25 of the best Brazilian restaurants in America, according to Foursquare

Location: Oxnard, California

Foursquare rating: 8.7

Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew, is clearly the main attraction at this Californian locale — and with their multiple varieties (including a vegetarian option that features plantains) there's little reason to order anything else. If you're looking to try something else, though, you can't go wrong with some picanha.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Foursquare rating: 8.8

From their signature Brazilian Bowl (the restaurant's namesake), to the burgers, beef, sausages, and smoothies, customers' rave reviews prove that this joint does everything well. Most importantly, though, the Brazilian Bowl Grill passes the authenticity test with flying colors: "Tastes like home!" said a Foursquare user who apparently hails from Brazil himself.

Location: Astoria, New York

Foursquare rating: 8.8

Native Brazilians and native New Yorkers alike can't seem to get enough of the variety of beef dishes, rice and beans, and caipirinha. Live music on weekends makes for a fun atmosphere, and notoriously big portions means you can take home plenty of leftovers.

Location: San Diego, California

Foursquare rating: 8.9

Arrive before 2 p.m. to take advantage of the extensive lunch buffet. An all-you-can-eat deal for just $25, it allows you to taste a host of different dishes for a superb value. Although their meat dishes steal the show, vegetarians can also feel at home with their much-loved salad bar.

Location: Astoria, New York

Foursquare rating: 8.9

Another place that offers the best of Brazil in the heart of New York, Malagueta is praised for everything from its soups, to its seafood, to its smoothies. Be sure to try the acarajé, a popular Brazilian street food made of fried black eyed peas that isn't found on many restaurant menus. For dessert, don't miss the caramel flan.

Location: Newark, New Jersey

Foursquare rating: 8.9

"Everything is good," says a Foursquare user about Delicias De Minas, and everyone else seems to agree. Not only is the food excellent (with the perfectly-cooked meat receiving special recognition), but the service is quick, and the environment is family-friendly. If you can't make it to the restaurant in person, don't worry: they deliver.

Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Foursquare rating: 8.9

Great food, nice people, and good prices — there isn't much not to like about this little piece of Brazil in the middle of Bridgeport. It's great for groups and families, and if you can't decide on one specific dish, their pay-by-the-pound buffet is sure to leave you satisfied.

Location: Astoria, New York

Foursquare rating: 8.9

Astoria strikes again as the setting for phenomenal Brazilian fare: this time, it's a burger joint with a distinctly Brazilian twist. Go out of your comfort zone with the banana burger, or stick with more traditional dishes like pão de queijo (the cheese bread that gives the restaurant its name). Don't forget to wash it all down with fresh açaí juice — perfect for the summer heat.

Location: Berkeley, Califronia

Foursquare rating: 9.0

Berkeley students are lucky enough to have this colorful cafe right next to their campus, but everyone else loves it, too. The special sandwiches are an especially popular attraction: they're a great way to take Brazilian food on the go. Wash it all down with an authentic Brazilian soda, and you'll be sure that you aren't in America anymore.

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Foursquare rating: 9.0

This ideal date-night spot is worth splurging a bit. Besides the top-notch service and atmosphere, each menu item is better than the one before it. It's easy to fill up on the delicious salad bar at the start, but you will definitely want to save room for the main meal and the tasty side dishes that the "Gaucho" servers bring out with it.

Location: Los Angeles, California

Foursquare rating: 9.0

At Pampas Grill, you can dine in and then take your favorites to go from the farmers market upstairs. And that's a major perk: it's impossible to try all of their beloved menu items in one sitting. The meat is top-quality and very reasonably priced, and you can't go wrong by adding some plantains or yucca fries on the side.

Location: New York, New York

Foursquare rating: 9.0

Churrascaria Plataforma is renowned for its Rodízio: an all-you-can-eat service style that is specific to Brazilian restaurants. Each table gets a card that's green on one side and red on the other. When the green side is facing up, servers come around and fill every plate at the table with a selection of meat dishes, and they will continue to do so until you are positively inundated, according to Foursquare reviewers. Even better, all of the red meat is Certified Sterling Silver, meaning it's the best beef produced in the US.

