Mr. BBQ Churrascaria on Wyckoff Avenue
Peter Luger is only 3 miles away, but steak for two costs 85 bucks and I don’t know many who have that kind of money these days. Fortunately, we carnivores have a place to get our fix right here in Bushwick.
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Even though Mr. BBQ has an inviting façade, I’ve been passing it by for the past two years because there was never anyone inside. Imagine my shock when I went in for a late lunch last Friday and found the place one-third full with a blend of patrons that ranged from shirt-and-tie businessmen to dusty construction workers.
The grill, located up front and on display, was smoking and Mario, a fifteen-year restaurant veteran, was moving meat like a pro. There is a bar, an organized layout of about ten tables, and a mounted flat-screen television. Traditionalists can forget about the baked potato and creamed spinach because Mr. BBQ is run Churrascaria-style, like the popular steak houses of South America. But reading the menu, I was distracted from my all-steak mission by other promising entrees like the shrimp omelet and chicken Milanesa. True to my purpose, I got the Argentine grilled steak for $14.95.
I was starting to think $14.95 was a little pricey for a meal in the area when a laptop-sized steak was placed on my table. There was easily enough meat for two people. Throw in the grilled bread and neat presentation and I felt I was really classing it up in the neighborhood. Familiarity compelled me to take my first bite with A1 sauce, but it was quickly outshined by the house hot and chimichurri sauces. The steak was flavorful and juicy and my sweet plantain side dish played the perfect foil. The only blemish on the fantastic meal was the boring bottled salad dressing, which was a shame because the greens were surprisingly fresh and crisp.
After the lunch rush, I stuck around to speak with Cumanda, one of the owners. She is a petite ecuatoriana with a commitment to fresh food and cleanliness. “Everything is made to order here, I don’t have any steam tables in the back,” she said.
I have to admit, Mr. BBQ completely surpassed my expectations. There aren’t many places in the area that I would feel comfortable taking my grandma, but this place with its clean floors, tasty food and professional atmosphere has passed the test.
Mr. BBQ Churrascaria
178 Wyckoff Ave | 718-628-0866
Price: $3-$20
Hours: 10am-11pm daily
Delivery: None
sarah pappalardo February 26th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
i have been so curious about this place. good to know its worth trying!
Jon February 26th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Food is amazing! Really good bargain
Nacho Average February 27th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for the review. I didn’t have the balls to walk in here either but I’m def gonna try it this weekend.
Rod February 27th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I go there all the time. If you want a decent meal close to the Dekalb stop, this is the place, I thought the owners were Argentinian.
chillinoncentral March 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I’m at Mr BBQ right now enjoying a great T-bone with sweet plantains and salad. Just under 20 bucks and well worth it! I’ll have to come more often… you all must come and check it out too, you will not be disappointed =)
Jason March 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 am
The food here is great. I’ve been eating here occasionally for over a year and haven’t been disappointed yet. The price may seem a little high for the area, but well worth it.
Plazma March 2nd, 2009 at 5:14 am
I visited this place last year and it was really excellent. We wanted to eat locally but not the ghetto stuff around here. I remembered this place and thought if it isn’t good we’re walking right out and going straight to Peter Lugar’s.
Guess what? The food was great and I paid less for five people here than at other places for two. Definitely a good place in the ‘hood.
$$$ March 2nd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
this place is another bushwick gem. the ribs/chicken combo is enough food to feed an army and it’s less than 20$. highly recommended.
Nick March 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Ive been to this place, the day it opened. Nothing special about the food. Kinda boring, I think. I found the rock formation wall interesting. Nothing more.
Rod March 4th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Nick: When I go there I’m not looking for clowns to entertain me. I go there for good food at a cheap price, I think they do a good job preparing good food.
chillinoncentral March 8th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
OK, so tonight I found myself to be short of time, so I tried a to-go order of the BBQ’d spare ribs. The order includes about eight very large tender ribs and came with an overly generous portion of french fries and rice… enough food to stuff two easily. Although next time I’ll ask for the ribs to be cooked a bit more (I like my ribs well done), they were absolutely great. The rice was perfectly cooked too (not undercooked “al-dente” as many restaurants seem to serve) and the french fries were fresh potato cut. total price, 14 bucks… and I have food for two days!! I’ve got to tell you, this place is good!! =]
unknown_girl April 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
haha i live on the same block as this place nd the food is okay i guess…
my dad likes to order from this place haha yes im only a teen =P
Donald December 20th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
I just moved into the area, was looking for a nice place to eat and stubbled on to this place. The outside looks very inviting and very out of place, in a good way! When you walk in you notice how clean it is, how great the food smells, and how cool the exposed brick wall is, it gives it a very ‘meatpacking district’ look. When looking at the menu you realize how cheap the food really is and almost makes you question how it will taste, but DO NOT let the prices fool you, the food here is SOOOOO extremely fresh and delicious!! The cheese empanadas are incredible, and the beef and chicken are also very tasty. I usually order the chicken and rib combo, in which you get a 1/2 chicken, and 1/2 rack of ribs for only 9.99….in my opinion thats a great price. the ribs i sometimes get without BBQ sauce and just use their homemade hot sauce as a sauce, but it taste just as good. The food here is cook so well and the people are very friendly. I HIGHLY recommend this place, and not at least giving it a try would be a mistake.