finally stopped eating -- and a server finally came by and asked " is there a particular meat you would like?"-- this gentleman in the glasses is the ONLY reason this is above a 2 star review. I told him " we've only been seeing chicken and flank steak. Haven't seen salmon, top sirloin, ribs, cheesesteak, swordfish... basically NOTHING EXCEPT CHICKEN". He apologized and said he would relay the message to his manager. Thing's were a bit smoother after that. Except Mr. Flanksteak came back another whopping 4 times.. We did have to wait about 16-20 minutes for both the fish, and about 12-15 minutes for the rest of the meat to come around. Never did see the cheesesteak though. But I wasn't waiting another minute. Quality? It's all seasoned very generically but okay. Salt, pepper, a bit of garlic on some. Good for the price during restaurant week only imo. Flan - 3.5 stars. I've had better at another competing steakhouse up in Northeast. Overall - I would only return for RW.. but probably not for another 2 years. Meat overkill
(3)
Cristina P.

To begin with, as is typical of any steakhouse, it is quite pricey for a simple night out. I went during restaurant week expecting that we were receiving a discount only to find there were hidden fees for selections we thought were included. The place is noisy and not conducive to conversation especially since you have a different waiter visiting your table every minute asking if you'd like a slice of whatever meat he happened to be carrying. This being said, there is a wide variety of different and delicious foods with emphasis on the different meats. Being the carnivore that I am, all the meats were tender and juicy. Just beware again, you have to be willing to pay extra for the good stuff (top sirloin, filet mignon). The salad bar was decent, but a limited selection compared to other steakhouses I've visited. Moreover, the decor is simple, but a little too crowded for my taste. And since there are so many tables, many times we had to flag down the waiter to get him to refill our water or we had to wait for him to get another slab of meat. You can't really blame the servers for they worked very hard to accommodate everyone but there were just to many people to manage.
(3)
Grace L.

I'm not sure why this place isn't as well-rated as Fogo. It may be because Fogo has a bigger name but I definitely prefer this place. I suppose if you want a lot of different cuts, Fogo may be better. But Chima actually listens to your request of the temperature of the meat which matters to me. Once, I went with a friend who wanted her meat medium well, lol, and the server actually gave us our cuts, went back into the kitchen to cook one chunk at medium well, then gave her the entire piece! That is what I call good service. :)
(5)
Larry F.

Two friends and I came here during restaurant week, being tricked into believing that there was a $15 discount on its regular menu. No, we were misled. Sure we might have missed some fine print on the restaurant week description, but we were told that the $45 menu does not include things like filet mignon, top sirloin, and lamp chops. What else is there to eat? Plus, you get assigned a different color badge, so that the whole restaurant could see that you're not having the full experience, so we gulped, and went for the full menu. FOOD: 4/5 --Salad Bar: Even though this is a steakhouse, the quality of the salad bar is a good way for me to gauge the quality of the food, and serves as a first-impression kind of thing. Unfortunately, things just didn't seem as fresh as they were at Fogo de Chao, and selection seemed on the fewer side. --Steak: I don't have much to complain about. I love meat. The meathandlers (meat boys?) frequented our table and respected our choices. Sometimes, they would get our desired temperature wrong. I'm a fond appreciator of medium rare, but a couple times it was definitely more like medium well instead. SERVICE: 4/5 As said above, the meathandlers frequented our table and rarely left us empty plated. Our waiter was friendly and accommodating. The two ladies were also quite friendly while we awaited our table to be set up. AMBIANCE: 1/5 This is was really killed my experience. People here were so noisy, I felt at times that I wasn't at a Brazillian Steakhouse, but more so a butcher shop or meat market. A lot of shouting, and people around us constantly took photos with flash. Adding onto this, I had no idea what the TVs were playing on the side...repeatedly. It was so out of place, and nothing seemed at all classy as it does at Fogo. But it's all the same price. RECOMMENDATION: Chima is good for groups. If you plan on being rowdy, come here, don't ruin the scene at Fogo. Besides this, oh gosh, why settle for Chima when Fogo de Chao is just a couple blocks away? Sure a Chima reservation is easier to come by, but personally, I don't think I had a worthwhile experience here. Goodbye forever Chima, I've fallen in love with Fogo de Chao.
(3)
Irina P.

Went there two weeks ago with my partner, and we had a blast. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing ambiance. Very, very pleasant and delicious experience! My favorites were the lamb leg and lamb chops - I'm a big fan of lamb and this one was cooked to perfection. Salad bar is really good too. I also had their sangria and it was really exceptionally amazing as well. Basically, if you are in the mood for some meat, I highly recommend Chima.
(5)
Amy B.

Okay, I've never been to Fogo de Chao, so that means nothing to me. I thought Chima was super fun and delicious. Let me warn you though: Having your card turned to orange (meaning you want more meat) is friggin' dangerous. Those guys in their little suits come around with huge hunks of meat on swords and they come flying. They're like vulchers in reverse. It's pretty awesome. I feel like they should have wheelchairs by the door to cart you out on after you've stuffed yourself full. The bacon wrapped chicken and the lamb are my favorites along with the creamy veggie soup and the turkey spread. A good time and great food. I dig it.
(5)
Herbie F.

Went to chima twice. Once when it first opened then tried it again about 2 weeks ago. For the price of the food it was very so-so. My wife is brasilian and I have experianced hundreds of brazilian steakhouses here and abroad. If you want a dolled down non authentic brazilian steakhouse that taste nothing like a brazilian steakhouse then this is the place. Its kinda like saying man I love mexican food and touting taco bell as your fav. It may be good for the general population but for a real authentic brazilian steakhouse FOGO DE CHAO is better. I just wish they would add rice and beans to the saled bar. Chima does have great rice and beans. Im not hatting on chima; the one in ft lauderdale is GREAT.
(2)
Cy C.

I enjoyed Chima very much as did my dinner companions, my 11 year old sons M & B. I've been to probably a 1/2 dozen or so similar type restaurants in cities around the country and Chima compared favorably versus the others. The quality and flavor of the meats were top notch. I liked that we were given a menu card that described and pictured each of the dozen or so meat, poultry and seafood options. We were asked regularly (but not annoyingly so) if there is anything that hadn't come around recently that we would like to have. That was a nice touch. One of the other reviewers mentioned a "a little hand-held wireless device" that was used to place requests. I didn't notice this, but maybe it was in use. Whatever, the service was top notch and the good stuff kept on coming. In addition to the meats, the cheese bread, mashed potatoes and fried bananas were all big hits at our table. The only negative (really more of a lack of a positive) was the selection at the salad bar. At other restaurants of this sort I've found shrimp and smoked salmon on the "salad" bar and was looking forward to these options. Alas, they weren't available this evening. Well, that just left more room for other things. Bottom line - really enjoyed Chima and would go back next time I'm in Philly.
(4)
Matt M.

Had an excellent time here - was with a large group (10+) and had awesome drink service/suggestions, never once felt rushed, and realized on our way out we'd been there for 3 hours. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun dinner with a large group. Or if you like LOTS of meat. Best were the top sirloin and the bacon-wrapped fillet. MMmmmm....
(4)
Sarah D.

I came here after my experience at Fogo, and was not nearly as impressed. I like their system of using the iPods to communicate with the wait staff to request certain meats, but there were not nearly as many waiters as Fogo, so there seemed to be a longer wait to get the meats we wanted. The salad bar was mediocre, and the fresh mozzarella I had was dry. One thing I did appreciate from Chima that Fogo does not have is fish. That being said, I found the fish to be just okay. I was a huge fan of their tiramisu, it's really delicious. If you haven't tried a Brazilian steakhouse yet, try Fogo first. But definitely give both a go.
(3)
Ericka C.

Awesome cheese puffs & whipped potatoes. Great salad bar options; plus meat for days!
(5)
Nazee Z.

I love this place. The ambience is so awesome! You have these waiters walking around in mc hammer plants bringing you large juicy skewers of delicious meats that all melt in your mouth! Not only is the meat amazing but the salad bar's pretty good too! Cesar salad is amazing (it's weird that good steak houses always have good cesar salad, and this one holds true). As for drinks, there's one that called crimancha or something? It's sugar cane rum pounded into limes and served on the rocks. So easy to drink but still very strong ;) Also, eat the limes at the end, they're soaking in rum and sooo delicious
(5)
Robert O.

A year or so ago friends of ours suggested we all visit this place after a Phillies game. Plans for that fell through, but the dream lived on. In the year since, I have heard many folks talk about how great Brazilian steakhouses are. This week is our anniversary. A friend of mine had a show in Philly that we planned on attending. I figured dinner would complement that well. I began researching Chima. My wife signed off on it and we made reservations. I love being able to have filet, lamb, sirloin, pork, etc. all in the same meal. That is the takeaway from this meal: variety. The salad bar is large and makes a good visual impression. Next visit, however, I will probably pass on it so there is more room for meat. I eat pretty much a paleo diet. Because of that, I shunned the various salads save spinach and mushrooms. I picked some sliced meats and roasted peppers. Yum! The asparagus were trees. Yikes! Everything was visually appealing. The taste was fine, but not outstanding. Chilled plates would greatly enhance my opinion of the salad bar. Once we finished the salad course, we decided to see how the meat worked. We turned over the cards. The gauchos began arriving. I passed on chicken as I always eat chicken. My wife proclaimed that it was the best meat she had all evening. It wasn't long before I turned the card to stop as we had lots of meat on our plate. I ended up tasting everything save that chicken and the seafood. Tonight, my favorite meat was the garlic sirloin, which I ate several slices of. The leg of lamb did not come out until the end of our meal. It did not impress me. Nor did the chicken wrapped in bacon or the sausage. The leg of lamb was dry, the chicken overcooked, and the sausage was blah. The sirloin and the filet, however, were outstanding. I thought the ribeye would have been my favorite. It was fine, but paled to the sirloins. I was impressed with how the gauchos cut the meats from the spits. I enjoyed the lamb chops. After serving my wife, there were no other medium-rare. The gaucho apologized and said he would bring me out some. In the time between, I had flipped my card. That did not deter him. I was grateful for his attention. Meat. Lots of it. Loved it. My wife wanted us to have dessert. I had decided I had finally filled up on the meat. The last filet in butter convinced me. We opted for the papaya cream and the chocolate-coffee mousse. I liked the papaya cream; it was light and refreshing after such a heavy meal. The mousse was dense and a meal of itself. It was cut with the raspberry sorbet. It was tasty, just the wrong choice for us after such a big meal. I enjoyed our meal out. Meat. That's what dining here is about. You can have meat prepared more elegantly elsewhere, but you won't have the variety on your plate nor the amount. We agreed that this would be a fun place to enjoy with a larger group of people. Chima exudes a festive evening out.
(4)
Phillip S.

I came here for restaurant week and got the $35 prix fixe which didn't include a few of the meats on the regular menu. The salad bar and the meats I ate were of decent quality but definitely not as good as fogo de chao. The service was TERRIBLE. I don't know whether it was because my table was in a corner or because I was there early-ish around 5:00pm. I saw waiters walking around but they seemed to forget my table. I probably spent 2.5 hours there and more than half the time I was there my plate was completely empty. This is unforgivable at a place like this. I will never be coming back to Chima.
(1)
Cat N.

Love this place. I went here for my friend's birthday. We were on time, but we had to wait about half hour until they got our table ready. I totally forgot about the dress code of this place, but because my jeans were very dressed up, it was okay. The service is great, although they didn't really refill our bread as often as we liked. The salad bar is pretty good, but there's not alot of options like Fogo has. I heard that Chimas salad bar was better than Fogo's. I think Fogo's is better. Nothing to complain about, it gave me the veggies that I wanted along with alot of meat sauces. The food was so good, and the fish was great. I love the layout of the place, it's very modern. I'd definitely come here again. It's comparable to Fogo.
(4)
Giovanna S.

This is my favorite Brazilian steakhouse! Even after several thousand pounds of delicious meat, I always get the chocolate lava cake and substitute the vanilla ice cream for raspberry sorbet. HEAVEN. PURE HEAVEN.
(5)
Felecia M.

Every time I go to Chima I have a great experience!! The last time I went was hands down the best. It was my moms 60th birthday and boy did they cater to us. We were sat right where the meats first came out, so we got first dibs on everything. Which was great because you got to get the outsides of the meats which had great caramelization. All the meats are good, but the leg of lamb is an experience. The salad bar has great variety and is fresh. Make sure you get a guarana soda it's really good!! The staff was super courteous and professional. They gave my mom a free tiramisu for her bday. It taste good and it was beautiful! I will forever be a customer!
(5)
Matt P.

If you have never dined at a Brazilian steakhouse, you will love it here. Then again you could say that for any place you go to if it's your first time. For someone who was been around that block, Chima is not too bad, but not that impressive either. Some items were good, some ok, and some not so great. - Parmesan pork loin - pretty nasty, I'd not recommend - Bacon wrapped filet - small beef cuts, above average - Flank steak - couldn't tell the difference between restaurant prepared or prepped at home - Lamb chops - gamey, not recommend either - Filet mignon - probably their best cut We were looking forward to the ribs, but they were out on the day we went. They also have some fish on the menu too, but we opted to just stick with land animals. Overall, the meats were inconsistent from being too salty to just right, some overcooked to just right etc, so some rounds of the same meats tasted better than others. A few bucks cheaper than Fogo, but then again not quite up to the Fogo standard.
(3)
Justin M.

I was excited to try out Chima as I am a big fan of Brazilian steakhouses and word on the street indicated this place was awesome. The place was definitely impressive. The meats were delicious and high quality. Variety was excellent. The salad bar was adequate but could have been a little larger. What set Chima apart was the service. In addition to all of the gauchos presenting the meat, our server was very attentive and constantly checking to see if we had any requests for specific cuts. This was the most expensive Brazilian steakhouse I have tried (~$50 base price), but I felt the service justified it. Before returning I will have to check out the competitor - fogo de chao.
(4)
Rishi V.

When I visit from California this is the spot I go to. Best Brazilian BBQ restaurant Little pricey but amazing food and beer
(5)
Fransisca M.

As an all-you-can-eat fanatic, I do have mixed feeling about Chima. Pros: everything in the salad bar is always fresh, I saw a lot of variety there, meat was flavorful, all in all great food quality Cons: too pricey for other than very few special occasion meals, if you make a group reservation they won't sit you until everyone in your group is there, dessert and drink weren't included
(3)
Amy C.

Came here, honestly, because we couldn't get into Fogo de Chao and wanted the Brazilian steakhouse experience, and endless beef is the way to my heart. Not gonna lie, as newbies, we were a little confused on the process at first, but quickly caught on. They WANT you to fill up on bread and a salad bar full of hot and cold items so that you eat less meat. I recommend one small trip to the salad bar to save room for the good stuff. We had the Valentine's Day special that came with 2 glasses of champagne, but they never actually showed us a cocktail menu, which I thought was odd. Dessert came with ours too, and it was huge and so not worth it. I don't recommend. But what you came there for--the meat --was top notch, but we made the mistake of thinking the servers wouldn't come around enough, so we loaded up and stuff got cold. TRUST ME, THEY COME OFTEN. If you flip your card over to say you want meat, you'll get meat. Your server will also ask if there's any type of meat you want to come around a second time or a meat you haven't received yet. The Kenyan ribeye was amazing. The filet was great. Everything was cooked to perfection, seared off a skewer, and melted in your mouth. Only come here with a serious appetite and don't be a vegetarian.
(4)
Julie J.

Food was good but was not worth the price. We where to close to the people next to us and we couldn't really have a conversation because it was soo loud and crowed. Waiters and waitresses were constantly dropping and breaking plates and glasses. It was not the best experience!
(3)
Andi S.

I really like Chima. The service is always classy and attentive without being overbearing. I don't eat mammals, but there is plenty for me from which to choose from the salad bar as well as ordering freshly cooked fish from their kitchen. Absolutely delicious. I do wish that they would add more choices for the salad bar, like Fogo has. I also with they would have a wider variety of fish, instead of the usual salmon and tuna. I would like to see them include any of the the following sustainable fish: Abalone, artic char, barramundi, bass, branzino, capelin, sea bass, cod, smelt, sea bream, haddock, halibut, mackerel, mahi-mahi, mullet, perch, pollock, scad, seatrout, sturgeon, swordfish, tilapia and wreck fish. Their wine selection is excellent and their cocktails are always en pointe.
(4)
Ellie W.

This was my first time visiting a fancy Brazilian Steak House! My partner and I made reservations for New Year's Eve dinner. The food was fantastic. There is a giant fresh salad bar, which is much more than simply a salad bar: There is an amazing cold seafood salad, myriad cheese and cold cuts, soup, veggies of all kinds, great asparagus, antipastos, and of course ingredients to make your own fancy mixed salad. This alone could be a noteworthy meal, but don't fill up on the first course. The salad bar is followed by (all-you-can-eat) cuts of meat on swords. I left full, but you can try small slices of everything (i.e. many choices), so I was not uncomfortable. It was a fun New Year's Eve meal!
(4)
Ester C.

I made last reservations for a Sunday night at 530pm for 2 people. Right when we got in the restaurant, the hostess greeted us and we were seated right away. I was so glad and surprised because in the past, I still had to wait for quite some time although I made reservations and there seemed to be a lot of people waiting when I entered the restaurant. We went for restaurant week and I love all the variety of selections from cheeses, vegetables, meats, etc. they have at the salad bar. I would say my favorite was the top sirloin and the bbq pork ribs out of all the selections. Honestly I think the pork ribs were the best ribs I have tried so far. The swordfish smelled very fishy and yes I know it's a fish but it shouldn't smell like that. Our waitress wasn't the best but she wasn't the worst. She wasn't attentive which was a negative but oh well. I would definitely recommend this place especially for restaurant week.
(3)
Christine B.

I also went to Chima during restaurant week. I had an amazing experience here, except for my inability to control how much I ate. Food: Amazing. Especially for the reduced price. The meat was perfect, and the salad bar was great. Fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses etc. Service: Also great. We ended up with a free bottle of wine for having to wait just a few minutes in the lobby before being seated. Our waiter was attentive, and there were a million meat servers. If they ran out of a kind of meat on our table, they would remember and return.
(5)
Carol C.

I am a genuine meat lover and was so happy to be able to come here for restaurant week. Although some of the meat was limited for the occasion, I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The decor was much more romantic than I thought, and there were so many servers at your attention; they're just waiting at the wall until you take a sip of water so they can refill it. My reason for 4 star instead of 5 is the inconsistency of meat. Sometimes id ask for medium rare and get well done; the pork would be juicy the first time and then taste like jerky the second time around. Nonetheless, i would come again, but only when there is a special. I wouldn't pay $50 because I'd be taking a chance on what I'm eating.
(4)
Kelly H.

4 stars for food - came here for restaurant week so I missed out on a few of their meats, but for $35 you get the majority of the meat options, so totally worth the money. You miss out on very little. All the meat was great. Wasn't a huge fan of the bacon wrapped filet, it had way too much bacon on it which caused the flavor of the filet to be lost completely. 2 stars for drinks - My boyfriend and I are very suspicious that the cocktails we ordered were watered down. He ordered a vodka martini and it literally went down as easy and quick as water. And I ordered a lemon drop martini that was so good... Too good... I couldn't taste any alcohol at all. We are no detectives but if I came back I would definitely skip the cocktails because we were that sure they had water in them. Not worth my money. 3 stars for service- upon arrival (we had a reservation), the hostess told me they were running behind, and couldn't give me an answer of how long.. Not even a ballpark of how long we would be waiting or if it'd be worth it to head to the bar for a drink. I asked and she just shrugged. A little odd. Our waitress was a little hard to find sometimes, but she was great when we got to our table and it was too wobbly, and she immediately helped us move our things to a new table. Compared to fugo de chao, I believe the red meats are similar, white meats better at chima, and salad bar better than fugo.
(4)
Marie M.

I love this place...nothing negative to say!! Every time i go it's always the same ...Excellent food and excellent service... The Best!
(5)
Matthew V.

Come on an empty stomach.
(4)
Dione C.

The food here is AMAZING! I will come back again and again! The all inclusive salad bar is abundant and sometimes a little overwhelming with choices! Every choice of meat and fish they brought to the table was delightful! The service was a little spotty and drinks were not up to par, however the food made up for the let downs in any other area.
(4)
Lauren S.

I had eaten her previously and had a fantastic time food was amazing. My diet has changed over time to more plant based since my 1st visit so didn't see my self coming back but I went to a happy hour here. The food was awesome. But I ordered one drink and when I got my bill 18% tip has automatically be added. Since when does anyone auto add tip for 1 drink on top of that I paid in cash and they lady rounded up and gave me change as if I was planning on giving an even number. Its bad enough you auto added tip on 1 drink but to make it even high is just wrong and rude give me my change, I don't care how small it is. Would totally not recommend going to the bar here. The service was slow I get that it was crowded but they didn't seem to have a flow and I never would of tip that amount if I wasn't forced to.
(1)
Suzy M.

Love, love, love this place! I fell in love ever since the first time I stepped foot into this place. This is where my bf & I go to wine & dine ourselves. Every time it's like heaven walking into there. This place is a must!!
(5)
Erin C.

I have been at this place several times and had excellent dining service each time. The appetizers were tasty, especially the cheesy bread. Service was excellent and the meats were delicious as always.
(4)
Thuy H.

My experience here use to be top notch and it kept decreasing the more I go. Last time I came here was for restaurant week. I was so excited thinking that I could enjoy ALL their meats for a discounted price. Wrong!!! They left out the key items I was really looking forward to. No lamb chops!!! WHAT!??!!! That made me extremely sad. But, that wasn't the end of it. Their meats have not been the same lately. They are all seasoned basically the same, even the garlic sirloin!! :-( This was my other favorite piece of meat here before. I use to love the strong scent of garlic aroma in my nostrils and the flavors on my tongue, but now it's just ehhh. Service also use to be better too. With the last few visits, they would cram us into this tiny area. I think they are now more concerned with how many people they can fit into a place and just kept adding more and more tables. Also, my husband's drink came out very slow too. He was basically already getting so full before the drink even arrived. It wasn't a special drink or anything. Just a simple red sangria. The thing that still saves this place is their salad bar. I love the variety they offer. This still has good flavor to it. They have salads, soups, rice, cheese, etc etc. I probably will not be back here again bc I've been dissapointed the last few times. I prefer Nabrasa, but just the drive it so so far!!!
(3)
Josh K.

Carnival minus the freaks The skewered served meat service at Chima is like Carlos Menica. It's Latino themed entertainment without the accent. Plus, it's an impressive, novelty act that gets annoying the more it's shoved in front of your face. At Chima, they make a real concentrated effort to strip the joint of any authentic Brazilian flavor as if the preppy Philly elite would get their UPENN boxers tangled up in a bunch if the waiter did a one handed Capoeria cartwheel over to his station while raising the a skewer full of rib-eye chunks up high like a lady liberty during her Cabaret days in Saul Palo. This being a high end Brazilian steakhouse, I expected to be greeted by high end looking Latin Beauties that would heat up the place yet all they had up front were sour puss faced, Center City Caucasian girls which is fine at a Debutant Ball or at some dreadful sorority Drexel mixer or if Stephen Starr insists that you greet him down out at back of the Continental. Just make the place a little less white washed, import some Puerto Ricans from New York for all I care, we have plenty to spare. A pinch of Latin flavor can go a long way and make this nice Brazilian steakhouse a little sexier and less UPENN uppity is all I'm trying to say. My favorite meat skewered selections were the Lamb Chop and Leg of Lamb, mint jelly available at the salad bar is a must. The Lamb Chop was tender and sweet like BoyZ To Men before they became bloated and forgotten. But that Lamb Chop had nothing on that Leg of Lamb the way Boyz to Men had nothing on Bel Div Devoe throughout the duration of That Girl is Poison video. This Leg of Lamb was marbled, charred, spiced perfection. It tasted like concentrated, roasted rosemary and possessed textured, tenderized, schwarma spiked consistency. After lamb, my favorite skewer offering was the beef rib which was gamy good. It was the most original, carnivore conscious raising dish of the evening. Parmesan Pork, Barbeque pork ribs and chicken wrapped in bacon were exciting for a second but then became instantly forgettable like rumors of a Bobby Brown comeback tour. The one stand out at the salad bar was the Prosciutto which was superb, everything else including the lamb seemed like a waste of time, money and gaming ammo. There was a pile of meat left on my plate which is a result of me itching to get my meat's worth like some buffet worshiping hick yet it's also a result of their steak cuts being just a cut above ok. I'm a huge fan of Philly and fall again for Center City every time I visit which is why I'm being so hard on a place that could be so much more. It's a Brazilian Steakhouse in Center City for Christ sake yet the muted vibe is a far cry from any carnival atmosphere let alone a sleepy, Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach. But I did see some well dressed, good looking brother's roll into the place as we left that reminded me more of Stat on the Knicks than the silent Doug Collins look alike's that killed me softly inside the joint. It would've been nice to see a professional soccer player going out with some Brazilian She-Male in order to give the place some international flavor but that's just my prerogative as Bobby Brown would say.
(3)
Jill K.

Went here last night as part of a party of 4. We loved it, hands down. Really loved it. Great service, friendly gauchos, delicious delicious cow. I heard the lamb was fabulous (didn't try it). In the non-red-meat department, I really dug their parmesan-encrusted pork loin; their chicken breast wrapped with bacon wasn't shabby either. Their regular boneless chicken was meh. The overall winner of the evening was the filet mignon, which surprised me really. Normally filets are flavorless, but this really shined. The texture was silky and perfect; we got seconds (twelfths?) of that stuff. I would give this place 809 stars for the filet alone. Dessert was just fine; nothing transcendent, but certainly good... but I imagine you don't come here for the desserts. As we got our desserts, the temperature in the restaurant suddenly dropped 15 degrees and we were FREEZING -- there was a distinct cold breeze. We're not complainers, but when we asked the server and then the floor manager if there was a door open and we were told no, we were puzzled as to what was blowing the tablecloth around. (Last night it was 34 degrees. We weren't just whining for whining's sake, trust me.) The floor manager checked the thermostat and said it read 72, and we said that's quite lovely but DUDE THERE IS A DOOR OPEN SOMEWHERE, and he shrugged and politely walked off. As we left the building after we paid, HEY, what do you know, the front door was wide open, but nobody caught it because the front reception staff had adjourned for the evening. That was annoying, and sadly really soured the whole experience. Bummer. Anyway, it was probably just a fluke thing. Nota bene: If you can't find street parking, consider the valet which is $16. Parking in the building's garage is $10-$15 and is a farking obstacle course / maze of teeny catwalks. If you drive anything other than a Mini Cooper or a Smart Car, pay the $16 for the valet. Trust me. All of the cars in the garage have giant scrape marks down the side of 'em because the lot is really challenging.
(4)
HM K.

Loved salad bar. Quality and variety of steaks/grills are good too. Well-trained servers.
(4)
Alex K.

My mom came across a scathing 0-star review for Chima (I forget the paper, maybe it was in the Inquirer?), which I took the time to read a couple weeks ago. I couldn't imagine how it would be possible for me to have lauded Chima, especially their food, without taking this more seasoned opinion into consideration. So the 0-star review was primarily tiffed about a comprehensive but uninspired salad bar, and more/most importantly meat that was oversalted and overcooked. I now agree that the meat was a little dry as a result of possible over-salting, but I don't think that warrants 0-stars...the reviewer was being way too harsh, or maybe he just had a bad time. Anyway, I've docked this review one extra star, the food at some points was so-so, it's just that I had so much coming at me, I wasn't really able to focus on the individual tastes, none of which were too salty to my palette. Read my original review for more.
(3)
Pete D.

Been to Fogo De Chao in DC, was alright. Chima is similar and close to the hotel, so a group of us stopped by. Their salad bar was impressive with tons of variety. However the taste of the items were so ehhh. Had a slice of the prosciutto and this was really disappointing!!! Never had anything like this ever, beware. Flipped the switch on and the swords of meat started to arrive. From what I remember, the sirloin and the filet mignon were the best. Had tons of flavor on it and worth the wait. Get your server to call the guy around. I recall a piece I did not like and that was the chicken wrapped bacon. So bacon, right? Typically almost good w/ anything. Nope! This chicken and bacon had a really strong smell to it, almost as if the chicken were old, yuck. The lamb, sausage, flank steak were all okay. Last up, the dessert, ordered a chocolate mousse cake type thingy. More like a chocolate block of cream cheese. It was TOO rich and where was the Kahlua liquor? There was some sauce on the bottom, but it was Hershey's syrup. Oh, and I asked the server to bring the Kahlua liquored sauce on the side in a small dish. When it came out, it was neat from the bar. Way to go ... Not to blame the server, but Chima uses an electronic notepad to put in the orders. The server took a GOOD amount of time punching in drink and dessert orders and not to mention, he had a heavy accent when speaking. We just nodded and said thank you. If you could find something else and craving meats, hit up the Capital Grille off of Broad and Chestnut.
(2)
Alison A.

My friends & I were excited to get a chance to eat here since it was restaurant week. While we thoroughly enjoyed the food & left full, our servers left us not wanting to experience this place again & pay all that money for rude service. We had to ask several times for our plates to be cleared. My drink came out after my friends. They also didn't take time to explain the whole experience after we said we had never been there before. Then when we payed the bill & were chatting at the table the one server (who needed a lesson in friendly service & proper language) complained about the fact that we only left a 15% tip so loud that Me & another friend heard him. Sorry but the gratuity on the bill was suggested & we didn't feel that they deserved 18% tip since we had to get their attention 4 or 5 times during the time we were there. As a former server, it is your job to make the dining experience for everyone enjoyable & ours was just average because of the servers. However, the meat guys were way more friendly & I would have gladly tipped them the 18%! A one time dining experience I will not be experiencing again!
(3)
Alice S.

Amazing steaks! Loved the beef ribs and lamb chops. Great ambiance and our waiter padro was wonderful. He always came to us right away when we needed something. It's definitely a nice place to celebrate soecial occasions
(5)
Scott W.

Went there for the first time last night after a couple less than great trips to Fogo. It is a completely different atmosphere than Fogo is, the room is darker and with the music playing it helps cover up all the conversations around you. My best friend and I are fans of the rodizio style and so we literally sat there comparing everything one by one. So here it goes - Salad bar - a very good setup but equal to Fogo's, though I've never had beef carpaccio before. I did like the options of the rice, beans, soups, and sauces (more on the sauces in a bit). They didn't have the selections of breads that Fogo does but I like that actually, less to tempt me with. The side dishes they bring out, the best of the 1st three was the smoked turkey pate'. During the meal they also brought out the mashed potato's, fried banana's and fried polenta. The winner of this portion was the fried banana, better than anything offered at Fogo. The fried polenta was better at Fogo I have to say that. The mashed potatoes I have no idea what was in them to thicken them up but they were outstanding. Now the meats - the BBQ ribs were very good, juicy but a bit too saucy for me. The ones at Fogo are dry ribs so it is hard to do a fair comparison. The filet mignon was much better here, a lot more flavor. The garlic beef which is my favorite thing was OUTSTANDING. To me the other meats were equal to Fogo but the sausage, the first round we had of those they were dry and not as spicy as at Fogo but my friend had them again and said that it was better so maybe just some that had been on the skewer too long. My friend said the salmon was very good but the swordfish was a bit dry. But the thing that makes me say overall it was better than Fogo is this one thing, the sauces. The different sauces at the salad bar that your server suggests you put on the meat are what put it over the top. Lets face it after eating meat after meat you lose the true taste of what you're eating. The sauces though give it a different texture and obviously flavor. My two favorites of all the ones we had to us were the house chima sauce - a lemon base, and the chimichurri sauce which had great flavor and then after-heat but not burning. Another positive for Chima was the soda, laugh if you want. My friend and I aren't drinkers and when we go to Fogo they give you those little soda bottles at like $2.75 each. Here it was free refills which is a very good thing. The staff was very friendly from the moment we walked in till the time we waddled out. The biggest negative that I have is the air conditioning. It felt like we had an arctic breeze blowing on us to the point we both had stiff necks when we left. I hope this helps out people making a choice.
(4)
Nic Q.

I had dinner last night at Chima and loved the food, atmosphere and experience. I haven't been to Fogo so I can't compare, but I've had my fair share of big city restaurant dining experiences and Chima definitely left a favorable impression. The only thing keeping me from rating Chima a 5 is my lack of experience with Brazilian cuisine-- I haven't tried out too many other Rodizio places so I can't really judge if this is "as good as it gets". Chima is a great first date place-- it's trendy but relaxed at the same time. It's fun to try out a variety of foods for just one price and the experience makes for great conversation. Protip: Visit restaurant.com for a Chima discount gift certificate and save a few bucks if you're tight on money or plan to visit regularly and don't want to break the bank.
(4)
Brian M.

First - Chima is on 20th and JFK - the 1901 address is kind of misleading. Second - I should disclose that I work 19 floors above Fogo de Cho - and in the year it's been at Broad and Chestnut I've been once. Third - I loved Chima. I read the other reviews - and I agree that the service needs help... but I think they got the kinks worked out of the food IF you know how to ask for meat. ***PLUSES*** SALAD BAR was good. At an all you can eat brazilian steak place I am looking for dressed tomatoes, olives and a selection of cheeses... and they had all of that as well as a terrific eggplant I found a nice pairing with the strip. DRINK MENU was also good. I was impressed with the wine list as it had a great range of wines and prices. I went with a 2006 Tamari reserva malbec... a snootch pricey at $36 a bottle... but smooth, fruity and SO worth it. WHITE MEATS were where Chima beat Fogo hands down. I was in particular a fan of the Parmesan crusted pork chop and the sword fish (try it with and without the sauce). My neighbors were also huge fans of the bacon wrapped chicken. QUALITY MEAT SERVICE was also good. Unlike at Fogo I at no time thought I was being throttled... which is impressive at a table with five guys averaging 270 pounds who each put down 5-7 pounds of their most expensive cuts. FRIED BANANAS were AMAZING. The moment you see them hit the table pounce on them like a cat on an empty altoid can. They are much better fresh than if you let them sit a minute. ***MINUSES*** SERVICE that was non-meat related was spotty at best. We timed it - 35 minutes from the time we stopped eating to the arrival of the dessert menus and another 47 till the desserts came out - and you nearly had to insult someone's mother to get a cup of coffee in under 20 minutes. That I could ALMOST overlook - but it was a good 20 minutes until my wine arrived after I ordered. If I'm ordering bottles of wine at a meal I expect to be drunk FAST. PRICE seemed higher than at Fogo - which says something since we ate there buy one get one free and didn't end the meal with 20 dollar shots of Grappa this time. SAUSAGE was aweful. Maybe not a big deal to some... who goes for the sausage at a beef place? But it mattered to me, danged it. ***NEUTRAL BUT POSSIBLY ANNOYING FOR SOME*** The meat guys came fast and furious... but they really didn't seem to know much about meat temperature. That said - they took instruction well... so I pretty much pointed to what I wanted rather than saying "medium rare" 80 times. Hold out for the temperature you want - check before they cut - and remember they will bring you what you want if you hold out. ***CONCLUSION*** Overall I liked it better - and have hopes that they will work out the service kinks. Even if they don't I can see myself definitely walking the extra six blocks to go to Chima before Fogo... and that is probably good. Because I can use the exercise if I'm about to down five pounds of beef.
(4)
Stacey S.

I guess this is rather unfair of me to review this place since I have actually been to the real "Brazilian/South American" steakhouses in our favorite continent to the South. With that being said, the meat was not all that impressive with the obvious cut being (& most rare to make the rounds) fillet mignon. Their only (& best part, in my opinion..) that makes it worth the expense is the salad bar. The selection & quality at the salad bar is unbelievable. I was more impressed by the salad bar then by the actual meat at an all-you-can-eat meat place. That's not such a good sign :\
(2)
Tina N.

I managed to slip by just in time for the 2 for 1 coupon here last night. I've never eaten at Fago de Chao and that may be a good thing, seeing how the majority of people say Fago is better. The food here was pretty decent. I thought the salad bar offered a very nice selection and I had to be careful not to fill up there. The meats were good, some better than others. The lamb chops were disappointing, and the bacon wrapped chicken was dry....as chicken tends to get. I always ask for medium rare and some times they get it, some times they don't. If not, I'll just keep the card on orange until I get my fill of the correct cuts. (I started a "discard pile" of pieces that were over cooked). The meats came so fast and furious that I never felt like I was waiting for more food. The service at Chima was good in my opinion. I had a really personable waiter. The general service was almost too attentive. Not having eaten at Fago previously and having a buy one get one free coupon has left me with a good impression of Chima. However, if you get the chance, Picanha in North East is worth a try. Not as shiny or showy but good price for the quality.
(3)
Me From SJ H.

The best!!!! Been here 11 times, each time, everything was perfect!!!! Service, food, selection-perfect. Been here on holidays, Sunday afternoons and Saturday nights and always consistent. Not sure about the tipping situation. Heard a waiter say that they are salaried and don't get the tips. But regardless-the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fogo was good but didn't like the restaurant layout in Philly.
(5)
Michael E.

What's not to love about a restaurant featuring South American cowboys carrying large knives and sizzling skewers of meat? Not much, that's what. While as a rule I try to stuff a well balanced and healthy variety of food in my piehole, sometimes I just need to go caveman and chow down on some of my four-legged friends. Chima offers most manners of beast well cooked and presented tableside. With the all you can eat style, it's a place I could easily get myself into trouble. I tried the filet mignon, sirloin (my favorite), the pork with parmesan crust, and then a bunch of other delicious treats, however, I was in a full on food coma by then and it's all a little hazy. While well appointed and upscale, I think this would be a great place for a boys night or bachelor party or any time you need to get your fix of all creatures great and small.
(4)
Lori R.

Let me start by saying we went over restaurant week so the price was right. This was my first time at a Brazilian steakhouse and was very happy with my meal. Salad bar was good, had really good smoked salmon which is one of my favorites. The meat was great, my favorite was the Parmesan lamb and bacon wrapped chicken. We had more then our fill and they brought great little sides such as polenta fries and fried bananas. Sadly I was really disappointed with the mashed potatoes. Over all I would definitely go again but will prob save my visits for restaurant week b/c of the great price.
(4)
Gail F.

This place is AWESOME. Just go here and forget about any other Brazilian Steakhouse. I took a party of 10 people and not one person has stopped raving about how good it was.
(5)
Nancy E.

First, the good: extremely pleasant servers, refreshing caipirnha, tasty tidbits/appetizers brought to the table (especially the fried bananas). Salad bar had some unique items (e.g., cheese mousse). Now the bad: my husband was immediately chastised by a female employee (don't know her role) for wearing a hat and was asked to remove it (which he hadn't gotten to yet because we were still dealing with extricating our baby granddaughter from her stroller)...not the way to welcome first timers who were not yet seated and obviously trying to get to that point. Price tag was too high for our limited appetites. The meat was mediocre (I was served mostly end pieces with fat and some gristle). Bottom line is that if I'm feeling carnivorous, I would rather take my $75/person to any number of Center City options (notably, Marmont, Prime Rib, and The Palm) where I can order exactly what I want, stay seated throughout, and not be tempted to overeat.
(2)
Katy K.

Chima was... an experience. I LOVED the salad bar and wish that I had a bigger stomach so that I could have gone up there more than once. Also, the sides they replenish endlessly--delicious. I enjoyed trying all the different kinds of meat they offered, although the SO complained a little about the quality of some of the cuts. We didn't wait too long to be seated, the server was friendly but not as attentive to our table as to some of the others that were ordering drinks (and hence driving up the bill and hopefully for him, his tip)... I was too busy eating enough for a week to drink any alcohol (and it was lunchtime), although looking back on it, hitting up Chima with the drunk munchies might not be such a bad idea!
(3)
C K.

great for when I'm in a meat eating mood, but I still think Fogo is better. However, with the $25 restaurant.com gift certificate, this is definitely cheaper, and definitely satisfies the carnivore in me. Great salad bar, and everyone I've ever gone here with loves it. Meat is great quality, and the sides were tasty.
(4)
Adam L.

I was impressed with this place at first glance, but after the waiter asked for the 10th time if I wanted to buy dessert / brazilian soda.. I had enough of it. I understand wanting to sell your products but there is a fine line between being pushy and being thoughtful. Overall, the food was great and so was the service, they just need to tone down on the pushiness.
(3)
Kimberly J.

Food was delish. Service was fantastic. Atmosphere was weird and bill was just so much money. Don't know if I will go back but think people should go once.
(3)
Jordan F.

I've been wanting to come here for some time and what better than go for mother's day. I've been to Fogo de chao so I know there whole flip the card thing. Chima has more vibrant and younger feel to place unlike it's counterpart. One thing that I thought was interesting all of the waiter have iPhones. Which I thought was crazy myself. But it's a ingenious idea. The waiters use then to place orders, pull up drink menus, and call over other servers that had certain food and have them come to your table. Overall a great experience the food such variety. The salad bar had everthingnyou could think of you could fill up just on that alone. Then there are the meats from filet minon to pork tenderloin and so on. Everything as good or better than the next. Chima was worth every penny. I wanna come back very soon possible for another special.
(5)
Yolanda Y.

This was SO good. I kept hearing about it, and thought alright I get it there's a lot of meat what's the big deal. Well, it's delicious. The service is great. There's a huge selection of appetizer-type food, calling it a salad bar is just wrong because it is far from that. There's a ton of fresh interesting stuff to choose from. Everything I tried was amazing. The meat is so juicy and tender. MMM! Of course, the cocktails are just as good as the food. Our waiter heard it was a special occasion and brought us two glasses of champagne! If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.
(5)
Ms C M.

If you like your beef more done than rare, don't waste your money. If you request well done, they char the end and give you a sliver of meet. When spending upwards of $100 for 2 people, we expected to be full when we left.
(1)
Don R.

I'm pretty sure that unless your meat tongs break or a server drops a roast on your head at the table, it's probably hard to have a bad time here. The meat selection was fast and furious, plus the chicken and salad bar were on point as well. yet do yourself a favor and skip lunch before you go here as you'll find yourself filling up fast. This isn't the kind of place to have your own Man vs Brazil eating competition. just sit back, flip your card whenever and enjoy a nice evening.
(4)
Lillian L.

I'm going to have to give this place a bad review. All of my friends weren't impressed. We made reservations at 7:45pm. When we got there, the hostess said that they were behind on their reservations and said it'll take 20 minutes...well we didn't get seated until 9:00pm! Then when we got our table, we didn't even get plates yet while the food was going around. We had to get our own plates. Our waiter, Frankie, was really bad. He kept disappearing and we could never find him, only seeing him on his phone. We had to complain to the manager. Then finally he came around just filling our water cups. What kind of service is that??? The food was way too salty leaving us all bloated. The salad bar wasn't fresh like it was a cheap buffet. Overall...bad place. Take your money elsewhere and spend it at Fogo de Chao...which is way better. My friends and I would never come here again.
(1)
Charles R.

Probably 2 1/2 stars. As I write this I have a 5 gallon jug of water handy. Why? Well, once you eat here with all the meat coated in salt you too will be drinking water, water , water. Buffet is loaded with lots of goodies, but unless you want to pay $50 per person for salad then save room for the good stuff. They keep bringing meat as long as you have room in your stomach. I guess if you're training for wing bowl this is the spot for you. The meats are very tender and, thanks to a ton of salt, they are all tasty. I really can't complain about the food , but there is just no way to get around all the salt. Wines are pretty pricey, and we didn't have room for dessert. Price without tip for the 2 meals and 4 glasses of wine came to $175 with tax, before tip. For that kind of money I would rather go to Smith & Wollensky or Barclay Prime.
(2)
Heather C.

Great birthday dinner for my fiance (he is a meat-eater, I am a vegetarian), but had 3 iissues. 1. They brought out a roll and what appeared to be butter. I put it on the roll, only to later find out it was a turkey dish. I have been a vegetarian for almost 30 years so this was a huge disappointment to have not been told this. 2. We were charged the same price for the main meal (my fiance's and mine - which was the salad bar only (as I am a vegetarian, I didn't mind this) - but the price was outrageous for lettuce and some rice. 3. When my fiance was handed the bill, I informed the waiter I would take the bill because I was treating my fiance for his birthday. The waiter then asked at that point if I wanted a dessert to be complimentary and taken off the bill. As he said this out loud, and made it to be my option, I was embarrassed. He should have just taken it off the bill. For as much money as the dinner was, he should have just done this.
(3)
Nadja J.

Wow, what a great experience! Outstanding service and delicious food! Table favorites were 1) lamb chops 2) baby sirloin 3) filet 4) chicken wrapped in bacon. Do not eat day of & get in an extra workout, it's well worth it!
(5)
Mike R.

Anniversary dinner (during Restaurant Week- not too much of a discount, actually- $35 vs $44.50 - and they apparently have $20 coupons). Meats, as expected, were all very good, though noticeably salty (good excuse to drink :-)). Sides were just ok, except the killer fried plantains and the super-creamy polenta. Salad bar wasn't great - corn fondue and "white cheese" in particular. We didn't have dessert- we were nice and stuffed. Good service, even with a first-night server, though I needed to push my chip out extra far to get meats. Seemed a big see-and-be-seen spot, but still a pleasant place for an evening out.
(4)
Monica H.

I dined here during restaurant week with a friend. First I will talk about the taste of the food and then I will get to the offensive service. The food was good, but I have had better. The mashed potatoes were like soup. When I want to go to a Brazilian Steakhouse I usually dine at Fogo de Chao (which I highly recommend, been there about 7 times and have no compliants). Okay, the service. I don't think I have ever experienced more offesnsive service in my life. We were seated at a table and not more than 4 minutes later the table to my left was seated. Our waiters (each table has 2) went to their table and took their drink order first although they arrived after us. The servers were short with us, almost like we had done something to them in a previous life. Anyway after eating at the disappointing salad bar, the waiters did not come back to get us new plates. I had to take matters into my own hands and get them myself. I mean no big deal as I am not a lazy person however that is their job. I noticed the table to my left and right was attended to more than us. Like I said, it was almost as if we did something to them. Our table was small and I put the 2 used plates off to the side and they walked passed them and stared at them instead of removing them. The service ruined my night and we were totally offended!
(1)
Sandra V.

Very good food!Nice!
(5)
KaylLah T.

Ah...!!! this place was average.. cut of meat was way too big.. get full after 3 cuts... servers take 20 years to come to the table..... i came here 3 times and its the same thing.. i would rather go to other brazilian place.
(3)
Stephanie P.

sooo good! but also very pricey!!
(5)
Jenni W.

Excellent service. Usual wait time is less than one minute once you turn your card over. Salad bar is wonderful, but don't waste the food room...your paying for the wonderful meats. My favorite was the lamb and the salmon. You will live this place
(5)
Stephen H.

Outstanding! Excellent salad bar, high quality meats, and a superb caipirinha ...Worth every penny.
(5)
Mary S.

Chima is an ok restaurant if you are a believer of QUANTITY over QUALITY. Although the meat is not as good as Fogo de Chao. They do have a very extensive salad bar and that is better than Fogo's salad bar. As mentioned before by other reviewers, definitely purchase a $25 gift certificate on restaurant.com and give it a try.
(2)
Bernadette F.

I was a chima for the first time with a large party in a private dining room. While this review may not be reflective of the restaurant experience it was very enjoyable. A friend was with us who was from Brazil an she mention the food was quite authentic. Would love to go back for the single table dinner table experience.
(4)
Megan K.

the space is huge and beautiful. love the fire behind the bar. it was cold and crappy out. when we got inside it was so toasty warm and cozy. went for some meet n greet with our running group. they had aps for us set up in our own area. my friend and i were early. we went to the bar first. we were greeted with amazing service. jason behind the bar was soooo friendly and helpful. they gave us some foods to nibble on while we waited. they have $3 wines for happy hour. not the greatest grape. but what can i expect for $3. ended up getting a tasty bottle a little later. i cant speak about their reg menu. only the space and the service. i will def be back and send friends thru.
(5)
Yasmeen F.

After a couple hours of feasting at Chima, it goes without saying that this place is really amazing. I was with a party of eight to celebrate a birthday. Reservations at least 5 days in advance (especially when coming on the weekend) are highly recommended. By the time we left around 9pm on a Saturday night, there ware a cluster of people trying to get in. The price for each person includes the salad bar consisting of the not-so-typical ways you'd prepare dishes from any restaurant. This is no ordinary restaurant. The selection of cheeses, salads, brazilian rice, blue cheese molds, dips, soft bread and butter, smoked salmon, freshly prepared vegetables and soup... were all enough to entice our senses, or better so, wet our palette for what was to come. The meat. All 18 cuts of leg of lamb and lamb chops, filet mignon, chicken, beef ribs, swordfish and salmon to just name a few, were eagerly brought to the table by respectful servers who cut the meat tableside. They were prompted by placing a circular chip on the table which says "feed me" (not exactly, but close enough), a procedure explained by the host to first time guests. Members of my party had joyously gotten up and sat down a number of times to sample more of the salad bar, until eventually they were all weighed down by the moderately sized, but frequent helpings of the delicious, juicy meats. And if that weren't enough, separate servers came to replenish dishes of perfectly fried sultanas (small bananas), brazilian bread, gourmet mashed potatos and fries and turkey meat balls. Yes, do come when you're hungry! A word of caution though- don't eat too fast while you're here. Sit and be entertained by the colors and options of an old-world concept while enjoying those around you. A perfect endeavor to soothe the soul. The atmosphere was warm, the service attentive and the tables were adequately disbursed through the open restaurant. The ambience is compatible for a date, celebration with a group or friendly gathering of any occasion. Chima is inspired by a tradition practiced in South America with an interesting American twist- this place truly defines delicious food to be distributed abundantly, while developing the same abundant quality of good company that's shared with family and friends.
(5)
A S.

This is our first experience at this kind of restaurant and was very happy with the food and service. The restaurant was clean and the meat was delicious. For me, the salad bar was nothing special but I was there to try the different kinds of meat. I felt that the price was about right. We didn't order much alcohol though. I didn't realize there was a dress code. It didn't seem strict though because our friend was wearing a t-shirt and they didn't say anything. The price was a bit high but given the level of service, cleanliness, and quality, I can say that it's worth it. If the price was better, I would have easily given Chima 5 stars. Overall, a great experience and we'll definitely go back sometime.
(4)
Jeffrey B.

