Costelão

If you are looking for a place where the authentic culinary traditions of Minas Gerais come to life, then Costelão is exactly what you need. Located in the heart of Araxá, this cozy restaurant-pub specializes in classic Brazilian barbecue, known as churrasco. It's not just an eatery, but a true temple of meat, where the aromas of grilled delicacies can be smelled long before you enter.

Costelão. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

In this part of the country, which Brazil is proud of, "Costelão" has earned a reputation for impeccable quality and generous portions. The main focus here is on juicy beef ribs (costela), legendary picanha, and other select cuts of meat. The venue combines features of a traditional churrascaria and an informal pub, creating the perfect atmosphere for both a family dinner and an evening out with friends.

Visitors value "Costelão" for its authenticity and consistently high level of service, as evidenced by its top positions in travel rankings. Here, you can expect simple yet incredibly tasty cuisine, complemented by cold beer and the warm welcome characteristic of the region's best establishments.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you book a table or check for availability. Costelão is active on social media, where you can check the current menu and special offers in advance. You can contact the staff both by phone and through official online platforms.

The main activity at "Costelão" is, without a doubt, a gastronomic exploration. We recommend ordering the signature costela on a cast-iron plate (chapa) or the incredibly tender picanha on a stone. Watching the waiters serve the sizzling meat adds to the experience and stirs the appetite.

Don't forget to complement your meal with traditional Brazilian side dishes. Feijão tropeiro (a hearty dish of beans and cassava flour) and fried manioc deserve special attention. For those looking for a refreshment, the menu always features perfectly chilled chopp (draft beer) or the famous cachaça, which perfectly highlights the flavor of the roasted meat.

The atmosphere of the place is conducive to long conversations, so "Costelão" is often chosen for large groups. Here, you can not only enjoy delicious food but also observe local life, immersing yourself in the relaxed rhythm of Brazilian daily life. If you are short on time, the restaurant offers a takeaway service so you can enjoy the taste of churrasco wherever you like.

The venue is located in the heart of Araxá at Av. Imbiara, 1625. Thanks to its central location, walking to the restaurant from most popular hotels and administrative buildings in the center is easy — the walk will take from 5 to 15 minutes.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi or using ride-sharing apps is a great option. If you are arriving from Araxá Airport, the drive will take about 15–20 minutes (the distance is approximately 10 km), making "Costelão" accessible even for those just passing through the city.

Travelers with their own or rented transport can use the parking spaces in the Av. Imbiara area. Also nearby, city buses that run through the center stop, allowing you to easily get here from more remote areas of the city.

While the exact founding date of "Costelão" isn't recorded in official chronicles, this establishment is rightfully considered one of the most traditional and respected in the city. Its history is inextricably linked to the culture of Minas Gerais, where hospitality and the art of cooking meat are held in high regard. For locals, it's more than just a restaurant; it's a place where recipes for classic churrasco have been preserved for decades.

The venue embodies the spirit of Mineiro cuisine, famous for its heartiness and simplicity. "Costelão" has become an important landmark on the region's gastronomic map, attracting tourists with the opportunity to touch authentic Brazilian traditions without unnecessary pretension, but with consistent quality. Every dish here is prepared with respect for old fire-roasting techniques.

Interestingly, the name itself (Costelão) refers to the main delicacy—the large rib. This dish is a symbol of festive meals in Brazil, and the restaurant successfully maintains this image, creating an atmosphere of eternal celebration and generous feasting. The establishment's reputation is built on generations of visitor reviews, confirming its high status among the gourmets of Araxá.

To fully appreciate the chefs' skill and enjoy a leisurely meal, it is recommended to allocate 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a visit to "Costelão". This is plenty of time to try several types of meat and traditional Brazilian side dishes.

Given the establishment's popularity and cozy atmosphere, guests often stay longer, enjoying lively conversation and cool drinks. If you plan a visit with a large group or on a weekend, it's better not to rush, so you can feel the authentic rhythm of the locals' life.

The restaurant is open to guests daily, but the schedule changes depending on the day of the week. From Monday to Friday, the establishment welcomes visitors for evening service from 17:00 to 23:30. On Saturday, "Costelão" is open all day — from 11:00 to 23:30, and on Sunday, the doors are open from 11:00 to 17:00, making it an excellent spot for a traditional Sunday family lunch.

Since opening hours may change on holidays, it is recommended to check the information on the official website or by phone before visiting.

After a hearty lunch or dinner at "Costelão", it's high time to go for a walk to explore other interesting spots in the city. The surroundings are rich in both cozy places for relaxation and cultural sites that allow you to get to know local life better.

Exploring the central part of Araxá will give you many pleasant impressions and allow you to see the city from different sides — from quiet park areas to busy public spaces.