Sao Paulo's Restaurante in Austin, Texas

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Going out for dinner can sometimes become repetitive.  You wind up thinking of the same few places that you've been to multiple times and already have a comfort level with the food that they serve.  You should seriously explore a little and get out of your box.  Once you do, the possibilities are almost endless.

You're probably thinking Tex Mex, Burgers, Steaks, Seafood or Italian.  This time, try some Brazilian cuisine.  If you've never experienced this exotic sort of dining, it will do wonders for your desire to try new things.  Where can you do that?  Sao Paulo's Restaurante on San Jacinto about one block north of Dean Keaton.

We suspect this restaurant is still widely unknown in Austin with exception to the people living nearby and of course the college students.  But the food is fantastic.  Their food has already been awarded multiple times and loved by Austin food critics.

It's a humble little operation with a real local Austin flare.  The casual atmosphere, full bar and live music from Thursday through Saturday nights make it a great place to hang out even if you're just there for a few drinks.  But if you only have drinks, you will have really missed out.

We were absolutely amazed by the food, starting with the appetizers or "apertivos".  We HIGHLY recommend the Combo Platter which is made with 2 Bolinhos de Arroz (little rice balls), 2 Coxinhas (little thighs), 2 Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish balls), 2 Pao de Queijos (Brazilian cheese rolls) and 2 Stuffed Jalapenos.  The description of this appetizer does it no justice.  We love it.  In fact, it's very likely we'll be back to get several orders and share with friends and family at our next family gathering.

Our favorite entree...  Without a doubt the Camarao da Vo Naica.  This makes a stunning presentation with baby shrimp in garlic & red palm oil stewed with catupiry cheese & fresh tomato puree.  Then they serve it in a pumpkin bowl with white rice.  (WOW)  It looks great, and tastes even better.  There's whole shrimp on top and tender chopped peices of shrim mixed within.  (A shrimp lover's dream dish.)  We most definitely will be back for more.

Sao Paulo's makes a wide array of award winning Brazilian fare, but in order to please everyone the menu also offers Tex Mex, Burgers and Sandwiches.  The chef, Melba Garcia is a true foodie and loves what she does.  That love really shows in the finished product.  So get out of your box, try Sao Paulo's.  We bet you're going to love it.