Having now eaten at Fogo, Picanha, Na Brasa, and finally Chima, the four churrascarias that I know of in the Philadelphia area (as well as churrascarias in NY, CT, MD, and VA, and numerous cities in Brasil including Porcao, the peak dining experience of this restaurant genre) I feel confident in judging Chima to be a very good dining experience. Whereas Fogo has something of a more "institutional" vibe to it, I found the atmosphere in Chima to be much more relaxed and pleasant for being together with friends. We actually closed out the place, being the very last to leave that night, so I think that says something about the ambience. First of all, the caipirinhas here are fine, though one of the things that bothers me is that you have no other option but having Leblon cachaca in it. Fogo does this as well. This is another tangent altogether, but caipirinhas are supposed to be made with the cheap stuff (51, Pitu, etc.), and the aged versions are to be served neat. The salad bar is more than adequate, and while not as varied as Fogo's, you shouldn't be at a loss for good options. The black beans and rice that they served were probably the most authentic of any to be found in the city. The pao de queijo and croqueta table starters are average, as are the accompaniments that come with the main course. The meat is very good. For me, linguica is the touchstone of a churrascaria in America to be able to see whether they are trying to provide an authentic dining experience, or trying to pass off cheap stuff on unaware guests. In this regard, I give the linguica high marks. I also found the picanha (top sirloin) to be delicious and very authentic. Filet is great too. I don't think that you can go wrong with the beef options at Chima. For people who might have said that the meat is dry or overcooked, you can get whatever doneness you like, just ask the server and he will cut from the hunk of meat accordingly. The only cut that I did have a problem with was the lamb chop, which was overdone. I also acknowledge that it is nice for them to offer a fish option, though it's nothing that I would get; churrascarias are all about meat! I definitely look forward to going back, especially with the promotional coupons and deals that they do periodically.
(4)
Kenny L.

This was a great place to go out to eat with my wife on our anniversary ,I rented a limo from limos.com and ate one of the most memorable meals of my life.the service is great and the food is even better!
(5)
Paul G.

First of all, I've been to my fair share of Brazillian Steakhouses and this one is all glitz no glamour. The salad bar had potential, but really probably only a fan because I'm a sucker for prosciutto and waldorf salad. The vegetable rice was not to shabby either. But for what the place is, it was all way under par. Although I was hoping for a better salad bar like other Brazillian Steakhouses I have been to, that is not why you come here... When you go to a brazillian steakhouse it's ALL about the meat. My experience with these places is that they bring you the best tasting cuts of the meat. The first thing they brought to my table was Filet wrapped in bacon. Now at most places like this, this has always been my favorite. This piece was bloody and rubbery. After 2 more bloody cuts even tho I was asking for MEDIUM, I decided to start saying well done. Soon after I was brought a burnt to a crisp piece of steak that I could not even eat. The only 2 cuts I was impressed with out of the whole experience was the top sirloin and the leg of lamb. They were supposed to bring sides to the table and come around with 14 cuts. They came around with the same few cuts over and over. I had to ask the waiter about the others and he made it seem like an inconvenience. I waited forever for the ones I had to ask for, and they were not worth the wait. This is the first time I have ever left a Brazillian Steakhouse not stuffed to the brim because I could not stop eating the delicious meats. When I left here last night this was not the case. I would recommend just going to a good steakhouse in the city and avoiding the disappointment.
(2)
Steven B.

Great salad bar, high quality meats, and great service!
(5)
Grace L.

Came here on a whim for a fancy night out with the boyfriend, as neither of us had been to a Brazilian steakhouse before. Fogo did not have reservations, so we decided to come here instead. The only negative was that we were asked to wait for our reservation when we arrived at the restaurant with no explanation (isn't that what a reservation is for?) but were finally seated after 15 minutes or so (we were really hungry so were a bit impatient). The service was impeccable, the drinks the best I've ever tasted (I wish I remember what they were called!), so the cocktails are a must try. We both loved the cheesy bread and mashed potatoes, and tried not to eat too much of the side dishes and cheeses that all looked delicious! The steak was perfect. The fish was fine, but I would stick with eating the ribeyes and even select pieces of chicken. Perfect place for a date or special occassion! The bill was higher than we expected, but overall worth it for the experience.
(4)
Jason V.

Come hungry! Wear maternity pants. Even as a guy you'll appreciate the extra stretch. It's worth looking silly. Salad bar is great, although as a major carnivore I spend almost no time there. The meats are excellent. I would suggest trying everything and then going back to as much of whatever you like you can handle. They will bring out more of whatever you would like upon request. This is the go to for work events when the team is in the Philadelphia area. Even if I'm not involved in said meetings I love about 40 minutes from Chima and I make sure to block the date so I'm open for a Chima invite!
(5)
Jennifer T.

Came here recently on a Sunday night and I must say that their service has really declined. They weren't busy at all that night and servers were standing around just chit chatting at times. Disappointingly, though, it took forever for our server to get our drinks or make rounds to come check on if we needed anything. And when we did ask for something, say a clean plate or another round of drinks, it took entirely too long. The food was just ok...I don't remember the meats being so fatty as they were this time around. It was kind of annoying to get 1 slice of meat and have half of it be a ring of fat. The salad bar was still good and for the most part, all of the staff was courteous (even though not that attentive or quick). Unfortunately, I don't foresee myself going back anytime soon.
(2)
Abby B.

Came here for an event so I really can't comment on the sit-down service or the price, since I wasn't paying. First, there's a huge salad bar. Now, for someone who spent her high school days waitressing at Ruby Tuesday, the words "salad bar" give me nightmares. I try to avoid them at all costs. Chima's salad bar is definitely classier than say, a chain restaurant, but I wasn't floored by anything I ate. The steak was good but the ribs were very boney. Overall, I wasn't too impressed.
(3)
Jacki G.

Meh. The service here is awful. Granted, we came on father's day but still, the service shouldn't have been as bad as it was. It took 15 minutes to get drinks and when the meats finally came around, the same kind of meat kept coming by. I had to ask the waitress to send the guy with the fish over to the table, and it still tool him 15 minutes to come by. The rest of the people in my party kept having to ask for the specific meat they wanted because some stuff just never came around. The salad bar was ok, it had a lot of selection to go with the food. The dessert, however, were subpar. You could definitely tell they were not handmade. I've been to other places like this before, so I wasn't impressed with the sword service like I'm sure some people are. There are plenty of other much better places to spend 50+ dollars at in Philadelphia.
(2)
Kristin N.

My teenage son had been craving good steak, and after a few unsatisfactory local attempts, hubs decided to treat him to Chima. Not a cheap father/son bonding evening, but after seeing my son's reaction....well, you can't put a price on that! Per hubs, the food was on par with Fogo. He enjoyed the modern ambiance. The service was stellar. But the meat, you ask, the meat? Let's just say the smile on my son's face and his recounting of the evening made it clear Chima exceeded taste expectations. Memorable evening for them both!
(4)
Erin I.

My Boyfriend and I went to Chima's over the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. It was a fabulous experience. The atmosphere is great for a date night/ celebration. Our waitress was very helpful, pleasant and fun. The food was perfect! The various meats that came around were cooked perfectly. The salad bar had a lot of options to choose from and the sauces offered complimented the meats well. The complementary valet parking was also a nice touch! Overall it was a really great night and we will be back!
(4)
Roger R.

Terrific atmosphere, lots of fun with a big group and celebrations. Great to k retract with the staff, terrific customer service. Love it!
(5)
Andrew V.

This place is not for leaf eaters (though the salad bar is amazing too). This is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse with all sorts of different cuts. Speed of how quickly the meat comes out can vary throughout the night, sometimes I'd have to wait a bit too long for service, but you can ask for something specific too if you haven't seen it. Place is very expensive and can easily cost $80+ a person if you order drinks. Just come prepared to eat and you can regain some of the expense.
(4)
Sara S.

Make sure to wear your stretchy pants...you will be very well fed when dining here. Tapas this is not. Obviously. If you have never been to a Brazilian steakhouse, then do yourself a favor- hang on. It's going to be intense. See also- the meat sweats. You are treated to some tasty amusÃ©s; and then the salad bar. Oh, the salad bar. This is where they getcha'. Don't fill up on the salad bar! It's all SO good...but by the time you finish salads/antipasto meats and cheeses and goodness knows what else...how much meat are you eating? You didn't come here for wedges of manchego and salami! Oh- but try out the dipping sauces. They're up at the salad bar and can pump up the meaty goodness that awaits you. The service is outstanding, the food was excellent. They will not stop bringing the meat. Don't bring your vegan friend because they might find something on the salad bar - they probably won't. And also, you want to enjoy your meal right? ;) One star is not given because I prefer the vibe of another well known chirascuria. But this is a fantastic dining establishment. You won't be disappointed. Unless you fill up on salad. :)
(4)
Ghaniyah H.

I'm in love with this place. I'm quite full, but very pleased. The food is absolutely amazing. The salad bar/buffet is very unique with food like quinoa edamame salad and gorganzola mousse. The service is absolutely wonderful. Want more meat, turn the flipper over to orange. There are a variety of meats to choose from. Come to this place!
(5)
Kristy Y.

I came here yesterday with my family for a late dinner, 8:30ish. Wanted to be wow'd this time, but ehhh not so much. The dining room wasn't filled but a large dinner group was just on their way out so the main entrance was a bit packed. We had Elizabeth and Ricky?- both were accommodating as well as the busy young man running back and forth with the white shirt. The only thing I didn't really enjoy about dinner was that I felt a bit rushed (not by the servers, but to weirdly put it- by the food). Especially with the meats coming out, I don't think I got to try everything on the menu since it was close to closing. Our servers and the men that bring the meat out did ask me if there was anything I wanted to try again, but I still feel as if they should've brought everything out even if they were closing soon- without me even having to tell them what to bring out. However the top sirloin, garlic steak, and ribeye was delicious- as well as the salad bar. I'm used to coming to Chimas and having a dimly lit intimate diner, but it was a bit bright last night. Hopefully when I come back, I'll be back at a reasonable time to enjoy my dinner.
(3)
Su W.

I wanted to give a 3.5 but since that wasn't an option I gave it a 4. I was here for restaurant week. It was super crowded when I came and I had to wait an extra 20 mins for my reservation. I was a little upset about the wait but since it was restaurant week it made sense. The atmosphere was lively with pop music playing in the background. It was suppose to be a 3 course meal according to the mean but I never got my first course and was skipped to the salad bar which was the second course. Also I was served my slides late as well. The salad bar was full of fresh food, it had your basic salad bar accommodation plus seafood, soup and cheeses. I didn't eat much of the salad bar since I wanted to save room for the meats! I loved eating all the meats, I have to say the garlic sirloin was my favorite. I enjoyed eating their beeF meat more then chicken or fish. I like how they included fish on the menu. After while of eating beef and chicken, eating the swordfish and salmon was a refreshing taste. I felt the service was quiet poor when I went. When I asked the server to repeat the name of the meat I was ignored as they nodded at me and quickly rushed off to the next table. Overall a 2 for the service and 4.5 for the food. Although the meat was great I found it a little to salty at times.
(4)
Denise D.

My boyfriend and I had dinner here on New Year's Eve. The food was great, the service was horrible. Our waitress came to our table one time while other waiters and waitresses made sure their party was doing well during their dinner. Our waitress continued to walk pass our table over to other tables as if we weren't even there. We had to flag her down for clean plates and flag other waiters down for service. I found it quite annoying and distasteful that the servers were only interested in the check. We still left the 18% tip but for the cost of dinning here, service should be exceptional. Won't be going back.
(1)
Roy H.

What else can I say from a guy who totally loves steak, but as much as he wants? That's what Chima is so good about is bringing in the authenticity of Brazil with their Gauchos making cuts on the meats. I really love going with my family on those special occasions, and Chima is a great treat. Wonderful drinks for my parents to enjoy, but it's always a pleasure to come in for the meats, of course. Their selection from Ribeye, Top Sirloin (my favorite), Filet Mignon also wrapped in Bacon, and many of the others have the right amount of salt and seasonings to go into the overall taste makes me hungry for more. The salad bar is definitely worth getting to where they have salads pre-made such as the Caesar salad, and just some nice vegetables and fruit to add on right before or during the beloved steak feast. The gauchos are definitely friendly and the give the right cook just as you ask and they never disappoint. My first time there I just thought too much about the steak, but having the gauchos be part of the customer service of the restaurant is comforting. The waiters a professional as always and they have that kindness that will always lead me back to Chima. I love steak, and like I said, if you want excellent food with some nice wine selections and the steak
(5)
Elliot P.

I visited this place for an event relatively recently. We had the back room to ourselves and had a meat assortment with a bunch of appetizers. It was very tasty! I can't really comment on what the normal dining experience is like as I didn't have it. However, the place was very elegantly decorated - it gave you the feel that you are in a really nice place. From the doors to the linens to the flatware and glasses - very posh. Of the food that I tasted, the meat was absolutely delicious. I had the sirloin. There were also these fantastic rolls. I'm not big on rolls, but they were really special. Definitely look out for them. They were like yeast free or something. They had a nice cheese plate that was top notch. I definitely want to come back and have the full dining experience, but my guess is that will have to be a special occasion as this place is quite expensive.
(4)
Dominique S.

If you are interested in a meat buffet, this is your kind of place. But I only eat seafood/fish. So I was a bit skeptical about their Salmon and Swordfish offering. Came here during Restaurant Week with a coworker. Initially it took a while before the guy with the fish came to my table. If it wasn't for our server, I forgot her name, I would have been waiting longer. But when he finally did show up... that Salmon was amazing! It is so easy to dry out Salmon when it's cooked, but I continuously received pieces of Salmon that were super moist and flaky. I actually combined pieces of the Salmon with a piece of polentta(sp?), and it was really good. I was not a fan of the Swordfish. A bit too dry for me. Def try the Salmon with the passion fruit sauce or the pesto. What I really like was when a manager came to our table and asked if everything was ok and if she could get us anything. She sent the fish guy back over for more Salmon (YAY!!), and went to get get us more creamy mashed potatoes. The service here is amazing, even if the fish guy was hard to find at first!!! Will come back!!!
(4)
Michelle P.

When I learned I was going to Chima for a friend's birthday dinner, I got excited and then panicked a little. I love good meat but hate all you can eat meals where all of my self control flies out the window. I turned to Yelp to find a strategy for the best way to enjoy Chima without over indulging. There was no concise strategy but I was able to take some tips with me to dinner. We were seated promptly at table by the kitchen and near the salad bar. Our server introduced herself right away and brought over the tablet with the drink list. We ordered a bottle of Simply Naked pinot noir for the table and an additional glass of sav blanc. The bottle was $30 and the glass was $11. I was a little surprised how reasonable the drinks were as I was expecting true steakhouse prices. I was originally going to skip the salad bar entirely to save room for meat however I figured I'd make one trip to check it out. They had a large variety of salads, cheeses and meats. I tried a few of the "fun" bean salads but didn't love them. As soon as I returned to the table I flipped my meat card to red and the meat started to flow. The rest of the salads were pushed to the side as my meat extravaganza began. There are 16 different steak, lamb, chicken and fish options. I tried everything except the salmon. My favorites included the lamp chops, leg of lamb, flank steak and barbecue pork ribs. I initially loved the Parmesan pork loin as it was one of the first things I tried of the night. For whatever reason, my second piece wasn't as good. For the majority of the meats, you were able to select your temperature so I went with medium rare. When the bacon wrapped filet first made its way around, they only had medium. I requested medium rare and the server came back within 15 minutes when the next batch was ready. There were definitely meats that came around with more frequency, such the top sirloin and filet. My group really loved the leg of lamb so made a special request for it to come by our table. Our server and the manager made sure we were taken care of. I also really appreciated that they let us take our time with the meal. We probably dined for over two or two and a half hours, and were really able to enjoy ourselves. In addition to limiting myself at the salad bar, I tried to avoid the fried bananas, bread and fried polenta at the table to save room for meat. By the end of the meal I was stuffed and wanted anything except meat so started indulging. For that reason we ordered the papaya cream, vanilla ice cream and tiramisu for dessert. They were all fantastic and I found another place in my stomach to house them. So moral of the story, there is no tactic to avoid over indulging at Chima, unless you actually have willpower. But that's okay. Everything is so delicious it's worth the caloric and monetary splurge, as long as you don't make it a habit to go too frequently. I didn't want to make this review a comparison between Fogo de Chao but it's worth mentioning a few comparisons. The atmosphere at Fogo is a little more upscale and I personally thought Fogo's salad bar was a little nicer. Overall, both places served up some great meat options so I would recommend either to anyone looking for a Brazilian steakhouse experience.
(4)
Glenda C.

Great food,Come hungry ! Not a great place for a first date since eating light won't be an option. Come with family and friends it's guaranteed to be a good night. Drinks are good passion fruit mojito was my fav of the night. Strawberry cheese cake was amazing !!!!
(4)
Bud S.

The service was great. the food was great, and we we left stuffed. Perfect.
(5)
Donald W.

First, I would like to say I am huge fan of Brazilian Steakhouses. I have been to Fogo de Chao and Rodizio Grill, but Chima is by far my favorite. This is no exaggeration; I have been to Chima more than 15 times. For a while, this was my go to place for birthdays, bachelor parties, holidays (went there for Thanksgiving once) and just because the food and service was that good. This place has something for everyone - a huge salad bar stocked with a variety of fresh salads, veggies and dinner sides, an extensive bar which carries some South American beers, and, course, a great selection of meats. Two of my favorites include the pork and beef ribs, though the selection spans beef, pork, chicken, and selected seafood. The staff is always helpful and they try to make your dining experience a pleasurable one. I would recommend, taking your time and enjoying yourself and the experience. I often tell first timers to go in and take it slow. This marathon and not a sprint.
(4)
Esther S.

A great Brazilian Meat place But I wouldn't put it on par as Fogo De Chao but in its own right it was great. The price difference is set for a reason, but food wise its great. The meat is cooked well and the service is great. I always look out for the ribeye and the fillet mignon. Also the chicken is awesome. The sidebar always well-stocked with a variety of things that cut the richness of all the meet. I particularly enjoy the cheese and the asparagus. Also recommend to get the Brazilian ginger ale. I always make it a priority to get this because it's so good. There are moments when I got a piece of meat that was cooked more than I requested. But whenever I let the server know they would promptly change to another meet or get another server to come by. For someone who loves meat and it really hits the spot.
(4)
Liz F.

A new favorite! I visited this restaurant during center city restaurant week and was very impressed! The salad bar choices are extensive and delicious and the steak was prepared perfectly! I will definitely return!
(5)
Im T.

I was there for private function/VIP room with 40+ work people. The place is great and has a warm ambience in the VIP room. The room set up was perfect. Staff were very friendly and professional. They have a HDTV, which i used to show a short I Movie, which after an initial issue was resolved and worked out perfectly. The food is of good quality and all of us loved the salad bar. Since it was a large group, some of us did not eat much meat. Arranging the event was very smooth and I want to send a special Thanks to Fatima and Lexie for making it a memorable event.
(5)
Janis D.

We went last night for dinner to celebrate my son's birthday. It was a great mix of meat, fish and vegetables. The salad bar was top notch, which was a hit with me. I like meat, but I also need my veggies. They sat us on time, service and wine were good, and they served the birthday cake we brought. The only suggestion I have is for them to please figure out a way to wrap scraps for people's dogs so they don't go to waste. I know that people will abuse if you are allowed to take home at an all you can eat, but the waste is a shame.
(4)
Vivian T.

This is the standard all you can eat brazillian steak house with the unlimited meat plus the rocking salad bar. The salad bar was so awesome with palm of heart, grilled artichoke salad, TBM salad, seafood salad, caesar, etc. As always, the steaks were very good and cooked to the patron's perfection (even well done). The service was the best part. I love how the wine list comes on an iPad for convenience. The staff always cleared our plates and asked us how are dining experience was. Note you may have to ask the server for certain highly demanded cuts like filet mignon or the beef ribs... those items don't just go walking around... so ask and you will get. The price is $50 a person plus tax and tip ... brings it closer to $70 per person... so for two of us it was $140. What an expensive buffet... prob not coming back b/c I know I can go to a Jose Garces for that price. Nothing against Chima but I'm a numbers girl and this just wasn't the bang for the buck.
(4)
Eric D.

Met a friend for lunch there this week. My preference was Fogo de Chao but it was closer and figured it'd been at least a year since I last tried Chima. Service was friendly but painfully slow and we had to remind them twice to refill a side. Cocktail ordered when seated took a good 15-min to show up. Requesting the bill? Another 10 minutes before he returned with it. It was lunch... normally people have some sense of urgency during the work week and there was no more than 10 customers seated. Finally, they only offered 3 cuts of beef, chicken and salmon. Requested if they had could bring anything else? Something wrapped in bacon perhaps? Nope, that was all they made available for lunch. The meat and chicken served was tasty, however, at Fogo you'll get the FULL dining experience during lunch and the service is always impeccable. Easily worth the extra few dollars to leave full, happy, and in a timely manner. There's good reason why it's always possible to find coupons available for Chima -- shaving a few $ off the bill is only possible edge they can have to compete with Fogo de Chao. If you pay full price to dine at Chima, you overpaid. If you got a deal, there's a good chance the service will dissuade you from returning.
(2)
Alex L.

Been to Chima on several occasions and had a good experience everytime. As usual their filet and swordfish is always on point. But the salmon gets too dry if you don't eat it right away. Salad bar has a great selection of greens. Now to why I gave them 4 and not 5 stars is because on a couple occasions I've experience some wait time even though I've made reservations in advance. And also I believe their service could be a bit more hospitable. Their entree crew members are a bit rude when you ask them for a different piece when not satisfied with the piece you are given. But other than that the experience is always great.
(4)
Anthony S.

I've been to Chima twice and, during both visits, the service was very disappointing. Additionally, I've found the food to be mediocre and the drinks to be subpar. The first was when I graduated from college. We had made a reservation for our large party and were told that, since we were celebrating a graduation, we got some special discount. After our meal, the server brought our check without the discount. When we pointed this out to the server, she said we weren't eligible for the discount because our reservation was on a Saturday. It took our asking for a manager and their confirming our discount to wrap up the evening. My guess was that the server was trying to pad her tip. This past Friday, we visited again. The service was incredibly slow with drinks, clean plates and delivering the check. Numerous items were forgotten until we asked for them, sometimes as many as three times. The food was simply ok and my drink was weak. For the same money, I'll go to Fogo de Chao and enjoy the experience.
(2)
Jeff M.

Okay. So my first experience with a Brazilian steakhouse was Fogo de Chao. And it was... I'm trying to think of a descriptive term that does it justice... Breathtaking? Yes, that's actually an appropriate word; it literally took my breath away. Because I was having trouble breathing with all that meat in my stomach pushing my (thoracic) diaphragm up. And yet, in some ways, I think I may have enjoyed Chima more... I'm sure I've offended some of the Brazilian steakhouse connoisseurs, but hear me out. The meat is better at Fogo. I'm not even going to argue against that. Is it significantly better? I can't say that it was (significantly better, I mean). Fogo [greater than symbol] Chima, but not enough to make a difference (to me). I think Chima's meat options held their own. However, Chima also offered fish the last time I went while Fogo did not. I like fish. Fish gets extra points. Also, Chima's salad bar... ::pantomimes head exploding:: That's it.
(4)
Samantha B.

This is a great restaurant. The filet, house steak, and garlic steak are all very good. I went for restaurant week so the variety was limited. The fried bananas were also very good. The former salad bar was very tasty. The rice and Caesar salad was tasty. It was not too loud, so the atmosphere was pretty calm. The bathrooms were also nice.
(4)
Bob R.

This was my first visit to a brazilian steakhouse and Chima hit the spot. The meat was perfectly cooked and kept coming. I liked the filet and the top sirloin and wasn't a huge fan of the sausage or bacon wrapped steak (too salty). The salad bar looked awesome but I knew not to fill up too much on it because the meat is the star of the show here. It is a little pricey but if you come here with an appetite you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Thuy T.

Probably my favorite restaurant in Philly. I love this place because of the endless meat supply lol. The salad bar has tons of variety that is quite Delish. Men serving meat on large skewers, well....what more can a girl ask for. My only -1 star is the price. Price should be based per pound on a person being weighed before and after they eat, not $50 a head haha. But this is still my fave no matter. Enjoy
(4)
Mandy T.

I came here for restaurant week this past Sunday with reservations at 7:45. This was my first time at a Brazilian steakhouse and I'm glad I got to experience it. I thought the restaurant week deal is great since this is an all you can eat there's plenty of meat and I was stuffed by the end of the night. I wouldn't have been able to eat all the meats if I wanted to. The things that weren't included in the restaurant week pricing were the more pricier items like the filets, two types of lamb, and rib-eye. It was still pretty busy when we came and we got seated at a table off to the side but the service was great. We had a waitress that came by with the electronic drinks menu and another server that recommended drinks and explained to us how the steakhouse worked with the little tabs that you can flip over when you want meat to start coming. They also had deals on their wines for $30 a bottle. Our water glasses and our wine glasses were constantly checked on to make sure they were filled and people were always by to pick up dishes, clean the table, refill appetizers. I tried to not fill up too much on the salad bar since I was there for the meat. I did try some seafood salad which was a little bland and I had some edamame and quinoa salad which was delish. They had some Parmesan puffs at our table that were really good and beef croquets which were tasty by kind of dry in texture. Out of all the meats that were available for the restaurant week deal I tried everything but the chicken, salmon, and swordfish. The pork and sausage were good. The garlic sirloin and BBQ ribs were very yummy. My favorite was the flank steak which was cooked perfectly. I liked how the Gauchos asked you if you wanted more in case you wanted more than just one slice. The sirloin was also very similar but I was served two pieces of the outer edges of the steak which I think then had too much seasoning and was not as tender as the middle pieces of the flank steak. I also noticed that the sausage and the chicken with bacon Gauchos came around a lot. It was very nice that our waitress noticed and asked us if she could direct certain meats our way which is when we got to try the steaks. YUM! I had a great restaurant experience here!
(4)
Kim W.

The place where meat is endless. I've now been to Chima a couple of times with my boyfriend (he is a carnivore a million times over), and I have to say it's on the top of my list as far as Brazilian Steakhouses go. Their top sirloin is delicious and the filet basically melts in your mouth. My favorite though definitely has to be the flank steak. The gouchos here are awesome as well. They are all incredibly attentive and will always ask if you are waiting for a particular meat after they have come around once. The ONLY reason this place doesn't get 5 stars (I would like to give 4.75) is because I would like a little more variety on their salad bar.
(4)
Mark T.

All you can eat steak--- high quality meat--- fantastic salad bar--- great service--- hot Brazilian waiters. What more could you want? Don't go for restaurant week--- too crowded for them to staff adequately, and they don't offer the most expensive cuts unless you pay the normal price.
(4)
Brian M.

Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. The food was great and reasonably priced menu and drinks. I will be back.
(5)
Zaneta P.

All you can eat steak and salad bar, what isn't there to like? I've been to Chima plenty of time, along with Fogo but that's another review. Every single trip was always satisfying. Service is always fast and attentive. Difference between Chima and Fogo Is that Chima offers two types of fish (Salmon and Swordfish) along with their other various types of meats (I believe 10 different types) cooked to your preference. My all time favorite side dish would have to be the cheese bread, to die for! I'd probably get it refilled at least 3 times (don't judge me). Comparing to Fogo, Chima is located in a less busy area where there are more parking available. The two restaurants are very similar and I honestly enjoy both (Fogo a little more). Place is $50/Per Person for dinner! **They also have really good Red Sangria!
(4)
Michael M.

I must say, this place this pretty spot-on. First, all of the staff members are extremely polite and respectful - all of them. From the people who respond to eMail inquiries, to those who answer the telephone. The servers and managers are also excellent. Very kind, hospitable people. There to answer all of your questions and make your dining experience as pleasurable as they possibly can. Second, their salad bar is simply amazing. The cheeses, cold cuts, smoked salmon, vegetables, etc ... are well worth the price of admission. And everything is SPOTLESS. That's very important, in my opinion. The quality is very good and leaves nothing to be desired. Third, the rodÃ¬zio menu is just as good. Actually, I find myself favoring the salad bar. All of the meats are cooked to your liking - if you as for rare, you're served rare. If you ask for medium, you're served medium. And, if they don't have it at that very moment, they'll be sure to get it to you as soon as possible. Again, a very professional, courteous staff. My only negative would be this - all you can eat means all you can eat - at times we (party of 4) definitely were feeling rushed or as if we had worn out our welcome after about an hour and a half. Even if it were unintentional, it surely came off this way, and kept this from being a 5-star rating. Another (slight) negative would be choices/amount of times an item is walked around. We had to ask several times for the swordfish and lamb chops, but there is chicken a-plenty. Finally, would I recommend this place - YES. It's worth $52.50 for all you get. It's also a fun experience with parking nearby in a lot that is reasonably priced. So, put on your sweatpants, and dig in! We'll be going back, that's for sure.
(4)
Greta H.

The food was to die for! First the salad bar was the best one I've ever been to! Such different amazing options and my favorite was the vegetable rice! Then there were the amazing sides like the fried banana and creamy mashed potatoes YUMMM! And by this time I was already so full but the meat service was amazing. Parmesan crusted chicken, sirloin, salmon, and the bacon wrapped chicken were my personal favorites, I'm a college student and getting to experience that for 35 dollars during restaurant week was a really amazing experience! Can't wait for the day when I can afford to go there often!
(5)
Brad H.

Good Food, but Not Worth the Money Chima is a Brazilian steakhouse, which means everyone pays the same price for dinner and you can eat as much as you want. You are seated at a table, and a waiter comes over to see if you want any drinks to start (the drink menu is on an iPad). Then he/she directs you to the salad bar to start. Then you flip over a car on your table indicating that you want meat and waiters come by your table every few minutes with long skewers of meat to ask you if you would like some and if you would like a piece that is more on the rare side or more on the well side. Below is some more detail on the salad bar, meat selection, atmosphere, and price. SALAD BAR: The salad bar was surprisingly expansive. They have everything from arugula salad, to salami and cheeses. They also had some fresh asparagus and beets, rice, and an assortment of cheeses. Everything was good but I would suggest not filling up on this stuff because the meat is where you get your real value. MEAT: The meat here is really the best part of the meal. The waiters walk around with different cuts of different meats and you can tell them if you would like some or not. There is a picture and description of each meat at your table so that you know what you're ordering. I thought the leg of lamb and the top sirloin were the two best. Everything is really nicely cooked and you leave the place pretty filled up. ATMOSPHERE: The scene here was probably not what you would expect from a Brazilian steakhouse. It is located in a very business-centric area and there was a pretty big crowd at the bar for happy hour (You can hear the music from the dining room). Everything about this place is modern and the tables are spread out so that you don't really hear your neighbors. But for me, it lacked any sort of charm. Not really a foodies' ideal place (even though I wouldn't say I'm a foodie myself. PRICE: This is the biggest problem with Chima and I why I couldn't give it anything more than 3 stars. Dinner costs $54 each! I don't care how much you think you can eat, you'll never make up that cost. I came here with a gift certificate for one dinner and paid for my partners' food. If I didnt have the gift card, it would have never been worth it. If you dont have any gift certificates you are looking at a bill of over $70 each after tax and tip (not including drinks). With Philly being generally such a well priced city, the prices here don't feel worth it.
(3)
Esther C.

The food was absolutely delicious. I was stuffed! All of the meats were cooked well and the wide variety of sides made the delectable food even more appetizing. Love!
(5)
Thuy F.

Ate here for the 3rd time last night. If you sign up for preferred dining on their website, you save $20 for dinner with restrictions. The meat was plenty, perfect cuts of meat and piping hot. Drinks had plenty of alcohol and the salad bar was so so. Overall I can't complain, come hungry to get your money's worth
(5)
Angie K.

The cuts of meat were hit-or-miss. Some were too salty, some overdone and dry, and some too fatty. The bacon-wrapped and garlic seasoned meats were my least favorite; they were dry and unremarkable. I enjoyed the side of polenta fingers that were given to the table though. The service was friendly but spotty. Getting refills took awhile and had to be asked for. Hate to do this, but go to Fogo instead.
(2)
Pete G.

My girlfriend and I are very big foodies and love to eat and explore restaurants. We have been to many Philadelphia restaurants but never Chima. After hearing of people's good experiences and food there we thought we would give it a try during Philadelphia restaurant week. The place was fairly busy but nothing out of the ordinary. We got seated and everything seemed to be going good. The food was great and the atmosphere. The reason I rated with a one star is because the service was absolutely horrible and will honestly make me never ever consider eating here ever again. Our waitress maybe showed up to our table once the entire two hours we were there. We waited 45 minutes for her to run my card at the end of dinner and yes I timed it on my phone. While other waiters and waitresses were all over there tables and making sure everything was going well. The gentlemen walking around with the meats would walk right past our table even though my hand was up waving them down and my plate empty. I wish I ate more and got to try more meats but waiting for someone to walk up to the table was just outrageous. Great place but the service will cause me to never come back and spend my money at this place.
(1)
Nicole Q.

Amazing meal.....celebrated a birthday here. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Food and service were great. Chocolate torte and raspberry sorbet is delicious. They have an incredible wine list too. Pricey but worth it!
(5)
Scott B.

Went on restaurant week. Long story short...by far the worst Argentinian steakhouse I've ever been in. Food was overly salty and salad bar was measly. Never would go again.
(2)
Michelle K.

Excellent food. Excellent service. Come here on an empty stomach because you will leave feeling almost sick every time but it is so good!
(5)
Carol M.

We went to celebrate my husbands birthday before our group went on vacation there were 5 of us and a 11 month old. The service was amazing . I wish I remember names. One server was Nick . There was also a brunette who was young and very sweet especially with the baby . Brought him special mashed potaotes and a cappachino spoon as that would be perfect for him. Food was amazing . Meat so tender and tasty. They have pagers so if you want a specific meat they page the person to your table. What really got our attention when the bill came a friend paid the whole bill and added tip. The server came back to us to tell us that since there were 6 of us the tip had already been added . They could have had an extra $120 but they came to us without us even knowing. We will be back not just because of the fantastic service & food but because of their honesty that is hard to find . Thank you We were there Friday May 30th 2014
(5)
Steve S.

Well, being the 183rd review here, I'm sure I can't tell you anything about the experience you won't get from reading the writings of my fellow Yelpers. All I can do is weigh in on my experience and add it to the collective karma of this place. And since I have not had the Fogo experience yet, I can't make this review a comparison. I'm aware that Fogo has the extra star and far more reviews here, so I know that Fogo is very much high on the Yelp approval list. I'm coming into this not spoiled by what Fogo apparently offers. What I will say is that if Fogo is that good, then they must be one of the best restaurants in the history of mankind. Because Chima is excellent. I enjoyed the salad bar selection, which I'm glad wasn't too overwhelming. I swear, once I flipped that card, the meat servers came with rapid fire quickness. It actually overwhelmed a couple of our fellow diners who were not used to this (I was part of a party of 8). But in a good way. Some of those meats are just delectable. If you're a steak lover, you won't go wrong with any of the beef choices, especially the filet mignon and the Pichana. The parmesan crusted pork is also out of this world. Lamb was also a great choice, especially the leg of lamb. But was it 5 star perfect? No. A couple of the meat choices were just OK. A mild surprise was that just about everyone at the table thought the bacon wrapped filet was not as good as the regular filet. Somehow it's a little less juicy with the bacon. Also, the linguica didn't seem to go over with some of the diners as a few of the ladies handed it over to their husbands to eat. I thought the linguica was good, although slightly on the chewy side. It may have been slightly overdone. The side dishes they brought to us, some were excellent such as the parmesan bread and the fried banana. Some were a little underwhelming such as the beef croquettes and the mashed potatoes. And from the salad bar, the chicken potato salad and the black beans woth pork over rice are recommended, but not so much on the corn mousse which let me down. But really, I'd say that Chima hit on about 90% of the food they brought to us. I'll call that a great ratio. Everyone in our party enjoyed it tremendously, including my wife who doesn't even eat steak. Yes, it's possible for non red meat lovers to enjoy the experience. Just get a lot of chicken and salmon. But for me, who doesn't get to go out for steak as much as he'd like because of the wife's distaste for it, sitting here with different steaks coming at me was like sitting at a blackjack table with a pair of deuces. Just keep hitting me, dealer!
(4)
Steve M.

Chima has been a go to place for celebrating an event. You can't beat bottomless steak that is rapidly delivered. The salad bar is also superb. Be sure to go on a night where you can dedicate a few hours to sit down, relax, and slowly enjoy some finely cooked meats.
(5)
James S.

Awful. Saturday night 60 minutes behind schedule on reserved tables. Hostess was sweet but they didn't even have enough silverware to bus tables so they could be reset. Poorly run and chaotic. Finally left and sat near the bar at capital grill. Great service, better steak and professional management. Same price! Will never return to chima.
(1)
Amanda C.

Review Summary: Ambience: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 First off, just like the some other reviews that talked about "hidden fees" during Restaurant Week, Chima's Valentine's Day had similar costs involved. For a small glass of Champagne (though it was pretty good Monet), and average desserts for two (which seemed complimentary when the waiter was cheerfully offering it to us), our bill increased by 50%. Call me crazy, but I think that's a little too much! That said, the food here was absolutely delicious. Chima's salad bar truly has a commendable selection-- when I first approached it I feared that it was one of those salad bars that looked better than it tasted, but I was happily proven wrong. The complimentary appetizers/finger foods that come with the meal (presumably to fill you up faster) were also really yummy. We had cheese balls, delightfully creamy mashed potatoes, beef croquettes, and fried bananas. So good. I mention these aspects of the menu in particular because my boyfriend told me that Fogo De Chao, which is often compared with Chima, offers a larger selection and perhaps better tasting selection of meat, but does not offer these other aspects to such a great extent. The top sirloin, garlic ribeye steak, parmesan crusted pork, and other meats here were seriously delicious too.There is no need to pay extra fees for any cuts on a non-Restaurant Week day. Chima is dimly lit and great for an intimate meal. Be prepared for a sudden flurry of servers when you flip your circular cards, but don't worry; though the waiters seem to be in a hurry they're patient and friendly as long as you're willing to talk to them. The head waiters and the manager also made us feel right at home by checking in a couple of times throughout the meal. All in all, were it not for the bombshell of a price tag that came with this meal, it was wholly satisfying. My advice to those trying out a Brazilian Steakhouse for the first time? Know your meats. Read the menu before flipping your card, so that you know what you definitely want to try before the waiters swoop down on you. Once you're ready to eat they'll come in fast, and before you know it you'll be stuffed silly!
(4)
Sovanny B.

I only go for top sirloin and the salad bar. It's great but I would only come here when I feel I need to treat myself.
(4)
Manny V.

Delicious! Came here for restaurant week and did not disappoint! It is extremely similar to Fogo de Chao, you can't go wrong between Fogo and Chima. There's not much else to say since the other reviews say it all, and I had a good experience here.
(4)
Sadie A.

This restaurant has one of the friendliest staffs around. The food is amazing and they have an insane amount of gluten free options. Their manager Peter was exceptionally nice to us as well and made the effort to greet us and make sure we were taken care of. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Rondell G.

I went here on Valentines day and had a good time. The food was great, although I became full very fast. The meat just keeps coming if you don't turn your card over, which can be a little annoying. At the end of our evening here, we paid our bill and the waiter came back to our table and said, "HOW MUCH CHANGE WOULD WE LIKE BACK?" I thought I was being punk!! What? Did he think we were not going to leave a tip? I couldn't believe it. We didn't spend $180 dollars on dinner to be insulted at the end of the evening. I won't be going back! I'm going to try Fogo de Chao.
(2)
Patrick H.

Meat was alright but not worth the price tag. Some meats kept coming up way more than others. Sides are meh. What really killed it was the service; at the end of the night, we paid in cash and gave a few dollar coins (thanks Patco, for giving me 15 or so as change). The waitress, Lauren, got an attitude and said that they normally round up the bill and don't accept "jingle jangle" change. Anyway, the whole experience was underwhelming, and I actually left feeling upset at the service. I would not recommend. Plenty of other places to have a nice dinner for $100+ in the city.
(1)
Michelle D.

This is one of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. The staff is top notch, friendly and very knowledgeable. The salad bar was amazing and full of so many choices. The 15-20 different kinds of meat was so tender, delicious, and juicy. I would recommend this place to everyone. If I am lucky enough to go back to Philadelphia...I will go back.
(5)
Timothy C.

Amazing food! Great service. A bit pricey. Overall nice dinning experience. I had the pleasure of spending valentines day dining at Chima. Understandably , the place was packed. We had reservations at 8 and didn't get seated until about 945. Other than being seated late Chima was great.
(4)
L W.

I've been to many Brazilian steakhouses before and use to tout this restaurant as one of my favorites. I even bragged about this place to all my friends and convinced them to have a birthday dinner here last Sunday for restaurant week...that was a huge embarrassment and mistake. We left hungerier than when we arrived... The service was absolutely awful--we were a party of 12 so I guess the server figured he would get his 18% gratuity anyways and didn't bother with us. He didn't explain to us that there were 2 options for restaurant week which was new compared to the last time I came for the same event. There was the $35 per person option which included the salad bar and 4 selections of meat and then another option for $52.50 which is similar to the regular dinner rate but dessert included....server assumed we wanted the $35 option. So was the food good? Beats me....we had a few bites. The passadores (meat waiters) came to our table once and not everyone got a slice. It was just sad looking at all that meat pass by and not getting any. My friend waved down the lamb rack but were told we choose the cheap option so we don't get lamb.Then server finally came back after 2.5 hours and had the nerve to ask if we wanted the check when we barely ate! I felt so bad for bringing my friends here. The bill was over $500 and it was like we ate less than $5 worth of food. Not a great place for large parties.....go to Fogo de Chao.
(1)
al n.

Brazilian rodizio type place. Meats good and plentiful. Service good. However it's very expensive and overpriced, at least for Philly. So wouldn't go back.
(2)
Jason P.

My girlfriend and I visited Chima during restaurant week, but chose to do the regular menu as it restricted some of their best meats. Small disclaimer, I have been to Fogo De Chao and a very high standard has been set. Overall, I was very satisfied by my experience here. The wait staff were prompt in refilling our drinks and taking away dirty plates when needed. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but their wine/cocktail list was pretty extensive, albeit expensive. On to the nitty gritty...to start with the salad bar. I went in with low expectations given the quality of Fogo's, but this salad bar is nothing to turn your nose up at. The mix of cheeses, meats, with their assorted veggies and salads were excellent. Their balsamic vinaigrette was very good. An added bonus which I don't believe Fogo has is the sides that are brought to the table including the creamy mashed potatoes (my favorite), fried polenta fries and fried banana. Their cheesie bread was outstanding. Now to the meat! The highlight of the eating experience, so they say. Each meat had its highs and lows. Pros: Filet - perfection Ribeye Bacon wrapped chicken breast Salmon Marinated pork loin Cons: Swordfish - overcooked Lamb chop - lacked flavor Pork ribs - did not like the marinade it was accompanied with This is a great option if you are all "Fogo'd out". The atmosphere is classy, but casual. No need to get too fancy when eating all that food! Highly recommend a trip hear to indulge. Quick note: Sign up for their newsletter and receive a $20 coupon! Great deall!
(4)
Tammy W.

We went to Chima Brzailian Steakhouse for Restaurant Week. I'm not sure if the quality of our meal would have been different had we made reservations for a night that the menu was full price or not. I probably won't find out either. I do have to start with saying the service was outstanding with the exception of our main waiter. He was completely MIA when it came time to pay our bill. We sat at our table with no food or drinks in front of us for well over half of an hour. Fortunately my boyfriend and I enjoy each other's company and chatted the entire time. The salad bar was impressive. Once we were ready to enjoy all of the different meats the came around very quickly. The only problem is that every single thing that we tried was overcooked and dry. I was very disappointed. This is a dinner we were very much looking forward to. Next time we will go to Fogo De ChÃ£o.
(2)
Shaun N.

Had reservation for 8 at 9pm. We arrived at 8:45pm and they told us another 5 mins we will text you. Waiting about 20mins and asked what was the hold up. They said the table is just beginning to clear now.. It'll just be a few more minutes. Waited another 20mins before I went up again and they finally seated us. After sitting down for 15mins, I realized we didn't receive our appetizers. I had to specifically request for it. All in all, waiting an extra 45mind after our reservation time.
(1)
J S.

I found the food here as good as the other chain Brazilian steakhouse here in philly. I like the mashed potatoes at Chima more than at Fogo. I think they have a wider variety of meats which it nice.
(4)
Nisha S.

Love it...great seasonings....nice ambiance...great specials on Wed.. My group was just here for happy hour/philly Sips, but the staff was so friendly and warm, totally did not feel rushed or pressured to stay for dinner. We originally were on our way to Marathon Grill, but it was so over crowded, so we came here instead. The atmosphere was chic and cozy, they had a great menu of drinks and appetizers, they were also very accommodating to the vegetarians in the group. The pineapple chicken skewers with mashed potato side dipping are just delish and the perfect bite with their other drinks. Can't wait to try the main entrees next time. Lauren, our waitress, was awesome.
(4)
Kelly P.

meat on meat on meat. i sat a one of the large tables in the back with a party celebrating a birthday. it appears this is the place everyone comes for a birthday, because during the course of our meal there were approximately 4 cakes with candles brought out for birthday persons. there were two diners at my table that do not eat red meat, which poses a problem. they were told they could use the Green chip that signals staffmembers to bring fish (swordfish, salmon, not sure what else was served). those patrons did not seem to have as good of a time. i ate far too much at the salad bar and far too many of the cheese puff things. i dislike the way many of the staffmembers reached over me for clearing the table and refilling drinks, etc.
(3)
Thom K.

A friend and I wanted to catch some drinks and appetizers to end a very long day. We thought we'd try out the bar/lounge area of Chima. We were really surprised. First of all, Brian (our server) was extremely helpful in making good selections. He was attentive, good natured and a genuinely nice guy. The happy hour specials were solid. 1/2 price drinks and apps. I had bacon-wrapped beef medallions and my buddy had pineapple/chicken skewers. We added several Caipirinhas and life was perfect. We will be moving our office happy hours here.
(5)
Louis D.

I have mixed feelings about Chima (and I'm mostly going to base this off of comparing it to Fogo de Chao). The glaring con is that every single piece of steak that I was served was wayyyyyy overcooked. I don't if it was the fact that we were there late on a weeknight (8pm seating) or what, but I ordered each piece medium and they were served totally brown and burnt straight through no matter what cut of beef. Given that Chima is a steakhouse, it's got to be much better. The other meat types were more up to par. The lamb chops couldn't have been better, and the pork ribs were amazing. Also, the salad bar is definitely worth visiting even if youre there to stuff your face with steak; I think it's much better than Fogo's. There's a better variety of things up there, and the seafood salad is excellent. Overall, I'd love to give a better rating because of the lamb and salad bar, but you really can't overcook that much steak.
(2)
Carla T.

Went here for dinner with a few friends before nye and it was really good. Service is fast and interactive. It does get a little overwhelming with all the servers running around but the food is tasty. Large meat selections, great salad bar also but don't fill up there! This is not the place to go if you're not ready to eat a lot of meat. You have the option of picking out how you like your meat and it all comes at a steady pace as long as you're aware of how the system works here. You'll get a token that will let your server know if you'd like the meat options or if you're content at the moment. This place is pricey but worth it for a special occasion if you're up for it. When we went, it was really busy but we were never forgotten about.
(4)
Liz F.

From what I've read, I'm giving Chima too much credit because I'm yet to go to Fogo. But, having only been to Chima I'm in love. I came here with a group of 60 and left beyond impressed with how great and organized the service was and how absolutely delicious everything I ate was. It was impossible to be thirsty or hungry. For starters, Chima does half priced drinks for happy hour. One caipirinha is more than enough and very reasonable at $6 and some change. The salad bar is the kind of salad bar that I dream about: lettuces, mixed salads (grains, soy, etc.), cheeses, meats, rices, soups and I'm sure I'm missing stuff still. I could have gone to Chima and only eaten from the salad bar. But wait! Then some ultra hunky latin men came out with meat on swords!! Okay, Chima, okay. Everything was so delicious. My favorites were the swordfish, salmon and ribeye. Vegetarians, don't be wary. You can leave here well fed, too. I can't wait to take my extremely carnivorous father here for Father's Day.
(5)
Ravi A.

So we were in Philly for the week working and luckily it happened to be Restaurant Week out there last week. Went to check this place out and all I can say is WOW. I started off my Brazilian steakhouse experience at the salad bar which I regret going to. Don't get me wrong the salad bar is delicious and everything there was amazing, I just preferred to save more room for the main course of various meat dishes. As soon as I finished my salad I flipped the coin they give you to start accepting the skewered meats. Every single meat was amazing my favorite was the Parmesan pork loin some may disagree though. A solid second place for me would be the bacon wrapped chicken which was fantastic. Overall I highly recommend checking this place out and go with an appetite as well due to the all you can eat dinner!
(4)
Kristy D.

Anyone who doesn't think this place is amazing is crazy. One of the best dinners I've ever had. Everything is so delicious. Come hungry because you leave in a food coma. Yes the salad bar has so many great options and the appetizers are great but don't fill up on them because the meats are sooo sooo good. You have to eat here. The service is outstanding. Not a single complaint
(5)
Lili B.

My friend and I went for restaurant week and had a great food experience. We got seated right away (we had a reservation) and the server came to explain us the different option we had. We both took the restaurant week menu. The buffet had a lot of choices and the food was just GREAT. I tried the "corn mousse" as I was pretty intrigued and it was amazing. After that, we started getting the meats (people walking around with meat is just terrible because you want to try EVERYTHING!!!! My girlfriend and I tried a LOT of different meat and one of my favorite was the filet mignon with bacon. It was just delicious. My friend ate some fish (I think it was salmon) and she said it was pretty good too. I also had chicken wrapped in bacon (yeah, I am a bacon lover) and the chicken was a little dry. I was a little disappointed because the restaurant week menu did not include a dessert but I was honestly too full to decide to pay for a dessert as I would have probably not finished/enjoyed it. The only reason why I am taking off one star is because the server was not really "careful" to our needs. We always had to wait for a while to get his attention to get him to stop by our table for a refill or the check. I will definitely go there again.
(4)
Numan A.

