The Battle of the Brazilian Steakhouses

661 N la Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

"Fogo de Chao was the first. It attracts a mix of office workers, tourists and macho groups looking to eat a ton of meat. I start with a caipirinha and move to wine for dinner. After eating that much meat it all starts to taste the same--delicious--until you can't lift your fork. I usually finish with coffee and a long walk."

739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

"I've eaten at Brazzaz, Fogo de Chao and Zed 451. Of all three places, Zed 451 was the best. It has a fantastic atmosphere, and I love the unique drinks they do. The salad bar is also pretty spectacular, although it doesn't have sushi like Brazzaz. The mahi mahi that comes around is exceptional--the lamb is great, too."

539 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

"I like Brazzaz--they have the best salad bar and the best meat in my opinion. Really, it's all about the meat: Filet, the rib roast and the leg of lamb are great. Just keep them coming. Sometimes these places send like one gaucho out--and that's no good. I say there should be three per table, minimum. Oh, and keep the wine--it's overpriced anyway. I stick to vodka sodas to make more room for the meat."

661 N la Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

"Fogo gets my vote, probably because the salad bar is ridiculous. The meat at all these places is pretty similar, so you have to compare on the salad bar and the atmosphere. Fogo gets both just right, and without all the hype. It's just straightforward there--sides, meat, wine, done."

739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

"Zed 451 is obviously the sleekest of the four. I had some sort of strawberry cocktail last time, and it was pretty delicious. The harvest table is good, but it's really important not to fill up there. Of the meat, the lamb is outrageous, probably followed by the strip steak or chorizo. Oh, and two words: roof deck."