It’s great when you discover a delightful restaurant near a museum, because what makes for a better NYC outing than dinner and a museum? MOMA has long been my favorite museum, and I recently dined at a delicious spot directly across from its 53rd Street entrance: Foco do Chão. Foco has been a staple in the Brazilian Steakhouse scene for a while, famous for its churrascaria experience, which offers a never-ending parade of fire-roasted, high-quality meats presented table side. But as a vegetarian, what really excited me was their new outdoor dining experience, dubbed The Patio at Bar Fogo, and menu, which is both affordably priced for Midtown and loaded with delicious selections, friendly for a variety of dietary restrictions. Don’t worry carnivores, there’s plenty of meat on the outdoor menu to quell your cravings, too!
The Patio is perfect for al fresco dining while watching pedestrians stroll by to and from their offices, tourists go in and out of the museum, and local neighborhood folks walking their pint sized pooches. Unlike so many other outdoor dining spaces in Manhattan, this one doesn’t feel cramped–the tables are large and have comfortable chairs, and are spaced far enough away from each other that you aren’t privy to the group next to you’s conversation. Win! They also have large umbrellas, perfect for keeping out the summer rays.
A few of the food options you’ll enjoy are: the Linguiça Sandwich ($12.50) with blistered Brazilian sausage, onions and mozzarella and the Churrasco Plate ($16-$20) with the choice of Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Lamb Chops or Brazilian Spice-Rubbed Chicken. If you’re just in the mood for a substantial snack, stop by for Happy Hour (Monday – Friday; 4:30 – 6:30 pm), with options such as Picanha Sirloin Sliders ($10) on signature gluten-free pão de queijo rolls and Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers ($15) with a chimichurri sauce. My favorite dish from the Patio? Hands down the crispy parmesan polenta fries. I ate two plate full before being like, “Ok Jess, too much of a good thing…”
Next time you’re at MOMA, instead of fighting the crowds to eat in the museum’s restaurant, hop right across the street to enjoy a delicious meal at The Patio at Bar Fogo. And, don’t forget to order one of their delicious drool-inducing caipirinhas.
DETAILS:
Fogo de Chão |
40 West 53rd Street
New York, NY
212-969-9980
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