Orgasm in your mouth haha. Dont go there on Friday and Saturday tho. Too crowded and have to wait for a while for the meat!
(5)
Matthew S.

There are two important requisites for having a good time at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse: you need to love meat and you need to come hungry. The $50 charge per person is more than fair if you meet these requirements, but I definitely wouldn't bring some "first date only ordering salad" girl to Chima. The salad bar was great, but try to avoid filling your plate, as you will soon be inundated with a delicious variety of meats. Everything I tried was fantastic. The pork ribs were some of the best I've ever had, the lamb was amazing, and I could eat those little bacon wrapped filets all day. Service was nearly flawless, though they did forget is was my birthday, but they more than made up for that tiny mistake with an order of flan on the house. Not just any flan, mind you, but probably the best flan I've ever tasted. Chima is not a restaurant I would frequent, as I could easily gain 100lbs in a year if I ate there 1-2 times per week, but for special occasions or a particularly hungry party, it's hard to beat. We will definitely be going back, once we've had about a month to work off the calories we ingested. Thanks for a great birthday dinner!
(5)
Erik s.

Fogo de chao's red head step sister. 2 stars may be too harsh but 3 was too high. If u want to know what I really think look up my Fogo review and rate everything a notch lower.
(2)
John K.

You wouldn't want to go here too often because you would turn into Gargantua or perhaps the Abominable Snow man but it's really very good.You could eat yourself into a serious heart attack inducing decline.I went here on Thanksgiving and it was an appropriate way to celebrate our Brazilian founding fathers.( Oh you had the option of also eating roast turkey ) .They landed at Plymouth Rock and got the grills out and started putting everything on skewers.Had a good caipirinha at the bar waiting to be seated.Went to the salad bar and started to glut myself on carpaccio and prosciutto.Sat at the table and began to eat delicious flank steak, sirloin steak ,roast beef- all good.For variety I asked them to get me some rare lamb-- delicious.At various points ate weird but good little appetizers such as little unsweetened cheese cakes and banana fritters .Got a bottle of overpriced but very good Argentine Malbec .Could have continued , knew it would be a mistake.If you haven't been , give it a shot.
(4)
Jaymes H.

Another churrascaria. Somewhat cheaper than Fogo. Its basically the same but Id give the nod to Fogo as far as I remember.
(3)
Caroline V.

I was looking forward to trying this place out and after our dinner there....Not excited anymore and not recommending it either. From what I've heard we should've gone elsewhere for the churrascaria. Luckily we went during restaurant week so it was a better deal but if you sign up for their mailing list you get those deals anyways. Our waiter was hilarious and friendly but forgot our wine. We waited for at least 30-40 mns before he finally brought it out. One good thing was the salad bar, great choices and all delicious. Now for the meats...they came around every once in a while, definitely not that often and some of it was not very tasty...lots of side dishes on the table but some was just thrown on as if they were a passing thought. Not the best experience and we're not looking to repeat it...
(2)
Cdr G.

Have been to several different Brazilian Steakhouses around the country including the "chains." Have always read good things about CHIMA but having been for the first time I will not be running back. When the best thing you eat is the cheesy bread at these prices there is a problem. The sides had no flavor whatsoever and the meet croquettes were like eating cindered mothballs. The salad bar was nothing spectacular. While I like Cesar salad the dressing was OVER anchovied to the point of being inedible. The meats were inconsistent with some being good to others unflavorful or bland except for the lamb which was gamy. Service went from periods of attentiveness to inattentiveness. The entertainment was phenomenal though. From two tables over a woman who was part of a large and loud office party group stunned the restaurant to silence when she declared, "Well my friend's pu$$y...." At another table an old troll with LED lights in his eyeglasses performed magic tricks, badly for two young men he was seated with. "Can I valet park my white cargo van?' What an experience!
(2)
Christine S.

Fantastic. Waiter service (which pretty much is just to get your drinks, desserts and change your plate in between binges) is very fast. The salad bar is PHENOMENAL, though very dangerous: it is easy to imagine that no food could ever top this salad, cheese and carpaccio, but try to hold back on this course to prevent your stomach from bursting upon presentation of the meat. In fact, it's a good idea to not eat for the entire day before coming to Chima for a late dinner (I'm not exaggerating). The main course is to die for. They have around 18 different types and cuts of meat. The only drawback here is that the filet mignon is usually wrapped in bacon: gross. What is it with bacon these days? Do we really need to put it on everything?
(5)
Bruce B.

The question is can you review Chima without comparing it to Fogo de Ciao? Answer: Only if you've never been to Fogo. Chima does indeed seems like a copycat of Fogo de Ciao and the problem is Chima is not as good. Oh the decor is great, the service is very attentive, the salad bar is diverse and the barbecued meats are indeed tasty, bu Fogo de Ciao does everything a little bit better. Especially the Caipirinha's, the Brazilian national drink. I went to Chima with my good friends Joseph Lee and Ken Randolph during restaurant week. Neither Joe or Ken had been to Fogo so they weren't prepared for the onslaught of barbecued meats. I was. I paced myself like I was in the Indy 500 race and would've probably still be there munching on those delicious Baby Back Ribs that they do so well. Chima should make them available for takeout, they were that good. In a funny but true comparison, I liken Chima to the Ritz Carlton and Fogo de Ciao to the Four Seasons. If you can't tell the difference then may God bless you.
(3)
Stacey S.

My boyfriend and I went here this past weekend for my birthday while visiting Philly. It was restaurant week, so it was $35.10/person. The salad bar was HUGE and had everything you could have wanted and the meats were cooked and seasoned just right. I also really liked the hot steak sauce. The service was really good and the ambiance was really nice. I'm happy that there is a Chima's right near where I live so we can go again!
(4)
David O.

This is a decent place to have dinner, with a hotel type of buffet feel and warm atmosphere/staff... If you're hungry you can eat until you're fat and happy... The buffet is more like a big salad bar with lots of things you would expect and few you would not, I found it to be a little bit predictive and not particularly interesting/exciting and lacking any type of elevated culinary flair, the one thing that is nice is that they give you table service for your meats and fish which unfortunately I found just so so, for me nothing I couldn't easily outdo firing up my gas grill on a weeknight, the sward fish was dreadful I took one bite and spit it out, all in all I was happy that I didn't half to pay for my meal as I would have been very disappointed had I did.... Staff was very nice and friendly, dining room very pretty but they need to kick it up a couple of notches on the food side and they could be good place to eat...
(1)
Joy C.

I read the reviews before I went. I've been to quite a few Brazilian steakhouses and I thought there was quite a variety of meat on a Tuesday night. They don't list this online but they do have filet mignon wrapped in bacon. The salad bar was fresh and the place was actually quite crowded. I like how they bring this small sidedishes like fried polenta and these croquettes which were yummy. The service was actually quite decent unlike the other remarks I've seen. What is great is if you go to the website you get a $25 off coupon and you don't miss out on much if you use it. It's 39.50 per person and we ended up paying $55 for lots of meat and salad bar for 2 people! I would give it a try. I haven't been to Fogo de Chao but if you're a meat lover and want a nice deal, get the coupon and head over there. They also send these great emails for discounts.
(4)
Frank S.

Ok. After being to Chima and to Fogo de Chao three times each, here's my verdict. DESIGN: Firstly, I love cool places. Chima is a cool place, sort of an up-to-date-revibed-70's-colors environment. We will see how this game plays after two years in business. So, kudos, but the last word is not spoken. The FOOD: Good, but not as good as can be. The top sirloin and the beef flank would be my pick. I would rate the salad bar slightly better than Fogo de Chao, but read my review on Fogo, that's not what really counts. Did not try the fish, after all it's a red meat place, so why bother? The SERVICE: Is different when you come with a big crowd than just a few. With a party of four: lousy. Went twice with more than 15 people and I had the most impeccable service I had so far in Philadelphia. The waiter checked for eye drops in the back for a girl who had trouble with her contacts, just because he saw her eyes tearing! When the discussion came up on the table if somebody wanted white wine and two people said yes, the waiters placed white wine glasses after thirty seconds without notification. And so forth. Chapeau. CONCLUSION: You don't go wrong and you will probably have good time with a big party. Plus, they are not that booked as FdC, so you get a table easier on short notice. Then again, read my other reviews and you know my final pick...
(3)
Sara L.

Went tonight for Center City sips. I've never been for dinner so this review only applies to my experience at happy hour. Based on past CC sips experiences, I wasn't expecting much. Usually the bars are so crowded that you can't order a drink, let alone order food. Luckily for us at least, Chima was pretty quiet and we were able to get a large table for the 8 of us. Our waiters were super attentive and immediately got us drinks. I had a very nice, correctly chilled white wine. One of my friends got a brazilian margarita with rum instead of tequila that she loved. We had several rounds of drinks and throughout they kept bringing us this amazing cheesey rolls--they were just cheese with a little bit of dough and hot they were just FABULOUS. They also gave us beef croquettes, which were good (even to the picky eaters) but got neglected next to the cheese bread. Eventually we ordered the chicken and chorizo appetizers and a mozzarella and tomato appetizer. All very good and tasty, as well as not too heavy. Service was extremely attentive and friendly. They even came by with coupons since CC sips is ending tonight to encourage us to come back. Maybe not a place I would go out of my way for but a nice bar scene near my office--we'll be back!
(3)
Evann G.

"I can't imagine what this place's carbon footprint is," said my friend toward the middle of our gorge-fest at Chima. So true, so true... but Brazilian steakhouses are one of my guilty pleasures in life. Wasn't really sure what to expect after reading the other reviews, but we just had to try it. The end result? While it didn't live up to other Brazilian steakhouses we've tried, it was pretty damn good. I was wavering between 3 and 4 stars, but decided to bump them up to 4 due to the fact that they have a sweet deal on their website that gives you a 2-for-1 coupon if you sign up for their e-mail list. AND, apparently you can use two coupons if you go with four people, which I wish I had known before we went! Comparison between Chima and Fogo: -Service: Not quite as good at Chima. Other Brazilian steakhouses tend to bring you stuff before you have time to ask -- here, we had to ask. Still, certainly not bad by any means. -Starter courses (cheese bread, croquettes, some sort of mousse): Equal to Fogo. The cheese bread is not nearly as good, but the miniature beef and pork croquettes, aka "fried balls of goodness" as the fiance called them, more than made up for that. -Salad bar: More variety than Fogo, but quality not quite as good. The garlic butter, however, is amazing. -Side dishes (mashed potatoes, fried bananas, fried polenta): Equal to or possibly even better than Fogo, especially the in-CREDible fried bananas. We kept getting refills of those, and toward the end we thought they'd be perfect with some ice cream as dessert! -Meat: We all basically agreed the quality was not as good as Fogo, but we also wondered if we were just biased (Fogo being our first-ever experience at a Brazilian steakhouse) or nostalgic (we haven't been there in a while). However, I think it's safe to say the quality of the meat is not quite up to par. They do bring around two types of fish, though, which might appeal to some people who aren't big fans of red meat. All in all, I'd eat here again, especially if we had another 2-for-1 coupon. But if I had to choose between the two Philly options, Fogo would win.
(4)
Peggy D.

endless meat.... do i really need to say more? much better than fogo, and cheaper. try the brazilian beer... its pretty good. hint: skip out on the salad bar... it is really good, but don't waste your room. make sure to print out a coupon online before you go!
(4)
Ben P.

I am sitting here in the lobby of Chima now. Where I have been sitting for an hour in spite of having a reservation. When we walked in, they told us "10 minutes" and kept repeating that line. Management must be either totally inept or totally unconcerned. Our party is now all on their phones to find somewhere we can go to just eat instead of celebrate my wife's birthday at Chima. What a shame. I've been here before and enjoyed it, but they need management and systems badly. I won't ever be coming back, unfortunately.
(1)
Chris L.

Woohoo! Yet another Brazilian steakhouse in town to compete with the awesome Fogo De Chao. You would think that more competition would mean more competitive prices, but unfortunately, at around 50 bux per person, not including drinks and dessert, dinner is just as expensive as it is at Fogo De Chao. Side note: as of this review writing, if you register with Chima on their website, they'll send you via email a 2-for-1 coupon. I took advantage of that to get half off my dinner =D. So the concept is the same as any other brazilian steakhouse. You get introduced to the awesome salad bar where you can get a variety of veggies, meat cuts, cheeses, soups, pasta, etc., and they're all you can eat, of course. The smart thing to do, though, is to save your appetite for the luscious meats. They give you a card, and if you flip it to the green side, it means you want them to serve you the meat, and when you are satisfied, you can turn it over to the red side to get a break. You get a variety of meats to choose from: sirloin, lamb, ribs, filet mignon, etc. Top sirloin and flank steak are my favorites. Although red meat is traditionally served, they also have chicken and... what is this... seafood?! Yes! They also serve salmon and swordfish! They were also very good with the sauces that came with them. Even Fogo doesn't provide that! The food was excellent, no question about that. But there were some other things that happened during my experience such that I didn't give this stylish place with a nice decor 5 stars. First of all, the service may have been *too good*. What do I mean by that? Well, traditionally, if you turn it over to the red side, they'll leave you alone. Despite that, our server kept on coming over and bugged us if we wanted anything even though we were clearly eating our foods, and our conversation kept on getting interrupted. We understood the concept of ordering, but our server just kept on bugging us. Eventually we gave up and just ordered stuff directly from the server without the regular meat servers coming over when our card was flipped over to the green side. Mine was on red almost the entire time! At any rate, since the food was good, and I am sure our server had some good intentions, I didn't let it bother me too much. A nice bonus: he gave us a free tiramisu since we were there to celebrate my friend's birthday, and it was on the house! w00t, can't complain about that, right? Then I get a bill... wait a minute... an 18% tip that was *automatically* applied to our bill? The only time I've ever seen that happen was when there were parties of 6 or more, and at that particular night, it was just me and my friend. The ironic part was that I was going to tip them a lot more than that, but since he asked for 18%, that's what he got. It was probably just my server who "messed up". From what I heard from my friends, they didn't have this happening to them. Despite all of those little annoying things, I'm sure I will be back one day, probably if I have another one of those coupons onhand. Another unfortunate thing is that this place doesn't open for lunch for a cheaper price, something that I'd prefer to do at Fogo since it's essentially the same menu selection for 40% less. But when it comes to dinner time, the quality of the food at Chima can give Fogo a run for its money.
(4)
Amy R.

Atmosphere: Standard white-table cloth restaurant but the waiters have exciting gauchos tucked into brown boots. You serve yourself at the salad bar, then wait at the table with your bring-me-meat cards and have the meat carved to your plate. Mix of first dates, business meals and a lot of birthdays. Food: Salad bar is pretty excellent all around. Huge selection of cheeses, types of lettuce and dressings. Sauces for the meats gets a little confusing and is more spread out than I would like. The meat is excellent, except for the lamb which was so overcooked it wasn't edible. I particularly enjoyed both chicken dishes and the top-cut sirloin. It can be frustrating trying to get a taste of all the different meats, and I wish they had a selection of somewhat more exotic cuts. I felt pretty wasteful with how many appetizers they bring to the table, rolls, creamed potatoes (potato glue as we dubbed them), plantains, fried bananas and more. Service: Our party of four with reservations was seated immediately on arrival. Our waiter started out great, and the meat servers ran around on a regular basis. Waiter disappeared near the end, but otherwise was pretty great.
(4)
Sharon M.

brought around the same meat. didn't get to try alot of what was on the menu. The salad bar is the whole 2 stars. The meat was Acme rating. Yes, Acme the grocery store. Go the Brazillian steakhouse on Castor Ave in the NE. NOt as fancy but top of the line steak and meat!
(2)
Joe M.

I heart Chima. While it's clearly not the best steaks you can get, or the best decor, or the best service, I will be back in a few months for another healthy helping of meat. It's more like being at a dinner theatre than anything else. The way the server cringes when you reject the Brazilian sausage or the jubilation when you accept the parmesan chicken. It's truly a special place with lots of things to try and to enjoy with friends or family. I highly recommend it, but only after you sign up on their site and get the $25 coupon.
(4)
Mrinteresting W.

My wife and I went here because we got a promotional flier and I was curious what Fogo's competition would look like. Surprisingly similar, with the exception of the decor which was a mix of casino meets asian steakhouse. The 'salad' bar was bigger than Fogo's, I'd say better than Fogo's. The meat was wonderful, as was to be expected. The service however was not up to Fogo's standard. At Fogo I feel like a minor dignitary, I actually had a guy run for a plate so I wouldn't have to move three feet out of my way. At Chima the wait staff is distant and more of the service I would expect at an Apple bees (passable but not great). The dress code was completely lax as well, which didn't add to the atmosphere, we were seated next to a guy wearing nylon shorts and a white t-shirt (stained), while we were in suit and dress. We did enjoy dinner though and I would recommend you try it!
(3)
Paige W.

"You are the only person we know who would come last minute to eat free meat." Hearing that quote to describe oneself is just unexplainable, but probably true. I have been to a Brazilian Steakhouse before in Vegas. Even though I'm not a huge meat eater, I definitely enjoyed the meat and the entertaining way it is served. But the salad bar was a huge letdown. At this place it was pretty much the same. The decor is beautiful and it looks like a great place to hang out at the bar. If you really like red meat, you will really like this place. There's also some pretty good salmon and chicken wrapped in bacon, which made me think of a bacon-lovin' friend of mine. But give me a Ruby Tuesday salad bar any day over these things. Lovely simple things like artichokes and zuchini are irrationally spicy. Lonely canteloupe is displayed between all sorts of bean & mayonaise concoctions that remind me of the shady crockpot wares served at a church picnic. My two cents: good for people who really really love meat and spicy veggies. Also probably really good for parties.
(3)
Dwight M.

I was waiting to meet my boys for a night of drinking and decided to check out Chima. How disappointing, I had a drink and a god awful appetizer (Filet Mignon in demi glace). What I got was some awful chopped up steak and peppers with some watery sauce. Horrible and the labels where still on the sliced peppers
(1)
Keri W.

Fogo de Chao has a new competitor in town: Chima. And it is good...but I'm not seriously wowed. I went during their opening week and things were a bit rough. Our reservation got lost but the hostess recovered nicely and got us seated quickly. Ordering drinks was a bit weird. I asked for a mojito and our waiter slooowly typed it into his blackberry. That's right. Drink orders are texted to the bar. So, even though the bartender was 20 paces from where I was sitting, I managed to keep a straight face. The salad bar is a bit different in that it has a lot more complete dishes rather than just salad fixings; pasta salad, caeser salad, waldorf salad, soups, blue cheese mousse, etcetera. Another thing that sets Chima aside from other brazilian steakhouses is that the serve fish. Really over cooked fish, with a frighteningly sweet passionfruit sauce... but iIm confident they'll work that out in the next couple of weeks. New cooks, new ovens, a few things are bound to come out a bit burnt. So, minor complaints aside, I'd say give Chima a shot.
(3)
Jeff C.

The meat is great.. Make sure you eat the chicken before the steak.. Or you will be disappointed...the salad bar is lacking some things like bacon...but overall a great time and great food..
(4)
Ben H.

This is the best restaurant around, hands down. From the massive salad bar to the extensive variety of meats, the food is absolutely phenomenal. Also, the service is great. As soon as your glass is half empty or one of your side dishes is running low, somebody comes out of nowhere with a refill or a new plate of food. I've been here multiple times and always the experience is exceptional. Love it!!!
(5)
Paul PJ Y.

Not quite as good as Fogo de Chao. My girlfriend found a piece of metal in one of the salad bar dishes. The wait staff was slow with drinks and to clear plates. The meats were dry and too well done. The only plus over Fogo is that they do serve some fish as well. Take your money to Fogo instead.
(2)
David B.

I really like the idea of this concept but I would never go back. The employee that took my reservation over the phone was very professional and we were seated right on time. The decor was forgettable. There was plenty of food to choose from (unless you like fish - 2 options) and everything sounded wonderful. I have to say that the food was delicious (except the chicken). I found the head waiter to be a bit annoying and then there were the i-phones (or similar) where they keyed in our orders "right from our table". This was just too much. It was so self-consciously hip - like "hey look at how different and cutting-edge we are". AND they had to explain what they were doing in case we thought they were texting from their own personal phones. Please. Way too much effort. I don't care how you communicate with the kitchen/bar. OK - enough of the minutae...... the reason I'm never going back to this restaurant (or Fogo or any other Brazilian steakhouse for that matter) is their irresponsible over-usage of salt on everything. Honestly, I woke up in the middle of the night dying of thirst (and nothing wakes me.....EVER). Although they do not provide any nutritional information about how much salt they use, I'm sure I had at least 1 week's allowance on the food I ate. I should have known better having been to Fogo before. They should be more responsible.....is there an app for that?
(2)
Terry C.

Excellent food, good service, and OK mixed drinks... But definitely much better than Fogo!
(4)
Aasima A.

Lets not pretend. Most Brazilian steak houses are the same. They don't really season the meat, just make it salty enugh so you drink enough water so you can't eat your moneys worth of red meat or chicken. that's the real reason people go, unless you don't eat or don't like meat. Chima is the only place to also offer grilled fish: two of them! the swordfish and salman are two nice meaty fish choices which i applaud them for. another variation that Chima has is the salad bar which is heads above the others (won't mention by name, but Foga knows who i'm talking about). Not just salad, but soup, and some warm sides in addition to the bananas, bread, and mashed potato that they bring to your table. The third and probably most important is that you can try Chima during retaurant week without limitations on their menu. It's only downside it that the location is kind of out of the way; even though it's downtown, it's not really near anything, so you just have to make a special trip and pay to park your car. My favorite of all the downtown and suburban brazilian steakhouses.
(4)
Xavier P.

To put it bluntly, they have some way to go to match Fogo...the atmosphere is good, shame that the normal service is slow (although there is a lot of staff) and the meat service far too quick - they bombard you with meat eventhough you have plenty on your plate. They serve as much meat as you want but they keep bringing appetizers, we felt a bit overwhelmed. I think they're new so obviously they need to get settled down so I will probably give it a go in the winter again, in the meantime...fogo!!!
(2)
bill f.

Went here on 7/12/11 w/ a friend, the staff was friendly, and very attentive, constantly refilling drinks and bringing fresh hot sides, however the food for the most part was just ok, i tried all the meats except the lamb,bacon wrapped filet and the fish. Bacon normally makes everything taste better, however that was not the case w/ the bacon wrapped chicken which tasted like what i imagine smokey leather would. The bbq pork ribs were also lacking, very fatty and the sauce was spicy however too heavy on the smoke. The regular chicken was ok, but dry, the other meats were nothing spectacular. sad to say the thing we enjoyed the most was the fried banana. Go for the experience and expect to eat a lot of just avg food, make sure to sign up for the mailing list and get the $20 coupon. Also i think the tables are too close together.
(2)
Tim L.

Been there a few times now and always leave very full and not wanting to see meat for a few days. Last experience was good however the service was just ok. Had to wait for the check for 15 minutes. The waiter we had may have been new. Swordfish is great there.
(4)
Bernard L.

what's not to like...quick and attentive service, surprisingly good salad bar, and your choice of meats and fish. i was partial to the lamb (especially the chops), ribeye, and both fishes. and keep the fried bananas coming.
(4)
Y M.

This is for the meat lovers. The meat was cooked perfectly.
(5)
David K.

We've been to Fogo de Chao a few times and love it. So, we thought we'd try Chima. It was fine, we didn't love it. The salad bar isn't nearly as impressive as Fogo's. The meats were good. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a 14 person birthday party, so it was a little loud. We know it's not a romantic, quiet type of place, but it was a little too much. And at some point it seemed like the servers came non-stop and then we didn't see them for 30 minutes. So, while we enjoyed the place overall. We pretty much decided we're heading back to Fogo whenever we want to overdose on meat.
(3)
Ryan C.

I have never had such bad (but happy) service at a restaurant. Our waiter(s) were nice guys, but didn't come around for forever to welcome us. I ordered a glass of red wine and he put it in a white glass, only to come back and say "Sorry! can i take you glass I poured it in the wrong one and if my manager sees I'll be in trouble! I'll just put it in another glass." They had no idea what the restaurant offered in the way of drinks or even what meats would be coming around the tables. They had to leave the table to seek an answer for most anything we asked (maybe I should give them a pass because it was still a bit new at the time.) Anyway, on the important stuff. The food was OK. At the same price as Fogo, you get lesser quality meats (but fish options) and a truer salad bar. I say 'truer' because it was more akin to a cheaper buffet salad bar (like pasta salads.) Some people love it, some people love Fogo's colossal asparagus, marinated mushrooms, Parmesan wheel, and delicious mozzarella. I am in the later category. When I am paying for food in this price bracket I want something that doesn't seem half-assed and cheap. I don't want cold meat and fish to come to my table (chima), and I don't want ALMOST-Like-Fogo side dishes and bread (but not as good.) Sorry, that this review is so negative. The thing i like the most about Chima was the atmosphere. It seemed less 'touristy' than Fogo and a little more cozy. It was also a little slower than Fogo, in a good way. At Fogo D Chao they have "Brazilian Steakhouse" down to a science a.k.a. 'get-em-in get-em-full get-em-out." I won't be going back here unless someone explicitly tells me they have improved.
(2)
April L.

We went during restaurant week, but we opt for the regular menu instead because my boyfriend wanted lampchops and filet mignon, we sat in the most crowded area but sometimes we were ignored even though our cards were flipped to orange. The filet mignon was so delicious, that was the best part, but some of the chicken they had was sort of dry. Some other meat that had was very salty, sometimes too salty for my taste. Dessert was phenomenal, the tiramisu blew me away! I would come back, but only for special occasions because after tax and tips were included, it was about $67 per person.
(4)
Sarah K.

Have I never reviewed Chima's before? That seems impossible. I've been here so many times. I've never been to Fogo, so I can say with confidence, that this is my favorite Brazilian Steakhouse in Philly. Let's see if that ever changes with a visit to Fogo. Unfortunately, I would have liked to give Chima's 4 stars, but since I am not actually a fan, I don't think Chima's deserves it. Honestly, every time I come here, Chima's loses its luster. They do have an awesome salad bar (sometimes it is not super, super fresh, but fresh enough), sides, like cheesy mashed potatoes and cheesy puff bread, and Guarana soft drink, and they do unload a mountain of meat on you. Perhaps because I cannot shove so much meat into my little, tiny belly, I find this place over priced. I really recommend that you only come here for restaurant week - the meats you are missing out on during this time are made up for by the quantity of meats that you actually can eat. If the prices were always at restaurant week prices (which even then, is an even $50 including tip and tax), maybe then, would I raise my rating to 4 stars.
(3)
Clare J.

Went during Restaurant Week. Was slightly hesitant after reading some other R.W. reviews, but we had an absolutely wonderful experience. We had a 7:15 reservation for 2 and arrived early. We were seated at once. We were both a bit skeptical because we were seated in a far, far dining room with two huge tables with parties of 20+ at each. Based on other reviews we expected to be ignored and never see any meat. Not the case! Our server Tod arrived almost immediately with the drinks iPad and his recommendations. He was friendly, funny, efficient and informative. He and his co-server were fantastic throughout the night. We headed to the salad bar first. The quinoa and edamame and the artichoke salad were my favorites. The prosciutto and salami were also good. Wasn't crazy about any of the cold, cooked veggies. The second we sat down the meat showed up and did not stop. We had to turn over our cards several times just to try to get in a bite before the next skewer showed up. I loved the Picanha Nobre (sirloin with garlic, SO good), the salmon with passionfruit sauce, the linguiÃ§a sausage, and the bacon wrapped chicken, which was surprisingly flavorful and juicy. I really wanted this to be a 5 star review because we had such amazing service and food the whole night, but the cocktails were a huge disappointment, especially considering the price. I'm new to Philly, but when you are charging Hollywood drink prices for a watered down beverage, I am not going to be happy about it. We went with passion fruit caipirinhas. I thought they were overly sweet, but no flavor and very, very weak. I would have been fine if they were sweet from passion fruit, but there was barely a hint of it in the drinks and you cold barely tell there was cachaca in there. Maybe the bar was over run with orders since the place was absolutely packed, but considering the drinks cost nearly half the price of the meal, they were definitely a waste of money in my book.
(4)
Teddy M.

I've never written a review before so this would be my first time. Also, this will be the last time we'll be eating in this restaurant. Ever. Don't worry. Service, in terms of the usual hi how are you and so on was great. However, the entire experience was dull. First of all, we reserved for mother's day. Since the first time we got here, we felt like it was a mistake. This restaurant was so racist. They seated us all the way in the back because we're Asians. Then the people who they call "chefs" came to our table one by one but they were asking us with a sour face whether we want the certain kind of meat or not. Then, we didnt even have enough time to decide, they walked away as if we didnt want anything. Really? Then when they all think that we're done. They didnt even bother to come to our table anymore. They just keep skipping us like we're homeless in the corner waiting for food. I tell you, the busser (Nick) worked way harder than the chefs or the servers. What kind of business is this place running? I'm telling you, Fogo De Chao was well worth more than this scam and it's cheaper than what they charged too. So NOT recommended.
(1)
Crystal L.

At first the dining experience started very crappily. There was some misunderstanding and they thought we wanted the salad only option. After seeing the servers bypass our table for a few minutes we realized the error and the manager quickly corrected it. However, I think I would've been happier with a salad bar only option anyway because most of the meat were overcooked. I think they put it back on the grill after bringing it out for a round so that they can keep the meat warm. Also, the salad bar had more than just veggies, there were different types of seafood like salmon, bay scallops, and they also had beef carpaccio and cured meats. The service at the end was stellar. We were celebrating a birthday and they brought out the dessert with a candle, usually standard service but then the manager also took a picture of us and developed it right away and had a paper frame - the type that you generally have to pay $15 at an amusement park. Wow! They definitely know how to make a night special. I would definitely go back whenever I'm in the city.
(4)
Rose V.

Came here for my girlfriends birthday a month ago and I loved it! Host greeted us immediately when we walked in and then seated us right away. I know I shouldn't compare them to their neighbor competition, but Fogo had better sides /: I loved the fact that they noted the occasion and remembered to bring out a lit dessert/cake for my gf's birthday. On top of that we got a group picture that was printed for her to have as a souvenir! I thought that was cute and something that simple, shows customer appreciate :)
(4)
Erika C.

Great food. Great service. Very pricy. We enjoyed the salad bar a great variety and the meats were well seasoned. If you are new to the restaurant I advise you to start slow with the meats. When you first get there they come so quickly with the rodizio.. So many different types of meats that once you taste like 5 you quickly start to fill up. Overall great place!
(4)
Ray L.

I was here for Christmas Eve a couple years ago and I had very high hopes. I had never been to a Brazilian steakhouse but had heard great things so I went in with my expectations pretty high. And they were all matched and then surpassed. We decided to go there for Christmas Eve dinner and got the first reservation time. The outside looks great, kind of what you would expect. When we went in we were told that since we were a little early, we would have to sit at the bar and wait. That was fine, a drink was in order anyway. My wife got some wine and I got a caipirinha. I let her try my drink and that was a mistake because she liked it so much she took it. We were at the bar for awhile and had a nice conversation with the bartender. Finally, we were seated. Since we were the first seating the restaurant was literally empty. So we sat then decided to go over to the massive salad bar. It was huge and had an amazing selection of everything you could think of. All kinds of veggies, salads, cheese and cured meats. BUT IT'S A TRAP!!!! Don't fill up on all of those amazing things because you won't have enough room to eat all of the meat they are going to bring to you! So when we finally sat down the parade of meat started. As long as your coaster is green and not flipped to red they will ask you if you want some. Since we were the first and only people in the restaurant they all immediately came to us. Filet mignon, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken wrapped in bacon, short ribs, fish with mango sauce and so much more. In rapid succession because they all just came to us. They also would periodically drop off an appetizer like fried cheese or plantains. This place is amazing and we will be back.
(5)
Kim M.

I can't speak for the normal dining experience because I came here for a work event, but needless to say I would definitely come here if I had an occasion for a nice dinner. For the event there was a cocktail spread of about 5-7 choices. I can't say all of them were really good but what was worth remembering was the skewered tomatoes&fresh mozzarella, the cheese bread (basically cheese balls of heaven), the artichoke-wrapped smoked salmon, cream cheese, & capers, and - of course - the meat. We were served either rib-eye or sirloin but either way it was cooked to perfection. I went up 4 times to refill my plate even on just this limited selection of food. Also, they had 3 great sauces to pair with the meat. The one with basil in it was my favorite.
(5)
A E.

This is another restaurant week review. But still, even with a slightly limited menu, we got a pretty good idea of what it was like. To be blunt, filet is mostly as tasteless as it is tender, so I wasn't shedding any tears that it wasn't out there. I will say that there was a rather large gap between our seating, and anyone stopping by our table, but once it started people came at quite a rush, so I can imagine the kitchen getting slammed with a mass seating. Fortunately, they had quite the salad bar to keep you busy in the meanwhile. Usually I try to avoid it, as it stops you from the meat course, but they had a rather large selection of cured and smoked meats...which were rather tasty so I really felt that I was getting my money's worth. If that wasn't enough, the apps (cheese bread, croquettes) were nice little note while waiting for the real deal. I don't know if it's high cuisine, or whether my mood improved with the theater of presentation, but I would definitely splurge every so often to be back.
(4)
Kimberly Y.

I came to Chima for the steak, but was more impressed by the salad bar, which is pretty extensive and fresh! The steak was average, and probably not worth the price. If I remember correctly, I was surprised by the sirloin being good, but the filet was meh. *WARNING* The Restaurant Week price does not include filet mignon, ribeye, top sirloin(?), or lamb. Basically, you can just get chicken and flank steak. You will end up paying pretty much normal price if you want these options + salad + dessert, which is what we ended up doing. The service was all right. They didn't seem to have a good system going, so some meats seemed to often skip our table, so we had to flag some down. They're very nice, but also sometimes give the wrong temperature of meat. I understand it can be hard to find the right temperature on one slab of meat, but at least let us know instead of confirming that it was medium well. My friend who likes well done steak had a pretty hard time, and my medium well pieces seemed to have quite a bit of blood. Chima was definitely full to the brim during Restaurant Week, so it was really loud and busy. Of course, this meant that my table also had to shout so we could hear each other. We were very intrigued by the one dancing clip that played over and over on the walls of the large dining area in the back... I'm not sure if this is normal or what they're going for.
(3)
Kelly C.

Excellent delicious food!! Such a good atmosphere and the waiters were very attentive and nice. Would definitely come back!
(5)
Luxxi R.

Quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants, for the Parmesan biscuits alone!!! Filet is always great n the fresh mozzarella on the salad bar is to die for. Try the red sangria, cheesecake and tiramisu too. Service is usually great. I went one time n locked my keys in the car, they called someone and had me inside the car in no time! Went again last night for restaurant week and the server wasn't as attentive as usual but we still had a great time. My only thing is- it's not really a kid-friendly environment lol but I mean realistically I shouldn't expect every restaurant to cater to kids. My daughter did enjoy the white rice n filet tho. She also made a smiley face with her delicious dessert!
(5)
Greta H.

The food was to die for! First the salad bar was the best one I've ever been to! Such different amazing options and my favorite was the vegetable rice! Then there were the amazing sides like the fried banana and creamy mashed potatoes YUMMM! And by this time I was already so full but the meat service was amazing. Parmesan crusted chicken, sirloin, salmon, and the bacon wrapped chicken were my personal favorites, I'm a college student and getting to experience that for 35 dollars during restaurant week was a really amazing experience! Can't wait for the day when I can afford to go there often!
(5)
Samantha B.

This is a great restaurant. The filet, house steak, and garlic steak are all very good. I went for restaurant week so the variety was limited. The fried bananas were also very good. The former salad bar was very tasty. The rice and Caesar salad was tasty. It was not too loud, so the atmosphere was pretty calm. The bathrooms were also nice.
(4)
Ophelie A.

Let me explain why the 1 Star. The service and food were really good. I was not crazy about the restaurant layout. It was ok. The Brazilian Steakhouse in Town Square, Las Vegas out shines by far. Dinner was great! There were 6 of us, and we valet parked. We arrived about 8pm and for three of our party guests this was a first time. Our tab including tip was $532.26. Which I don't remember seeing anywhere that they automatically add 18% when it is a party of six. And that's a shame, because we normally do 20% when we really like the service. Our Servers were great. (In the restaurant that is). As we were leaving I gave my daughter back her $100, which I folded and handed her trying to be discreet. She mistook the notion and handed it to the valet attendant. She assumed it was a dollar, each one of us was handing the attendant a dollar. This was not planned it just seemed to happen that way, even though he was already taken care of on arrival. We had given him a pretty substantial gratuity. We don't realize what happened with the $100 until the next morning. My daughter upset that she made such a mistake. We called the restaurant to explained to the manager what happened and hoping the valet attendant would be honest enough to return the extra money! The manager told my us that the valet attendant said he never received $100 from us. That's really sad that he was not being honest. Needless to say, I will not go back and have told other family and friends about our situation and the outcome. So, sorry city of Brotherly Love, but I wish honesty could be added to that mantra! You get ONE STAR for lack of honesty. So I just told my daughter to think of it as a gift and perhaps this man really needed the money. We hope he put it to good use.
(1)
Michelle D.

Don't know why Chima only had 3.5 stars when I opened Yelp. This meal has blown me a-way. The food is fresh and beautifully prepared. The staff are super attentive and friendly. Even the desert was amazing, though I was way too stuffed already!! This was my first time at a Brazilian steak house... I recommend you try it, unless you're a vegetarian. ;)
(5)
Xindy W.

Im usually not a meaty person, but Chima was an exception. Overall experience was great. The servers are always asking if you want meat and always filling your water. Ambiance was great as well, meat was great. Only thing that I was not impressed by was the salad bar because of the limited options they offered.
(4)
Sam P.

-The service was absolutely atrocious -they sat us 45 minutes after our reservation time -they didn't give us our side until we asked for them twice and they it came at the end of the meal -meat was subpar -overall dinner experience was 2.5/10
(2)
Ilana R.

Delicious food, wonderful service. A bit too pricey for being Brazilian...but clearly not something you do too often. Was celebrating a birthday and felt great.
(5)
Maggie L.

Went last night with friends for restaurant week. Food was good-- probably not worth $54/meal-- but the service was HORRIBLE. We were seated and ordered drinks, everything went along nicely and servers were polite. However, after being served our initial drinks/appetizers, our waiter did not return to our table ONCE. We had to flag people down to a.) take away our dirty plates & cups, b.) order more drinks after we'd finished our first, and c.) receive our check. The inattentiveness of the waitstaff was ridiculously unprofessional. Not only that, but I tried to order a light beer, and had to wave someone down. Waited 20 minutes, it never came. Flagged down a separate waitress to re-order my beer-- again, never received it. Finally we had to walk up to the staff and ask for the check (as we were finished and again no one came to check up on us during our 2+ hours of dining), and guess what? I was charged for a beer that I never got! There's no way I was paying that. Management would do well to rotate out their wait staff or do extensive re-training, but I don't really care much as I will not be going back to this place. I would rather spend that kind of money at a restaurant with normal-to-great customer service. Also, we were sitting under an HVAC duct and I got a huge piece of dirt/lint in my water, like the size of a fingernail. Again, had to flag down a waitress to get different glass of water...
(1)
Sophia Q.

So here's the deal. We visited this place during restaurant week - yes, I understand that the crowd was probably much more than they were equipped to handle, but considering they do this every restaurant week, I would still expect better from them. Our reservation was for 7:45 pm and we weren't seated until 8:10 pm. OK, that's forgivable. I'm not unreasonable. We immediately headed to the salad bar, as we were starving. Our "first course" of polenta, fried bananas and mashed potatoes didn't arrive until 25 minutes later. Unusual, I thought, but they must be really busy (which they were). However, come around 9:20 pm, we had only received two cuts of meat. Interesting. It also has to be noted that my husband is almost strictly a meat eater, so he did not fill up on the salad bar....so he was literally starving. Finally around 9:50 pm, we complained to the manager that we'd only received 3 cuts of meat, despite being seated at 8:10. She immediately went out of her way to make sure more came our way. OK. 3-4 servers came rather quickly to our table. However, after that, we again experienced long waiting times. Ultimately, while I filled up on the salad bar, my husband left the restaurant mildly hungry (and he's not someone who eats a lot). Given that it's restaurant week, but customers are still paying $35 a person, plus taxes, plus tip. That's a lot of money, because our bill ultimately came out to $53 a person (regular dinner price is $54). Pros: The food is good. The waitress brought our dessert very quickly (also very good), a very kind manager who did her best. Cons: Terrible service, terrible "self-tipping techniques" (a VERY generous tip was automatically added to our bill, despite them not deserving it!), terrible wait times. I've been to MUCH better Brazilian steakhouses. Don't waste your money on this one.
(1)
Cindy W.

I'd like to give it 3.5 stars, the food is delicious, wait staff attentive, restaurant nicely decorated but once you've gone to Fogo de Chao nothing compares to their service or grandeur
(3)
Tiffany T.

Restaurant Week Review: I am in LOVE with their salad bar. I couldn't get enough. Pile on the portebello mushroom salad, the soup, prosciutto, salami, fresh cheese, jumbo asparagus, corn custard galore. The seafood salad was really good too. I know a lot of guys are like let's eat as much meat as possible! I on the other hand, like to ENJOY my meal, and get a little bit of everything. THE MEAT: 3 stars overall for this. For a few reasons - we kept getting the same meat over and over. flanksteaksflanksteakchicken/chickenwithbacon/Âflanksteak/flanksteak. We finally stopped eating -- and a server finally came by and asked " is there a particular meat you would like?"-- this gentleman in the glasses is the ONLY reason this is above a 2 star review. I told him " we've only been seeing chicken and flank steak. Haven't seen salmon, top sirloin, ribs, cheesesteak, swordfish... basically NOTHING EXCEPT CHICKEN". He apologized and said he would relay the message to his manager. Thing's were a bit smoother after that. Except Mr. Flanksteak came back another whopping 4 times.. We did have to wait about 16-20 minutes for both the fish, and about 12-15 minutes for the rest of the meat to come around. Never did see the cheesesteak though. But I wasn't waiting another minute. Quality? It's all seasoned very generically but okay. Salt, pepper, a bit of garlic on some. Good for the price during restaurant week only imo. Flan - 3.5 stars. I've had better at another competing steakhouse up in Northeast. Overall - I would only return for RW.. but probably not for another 2 years. Meat overkill
(3)
Gary W.

My wife and I just love this steakhouse. We have dined here a few times and they just get it right. The service s top notch- my only complaint would be that it takes a while to get a drink from the bar,, that does need to be fixed- Other than that- food is great, love love their salad bar- and let us not forgot it is all about the meat. Nice job!
(5)
Carol C.

I am a genuine meat lover and was so happy to be able to come here for restaurant week. Although some of the meat was limited for the occasion, I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The decor was much more romantic than I thought, and there were so many servers at your attention; they're just waiting at the wall until you take a sip of water so they can refill it. My reason for 4 star instead of 5 is the inconsistency of meat. Sometimes id ask for medium rare and get well done; the pork would be juicy the first time and then taste like jerky the second time around. Nonetheless, i would come again, but only when there is a special. I wouldn't pay $50 because I'd be taking a chance on what I'm eating.
(4)
Larry F.

Two friends and I came here during restaurant week, being tricked into believing that there was a $15 discount on its regular menu. No, we were misled. Sure we might have missed some fine print on the restaurant week description, but we were told that the $45 menu does not include things like filet mignon, top sirloin, and lamp chops. What else is there to eat? Plus, you get assigned a different color badge, so that the whole restaurant could see that you're not having the full experience, so we gulped, and went for the full menu. FOOD: 4/5 --Salad Bar: Even though this is a steakhouse, the quality of the salad bar is a good way for me to gauge the quality of the food, and serves as a first-impression kind of thing. Unfortunately, things just didn't seem as fresh as they were at Fogo de Chao, and selection seemed on the fewer side. --Steak: I don't have much to complain about. I love meat. The meathandlers (meat boys?) frequented our table and respected our choices. Sometimes, they would get our desired temperature wrong. I'm a fond appreciator of medium rare, but a couple times it was definitely more like medium well instead. SERVICE: 4/5 As said above, the meathandlers frequented our table and rarely left us empty plated. Our waiter was friendly and accommodating. The two ladies were also quite friendly while we awaited our table to be set up. AMBIANCE: 1/5 This is was really killed my experience. People here were so noisy, I felt at times that I wasn't at a Brazillian Steakhouse, but more so a butcher shop or meat market. A lot of shouting, and people around us constantly took photos with flash. Adding onto this, I had no idea what the TVs were playing on the side...repeatedly. It was so out of place, and nothing seemed at all classy as it does at Fogo. But it's all the same price. RECOMMENDATION: Chima is good for groups. If you plan on being rowdy, come here, don't ruin the scene at Fogo. Besides this, oh gosh, why settle for Chima when Fogo de Chao is just a couple blocks away? Sure a Chima reservation is easier to come by, but personally, I don't think I had a worthwhile experience here. Goodbye forever Chima, I've fallen in love with Fogo de Chao.
(3)
Ericka C.

Awesome cheese puffs & whipped potatoes. Great salad bar options; plus meat for days!
(5)
Nazee Z.

I love this place. The ambience is so awesome! You have these waiters walking around in mc hammer plants bringing you large juicy skewers of delicious meats that all melt in your mouth! Not only is the meat amazing but the salad bar's pretty good too! Cesar salad is amazing (it's weird that good steak houses always have good cesar salad, and this one holds true). As for drinks, there's one that called crimancha or something? It's sugar cane rum pounded into limes and served on the rocks. So easy to drink but still very strong ;) Also, eat the limes at the end, they're soaking in rum and sooo delicious
(5)
Robert O.

A year or so ago friends of ours suggested we all visit this place after a Phillies game. Plans for that fell through, but the dream lived on. In the year since, I have heard many folks talk about how great Brazilian steakhouses are. This week is our anniversary. A friend of mine had a show in Philly that we planned on attending. I figured dinner would complement that well. I began researching Chima. My wife signed off on it and we made reservations. I love being able to have filet, lamb, sirloin, pork, etc. all in the same meal. That is the takeaway from this meal: variety. The salad bar is large and makes a good visual impression. Next visit, however, I will probably pass on it so there is more room for meat. I eat pretty much a paleo diet. Because of that, I shunned the various salads save spinach and mushrooms. I picked some sliced meats and roasted peppers. Yum! The asparagus were trees. Yikes! Everything was visually appealing. The taste was fine, but not outstanding. Chilled plates would greatly enhance my opinion of the salad bar. Once we finished the salad course, we decided to see how the meat worked. We turned over the cards. The gauchos began arriving. I passed on chicken as I always eat chicken. My wife proclaimed that it was the best meat she had all evening. It wasn't long before I turned the card to stop as we had lots of meat on our plate. I ended up tasting everything save that chicken and the seafood. Tonight, my favorite meat was the garlic sirloin, which I ate several slices of. The leg of lamb did not come out until the end of our meal. It did not impress me. Nor did the chicken wrapped in bacon or the sausage. The leg of lamb was dry, the chicken overcooked, and the sausage was blah. The sirloin and the filet, however, were outstanding. I thought the ribeye would have been my favorite. It was fine, but paled to the sirloins. I was impressed with how the gauchos cut the meats from the spits. I enjoyed the lamb chops. After serving my wife, there were no other medium-rare. The gaucho apologized and said he would bring me out some. In the time between, I had flipped my card. That did not deter him. I was grateful for his attention. Meat. Lots of it. Loved it. My wife wanted us to have dessert. I had decided I had finally filled up on the meat. The last filet in butter convinced me. We opted for the papaya cream and the chocolate-coffee mousse. I liked the papaya cream; it was light and refreshing after such a heavy meal. The mousse was dense and a meal of itself. It was cut with the raspberry sorbet. It was tasty, just the wrong choice for us after such a big meal. I enjoyed our meal out. Meat. That's what dining here is about. You can have meat prepared more elegantly elsewhere, but you won't have the variety on your plate nor the amount. We agreed that this would be a fun place to enjoy with a larger group of people. Chima exudes a festive evening out.
(4)
Phillip S.

I came here for restaurant week and got the $35 prix fixe which didn't include a few of the meats on the regular menu. The salad bar and the meats I ate were of decent quality but definitely not as good as fogo de chao. The service was TERRIBLE. I don't know whether it was because my table was in a corner or because I was there early-ish around 5:00pm. I saw waiters walking around but they seemed to forget my table. I probably spent 2.5 hours there and more than half the time I was there my plate was completely empty. This is unforgivable at a place like this. I will never be coming back to Chima.
(1)
Cristina P.

To begin with, as is typical of any steakhouse, it is quite pricey for a simple night out. I went during restaurant week expecting that we were receiving a discount only to find there were hidden fees for selections we thought were included. The place is noisy and not conducive to conversation especially since you have a different waiter visiting your table every minute asking if you'd like a slice of whatever meat he happened to be carrying. This being said, there is a wide variety of different and delicious foods with emphasis on the different meats. Being the carnivore that I am, all the meats were tender and juicy. Just beware again, you have to be willing to pay extra for the good stuff (top sirloin, filet mignon). The salad bar was decent, but a limited selection compared to other steakhouses I've visited. Moreover, the decor is simple, but a little too crowded for my taste. And since there are so many tables, many times we had to flag down the waiter to get him to refill our water or we had to wait for him to get another slab of meat. You can't really blame the servers for they worked very hard to accommodate everyone but there were just to many people to manage.
(3)
Grace L.

I'm not sure why this place isn't as well-rated as Fogo. It may be because Fogo has a bigger name but I definitely prefer this place. I suppose if you want a lot of different cuts, Fogo may be better. But Chima actually listens to your request of the temperature of the meat which matters to me. Once, I went with a friend who wanted her meat medium well, lol, and the server actually gave us our cuts, went back into the kitchen to cook one chunk at medium well, then gave her the entire piece! That is what I call good service. :)
(5)
Larry M.

