Austin’s New Rio’s Brazilian Cafe Is More Than Just A Nice Set of Boobs

Down in Brazil, Carnaval kicked off last Saturday and reaches a peak tonight for Mardi Gras.  Austin has our own Caranval Brasileiro, and while it does get pretty steamy, it doesn’t get you the full effect of the culture.  To compliment your Carnaval experience, I highly recommend heading over to Rio’s Brazilian Cafe off Pleasant Valley and E. 7th St.

Everything about the decor screams Brazil.  The front is painted in the national colors of green and yellow. And just like a topless beach in Rio, Rio’s Brazilian Cafe has boobs everywhere (their logo is an ecstatic shirtless Brazilian woman with a big booty)–boobs on the sign, boobs on the menu, boobs on the counter. There are also a couple of Jesus paintings modeled after Rio’s other mascot, the Christ the Redeemer Statue perched on boobs hills overlooking the city.

When I picture Brazilian food, I think of skewers and skewers of meat followed by 3 days of constipation. Not so with Rio’s Brazilian Cafe. Not only was the food lite, but they have several options for vegetarians and gluten-intolerant folks.  But don’t let that scare you away meat-eaters; there’s enough variety for the most seasoned omnivore.

The food at Rio’s Brazilian Cafe is kinda folky. It reminds me of an empanada with a light, flaky crust like some sort of French pastry–but without all the butter. [FULL DISCLOSURE: We attended a media event in which the restaurant provided the food]. As soon as the plate was dropped on our table, I gobbled up 3 or 4 of the savory pastries, AKA salgadinhos. Probably could have eaten more, except Ari was hungry, too. Pff!

The other cool thing that you have to try at Rio’s Brazilian Cafe are the handmade sauces.  Made with the Brazilian malagueta chile, these tropical sauces are sweet with a little bite.  If you are a fan of mixing sweet and savory, you’ll be dipping your salagadinhos up in the mango, pineapple-coconut or spicy sauces. They also sell their sauces and gluten-free bread at Whole Foods, Spec’s, Royal Blue or at the Farmers Market.

I’ve got a feeling their outdoor patio is gonna be a hit with the brunch crowd. Plus, they’ve got a Drive-THRU window for you anti-social types.

WATCH: In the 3-minute video below, Chris and Ari head to Rio’s Brazilian Cafe and try several salgadihnos and sauces. While there, Chris sings Rio’s Anthem and interviews owners Elias Martins and Ben Googins. Also, find out why Ben thinks their sauces are like a Brazilian lover!

DEETS ABOUT RIO’S BRAZILIAN CAFE:

• WHERE: 408 N. Pleasant Valley Rd (between Cesar Chavez and E. 7th St)
• WHEN: M-F 7A-9P (They’ve got Brazilian breakfast foods), SA: 10A-10P SN: Closed
• PRICES: Salgadinhos-pastries ($8-$9 each) Crepe-like entrees ($15-17) or for several people, try the Salgadinho Sampler for $25
• OVERALL: A (Really loved the atmosphere; food was great; sauces were unique; if I lived closer, I’d be there all the time)

SHARE: Have you been to Rio’s Brazilian Cafe? Tell us what you had. Did you like it?

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