Brazilian BBQ in the Northeast: Meat-a-licious Picanha
Picanha Brazilian Grill was a fun and unique twist on Bar-B-Que that everyone will like. Situated on the corner of Castor 
Ave. and Hellerman Street, this churrascaria offers a variety of grilled meats with a unique flair. Served tableside, the meats are presented while still on the cooking skewer and cut directly onto the plate. So if you enjoy an interesting floor show with some really good food, you’ll love Picanha Brazilian Grill.
We’ve never been to a Brazilian restaurant, so no one had any idea of what to expect. Picanha’s Castor Gardens neighborhood is pleasant and as we entered the restaurant, friends that arrived before us greeted us with a vat of cold beers on ice (Picanha is a BYOB). A quick inspection of the spacious dining 
room revealed a simply decorated restaurant reminiscent of an upscale cafeteria, complete with plastic covered tables not to mention a self-service hot and cold buffet. The decor features references to the Brazilian gaucho (cowboy) lifestyle, including the mounted cow heads found throughout the restaurant. It’s clear that Picanha is a favorite with Brazilian expatriates and local residents alike; as futbol was broadcast on the multiple TVs and a group of Brazilian men enjoyed a card game in the back room, groups of diners continued to file through the front door.
Popping the cap on a frosty beverage, we were eager to experience a Brazilian meal. Shortly after being seated, our 
Hostess arrived to explain that the menu has two items: Rodizio - a prix fixe ($19.95) all you can eat affair or a Price Per Pound ($6.99/lb.) option for those less inclined to gluttony. Needless to say, we all had to go for Rodizio - Hey, when in Rome!
Some may argue that starting with the salad bar was just delaying the inevitable, but surprisingly (or stupidly) most members of our group weren’t big meat eaters, so it became an important stop. The salad bar featured a variety of hot and cold items including Coxhinas (hot, chicken croquettes), Pasteis (hot, half-moon 
shaped meat filled pastries), Black beans (hot, seasoned with pork), Fried Chicken Cutlets, Fried Plantaines and Beef Short Ribs, not to mention traditional cold salad items plus Tabouleh. Each member of our group tried a variety of items and all were considered good, but some of the favorites included the fresh papaya, the marinated hearts-of-palm salad and the Fried Chicken Cutlets.
As our salad course came to an end, our server arrived for the first of many tableside visits. With him, he carried an impressive looking, three foot skewer of pork sausages fresh from the grill. Several of us spoke up as he
offered sausages and he responded by deftly removing several links and placing them on a communal platter to be distributed across the table. On his next visit, our server presented us with an immense skewer of Top Sirloin steak that was charred to perfection. Serving each diner individually, he carefully carved the meat as the recipient guided the cut directly to their plate with a set of tongs. The rest of the meal proceeded in a similar fashion and it was so unique, fun and delicious that we didn’t want it to stop! Obviously, we had to rein in our exuberance before we exploded, but not before trying a variety of items including chicken legs, bacon wrapped steak, beef brisket, bacon wrapped chicken and pork loin.
I’d like to report on dessert and coffee, but it was physically impossible.
Overall, we had a fantastic time at Picanha Brazilian Grill and we recommend it highly. It offers a variety of foods targeted towards meat eaters, so serious vegetarians should stay away. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the meals inexpensive. Furthermore, we feel that the larger the group, the greater the fun. So round up some of your summer BBQ buddies, give the Weber a rest, and head up to the Great Northeast for a serious dose of South American Philly Flavor.
Picanha Brazilian Grill is located at 6501 Castor Avenue Philadelphia, PA (215) 743-4647. Here’s what Philadelphia Weekly and The Philadelphia Inquirer said about Picanha.
If you’d like more details, check out our podcast on Picanha Brazilian Grill at phillyfoodguys.com.
TAGS: Philadelphia, Northeast Philly, Brazilian Food, Picanha Brazilian Grill, Podcast
Mike Izzo on 27 Jun 2007 at 12:48 pm #
one word…. DEeee-licious
Sharon on 25 Feb 2008 at 4:06 pm #
Great site. were trying this tonight! we’ll let you know.