A few friends and I went here for a guys night out b/c why wouldn't you pick this kind of place for that kind of event.A couple of us arrived early before our reservations so we went to the bar to wait. The bartenders were very nice and knowledgeable. They knew exactly was was in stock and not. I'll keep it simple there is not much to complain about. The meats - we had all of them and they were all good to great. The service was pretty good could have been a little better.
(4)
Alex L.

Been to Chima on several occasions and had a good experience everytime. As usual their filet and swordfish is always on point. But the salmon gets too dry if you don't eat it right away. Salad bar has a great selection of greens. Now to why I gave them 4 and not 5 stars is because on a couple occasions I've experience some wait time even though I've made reservations in advance. And also I believe their service could be a bit more hospitable. Their entree crew members are a bit rude when you ask them for a different piece when not satisfied with the piece you are given. But other than that the experience is always great.
(4)
Mark T.

All you can eat steak--- high quality meat--- fantastic salad bar--- great service--- hot Brazilian waiters. What more could you want? Don't go for restaurant week--- too crowded for them to staff adequately, and they don't offer the most expensive cuts unless you pay the normal price.
(4)
Donald W.

First, I would like to say I am huge fan of Brazilian Steakhouses. I have been to Fogo de Chao and Rodizio Grill, but Chima is by far my favorite. This is no exaggeration; I have been to Chima more than 15 times. For a while, this was my go to place for birthdays, bachelor parties, holidays (went there for Thanksgiving once) and just because the food and service was that good. This place has something for everyone - a huge salad bar stocked with a variety of fresh salads, veggies and dinner sides, an extensive bar which carries some South American beers, and, course, a great selection of meats. Two of my favorites include the pork and beef ribs, though the selection spans beef, pork, chicken, and selected seafood. The staff is always helpful and they try to make your dining experience a pleasurable one. I would recommend, taking your time and enjoying yourself and the experience. I often tell first timers to go in and take it slow. This marathon and not a sprint.
(4)
Esther S.

A great Brazilian Meat place But I wouldn't put it on par as Fogo De Chao but in its own right it was great. The price difference is set for a reason, but food wise its great. The meat is cooked well and the service is great. I always look out for the ribeye and the fillet mignon. Also the chicken is awesome. The sidebar always well-stocked with a variety of things that cut the richness of all the meet. I particularly enjoy the cheese and the asparagus. Also recommend to get the Brazilian ginger ale. I always make it a priority to get this because it's so good. There are moments when I got a piece of meat that was cooked more than I requested. But whenever I let the server know they would promptly change to another meet or get another server to come by. For someone who loves meat and it really hits the spot.
(4)
Liz F.

A new favorite! I visited this restaurant during center city restaurant week and was very impressed! The salad bar choices are extensive and delicious and the steak was prepared perfectly! I will definitely return!
(5)
Im T.

I was there for private function/VIP room with 40+ work people. The place is great and has a warm ambience in the VIP room. The room set up was perfect. Staff were very friendly and professional. They have a HDTV, which i used to show a short I Movie, which after an initial issue was resolved and worked out perfectly. The food is of good quality and all of us loved the salad bar. Since it was a large group, some of us did not eat much meat. Arranging the event was very smooth and I want to send a special Thanks to Fatima and Lexie for making it a memorable event.
(5)
Janis D.

We went last night for dinner to celebrate my son's birthday. It was a great mix of meat, fish and vegetables. The salad bar was top notch, which was a hit with me. I like meat, but I also need my veggies. They sat us on time, service and wine were good, and they served the birthday cake we brought. The only suggestion I have is for them to please figure out a way to wrap scraps for people's dogs so they don't go to waste. I know that people will abuse if you are allowed to take home at an all you can eat, but the waste is a shame.
(4)
Vivian T.

This is the standard all you can eat brazillian steak house with the unlimited meat plus the rocking salad bar. The salad bar was so awesome with palm of heart, grilled artichoke salad, TBM salad, seafood salad, caesar, etc. As always, the steaks were very good and cooked to the patron's perfection (even well done). The service was the best part. I love how the wine list comes on an iPad for convenience. The staff always cleared our plates and asked us how are dining experience was. Note you may have to ask the server for certain highly demanded cuts like filet mignon or the beef ribs... those items don't just go walking around... so ask and you will get. The price is $50 a person plus tax and tip ... brings it closer to $70 per person... so for two of us it was $140. What an expensive buffet... prob not coming back b/c I know I can go to a Jose Garces for that price. Nothing against Chima but I'm a numbers girl and this just wasn't the bang for the buck.
(4)
Eric D.

Met a friend for lunch there this week. My preference was Fogo de Chao but it was closer and figured it'd been at least a year since I last tried Chima. Service was friendly but painfully slow and we had to remind them twice to refill a side. Cocktail ordered when seated took a good 15-min to show up. Requesting the bill? Another 10 minutes before he returned with it. It was lunch... normally people have some sense of urgency during the work week and there was no more than 10 customers seated. Finally, they only offered 3 cuts of beef, chicken and salmon. Requested if they had could bring anything else? Something wrapped in bacon perhaps? Nope, that was all they made available for lunch. The meat and chicken served was tasty, however, at Fogo you'll get the FULL dining experience during lunch and the service is always impeccable. Easily worth the extra few dollars to leave full, happy, and in a timely manner. There's good reason why it's always possible to find coupons available for Chima -- shaving a few $ off the bill is only possible edge they can have to compete with Fogo de Chao. If you pay full price to dine at Chima, you overpaid. If you got a deal, there's a good chance the service will dissuade you from returning.
(2)
Anthony S.

I've been to Chima twice and, during both visits, the service was very disappointing. Additionally, I've found the food to be mediocre and the drinks to be subpar. The first was when I graduated from college. We had made a reservation for our large party and were told that, since we were celebrating a graduation, we got some special discount. After our meal, the server brought our check without the discount. When we pointed this out to the server, she said we weren't eligible for the discount because our reservation was on a Saturday. It took our asking for a manager and their confirming our discount to wrap up the evening. My guess was that the server was trying to pad her tip. This past Friday, we visited again. The service was incredibly slow with drinks, clean plates and delivering the check. Numerous items were forgotten until we asked for them, sometimes as many as three times. The food was simply ok and my drink was weak. For the same money, I'll go to Fogo de Chao and enjoy the experience.
(2)
Jeff M.

Okay. So my first experience with a Brazilian steakhouse was Fogo de Chao. And it was... I'm trying to think of a descriptive term that does it justice... Breathtaking? Yes, that's actually an appropriate word; it literally took my breath away. Because I was having trouble breathing with all that meat in my stomach pushing my (thoracic) diaphragm up. And yet, in some ways, I think I may have enjoyed Chima more... I'm sure I've offended some of the Brazilian steakhouse connoisseurs, but hear me out. The meat is better at Fogo. I'm not even going to argue against that. Is it significantly better? I can't say that it was (significantly better, I mean). Fogo [greater than symbol] Chima, but not enough to make a difference (to me). I think Chima's meat options held their own. However, Chima also offered fish the last time I went while Fogo did not. I like fish. Fish gets extra points. Also, Chima's salad bar... ::pantomimes head exploding:: That's it.
(4)
Mandy T.

I came here for restaurant week this past Sunday with reservations at 7:45. This was my first time at a Brazilian steakhouse and I'm glad I got to experience it. I thought the restaurant week deal is great since this is an all you can eat there's plenty of meat and I was stuffed by the end of the night. I wouldn't have been able to eat all the meats if I wanted to. The things that weren't included in the restaurant week pricing were the more pricier items like the filets, two types of lamb, and rib-eye. It was still pretty busy when we came and we got seated at a table off to the side but the service was great. We had a waitress that came by with the electronic drinks menu and another server that recommended drinks and explained to us how the steakhouse worked with the little tabs that you can flip over when you want meat to start coming. They also had deals on their wines for $30 a bottle. Our water glasses and our wine glasses were constantly checked on to make sure they were filled and people were always by to pick up dishes, clean the table, refill appetizers. I tried to not fill up too much on the salad bar since I was there for the meat. I did try some seafood salad which was a little bland and I had some edamame and quinoa salad which was delish. They had some Parmesan puffs at our table that were really good and beef croquets which were tasty by kind of dry in texture. Out of all the meats that were available for the restaurant week deal I tried everything but the chicken, salmon, and swordfish. The pork and sausage were good. The garlic sirloin and BBQ ribs were very yummy. My favorite was the flank steak which was cooked perfectly. I liked how the Gauchos asked you if you wanted more in case you wanted more than just one slice. The sirloin was also very similar but I was served two pieces of the outer edges of the steak which I think then had too much seasoning and was not as tender as the middle pieces of the flank steak. I also noticed that the sausage and the chicken with bacon Gauchos came around a lot. It was very nice that our waitress noticed and asked us if she could direct certain meats our way which is when we got to try the steaks. YUM! I had a great restaurant experience here!
(4)
Andi S.

I really like Chima. The service is always classy and attentive without being overbearing. I don't eat mammals, but there is plenty for me from which to choose from the salad bar as well as ordering freshly cooked fish from their kitchen. Absolutely delicious. I do wish that they would add more choices for the salad bar, like Fogo has. I also with they would have a wider variety of fish, instead of the usual salmon and tuna. I would like to see them include any of the the following sustainable fish: Abalone, artic char, barramundi, bass, branzino, capelin, sea bass, cod, smelt, sea bream, haddock, halibut, mackerel, mahi-mahi, mullet, perch, pollock, scad, seatrout, sturgeon, swordfish, tilapia and wreck fish. Their wine selection is excellent and their cocktails are always en pointe.
(4)
Ellie W.

This was my first time visiting a fancy Brazilian Steak House! My partner and I made reservations for New Year's Eve dinner. The food was fantastic. There is a giant fresh salad bar, which is much more than simply a salad bar: There is an amazing cold seafood salad, myriad cheese and cold cuts, soup, veggies of all kinds, great asparagus, antipastos, and of course ingredients to make your own fancy mixed salad. This alone could be a noteworthy meal, but don't fill up on the first course. The salad bar is followed by (all-you-can-eat) cuts of meat on swords. I left full, but you can try small slices of everything (i.e. many choices), so I was not uncomfortable. It was a fun New Year's Eve meal!
(4)
Ester C.

I made last reservations for a Sunday night at 530pm for 2 people. Right when we got in the restaurant, the hostess greeted us and we were seated right away. I was so glad and surprised because in the past, I still had to wait for quite some time although I made reservations and there seemed to be a lot of people waiting when I entered the restaurant. We went for restaurant week and I love all the variety of selections from cheeses, vegetables, meats, etc. they have at the salad bar. I would say my favorite was the top sirloin and the bbq pork ribs out of all the selections. Honestly I think the pork ribs were the best ribs I have tried so far. The swordfish smelled very fishy and yes I know it's a fish but it shouldn't smell like that. Our waitress wasn't the best but she wasn't the worst. She wasn't attentive which was a negative but oh well. I would definitely recommend this place especially for restaurant week.
(3)
Christine B.

I also went to Chima during restaurant week. I had an amazing experience here, except for my inability to control how much I ate. Food: Amazing. Especially for the reduced price. The meat was perfect, and the salad bar was great. Fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses etc. Service: Also great. We ended up with a free bottle of wine for having to wait just a few minutes in the lobby before being seated. Our waiter was attentive, and there were a million meat servers. If they ran out of a kind of meat on our table, they would remember and return.
(5)
Kelly H.

4 stars for food - came here for restaurant week so I missed out on a few of their meats, but for $35 you get the majority of the meat options, so totally worth the money. You miss out on very little. All the meat was great. Wasn't a huge fan of the bacon wrapped filet, it had way too much bacon on it which caused the flavor of the filet to be lost completely. 2 stars for drinks - My boyfriend and I are very suspicious that the cocktails we ordered were watered down. He ordered a vodka martini and it literally went down as easy and quick as water. And I ordered a lemon drop martini that was so good... Too good... I couldn't taste any alcohol at all. We are no detectives but if I came back I would definitely skip the cocktails because we were that sure they had water in them. Not worth my money. 3 stars for service- upon arrival (we had a reservation), the hostess told me they were running behind, and couldn't give me an answer of how long.. Not even a ballpark of how long we would be waiting or if it'd be worth it to head to the bar for a drink. I asked and she just shrugged. A little odd. Our waitress was a little hard to find sometimes, but she was great when we got to our table and it was too wobbly, and she immediately helped us move our things to a new table. Compared to fugo de chao, I believe the red meats are similar, white meats better at chima, and salad bar better than fugo.
(4)
Marie M.

I love this place...nothing negative to say!! Every time i go it's always the same ...Excellent food and excellent service... The Best!
(5)
Matthew V.

Come on an empty stomach.
(4)
Dione C.

The food here is AMAZING! I will come back again and again! The all inclusive salad bar is abundant and sometimes a little overwhelming with choices! Every choice of meat and fish they brought to the table was delightful! The service was a little spotty and drinks were not up to par, however the food made up for the let downs in any other area.
(4)
Lauren S.

I had eaten her previously and had a fantastic time food was amazing. My diet has changed over time to more plant based since my 1st visit so didn't see my self coming back but I went to a happy hour here. The food was awesome. But I ordered one drink and when I got my bill 18% tip has automatically be added. Since when does anyone auto add tip for 1 drink on top of that I paid in cash and they lady rounded up and gave me change as if I was planning on giving an even number. Its bad enough you auto added tip on 1 drink but to make it even high is just wrong and rude give me my change, I don't care how small it is. Would totally not recommend going to the bar here. The service was slow I get that it was crowded but they didn't seem to have a flow and I never would of tip that amount if I wasn't forced to.
(1)
Suzy M.

Love, love, love this place! I fell in love ever since the first time I stepped foot into this place. This is where my bf & I go to wine & dine ourselves. Every time it's like heaven walking into there. This place is a must!!
(5)
Erin C.

I have been at this place several times and had excellent dining service each time. The appetizers were tasty, especially the cheesy bread. Service was excellent and the meats were delicious as always.
(4)
Thuy H.

My experience here use to be top notch and it kept decreasing the more I go. Last time I came here was for restaurant week. I was so excited thinking that I could enjoy ALL their meats for a discounted price. Wrong!!! They left out the key items I was really looking forward to. No lamb chops!!! WHAT!??!!! That made me extremely sad. But, that wasn't the end of it. Their meats have not been the same lately. They are all seasoned basically the same, even the garlic sirloin!! :-( This was my other favorite piece of meat here before. I use to love the strong scent of garlic aroma in my nostrils and the flavors on my tongue, but now it's just ehhh. Service also use to be better too. With the last few visits, they would cram us into this tiny area. I think they are now more concerned with how many people they can fit into a place and just kept adding more and more tables. Also, my husband's drink came out very slow too. He was basically already getting so full before the drink even arrived. It wasn't a special drink or anything. Just a simple red sangria. The thing that still saves this place is their salad bar. I love the variety they offer. This still has good flavor to it. They have salads, soups, rice, cheese, etc etc. I probably will not be back here again bc I've been dissapointed the last few times. I prefer Nabrasa, but just the drive it so so far!!!
(3)
Angie K.

The cuts of meat were hit-or-miss. Some were too salty, some overdone and dry, and some too fatty. The bacon-wrapped and garlic seasoned meats were my least favorite; they were dry and unremarkable. I enjoyed the side of polenta fingers that were given to the table though. The service was friendly but spotty. Getting refills took awhile and had to be asked for. Hate to do this, but go to Fogo instead.
(2)
Monica L.

PROS: Good quality, awesome salad bar, great dessert, excellent service CONS: Somewhat bland flavors Talk about stuffing yourself to death... Chima lets you experience that (just like any Brazilian steakhouse, I presume). The salad bar consists of a variety of cheeses, smoked salmon, and interesting vegetables (heart of palm, edamame). The meat selection is incredible --- and the staff just keeps coming with more cuts to try. At the end of our feast, we thought about skipping dessert altogether since no one really had any free stomach space, but we decided to share one papaya mousse --- and we did not regret it at all!
(4)
Rondell G.

I went here on Valentines day and had a good time. The food was great, although I became full very fast. The meat just keeps coming if you don't turn your card over, which can be a little annoying. At the end of our evening here, we paid our bill and the waiter came back to our table and said, "HOW MUCH CHANGE WOULD WE LIKE BACK?" I thought I was being punk!! What? Did he think we were not going to leave a tip? I couldn't believe it. We didn't spend $180 dollars on dinner to be insulted at the end of the evening. I won't be going back! I'm going to try Fogo de Chao.
(2)
Pete G.

My girlfriend and I are very big foodies and love to eat and explore restaurants. We have been to many Philadelphia restaurants but never Chima. After hearing of people's good experiences and food there we thought we would give it a try during Philadelphia restaurant week. The place was fairly busy but nothing out of the ordinary. We got seated and everything seemed to be going good. The food was great and the atmosphere. The reason I rated with a one star is because the service was absolutely horrible and will honestly make me never ever consider eating here ever again. Our waitress maybe showed up to our table once the entire two hours we were there. We waited 45 minutes for her to run my card at the end of dinner and yes I timed it on my phone. While other waiters and waitresses were all over there tables and making sure everything was going well. The gentlemen walking around with the meats would walk right past our table even though my hand was up waving them down and my plate empty. I wish I ate more and got to try more meats but waiting for someone to walk up to the table was just outrageous. Great place but the service will cause me to never come back and spend my money at this place.
(1)
Nicole Q.

Amazing meal.....celebrated a birthday here. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Food and service were great. Chocolate torte and raspberry sorbet is delicious. They have an incredible wine list too. Pricey but worth it!
(5)
Scott B.

Went on restaurant week. Long story short...by far the worst Argentinian steakhouse I've ever been in. Food was overly salty and salad bar was measly. Never would go again.
(2)
Michelle K.

Excellent food. Excellent service. Come here on an empty stomach because you will leave feeling almost sick every time but it is so good!
(5)
Carol M.

We went to celebrate my husbands birthday before our group went on vacation there were 5 of us and a 11 month old. The service was amazing . I wish I remember names. One server was Nick . There was also a brunette who was young and very sweet especially with the baby . Brought him special mashed potaotes and a cappachino spoon as that would be perfect for him. Food was amazing . Meat so tender and tasty. They have pagers so if you want a specific meat they page the person to your table. What really got our attention when the bill came a friend paid the whole bill and added tip. The server came back to us to tell us that since there were 6 of us the tip had already been added . They could have had an extra $120 but they came to us without us even knowing. We will be back not just because of the fantastic service & food but because of their honesty that is hard to find . Thank you We were there Friday May 30th 2014
(5)
Steve S.

Well, being the 183rd review here, I'm sure I can't tell you anything about the experience you won't get from reading the writings of my fellow Yelpers. All I can do is weigh in on my experience and add it to the collective karma of this place. And since I have not had the Fogo experience yet, I can't make this review a comparison. I'm aware that Fogo has the extra star and far more reviews here, so I know that Fogo is very much high on the Yelp approval list. I'm coming into this not spoiled by what Fogo apparently offers. What I will say is that if Fogo is that good, then they must be one of the best restaurants in the history of mankind. Because Chima is excellent. I enjoyed the salad bar selection, which I'm glad wasn't too overwhelming. I swear, once I flipped that card, the meat servers came with rapid fire quickness. It actually overwhelmed a couple of our fellow diners who were not used to this (I was part of a party of 8). But in a good way. Some of those meats are just delectable. If you're a steak lover, you won't go wrong with any of the beef choices, especially the filet mignon and the Pichana. The parmesan crusted pork is also out of this world. Lamb was also a great choice, especially the leg of lamb. But was it 5 star perfect? No. A couple of the meat choices were just OK. A mild surprise was that just about everyone at the table thought the bacon wrapped filet was not as good as the regular filet. Somehow it's a little less juicy with the bacon. Also, the linguica didn't seem to go over with some of the diners as a few of the ladies handed it over to their husbands to eat. I thought the linguica was good, although slightly on the chewy side. It may have been slightly overdone. The side dishes they brought to us, some were excellent such as the parmesan bread and the fried banana. Some were a little underwhelming such as the beef croquettes and the mashed potatoes. And from the salad bar, the chicken potato salad and the black beans woth pork over rice are recommended, but not so much on the corn mousse which let me down. But really, I'd say that Chima hit on about 90% of the food they brought to us. I'll call that a great ratio. Everyone in our party enjoyed it tremendously, including my wife who doesn't even eat steak. Yes, it's possible for non red meat lovers to enjoy the experience. Just get a lot of chicken and salmon. But for me, who doesn't get to go out for steak as much as he'd like because of the wife's distaste for it, sitting here with different steaks coming at me was like sitting at a blackjack table with a pair of deuces. Just keep hitting me, dealer!
(4)
Steve M.

Chima has been a go to place for celebrating an event. You can't beat bottomless steak that is rapidly delivered. The salad bar is also superb. Be sure to go on a night where you can dedicate a few hours to sit down, relax, and slowly enjoy some finely cooked meats.
(5)
James S.

Awful. Saturday night 60 minutes behind schedule on reserved tables. Hostess was sweet but they didn't even have enough silverware to bus tables so they could be reset. Poorly run and chaotic. Finally left and sat near the bar at capital grill. Great service, better steak and professional management. Same price! Will never return to chima.
(1)
Amanda C.

Review Summary: Ambience: 4/5 Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 First off, just like the some other reviews that talked about "hidden fees" during Restaurant Week, Chima's Valentine's Day had similar costs involved. For a small glass of Champagne (though it was pretty good Monet), and average desserts for two (which seemed complimentary when the waiter was cheerfully offering it to us), our bill increased by 50%. Call me crazy, but I think that's a little too much! That said, the food here was absolutely delicious. Chima's salad bar truly has a commendable selection-- when I first approached it I feared that it was one of those salad bars that looked better than it tasted, but I was happily proven wrong. The complimentary appetizers/finger foods that come with the meal (presumably to fill you up faster) were also really yummy. We had cheese balls, delightfully creamy mashed potatoes, beef croquettes, and fried bananas. So good. I mention these aspects of the menu in particular because my boyfriend told me that Fogo De Chao, which is often compared with Chima, offers a larger selection and perhaps better tasting selection of meat, but does not offer these other aspects to such a great extent. The top sirloin, garlic ribeye steak, parmesan crusted pork, and other meats here were seriously delicious too.There is no need to pay extra fees for any cuts on a non-Restaurant Week day. Chima is dimly lit and great for an intimate meal. Be prepared for a sudden flurry of servers when you flip your circular cards, but don't worry; though the waiters seem to be in a hurry they're patient and friendly as long as you're willing to talk to them. The head waiters and the manager also made us feel right at home by checking in a couple of times throughout the meal. All in all, were it not for the bombshell of a price tag that came with this meal, it was wholly satisfying. My advice to those trying out a Brazilian Steakhouse for the first time? Know your meats. Read the menu before flipping your card, so that you know what you definitely want to try before the waiters swoop down on you. Once you're ready to eat they'll come in fast, and before you know it you'll be stuffed silly!
(4)
Sovanny B.

I only go for top sirloin and the salad bar. It's great but I would only come here when I feel I need to treat myself.
(4)
Manny V.

Delicious! Came here for restaurant week and did not disappoint! It is extremely similar to Fogo de Chao, you can't go wrong between Fogo and Chima. There's not much else to say since the other reviews say it all, and I had a good experience here.
(4)
Sadie A.

This restaurant has one of the friendliest staffs around. The food is amazing and they have an insane amount of gluten free options. Their manager Peter was exceptionally nice to us as well and made the effort to greet us and make sure we were taken care of. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Patrick H.

Meat was alright but not worth the price tag. Some meats kept coming up way more than others. Sides are meh. What really killed it was the service; at the end of the night, we paid in cash and gave a few dollar coins (thanks Patco, for giving me 15 or so as change). The waitress, Lauren, got an attitude and said that they normally round up the bill and don't accept "jingle jangle" change. Anyway, the whole experience was underwhelming, and I actually left feeling upset at the service. I would not recommend. Plenty of other places to have a nice dinner for $100+ in the city.
(1)
Michelle D.

This is one of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. The staff is top notch, friendly and very knowledgeable. The salad bar was amazing and full of so many choices. The 15-20 different kinds of meat was so tender, delicious, and juicy. I would recommend this place to everyone. If I am lucky enough to go back to Philadelphia...I will go back.
(5)
Timothy C.

Amazing food! Great service. A bit pricey. Overall nice dinning experience. I had the pleasure of spending valentines day dining at Chima. Understandably , the place was packed. We had reservations at 8 and didn't get seated until about 945. Other than being seated late Chima was great.
(4)
L W.

I've been to many Brazilian steakhouses before and use to tout this restaurant as one of my favorites. I even bragged about this place to all my friends and convinced them to have a birthday dinner here last Sunday for restaurant week...that was a huge embarrassment and mistake. We left hungerier than when we arrived... The service was absolutely awful--we were a party of 12 so I guess the server figured he would get his 18% gratuity anyways and didn't bother with us. He didn't explain to us that there were 2 options for restaurant week which was new compared to the last time I came for the same event. There was the $35 per person option which included the salad bar and 4 selections of meat and then another option for $52.50 which is similar to the regular dinner rate but dessert included....server assumed we wanted the $35 option. So was the food good? Beats me....we had a few bites. The passadores (meat waiters) came to our table once and not everyone got a slice. It was just sad looking at all that meat pass by and not getting any. My friend waved down the lamb rack but were told we choose the cheap option so we don't get lamb.Then server finally came back after 2.5 hours and had the nerve to ask if we wanted the check when we barely ate! I felt so bad for bringing my friends here. The bill was over $500 and it was like we ate less than $5 worth of food. Not a great place for large parties.....go to Fogo de Chao.
(1)
al n.

Brazilian rodizio type place. Meats good and plentiful. Service good. However it's very expensive and overpriced, at least for Philly. So wouldn't go back.
(2)
Jason P.

My girlfriend and I visited Chima during restaurant week, but chose to do the regular menu as it restricted some of their best meats. Small disclaimer, I have been to Fogo De Chao and a very high standard has been set. Overall, I was very satisfied by my experience here. The wait staff were prompt in refilling our drinks and taking away dirty plates when needed. We didn't order any alcoholic beverages, but their wine/cocktail list was pretty extensive, albeit expensive. On to the nitty gritty...to start with the salad bar. I went in with low expectations given the quality of Fogo's, but this salad bar is nothing to turn your nose up at. The mix of cheeses, meats, with their assorted veggies and salads were excellent. Their balsamic vinaigrette was very good. An added bonus which I don't believe Fogo has is the sides that are brought to the table including the creamy mashed potatoes (my favorite), fried polenta fries and fried banana. Their cheesie bread was outstanding. Now to the meat! The highlight of the eating experience, so they say. Each meat had its highs and lows. Pros: Filet - perfection Ribeye Bacon wrapped chicken breast Salmon Marinated pork loin Cons: Swordfish - overcooked Lamb chop - lacked flavor Pork ribs - did not like the marinade it was accompanied with This is a great option if you are all "Fogo'd out". The atmosphere is classy, but casual. No need to get too fancy when eating all that food! Highly recommend a trip hear to indulge. Quick note: Sign up for their newsletter and receive a $20 coupon! Great deall!
(4)
Tammy W.

We went to Chima Brzailian Steakhouse for Restaurant Week. I'm not sure if the quality of our meal would have been different had we made reservations for a night that the menu was full price or not. I probably won't find out either. I do have to start with saying the service was outstanding with the exception of our main waiter. He was completely MIA when it came time to pay our bill. We sat at our table with no food or drinks in front of us for well over half of an hour. Fortunately my boyfriend and I enjoy each other's company and chatted the entire time. The salad bar was impressive. Once we were ready to enjoy all of the different meats the came around very quickly. The only problem is that every single thing that we tried was overcooked and dry. I was very disappointed. This is a dinner we were very much looking forward to. Next time we will go to Fogo De ChÃ£o.
(2)
Shaun N.

Had reservation for 8 at 9pm. We arrived at 8:45pm and they told us another 5 mins we will text you. Waiting about 20mins and asked what was the hold up. They said the table is just beginning to clear now.. It'll just be a few more minutes. Waited another 20mins before I went up again and they finally seated us. After sitting down for 15mins, I realized we didn't receive our appetizers. I had to specifically request for it. All in all, waiting an extra 45mind after our reservation time.
(1)
J S.

I found the food here as good as the other chain Brazilian steakhouse here in philly. I like the mashed potatoes at Chima more than at Fogo. I think they have a wider variety of meats which it nice.
(4)
Nisha S.

Love it...great seasonings....nice ambiance...great specials on Wed.. My group was just here for happy hour/philly Sips, but the staff was so friendly and warm, totally did not feel rushed or pressured to stay for dinner. We originally were on our way to Marathon Grill, but it was so over crowded, so we came here instead. The atmosphere was chic and cozy, they had a great menu of drinks and appetizers, they were also very accommodating to the vegetarians in the group. The pineapple chicken skewers with mashed potato side dipping are just delish and the perfect bite with their other drinks. Can't wait to try the main entrees next time. Lauren, our waitress, was awesome.
(4)
Kelly P.

meat on meat on meat. i sat a one of the large tables in the back with a party celebrating a birthday. it appears this is the place everyone comes for a birthday, because during the course of our meal there were approximately 4 cakes with candles brought out for birthday persons. there were two diners at my table that do not eat red meat, which poses a problem. they were told they could use the Green chip that signals staffmembers to bring fish (swordfish, salmon, not sure what else was served). those patrons did not seem to have as good of a time. i ate far too much at the salad bar and far too many of the cheese puff things. i dislike the way many of the staffmembers reached over me for clearing the table and refilling drinks, etc.
(3)
Thom K.

A friend and I wanted to catch some drinks and appetizers to end a very long day. We thought we'd try out the bar/lounge area of Chima. We were really surprised. First of all, Brian (our server) was extremely helpful in making good selections. He was attentive, good natured and a genuinely nice guy. The happy hour specials were solid. 1/2 price drinks and apps. I had bacon-wrapped beef medallions and my buddy had pineapple/chicken skewers. We added several Caipirinhas and life was perfect. We will be moving our office happy hours here.
(5)
Louis D.

I have mixed feelings about Chima (and I'm mostly going to base this off of comparing it to Fogo de Chao). The glaring con is that every single piece of steak that I was served was wayyyyyy overcooked. I don't if it was the fact that we were there late on a weeknight (8pm seating) or what, but I ordered each piece medium and they were served totally brown and burnt straight through no matter what cut of beef. Given that Chima is a steakhouse, it's got to be much better. The other meat types were more up to par. The lamb chops couldn't have been better, and the pork ribs were amazing. Also, the salad bar is definitely worth visiting even if youre there to stuff your face with steak; I think it's much better than Fogo's. There's a better variety of things up there, and the seafood salad is excellent. Overall, I'd love to give a better rating because of the lamb and salad bar, but you really can't overcook that much steak.
(2)
Carla T.

Went here for dinner with a few friends before nye and it was really good. Service is fast and interactive. It does get a little overwhelming with all the servers running around but the food is tasty. Large meat selections, great salad bar also but don't fill up there! This is not the place to go if you're not ready to eat a lot of meat. You have the option of picking out how you like your meat and it all comes at a steady pace as long as you're aware of how the system works here. You'll get a token that will let your server know if you'd like the meat options or if you're content at the moment. This place is pricey but worth it for a special occasion if you're up for it. When we went, it was really busy but we were never forgotten about.
(4)
Liz F.

From what I've read, I'm giving Chima too much credit because I'm yet to go to Fogo. But, having only been to Chima I'm in love. I came here with a group of 60 and left beyond impressed with how great and organized the service was and how absolutely delicious everything I ate was. It was impossible to be thirsty or hungry. For starters, Chima does half priced drinks for happy hour. One caipirinha is more than enough and very reasonable at $6 and some change. The salad bar is the kind of salad bar that I dream about: lettuces, mixed salads (grains, soy, etc.), cheeses, meats, rices, soups and I'm sure I'm missing stuff still. I could have gone to Chima and only eaten from the salad bar. But wait! Then some ultra hunky latin men came out with meat on swords!! Okay, Chima, okay. Everything was so delicious. My favorites were the swordfish, salmon and ribeye. Vegetarians, don't be wary. You can leave here well fed, too. I can't wait to take my extremely carnivorous father here for Father's Day.
(5)
Ravi A.

So we were in Philly for the week working and luckily it happened to be Restaurant Week out there last week. Went to check this place out and all I can say is WOW. I started off my Brazilian steakhouse experience at the salad bar which I regret going to. Don't get me wrong the salad bar is delicious and everything there was amazing, I just preferred to save more room for the main course of various meat dishes. As soon as I finished my salad I flipped the coin they give you to start accepting the skewered meats. Every single meat was amazing my favorite was the Parmesan pork loin some may disagree though. A solid second place for me would be the bacon wrapped chicken which was fantastic. Overall I highly recommend checking this place out and go with an appetite as well due to the all you can eat dinner!
(4)
Kristy D.

Anyone who doesn't think this place is amazing is crazy. One of the best dinners I've ever had. Everything is so delicious. Come hungry because you leave in a food coma. Yes the salad bar has so many great options and the appetizers are great but don't fill up on them because the meats are sooo sooo good. You have to eat here. The service is outstanding. Not a single complaint
(5)
Lili B.

My friend and I went for restaurant week and had a great food experience. We got seated right away (we had a reservation) and the server came to explain us the different option we had. We both took the restaurant week menu. The buffet had a lot of choices and the food was just GREAT. I tried the "corn mousse" as I was pretty intrigued and it was amazing. After that, we started getting the meats (people walking around with meat is just terrible because you want to try EVERYTHING!!!! My girlfriend and I tried a LOT of different meat and one of my favorite was the filet mignon with bacon. It was just delicious. My friend ate some fish (I think it was salmon) and she said it was pretty good too. I also had chicken wrapped in bacon (yeah, I am a bacon lover) and the chicken was a little dry. I was a little disappointed because the restaurant week menu did not include a dessert but I was honestly too full to decide to pay for a dessert as I would have probably not finished/enjoyed it. The only reason why I am taking off one star is because the server was not really "careful" to our needs. We always had to wait for a while to get his attention to get him to stop by our table for a refill or the check. I will definitely go there again.
(4)
Numan A.

Orgasm in your mouth haha. Dont go there on Friday and Saturday tho. Too crowded and have to wait for a while for the meat!
(5)
Matthew S.

There are two important requisites for having a good time at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse: you need to love meat and you need to come hungry. The $50 charge per person is more than fair if you meet these requirements, but I definitely wouldn't bring some "first date only ordering salad" girl to Chima. The salad bar was great, but try to avoid filling your plate, as you will soon be inundated with a delicious variety of meats. Everything I tried was fantastic. The pork ribs were some of the best I've ever had, the lamb was amazing, and I could eat those little bacon wrapped filets all day. Service was nearly flawless, though they did forget is was my birthday, but they more than made up for that tiny mistake with an order of flan on the house. Not just any flan, mind you, but probably the best flan I've ever tasted. Chima is not a restaurant I would frequent, as I could easily gain 100lbs in a year if I ate there 1-2 times per week, but for special occasions or a particularly hungry party, it's hard to beat. We will definitely be going back, once we've had about a month to work off the calories we ingested. Thanks for a great birthday dinner!
(5)
MissDimples K.

Exceptional Service, Great Meat Selection & Nice Salad Bar...Even Better Side Dishes. The Mashed Potatoes Were The Best I've Ever Had! Only Drawback Is That I Don't Feel Like I Got My Monies Worth, I Might Have If I Had Gone Over To The Salad Bar Again. I Was More Pleased With The Salad Bar And The Side Dishes Then I Was The Meats. Overall This Place Is Great For A Nice Dinner Date...An Expensive One, But Nice!
(4)
John K.

You wouldn't want to go here too often because you would turn into Gargantua or perhaps the Abominable Snow man but it's really very good.You could eat yourself into a serious heart attack inducing decline.I went here on Thanksgiving and it was an appropriate way to celebrate our Brazilian founding fathers.( Oh you had the option of also eating roast turkey ) .They landed at Plymouth Rock and got the grills out and started putting everything on skewers.Had a good caipirinha at the bar waiting to be seated.Went to the salad bar and started to glut myself on carpaccio and prosciutto.Sat at the table and began to eat delicious flank steak, sirloin steak ,roast beef- all good.For variety I asked them to get me some rare lamb-- delicious.At various points ate weird but good little appetizers such as little unsweetened cheese cakes and banana fritters .Got a bottle of overpriced but very good Argentine Malbec .Could have continued , knew it would be a mistake.If you haven't been , give it a shot.
(4)
Brian M.

Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. The food was great and reasonably priced menu and drinks. I will be back.
(5)
Cat N.

Love this place. I went here for my friend's birthday. We were on time, but we had to wait about half hour until they got our table ready. I totally forgot about the dress code of this place, but because my jeans were very dressed up, it was okay. The service is great, although they didn't really refill our bread as often as we liked. The salad bar is pretty good, but there's not alot of options like Fogo has. I heard that Chimas salad bar was better than Fogo's. I think Fogo's is better. Nothing to complain about, it gave me the veggies that I wanted along with alot of meat sauces. The food was so good, and the fish was great. I love the layout of the place, it's very modern. I'd definitely come here again. It's comparable to Fogo.
(4)
Giovanna S.

This is my favorite Brazilian steakhouse! Even after several thousand pounds of delicious meat, I always get the chocolate lava cake and substitute the vanilla ice cream for raspberry sorbet. HEAVEN. PURE HEAVEN.
(5)
Felecia M.

Every time I go to Chima I have a great experience!! The last time I went was hands down the best. It was my moms 60th birthday and boy did they cater to us. We were sat right where the meats first came out, so we got first dibs on everything. Which was great because you got to get the outsides of the meats which had great caramelization. All the meats are good, but the leg of lamb is an experience. The salad bar has great variety and is fresh. Make sure you get a guarana soda it's really good!! The staff was super courteous and professional. They gave my mom a free tiramisu for her bday. It taste good and it was beautiful! I will forever be a customer!
(5)
Matt P.

If you have never dined at a Brazilian steakhouse, you will love it here. Then again you could say that for any place you go to if it's your first time. For someone who was been around that block, Chima is not too bad, but not that impressive either. Some items were good, some ok, and some not so great. - Parmesan pork loin - pretty nasty, I'd not recommend - Bacon wrapped filet - small beef cuts, above average - Flank steak - couldn't tell the difference between restaurant prepared or prepped at home - Lamb chops - gamey, not recommend either - Filet mignon - probably their best cut We were looking forward to the ribs, but they were out on the day we went. They also have some fish on the menu too, but we opted to just stick with land animals. Overall, the meats were inconsistent from being too salty to just right, some overcooked to just right etc, so some rounds of the same meats tasted better than others. A few bucks cheaper than Fogo, but then again not quite up to the Fogo standard.
(3)
Justin M.

I was excited to try out Chima as I am a big fan of Brazilian steakhouses and word on the street indicated this place was awesome. The place was definitely impressive. The meats were delicious and high quality. Variety was excellent. The salad bar was adequate but could have been a little larger. What set Chima apart was the service. In addition to all of the gauchos presenting the meat, our server was very attentive and constantly checking to see if we had any requests for specific cuts. This was the most expensive Brazilian steakhouse I have tried (~$50 base price), but I felt the service justified it. Before returning I will have to check out the competitor - fogo de chao.
(4)
Rishi V.

When I visit from California this is the spot I go to. Best Brazilian BBQ restaurant Little pricey but amazing food and beer
(5)
Fransisca M.

As an all-you-can-eat fanatic, I do have mixed feeling about Chima. Pros: everything in the salad bar is always fresh, I saw a lot of variety there, meat was flavorful, all in all great food quality Cons: too pricey for other than very few special occasion meals, if you make a group reservation they won't sit you until everyone in your group is there, dessert and drink weren't included
(3)
Shivon R.

I don't think have never eaten so much meat in my life. And I think I will avoid doing so in the future. Regardless, it was an interesting experience. I came here for restaurant week so the deal included the salad bar and a choice of about 5-6 meats (beef, chicken, and fish representing) but no dessert?? I was a bit disappointed about that. The meats were good, but I started to feel a bit 'over it' not too long into the meal. But I must say the salad bar was very impressive.
(3)
Amy C.

Came here, honestly, because we couldn't get into Fogo de Chao and wanted the Brazilian steakhouse experience, and endless beef is the way to my heart. Not gonna lie, as newbies, we were a little confused on the process at first, but quickly caught on. They WANT you to fill up on bread and a salad bar full of hot and cold items so that you eat less meat. I recommend one small trip to the salad bar to save room for the good stuff. We had the Valentine's Day special that came with 2 glasses of champagne, but they never actually showed us a cocktail menu, which I thought was odd. Dessert came with ours too, and it was huge and so not worth it. I don't recommend. But what you came there for--the meat --was top notch, but we made the mistake of thinking the servers wouldn't come around enough, so we loaded up and stuff got cold. TRUST ME, THEY COME OFTEN. If you flip your card over to say you want meat, you'll get meat. Your server will also ask if there's any type of meat you want to come around a second time or a meat you haven't received yet. The Kenyan ribeye was amazing. The filet was great. Everything was cooked to perfection, seared off a skewer, and melted in your mouth. Only come here with a serious appetite and don't be a vegetarian.
(4)
Julie J.

Food was good but was not worth the price. We where to close to the people next to us and we couldn't really have a conversation because it was soo loud and crowed. Waiters and waitresses were constantly dropping and breaking plates and glasses. It was not the best experience!
(3)
Alida P.

Yelpitos, Lemme tell you, for an all you can eat meat treat, I really enjoyed Chima! I met a group of friends for a birthday get-together on a Friday evening. I was not surprised how crowded it was being CCRW. There was initially a little confusion about how many ended up in our party, but after all the kinks were worked out, we sat together, with Jaime serving us, and had a good ol' time. Mind you, come for the meat, save room on your plate! The buffet bar was lush and fresh, and had many many options to accompany your meat selections. I chose a little bit of salad, the rice and black beans, and the rest of the white plate space was for my meats and appetizers at the table ... yucca fries, and fried bananas, and beef balls (best way for me to describe them and they were good) and some doughy bread with salmon dip ... My favorites were: sirloin steak, salmon with passion fruit & mango sauce, lamb chops, and bacon wrapped chicken (ahh, don't we all just love how bacon makes everything taste better? tee hee); I also tasted beef ribs, skirt steak, and pork ribs (good sauce on those bad boys!). I turned my lil token over every time the salmon came through, though. That sauce made it for me. I really saw and tasted why my friend Marc D. likes Chima so much. Do you remember the song from Oliver Twist? "Fooood glorious fooooood" ... Yeah, Chima is like that! So go! Enjoy! It's spendy but definitely worth it. Take a few friends with you and get your meat on, and I do not mean like Lady Gaga! ;o) Be advised: No! You cannot take any meat home! So bring your appetite and enjoy the loveliness of a Brazilian Steak House.
(4)
Brian K.

I could easily talk about all the delicious food here, as all of what I tried was absolutely delicious. But I'd rather talk about the service. Chima had the best service of any restaurant I've been to. I had marked on my OpenTable reservation that I had a gluten allergy, and when my girlfriend and I got there, our server was ready with their gluten-free menu that not only states what is gluten-free, but also what isn't. This is great for people like me who would assume that something as simple as their balsamic vinaigrette dressing would be safe--but their menu clearly states it's not. On the other hand, their delicious cheese bread appetizer both looked and sounded like something that would contains all kinds of gluten/wheat products. Yet it was listed on their menu as gluten-free. Always the skeptic, I asked our server if he could double check that, and so he had one of the managers stop by our table to explain that the bread is actually made from yucca/cassava flour and was completely safe. Additionally, throughout our meal two of the managers stopped by on multiple occasions to make sure we were enjoying everything and also to see if I had any additional questions about their gluten-free options. But the most unexpected part of the evening happened when we received our check: One of the managers came by with a complimentary take-home bag full of the previously mentioned cheese bread. We didn't ask for it, he just simply said that he knew we were enjoying it, and so he wanted us to have some to take home. I couldn't have asked for a better dining experience.
(5)
Yiwen S.

everyone is right. you can't go to chima without comparing it to fogo de chao. fogo has always been the premier standard for churrascarias. so how does chima match up? well the salad bar is just ok. i'm not really qualified to make any sort of judgments on the salad bar, but at least it had fruit (honeydew)! the complimentary sides include: cheese muffins, croquettes, polenta, creamed potato, and fried bananas. the cheese muffins and the fried bananas were where chima really outshined fogo. the selection here is broader than at fogo, in terms of types of meat: pork, chicken, lamb, beef, and even fish! however, the beef cuts here fall short of those at fogo. even so, my favorites were the picanha (top sirloin), bbq pork ribs, lamb chops, and leg of lamb. the latter 3 were well-seasoned, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender, but i wouldn't classify it as top steakhouse quality meat. the atmosphere is much more intimate than at fogo, but we were seated in the back room and were clearly passed up several times by different rodizio servers. our waiter was also hardly around, and it must've taken about half an hour to flag someone down to get us our check at the end of the night. i also came on a separate occasion for happy hour, and the bar area is pretty nice. the bartenders are a little questionable though -- mine didn't know how to pronounce "caipirinha" correctly, and she subsequently made it far too sweet. so cloyingly sweet that i couldn't drink more than one sip. the sangria is VERY good though, highly recommended!
(3)
Steven B.

Imagine that you've never been out for a steak in your entire life and somebody brings you to Outback. You're likely to have a fairly nice time and think you had a pretty good steak. Of course you have nothing to compare it to. Then somebody brings you to Butcher & Singer. Now the game changes completely. Outback doesn't look so good anymore. Unfortunately that's Chima's problem. When it comes to Brazilian Steakhouses Philly has been "Fogoized." Fogo has set a standard and it's a high one. I've been to Fogos a half dozen times and last night was my second visit to Chima. The lovely wife and I had a great time. The service was quite simply fantastic. The salad bar was OK. A ton of variety but as soon as you look at it your brain pops up a picture of Fogos and does the comparison. Chima's comes up short. Our meats were just fine. They were fresh and tasty and we were both able to get the temperature we desired. However the variety fell short of Fogos. Chima's atmosphere is very nice but Fogos takes it to another level completely. As I write this Chima is at 3 1/2 stars and Fogo is at 4 1/2. Yelpers are a perceptive bunch and as a group I agree completely. There is a one star difference between the experiences.
(3)
Tony C.

The reason they get 3 stars is because of a bad waiter. He was not efficient and actually messed up the surprise bday song they do by tellin the bday person he had a cak coming. That happened because he was no where to be found when we needed him then took almost 30 mins to process payment. The food was great as usual but they seem to cater more to larger groups.
(3)
Mimi L.

I guess I have really high expectations. I had reservations for 4 people to try Chima's Brazillan steaks. Reservations was for 8:15pm and we still had to wait to be seated. Finally after going to the hostess desk a third time we got seated at 9:00PM. Upon arrival we were asked to wait at the bar area where we ordered drinks. The bartender was snotty. Like she didn't want to service us. The second round we ordered a bahama mama and it tasted like cinnamon. Ergh... it was gross. Lights to the restaurant pager came on. We went and got seated and our waiter introduces himself and directs us to the salad bar. Great selection on the salads. Our coins were turned over to the orange side. The steaks started to come out. For some reason not all the meats came out to our table. It seemed like they picked and choose which tables they wanted to go to. Besides that we waited a long time for the meats to come out and not everything was served. I was disappointed. Although we had reservations for restaurant week, I felt Chima's was not ready for the crowd that came in. This was my first time there because I heard so many rave mentions and after seeing myself, it was not worth it at all. The other three people I went with said it was horrible. It took too long for them to come out with the meats and seemed like they picked and choose which table they wanted to wait on. I tip really well and was disappointed with the service and food. Being in the service industry, I still tipped them well but will not return to Chima's because of the lack of service and lack of quality in food.
(3)
Carolyn L.

I've been here on 2 occasions. The first was very pleasant. We were seated by a super polite gaucho (server) and they explained how everything worked. I've never had better service, anywhere...ever. We when proceeded to eat WAY too much at the salad bar. When we were ready for our carnivorous feast we flipped our chip to the orange side and servers came out of the woodwork. They show you the meat, tell you what it is, ask you how you want it, and slice you off a piece. Now as far as the meat goes, it is just ok. They all have alright flavor, but are sometimes more dry than I would like. Nothing had me begging for more. One note: The sangria here is bangin'! It come served in a gigantic goblet with fresh fruit. It is well worth getting. They also give you bottomless apps to go with your meat: super creamy mashed potatoes, polenta fries, and friend bananas. All of them were actually very good. Now, the second visit here was for an anniversary. It was one of those 115 degree days in the hot summer and we made a reservation. Turns out their AC was not working that day. They failed to tell us when we called that it wasn't working, they didn't tell us when we got there, only when we were being seated did we realize it must've been 85 degrees in there. We thought "maybe they are trying to make it FEEL like we are in Brazil". The salad on the salad bar even gave up and started to wilt. We had taken a cab there and did not want to go back outside to find somewhere else, so we stuck it out. We sweat through our entire dinner and rushed so we could eat and leave. One upside was that even in long sleeves and pants, the gauchos remained as kind and polite as ever. We also received complimentary champagne for our anniversary.
(3)
Jasmine D.

This was my first time to a Brazilian steakhouse. Loved the concept of eat all you can ! Everything was yummy. The salad was fresh and such a wide collection. Every time someone came by our table with the meat they explained well what it was and cut it perfectly! No bits and pieces falling off. The chima mojito was good. Was not strong on alcoholic. I preferred it that way. Servers were patient and always refilled water/ drinks. Finally, it's definitely a little pricey but worth it for the service and the delicious food. Birthday celebrations are twice as much fun.
(5)
Stephanie S.