Location: New York, New York

Foursquare rating: 9.0

"Authentic Brazilian food at its finest," raves one Foursquare user, and others heartily agree. From the coxinha (croquettes of fried dough with meat filling), to the yucca fries, to the caipirinha, native Brazilians flock to this restaurant for a taste of home. The açaí bowls are also said to be some of the best in town.

Location: New York, New York

Foursquare rating: 9.0

Besides being one of the "best brunch deals in the city," according to one Foursquare user, Esperanto has a colorful, beachy vibe with live music that makes you feel more like you're somewhere in the Caribbean than in the middle of the Big Apple. Of course, the food and drinks are good, too: superb Brazilian eats with influences from other Latin American cuisine are complemented by strong, flavorful beverages at the bar.

Location: New York, New York

Foursquare rating: 9.1

The feijoada, bife acebolado (a hearty beef dish), and coconut caipirinhas are just some of the menu highlights at this cozy spot in the West Village. Bring a date, expect good service, and don't leave without trying the brigadeiros for dessert.

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Foursquare rating: 9.1

"Feijoada is the first test of any Brazilian restaurant, and Beco passes with flying colors," says a Foursquare user. Beyond that tasty dish, their pão de queijo and moqueca also received lots of praise, as well as the outdoor dining and live Latin jazz music.

Location: Frisco, Texas

Foursquare rating: 9.1

Guests at this Brazilian hotspot can't get enough of the filet mignon, picanha, and leg of lamb, but what really makes the place stand out is its incredible service. One Foursquare user said it was "hands down the best service I've ever had," and others echoed the sentiment — after all, the dining experience is a very important part of the meal.

Location: Hyannis, Massachussetts

Foursquare rating: 9.1

Customers caution against filling up on the salad bar — the meat is simply too delicious. Opt for the Rodízio and have waiters bring it all straight to you, or go for the meat buffet and get it for yourself. If you still have room for more after the main meal, try one of their delectable desserts.

Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Foursquare rating: 9.1

Hailed by many Foursquare users as the best Brazilian restaurant in Bridgeport, the food and atmosphere at this place will make you feel like you dropped into the middle of Rio. Everything is good, but the chicken wrapped in bacon is a special favorite. Be sure to try the Brazilian beers, and hang out for the live DJ acts.

Location: Orlando, Florida

Foursquare rating: 9.1

Coming hungry is a must, and customers advise skipping over the salad and bread to take advantage of the "unlimited" supply of meat that you get with the $50-per-person fixed price deal. If you're not in the mood for beef, the lobster bisque is a standout. Top it all off with the Brazilian cheesecake or Milky Way Martini, and roll your way home.

Location: Los Angeles, California

Foursquare rating: 9.2

The extensive menu satisfies every palate with a mix of authentic Brazilian cuisine and traditional American dishes. No one can seem to agree on the best meal, so order anything — you can't go wrong. The service is fabulous, and the portions are easily large enough to share.

Location: Santa Cruz, California

Foursquare rating: 9.3

The fish polenta, avocado a cavalo, and açaí bowls have people lining up for this place, so make sure to get there slightly before or after the rush. If the wait is long, you can always order a smoothie or some coffee and relax on the patio. The food is worth it.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Foursquare rating: 9.3

Prepare to satisfy all of your carnivorous cravings. Bring a hearty appetite and try as many different cuts of meat as possible. "The only bad part is that all meals since then pale in comparison," says one Foursquare user. Complement it all with a passionfruit caipirinha, and you'll already be excited to come back.

Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Foursquare rating: 9.3

"Farofa, fried bananas and meat," says a Foursquare user. Sounds like a pretty good combination. The Rodízio is the obvious way to go for carnivores, but vegetarian options like the portobello mushroom sandwich and grilled pineapple are also top-tier. The service and ambience are fantastic for dates and large groups alike.

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Foursquare rating: 9.4

This place has earned its spot at the top of Foursquare's list with exquisite service, fabulous food, and a first-rate atmosphere. Every menu item exudes perfection — from the meats, to the salads, to the drinks, to the desserts. "The food is not cooked by chefs, it's cooked by ARTISTS," gushes one Foursquare user. Judging by the restaurant's sky-high rating, it seems that many people agree.