Just another Fogo de Chao. I'm not sure how Chima gets average of 3 stars and Fogo is 4.5, I really don't think there's much of a difference in the food, or service. Chima has a slightly larger selection on the salad bar, a little more cheeses and cured meats. There cheese selection was fabulous. The artichokes were too spicey for me, which was a dissappointment. But everything else on the salad bar was amazing, the smoked salmon with the cheese side spread was awesome. The meats were very good. Some meat wasn't rare enough, so they cooked me a new slab to my liking. Very fast and nice servers. The filet mignon was to die for, sooo tastey. Better than Fogo! But, the other meat choices were a little less than Fogo. However, Chima offers salmon and swordfish, neither of which is offered by Fogo. So, having choices of fish I would much rather than extra meat. Overall, its basically the same as Fogo, either one is a winner!
(4)
Najah M.

I went here during restaurant week because Fogo was not on the list. Personal the meat and ( chima has fish) selection was not as good as Fogo. The place is big and beautiful but they do not have enough people serving food. Me and my fiancÃ© say there for 15 mins and not one person stop by our table ( and yes we had our clip flipped over on the right side). We had to get the attention of a waitress to get the meat to come to our table. We felt like a couple of rejects. This did not happen once, but multi times ( this won't happen at Fogo). The salad bar was not good and the side dishes were okay. The dessert size was way smaller than Fogo, theirs is 4 times bigger than chima. Sadly I won't be back here.
(2)
Andrew P.

So.. restaurant week offerings are limited? where was the baby top sirloin, filet mignon, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, rib eye, flank steak? Probably have to give this place another shot on a non-restaurant week day.
(3)
Frank G.

No Vegans need apply! This is all-you-can-eat at its ultimate. Juicy meat, meat, meat. Great service, and the place is very classy - you could definitely impress a date here, but don't waste this feast on a dainty eater. Bacon wrapped anything is my favorite, so the filet mignon got my full attention, but everything was tender and tasty. Didn't visit the salad bar - waste of valuable space (in my stomach). Also, didn't order dessert - no room. But I definitely left this place with a smile on my face.
(5)
Tony M.

If only I had a bigger capacity. Everything is soooooo good here, you want to try it all, bacon wrapped and/or not. Juicy, tender, not too seasoned, PERFECT beef, lamb, pork. I'm drooling now. They also have fish, which I usually like, but you do Brazilian for the MEAT, right? We stuck to beers with our meat, so can't address the wines or cocktails, but the beer selection was good. Also had no room for desert. Did have room for the cheesebread, which is awesome. My buddy and I agreed we would definitely come back with a date - the ambience is impressive, as is the service. We did not wait for our table, and once seated, our plates were never empty. Of course, you're wasting your money if you bring a dainty eater here, no doggy bags, and no sharing, which is reasonable considering it's really all-you-can-eat.
(5)
Brittany S.

It was everything I dreamed of,lol,all the meats were delish! The swordfish w/ passion fruit sauce was different and taste awesome together. The salad bar was great they had spinach & mushrooms to of my fav things to eat in one,fresh broccoli (im big on the greens,lol)they had a great Arugula salad which is hard to find because alot of ppl don't prepare it right but theirs was on the money. Cantelope is my absolute fav they had big juicy chunks of it I was in heaven....
(5)
James S.

I see that a couple dozen people have mentioned Fogo de Chao in their reviews of Chima and I can't help but do the same. Fogo de Chao has set the bar for Brazilian style steak houses and that bar is set high. Here's my quick run-down of Chima vs. Fogo. Setting: Chima is very nice inside, but its more like a club type atmosphere and less elegant. Still nice though. Service: Great. Nothing special, but nothing wrong. Salad Bar: Chima's is very different from Fogo's. They have the basics like fresh veggies and cheeses, but then they also have hot foods like meats and rices. My favorite part, and the part that I fell in love with about Chima is the variety of home made sauces. They all have really nice and fresh flavor to them. One in particular tastes exactly like A1 and was great with the steaks. Huge plus! Meats: Almost the same selection as Fogo. They taste basically just as good. I don't know what but I just like Fogo's a little better. The one part that Chima does have on Fogo is that they serve fish. For many people this would be a huge bonus but I'm more of a meat man myself. Dessert: Haven't gotten it, but with the money you save here opposed to Fogo de Chao you may be able to afford it and I'm sure it would be delightful. Overall this place is great. The food is outstanding. If you sign up for their e-mails you'll get discounted prices from 35-40 dollars a person for select nights. Not bad. That's about $15 less than the cheapest you'd get Fogo for. If you've never been to a Brazilian steak house, this would be a great place to start. They are a tremendous experience and a great place to go and pig out. Definitely recommend Chima, but know that you have other (more expensive, but probably better) options.
(4)
Ana L.

This place has absolutely lost its elegance! Once a top restaurant for me, now has me never wanting to return. It's started off with the host who answered my call for a reservation; chewing gum loudly and completely rude. The food was mediocre this time. The servers were not as professional. It's like they let go of all the good people who once worked there and replaced them with people who barely had training or manners for that matter. I gave this restaurant 2 stars because I love their salad bar abd the tiramisu was wonderful. The near selections weren't as good a before. The lamb was grey, the fish options were cold and over cooked. The BBq ribs were tough. To top off the evening, after I left Chima, on the walk to my car, I got sick. Must have been the grey colored meat.
(2)
Devin D.

Chima is to Philadelphia as Fogo de Chau is to NYC. (I know they don't have one in New York, it's an analogy!) Sorry Chima, you're just not as good as Fogo. Service was good, but not GREAT like Fogo. All your meats were very good, but not GREAT like Fogo. And your atmosphere and decor are nice, but not as spectacular as Fogo. OH, but wait... CHIMA, you serve FISH. Fogo does not. Could this be your saving grace? No, not at all. Avoid the fish, it was very dry and seemed overcooked. priceisrightfail.com So you get four stars for a very nice effort. Perfection is a hard thing to compete with. Also, if you try to bring your girlfriend here for her birthday hoping to get a free piece of cake, the odds are 50-50 even after you tell them it's her birthday.
(4)
Chef R.

The only thing I don't like about this place is the price (too pricey to come more often) and the fact that every time a come here I put on a few pounds :) I recommend you to starve yourself for a few days before you go and another few days after you go. You pay a fixed price for all you can eat. It's difficult to remember that you are there for the meat when you visit the salad bar, they have all kind of tasty stuff: beef carpaccio, calamari salad, gorgonzola mousse, smoked salmon...it's hard to resist. They also bring complimentary hot appetizers to the table. I remember the cheese balls...they were great! They give you a coin that you flip when you are ready for more meat. There are many cuts of meat and fish. Ribeye, filet mignon, filet wrapped in bacon are my favorite. When you can't diferenciate the cuts of meat anymore, it's probably the time to stop eating. I always quite a little bit to late and I feel like could leave that place rolling. The dessert is not included in the price but who has room for dessert?
(5)
Andrea F.

Great service, delicious meats, to-die-for dessert. Went here with my boyfriend for my birthday and had one of those Restaurant.com $25 gift certificates, so that helped put a dent in the price. For what you get, though, $50 a person for the Rodizio dinner isn't that bad considering the quality of the service and the huge selection of meat. Best piece of advice: your meal is what YOU make it, so if you aren't impressed with the lamb (I wasn't), stop asking for it and have them bring you something else. The dinner is run by a card system. Flash the green card if you want hunky Brazilian men to cater to your every whim and drop a stack of meat on your plate. Flash the red if you're too overwhelmed and need time and room on your plate to cut and actually try your meat. This explains why I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. It gets a little overwhelming after a while and god forbid you accidentally leave it on the green side. A server, carrying a skewer of ribs, will eye you from across the restaurant and make a beeline for your table. Just politely say 'no'. What's great is that you can tell them "send the other guy over that had the salmon" and they'll grant your wish. Come here on an empty stomach and try everything at least once. I remember there was about 14 things to try ranging from filet mignon, leg of lamb, swordfish, etc. I'd have to say that the best meat was the top sirloin...extremely succulent. The waiter (who was very friendly and attentive) also brought us delicious fried polenta and bananas and some kind of gooey bread for sides. If I came here again, though, I wouldn't waste my time on the salad bar or the sides. It fills you up too fast. You get your money's worth during the meat sampling, so if you're a carnivore, go all out, check off your favorite meats, and order seconds and thirds. Remember, it's unlimited. Though we could barely move after the meal, we still ordered dessert. I was going to order some apple pie dessert but the waiter insisted that we try the chocolate mousse cake. I'm so glad he did. It was a light, creamy chocolate mousse with a crunchy bottom and was served with a drop of raspberry sorbet and drizzled in dark chocolate sauce and a few strawberries. Best way to end a meal.
(4)
Dan P.

This is my second visit here. First time was in middle of last summer. Much nicer experience then, full menu, drinks weren't watered down, and they had shrimp in addition of full selection of meats. This time was way over booked for Restaurant week. They clearly took all reservations from anyone that called without regard for any planning. Felt bad for the 2 hostesses that were trying to take names and distribute tables. We had 8 PM reservations and were seated around 9 PM, which was only because we asked several times, otherwise had the feeling they were just giving tables away to who ever asked the most. As others have stated, menu was limited. We had 2 people order the full menu and pay the extra 15 dollars and never say the full menu of meats. Had to specifically ask them to bring out the rib-eye towards the end when they were full. So basically the 2 people that paid for the full menu paid 15 extra each for about a 1.5 oz piece of rib-eye. Drinks seemed watered down and full of ice. Had to ask 4 times for extra bread. The only reason we went here instead of Fogo was because of one person only ate fish. Also same person ordered salad only which includes the fish, but they charged the RW pricing with meat. It was only 5 difference so we didn't bother waiting for the adjustment. The only reason this is 2 stars is because we did get full, the Pichana and Skirt steak were good. But the place was so over crowded b/c they clearing just took all reservations. Salad bad is definitely better at Fogo Also.
(2)
Nicci L.

I wanted to give this place 5 stars, but sadly, I cannot. My best friend insisted on coming here for his birthday. We read so many good reviews, plus there was a 1 1/2 hour wait on a table. We figured it had to be fabulous. We were wrong. First of all, they are too overpriced for mediocre food. We went during philly restaurant week on Jan 25, 2013. I don't know if the discounted food was the reason for inconsistancies, but we were not happy. We are easy to please however, we left this place quite disappointed. We started off with drinks. The Long island's tasted like rum and coke. The mojito's were the worst mojito's ever. They were watered down and tasteless. I didn't feel anything after 2 drinks that would normally have me buzzed. The drinks looked pretty though. We ordered some kind of chicken and bacon appetizer. That was the best thing we ate there. The rest of the meal was less than appetizing. The salad bar looked nice, but we didn't like the selections. A lot of the food was smoked. I didn't like the idea of smoked/raw meat sitting at a salad bar. The endless meat portions did not taste seasoned at all. We did not care for the sides, which were scant in selection. There was nothing to eat but meat. At the end of the night, my best friend had tummy issues and I woke up the next day with rashes all over. I felt bad because it was supposed to be a nice birthday meal. I don't know what food triggered his tummy issues and my skin eruptions, but one thing I do know; we will NOT return.
(2)
Felicia C.

Such a fun place to eat! We went for Restaurant Week, so instead of paying $50 per person, we only paid $35. It's a great deal, as you get small bites, the delicious salad bar (which includes things like prosciutto, queso fresco, hearts of palm, and other unique offerings), and all the meat you can eat! I had sirloin, fillet, lamb chop, chicken wrapped in bacon, salmon, swordfish....It was awesome.
(5)
Lene P.

My absolute favorite so far of the Brazilian steakhouses I've been to! Also best bang for your buck during Restaurant Week. Had a reservation at 8PM for 2, was promptly seated by the hostess, then a server came by to ask us the type of water we wanted. First they served us about small plates, beef croquettes, cheese bread, some turkey spread. All were very good. The drinks server came by and we ordered the special sangria. I didn't think it was very strong. After, we checked out the salad bar which was awesome! Carpaccio, prosciutto, smoked salmon, a variety of salads and cheeses, seafood salad, it was very well stocked and very, very tasty. The server then came around again with more small plates and refilled whatever was previously empty. This time we got the delicious mashed potatoes, sooo very buttery and smooth. Also, fried polenta which was nice and crispy. Now, for the most important part... the MEAT! Always a favorite, get the top sirloin house special picanha. Get it multiple times. It's the best! The flank, ribeye, lambchops, filet mignon were all great as well. The salmon and swordfish come with passion fruit sauce which was tasty and had a nice tangy spice to it. I didn't get to try the roast chicken but I did try the bacon wrapped chicken which is normally not impressive at any steakhouse I've been to but it was tasty here. I was not a fan of the sausage, though. We did not order dessert but had some coffee which was very good. I forgot the name of my coffee but it was $9 and had godiva, almond mocha and some type of alcohol, possibly baileys. The service was awesome. You have people constantly asking if you need a clean plate, refilling your water, coming around asking if you want a certain type of meat sent to your table and how you like it done. The only downside, if you would consider it a downside, is that it's a LOT of people coming to you. It's nice that at least 2 different floor managers came around asking how our dinner was going. Also, the requests we put in for the meats were kind of slow and the server that put it in came around a second time when he was just there taking our order a couple of minutes ago. It was really busy so I would not put anyone at fault for this. The servers were all knowledgeable and friendly. The hostess turned to us and said goodbye, wished us a good night as we left. Overall a wonderful experience, highly recommended and I look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Jamie D.

Went on a lovely Sunday lunch date to Chima for restaurant week. I had been to Fogo before and was excited to try another Brazillian steakhouse! I enjoyed the ambiance in this restaurant a bit more as it's a bit more modern and was glad we went at 1pm on a Sunday because it wasn't too busy. Okay, on to the food talk. Chima has a bigger salad bar with lots of different things and I liked that, but was wary of eating too much of it because I wanted to save room for tasty tasty meats. My favorite was the brisket, which was perfectly tender and bursting with flavor! Everything bacon-wrapped is delicious, obviously. I do suggest sticking to the beef options, as I found the swordfish and pork to both be dry and bland (and the sauces they provide just made it worse). We received appetizers and desserts at our table that I think were for Restaurant Week but you would have to order otherwise. If you have to pay extra for them, don't. The fried banana was tasty, but nothing too amazing. I do suggest getting a caipirinha as they are DELICIOUS.
(4)
Dave M.

I am strictly writing a Restaurant Week review here. Upon first glance, all you can eat for $35 seems pretty good. But don't be a pushover for such gluttony. The saladbar has a wonderful selection but ultimately is very diner-esque. The quality of it didn't make me kick my shoes off in a fit of joy. It was just a salad bar with some fancier selections. The meat was okay, nothing special. The garlic sirloin, the flank steak, the bacon wrapped filet....the list goes on, and this is all well and good, but nothing done exceptionally. Often the meat will be cut for you from the side of the steak done the wrong way. For extra memories of a good time they'll be kind enough to dribble blood and grease from their little carving carriers on you. If you don't want to be served anymore, flip your little token over (Pogs anyone?!?!). They'll probably still annoy you to take their cuts of meat anyway. And then when everyone else is done and you want to start eating again, flip your little token over and the servers are nowhere to find. Complete this pseudo-fine dining experience with exorbitantly priced drinks, tacky serving uniforms, and fellow diners in T-shirts and sweatpants. Is this "fine dining" worth the price? You decide.
(3)
Michael S.

I can almost copy and paste my review from Fogo de Chao on here. They are both tons of low qualtiy meat. I came here for restaurant week with some friends and it still ended up to almost 50 bucks pp. Top choices here: Prosciutto was good ( although fogo's was better) Skirt steak was veryyyy good. This was my favorite cut by far at Chima Oddly, my Filet Mignot was pretty bad. We only saw the waiters bring it out once and I had to ask for it for the second round. Both times the filets had chunks of fat embedded into them. Again, i'd rather spend 50 bucks on a Butcher & Singer steak.
(3)
Lynda Z.

I love this place. It's a feast for the eyes and belly every time I go. Let's break it down: Service: Excellent Food: Absolutely delicious Salad Bar: Unbelievable Atmosphere: Cool and Hip Desserts: Wouldn't know, I'm always too full :) Hits: Bottom Round Steak Filet Mignon (regular or bacon wrapped) Bacon wrapped chicken Ribeye Top Round Steak Parmesan Pork Loin Misses: Swordfish Flank Steak I see other people on Yelp compare it to Fogo de Chau and I get the comparison, but Chima wins this Brazilian battle. Fogo is very good but Chima is delicious and less pretentious.
(5)
Yo J.

I have been coming here since last year when my friend took me to this place. I usually just Take the medium rare marbled steak .It's a great place for group casual dinners or so not so much on the romantic side in my opinion. They do have their on and off days sometimes they have good food and service sometimes it's just ehh. They do get rude at times specially when it's packed like I understand he stress but try to be professional
(3)
Su P.

What a disappointment! A couple of quick thoughts from our meal last night. 1. Limited meat selection for restaurant week. OK, I understand you're giving a $15 discount from your standard pricing but this is restaurant week. It's a time for you to showcase your restaurant to get people to come back during the rest of the year. A little short-sighted but I can deal with it. 2. Salad bar had a decent selection (pedestrian compared to Fogo) but some of the salads looked like they have been sitting out way too long. Perhaps putting out less at a time and refreshing them more often. 3. What is the point of the coaster if your servers do not look at them? I have never been to a Brazilian steakhouse where I had to flag a server to actually get food. This was beyond ridiculous. Before last night, I could never say that I left a Brazilian steak house hungry. Now I can. I am not sure if this is their standard service or atypical because of restaurant week but it was plain lousy. Looks like we are going to stick with Fogo for our fix.
(2)
Colleen D.

The meat selection was very good and there was never a long wait to get more meat. The problem I had was with the salad bar. It was not in a proper order. The best bet is to take two trips to the salad bar because of the order so you don't have to put your salad over top of the dressing. Also they don't take plates quickly so it seemed like multiple trips to the salad bar were frowned upon but for $50 I am taking as many trips as I please!!
(3)
Mallory D.

Before I get started, let me just warn you that I am not much of a carnivore, so a lot of this limitless steak situation is lost on me. However, I can definitely recognize great service and a great deal when I see one. Chima will occasionally do a $35 per person deal, and when they do I think it is the best deal in town. On top of all the different cuts of steak they serve, they also have fish & an awesome salad bar to offer. I prefer the atmosphere over Fogo or other similarly formatted restaurants. Chima is very spacious and has a nice ambiance.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

I really enjoyed coming here for our annual company party. The staff was great - service was excellent and our host was very helpful in explaining the whole dining experience. Plus I swear, my wine glass was never empty. The salad bar was well stocked and I definitely loaded up my plate. All the salads were fresh and the cheeses were great. The cuts of meat were very good. I held out for the bacon wrapped filet and was not disappointed. They also gave us several sides on our table - the fried bananas were terrific as was the creamy potatoes. Dessert was a little "eh" after everything, but it was probably because I was completely stuffed.
(4)
Sharlene G.

Great choice of meats and seafood (unlimited) . Good size salad bar with nice options. Nice location. Staff/service was great. Make reservations.
(4)
Mr P.

We had a birthday dinner here last night. Everyone agreed that it is better than Fogo. Here are the reasons - drinks are a lot stronger :o) - salad bar is not as big and fancy but good and it has the Brazilian traditional black bean stew not particularly good, but at least they have it - meat is better, more choices and they don't marinate the meat so you taste the different cuts, and not as salty as at Fogo - the retro deco is endearing - wait staffs are attentive, but if you want second on drinks better order half way before your first one. - about a third cheaper overall As good as it is, I can only eat that much meat once in a long while. Come to think of it, I will probably skip breakfast this morning.
(4)
Kunal P.

I concur with John N's review from 5/10/11. I've been to this place a few times, only because we had a bunch of coupons and I'm in a group that likes to visit brazilian steak house once every few months - strictly for the consumption of meat in mass quantity. So, it seemed to be a cheaper alternative than fogo. The food is good. But, not great. The atmosphere seemed ok - too industrial like. The wait staff & hostess were super friendly. Again, if you had to compare by food, and if you frequent brazilian steak houses only in a blue moon, fogo is a better option.
(3)
Cara S.

We went to Chima during restaurant week. I was expecting a crowned, rushed restaurant with a loud atmosphere with tight tables and was completely surprised. We made reservations for 8:00 and were sitting down by 8:10 which was amazing. Tables are spaced apart, so i never felt as thought the people sitting next to use was ease dropping on our conversation. The salad bar is AMAZING! The food is even better. Our waitress was wonderful. She kept coming back to check us on and ask if there was any type of meat that we were still waiting to try. Dessert was amazing. I was so impressed! My experience was a 10 out of 10. I cannot not wait to go back!
(5)
Joseph B.

made my first visit to chima this evening to celebrate a birthday. from the start i was very impressed. they offered complimentary valet parking which was a huge plus. upon entering the restaurant the staff was very pleasant and greeted us at the door. we were seated after a very very brief wait. the restaurant is very dimly lit but the ambiance is perfect. all of the servers and wait staff were extremely cordial and explained everything to a tee. the salad bar was huge. there were alot of foods there that ive always wanted to try but never had an opportunity to so i jumped in head first. everything was fresh and neatly displayed. after salads it was time to dig in to some meat. the servers were so cordial and accommodating. they were eventually coming faster than we could eat. before going i was really worried that the restaurant would be full of stiff overdressed customers but it wasnt like that at all. do you need to wear a suit and tie, no. but business casual will definitely suffice. overall it was a good night. i really cant think of anything they could do better at this place. i will definitely return.
(5)
Buffy H.

I've been here twice but was disappointed with my second visit. The first time I went to Chima was for Thanksgiving with my boyfriend and I loved everything about the experience including the Brazilian drink the waiter suggested (which I think was the drink special that day). It was a lovely experience, I didn't feel rushed, and the waiter was attentive despite a full, bustling restaurant. I never felt like I was waiting for food, and the salad bar (with its Thanksgiving additions) was superb and quickly replenished. (Although I didn't try the turkey.) I went a couple days ago for a weeknight visit and it definitely wasn't as great as I remembered (although I'm sure a restaurant pulls out all the stops for Thanksgiving). Service was a little slow and not as personal as the first time even though when we arrived the restaurant was not even close to full (although it filled up as time went on). Chima was extremely loud (there were three birthday parties). The salad bar was still great and nothing ran out, but there were definitely times we were sitting there waiting for the main courses! Now to my main beef (haha!..) with my second visit. The baby top sirloin was dry and well done. The flank was way over-marinated and tasted like a salt lick. What!! I'm one of those people who slinks into a corner in shame when I feel like I'm wasting food, especially something like steak, but I couldn't eat it. My boyfriend felt the same way about these two less-than-stellar choices, but it's okay, I just ate everything else! Although before this I was pretty committed to Chima sentimentally (Thanksgiving with my boyfriend was one of our first serious dates and a great memory I'll have to actually give Fogo a chance now. I'll still give Chima four stars based on my first visit and the chance they were having an off night, but I hope you have a better experience than my second visit!
(4)
Daniel G.

Hands down the worst dining experience of my life. Granted I did go on restaurant week, so I shouldn't expect to have the best experience, but from the minute I walked into the restaurant to the minute I walked out, I was not happy with how the restaurant was run. We sat down was were not offered menus and was not given much guidance to how the whole Brazilian Steakhouse thing works.The quality of meat was poor, the coloring of the meat looked bad, and half the cut was fat. The salad bar was sub-par. The wait staff was awful. Will not be back... EVER. Boom.
(1)
Mary Y.

One of the BEST!!!!!! Brazilian Steak house I have encountered. The restaurant is very clean, nice atmosphere, the food is awesome especially the meats are so TASTY!!!! my favorite are the side dishes especially the salads, It's all you can eat so make sure you don't eat before you go since the price is up there. I would recommend this to anyone looking somewhere CLASSY!!!! and excellent food , You have to try the desserts MOUTH WATERING!!!!!!
(5)
Gary M.

My Wife and I enjoy fine dining when on vacation and to celebrate a special occasion. Chima's Brazilian Steakhouse was just that. Fine Dining. Atmosphere was great and Toma our waiter was extremely knowledgeable on the different foods about to come our way. For those who have never experienced a Brazilian Steakhouse, it is quite different from any other type of steakhouse. Here you get small pieced of different cuts of meats, seafood, and fish. Take my word for it you will be quite satisfied when you are done. The serving staff comes around with skewers of the selections and give you a slice or a piece of the selection. You get this round disc at your table. One side says I want a server to stop at my table and serve me a piece or food, and the other side says stop I need a break. When you turn the dist to feed me they come by in droves giving you pieces off the skewer and when you turn the disc to stop they leave you alone. You can always turn the disc over again and the servers will begin to give you samples from the skewer. I promise you will not leave hungry. The salad bar is huge and included in the price for dinner. Dinner is price fixed because it is an eat all you care to eat. The wine selection is unreal. They had a bottle of wine that sold for $1600.00. Way over my budget, but they also had plenty of very reasonable and enjoyable bottles as well. I enjoyed Chima so much, I went back to the hotel concierge and raved to them about the experience. I found out that there are a few Chima Brazilian Steakhouses in the country and luckily one near me. Somebody make me a reservation.
(5)
Jill C.

I'm very sorry to give this place a bad review, but dinner last night was one thing after another... We didn't get a table until over an hour past our reservation time, the bartender had short term memory loss and couldn't multi-task, waiter was absent, warm sides were served cold and they F'ed up desert. It was the hubby's bday and when I made the reservation, the hostess said they would bring out a dessert and sing - that never happened. The salad bar at Fogo is better. Can't personally say anything about the meats (I don't eat meat so I stuck to the salad bar) but the hubby enjoyed it. The servers spent a great deal of time on what looked like iPhones - I really hope it was a high-tech drink ordering system. Sorry to say but I doubt we will return. For the price we paid we would have had a better dining experience elsewhere.
(2)
Jonathan A.

Wait staff was polite and attentive during the whole meal, and the food was very good. On the downside, the place is huge and impersonal, and has a bit of chain restaurant feel.... Prices for wine are ridiculous.
(3)
Cody M.

This place is as good as it gets when it comes to meat! Great service, cool environment and some great food. The $50 per person fee is a little steep but well worth it! Go now, don't think twice!
(5)
Jojo R.

So I've ate at way too many of these brazillian steakhouses. Texas De Brazil, Plataforma, and Rioz have been my 3 fav's. this is a nice substitute. Good service, good atmosphere. When meat was requested they would punch it into their iPhone and it came quickly. Good communication bw staff. Very good salad bar, and capahini (spelling) brazilian drink. All meats were very very good too. Well seasoned.
(4)
Steve C.

One word....wow. Ok, so I did not think I was going to be a fan of this place. Im pretty set in my ways and new things tend to irk me especially at first. So when I heard the style of serving I was thinking...wowing gonna hate begging for someone to come feed me and have to help them get it in my plate! Well I was shocked on how much I fell in love with this place. The wait staff was extremely polite, attentive, informative and knowledgeable. (thanks for the great service Sam). Great customer service goes a long way with me, and this is some of the best I've experienced. Those gouches are awesome they can spot u in a dim room quickly and are always there to offer you more food. The food was fantastic... My favorites were the filet and the lamb. From the salad bar, everything was delicious but hands down the rice and beans reminded me of those my Cuban grandmother would make. The atmosphere was warm, intimate and inviting. I was very happy with this place, I will be back for sure!! Pricing is good but if you are a light eater you may not get your monies worth. I do hear that they offer specials regularly through their email list and their website, this cuts the price down a bit and may be more cost effective if you have more self control than I do and eat lightly.
(5)
Jay N.

Yes, the food is good; particularly in you're a die-hard carnivore.. And if you're not a carnivore, you have no business at Chima. The way Chima and other Brazilian steakhouses work is, you have a constant and steady stream of servers coming to your table with various flame grilled meats on skewers. You have a little disk. Flip to one side if you're happy and need nothing; flip to the other side to signal the servers to stop at your chair to offer more meats. Salad bar is expansive and offers a variety of great veggies, pastas and other side dishes. I'm not one to crave steaks and meats like a lot of serious meat eating guys, but Chima makes you wish your stomach was bigger, at least during your visit. The lamb was superb, grilled to perfection, and I'm not even a lamb eater. The fillet was magnificent. Meats are offered as rare, medium and well done, except for the chicken obviously. Rack of lamb, lamb chops, fillets, sirloins, porks; it's all here in an endless parade of barbecued deliciousness. The service was friendly and helpful, server guys impeccably dressed with crisp white shirts and black ties. The management however should work on their table-side manners. We were part of a 40-plus person celebratory dinner which our dear friends had planned. The air conditioning decided to break down on the evening we were there and while the servers, in their own misery apologized often, not once did we see a member of management stop by with an explanation or apology. Not as big of a deal to me, but for our friends who had planned and paid for the entire evening, spending a few thousand no doubt to feed all of those people, it was shameless of the management not to at least make an appearance table-side. Food is good, people are friendly but if you have any issues, don't look for a manager to make it right. Deliciously sad.
(3)
Jessica N.

Oh, Chima- there were so many reasons I wanted to love you more than Fogo. For one, we appreciate coupons, and coupons from your website for $20 off the meal are A-ok with me. Two, your waitstaff is wonderful- very helpful, attentive without being pushy and friendly to my children (whereas Fogo looked horrified by their presence). Also, you didn't charge us anything for the kids, which is awesome, especially since their meal consisted of olives, rolls and rice. Also, the atmosphere was great, especially as the crowd started to build. But, dear Chima, Fogo outdoes you in the food department. The servers were constantly without meat that was medium rare, causing my poor meat/blood starved husband to wait with his little card for someone to bring him something from the kitchen. I was excited for a fish selection, which Fogo does not have, but the fish was actually tough and visibly overcooked. For what it is worth, I thought your sides were better than Fogo's, though they basically consist of the same foods. Overall, the food was "ok," and for the price, I wanted more in the quality department.
(3)
Myron C.

I was disappointed to say the least because I have had better service than this in the past. As professional, I don't feel the $694. was worth its weight in gold. I am a profound cook and I come from a family of amazing cooks, that being said, I won't miss the food; moreover I will say this , if someone puts a bad taste in your mouth its enough to last a lifetime, the service I received was more than enough . I no longer wish to dine at Chima's again. I lost count how many times I have dined,treated and referred people to this establishment; this place has left a life long bad taste for me and im not referring to the food, I was not satisfied with the way my party of 15 was treated on Oct 7th (my cousin and I had a birthday dinner). The servers seemed to over look our table several times (over 7) and when we made request for water, meat etc they never honored it. The servers also became clumsy while serving meat, not being aware or concerned that the grease/sauce was dripping on clothing. The manager on duty was less help then expected. After or complaints, then they show up, once discussed we had to complain, appetites diminished . I live in Atlantic City and to travel 60+ miles to be treated wrongfully was a waste of of something I can't recover (Time).
(2)
J. J.

Do lunch
(2)
RXL T.

Not impressed at all, the 2 girls and the waiter for the tables were great I didn't like the hostess or her managers, they just kept staring at the table talking to one another like something was wrong which made me very uncomfortable. You can tell when someone is talking About you but what they should have been talking about was why they were still operating when the ac was not working right, the meals should have been discounted. The manager kept standing near the table and watching us until the bill paid, then poof he was gone no more to be seen that night. I will never come to this place again or recommend to colleagues
(1)
Brittany B.

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse has provided me with one of my most delightfully memorable dining experiences I have had in my past few years living in Philadelphia. Waiters constantly circle the tables with over 15 rotisserie meats including top sirloin, filet, ribs, lamb, pork, chicken, sausage and fish. Each patron, upon being seated, is given a little round disk that either says, "Yes, more please" or "No, thank you." If your disk is on the "yes" side, the waiter will stop and ask you which cut of meat you would like, and then they slice it right there onto your plate. Fresh, hot, and it melts in your mouth! If your disk is on the "no" side, they will simply pass you by, not disrupting your experience. In addition to the meats, for the sides they offer a massive smorgasbord island buffet that you may help yourself to. Options include salads, soups, cheeses, and a variety of Brazilian style extras. The sangria was fantastic, the decor was chic and inviting, and the waiters were amazing. They gave us complimentary desserts which were to-die-for as well. Go to Chima for an unforgettable experience.. you will NOT regret it! PS: bring a big appetite!
(5)
Michael K.

I don't know if I would come back here. It wasn't a busy evening and the hostess said she could seat us within 15 minutes. But we ended up waiting 1.5 hours at the bar because she kept forgetting about us. Everytime we went back up to the hostess stand, she said we were next in line. But then other walk-ins were getting tables in ahead of us. by the time we got a table, there was only 30min of hot food coming out. we were so upset that we couldn't enjoy the dinner. $60 per person for 30 min of food......not good
(1)
Vaughn B.

The sides dishes are so/so. the salad bar is mostly bland with few flavorful dishes. most meats were kind of salty. i took my wife here and she completely wasted my money lol. i recommend going with "the guys" instead of a "date" unless she really likes eating steak..... and lots of it lol.
(2)
Gina M.

Now, this is my favorite Brazilian steakhouse by far in philadelphia. It is beautiful inside and the food is amazing. Besides for the different cuts of steak they have, they also have a lot of fish and chicken options. You definitely need to make reservations however. They are always busy. The salad bar is phenomenal. Definitely try it out, maybe during Restaurant Week when it's $35 a person.
(4)
Lauren B.

So- I'll say this...Food is incredible, as is the service. But honestly, I don't think anyone has enough room in their stomachs to get the most for your money here. So if you're hungry (as in, haven't eaten in days) then I suggest visiting Chima. If you're only slightly peckish, skip this place and head over to The Palm for the petite filet minus the meat coma/guilt. If you're getting taken out for a corporate dinner or whatever other reason you're not paying then run to Chima. Otherwise, skip the gluttony of the Brazilian steakhouse experience and just have a steakhouse one.
(3)
Nichole D.

I've been to this place twice, and both times the service was awful! I was just here on Sunday night. We had a reservation for 8:15, we arrived early and thought they would seat us early, nope! We waited 45 minutes. Once we were sat a waiter came over and gave us water getting it all over my one girlfriend because he was pouring it so fast. He didn't ask us if we wanted drinks, I had to call him back to the table to get a some. We then went up to get our salads, we didn't get meat for an entire hour after eating our salads. The only reason we did end up getting it was because the table next to us starting complaining. At the end of the night we asked to speak to the manager, we made a complaint about the service and how the meat just wasn't coming and the manager Paulo just kept making excuses as to why the service was awful. He didn't offer us and solutions like a round of drinks or free desert, nothing! I will not be back to this place again, I thought I would give it a second chance but it failed.
(1)
Wil S.

We decided to go here for a party of 25 for my friend's birthday. I arrived a little early and decided to sit at the bar for a beer. The bartenders were nice and not bad to look at either. We get seated almost immediately after everyone arrived with the food starting to come out shortly after that. The food was very good however I will say I like Fogo De Chao's food slightly better. 4 stars because of the ambiance and good looking staff. I would definitely recommend you try it if you haven't already.
(4)
Austin C.

I think this place is generally overrated. Go to Fogo de Chao instead. Environment is nice, dark, and wooden, but the tables were set a bit too close together. Overall food was decent for a Brazilian steakhouse, but not as great as I had expected. The salad bar, for one, had all kinds of strange vegetables and relatively little meat. Cheesy bread balls were good. Meats were pretty good, but for some reason they didn't make me want to get them over and over again. I found that I lost interest after eating a few bites of each type of meat. The best was the House special and the chicken. but in general, forget this place and go to Fogo
(3)
Nisha G.

Went to happy hour pretty good drink selection. Their rolls were divine. The plantain and artichoke dip was delicious.
(5)
Doron B.

Oh, I love this place. The food, service as well as the ambiance is great. This was my second time there and everything was great. Except they didn't have my filet wrapped in bacon. But that's ok. I sat there for a few hours and ate everything else in site. They actually brought me put some complimentary champagne and a dessert. That was cool, I really appreciated that. My flip coin dropped on the floor and my server actually went and got me a fresh one. The price is a little high but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Sheila G.

This is the 3rd Brazilian steakhouse that I've been to. Fogo de Chao was really good. Na Brasa was horrible. From reading the reviews, I thought this might not be as good as Fogo, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think it was just as good, if not better. The biscuits were not as good as Fogo, because they were a little warm instead of hot, but still yummy. The turkey spread was probably my favorite thing all night. I really liked it! The beef balls were yucky, but my husband liked them. The salad bar was really, really good. The chicken potato salad was out of this world. I loved the edamame and quinoa. Everything I had from the salad bar was great, but I limited what I had so that I could eat meat. I loved all the meat that I had, especially the lamb and beef ribs were AMAZING!! I eat chicken all the time, so I didn't try that. The only thing I did not finish was the fish. I've been eating fish since I was a little girl, and I really like it. But not this fish, it just didn't taste right. But reading the reviews, it seems like you need to get the fish on the right night. I just wished they had shrimp instead. The fried bananas are really good too. We had dessert (but I should have just ate more meat). I had the Creme Brulee, which was ok. I think when you order Creme Brulee, it should be hot on top. this was not, but the flavor was ok. My husband had key lime pie and it was good too. It was my birthday, so they also came out with Tiramisu. They really should have come out with that BEFORE I ordered dessert. Anyway, Tiramisu is just gross and I didn't like that either. I have to say I'm giving this 4 stars because what you come there for is what they are really good at. MEAT MEAT MEAT. And the salad bar was really good. The service was really good. I asked my waiter for lamb, and it was out in like 1 minute to the table. Our bartender was really really amazing too. They need to work on their desserts and offer better fish. We will be back!
(4)
Erik M.

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra $15 for Fogo de Chao - you will thank me later! Restaurant week visit - and they pulled a bait and switch on our party of 5. No one ever said - and there was no advertising - that the menu would be SUBSTANDARD. Not when we made our reservation, not while they were seating us, and not before they took our drink orders. They waited until we were comfortably seated and then dropped that nice clunker on our group. On top of that 75% of the menu was Pork items. This was a huge problem for our Muslim friend who has visited here before with us without issue. He was left with the choice of 2 steak types, 1 fish, and 1 leg of lamb - plus the salad bar. The leg of lamb was inedible. It was like eating a greasy salt lick. The swordfish was edible. He couldn't have the chicken as it was wrapped in bacon or the 3 other types of pork either. I've sent a letter to their main office letting them know how badly they screwed the pooch and it's been 4 business days without even the slightest acknowledgment of my message. I actually felt embarrassed bringing this party to this establishment. It will be a hard sell to get me or my party to return to Chima. We will gladly pay the $15 more per person and go to Fogo de Chao from now on.
(1)
Garry M.

Love this place! A little pricey, but worth it. Salad Bar is amazing and the meats are 90% excellent. I say 90%, because the swordfish and salmon aren't always consistent (I've been there 3 times and only once was the fish amazing). The Lamb keeps me coming back.
(4)
Lindsay D.

To start, my boyfriend is a big fan of ridizzio, me? Not so much. However, the reviews were pretty great for Chima and we had never been here before. The wait staff is outstanding, the decor looks like a cheesy casino and the salad bar was a fail. The cow derived meats were outstanding, the pork was dry as anything, we don't care for lamb, but it looked great. Believe it or not, my favorite selection was the boneless chicken, I know...crazy! It was so crispy and juicy and Mmmmmmmm. The salad bar failed for a few reasons: -The "fancy" salads were visually stimulating, but VERY underwhelming in flavor. -The Rice/Bean dishes were just ok. Very generic...I could have made them at home. -Their savory "mousse" selections were horrid. Bizzarre texture and odd flavor, that's probably why they were still whole on their platters. The cocktails here are OUTSTANDING, albeit, a little lengthy in the wait, but very very tasty. Chima gets a 3 because it's excellent at meats, service and beverage, but fail at salad bar, decor and giving me "something different" then any other brazillian steakhouse. Sorry Chima...you were very nice people, but very expensive.
(3)
Ryan B.

This does not compare to Platforma Churrascaria in NYC (but who does) I can definitely say I'm a fan. Just like every Brazilian BBQ make sure you plan accordingly before, and by plan accordingly I mean fast until dinner. Seriously, though come here with a game plan on what meat you want to eat. I personally LOVED their lamb chops which seem to be the least common thing they bring around to the tables. Also one of my fav apps they bring to the table are the cheese bread thingys (yea that's the best word I could come up with) The Apps bar is definitely loaded but no sushi?!?! The waiters are super nice and all have good eyes to be able to spot your GO/STOP card from across the dark room. 2 side notes: 1) Go to their website before going and register to get a free $20 gift cert. 2) If you're a dude and this is your first time going to a Brazilian BBQ do not, I repeat DO NOT bring a date you're not comfortable with yet, you will be a useless, meat comatosed mess after dinner.
(4)
Stephen S.

They are running restaurant week at $35 per head. This price only came with limited choice of meat. It's really limited - We had to wait about 20 - 25 minutes for a service of meat coming by because we were presented special tag - second class customers. Full service is $49.50. Purpose of eating Brazilian BBQ is not to get a pile of meat when you see them coming by. Rather you selectively choose small portion as they are supposed to come by in minutes again and you eat fresh. Not to night! You waited, and waited, got a little bite, then waited and waited again. Salad plate was not changed to main course plate at all. I finally had to ask for that service so I don't mix my salad left over with meat. Food quality is 3.5 stars while service and hospitality deserved 1 star the most. We spent $190 for four people on this restaurant week special? They drew new customers in to tell them they don't serve a second chance.
(1)
Dev S.

The food is good and definitely will keep going back... Would be better if the meats didn't take forever to come out, it's annoying to have to wait 10-15 minutes for the servers to come around with meats you like. Either way the beef is really good
(3)
Connie C.

My friend made reservations for us for 7:45pm. We dared to adventure out during restaurant week. We arrived at 7:45pm but was not seated until almost 9pm. We went up to the hostess several times asking about our table but the female manager replied, "We understand you had reservations at 7:45pm but that does not guarantee you to be seated at that time. It only guarantees you a table." No offense lady but I've worked in numerous restaurants before and when a customer has a reservation for that time that table at that time is his or hers. You could technically call in for reservations at 9pm but show up at 7pm saying you had reservations and get a table then, no? Idiot. Anyway, we started off with the salad bar. There was a bunch to pick from but I saved myself room in my tummy and just picked up a couple pieces of broccoli and asparagus to enjoy with my meat. The guys are walking around with the meat and our first pick was the top sirloin. I got the medium rare cut and it was perfect temperature. The cut was nice and the meat was good. Next came the baby sirloin-I asked for medium rare once again but instead I got a well-done piece. To my dislike, it was tough and hard to chew so I put it aside. Third round was the BBQ Pork ribs-the sauce was delicious and the meat fell right off the bone. Then came the salmon and swordfish-I tried both and I did not like either. The swordfish was dry and the salmon was overpowered by the sauce that they put on top. Say no to the sauce! After waiting for 15 minutes, the lamb came out. It was not good at all. I'm not a fan of lamb to begin with but the lamb here was just SO gamy. The lamb chops were a little softer but still the taste of lamb sits in your mouth. I had to eat a spoonful of mash potatoes to swallow it. The bacon wrapped chicken was VERY dry and VERY salty. The last round of the night was the filet mignon. Of course, it comes last but it's because it's the best out of all the meats offered at Chima. It was by far the best of the 15 cuts which is sad because out of the 15 meats offered I only really enjoyed 2. The sangria, however, was REALLY good and I usually do not like sangria. Lastly, the sides were good. The fried plantanas? tasted like french fries but crispier. The mashed potatoes looked like baby puree but it was SO good. I think I enjoyed the mashed potatoes more than the meats. The cheese bread was also a favorite. Other than that, it was a good experience but not worth $44 (restaurant week price). My mouth was dry because everything was a tad bit salty and the service was alright. We waited 20 minutes before being offered the dessert menu then another 15 minutes to get the check. I rather spend $44 on a really good BIG juicy steak than come back here again.
(2)
Yinong C.

Nice restaurant. The service is nice. But the beverage is not refillable. I am glad there is also seafood in both salad bar and barbecue. In general, the taste of the meat is really good. You should try it.
(4)
Zanna H.

I'm so sorry Fogo... I cheated on you and it was wrong. I went to Chima last night to feed my craving for red meats presented & carved for me table side. I was pulled in by its hip warm decor and more lounge atmosphere. All I could think about was you though. Like how your salad bar is superior in most ways, & how your meats are seasoned better. But I have to admit there are a lot things they are doing right or better. Their wait staff is every bit as attentive as yours, their lamb offerings are better in flavor. Chima can't replace you Fogo, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
(4)
Yohann S.

This review solely based on their foods, drinks and services that they gave during my friend's wedding party. First was the drinks/bar. It was good. Love it. Even though the situation was getting quite hectic, but I applaud those bartenders. They didn't get upset or anything. They served everyone quickly and without complaining. Then comes their salad bar. They have good varieties. (I didn't go to Fogo yet. So I don't know if Fogo's salad bigger or higher quality or whatever. What I ate over there at Chima was good) Next was the main menu. The meats. Don't judge me. That was the first time I ate at a brazilian steakhouse. The way things work was new, and I found it pretty neat. Their meat is delicious. I love it. Excellent service too! Overall, it is a new and satisfying experience for me. I'll be back for sure.
(4)
Julie S.

Overall amazing food and drinks. The salad bar had a great selection, and all of the meat provided was perfect.
(5)
Charlene C.

This was probably my 4th or 5th time here, but I brought a friend from out of town for the first time ever. She LOVED it. Amazing salad bar and even more amazing rodizio, with huge variety for both. My favorite rodizio items would have to be the top sirloin, baby sirloin, roast lamb, and salmon (with the passionfruit sauce), although pretty much everything from their grill is good. Everything in their salad bar is always fresh and flavorful. The only dessert I've ever gotten was the chocolate toffee cake with Kahlua and raspberry sorbet, but it was delicious. I also recommend a Guarana on the side, if you like soda. They serve it with a piece of orange. Very refreshing. Not only was the food impeccably delicious, as usual, but the service was exceptional. We seemed to have about 2 or 3 waiters monitoring our table situation, someone came over at least twice to see if we had any requests for the grill, and one young man in particular noticed how much we loved the small plates and started bringing us each a dish when we asked for refills (and believe me, we ate those plates clean). We were so happy with the food and service that we called the manager out for compliments at the end of the meal - I NEVER do this, but it was definitely well-deserved. And for the record, Fogo de Chao has got nothing on Chima... I love Chima and will definitely be back in the future.
(5)
Nick B.

We took our extended family here for Thanksgiving. The food was really good. Everything tasted great, and the salad bar was awesome. There were big problems though. Our server was nonexistent. We had to wait long periods of time in between drinks or getting any attention. I made a comment, and nothing changed. Another problem was that the men with the meat and the knives stopped hitting our table after a while, and would not even come over when we asked. I'm sure it has something to do with their logistics, but it made me wonder if they were trying to show us the door. Either of these issues are irritating, but combined with the price, I expected more. I would not return to this restaurant unless I had a deep discount.
(2)
Shel B.

My recent birthday, we went here... The place is huge!!!...and for a Saturday night, I expected d place to be packed... But its not. Service: Our waitress seemed like a little distracted, or absent minded. But then the busboys and steak guys made up for it. They keep walking around giving us meat and more meat!!!! I sound like a real carnivore here LOL. FOOD: A salad bar is set up in the middle, I had almost everything. Salad and Steak is a very good combination. PLus I had my mojito waiting for me in the table. The steaks are awesome. Ive been to a highly rated Brazilian Grills in the country and I would just say that this place has the best Brazilian steaks I have tasted. My favorite was the lamb chops, it was cooked medium, very tender and spiced. Then the filet mignon which is also very tender and just melts in your mouth. They fell short in the fish dishes though, but overall, if you wanna pig out , this is the place to go!!! ATMOSPHERE; Its a nice and big place. The decor is so inviting. The location is very accessible.
(3)
Sharon P.

I've been to both Chima and Fogo in Center City - Philadelphia. And I would go to Chima over Fogo any day. That is... during restaurant week (: Chima has a wider variety of items at the salad bar compared to Fogo. They also have several sauces/salsa/dips/whathaveyou to accompany your meats deliciously. (The pico de gallo-ish salsa is great with your steaks). They also have a tad bit more wider range of meats since they also serve salmon, swordfish, stuff wrapped in bacon, sausages.. others? Side dishes are bomb. The mashed potatoes are deliciousssssssss and the munchkin bread things are things you can't stop eating. I kind of thought that Fogo was a bit on the salty side? I don't know. Or just more "straight forward" if you can get what I mean with their meats. I'm all about flavor and seasonings so I prefer Chima !! Plus, I never reallyyyy had any problems, except their may be a bit of a wait without reservations, so get that done before going there. Well, even with reservations, a group of friends and I waited 45 minutes+ to get to our seats, and it was near closing time. But hey, they gave us free drinks for the night and the food made up for it. Just make your reservations, come with a hungry belly, gain some patience if the wait comes up, but the food will all make up for it (:
(4)
Kelly H.

Great Experience! We went to Chima on a Saturday evening for my future father-in-laws birthday. So much food! They start out with beef croquettes and these heavenly breads filled melted cheese (dont fill up on these!), then comes the salad bar: more heaven. When youre ready: they bring on the meats. There was nothing that I didnt like! Make sure you look at the menu- we didnt realize until we packed full that we didnt have any lamb chop. We asked one of the servers and they brought it over right away: but I was too full to really enjoy it. I cant wait for an occassion to go back!
(5)
Rob W.

Standard brazilian steakhouse. Note: reservations don't mean anything. Unless you get pushy, you just end up in the queue when you arrive.
(3)
Charlee D.

This is still one of my favorite places to go for a special date. The lighting, the atmosphere, everything is so special (at least in my book.) Come before your reservation and give yourself time to relax and have a drink at the bar. This is probably one of my favorite restaurant bars as far as feel and ambience go. Also, if you're sitting there for 10 or more minutes, they will bring you complimentary appetizers (the beef croquettes and the cheese breads.) Never had a problem with the bar staff and never had to wait more than 15 minutes for our reservation. The salad bar could be my favorite part. It is easy to go a little crazy here, but please do yourself a favor and don't fill up on the salad bar. As a matter of fact, FAST on the day you come to Chima!! No kidding, you'll leave more than full. My favorites at the salad bar are the smoked salmon (perfect), the fresh mozzarella balls, and the proscuitto. They also have a shrimp salad and a calamari salad that are out of this world. Small portions though, or you'll never get through the meat! As soon as you flip your card over, gauchos (the servers) appear from out of nowhere to present you with a specific kind of meat. Bacon-wrapped filet is my favorite; but the top sirloin, filet mignon, and the baby top sirloin are all spectacular. Please do not come here and ask for well-done meat. You're ruining it!!! It's just a known fact that meat does not taste as good when it's well-done. Flank steak and bacon-wrapped chicken are good also. The salmon and swordfish...ehhhh. I've had better, I've had worse. Some nights the swordfish is incredible, other times it's been just OK. Don't get the sauce they serve with it, it's overpowering and doesn't really highlight the flavors, in my opinion. Lastly, the appetizers and sides. Wow. Eat the cheese bread!!! I don't know what they're doing to this dough to make it so damn good, but it's unlike anything I've ever had. I've come here just because I couldn't stop thinking about the bread. The polenta fries are also excellent, if you're into polenta. They sprinkle shreds of cheese on them...so good. The fried plantains are delicious, especially as soon as they come out. Take a bite off the end! They are crispy and sweet. The beef croquettes are also very good and taste great paired with a beer. Not crazy about the mashed potatoes, though I'm not really a mashed potato fan in general. YES, the meat is salty. YES, you will need to drink a lot of water afterwards...but this should not deter you from at least trying the place once. When have you gone to a restaurant and NOT been thirsty afterwards??? Do not think you are going to scarf down your meal and leave this joint in an hour. You WILL be left sitting and waiting. This is an EXPERIENCE; give yourself a few hours to enjoy it.
(4)
Glenn D.

Awesome..one of the best places I have ever eaten..food and environment was outstanding.. I suggest the salmon with the Passionfruit sauce
(5)
Carrie E.

Last night I feasted on meat carved tableside by men dressed as gauchos. And no, I wasn't at Epcot Center or in a Fellini movie...I was at Chima. And it was glorious. I was there for a special event, so we got to see the place in full swing and total capacity. After loading our plates at the salad bar (which, btw, is huge and also includes fresh mozzarella, a personal favorite of yours truly) we sat in the gorgeous dining room, complete with contemporary red/crystal chandeliers that I am totally coveting, turned over our cards and let the madness begin. Here an orange card means "Bring me some meat and keep it comin'," and black means "Please, for the love of God, no more." Our table of four ate enough to feed a small village (yes, I feel a tad guilty about that) but particularly enjoyed the succulent filet, sirloin and Parmesan encrusted pork loin. It was quite an experience, and I walked out of there wishing I had a handbag big enough to smuggle food out in. Is that wrong? The consensus is that, while gorgeous inside, this is a man's dinner. My girlfriend and I had a great time, but the testosterone factor was high. I'm sure it had to do with all that meat and knivery...so I think this is a perfect place for a power dinner or a meal pre-bachelor party. Just remember to leave the strippers at the club - after all, Chima is a class act.
(3)
Sophia S.

Chima was fine. But my experience here was eclipsed by the memory of the high quality meat at Fogo de Chao. Chima was a lot of okay steak.....quantity is its selling point. So if you're really into a high quality cut, chima may not be for you.
(3)
Shingo K.

Food was really good. But expensive.
(4)
Rannica A.

I love chima. Unlimited meats, great service. Our server, Lauren, was very funny and attentive. I loved her. However, when I was at the bar beforehand waiting to seated, I ordered a 2 drinks at the bar. When I received my bill, gratuity was added 18% for my two drinks and it was hidden. What pissed me off was that I already threw down a 5 for my 20$ drink bill before I even realized that Daniela took the pleasure of adding my tip for me. Sneaky sneaky.
(3)
Cara P.

Warning: Only go if you have starved yourself all day. The meat (surprisingly, the chicken... rarely order chicken when I go out to eat... and lamb were my favorites) was incredibly juicy and tender. The sangria was the delicious, and by far the largest one-glass portion I have ever had. Even the salad bar had great variety and options! The wait staff was helpful and always had some skewer of meat coming my way. I would hope that in the future, they invest in some more "regular" wait staff... help keep water glasses full, and plates clean. This is not a place I will frequent often due to price and the gut-buster effect that quickly follows the completion of your meal, but will definitely give it a go once in a while. Also, be sure to get dessert after your meat extravaganza. (The sugar will counteract the salt).
(3)
Anh C.

My 21st birthday took place at this steakhouse and I do not regret it one bit =) It was my first time trying out an all you can eat steak house and I thoroughly enjoyed it although I'm not much of a ra-ra carnivore. The decor was very elegant and my party was placed at a table right next to the salad buffet table. We were instantly seated and greeted by our waiter. The side dishes were very good starters and a popular item at our table were the butter bread balls. They were warm, puffy, buttery goodness. A must try. But not too much or you won't have room for the various types of steak, pork, chicken, and fillet that they have circulating around the room. Come hungry and leave very satisfied :)
(4)
Ashley L.

I've been here twice and have had a great experience both times. This is the only Brazilian steakhouse I've been to but do not feel the need to go anywhere else. Went once for my mom's birthday and they gave us a complimentary tiramasu. The second time was during Restaurant Week, where you get the full menu (all you can eat) for $35 instead of $50! Highly recommend coming here during Restaurant Week. Great salad bar with more options than you could ever imagine. Be careful not to overdo it, you have to leave room for the meat! Their meat list is pretty extensive, with 16 different options. However, I felt the same meat kept coming around to our table too often. Not sure if I really was offered every type of meat. I will say that the lamb chops were probably the best I've ever had. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jennifer T.

Just what fat Philadelphians need - an all you can eat MEATapalooza! I've been to Chima twice, once for their grand opening and once during the latest Restaurant Week. Both times, I was severely disappointed - from the service staff (I had possibly the most obnoxious server EVER), to the meats (Chima is over salted), and the salad bar (what exactly is "corn mousse"... and there's no Parm barrel!). Note: you don't get the entire meal deal when you go during RW - no lamb chops and no dessert. Lameballs, they should disclose that before you sit down. Like the majority of other reviewers, I suggest you head over to Fogo if you want to indulge in a coma-inducing meatfest!
(2)
John N.

I'm going to cut to the chase - not nearly as good as Fogo. The food was good, don't get me wrong. The salad bar as good, the meat was good - but nothing was great. Nothing stood out as being excellent, there wasn't any single item you walked away from the table thinking "that was the best X I ever had". Fogo had at least 3 or 4 items that were "the best X I ever had", there was a wider range of selections, the salad bar was bigger and higher quality, and even the sides were better. There were even a few items at Chima that were just "meh", which I cannot say about Fogo. The service was probably better than Fogo, the atmosphere I actually liked more, but purely on a food-for-food level, doesn't come close. I feel kind of bad saying that, because if I hadn't gone to Fogo first I probably would have loved it, and maybe 2 stars is a bit harsh - but considering that for $10 more you can go a few blocks east and have a supremely better experience, I don't understand why anyone would go to Chima. There is a reason why they are on Restaurant.com and Fogo isn't. For $50 a plate, unless you have a gift certificate, it's not really worth it.
(2)
Sal M.

If I could do 2.5 stars I would. But I can't in good conscience go 3. When I called to confirm my open table reservation, I also asked the young lady who answered about some allergy concerns at our table. She told me she wasn't "really familiar with the menu." The waiter called us "yous" all night. When I tried to order a bottle of wine he had zero knowledge to convey. I ordered an 09. They brought the same bottle in a 10. I didn't break balls since I'd ordered a cheap bottle. Someone with a little wine knowledge could easily have sold me a more expensive bottle. It was Thanksgiving after all. The buffet is extensive and quite good. The rodizio meats are hit or miss but it's easy to find 2 or 3 you really enjoy. I would go back again, when I want Brazilian steakhouse. They're rather formulaic.
(2)
Suzanne F.

Went here for Thanksgiving dinner. The website does not do the restaurant justice. I don't eat much red meat, but I put aside my reserves and asked for a piece of beef as the server approached my table. Really excellent, as was all of the meats I tried. The salad bar is awesome - beautiful, as well as delicious, and comes with every dining experience. The little appetizers set out at each table were excellent. I went with two carnivores, who certainly got their money's worth of meat. Dessets were okay. I found out that for $29.99 you can get just the salad bar and fish (salmon and swordfish) if you don't want meat. The fixed price is $50.00, and any serious meat eater can easily eat twice what he/she pays for the meal. There were plenty of families eating here on Turkey Day, so they may have a kids fixed priced menu, too. This is a place to go for a major eating experience.
(4)
Shy S.

Always a good time here! While some people tend to look at it as "Fogo De Chao" light, I do think it's different enough, and good enough, to stand on its own. The differences between the 2 are very small. I think that while the meat cuts overall may be slightly better at Fogo, the salad bar has more of a selection while there is also more appetizers to choose from as well. And the staff is extremely friendly! Chima is a good place and somewhere I'd easily recommend!
(4)
Brian L.

Came here with the family a few months ago. Previously, I've been to Fogo de Chao and Picanha, and this was my first time going to Chima. In short, the experience wasn't bad. Service was there and the food was alright. The beef rib I thought was a tad fatty and not very appealing. The lamb cuts were overcooked and not as rare/tender as I prefer (even though I requested medium rare). They oftfer seafood too, which (I believe) they don't have at Fogo or Picanha. On the plus side, the atmosphere was MUCH nicer than Fogo or PIcanha.
(3)
Geoff c.

Great staff. Went there with a handful of friends. We're all young, just out of college, so staff at nice restaurants aren't always pleased to see a group of us. But they were very nice to us. Great atmosphere. Elegant interior. Food was great. The salad bar has wider variety than Fogo. Swordfish was good. Meat wasn't too over-salted. The only drawback is the price. It's more expensive than Fogo (sorry for the frequent comparisons), but I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference. Perhaps people with more sophisticated tastebuds will say that it's worth it, but for someone who is just gorging themself with meat, like myself, it was a nice visit but a one-time thing.
(3)
Jes S.

What a wonderful time!! And the food was just fantastic. Things I loved: -- The little sides they have on the table are never-ending and so delicious. My family loved the parmesean cheese balls & fried polenta the most. -- So much fantastically cooked meat. Other reviews speak plenty of the meat and all the good stuff is true! There were some things we didn't like, but I think that's just because of taste. -- The DESSERTS were to die for. We had barely any room left, but we had the Chocolate Kahlua Cake and Chocolate Lava Cake. We are a family of Chocolate cake makers and lovers... Both were SO GOOD. -- The service! The people were all fantastic! I had waited for the Top Sirloin and sadly watched it go by and quickly run out of meat. Our server asked if we wanted anything and we mentioned the sirloin. In 2 minutes it was at our table and I devoured 2 slices... Same for my mother when she asked for the beef rib. Additionally... It was my sister and my birthday dinner (one day apart!), and when I called the reservation I had said yes to everything they do. We had people sing to us in Portuguese, great fun, and two free desserts on top of our cakes! Some places skimp on that little dessert, but this was all out. We each had a little cake (big enough for two people who hadn't gorged on meat) and candle ! What a lovely place. :)
(5)
Candice S.

Staff - Ultra friendly Food - Good, not great Atmosphere - Cool but very very open, a tich industrial The BF LOVED the meat-a-pallooza that Chima offered, but I simply dont eat enough to get the full experience. The salad bar was very good and the cocktails were amazing... I think I just need to give it a go when I am starving so I can try everything that Chima has to offer!
(3)
Hoa T.

Same concept as Fogo de Chao. Service was fast. When you flipped over your token, the meats kept on coming. I particularly liked the lamb chop. The salmon and swordfish were a great change in pace from the meat fest. I also love how when you signed up for their mailing list, you get a discount coupon. I would come again. As to whether this was better than Fogo, I can't really say. It has been so long since the last time that I ate at Fogo to make a good comparison. But it shall be done.
(4)
Vicky M.

Great meal! This was my second visit -- this time to celebrate my recent graduation. It was a family and friends affair - party of 6. I would recommend bringing coupons for $20 off of 2 rodizos dinners which are (were?) available on their website. Love -- the variety and the quality of the meat. Perfectly cooked and the cuts! My personal favorite is the top sirloin, which will be yours too if you're a fan of the gristle side. Speaking of sides...the sides which come with the meal were typical. The beef coquette (sp?) and fried polenta were interesting to eat, enough to break up the meat caravan. The only stand out side dish were the fried bananas - amazing! Perfectly warm and crispy. Not Love - this is a pricey meal and throwing in a couple bottles of wine, it can become even more expensive. They should have a BYOB policy. Overall - save this outing for a special occasion. You will definitely leave satisfied.
(4)
Erica M.

Chima was delicious! The meats were fresh and I always got the temperature I requested. The lamb was a bit dry, but every other meat was incredible. The mashed potatoes were amazing...I don't know what they put in them, but they are addicting! Pao de Queijo (cheese bread) is always incredible. My only complaints were that we had a 7 o'clock reservation and we had to wait until 7:15 to be seated (even though there were many open tables). And our server asked us at least 8 times if we wanted something to drink. Otherwise, the service was good until we asked for a check (it tooks over 20 minutes to get) and the food was awesome! Be sure to do some Googling to find coupons before you go!
(4)
Dan L.

Incredible meat selection - though the leg of lamb was a bit dry. Nice salad bar. Drinks were strong. It was super-hot in the place - as the temperature had just gone up in the city and their AC wasn't really working well enough yet for all of the meat grilling.
(4)
Meghan C.

It's okay...I do prefer Fogo, but I think they have a better salad bar. But I'm not paying $45 ($50?) a head for salad. The service with regard to the meat was great, but heavens...if you want to drink, just order three at once because it is impossible to catch their eyes. I think we actually just ended up getting bottles of wine because it was that painful. I don't remember the sides so they must not have been Fogo fried polenta worthy.
(3)
Todd O.

why are people talking about the salad bar? i go to a brazilian steakhouse to eat meat...off of ninja swords. starved myself through lunch to prepare for the festivities which lied ahead. for the philly restaurant week price of $35, it was definitely a steal. waiters came around with an assorted variety of meats...my favorites being the pork ribs, top sirloin, and ribeye. the swordfish and salmon came with a delicious passionfruit sauce which complimented it nicely. keep your button on "yes, please" and they'll keep it coming all night long. the wine prices are steep, so our party opted for guarana, the brazilian soda, which we nicknamed brazilian awesomeness in a can (see picture). get it. you'll see the servers playing on ipod touches...this is their way of ordering drinks/sides, along with calling over servers to bring me more meat. by the end of the meal, i needed a wheel chair to get rolled out of the place since i couldn't move.
(4)
Fred H.

Two-star rating may be bad, but according to Yelp's two-star description "Meh. I've experienced better," it's spot-on for Chima. Let me sum up my review with these words: Just go to Fogo. I went to Chima expecting similar service and food to Fogo, Texas de Brazil, etc. Unfortunately I found both lacking. What surprised me most was the service. At Fogo, when you are finished with the salad bar and flip your disk to Go Meat, you're promptly greeted with a fresh plate and a barrage of "Gauchos" serving different cuts. Couldn't have been more the opposite at Chima. After finishing the salad bar, and flipping our disk, we sat there for at least 5 minutes with dirty plates and no meat. This became the common joke of the night. I found myself multiple times sitting there my fork and knife sitting on my empty plate, looking around the room for some sort of service. At one point, I looked around the room and saw ZERO gauchos for a lengthy period of time. Food-wise, it was just ok, it paled in comparison to the cuts at Fogo. The only two saving points were the salad bar which is mostly on par with Fogo and the $20-off coupon you can get from the Chima website. I'll finish with words you may have already heard: Just go to Fogo.
(2)
anthony L.

A lot of the time with Brazilian places I find that the meat is extremely salty. Not true at chima! I found most of the meal to be absolutely delicious. Waiters were prompt with the meat once you flip your card to "go!" and the drinks were plenty strong! All in all I had a really good experience here. hands down the best Brazilian steakhouse I've been to.
(5)
Meg A.

I ate at Chima when it had only been open for about two months. So, in all fairness, some things have probably improved since then. My boyfriend and I decided to have our anniversary dinner there and had a reservation. When we got there, the table wasn't ready, so we went to the bar where I ordered the house specialty drink a caipirinha. The bartender served it with a warning (never a good sign) stating that if I didn't like it, she could give me something else. The drink was - not smooth. And I know good caipirinhas because a good friend of mine is Brazilian and makes them for us. This was not good and I switched to a margarita which was adequate. When we were seated, I noticed that the place was packed and that the tables next to us were very close. Too close, actually. In fact, for our "romantic" dinner we felt like we couldn't talk at all because of all the ruckus around us. And the mother/son duo next to us were straight out of a bad sitcom complaining about everything and whining. No, one cannot control whom one sits near at a restaurant, that it true. But the restaurant should certainly know when the tables are too close. I could have reached my hand straight out and touched the other patron. The beef was excellent. I believe the fillet mignon was particularly tasty. I liked that the gauchos took the time - despite how busy the place was - to make sure you got the meat done to your preferred doneness. The chicken was well seasoned but a little dry and the swordfish and salmon were both inedible. But, hey, I don't go to Brazilian steakhouses for seafood so that is OK. In fact, they could drop the fish from their fare altogether and be fine. I might eat here again, if I had a coupon from Groupon or something like that. Truthfully though, I like Fogo de Chao much better. And I have since heard rumor of Brazilian steakhouses in the GNE so I may have to scope those out.
(3)
Fanny J.

I love the appetizers here!! Cheese bread and creamy mash potatoe are awesome!
(5)
Jessica A.

I ate at Chima for the first time a month ago, and I think I'm still full. It was my first experience at a Brazilian steakhouse and my husband and I really enjoyed it. What's not to like about men coming around to serve you unlimited cuts of delicious meats? The atmosphere was bustling, but not distracting. Our server was running around like a crazy man and left us for a bit too long at the end of the meal, but he was very friendly. I don't even remember what types of meats I ate, but my only complaint was that the filet was very salty. I really enjoyed the sides, especially the fried bananas, which were amazing. Now here comes my #1 issue of the night: the wine list. Very expensive. I was perusing the list at the bar while we were waiting to be seated, and seeing nothing less than $12 or $14 a glass. So I asked the bartender if they had a house pinot noir, which they did. Silly me for not asking what the price was -- it was $14! I've never ever been anywhere where the house wines were as much or more than other options on the menu. It's not even about the extra couple of dollars, it's just the principle. Anyway, overall it was a thumbs up. I wouldn't rush back there as it's too indulgent to do very often, but I'm sure I'll go back eventually.
(4)
Jan K.

After my dinner last Sunday at Chima, it occurred to me that I have no single complaint about the experience. Probably the only thing between them and five stars is beyond their control because Philadelphia apparently won't let you cook on wood fire in center city. Picanha gets away with it up on Castor Ave. So I can only really compare it to Fogo, or Na Brasa in Philly. I have been to to other Rodizios that use wood, and there is a detectable difference. That being said, I took the family (wife and three teens) on Sunday. We were seated immediately, and our waiter good-naturedly went over the drill (advising us against filling up on either the salad bar or VERY creamy buttery mashed potatoes. When they first opened, I had read a review saying the meat was over-salted. Apparently they read it too, and brought in an experienced Manager to ride herd over the gauchos so they "got it" about the salt. The selection of meats was typical, but one VERY nice and unique feature was that our waiter had a little hand-held wireless device, and upon request would direct leg-of-lamb, Parmesan pork loin, what-have-you to our table instantly. Unlike other Rodizios, the gauchos paid attention to the yes/no pucks, and did not disturb us with foods once we had declined them. I did not bother, for example, with fish or sausage (I like both, but let's face it, I was there for MEAT !!) Quality of the beef, pork, lamb, and chicken was high. I have been disappointed by other Rodizios who seemed to be using blander grades of meat. We had some gift cards, which lightened the tab somewhat, but prices were typical of the genre. $12 was a little steep per glass for the Malbec, but the waiter did recommend the less expensive of the two (the other was $14.00) Salad bar was on a par with Fogo / Na Brasa as were the typical sides (puffy cheese biscuits etc.) Fried bananas were HOT and fresh, and a cut above the others. Overall, service was extraordinary and I think intentionally much more casual than Fogo who is their real competition. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Jennifer S.

The food is AMAZING but I strongly suggest you fast before coming here - you will need the extra room. Every piece of meat is cooked perfectly and the side dishes are amazing. The salad bar is not your typical sneeze-guarded crap, it includes carpacio and gorgonzola mouse! The event planner (for large groups) is phenomenal and incredibly accommodating. She can make a simple dinner into an extraordinary experience.
(5)
Bethany W.

I've only been here once for happy hour so maybe I'm not qualified to write a review of this place, but I'm going to do it anyway! My friend invited me because she had a coupon for a free appetizer. We each had a Caipirinha, which the bartender informed us is Brazil's national drink. I can see why, because it's delicious and very, very alcoholic. Like, we decided to not have another drink because that one Caipirinha did each of us good. For food, we split the salmon salad - which was a large enough portion for both of us to feel like we had a full meal. They also brought us some pastry-type things to snack on before the food arrived, including some cheese-puff type pastries that were AMAZING. I would probably go back to Chima just for those. The service was pretty attentive at first but tapered off towards the end - only by a little, though. I really liked the decor of the place, too - the bar area was nice but chill enough so that my friend and I didn't feel out of place in jeans. I'm not sure I'd ever go back there for a full meal unless someone else was paying because I'm a poor non-profit employee, but I definitely want to go back for more after-work drinks!
(4)
Chris M.

Went in almost cocky and snarky. Thought, right.. lets try this Fogo De Chao wannabe! Gauchos carving hot, delicious meat at your table is my idea of heaven. Fogo showed me the light, and rewrote my idea of dining pleasure. Went to Chima, they have certainly met the challenge. Quality of meat is superb, service is second to none. Sure, you gotta flip the card.. telling the gauchos "Feed Me".. they are there before you can swallow your last bite. Please, what else could a person want? I'm still digesting all the gluttony I ate, it was worth having to hit the gym the next 45 days to burn it off. I would cut back on the birthday singing.. let ppl goto TGI fridays or Chi chis for that garbage. Also, bypass the salad bar..sure it is terrific, but you'll save room for ..the main event.
(4)
Sheila B.

This was our first time at a Brazilian style steakhouse, and we were very pleasantly surprised. This is one of the best restaurant adventures my son and I have ever had. :) On top of the fabulous salad bar, they just keep bringing meat. Prime rib, filet mignon, flank steak, ribeye, salmon, chicken wrapped in bacon, pork ribs, pork loins with parmesan cheese, rib-eye, leg of lamb, lamb chops, sausage, beef ribs, sirloin, sword fish, salmon... Pricey, but you do get an awful lot for your money. You also need to make reservations.
(5)
Lin P.

ambiance and overall decor are bizarre. drinks are priced way to high. decent meat.
(2)
Brian S.

Meatpocolypse. If you are looking to gorge yourself fully of good meats, a Brazillan style "rodizio" is the way to go. However, I preferred Fogo de Chao much better than Chima. We went during restaurant week so the price was a bit cheaper, and the only thing not available to us were the lamb chops. No big deal. I just felt this was a poor mans version of Fogo, and everything from the meats to the salad bar was better there.
(3)
Ruth Y.

My good friend was kind enough to pass on to me a 2 for 1 deal at this all you can eat meat fest. mmmm First of all, I have to mention that it was VERY annoying to have to wait 20 minutes (yes, 20!!!!!) even after having made a reservation weeks in advance. Seriously, people without reservations were seated much more quickly than we were . We were about 5 seconds away from making a scene when we were finally seated. Fortunately, our very nice waiter, Brian made up for our poor lobby experience. The service was very attentive and accommodating. We got 5 plates of the fried bananas, which are in several people's opinion, the best part of the meal. YUMMY!!!!! The rest of the food was very decent as well. We tried (by our accounting) all 15 types of meats on the menu. My personal favorites were the lamb chops and leg of lamb (no trend here hahaha ). Some other favorites were the frank steak, chicken wrapped in bacon and ribs. The "salad" bar was very good as well. We enjoyed that everything was labeled so that we knew what we were eating. This is all compared to Picanha, the other Brazilian steakhouse that we've been to. Picanha has the reputation of being more authentic and a better bang for the buck. Nothing I have seen discredits this. Although there is a lot to be said for the cleanliness and the clarity of the menu and the labeling of the salad bar at Chima's. I have to say Chima is a good experience if you can get it at a discount, but I personally am partial to Picanha's brisket and mmmm skirt steak mmmmm. *wipe drool* . Hahaha
(3)
Emilia M.

So I had the brilliant idea of making a reservation for a good friend and myself on a Sunday evening at 6:45. When we arrived we were told that we would be seated about 20 minutes after our reservation time. The place was jammed packed, but i did not expect to wait an hour and fifteen minutes before we were seated! When we sat down, the waiter, a very young man, was pretty short with us. He served us cold sides, and then disappeared. Each and every waiter in the place was on their cell phones. I even noticed that his cell phone was in his hand as he refilled my water. A refill I had to ask no less than five times for! Here is the kicker. I went to the bathroom and there was not a single sheet of toilet paper nor was there soap!!! SO GROSS!!!!! It's a shame, though,as the food was actually pretty good. They just need better management. I.e. Someone who is there and actually watching to see that his or her staff isn't doing their job. So not worth the money, trust me.
(1)
Khwaja H.

A carnivore's paradise and a vegetarian's nightmare. Solid buffet. Great service. Prefer this over Fogo De Chao
(4)
Robert F.

Everything (service, salad bar, appetizers, ambiance) is better than Fogo de Chao with the exception of the meat. Both places charge $50 per person for their all you can eat meat-fest. I also don't like their $3 Guaranas without refills and $3 hot tea that wasn't hot. Basically your paying at least $75 per person when tax, tip, drinks, and desserts are computed and in my opinion, not a great value.
(2)
Dani L.

Words can't describe how wonderful this restaurant truly is. Relatedly, I'm largely unable to speak when I'm at Chima, because I'm either salivating in anticipation of or enjoying the delicious wonders of this restaurant. I've been to multiple Brazilian steakhouses in Philly and NY, and none can compare to Chima. The variety in meat options is unparalleled, the hot chocolate cake makes me melt inside, and the waitstaff will treat you like royalty even during Restaurant Week. Worth every penny, every time.
(5)
Teresa K.

We tried to get reservations during restaurant week but they were all booked. However the lady who answered the phone said we could have the same deal this week. So we went on Monday. Our reservations were at 5:30. We met at the bar and tried their drink special of the day which was refreshing and strong. We were seated promptly at 5:30. The place was pretty much empty at the time. Our waiter was extremely nice and our service was attentive. The meat kept coming. The reason we selected Chima over Fogo was one of the people I was with does not eat meat, and Chima offers swordfish and salmon. I've been to Fogo 3 times, and I really couldn't tell any difference between the two places. We all enjoyed our meal here. I don't think I would go back and pay regular price at any time. None of us eats enough to get our money's worth, but it was a nice, fun place to go with restaurant week prices.
(3)
dana t.

Sides sucked Meat tasted one dimensional Best thing is the sword fish
(1)
Glam n.

Went here for my anniversary dinner with my babe it was good but the servers should come out more with different meats.
(3)
Alphonso D.

Love this place, the food is great. You go for the meat selection but the salad bar was satisfactory. Bring your appetite, you want to go in on E. I had this really good brazilian drink there (can't remember the name, sorry), but my entire party enjoyed there drinks. It's pricey so be prepared for that going in. The food was so good though that I went to their Virginia location and it was equally as good.
(5)
Sana R.

Look to spend about $45/person. If you join their email list they'll send you special dates when it'll be $34/person. It's pretty upscale so dress for the occasion. Typical meats are cow, pig, lamb, and fish. The salad bar is very unremarkable so don't expect to fill up that way. If you come for happy hour sit by the bar and they'll bring you out that free cheesy bread. YUM!
(3)
Mike M.

Chima was the start of a bachelor party I was part of on Friday night. Since I was familiar with Brazilian barbecue, this immediately threw up some red flags in my mind. Is a full stomach of meat the best way to start a night of drinking? I decided to not argue, and just let the evening play out. On that note, I apologize for anybody walking by 16th and Sansom on Saturday night, the groom's vomit provided us all a great laugh that I'm sure will be recounted numerous times at the wedding, but I doubt it added to the ambiance of Center City. Since I woke up this morning with the contents of my stomach intact, I figured I'd weigh in on this place. I felt the quality of the meat is better at Fogo, and the atmosphere is a little more fun. If you're looking for a first time Brazilian BBQ experience, I think Fogo de Chao is the way to go. I did enjoy Chima's addition of swordfish and lamb to the gameplan, in fact, I thought these were their strongest offerings. Their salad bar was decent, but certainly not as intimidating as Fogo's. The service was good, but I didn't get the sense of excitement of a flurry of gauchos swarming our table... perhaps because it wasn't very crowded in there: 7pm on Saturday night and it was half empty, not a great sign. The tables are definitely more spaced out than at Fogo though, so I felt less likely to be impaled by an errant gaucho knife. If you love this food (like our meat-addled groom) than you should check it out. By the way, after 'the incident', he recovered impressively and continued on the night strong for many more hours. So it's good to know that Chima may make you stumble, but it won't incapacitate you.
(3)
Rob R.

Add this to the rising number of Fogo de Chao wannabes. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy this place but it lacks a certain "authenticity" that you get when you go to Fogo. I can understand why places like this are popping up - the concept is great: an endless amount of perfectly grilled red meat served on swords complimented with an extensive salad bar. At a top steakhouse you'll spend $50+ for one (10-20 oz.) cut of steak. At Chima, you'll spend $50/pp and will enjoy as much steak as you can consume in one sitting - and try different cuts. You can't go wrong (that is, unless, you're a vegan). People are going to think I work for this place, but.... you can snatch up a $25 gift card at Restaurants.com for $10. Or, check out their website and sign up for their email newsletter. They offer specials nearly once a month and around every holiday. This isn't a place you could go every week, but certainly makes for a nice event out with a small group of friends.
(4)
Michelle J.

An endless meat buffet is as gluttinous as it gets. The items from the salad bar really compliment the meat and they have a wide variety of different sauces to go with the meats as well. I do agree that Fogo steps it up when it comes to the meats, but I still have no complaints about Chima.
(5)
Stella H.

Sorry, but the whole "meat on a stick" thing is lost on me. Were it not for the nice salad bar (and actually, it's much more than than) and the sides they give you at your table, I would likely rate this one star. I hate the whole concept of having a hunk of meat sliced down in my face, The Brazil style of cooking is also way to salty for me and takes away from the taste of the meat itself. I felt overwhelmed each time I would turn over my coin (indicating I wanted to be served) and was immediately swamped by the Gaucho's who do the slicing. Give me my food and get away from me - I don't want someone (or something) literally in my face the entire meal. Dinner here is not for those who are looking for a nice quiet evening! I've been there twice, the first time with about 10 people and you could not carry on a conversation because of the noise level and the size of the table. The second time, it was just myself and a friend and we kept having to repeat ourselves between the noise and the constant Gaucho interruption. I guess guys with big hearty red meat appetities would appreciate this more than I do. The bar is OK, and they do make a mean Mojitio, but the happy hour scene here is really pathetic.
(2)
Luigi C.

Since we were fancying meat, we decided to try Chima. The restaurant is very nice inside, nicely decorated, and it can accommodate large events. In pure Rodrizio-style, for a flat fee of ~$40/person or so, one has access to unlimited salad bar and meats. I have to say, the salad bar wasn't as amazing as I had hoped, but still quite rich in cheeses and vegetables. The collection of meats was remarkable. I could count at least 12 different varieties of meat (at least those brought by churrascheros to our table). In pure Brazilian tradition, meats are pre-salted with 'sal grosso' (dry coarse salt), which gives it a unique flavor. Fraldinha (flank steak) is my favorite cut... inevitably, I ended up eating too much,which is my greatest problem at Brazilian Steakhouses. Overall, I thought we had a nice dining experience. I will probably go back on a week day, as they get pretty packed on weekends.
(4)
James V.

If you like being a carnivore, you will love this place. I went after work one day with a couple of co-workers for happy hour. Chima offers happy hour specials including the typical beer and wine specials as well as a Brazilian Caipirinha (which was perfect). Besides great drinks, the bartenders had great personalities and were very engaging. We enjoyed happy hour so much, we decided to stay and have dinner and were glad we did. The food was amazing! They invite everyone to start with the salad bar which is stocked with tons of fresh salads, fruits and some other tasty options. While each item is probably worth trying, I highly recommend only sampling only a small portion from the salad bar as you will want to save lots of room for the meats that are being served. They have servers/guachos moving from table to table, providing various options of rotisserie meats. Everything they offered was delicious! After trying just about everything, I found my personal favorites to be the top sirloin, salmon, and Parmesan crusted pork. I definitely had seconds and thirds of those options and am already looking forward to going back for more!
(4)
Michelle Y.

Came here for Restaraunt Week. I'll get straight to the point: Salad bar: 5 stars. Fresh and a lot of variety. had to stop myself from getting full from salad. Service: 5 Stars. Prompt and attentive service. Meat: 4 stars. Can't compare to fogo de chao since i've never been there, but i admit some of the meat tasted a bit too salty. the CHICKEN WAS AMAZING! and there was one meat, forget which one, but it was sooooooooooo tender. Kinda bummed that the filet mignon wasnt included in the restaraunt week menu. Appetizers: 5 Stars. the mashed potatos and fried bananas..... yum. Would i come back? Not for the full price. Not because it was bad, but because I can barely eat $35 worth of food so it'd be a waste for me. I'd rather spend the $60 bucks and eat filet mignon at a steakhouse. I would definately recommend though.
(4)
Mary W.

Chima is a great restaurant if you are a believer of QUANTITY over QUALITY. Although the meat is not top-notch, the salad bar is plentiful. I have been here twice and the second time, the salmon was tender and delicious. So perhaps if you are lucky, you will experience the same! As mentioned before by other reviewers, definitely purchase a $25 gift certificate on restaurant.com . I bought mine for only $2. Happy eating!
(3)
Steph H.

C-H-I-M-A C is for the Cheese that I love from the salad bar H is for how HUNGRY you should be when you arrive I is for how Incredible the meat is cooked M is for ... MEAT! A is the grade I would give you on a report card. I've gone to chima twice now and I plan on going many more times. I love the all you can eat brizillian steakhouse so much, I can't believe it flew under my radar for so long. The best thing about chima is that you never have to pay full price. Go to restaurant.com and get a $25 coupon for $2. Also, join their "preferred diners" club, they send coupons and stuff all the time. Also, skip the veggies on the salad bar and just fill up half your plate with the amazing cheeses and pair it with your meat as it comes. OH! And also get some of the Brazilian guarana soda, it's delightful!
(5)
Sandra W.

Chima's got a great intimate atmosphere, very cozy (unlike Fogo de Chao). I liked that in addition to the meat they offered a salmon and swordfish which were both great! I didn't really look at the salad bar but those I went with did and they were happy with it. The service was average... nothing too great but not the worst. Overall, I enjoyed my meal.
(4)
Peggy D.

endless meat.... do i really need to say more? much better than fogo, and cheaper. try the brazilian beer... its pretty good. hint: skip out on the salad bar... it is really good, but don't waste your room. make sure to print out a coupon online before you go!
(4)
Erin B.

technical review is 3.5 stars... went here for restaurant week... for $35 all you can eat is a great deal. They give you a little card that you can flip for "go" or "stop" as the guys in pirate pants bring around meat on sticks. i kept mine at go because i wanted to try everything! there were definitely favorites and not-so favorites... LOVE: the hugely stocked salad/soup bar. great for getting started and all items were a nice compliment to the meal. LOVE: the appetizers that come to the table in tiny dishes. i think potato puree, some kind of spherical meat thing(?) and something else. all were AWESOME. i could have drunk the potato puree from a pitcher it was so tasty. DON'T love: my BF wanted to save room for the meats, and didnt eat much of the side dishes or salads... needless to say he was very sick the next morning and had to call off work. not sure if it was the lamb (we all thought it was a little funky) or if it was just too much meat for one person. LOVE: the parmesan pork. my fave. DON'T love: the bacon wrapped filet was under impressive. this place doesnt include dessert in their rest wk. menu... we did get coffee and desserts but they were a little high for what it was. i wish they had a coffee bar similar to the salad bar that was included in the price. now, Chima is always all you can eat, i believe the normal price is $50/person. i would not pay that much for this place. if you want to go, try it for restaurant week.
(3)
Melissa W.

Who can say no to sexy foreign men dressed like pirates and carrying around giant hunks of meat speared with swords? Certainly not me... unless they're just offering chicken or I'm already in a semi-conscious meat-induced coma. For $35 (a special they have fairly often (extended restaurant weeks and various holidays), unlike Fogo de Chao), this is awesome. Sure the meat is a little on the salty side and they're all spiced similarly if not the same, but there are enough different cuts from different animals that you get to taste a variety of flavors. I skip the chicken and fish and go straight for the good stuff: filet mignon, picanha, beef ribs, lamb chops, leg of lamb, and even some flank steak and ribeye. The Brazilian cheese bread is delicious, as are the ultrasmooth and ultrabuttery mashed potatoes. The fried bananas are also fantastic, and I usually dislike fried plantains. The salad bar is quite good as well. Needless to say, the service is good. Also, they sing happy birthday in Portugese. The decor is pretty snazzy, though the wall hangings in our section were a little odd: tough and manly gauchos posing like fashion models and sipping on what I can only assume to be caipirinhas. Come hungry, and bring someone to carry you out afterwards.
(4)
Wei T.

The hostess that failed to greet us was a bit pretentious, but I gotta say, I was a big fan of this place. I only got two pieces of meat but it was pretty tasty - I tried the lamb and the chicken. I would have ordered more but I was all starstruck by the salad bar. So many fresh veggies and meats (salmon, prosciutto, etc.). I didn't know it but you can get the salad bar only option if you wish. That's what I'll opt for, next time. Plenty of pastas and starch options for the carb indulgent eaters, too.
(4)
Rhonda S.

My experiences with Brazilian Steakhouses had been limited to Fogo de Chao, I must say Fogo has nothing on Chima! The salad bar is great with a wide variety of salads, pasta salad, calamari, smoked salmon and bread. Then as sides to your meal the server brings you brazilian bread, fried bananas, mashed potatoes, and a couple of other things that I can't remember. The meats were absolutely delecious! So full of flavor and the variety was excellent. Best of all they also had fish as a choice. Not too many Brazilian Steakhouses also serve salmon and swordfish. The dessert menu was great as well, we tried the apple streudle and it was wonderful. This is by far now one of my favorite restaurants. I was happy to see that they also have one in the DC metro area as well. I will be visiting that one soon! If you get the chance please try this place, you won' t be sorry!
(5)
Matt M.

Had an excellent time here - was with a large group (10+) and had awesome drink service/suggestions, never once felt rushed, and realized on our way out we'd been there for 3 hours. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun dinner with a large group. Or if you like LOTS of meat. Best were the top sirloin and the bacon-wrapped fillet. MMmmmm....
(4)
Pete D.

Been to Fogo De Chao in DC, was alright. Chima is similar and close to the hotel, so a group of us stopped by. Their salad bar was impressive with tons of variety. However the taste of the items were so ehhh. Had a slice of the prosciutto and this was really disappointing!!! Never had anything like this ever, beware. Flipped the switch on and the swords of meat started to arrive. From what I remember, the sirloin and the filet mignon were the best. Had tons of flavor on it and worth the wait. Get your server to call the guy around. I recall a piece I did not like and that was the chicken wrapped bacon. So bacon, right? Typically almost good w/ anything. Nope! This chicken and bacon had a really strong smell to it, almost as if the chicken were old, yuck. The lamb, sausage, flank steak were all okay. Last up, the dessert, ordered a chocolate mousse cake type thingy. More like a chocolate block of cream cheese. It was TOO rich and where was the Kahlua liquor? There was some sauce on the bottom, but it was Hershey's syrup. Oh, and I asked the server to bring the Kahlua liquored sauce on the side in a small dish. When it came out, it was neat from the bar. Way to go ... Not to blame the server, but Chima uses an electronic notepad to put in the orders. The server took a GOOD amount of time punching in drink and dessert orders and not to mention, he had a heavy accent when speaking. We just nodded and said thank you. If you could find something else and craving meats, hit up the Capital Grille off of Broad and Chestnut.
(2)
Josh K.

Carnival minus the freaks The skewered served meat service at Chima is like Carlos Menica. It's Latino themed entertainment without the accent. Plus, it's an impressive, novelty act that gets annoying the more it's shoved in front of your face. At Chima, they make a real concentrated effort to strip the joint of any authentic Brazilian flavor as if the preppy Philly elite would get their UPENN boxers tangled up in a bunch if the waiter did a one handed Capoeria cartwheel over to his station while raising the a skewer full of rib-eye chunks up high like a lady liberty during her Cabaret days in Saul Palo. This being a high end Brazilian steakhouse, I expected to be greeted by high end looking Latin Beauties that would heat up the place yet all they had up front were sour puss faced, Center City Caucasian girls which is fine at a Debutant Ball or at some dreadful sorority Drexel mixer or if Stephen Starr insists that you greet him down out at back of the Continental. Just make the place a little less white washed, import some Puerto Ricans from New York for all I care, we have plenty to spare. A pinch of Latin flavor can go a long way and make this nice Brazilian steakhouse a little sexier and less UPENN uppity is all I'm trying to say. My favorite meat skewered selections were the Lamb Chop and Leg of Lamb, mint jelly available at the salad bar is a must. The Lamb Chop was tender and sweet like BoyZ To Men before they became bloated and forgotten. But that Lamb Chop had nothing on that Leg of Lamb the way Boyz to Men had nothing on Bel Div Devoe throughout the duration of That Girl is Poison video. This Leg of Lamb was marbled, charred, spiced perfection. It tasted like concentrated, roasted rosemary and possessed textured, tenderized, schwarma spiked consistency. After lamb, my favorite skewer offering was the beef rib which was gamy good. It was the most original, carnivore conscious raising dish of the evening. Parmesan Pork, Barbeque pork ribs and chicken wrapped in bacon were exciting for a second but then became instantly forgettable like rumors of a Bobby Brown comeback tour. The one stand out at the salad bar was the Prosciutto which was superb, everything else including the lamb seemed like a waste of time, money and gaming ammo. There was a pile of meat left on my plate which is a result of me itching to get my meat's worth like some buffet worshiping hick yet it's also a result of their steak cuts being just a cut above ok. I'm a huge fan of Philly and fall again for Center City every time I visit which is why I'm being so hard on a place that could be so much more. It's a Brazilian Steakhouse in Center City for Christ sake yet the muted vibe is a far cry from any carnival atmosphere let alone a sleepy, Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach. But I did see some well dressed, good looking brother's roll into the place as we left that reminded me more of Stat on the Knicks than the silent Doug Collins look alike's that killed me softly inside the joint. It would've been nice to see a professional soccer player going out with some Brazilian She-Male in order to give the place some international flavor but that's just my prerogative as Bobby Brown would say.
(3)
Jill K.

Went here last night as part of a party of 4. We loved it, hands down. Really loved it. Great service, friendly gauchos, delicious delicious cow. I heard the lamb was fabulous (didn't try it). In the non-red-meat department, I really dug their parmesan-encrusted pork loin; their chicken breast wrapped with bacon wasn't shabby either. Their regular boneless chicken was meh. The overall winner of the evening was the filet mignon, which surprised me really. Normally filets are flavorless, but this really shined. The texture was silky and perfect; we got seconds (twelfths?) of that stuff. I would give this place 809 stars for the filet alone. Dessert was just fine; nothing transcendent, but certainly good... but I imagine you don't come here for the desserts. As we got our desserts, the temperature in the restaurant suddenly dropped 15 degrees and we were FREEZING -- there was a distinct cold breeze. We're not complainers, but when we asked the server and then the floor manager if there was a door open and we were told no, we were puzzled as to what was blowing the tablecloth around. (Last night it was 34 degrees. We weren't just whining for whining's sake, trust me.) The floor manager checked the thermostat and said it read 72, and we said that's quite lovely but DUDE THERE IS A DOOR OPEN SOMEWHERE, and he shrugged and politely walked off. As we left the building after we paid, HEY, what do you know, the front door was wide open, but nobody caught it because the front reception staff had adjourned for the evening. That was annoying, and sadly really soured the whole experience. Bummer. Anyway, it was probably just a fluke thing. Nota bene: If you can't find street parking, consider the valet which is $16. Parking in the building's garage is $10-$15 and is a farking obstacle course / maze of teeny catwalks. If you drive anything other than a Mini Cooper or a Smart Car, pay the $16 for the valet. Trust me. All of the cars in the garage have giant scrape marks down the side of 'em because the lot is really challenging.
(4)
Monica H.

I dined here during restaurant week with a friend. First I will talk about the taste of the food and then I will get to the offensive service. The food was good, but I have had better. The mashed potatoes were like soup. When I want to go to a Brazilian Steakhouse I usually dine at Fogo de Chao (which I highly recommend, been there about 7 times and have no compliants). Okay, the service. I don't think I have ever experienced more offesnsive service in my life. We were seated at a table and not more than 4 minutes later the table to my left was seated. Our waiters (each table has 2) went to their table and took their drink order first although they arrived after us. The servers were short with us, almost like we had done something to them in a previous life. Anyway after eating at the disappointing salad bar, the waiters did not come back to get us new plates. I had to take matters into my own hands and get them myself. I mean no big deal as I am not a lazy person however that is their job. I noticed the table to my left and right was attended to more than us. Like I said, it was almost as if we did something to them. Our table was small and I put the 2 used plates off to the side and they walked passed them and stared at them instead of removing them. The service ruined my night and we were totally offended!
(1)
Sandra V.

Very good food!Nice!
(5)
KaylLah T.

Ah...!!! this place was average.. cut of meat was way too big.. get full after 3 cuts... servers take 20 years to come to the table..... i came here 3 times and its the same thing.. i would rather go to other brazilian place.
(3)
Stephanie P.

sooo good! but also very pricey!!
(5)
Jenni W.

Excellent service. Usual wait time is less than one minute once you turn your card over. Salad bar is wonderful, but don't waste the food room...your paying for the wonderful meats. My favorite was the lamb and the salmon. You will live this place
(5)
Stephen H.

Outstanding! Excellent salad bar, high quality meats, and a superb caipirinha ...Worth every penny.
(5)
Mary S.

Chima is an ok restaurant if you are a believer of QUANTITY over QUALITY. Although the meat is not as good as Fogo de Chao. They do have a very extensive salad bar and that is better than Fogo's salad bar. As mentioned before by other reviewers, definitely purchase a $25 gift certificate on restaurant.com and give it a try.
(2)
Bernadette F.

I was a chima for the first time with a large party in a private dining room. While this review may not be reflective of the restaurant experience it was very enjoyable. A friend was with us who was from Brazil an she mention the food was quite authentic. Would love to go back for the single table dinner table experience.
(4)
Megan K.

the space is huge and beautiful. love the fire behind the bar. it was cold and crappy out. when we got inside it was so toasty warm and cozy. went for some meet n greet with our running group. they had aps for us set up in our own area. my friend and i were early. we went to the bar first. we were greeted with amazing service. jason behind the bar was soooo friendly and helpful. they gave us some foods to nibble on while we waited. they have $3 wines for happy hour. not the greatest grape. but what can i expect for $3. ended up getting a tasty bottle a little later. i cant speak about their reg menu. only the space and the service. i will def be back and send friends thru.
(5)
Yasmeen F.

After a couple hours of feasting at Chima, it goes without saying that this place is really amazing. I was with a party of eight to celebrate a birthday. Reservations at least 5 days in advance (especially when coming on the weekend) are highly recommended. By the time we left around 9pm on a Saturday night, there ware a cluster of people trying to get in. The price for each person includes the salad bar consisting of the not-so-typical ways you'd prepare dishes from any restaurant. This is no ordinary restaurant. The selection of cheeses, salads, brazilian rice, blue cheese molds, dips, soft bread and butter, smoked salmon, freshly prepared vegetables and soup... were all enough to entice our senses, or better so, wet our palette for what was to come. The meat. All 18 cuts of leg of lamb and lamb chops, filet mignon, chicken, beef ribs, swordfish and salmon to just name a few, were eagerly brought to the table by respectful servers who cut the meat tableside. They were prompted by placing a circular chip on the table which says "feed me" (not exactly, but close enough), a procedure explained by the host to first time guests. Members of my party had joyously gotten up and sat down a number of times to sample more of the salad bar, until eventually they were all weighed down by the moderately sized, but frequent helpings of the delicious, juicy meats. And if that weren't enough, separate servers came to replenish dishes of perfectly fried sultanas (small bananas), brazilian bread, gourmet mashed potatos and fries and turkey meat balls. Yes, do come when you're hungry! A word of caution though- don't eat too fast while you're here. Sit and be entertained by the colors and options of an old-world concept while enjoying those around you. A perfect endeavor to soothe the soul. The atmosphere was warm, the service attentive and the tables were adequately disbursed through the open restaurant. The ambience is compatible for a date, celebration with a group or friendly gathering of any occasion. Chima is inspired by a tradition practiced in South America with an interesting American twist- this place truly defines delicious food to be distributed abundantly, while developing the same abundant quality of good company that's shared with family and friends.
(5)
A S.

This is our first experience at this kind of restaurant and was very happy with the food and service. The restaurant was clean and the meat was delicious. For me, the salad bar was nothing special but I was there to try the different kinds of meat. I felt that the price was about right. We didn't order much alcohol though. I didn't realize there was a dress code. It didn't seem strict though because our friend was wearing a t-shirt and they didn't say anything. The price was a bit high but given the level of service, cleanliness, and quality, I can say that it's worth it. If the price was better, I would have easily given Chima 5 stars. Overall, a great experience and we'll definitely go back sometime.
(4)
Jeffrey B.

Having now eaten at Fogo, Picanha, Na Brasa, and finally Chima, the four churrascarias that I know of in the Philadelphia area (as well as churrascarias in NY, CT, MD, and VA, and numerous cities in Brasil including Porcao, the peak dining experience of this restaurant genre) I feel confident in judging Chima to be a very good dining experience. Whereas Fogo has something of a more "institutional" vibe to it, I found the atmosphere in Chima to be much more relaxed and pleasant for being together with friends. We actually closed out the place, being the very last to leave that night, so I think that says something about the ambience. First of all, the caipirinhas here are fine, though one of the things that bothers me is that you have no other option but having Leblon cachaca in it. Fogo does this as well. This is another tangent altogether, but caipirinhas are supposed to be made with the cheap stuff (51, Pitu, etc.), and the aged versions are to be served neat. The salad bar is more than adequate, and while not as varied as Fogo's, you shouldn't be at a loss for good options. The black beans and rice that they served were probably the most authentic of any to be found in the city. The pao de queijo and croqueta table starters are average, as are the accompaniments that come with the main course. The meat is very good. For me, linguica is the touchstone of a churrascaria in America to be able to see whether they are trying to provide an authentic dining experience, or trying to pass off cheap stuff on unaware guests. In this regard, I give the linguica high marks. I also found the picanha (top sirloin) to be delicious and very authentic. Filet is great too. I don't think that you can go wrong with the beef options at Chima. For people who might have said that the meat is dry or overcooked, you can get whatever doneness you like, just ask the server and he will cut from the hunk of meat accordingly. The only cut that I did have a problem with was the lamb chop, which was overdone. I also acknowledge that it is nice for them to offer a fish option, though it's nothing that I would get; churrascarias are all about meat! I definitely look forward to going back, especially with the promotional coupons and deals that they do periodically.
(4)
Kenny L.

This was a great place to go out to eat with my wife on our anniversary ,I rented a limo from limos.com and ate one of the most memorable meals of my life.the service is great and the food is even better!
(5)
Paul G.

First of all, I've been to my fair share of Brazillian Steakhouses and this one is all glitz no glamour. The salad bar had potential, but really probably only a fan because I'm a sucker for prosciutto and waldorf salad. The vegetable rice was not to shabby either. But for what the place is, it was all way under par. Although I was hoping for a better salad bar like other Brazillian Steakhouses I have been to, that is not why you come here... When you go to a brazillian steakhouse it's ALL about the meat. My experience with these places is that they bring you the best tasting cuts of the meat. The first thing they brought to my table was Filet wrapped in bacon. Now at most places like this, this has always been my favorite. This piece was bloody and rubbery. After 2 more bloody cuts even tho I was asking for MEDIUM, I decided to start saying well done. Soon after I was brought a burnt to a crisp piece of steak that I could not even eat. The only 2 cuts I was impressed with out of the whole experience was the top sirloin and the leg of lamb. They were supposed to bring sides to the table and come around with 14 cuts. They came around with the same few cuts over and over. I had to ask the waiter about the others and he made it seem like an inconvenience. I waited forever for the ones I had to ask for, and they were not worth the wait. This is the first time I have ever left a Brazillian Steakhouse not stuffed to the brim because I could not stop eating the delicious meats. When I left here last night this was not the case. I would recommend just going to a good steakhouse in the city and avoiding the disappointment.
(2)
Steven B.

Great salad bar, high quality meats, and great service!
(5)
Jennifer W.

My husband and I went here for New Years Eve! We had reservations for 8PM and was seated at 8PM! This was out first time at Chima's. We enjoyed the salad bar... And the endless meats! We enjoyed the top sirloin and the filet mignon... And the barbeque ribs... And the bacon wrapped chicken... It was all scrumptious! We will definitely be back for more!! Good stuff!
(5)
Ben P.

I am sitting here in the lobby of Chima now. Where I have been sitting for an hour in spite of having a reservation. When we walked in, they told us "10 minutes" and kept repeating that line. Management must be either totally inept or totally unconcerned. Our party is now all on their phones to find somewhere we can go to just eat instead of celebrate my wife's birthday at Chima. What a shame. I've been here before and enjoyed it, but they need management and systems badly. I won't ever be coming back, unfortunately.
(1)
Paul PJ Y.

Not quite as good as Fogo de Chao. My girlfriend found a piece of metal in one of the salad bar dishes. The wait staff was slow with drinks and to clear plates. The meats were dry and too well done. The only plus over Fogo is that they do serve some fish as well. Take your money to Fogo instead.
(2)
Jason K.

Interior is nice and the staff go out of their way to make you feel appreciated. The salad bar here is fantastic with a wide array of very fresh, sometimes exotic and delicious items. It was hard for me to not go back for seconds and remember that the main deal here is the endless meat. The sides that they serve you at the table are in a word amazing. We had the cheesy rolls with butter, croquettes made with pork and beef accompanied by a cream sauce for dipping and the most delicious mashed potatoes I think I've ever had in my life. The meats are a mixed bag which is surprising since that is the whole focal point of the restaurant. Some was fantastic and some not so much. The reason for the variance in how good the meat was pretty much came down to two factors, seasoning and cooking. Some of the meat had funky seasoning on it that I just didn't care for. More often though the problem was with the cooking. I had several different pieces of meat that were WAY overcooked - one of which was the lamb chops, they were dry as a bone, which is enough to make you cry. Fortunately there's such a variety of meat that even when you do get something you don't like you just push it aside and get something else. Alcohol here is VERY pricey so be prepared. My buddy insisted we had to have a couple of caipirinhas. They were delicious but for the size (served in a standard size 6-8 oz whiskey glass) I don't know if they were $9 a pop delicious - but hey it's center city so what do you expect. Our main waiter was a bit on the slow side and was MIA at times but otherwise the service was fairly brisk and friendly. Chima is pricey but I would definitely go again.
(4)
Jane J.

I went on restaurant week to Chima with two of my friends. While the waiters carrying the cuts of meat were excellent and very attentive, our two actual waiters provided very poor service. Not only did they never check on us during our meal, but we waited over an hour for someone to come over with our check. Once we were ready to pay, we waited another 45 mins for the waiter to get our friend's credit card. We then waited over an hour for our waiter to come back with the credit card. They were impossible to flag down, as they totally avoided eye contact with us. Granted, I know they were busy during restaurant week, the service was nevertheless inexcusable. Chances are, I'll never come here again due to the service.
(2)
Christy V.

I have been to Chima at least 3 times and generally have been very pleased with the food, service and ambience. My recent visit was during restaurant week, which I have done before without issue. Sadly tonight was significantly disappointing. First, restaurant week is about getting a taste of a restaurant for typically less than your normal price range. Chima has SERIOUSLY misled loyal customers as previously they had offered a $15 discount during this week, now you could only receive your full experience at full price. The restaurant week pricing only included the bare minimum. So, wanting to get the full experience my friends an I opted for the more costly option, somewhat dismayed but still hoping for a good experience. Unfortunately service was the worst I've had at any restaurant recently. We wait for up to 25 minutes for service of any type, this included our wait staff and the steak servers. Our plates were often empty leaving us looking around for an explanation and receiving none. Granted this was restaurant week, they were very busy, but the point is that this week is to invite people in for a great meal and great experience is that they may return to your restaurant at a later time or perhaps recommend it. Sadly I must say I will never return to Chima. The price vs. service ratio was very poor.
(1)
William L.

Food was great, as good as I remembered.
(5)
Curli C.

I made a reservation for 8pm at this restaurant. Thirty minutes later, we were still not seated. We had somewhere to be at 10pm so by 8:45, we just left. No point in making a reservation with them! The hostesses just kept pushing us to go to the bar. I don't know if I want to even attempt coming here a second time. Probably should just go to Fogo de Chao because they are more professional and prompt.
(1)
Irina P.

Went there two weeks ago with my partner, and we had a blast. Amazing food, amazing service, amazing ambiance. Very, very pleasant and delicious experience! My favorites were the lamb leg and lamb chops - I'm a big fan of lamb and this one was cooked to perfection. Salad bar is really good too. I also had their sangria and it was really exceptionally amazing as well. Basically, if you are in the mood for some meat, I highly recommend Chima.
(5)
Amy B.

Okay, I've never been to Fogo de Chao, so that means nothing to me. I thought Chima was super fun and delicious. Let me warn you though: Having your card turned to orange (meaning you want more meat) is friggin' dangerous. Those guys in their little suits come around with huge hunks of meat on swords and they come flying. They're like vulchers in reverse. It's pretty awesome. I feel like they should have wheelchairs by the door to cart you out on after you've stuffed yourself full. The bacon wrapped chicken and the lamb are my favorites along with the creamy veggie soup and the turkey spread. A good time and great food. I dig it.
(5)
Herbie F.

Went to chima twice. Once when it first opened then tried it again about 2 weeks ago. For the price of the food it was very so-so. My wife is brasilian and I have experianced hundreds of brazilian steakhouses here and abroad. If you want a dolled down non authentic brazilian steakhouse that taste nothing like a brazilian steakhouse then this is the place. Its kinda like saying man I love mexican food and touting taco bell as your fav. It may be good for the general population but for a real authentic brazilian steakhouse FOGO DE CHAO is better. I just wish they would add rice and beans to the saled bar. Chima does have great rice and beans. Im not hatting on chima; the one in ft lauderdale is GREAT.
(2)
Cy C.

I enjoyed Chima very much as did my dinner companions, my 11 year old sons M & B. I've been to probably a 1/2 dozen or so similar type restaurants in cities around the country and Chima compared favorably versus the others. The quality and flavor of the meats were top notch. I liked that we were given a menu card that described and pictured each of the dozen or so meat, poultry and seafood options. We were asked regularly (but not annoyingly so) if there is anything that hadn't come around recently that we would like to have. That was a nice touch. One of the other reviewers mentioned a "a little hand-held wireless device" that was used to place requests. I didn't notice this, but maybe it was in use. Whatever, the service was top notch and the good stuff kept on coming. In addition to the meats, the cheese bread, mashed potatoes and fried bananas were all big hits at our table. The only negative (really more of a lack of a positive) was the selection at the salad bar. At other restaurants of this sort I've found shrimp and smoked salmon on the "salad" bar and was looking forward to these options. Alas, they weren't available this evening. Well, that just left more room for other things. Bottom line - really enjoyed Chima and would go back next time I'm in Philly.
(4)
Jaymes H.

Another churrascaria. Somewhat cheaper than Fogo. Its basically the same but Id give the nod to Fogo as far as I remember.
(3)
Caroline V.

I was looking forward to trying this place out and after our dinner there....Not excited anymore and not recommending it either. From what I've heard we should've gone elsewhere for the churrascaria. Luckily we went during restaurant week so it was a better deal but if you sign up for their mailing list you get those deals anyways. Our waiter was hilarious and friendly but forgot our wine. We waited for at least 30-40 mns before he finally brought it out. One good thing was the salad bar, great choices and all delicious. Now for the meats...they came around every once in a while, definitely not that often and some of it was not very tasty...lots of side dishes on the table but some was just thrown on as if they were a passing thought. Not the best experience and we're not looking to repeat it...
(2)
Cdr G.

Have been to several different Brazilian Steakhouses around the country including the "chains." Have always read good things about CHIMA but having been for the first time I will not be running back. When the best thing you eat is the cheesy bread at these prices there is a problem. The sides had no flavor whatsoever and the meet croquettes were like eating cindered mothballs. The salad bar was nothing spectacular. While I like Cesar salad the dressing was OVER anchovied to the point of being inedible. The meats were inconsistent with some being good to others unflavorful or bland except for the lamb which was gamy. Service went from periods of attentiveness to inattentiveness. The entertainment was phenomenal though. From two tables over a woman who was part of a large and loud office party group stunned the restaurant to silence when she declared, "Well my friend's pu$$y...." At another table an old troll with LED lights in his eyeglasses performed magic tricks, badly for two young men he was seated with. "Can I valet park my white cargo van?' What an experience!
(2)
Christine S.

Fantastic. Waiter service (which pretty much is just to get your drinks, desserts and change your plate in between binges) is very fast. The salad bar is PHENOMENAL, though very dangerous: it is easy to imagine that no food could ever top this salad, cheese and carpaccio, but try to hold back on this course to prevent your stomach from bursting upon presentation of the meat. In fact, it's a good idea to not eat for the entire day before coming to Chima for a late dinner (I'm not exaggerating). The main course is to die for. They have around 18 different types and cuts of meat. The only drawback here is that the filet mignon is usually wrapped in bacon: gross. What is it with bacon these days? Do we really need to put it on everything?
(5)
Bruce B.

The question is can you review Chima without comparing it to Fogo de Ciao? Answer: Only if you've never been to Fogo. Chima does indeed seems like a copycat of Fogo de Ciao and the problem is Chima is not as good. Oh the decor is great, the service is very attentive, the salad bar is diverse and the barbecued meats are indeed tasty, bu Fogo de Ciao does everything a little bit better. Especially the Caipirinha's, the Brazilian national drink. I went to Chima with my good friends Joseph Lee and Ken Randolph during restaurant week. Neither Joe or Ken had been to Fogo so they weren't prepared for the onslaught of barbecued meats. I was. I paced myself like I was in the Indy 500 race and would've probably still be there munching on those delicious Baby Back Ribs that they do so well. Chima should make them available for takeout, they were that good. In a funny but true comparison, I liken Chima to the Ritz Carlton and Fogo de Ciao to the Four Seasons. If you can't tell the difference then may God bless you.
(3)
Stacey S.

My boyfriend and I went here this past weekend for my birthday while visiting Philly. It was restaurant week, so it was $35.10/person. The salad bar was HUGE and had everything you could have wanted and the meats were cooked and seasoned just right. I also really liked the hot steak sauce. The service was really good and the ambiance was really nice. I'm happy that there is a Chima's right near where I live so we can go again!
(4)
David O.

This is a decent place to have dinner, with a hotel type of buffet feel and warm atmosphere/staff... If you're hungry you can eat until you're fat and happy... The buffet is more like a big salad bar with lots of things you would expect and few you would not, I found it to be a little bit predictive and not particularly interesting/exciting and lacking any type of elevated culinary flair, the one thing that is nice is that they give you table service for your meats and fish which unfortunately I found just so so, for me nothing I couldn't easily outdo firing up my gas grill on a weeknight, the sward fish was dreadful I took one bite and spit it out, all in all I was happy that I didn't half to pay for my meal as I would have been very disappointed had I did.... Staff was very nice and friendly, dining room very pretty but they need to kick it up a couple of notches on the food side and they could be good place to eat...
(1)
Joy C.

I read the reviews before I went. I've been to quite a few Brazilian steakhouses and I thought there was quite a variety of meat on a Tuesday night. They don't list this online but they do have filet mignon wrapped in bacon. The salad bar was fresh and the place was actually quite crowded. I like how they bring this small sidedishes like fried polenta and these croquettes which were yummy. The service was actually quite decent unlike the other remarks I've seen. What is great is if you go to the website you get a $25 off coupon and you don't miss out on much if you use it. It's 39.50 per person and we ended up paying $55 for lots of meat and salad bar for 2 people! I would give it a try. I haven't been to Fogo de Chao but if you're a meat lover and want a nice deal, get the coupon and head over there. They also send these great emails for discounts.
(4)
Frank S.

Ok. After being to Chima and to Fogo de Chao three times each, here's my verdict. DESIGN: Firstly, I love cool places. Chima is a cool place, sort of an up-to-date-revibed-70's-colors environment. We will see how this game plays after two years in business. So, kudos, but the last word is not spoken. The FOOD: Good, but not as good as can be. The top sirloin and the beef flank would be my pick. I would rate the salad bar slightly better than Fogo de Chao, but read my review on Fogo, that's not what really counts. Did not try the fish, after all it's a red meat place, so why bother? The SERVICE: Is different when you come with a big crowd than just a few. With a party of four: lousy. Went twice with more than 15 people and I had the most impeccable service I had so far in Philadelphia. The waiter checked for eye drops in the back for a girl who had trouble with her contacts, just because he saw her eyes tearing! When the discussion came up on the table if somebody wanted white wine and two people said yes, the waiters placed white wine glasses after thirty seconds without notification. And so forth. Chapeau. CONCLUSION: You don't go wrong and you will probably have good time with a big party. Plus, they are not that booked as FdC, so you get a table easier on short notice. Then again, read my other reviews and you know my final pick...
(3)
Sara L.

Went tonight for Center City sips. I've never been for dinner so this review only applies to my experience at happy hour. Based on past CC sips experiences, I wasn't expecting much. Usually the bars are so crowded that you can't order a drink, let alone order food. Luckily for us at least, Chima was pretty quiet and we were able to get a large table for the 8 of us. Our waiters were super attentive and immediately got us drinks. I had a very nice, correctly chilled white wine. One of my friends got a brazilian margarita with rum instead of tequila that she loved. We had several rounds of drinks and throughout they kept bringing us this amazing cheesey rolls--they were just cheese with a little bit of dough and hot they were just FABULOUS. They also gave us beef croquettes, which were good (even to the picky eaters) but got neglected next to the cheese bread. Eventually we ordered the chicken and chorizo appetizers and a mozzarella and tomato appetizer. All very good and tasty, as well as not too heavy. Service was extremely attentive and friendly. They even came by with coupons since CC sips is ending tonight to encourage us to come back. Maybe not a place I would go out of my way for but a nice bar scene near my office--we'll be back!
(3)
Erik s.

Fogo de chao's red head step sister. 2 stars may be too harsh but 3 was too high. If u want to know what I really think look up my Fogo review and rate everything a notch lower.
(2)
Evann G.

"I can't imagine what this place's carbon footprint is," said my friend toward the middle of our gorge-fest at Chima. So true, so true... but Brazilian steakhouses are one of my guilty pleasures in life. Wasn't really sure what to expect after reading the other reviews, but we just had to try it. The end result? While it didn't live up to other Brazilian steakhouses we've tried, it was pretty damn good. I was wavering between 3 and 4 stars, but decided to bump them up to 4 due to the fact that they have a sweet deal on their website that gives you a 2-for-1 coupon if you sign up for their e-mail list. AND, apparently you can use two coupons if you go with four people, which I wish I had known before we went! Comparison between Chima and Fogo: -Service: Not quite as good at Chima. Other Brazilian steakhouses tend to bring you stuff before you have time to ask -- here, we had to ask. Still, certainly not bad by any means. -Starter courses (cheese bread, croquettes, some sort of mousse): Equal to Fogo. The cheese bread is not nearly as good, but the miniature beef and pork croquettes, aka "fried balls of goodness" as the fiance called them, more than made up for that. -Salad bar: More variety than Fogo, but quality not quite as good. The garlic butter, however, is amazing. -Side dishes (mashed potatoes, fried bananas, fried polenta): Equal to or possibly even better than Fogo, especially the in-CREDible fried bananas. We kept getting refills of those, and toward the end we thought they'd be perfect with some ice cream as dessert! -Meat: We all basically agreed the quality was not as good as Fogo, but we also wondered if we were just biased (Fogo being our first-ever experience at a Brazilian steakhouse) or nostalgic (we haven't been there in a while). However, I think it's safe to say the quality of the meat is not quite up to par. They do bring around two types of fish, though, which might appeal to some people who aren't big fans of red meat. All in all, I'd eat here again, especially if we had another 2-for-1 coupon. But if I had to choose between the two Philly options, Fogo would win.
(4)
Chris L.

Woohoo! Yet another Brazilian steakhouse in town to compete with the awesome Fogo De Chao. You would think that more competition would mean more competitive prices, but unfortunately, at around 50 bux per person, not including drinks and dessert, dinner is just as expensive as it is at Fogo De Chao. Side note: as of this review writing, if you register with Chima on their website, they'll send you via email a 2-for-1 coupon. I took advantage of that to get half off my dinner =D. So the concept is the same as any other brazilian steakhouse. You get introduced to the awesome salad bar where you can get a variety of veggies, meat cuts, cheeses, soups, pasta, etc., and they're all you can eat, of course. The smart thing to do, though, is to save your appetite for the luscious meats. They give you a card, and if you flip it to the green side, it means you want them to serve you the meat, and when you are satisfied, you can turn it over to the red side to get a break. You get a variety of meats to choose from: sirloin, lamb, ribs, filet mignon, etc. Top sirloin and flank steak are my favorites. Although red meat is traditionally served, they also have chicken and... what is this... seafood?! Yes! They also serve salmon and swordfish! They were also very good with the sauces that came with them. Even Fogo doesn't provide that! The food was excellent, no question about that. But there were some other things that happened during my experience such that I didn't give this stylish place with a nice decor 5 stars. First of all, the service may have been *too good*. What do I mean by that? Well, traditionally, if you turn it over to the red side, they'll leave you alone. Despite that, our server kept on coming over and bugged us if we wanted anything even though we were clearly eating our foods, and our conversation kept on getting interrupted. We understood the concept of ordering, but our server just kept on bugging us. Eventually we gave up and just ordered stuff directly from the server without the regular meat servers coming over when our card was flipped over to the green side. Mine was on red almost the entire time! At any rate, since the food was good, and I am sure our server had some good intentions, I didn't let it bother me too much. A nice bonus: he gave us a free tiramisu since we were there to celebrate my friend's birthday, and it was on the house! w00t, can't complain about that, right? Then I get a bill... wait a minute... an 18% tip that was *automatically* applied to our bill? The only time I've ever seen that happen was when there were parties of 6 or more, and at that particular night, it was just me and my friend. The ironic part was that I was going to tip them a lot more than that, but since he asked for 18%, that's what he got. It was probably just my server who "messed up". From what I heard from my friends, they didn't have this happening to them. Despite all of those little annoying things, I'm sure I will be back one day, probably if I have another one of those coupons onhand. Another unfortunate thing is that this place doesn't open for lunch for a cheaper price, something that I'd prefer to do at Fogo since it's essentially the same menu selection for 40% less. But when it comes to dinner time, the quality of the food at Chima can give Fogo a run for its money.
(4)
Amy R.

Atmosphere: Standard white-table cloth restaurant but the waiters have exciting gauchos tucked into brown boots. You serve yourself at the salad bar, then wait at the table with your bring-me-meat cards and have the meat carved to your plate. Mix of first dates, business meals and a lot of birthdays. Food: Salad bar is pretty excellent all around. Huge selection of cheeses, types of lettuce and dressings. Sauces for the meats gets a little confusing and is more spread out than I would like. The meat is excellent, except for the lamb which was so overcooked it wasn't edible. I particularly enjoyed both chicken dishes and the top-cut sirloin. It can be frustrating trying to get a taste of all the different meats, and I wish they had a selection of somewhat more exotic cuts. I felt pretty wasteful with how many appetizers they bring to the table, rolls, creamed potatoes (potato glue as we dubbed them), plantains, fried bananas and more. Service: Our party of four with reservations was seated immediately on arrival. Our waiter started out great, and the meat servers ran around on a regular basis. Waiter disappeared near the end, but otherwise was pretty great.
(4)
Sharon M.

brought around the same meat. didn't get to try alot of what was on the menu. The salad bar is the whole 2 stars. The meat was Acme rating. Yes, Acme the grocery store. Go the Brazillian steakhouse on Castor Ave in the NE. NOt as fancy but top of the line steak and meat!
(2)
Joe M.

I heart Chima. While it's clearly not the best steaks you can get, or the best decor, or the best service, I will be back in a few months for another healthy helping of meat. It's more like being at a dinner theatre than anything else. The way the server cringes when you reject the Brazilian sausage or the jubilation when you accept the parmesan chicken. It's truly a special place with lots of things to try and to enjoy with friends or family. I highly recommend it, but only after you sign up on their site and get the $25 coupon.
(4)
Mrinteresting W.

My wife and I went here because we got a promotional flier and I was curious what Fogo's competition would look like. Surprisingly similar, with the exception of the decor which was a mix of casino meets asian steakhouse. The 'salad' bar was bigger than Fogo's, I'd say better than Fogo's. The meat was wonderful, as was to be expected. The service however was not up to Fogo's standard. At Fogo I feel like a minor dignitary, I actually had a guy run for a plate so I wouldn't have to move three feet out of my way. At Chima the wait staff is distant and more of the service I would expect at an Apple bees (passable but not great). The dress code was completely lax as well, which didn't add to the atmosphere, we were seated next to a guy wearing nylon shorts and a white t-shirt (stained), while we were in suit and dress. We did enjoy dinner though and I would recommend you try it!
(3)
Paige W.

"You are the only person we know who would come last minute to eat free meat." Hearing that quote to describe oneself is just unexplainable, but probably true. I have been to a Brazilian Steakhouse before in Vegas. Even though I'm not a huge meat eater, I definitely enjoyed the meat and the entertaining way it is served. But the salad bar was a huge letdown. At this place it was pretty much the same. The decor is beautiful and it looks like a great place to hang out at the bar. If you really like red meat, you will really like this place. There's also some pretty good salmon and chicken wrapped in bacon, which made me think of a bacon-lovin' friend of mine. But give me a Ruby Tuesday salad bar any day over these things. Lovely simple things like artichokes and zuchini are irrationally spicy. Lonely canteloupe is displayed between all sorts of bean & mayonaise concoctions that remind me of the shady crockpot wares served at a church picnic. My two cents: good for people who really really love meat and spicy veggies. Also probably really good for parties.
(3)
Dwight M.

I was waiting to meet my boys for a night of drinking and decided to check out Chima. How disappointing, I had a drink and a god awful appetizer (Filet Mignon in demi glace). What I got was some awful chopped up steak and peppers with some watery sauce. Horrible and the labels where still on the sliced peppers
(1)
Keri W.

Fogo de Chao has a new competitor in town: Chima. And it is good...but I'm not seriously wowed. I went during their opening week and things were a bit rough. Our reservation got lost but the hostess recovered nicely and got us seated quickly. Ordering drinks was a bit weird. I asked for a mojito and our waiter slooowly typed it into his blackberry. That's right. Drink orders are texted to the bar. So, even though the bartender was 20 paces from where I was sitting, I managed to keep a straight face. The salad bar is a bit different in that it has a lot more complete dishes rather than just salad fixings; pasta salad, caeser salad, waldorf salad, soups, blue cheese mousse, etcetera. Another thing that sets Chima aside from other brazilian steakhouses is that the serve fish. Really over cooked fish, with a frighteningly sweet passionfruit sauce... but iIm confident they'll work that out in the next couple of weeks. New cooks, new ovens, a few things are bound to come out a bit burnt. So, minor complaints aside, I'd say give Chima a shot.
(3)
Jeff C.

The meat is great.. Make sure you eat the chicken before the steak.. Or you will be disappointed...the salad bar is lacking some things like bacon...but overall a great time and great food..
(4)
Ben H.

This is the best restaurant around, hands down. From the massive salad bar to the extensive variety of meats, the food is absolutely phenomenal. Also, the service is great. As soon as your glass is half empty or one of your side dishes is running low, somebody comes out of nowhere with a refill or a new plate of food. I've been here multiple times and always the experience is exceptional. Love it!!!
(5)
David B.

I really like the idea of this concept but I would never go back. The employee that took my reservation over the phone was very professional and we were seated right on time. The decor was forgettable. There was plenty of food to choose from (unless you like fish - 2 options) and everything sounded wonderful. I have to say that the food was delicious (except the chicken). I found the head waiter to be a bit annoying and then there were the i-phones (or similar) where they keyed in our orders "right from our table". This was just too much. It was so self-consciously hip - like "hey look at how different and cutting-edge we are". AND they had to explain what they were doing in case we thought they were texting from their own personal phones. Please. Way too much effort. I don't care how you communicate with the kitchen/bar. OK - enough of the minutae...... the reason I'm never going back to this restaurant (or Fogo or any other Brazilian steakhouse for that matter) is their irresponsible over-usage of salt on everything. Honestly, I woke up in the middle of the night dying of thirst (and nothing wakes me.....EVER). Although they do not provide any nutritional information about how much salt they use, I'm sure I had at least 1 week's allowance on the food I ate. I should have known better having been to Fogo before. They should be more responsible.....is there an app for that?
(2)
Terry C.

Excellent food, good service, and OK mixed drinks... But definitely much better than Fogo!
(4)
Aasima A.

Lets not pretend. Most Brazilian steak houses are the same. They don't really season the meat, just make it salty enugh so you drink enough water so you can't eat your moneys worth of red meat or chicken. that's the real reason people go, unless you don't eat or don't like meat. Chima is the only place to also offer grilled fish: two of them! the swordfish and salman are two nice meaty fish choices which i applaud them for. another variation that Chima has is the salad bar which is heads above the others (won't mention by name, but Foga knows who i'm talking about). Not just salad, but soup, and some warm sides in addition to the bananas, bread, and mashed potato that they bring to your table. The third and probably most important is that you can try Chima during retaurant week without limitations on their menu. It's only downside it that the location is kind of out of the way; even though it's downtown, it's not really near anything, so you just have to make a special trip and pay to park your car. My favorite of all the downtown and suburban brazilian steakhouses.
(4)
Xavier P.

To put it bluntly, they have some way to go to match Fogo...the atmosphere is good, shame that the normal service is slow (although there is a lot of staff) and the meat service far too quick - they bombard you with meat eventhough you have plenty on your plate. They serve as much meat as you want but they keep bringing appetizers, we felt a bit overwhelmed. I think they're new so obviously they need to get settled down so I will probably give it a go in the winter again, in the meantime...fogo!!!
(2)
bill f.

Went here on 7/12/11 w/ a friend, the staff was friendly, and very attentive, constantly refilling drinks and bringing fresh hot sides, however the food for the most part was just ok, i tried all the meats except the lamb,bacon wrapped filet and the fish. Bacon normally makes everything taste better, however that was not the case w/ the bacon wrapped chicken which tasted like what i imagine smokey leather would. The bbq pork ribs were also lacking, very fatty and the sauce was spicy however too heavy on the smoke. The regular chicken was ok, but dry, the other meats were nothing spectacular. sad to say the thing we enjoyed the most was the fried banana. Go for the experience and expect to eat a lot of just avg food, make sure to sign up for the mailing list and get the $20 coupon. Also i think the tables are too close together.
(2)
Tim L.

Been there a few times now and always leave very full and not wanting to see meat for a few days. Last experience was good however the service was just ok. Had to wait for the check for 15 minutes. The waiter we had may have been new. Swordfish is great there.
(4)
Bernard L.

what's not to like...quick and attentive service, surprisingly good salad bar, and your choice of meats and fish. i was partial to the lamb (especially the chops), ribeye, and both fishes. and keep the fried bananas coming.
(4)
Y M.

This is for the meat lovers. The meat was cooked perfectly.
(5)
David K.

We've been to Fogo de Chao a few times and love it. So, we thought we'd try Chima. It was fine, we didn't love it. The salad bar isn't nearly as impressive as Fogo's. The meats were good. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a 14 person birthday party, so it was a little loud. We know it's not a romantic, quiet type of place, but it was a little too much. And at some point it seemed like the servers came non-stop and then we didn't see them for 30 minutes. So, while we enjoyed the place overall. We pretty much decided we're heading back to Fogo whenever we want to overdose on meat.
(3)
Ryan C.

I have never had such bad (but happy) service at a restaurant. Our waiter(s) were nice guys, but didn't come around for forever to welcome us. I ordered a glass of red wine and he put it in a white glass, only to come back and say "Sorry! can i take you glass I poured it in the wrong one and if my manager sees I'll be in trouble! I'll just put it in another glass." They had no idea what the restaurant offered in the way of drinks or even what meats would be coming around the tables. They had to leave the table to seek an answer for most anything we asked (maybe I should give them a pass because it was still a bit new at the time.) Anyway, on the important stuff. The food was OK. At the same price as Fogo, you get lesser quality meats (but fish options) and a truer salad bar. I say 'truer' because it was more akin to a cheaper buffet salad bar (like pasta salads.) Some people love it, some people love Fogo's colossal asparagus, marinated mushrooms, Parmesan wheel, and delicious mozzarella. I am in the later category. When I am paying for food in this price bracket I want something that doesn't seem half-assed and cheap. I don't want cold meat and fish to come to my table (chima), and I don't want ALMOST-Like-Fogo side dishes and bread (but not as good.) Sorry, that this review is so negative. The thing i like the most about Chima was the atmosphere. It seemed less 'touristy' than Fogo and a little more cozy. It was also a little slower than Fogo, in a good way. At Fogo D Chao they have "Brazilian Steakhouse" down to a science a.k.a. 'get-em-in get-em-full get-em-out." I won't be going back here unless someone explicitly tells me they have improved.
(2)
HM K.

Loved salad bar. Quality and variety of steaks/grills are good too. Well-trained servers.
(4)
Alex K.

My mom came across a scathing 0-star review for Chima (I forget the paper, maybe it was in the Inquirer?), which I took the time to read a couple weeks ago. I couldn't imagine how it would be possible for me to have lauded Chima, especially their food, without taking this more seasoned opinion into consideration. So the 0-star review was primarily tiffed about a comprehensive but uninspired salad bar, and more/most importantly meat that was oversalted and overcooked. I now agree that the meat was a little dry as a result of possible over-salting, but I don't think that warrants 0-stars...the reviewer was being way too harsh, or maybe he just had a bad time. Anyway, I've docked this review one extra star, the food at some points was so-so, it's just that I had so much coming at me, I wasn't really able to focus on the individual tastes, none of which were too salty to my palette. Read my original review for more.
(3)
Scott W.

Went there for the first time last night after a couple less than great trips to Fogo. It is a completely different atmosphere than Fogo is, the room is darker and with the music playing it helps cover up all the conversations around you. My best friend and I are fans of the rodizio style and so we literally sat there comparing everything one by one. So here it goes - Salad bar - a very good setup but equal to Fogo's, though I've never had beef carpaccio before. I did like the options of the rice, beans, soups, and sauces (more on the sauces in a bit). They didn't have the selections of breads that Fogo does but I like that actually, less to tempt me with. The side dishes they bring out, the best of the 1st three was the smoked turkey pate'. During the meal they also brought out the mashed potato's, fried banana's and fried polenta. The winner of this portion was the fried banana, better than anything offered at Fogo. The fried polenta was better at Fogo I have to say that. The mashed potatoes I have no idea what was in them to thicken them up but they were outstanding. Now the meats - the BBQ ribs were very good, juicy but a bit too saucy for me. The ones at Fogo are dry ribs so it is hard to do a fair comparison. The filet mignon was much better here, a lot more flavor. The garlic beef which is my favorite thing was OUTSTANDING. To me the other meats were equal to Fogo but the sausage, the first round we had of those they were dry and not as spicy as at Fogo but my friend had them again and said that it was better so maybe just some that had been on the skewer too long. My friend said the salmon was very good but the swordfish was a bit dry. But the thing that makes me say overall it was better than Fogo is this one thing, the sauces. The different sauces at the salad bar that your server suggests you put on the meat are what put it over the top. Lets face it after eating meat after meat you lose the true taste of what you're eating. The sauces though give it a different texture and obviously flavor. My two favorites of all the ones we had to us were the house chima sauce - a lemon base, and the chimichurri sauce which had great flavor and then after-heat but not burning. Another positive for Chima was the soda, laugh if you want. My friend and I aren't drinkers and when we go to Fogo they give you those little soda bottles at like $2.75 each. Here it was free refills which is a very good thing. The staff was very friendly from the moment we walked in till the time we waddled out. The biggest negative that I have is the air conditioning. It felt like we had an arctic breeze blowing on us to the point we both had stiff necks when we left. I hope this helps out people making a choice.
(4)
Nic Q.

I had dinner last night at Chima and loved the food, atmosphere and experience. I haven't been to Fogo so I can't compare, but I've had my fair share of big city restaurant dining experiences and Chima definitely left a favorable impression. The only thing keeping me from rating Chima a 5 is my lack of experience with Brazilian cuisine-- I haven't tried out too many other Rodizio places so I can't really judge if this is "as good as it gets". Chima is a great first date place-- it's trendy but relaxed at the same time. It's fun to try out a variety of foods for just one price and the experience makes for great conversation. Protip: Visit restaurant.com for a Chima discount gift certificate and save a few bucks if you're tight on money or plan to visit regularly and don't want to break the bank.
(4)
Alison A.

My friends & I were excited to get a chance to eat here since it was restaurant week. While we thoroughly enjoyed the food & left full, our servers left us not wanting to experience this place again & pay all that money for rude service. We had to ask several times for our plates to be cleared. My drink came out after my friends. They also didn't take time to explain the whole experience after we said we had never been there before. Then when we payed the bill & were chatting at the table the one server (who needed a lesson in friendly service & proper language) complained about the fact that we only left a 15% tip so loud that Me & another friend heard him. Sorry but the gratuity on the bill was suggested & we didn't feel that they deserved 18% tip since we had to get their attention 4 or 5 times during the time we were there. As a former server, it is your job to make the dining experience for everyone enjoyable & ours was just average because of the servers. However, the meat guys were way more friendly & I would have gladly tipped them the 18%! A one time dining experience I will not be experiencing again!
(3)
Alice S.

Amazing steaks! Loved the beef ribs and lamb chops. Great ambiance and our waiter padro was wonderful. He always came to us right away when we needed something. It's definitely a nice place to celebrate soecial occasions
(5)
Tina N.

I managed to slip by just in time for the 2 for 1 coupon here last night. I've never eaten at Fago de Chao and that may be a good thing, seeing how the majority of people say Fago is better. The food here was pretty decent. I thought the salad bar offered a very nice selection and I had to be careful not to fill up there. The meats were good, some better than others. The lamb chops were disappointing, and the bacon wrapped chicken was dry....as chicken tends to get. I always ask for medium rare and some times they get it, some times they don't. If not, I'll just keep the card on orange until I get my fill of the correct cuts. (I started a "discard pile" of pieces that were over cooked). The meats came so fast and furious that I never felt like I was waiting for more food. The service at Chima was good in my opinion. I had a really personable waiter. The general service was almost too attentive. Not having eaten at Fago previously and having a buy one get one free coupon has left me with a good impression of Chima. However, if you get the chance, Picanha in North East is worth a try. Not as shiny or showy but good price for the quality.
(3)
Me From SJ H.

The best!!!! Been here 11 times, each time, everything was perfect!!!! Service, food, selection-perfect. Been here on holidays, Sunday afternoons and Saturday nights and always consistent. Not sure about the tipping situation. Heard a waiter say that they are salaried and don't get the tips. But regardless-the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fogo was good but didn't like the restaurant layout in Philly.
(5)
Brian M.

First - Chima is on 20th and JFK - the 1901 address is kind of misleading. Second - I should disclose that I work 19 floors above Fogo de Cho - and in the year it's been at Broad and Chestnut I've been once. Third - I loved Chima. I read the other reviews - and I agree that the service needs help... but I think they got the kinks worked out of the food IF you know how to ask for meat. ***PLUSES*** SALAD BAR was good. At an all you can eat brazilian steak place I am looking for dressed tomatoes, olives and a selection of cheeses... and they had all of that as well as a terrific eggplant I found a nice pairing with the strip. DRINK MENU was also good. I was impressed with the wine list as it had a great range of wines and prices. I went with a 2006 Tamari reserva malbec... a snootch pricey at $36 a bottle... but smooth, fruity and SO worth it. WHITE MEATS were where Chima beat Fogo hands down. I was in particular a fan of the Parmesan crusted pork chop and the sword fish (try it with and without the sauce). My neighbors were also huge fans of the bacon wrapped chicken. QUALITY MEAT SERVICE was also good. Unlike at Fogo I at no time thought I was being throttled... which is impressive at a table with five guys averaging 270 pounds who each put down 5-7 pounds of their most expensive cuts. FRIED BANANAS were AMAZING. The moment you see them hit the table pounce on them like a cat on an empty altoid can. They are much better fresh than if you let them sit a minute. ***MINUSES*** SERVICE that was non-meat related was spotty at best. We timed it - 35 minutes from the time we stopped eating to the arrival of the dessert menus and another 47 till the desserts came out - and you nearly had to insult someone's mother to get a cup of coffee in under 20 minutes. That I could ALMOST overlook - but it was a good 20 minutes until my wine arrived after I ordered. If I'm ordering bottles of wine at a meal I expect to be drunk FAST. PRICE seemed higher than at Fogo - which says something since we ate there buy one get one free and didn't end the meal with 20 dollar shots of Grappa this time. SAUSAGE was aweful. Maybe not a big deal to some... who goes for the sausage at a beef place? But it mattered to me, danged it. ***NEUTRAL BUT POSSIBLY ANNOYING FOR SOME*** The meat guys came fast and furious... but they really didn't seem to know much about meat temperature. That said - they took instruction well... so I pretty much pointed to what I wanted rather than saying "medium rare" 80 times. Hold out for the temperature you want - check before they cut - and remember they will bring you what you want if you hold out. ***CONCLUSION*** Overall I liked it better - and have hopes that they will work out the service kinks. Even if they don't I can see myself definitely walking the extra six blocks to go to Chima before Fogo... and that is probably good. Because I can use the exercise if I'm about to down five pounds of beef.
(4)
Stacey S.

I guess this is rather unfair of me to review this place since I have actually been to the real "Brazilian/South American" steakhouses in our favorite continent to the South. With that being said, the meat was not all that impressive with the obvious cut being (& most rare to make the rounds) fillet mignon. Their only (& best part, in my opinion..) that makes it worth the expense is the salad bar. The selection & quality at the salad bar is unbelievable. I was more impressed by the salad bar then by the actual meat at an all-you-can-eat meat place. That's not such a good sign :\
(2)
Michael E.

What's not to love about a restaurant featuring South American cowboys carrying large knives and sizzling skewers of meat? Not much, that's what. While as a rule I try to stuff a well balanced and healthy variety of food in my piehole, sometimes I just need to go caveman and chow down on some of my four-legged friends. Chima offers most manners of beast well cooked and presented tableside. With the all you can eat style, it's a place I could easily get myself into trouble. I tried the filet mignon, sirloin (my favorite), the pork with parmesan crust, and then a bunch of other delicious treats, however, I was in a full on food coma by then and it's all a little hazy. While well appointed and upscale, I think this would be a great place for a boys night or bachelor party or any time you need to get your fix of all creatures great and small.
(4)
Lori R.

Let me start by saying we went over restaurant week so the price was right. This was my first time at a Brazilian steakhouse and was very happy with my meal. Salad bar was good, had really good smoked salmon which is one of my favorites. The meat was great, my favorite was the Parmesan lamb and bacon wrapped chicken. We had more then our fill and they brought great little sides such as polenta fries and fried bananas. Sadly I was really disappointed with the mashed potatoes. Over all I would definitely go again but will prob save my visits for restaurant week b/c of the great price.
(4)
Gail F.

This place is AWESOME. Just go here and forget about any other Brazilian Steakhouse. I took a party of 10 people and not one person has stopped raving about how good it was.
(5)
Nancy E.

First, the good: extremely pleasant servers, refreshing caipirnha, tasty tidbits/appetizers brought to the table (especially the fried bananas). Salad bar had some unique items (e.g., cheese mousse). Now the bad: my husband was immediately chastised by a female employee (don't know her role) for wearing a hat and was asked to remove it (which he hadn't gotten to yet because we were still dealing with extricating our baby granddaughter from her stroller)...not the way to welcome first timers who were not yet seated and obviously trying to get to that point. Price tag was too high for our limited appetites. The meat was mediocre (I was served mostly end pieces with fat and some gristle). Bottom line is that if I'm feeling carnivorous, I would rather take my $75/person to any number of Center City options (notably, Marmont, Prime Rib, and The Palm) where I can order exactly what I want, stay seated throughout, and not be tempted to overeat.
(2)
Joshua D.

The decor is good, and the price is not so bad. the salad bar was really good, also their rice and black beans. As for the meat that they serve, i mean it was well cooked, but in terms of flavor. the meat just did not do it. so unless you are a beef head looking on packing a lot of meat to compliment your protein intake, then this is the place. But if you are looking for flavor in food, then maybe this is not the place. As for the wait staff very good service.
(3)
Katy K.

Chima was... an experience. I LOVED the salad bar and wish that I had a bigger stomach so that I could have gone up there more than once. Also, the sides they replenish endlessly--delicious. I enjoyed trying all the different kinds of meat they offered, although the SO complained a little about the quality of some of the cuts. We didn't wait too long to be seated, the server was friendly but not as attentive to our table as to some of the others that were ordering drinks (and hence driving up the bill and hopefully for him, his tip)... I was too busy eating enough for a week to drink any alcohol (and it was lunchtime), although looking back on it, hitting up Chima with the drunk munchies might not be such a bad idea!
(3)
C K.

great for when I'm in a meat eating mood, but I still think Fogo is better. However, with the $25 restaurant.com gift certificate, this is definitely cheaper, and definitely satisfies the carnivore in me. Great salad bar, and everyone I've ever gone here with loves it. Meat is great quality, and the sides were tasty.
(4)
Adam L.

I was impressed with this place at first glance, but after the waiter asked for the 10th time if I wanted to buy dessert / brazilian soda.. I had enough of it. I understand wanting to sell your products but there is a fine line between being pushy and being thoughtful. Overall, the food was great and so was the service, they just need to tone down on the pushiness.
(3)
Kimberly J.

Food was delish. Service was fantastic. Atmosphere was weird and bill was just so much money. Don't know if I will go back but think people should go once.
(3)
Sarah D.

I came here after my experience at Fogo, and was not nearly as impressed. I like their system of using the iPods to communicate with the wait staff to request certain meats, but there were not nearly as many waiters as Fogo, so there seemed to be a longer wait to get the meats we wanted. The salad bar was mediocre, and the fresh mozzarella I had was dry. One thing I did appreciate from Chima that Fogo does not have is fish. That being said, I found the fish to be just okay. I was a huge fan of their tiramisu, it's really delicious. If you haven't tried a Brazilian steakhouse yet, try Fogo first. But definitely give both a go.
(3)
ted z.

Lots of mediocre meat for a lot of cash. The coupon thru the end of august made the entire meal digestible. If you ever been on cruise ship, this is it. From the decor to the gobs of mediocre food, this is a cruise on land. The only thing missing was the band and the rocking back and forth. Fago is better but Capital and Palm are hands down better than both. who needs all of the excess food anyway. If that is what you want, go to the Chinese Buffet on Columbus Blvd for a lot less.
(3)
Jordan F.

I've been wanting to come here for some time and what better than go for mother's day. I've been to Fogo de chao so I know there whole flip the card thing. Chima has more vibrant and younger feel to place unlike it's counterpart. One thing that I thought was interesting all of the waiter have iPhones. Which I thought was crazy myself. But it's a ingenious idea. The waiters use then to place orders, pull up drink menus, and call over other servers that had certain food and have them come to your table. Overall a great experience the food such variety. The salad bar had everthingnyou could think of you could fill up just on that alone. Then there are the meats from filet minon to pork tenderloin and so on. Everything as good or better than the next. Chima was worth every penny. I wanna come back very soon possible for another special.
(5)
Yolanda Y.

This was SO good. I kept hearing about it, and thought alright I get it there's a lot of meat what's the big deal. Well, it's delicious. The service is great. There's a huge selection of appetizer-type food, calling it a salad bar is just wrong because it is far from that. There's a ton of fresh interesting stuff to choose from. Everything I tried was amazing. The meat is so juicy and tender. MMM! Of course, the cocktails are just as good as the food. Our waiter heard it was a special occasion and brought us two glasses of champagne! If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.
(5)
Ms C M.

If you like your beef more done than rare, don't waste your money. If you request well done, they char the end and give you a sliver of meet. When spending upwards of $100 for 2 people, we expected to be full when we left.
(1)
Don R.

I'm pretty sure that unless your meat tongs break or a server drops a roast on your head at the table, it's probably hard to have a bad time here. The meat selection was fast and furious, plus the chicken and salad bar were on point as well. yet do yourself a favor and skip lunch before you go here as you'll find yourself filling up fast. This isn't the kind of place to have your own Man vs Brazil eating competition. just sit back, flip your card whenever and enjoy a nice evening.
(4)
Lillian L.

I'm going to have to give this place a bad review. All of my friends weren't impressed. We made reservations at 7:45pm. When we got there, the hostess said that they were behind on their reservations and said it'll take 20 minutes...well we didn't get seated until 9:00pm! Then when we got our table, we didn't even get plates yet while the food was going around. We had to get our own plates. Our waiter, Frankie, was really bad. He kept disappearing and we could never find him, only seeing him on his phone. We had to complain to the manager. Then finally he came around just filling our water cups. What kind of service is that??? The food was way too salty leaving us all bloated. The salad bar wasn't fresh like it was a cheap buffet. Overall...bad place. Take your money elsewhere and spend it at Fogo de Chao...which is way better. My friends and I would never come here again.
(1)
Charles R.

Probably 2 1/2 stars. As I write this I have a 5 gallon jug of water handy. Why? Well, once you eat here with all the meat coated in salt you too will be drinking water, water , water. Buffet is loaded with lots of goodies, but unless you want to pay $50 per person for salad then save room for the good stuff. They keep bringing meat as long as you have room in your stomach. I guess if you're training for wing bowl this is the spot for you. The meats are very tender and, thanks to a ton of salt, they are all tasty. I really can't complain about the food , but there is just no way to get around all the salt. Wines are pretty pricey, and we didn't have room for dessert. Price without tip for the 2 meals and 4 glasses of wine came to $175 with tax, before tip. For that kind of money I would rather go to Smith & Wollensky or Barclay Prime.
(2)
Heather C.

Great birthday dinner for my fiance (he is a meat-eater, I am a vegetarian), but had 3 iissues. 1. They brought out a roll and what appeared to be butter. I put it on the roll, only to later find out it was a turkey dish. I have been a vegetarian for almost 30 years so this was a huge disappointment to have not been told this. 2. We were charged the same price for the main meal (my fiance's and mine - which was the salad bar only (as I am a vegetarian, I didn't mind this) - but the price was outrageous for lettuce and some rice. 3. When my fiance was handed the bill, I informed the waiter I would take the bill because I was treating my fiance for his birthday. The waiter then asked at that point if I wanted a dessert to be complimentary and taken off the bill. As he said this out loud, and made it to be my option, I was embarrassed. He should have just taken it off the bill. For as much money as the dinner was, he should have just done this.
(3)
Nadja J.

Wow, what a great experience! Outstanding service and delicious food! Table favorites were 1) lamb chops 2) baby sirloin 3) filet 4) chicken wrapped in bacon. Do not eat day of & get in an extra workout, it's well worth it!
(5)
Mike R.

Anniversary dinner (during Restaurant Week- not too much of a discount, actually- $35 vs $44.50 - and they apparently have $20 coupons). Meats, as expected, were all very good, though noticeably salty (good excuse to drink :-)). Sides were just ok, except the killer fried plantains and the super-creamy polenta. Salad bar wasn't great - corn fondue and "white cheese" in particular. We didn't have dessert- we were nice and stuffed. Good service, even with a first-night server, though I needed to push my chip out extra far to get meats. Seemed a big see-and-be-seen spot, but still a pleasant place for an evening out.
(4)
Rachael H.

0 STARS!!! AWFUL!!! AVOID CHIMA AT ALL COSTS!!!! GO TO FOGO DE CHAO!!!! It is Valentine's Day at 3:56 p.m. I was just called 20 minutes ago by the Philadelphia location notifying me about my 4:45 p.m. reservation which I have made 2.5 weeks ago. I confirmed. And then the reservationist went on to tell me that it was mandatory that I pay 89.95 per meal which I was NEVER notified of. After 20 minutes of speaking with her and requesting to speak with a manager, who "couldn't come to the phone because they were on the floor", I was told that there was nothing they could do for me and I "should have known" that there was a special deal. I made this reservation through Open Table and there was NO SIGN of any special deal for Valentine's Day. Now, myself and my boyfriend, whose birthday we were also supposed to be celebrating have no where to go because their team couldn't do ANYTHING for us. This has been the most ridiculous restaurant experience I have ever dealt with. The reservationist was EXTREMELY COCKY and was yelling at me over the phone that there was no manager available. I am extremely disappointed with this establishment. I have heard such wonderful things about the food and now I will never get to experience because their Philadelphia team has made my stomach turn. This has been the most treacherous restaurant I have ever had to deal with. Restaurants are supposed to be built around customer service and we have received the poorest service ever!!! This staff AND RESERVATIONIST should be ashamed of themselves!!!!!
(1)
Anna P.

I love it here!!!!! The food is so good, and the service is great.
(5)
Erin C.

Not my kind of place. This is the only Brazilian steakhouse I have been to, and if you are happy with quiet servers coming up behind your shoulder with plates of big meat chunks then maybe you'll enjoy it. Large groups sit at long tables. Everything is fine and whatnot, but I wasn't blown away by all the protein. Or the salad bar. The salad bar did have a good number of options, but nothing phenomenal. The bacon wrapped chicken was not "roasted to perfection." I think my favorite was the bread... Also, yes, drinks take forever and are weak. Womp. To me, Chima just seems like a waste of money.
(3)
Bob R.

This was my first visit to a brazilian steakhouse and Chima hit the spot. The meat was perfectly cooked and kept coming. I liked the filet and the top sirloin and wasn't a huge fan of the sausage or bacon wrapped steak (too salty). The salad bar looked awesome but I knew not to fill up too much on it because the meat is the star of the show here. It is a little pricey but if you come here with an appetite you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Thuy T.

Probably my favorite restaurant in Philly. I love this place because of the endless meat supply lol. The salad bar has tons of variety that is quite Delish. Men serving meat on large skewers, well....what more can a girl ask for. My only -1 star is the price. Price should be based per pound on a person being weighed before and after they eat, not $50 a head haha. But this is still my fave no matter. Enjoy
(4)
Christian B.

If you like the Brazilian Steakhouse dining style, or have ever been to competitors in the local area, Chima is definitely one of the more top notch places to dine in the city. Good atmosphere, excellent staff, and a great menu were part of our dining experience here. Just a few small touches, and this place would have easily been five stars, but still well worth the price of admissions. Atmosphere - Very modern and fancy, from the sheer curtains separating the bar/lounge from the dining area, to the pressed white table clothes and folded napkins when you return from your table, Chima has a first class experience all the way. The warm tones and stone lobby make for an excellent wait, if not for sitting at the bar and enjoying some great drinks. The aroma of finely cooked meats and delicious salads and sides finds your nose the instant you walk inside. Waitstaff - Since there are many people who work to make a part of the dining experience here, I'll just give an overall review. Staff is extremely friendly, accommodating tastes and cuts of meat perfect for your dining style. Quick, efficient, and friendly, they continued to bring over different dishes, with each one have a unique style and flavor. Recommended great selections for drinks & desserts which turned out to be fantastic! Food - Quality of the food we had was amazing. Started with drinks from the bar including mojitos, wines, and other various Brazilian beverages. The fresh mint and premium spirits were definitely appreciated by my group. For dining, the well stocked salad bar (and underrated soups) were a nice way to start the feast. But the real reason to come here is the different items, from the top sirloin, to the parmesan pork to the chicken wrapped bacon, everything was moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked to delight my tastebuds. The biggest issue we ran into was the speed at bringing over the dishes. There were chunks of time we had to wait while food was prepared where we had nothing on our plate and no side dishes left on the table. Seemed to be a little longer then planned and compared to other places, but when the food did come, it was absolutely delicious. Intangibles - Underrated dessert menu here if you still have the room. Split some chocolate cake with my wife, and the raspberry sorbet with it was out of this world good. Perfect way to end a delicious meal when dining out. Cost for all you get is VERY affordable and definitely is a great place for a first date or place to go with the steady girlfriend/fiancee/wife. Make sure to bite the bullet and valet park, can be a little cumbersome to try and park without valet in this area. Overall - A solid dining experience in Philadelphia, be you from the city or just visiting. A bit more on the pricey side for dining options, but well worth it for the amount of food, sides, salad bar, and other benefits you have from dining there. If you go on a speedy service night, you'll only be leaving earlier with a fully stomach, which is not necessarily a bad problem to have.
(4)
Amy N.

Short, quick and sweet review: went during restaurant week (twice now) and even amidst all the chaos, they still managed to stay atop of their customers needs so kudos to Chima's service team! Drinks are decent price, not outrageous which is commendable in a classy restaurant. The salad bar is stocked with prosciutto, spinach, smoked salmon and more. As for the meat itself, it was all well cooked and seasoned (can't speak for the filet mignon). The chicken was a bit dry and the ribs are salty but that may just be because of the craziness of Restaurant Week. On the other hand, not Chima's fault but the patrons during restaurant week is a tad bit.. Lacking manners. Overall, a great place to try Brazilian BBQ if you're curious.
(4)
Michael G.

I was here recently with a large group of abut 20 for their Express Lunch. For about $17 I got the full salad bar and a really well prepared steak done perfectly medium rare. For a different set price of only a couple of dollars, one could go with salmon or chicken. The salad bar was well stocked and even had some surprises like a cream vegetable soup that was very tasty. The restaurant was clean, the service was spot on, and everyone had a very nice time. I highly recommend the Express Lunch at Chima. It was a nice surprise for me.
(4)
Shirlana D.

The decor and ambiance here is classic. Upon entering the restaurant the hostess was friendly and greeted us with a smile. This restaurant is a Brazilian Steakhouse and had an abundance of meat. The tables were elegantly set and the waiter greeted us with a fresh warm roll upon being seated. Through out the evening there was a myriad of various types of beef, chicken, lamb, fish and pork. I was told that whenever I wanted to sample different cut or type of meat, I simply had to turn over the place card that I had been given upon seating. I must admit that it seemed to be a quick moment before the wait staff would notice the card was turned over, and they quickly approached the table to offer me another food to sample. While the food was in abundance, I found the salad bar to be lacking. The salad bar had a sample of various cold salads, but seemed to be missing an array of other possible hot choices to accompany the huge variety of meats. Although I eat meat, it was too overwhelming and offered too many meat options with a limited of variety of seafood (again, I get it is a steakhouse). The ambiance was good and the food was ok, but this is a place that I wouldn't have to visit again.
(3)
Miliardo P.

Ok, this is me trying to be understanding. I LOVE Brazilian steakhouses so when I found out that it was restaurant week, I'm totally in. I'd been to Fogo in several cities and decided to give Chima a try because it's infinitely closer to my house. I should've taken the walk. Now as a guy I tend to only notice things like decor when they're bad, and the burnt orange theme of the restaurant definitely qualifies. In all fairness I DID come during restaurant week, so they were busier than usual, that being said...the whole point of restaurant week is having people try your place out so they'll come back and become normal customers. Valet was meh, Check in went ok we were waiting an extra fifteen minutes from our reservation time but the place was packed and I try to be understanding of such things. We were seated and then we waited, and waited......and waited. The dining room was understaffed, I get it but we were starving. After another fifteen minutes I gave up and just asked one of the meat bearing gauchos to help us out, to his credit he did. The gauchos did their jobs and are the only reason for the second star. After grabbing our buffet plates it was time to sit down and eat. All I wanted was a drink. What kind of drink you ask? What kind of overly complicated concoction did I have to wait another FOURTY-FIVE minutes for??? A soda!!!! That ever elusive beverage. After asking three successful servers for a soda ($4 by the way) I finally gave up and asked a Gaucho (the guys who walk around with meat and carving, aka the busiest guys in the place). Plus, aren't they supposed to be upselling me? All I wanted was a soda!!!! When it came time to get a second soda, I just saved time and effort and asked the Gaucho first. You'd think that with that mess they'd comp my soda but no. Oh and before I forget, yet again I understand that its restaurant week, but would a little friendliness from the reception area be too much to ask? I'm happy that you got a foam latte from the bar, but since we're waiting in line extra time, how about a little polite conversation to your lobby full of guests. Instead I'm treated to a list of who's sleeping with who in the restaurant, in case you want to know the bartender........
(2)
TTder C.

Nice hidden gem in center city. Went here on a Tuesday during restaurant week and needless to say it was pretty busy. Didn't have to wait for a party of 6. The food was delicious with 2 fish options (swordfish and salmon). If you only get the salad bar, it comes with the 2 fish options as well (major plus). Our servers and runners were the highlight of the evening. Michelle was our server and zack was our runner. Always topped off water without asking, never had to ask for a clean plate. Even though they were a little busy they were very friendly and attentive. NOTE TO MANAGEMENT: Zack has been working there for 1 1/2 years I think it's about time he becomes a server. It's not often you see an employee working as hard and as dedicated as he was and no reward. 4 stars for the food 5stars for the staff. When I come back I will request a table in Michelle's section.
(5)
Joey M.

Yay for restaurant week! For $35 you get unlimited salad bar, all meats (except premiums like filet minion), and some side orders. For the regular price of $54 you get the above plus the premium cuts of meat. I opted for the $35 special as that was plenty of meat. The salad bar is plentiful but I am sad to say I was disappointed at the lack of flavor of some of the items like the seafood salad. The veggie soup that they offered which was butternut squash ( I think) was great! There was a turkey spread, fried cheese balls and beef croquets as side orders as well as fried plantains and fried palenta. I was a fan of the cheese balls, plantains and palenta. I did not enjoy the flavor of other sides. I enjoyed a glass of red sangria with my meal which I recommend. Now for the meats! The flank steak had way too much seasoning for my liking but was cooked perfectly, medium rare. The sirloin was my favorite and was juicy and tasty. The pork, fish and chicken selections were a tad dry for my liking. Service: What I found very cool is that the drink menu was on iPads that the waiter left with us to peruse! Very modern! The venue is very large and with dim lighting and a relaxing ambiance. We were seated by the window but the vent by the heater wasn't working. We asked one waitress to address this and stated she would ask the manager about the heat. About 10-15 mins went by and we didn't hear anything back so we asked our waiter who stated the same thing. This time the manager did come over and after checking the vent herself, moved us to a warmer location. :) Though I don't typically splurge on Brazilian steak houses I think I would try another before revisiting this venue.
(3)
Mitch S.

1. Cafeteria quality food. 2. My wife's phone rang from an unknown number several times on our way back from the restaurant. She finally answered on the third ring. It was the Chima restaurant manager informing us that they accidentally charged us too little money, and asking me for my credit card information to add the remainder of the bill. ?!
(1)
Connie J.

I actually like Chima more than Fogo de Chao. I feel that Chima has more options, more flavor and I had the best service ever! Last seating is at 9:00PM on Sundays and my reservation was at 8:30PM. Unfortunately, 3 members of my party arrived 10 minutes after. Throughout the entire time, we were never rushed. I highly recommend this place, I loved our server Rick!
(4)
Scott L.

Absolutely ridiculous tipping procedure. Came here for sips on a Wednesday - was charged 34% included tip on the subtotal of my bill. They informed me afterwards that this tip was on the discounted subtotal; nowhere on the menu was this said anywhere. 30 dollars for tip for a couple of beers, a couple of low quality meat dishes, and subpar service (where the waiter purposely came less to prevent us from ordering more during happy hour) is egregious. Will not be returning here again. Better to take my money to Fogo.
(1)
Rochelle H.

I have been to Brazilian style steakhouses before and didn't quite think that they were worth the price. I am carnivorous, for sure, but walking a whole lot of meat past me and hoping that I pounce on it like a wild animal is just not my cup of tea. Furthermore, I have found the meats to be mostly unseasoned and not of the greatest quality. Additionally, the salad bars that accompany the meal aren't usually that great either. Well, well, what do you know... A Brazilian churrascaria that is actually pretty decent, albeit a little expensive. First, let's start with the dÃ©cor. Absolutely not what I expected. Actually on the sleek side even with the Passadores (meat waiters) walking around plying their meat wares. You actually walk into a somewhat small, but cool looking lobby area and then walk up a few steps into one of several dining areas. Since I was a part of a large party (9), we were actually placed in a somewhat separate area away from the actual salad bar area. We actually had our own table captain who explained the set-up and reviewed the electronic tablet drink/dessert menu to us. Additionally, he delivered meat croquettas (somewhat dry), smoked turkey spread (wanted to bring it home), fried polenta sticks (tasty), cheese bread (more like a cheesy Yorkshire pudding), mashed potatoes (extremely smooth) and fried plantains to our table. After that, it was party on! I really enjoyed the selections at the salad bar (Black Beans and Rice, asparagus, broccoli, fresh marinated seafood salad, various salads, soups and very important to me...quite a selection of sauces to accompany your meat. (Chimichurri, several types of steak sauce, horseradish sauce, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, etc... YAY!) I love sauces to go wit my meat! Now the most important reason to go, MEAT! MEAT! MEAT! I loved, loved, loved the lamb chops, beef ribs, ribeye and salmon with passion fruit sauce. Additionally, the pork ribs were decent for them not to be a rib joint. There were several other meat selections (flank steak, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken, etc) but I had to concentrate on the meats that I could fit in and I couldn't fit in another bite. What I really enjoyed was the fact that meat tasted of high quality and was actually EXTREMELY well-seasoned. A major beef with me (pardon the pun)I is the lack of seasoning and questionable quality of the meat at a lot of these places. That was not the case here. Expensive, yes! Definitely worth it if you like to indulge in your favorite proteins in a relaxed urbane atmosphere.
(4)
Jenny M.

Where do you go for an all you can eat meal that isn't the Old Country Buffet, and a bit nicer? A Brazilian Steakhouse of course! After seeing Chima listed for restaurant week at $35 a person, my boyfriend and I decided to head out in the cold and eat as much meat as possible. When we arrived the place was crowded in the main room, but the other parts of the restaurant seemed empty. We were greeted right away from our waiter who gave us the drink menu which was on an ipad, pretty cool. We ended up ordering one of the restaurant week special wines, only $30 and good! The other wines ranged from $35 to $300+ per a bottle. Cocktails were in the $10+ range, but they all looked good! Before we went up to explore the salad bar we were brought two different appetizers with the most delicious dipping sauce ever. I personally loved the Cheesy Bread (luckily they were not unlimited, otherwise I would have filled up on them). The salad bar was okay, I was disappointed they didn't have more pre-made salad options. They had a few non salad items such as rice, black beans, and soup. Personally I preferred the salad bar at Rodizio Grill in New Jersey as they had way more options. After we finished our plates from the salad bar, we flipped our cards to green and started eating what we came for- the unlimited meat. My personal favorite was the Flank Steak, it was delicious. I also enjoyed the ribs and swordfish. The meat service here isn't the fastest, but that is part of the experience. Additionally you can ask any of the staff for a specific meat and they'll make sure it comes to you. Chima can easily accommodate large groups or romantic dates. The place was darkly lit but decorated very well it had a fancy city flair to it. Valet service is $18, but there is a decent amount of street parking around the restaurant. The staff is great, super attentive and very friendly.
(4)
Amanda N.

This review is a tad limited as we dined here for restaurant week but our expectations were definitely surpassed after trying Fogo twice before. It was such a good deal for $35: all you can eat salad bar and a good amount of the usual meats (except filet and a few others). The service was so much better than the Philly Fogo dining experience we had last year as they frequently refilled our drinks and checked in to see if they could direct any other meats our way that we were still missing. I felt the waitress was really trying to upsell the alcoholic bevarages to us, but it's understandable as the restaurant week was quite the steal. The beef cuts were definitely quite decent and had a lot of flavor. Quality-wise they weren't as tender as Fogo but definitely still above average and crave-able. The sword fish as well as the salmon were a little disappointing, slightly dry with the option of either passionfruit or pesto sauce in which both were also disappointing. The cheese puff breads that we're so obsessed with at Fogo were decent. The super fresh salad bar was awesome but the quality of some of the dishes could be a tad better flavor-wise. They also had a really nice selection of sauces available for for self-service that I liked (horse radish, hot sauce, steak sauce, house bbq sauce etc). I'm torn on which place I would suggest to friends looking for a brazilian steakhouse.. the fogo in las vegas is still by far the best in quality and variety, but Philly's falls a hair short in this category of dining.
(4)
Rebecca H.

I really had high hopes for Chima. My husband and I visited this past Sunday for a belated V-day dinner. First of all, we had a reservation and we were still seated 15 minutes late- not a huge deal. When we were finally seated, we were greeted promptly. Our waiter was friendly. The drink menu is impressive- I like that they have iPads for you to see the variety. The side dishes were fair. Loved the fried bananas and polenta (and of course the cheesy bread), but the meat/cheese balls weren't good, and the mashed potatoes were almost completely liquid. The salad bar was a huge disappointment. I'm comparing it to Na Brasa in Horsham, a much smaller place, and Chima paled in comparison. Barely anything looked appetizing, so I had some rice, artichoke, and mozzarella. Our drinks were great. I had the white sangria and my husband had a banana drink. Sized generously and reasonably priced. The meat? Meh. First of all, the variety was disappointing, and we kept seeing the same meat over and over again. Flank steak? Sirloin? Parmesan pork? (We don't eat pork, I felt badly telling the server 20 times lol). The quality was OK, but not outstanding. I was especially disappointed by the garlic steak, but the flank steak and the chicken were very tasty. We ordered the ice cream with banana topping for dessert. We enjoyed it. I ordered tea...the server brought me the tea bag and I had to ask several times for the water. I'm not sure if it was because it was the night before a holiday, but so many people came in completely inappropriately dressed. I can't even tell you how many people were there in sweatshirts, sweatpants, and sneakers. Doesn't this place have a dress code? They should. Honestly, with an excellent Brazilian steakhouse near me in the burbs, I don't see a reason to go to Chima again. I'm bummed- really wanted to love it!
(2)
Kristen M.

I came to Chima for my work Staff Appreciation Dinner. I have previously patronized a well-known Brazilian Steakhouse in Philadelphia and learned many valuable lessons. My strategy was determined well in advance. The goals: maximize belly space, eat a lot of meat, and leave not feeling like death. I knew not to go crazy at the salad bar. Everyone raves about the salad bar. Personally I wasn't impressed and it wasn't hard to resist. I did try something new, the heart of palm; which I found to be not so appetizing. I also knew not load up on the sides of fried banana, fried polenta, or cheesy biscuits. The cheesy biscuits were really good! I only ended up eating 5, whoops. I think it is natural to compare Chima to the experience I had at Fogo de Chao. Fogo is everything Chima wishes it could be. The service at Chima was just OK. The time I spent waiting between meats was longer than I would have liked. To their credit the waitresses did ask a few times if there was any meat we were waiting to try. When we informed them, that meat would arrive 5 minutes later, but we kept having to ask. I felt mildly harassed at Fogo with the different meats they kept bringing around. At Chima, there was no urgency to flip my card to red. Perhaps it was because we had a 100+ person party, but they should be pretty good at handling large crowds. My favorite meat by far was the barbecue ribs. I found the filet to be very salty. I actually had room for dessert which is disturbing. The cheesecake was decently decent, but I would have gladly dismissed it for more quality meat. The truth is I've experienced better and I won't be rushing back here anytime soon.
(2)
Sari A.

Great Salad Bar and amazing meats selections comes with a food coma. Our servers always friendly providing excellent service off and on peak times. Meat will keep coming unless you flip the card to take a break to digest or to get your check. Love it! Four Yelps!
(4)
Theresa A.

For the second year in a row, my husband's company has picked Chima Brazillian Steakhouse as the location for their corporate Holiday Party (at my request!). My husband and I have dined at Chima several times and always recommend it for special occasions and large groups. We always tell everyone the same thing when suggesting it: the biggest downside about it is that it's too fancy to wear elastic-waist pants. During this most recent visit I will say that our experience was good but not great. Our party of 12 had a reservation for 7pm on a Friday night but naturally some were more on time than others. Because several of us arrives early, we took a trip to the bar to enjoy a cocktail or two as we waited for the other guests to arrive. The first turn off was the happy hour menu. First of all--it is completely misprinted. It says "Happy Hour Menu" with lists of drink and their prices...but you are supposed to "know" that some of them are $3 off? I don't know. Very confusing. Additionally--out of a wine list of about 1,000 different brands and types of wine, the happy hour options include ONE white and ONE red. Talk about variety! Oof. I wasn't interested in the two wines they had to choose from and had to ask for a wine list. I was provided an iPad to scroll through and look at their epic selection...while a server hovered over my shoulder (I assume to make sure I didn't walk off with it?!) I was in the mood for bubbly (as per usual) but was shocked to see Rufino Prosecco at $9/glass. The bottle costs $8. Talk about an upcharge! I decided to go with the White Sangria first and held off until dinner for the sparkly stuff. It wasn't until the majority of our party arrived that it got annoying. We had each ordered a drink or two and were now heading to the table. Only this iPad wine list bearing, iPhone ordering, completely digital restaurant cannot transfer the bill from the bar to our table. Great. Add that this is extra complicated because the person with the corporate credit card was the last to arrive. Ultimately we got it figured out but I still thought it was silly. (Ironically his company is 90% software engineers so it gave us a lot to chat about over dinner) Dinner itself was delicious as usual and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (vegetarians and meat eaters alike!). The only hangup was our server, who, while polite and nice enough seemed to disappear a little too often. And because he refused to leave the 6+ bottle of wine we ordered on the table (he insisted on pouring) there were large gaps where some people went without drinks. (Had I been one of them, this review could have been 1 star!!) The last thing to mention was the rather disappointing dessert course. I have always been a believer that it's pretty hard to ruin dessert but luck was not on my side with the dish that I ordered (the passion fruit mousse). I highly recommend ordering anything else. There was not a single person at the table who liked it. The highest rated was a chocolate cake with some sort of berry sorbet. I did have a bite and regretting not ordering it instead. Oh well! Next time. Overall, 3.5/5 Stars (but I rounded up). For as many times as we've been here and I haven't written a review it's worth it. I am sure we will be back again soon and look forward to having more men in poofy pants bring me meat on a sword!!!
(4)
Minzie P.

This place was great! Very good selection of meats and salad bar choices for restaurant week. I will definitely come back for more. Thanks :)
(5)
Simon Z.

I've been here 5 times and each time I feel as if I enjoy it less and less. However, with that said, there are a few dishes that are noteworthy. My absolute favorite is the beef ribs. The beef ribs melts in your mouth and can easily be cut with the side of your fork. It's sometimes a bit salty but when they get it right, it's to die for. Some of my other favorite dishes would be the top sirloin, lamb ribs, lamb leg and ribeye. I would say the other meats are a hit or miss. They're sometimes a bit too dry and once you've had them, you can check them off the list without a need to revisit. Also personally I found the salmon too hard and dry to my liking and the bacon wrapped meats to have its flavor diminished by everyone's favorite breakfast meat (sorry sausage). I would say that once you've gone to one Brazilian steakhouse it's not worth going... Unless for restaurant week.
(4)
Toland F.

********UPDATE August 10, 2015 - 3 of the 4 members of my party have "Tummy Trouble" after our night at Chima. More good news. This place is a disgrace. ******** Here's what you want to know: Chima or Fogo. Answer: Fogo...by leaps and bounds!!!! #TEAMFOGOdeCHAO I would give Chima 2 stars, if i could dedicate 1 star exclusively to my pitcher of Sangria. Otherwise this place was not my cup of tea, hence 1 or -1 star. If you are looking for the short version of this rating here it is: Chima is a wannabe. Very average food, overpriced, and crappy service. Take your money to Fogo and enjoy your dinner. If you want deets on why Chima blows, read on. Hostess/Waitress/Service Just bad. First, the hostess and at least my waitress Emily had an AT-TI-TUDE, One of those, "I work at a restaurant in CC and you are supposed to care" attitudes. She ran through the rodizio process and how it works ( cuts of meat, salad bar, red stop sign and green signal) at lightening speed. Two of us had been to this type of restaurant and two of my party had not. So I took the liberty of slowly explaining it to to our party members so a human being could actually process the information. From the beginning she kinda seemed like we were bothering her at work. (Which is ironic because she was at work) Not a big deal, but a little annoying. There's more about the hostess, but I don't even want to bother with her.... Salad bar The salad bar was blah at best. I did like the vegetable cream soup and some of the cheese offerings, otherwise it was nothing special. As a matter of fact I was a little annoyed that there were wedges of iceberg lettuce (presumably for wedge salad), but not crumbled blue cheese or other fixins to make a wedge salad.. Disappointing, but not a huge deal. There were some other things you would find at a very AVERAGE salad bar. Think Ruby Tuesdays salad bar and add smoked salmon. I may not be giving its due, but the point is---you've had better at a boardwalk casinos buffet. But who cares about salad at a steak house. Next... The Meats/fish Just...BOOOO!!!! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING SPECIAL at all. The ribs were over sauced (presumably to hide the fatty, low quality underneath), the other cuts were tough and flavorless (mine were medium in temp...you can order your meats according to your temperature so maybe order it raw?). The prime rib was the worst. Dry tasteless, just not worth the $$$$. The salmon and swordfish were okay at best. I didn't finish either. I think the best thing about the fish were the sauces. Just yuck. I didn't try the chicken offerings, because I was just ready to go. The check Not a bad check. And although I only saw Emily 3-4 times in 2 1/2 hours, we were set to give our usual 20% gratuity. We asked Emily to split the check, because the couple we were with wanted to pay via credit card. We split the check in half $93.51 cash, and 93.51 on the card...you know-even Steven. Well Ms. Emily came back and told us Chima does not take coins. Huh???? She said there is no place to put them? So she gave back the $.51 added it to the credit card. Whaaaatttt??? That's perplexing... I asked Emily what happens if a person were to pay in cash only for a check that included change. For example $55.28. Do you know what she told me? She said they "round it up". HUH??????? What???? So now I'm pissed. Your restaurant doesn't want to deal with change so you "round it up"????? First of all, IFFFFFFF she didn't just make that up---CHIMA is ridiculous and obnoxious (which I told her). But the good news is, I really DON'T believe that's the policy. I think that was EMILY's policy. The restaurant does not take change? I believe she lied. I think she was being dismissive. I think she was being all "this is an exclusive restaurant and we don't do change". And that's a bunch of BS. Chima is a CHAIN restaurant, hence Ms Donalds and freaking Sizzler (which I've had better food at back in the 1990's, lol). Just because the address is downtown, and you get to overcharge and dress your wait staff in black button down tops and pants---DOES NOT MAKE YOU EXCLUSIVE). I've actually eaten at Michelin rated restaurants on a couple different continents, so give me a freaking break with the "attitude/we're too good for change". I am going to contact the headquarters and find out about this change policy. Honestly, it would not have been SUCH a big deal if EVERYTHING else DID NOT FREAKING SUCK. It was a crappy experience. Nothing special and HARSHLY overpriced for the butt you have to kiss to get a decent meal and service. If you are on the fence. FOGO da Chao wins. Never had ANYTHING but GREAT service, awesome and FLAVORFUL food. I know I made a big deal over the change, its only because I find it insulting. This is half review, half rant. For that I apologize. This review was from Sunday August 9th- again, BOOOO!!!
(1)
Kevin W.

Pleasantly surprised at this Philly standout. Given all the Brazilian steakhouse options in NYC, what I enjoyed most about this place versus some of my local options were the following: - Fab service, the folks here are fast, attentive and diligent - The meats actually tasted quite good and it wasn't too salty - LOVE the sauce options here. It's great to see such a cool selection situated right next to the salad bar. It's almost like it has its own spread. - Nice caprihinas, the strawberry one is quite tasty As for the mehs - Dessert selection was okay but what you get at places like Churasscuria Plataforma in NYC is way better - I think the meat selection is solid, but other places I've been had more choices. However, the quality here is definitely top notch - Salad bar is big but the quality of the items pale vs some other places I've been to However, that said, I'd definitely come back again because of the solid quality of the food and great service.
(4)
Grace L.

Came here on a whim for a fancy night out with the boyfriend, as neither of us had been to a Brazilian steakhouse before. Fogo did not have reservations, so we decided to come here instead. The only negative was that we were asked to wait for our reservation when we arrived at the restaurant with no explanation (isn't that what a reservation is for?) but were finally seated after 15 minutes or so (we were really hungry so were a bit impatient). The service was impeccable, the drinks the best I've ever tasted (I wish I remember what they were called!), so the cocktails are a must try. We both loved the cheesy bread and mashed potatoes, and tried not to eat too much of the side dishes and cheeses that all looked delicious! The steak was perfect. The fish was fine, but I would stick with eating the ribeyes and even select pieces of chicken. Perfect place for a date or special occassion! The bill was higher than we expected, but overall worth it for the experience.
(4)
Jennifer T.

Came here recently on a Sunday night and I must say that their service has really declined. They weren't busy at all that night and servers were standing around just chit chatting at times. Disappointingly, though, it took forever for our server to get our drinks or make rounds to come check on if we needed anything. And when we did ask for something, say a clean plate or another round of drinks, it took entirely too long. The food was just ok...I don't remember the meats being so fatty as they were this time around. It was kind of annoying to get 1 slice of meat and have half of it be a ring of fat. The salad bar was still good and for the most part, all of the staff was courteous (even though not that attentive or quick). Unfortunately, I don't foresee myself going back anytime soon.
(2)
Abby B.

Came here for an event so I really can't comment on the sit-down service or the price, since I wasn't paying. First, there's a huge salad bar. Now, for someone who spent her high school days waitressing at Ruby Tuesday, the words "salad bar" give me nightmares. I try to avoid them at all costs. Chima's salad bar is definitely classier than say, a chain restaurant, but I wasn't floored by anything I ate. The steak was good but the ribs were very boney. Overall, I wasn't too impressed.
(3)
Jacki G.

Meh. The service here is awful. Granted, we came on father's day but still, the service shouldn't have been as bad as it was. It took 15 minutes to get drinks and when the meats finally came around, the same kind of meat kept coming by. I had to ask the waitress to send the guy with the fish over to the table, and it still tool him 15 minutes to come by. The rest of the people in my party kept having to ask for the specific meat they wanted because some stuff just never came around. The salad bar was ok, it had a lot of selection to go with the food. The dessert, however, were subpar. You could definitely tell they were not handmade. I've been to other places like this before, so I wasn't impressed with the sword service like I'm sure some people are. There are plenty of other much better places to spend 50+ dollars at in Philadelphia.
(2)
Kristin N.

My teenage son had been craving good steak, and after a few unsatisfactory local attempts, hubs decided to treat him to Chima. Not a cheap father/son bonding evening, but after seeing my son's reaction....well, you can't put a price on that! Per hubs, the food was on par with Fogo. He enjoyed the modern ambiance. The service was stellar. But the meat, you ask, the meat? Let's just say the smile on my son's face and his recounting of the evening made it clear Chima exceeded taste expectations. Memorable evening for them both!
(4)
Jason V.

Come hungry! Wear maternity pants. Even as a guy you'll appreciate the extra stretch. It's worth looking silly. Salad bar is great, although as a major carnivore I spend almost no time there. The meats are excellent. I would suggest trying everything and then going back to as much of whatever you like you can handle. They will bring out more of whatever you would like upon request. This is the go to for work events when the team is in the Philadelphia area. Even if I'm not involved in said meetings I love about 40 minutes from Chima and I make sure to block the date so I'm open for a Chima invite!
(5)
Erin I.

My Boyfriend and I went to Chima's over the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. It was a fabulous experience. The atmosphere is great for a date night/ celebration. Our waitress was very helpful, pleasant and fun. The food was perfect! The various meats that came around were cooked perfectly. The salad bar had a lot of options to choose from and the sauces offered complimented the meats well. The complementary valet parking was also a nice touch! Overall it was a really great night and we will be back!
(4)
Roger R.

Terrific atmosphere, lots of fun with a big group and celebrations. Great to k retract with the staff, terrific customer service. Love it!
(5)
Andrew V.

This place is not for leaf eaters (though the salad bar is amazing too). This is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse with all sorts of different cuts. Speed of how quickly the meat comes out can vary throughout the night, sometimes I'd have to wait a bit too long for service, but you can ask for something specific too if you haven't seen it. Place is very expensive and can easily cost $80+ a person if you order drinks. Just come prepared to eat and you can regain some of the expense.
(4)
Sara S.

Make sure to wear your stretchy pants...you will be very well fed when dining here. Tapas this is not. Obviously. If you have never been to a Brazilian steakhouse, then do yourself a favor- hang on. It's going to be intense. See also- the meat sweats. You are treated to some tasty amusÃ©s; and then the salad bar. Oh, the salad bar. This is where they getcha'. Don't fill up on the salad bar! It's all SO good...but by the time you finish salads/antipasto meats and cheeses and goodness knows what else...how much meat are you eating? You didn't come here for wedges of manchego and salami! Oh- but try out the dipping sauces. They're up at the salad bar and can pump up the meaty goodness that awaits you. The service is outstanding, the food was excellent. They will not stop bringing the meat. Don't bring your vegan friend because they might find something on the salad bar - they probably won't. And also, you want to enjoy your meal right? ;) One star is not given because I prefer the vibe of another well known chirascuria. But this is a fantastic dining establishment. You won't be disappointed. Unless you fill up on salad. :)
(4)
Ghaniyah H.

I'm in love with this place. I'm quite full, but very pleased. The food is absolutely amazing. The salad bar/buffet is very unique with food like quinoa edamame salad and gorganzola mousse. The service is absolutely wonderful. Want more meat, turn the flipper over to orange. There are a variety of meats to choose from. Come to this place!
(5)
Kristy Y.

I came here yesterday with my family for a late dinner, 8:30ish. Wanted to be wow'd this time, but ehhh not so much. The dining room wasn't filled but a large dinner group was just on their way out so the main entrance was a bit packed. We had Elizabeth and Ricky?- both were accommodating as well as the busy young man running back and forth with the white shirt. The only thing I didn't really enjoy about dinner was that I felt a bit rushed (not by the servers, but to weirdly put it- by the food). Especially with the meats coming out, I don't think I got to try everything on the menu since it was close to closing. Our servers and the men that bring the meat out did ask me if there was anything I wanted to try again, but I still feel as if they should've brought everything out even if they were closing soon- without me even having to tell them what to bring out. However the top sirloin, garlic steak, and ribeye was delicious- as well as the salad bar. I'm used to coming to Chimas and having a dimly lit intimate diner, but it was a bit bright last night. Hopefully when I come back, I'll be back at a reasonable time to enjoy my dinner.
(3)
Su W.

I wanted to give a 3.5 but since that wasn't an option I gave it a 4. I was here for restaurant week. It was super crowded when I came and I had to wait an extra 20 mins for my reservation. I was a little upset about the wait but since it was restaurant week it made sense. The atmosphere was lively with pop music playing in the background. It was suppose to be a 3 course meal according to the mean but I never got my first course and was skipped to the salad bar which was the second course. Also I was served my slides late as well. The salad bar was full of fresh food, it had your basic salad bar accommodation plus seafood, soup and cheeses. I didn't eat much of the salad bar since I wanted to save room for the meats! I loved eating all the meats, I have to say the garlic sirloin was my favorite. I enjoyed eating their beeF meat more then chicken or fish. I like how they included fish on the menu. After while of eating beef and chicken, eating the swordfish and salmon was a refreshing taste. I felt the service was quiet poor when I went. When I asked the server to repeat the name of the meat I was ignored as they nodded at me and quickly rushed off to the next table. Overall a 2 for the service and 4.5 for the food. Although the meat was great I found it a little to salty at times.
(4)
Denise D.

My boyfriend and I had dinner here on New Year's Eve. The food was great, the service was horrible. Our waitress came to our table one time while other waiters and waitresses made sure their party was doing well during their dinner. Our waitress continued to walk pass our table over to other tables as if we weren't even there. We had to flag her down for clean plates and flag other waiters down for service. I found it quite annoying and distasteful that the servers were only interested in the check. We still left the 18% tip but for the cost of dinning here, service should be exceptional. Won't be going back.
(1)
Roy H.

What else can I say from a guy who totally loves steak, but as much as he wants? That's what Chima is so good about is bringing in the authenticity of Brazil with their Gauchos making cuts on the meats. I really love going with my family on those special occasions, and Chima is a great treat. Wonderful drinks for my parents to enjoy, but it's always a pleasure to come in for the meats, of course. Their selection from Ribeye, Top Sirloin (my favorite), Filet Mignon also wrapped in Bacon, and many of the others have the right amount of salt and seasonings to go into the overall taste makes me hungry for more. The salad bar is definitely worth getting to where they have salads pre-made such as the Caesar salad, and just some nice vegetables and fruit to add on right before or during the beloved steak feast. The gauchos are definitely friendly and the give the right cook just as you ask and they never disappoint. My first time there I just thought too much about the steak, but having the gauchos be part of the customer service of the restaurant is comforting. The waiters a professional as always and they have that kindness that will always lead me back to Chima. I love steak, and like I said, if you want excellent food with some nice wine selections and the steak
(5)
Elliot P.

I visited this place for an event relatively recently. We had the back room to ourselves and had a meat assortment with a bunch of appetizers. It was very tasty! I can't really comment on what the normal dining experience is like as I didn't have it. However, the place was very elegantly decorated - it gave you the feel that you are in a really nice place. From the doors to the linens to the flatware and glasses - very posh. Of the food that I tasted, the meat was absolutely delicious. I had the sirloin. There were also these fantastic rolls. I'm not big on rolls, but they were really special. Definitely look out for them. They were like yeast free or something. They had a nice cheese plate that was top notch. I definitely want to come back and have the full dining experience, but my guess is that will have to be a special occasion as this place is quite expensive.
(4)
Dominique S.

If you are interested in a meat buffet, this is your kind of place. But I only eat seafood/fish. So I was a bit skeptical about their Salmon and Swordfish offering. Came here during Restaurant Week with a coworker. Initially it took a while before the guy with the fish came to my table. If it wasn't for our server, I forgot her name, I would have been waiting longer. But when he finally did show up... that Salmon was amazing! It is so easy to dry out Salmon when it's cooked, but I continuously received pieces of Salmon that were super moist and flaky. I actually combined pieces of the Salmon with a piece of polentta(sp?), and it was really good. I was not a fan of the Swordfish. A bit too dry for me. Def try the Salmon with the passion fruit sauce or the pesto. What I really like was when a manager came to our table and asked if everything was ok and if she could get us anything. She sent the fish guy back over for more Salmon (YAY!!), and went to get get us more creamy mashed potatoes. The service here is amazing, even if the fish guy was hard to find at first!!! Will come back!!!
(4)
Michelle P.

When I learned I was going to Chima for a friend's birthday dinner, I got excited and then panicked a little. I love good meat but hate all you can eat meals where all of my self control flies out the window. I turned to Yelp to find a strategy for the best way to enjoy Chima without over indulging. There was no concise strategy but I was able to take some tips with me to dinner. We were seated promptly at table by the kitchen and near the salad bar. Our server introduced herself right away and brought over the tablet with the drink list. We ordered a bottle of Simply Naked pinot noir for the table and an additional glass of sav blanc. The bottle was $30 and the glass was $11. I was a little surprised how reasonable the drinks were as I was expecting true steakhouse prices. I was originally going to skip the salad bar entirely to save room for meat however I figured I'd make one trip to check it out. They had a large variety of salads, cheeses and meats. I tried a few of the "fun" bean salads but didn't love them. As soon as I returned to the table I flipped my meat card to red and the meat started to flow. The rest of the salads were pushed to the side as my meat extravaganza began. There are 16 different steak, lamb, chicken and fish options. I tried everything except the salmon. My favorites included the lamp chops, leg of lamb, flank steak and barbecue pork ribs. I initially loved the Parmesan pork loin as it was one of the first things I tried of the night. For whatever reason, my second piece wasn't as good. For the majority of the meats, you were able to select your temperature so I went with medium rare. When the bacon wrapped filet first made its way around, they only had medium. I requested medium rare and the server came back within 15 minutes when the next batch was ready. There were definitely meats that came around with more frequency, such the top sirloin and filet. My group really loved the leg of lamb so made a special request for it to come by our table. Our server and the manager made sure we were taken care of. I also really appreciated that they let us take our time with the meal. We probably dined for over two or two and a half hours, and were really able to enjoy ourselves. In addition to limiting myself at the salad bar, I tried to avoid the fried bananas, bread and fried polenta at the table to save room for meat. By the end of the meal I was stuffed and wanted anything except meat so started indulging. For that reason we ordered the papaya cream, vanilla ice cream and tiramisu for dessert. They were all fantastic and I found another place in my stomach to house them. So moral of the story, there is no tactic to avoid over indulging at Chima, unless you actually have willpower. But that's okay. Everything is so delicious it's worth the caloric and monetary splurge, as long as you don't make it a habit to go too frequently. I didn't want to make this review a comparison between Fogo de Chao but it's worth mentioning a few comparisons. The atmosphere at Fogo is a little more upscale and I personally thought Fogo's salad bar was a little nicer. Overall, both places served up some great meat options so I would recommend either to anyone looking for a Brazilian steakhouse experience.
(4)
Glenda C.

Great food,Come hungry ! Not a great place for a first date since eating light won't be an option. Come with family and friends it's guaranteed to be a good night. Drinks are good passion fruit mojito was my fav of the night. Strawberry cheese cake was amazing !!!!
(4)
Bud S.

The service was great. the food was great, and we we left stuffed. Perfect.
(5)
Kim W.

The place where meat is endless. I've now been to Chima a couple of times with my boyfriend (he is a carnivore a million times over), and I have to say it's on the top of my list as far as Brazilian Steakhouses go. Their top sirloin is delicious and the filet basically melts in your mouth. My favorite though definitely has to be the flank steak. The gouchos here are awesome as well. They are all incredibly attentive and will always ask if you are waiting for a particular meat after they have come around once. The ONLY reason this place doesn't get 5 stars (I would like to give 4.75) is because I would like a little more variety on their salad bar.
(4)
Zaneta P.

All you can eat steak and salad bar, what isn't there to like? I've been to Chima plenty of time, along with Fogo but that's another review. Every single trip was always satisfying. Service is always fast and attentive. Difference between Chima and Fogo Is that Chima offers two types of fish (Salmon and Swordfish) along with their other various types of meats (I believe 10 different types) cooked to your preference. My all time favorite side dish would have to be the cheese bread, to die for! I'd probably get it refilled at least 3 times (don't judge me). Comparing to Fogo, Chima is located in a less busy area where there are more parking available. The two restaurants are very similar and I honestly enjoy both (Fogo a little more). Place is $50/Per Person for dinner! **They also have really good Red Sangria!
(4)
Michael M.

I must say, this place this pretty spot-on. First, all of the staff members are extremely polite and respectful - all of them. From the people who respond to eMail inquiries, to those who answer the telephone. The servers and managers are also excellent. Very kind, hospitable people. There to answer all of your questions and make your dining experience as pleasurable as they possibly can. Second, their salad bar is simply amazing. The cheeses, cold cuts, smoked salmon, vegetables, etc ... are well worth the price of admission. And everything is SPOTLESS. That's very important, in my opinion. The quality is very good and leaves nothing to be desired. Third, the rodÃ¬zio menu is just as good. Actually, I find myself favoring the salad bar. All of the meats are cooked to your liking - if you as for rare, you're served rare. If you ask for medium, you're served medium. And, if they don't have it at that very moment, they'll be sure to get it to you as soon as possible. Again, a very professional, courteous staff. My only negative would be this - all you can eat means all you can eat - at times we (party of 4) definitely were feeling rushed or as if we had worn out our welcome after about an hour and a half. Even if it were unintentional, it surely came off this way, and kept this from being a 5-star rating. Another (slight) negative would be choices/amount of times an item is walked around. We had to ask several times for the swordfish and lamb chops, but there is chicken a-plenty. Finally, would I recommend this place - YES. It's worth $52.50 for all you get. It's also a fun experience with parking nearby in a lot that is reasonably priced. So, put on your sweatpants, and dig in! We'll be going back, that's for sure.
(4)
Brad H.

Good Food, but Not Worth the Money Chima is a Brazilian steakhouse, which means everyone pays the same price for dinner and you can eat as much as you want. You are seated at a table, and a waiter comes over to see if you want any drinks to start (the drink menu is on an iPad). Then he/she directs you to the salad bar to start. Then you flip over a car on your table indicating that you want meat and waiters come by your table every few minutes with long skewers of meat to ask you if you would like some and if you would like a piece that is more on the rare side or more on the well side. Below is some more detail on the salad bar, meat selection, atmosphere, and price. SALAD BAR: The salad bar was surprisingly expansive. They have everything from arugula salad, to salami and cheeses. They also had some fresh asparagus and beets, rice, and an assortment of cheeses. Everything was good but I would suggest not filling up on this stuff because the meat is where you get your real value. MEAT: The meat here is really the best part of the meal. The waiters walk around with different cuts of different meats and you can tell them if you would like some or not. There is a picture and description of each meat at your table so that you know what you're ordering. I thought the leg of lamb and the top sirloin were the two best. Everything is really nicely cooked and you leave the place pretty filled up. ATMOSPHERE: The scene here was probably not what you would expect from a Brazilian steakhouse. It is located in a very business-centric area and there was a pretty big crowd at the bar for happy hour (You can hear the music from the dining room). Everything about this place is modern and the tables are spread out so that you don't really hear your neighbors. But for me, it lacked any sort of charm. Not really a foodies' ideal place (even though I wouldn't say I'm a foodie myself. PRICE: This is the biggest problem with Chima and I why I couldn't give it anything more than 3 stars. Dinner costs $54 each! I don't care how much you think you can eat, you'll never make up that cost. I came here with a gift certificate for one dinner and paid for my partners' food. If I didnt have the gift card, it would have never been worth it. If you dont have any gift certificates you are looking at a bill of over $70 each after tax and tip (not including drinks). With Philly being generally such a well priced city, the prices here don't feel worth it.
(3)
Esther C.

The food was absolutely delicious. I was stuffed! All of the meats were cooked well and the wide variety of sides made the delectable food even more appetizing. Love!
(5)
Thuy F.

Ate here for the 3rd time last night. If you sign up for preferred dining on their website, you save $20 for dinner with restrictions. The meat was plenty, perfect cuts of meat and piping hot. Drinks had plenty of alcohol and the salad bar was so so. Overall I can't complain, come hungry to get your money's worth
(5)
Lea T.

Great Brazilian Steakhouse! Personally I like the salad bar and meat/fish selection here better than Fogo de Chao. The salad bar is also an option on its own for vegetarians for $24. I enjoy the premade endive blue cheese and walnut salad, as well as some other pre-mixed salads. There are also numerous meats (prosciutto, beef carpaccio, salami), cheeses (mozzarella, parmesan, provolone), vegetables (hearts of palm, asparagus, roasted red peppers), as well as a delicious roasted vegetable soup and rice & beans. Love the salmon with tropical mango sauce, flank steak, bacon wrapped chicken, bacon wrapped filet, and sirloin steak. There is also lamb, beef ribs, swordfish, and pork loin. The beef croquettes, cheese bread, mashed potatoes, fried polenta, and caramelized bananas are provided as side dishes also. Its a great idea to come here for lunch, the prices are less and the same menu is offered. Appetizers and small plates are also offered at the bar which has happy hour specials.
(4)
Joel G.

Last night my husband and I dined at Chima in Philadelphia for the first time. From the time we pulled up to the valet til we left the restaurant, the staff were friendly, service was supers and second to none, and the food was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! Appetizers, salad bar, the 16 different meats which came around and the Tiramisu... To die for! This was all an early anniversary gift from a very dear friend and we can not thank her enough. If you haven't already, try them out!
(5)
Pilar W.

I've been here several times and overall it has been really wonderful. Let me st the negative and end on positive. I've a worker was extremely smelly and i am very sensitive to smell. He was very kind, but i actually could not eat because whenever he came anyplace near my table i thought i would become ill. (Yes I'm that sensitive) thus, it was a wasted trip. On a separate visit i found hair in my food And it was not mine it spilled my visit and out was my first thing i went to eat. The company i was with ate and all was well. They did give me a free meal to come back. So, you might wonder why i come back... because this place really is incredible. The managers, staff they really try. It is clean and beautiful. The ambiance, they never rush you and my friends have always enjoyed dinner. I would go just to eat their little cheese bread. It its simply the best!!!! I wish they sold it. I had weight loss surgery and really can't even eat much at all bit ir is so enjoyable i find it well worth the night out. There is something for everyone. I moved recently and my gift for friends helping is taking them there this Friday night. It's a must try, as it puts the other steak houses to shame. (No disrespect) try the sauce with the fish. Incredible, salad for every taste. Meat cooked to order. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Thuy C.

I've been to Chima a number of times. It's definitely decadent. I love the concept of endless meat. Yes, I'm a carnivore but I love my vegetables too! Gladly, they also have an endless salad bar. And another great aspect they serve fish too! My favorite cut is definitely the picanha aka top sirloin, medium rare. And it's always hard for me to flip my card from green to red even when my mind and body tells me, "You're full!"
(4)

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Address : 1901 John F Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone (215) 525-3233
Website https://www.chimasteakhouse.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Upscale
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

1901 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19103

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse Menu

Salad & Bar Items

Rodizio (meat)

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

Salad & Bar Items

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Dessert

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