Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach: A Magnificent Feast of Meat and More!

Carnivores consider Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse in Myrtle Beach a protein paradise – and if you love meat – you immediately understand why.

The restaurant, at 2920 Hollywood Dr. has 15 different cuts of grilled meats, which are carved and served tableside.
Gauchos serve as runners, going back and forth from the open-fire grills to tables, who deliver hot, juicy and wonderfully aromatic meats to customers.

Selections include picanha, house special sirloin cut seasoned with sea salt; filet mignon sliced from the sirloin; pernil de cordeiro (leg of a lamb sliced off the bone) and lombinho comqueijo (pork loin seasoned with or without parmesan).
“The presentation of our meats is what makes us different from any other steakhouse in town,” said Augustin Ayala, a manager at Rioz. “We have chefs, Gauchos, which means Brazilian cowboys, who bring the meat out on skewers and serve it tableside. Our customers get their meat rare, medium or well-done right off the skewer.”

A coaster, officially called a “token” – one side is green and the other side is red – lets the Gauchos know whether you are ready to be inundated with meat or not. Green lets the Gauchos know you are ready for your onslaught of meat. Red tells them you no longer want meat brought to your table. Of course, you can always turn your token back to the green side.

However, there is more than meats for the eyes (and stomachs for that matter) – Rioz also has an impressive, hearty salad bar. Jumbo asparagus spears, hearts of palm, couscous salad, Brazilian chicken salad, sushi, shrimp cocktail and an antipasti bar are among the delectable selections.

The all-you-can-eat salad bar alone costs $21.95 per adult, ages 13 and up. If customers want the endless tableside offerings of meat and the salad bar, the cost is $36.50. The price for ages 7 to 12 is $17.95. Children 6 and under get chicken fingers, French fries and macaroni and cheese for free.

“Our salad bar is unique and different,” Ayala said.

Hot items are also showcased on the salad bar, including baked salmon with mustard sauce, new potatoes, white rice and black beans.

“I like the salad bar, and I really enjoy the array of meats, especially the filet mignon,” said Ariel McDonald, a resident of Charles Town, W. Va., who dined with her husband, Steve, and their children, 5-year-old Drew and 2-year-old Bennett. “I also enjoy the sushi. This is our third year in Myrtle Beach, and we always visit Rioz. The ambience is laid-back, and the service is great.”

Big, sturdy dark wood tables dominated the main dining room, while cozy, intimate booths are in the bar area.

Soft lighting accentuates the smoky brown, gold and warm red color schemes throughout the restaurant, which seats more than 300.

The bar area has a mellow vibe and is outfitted with two flat screen televisions. It is here where Jamie Spivey, Karen Hawa and other Rioz bartender make sultry and simple drinks.
Brazil’s national cocktail – caipirinha – is among the most popular drinks served.

Made with cachaca (sugar cane rum), sugar and lime, it is a drink first-time visitors to Rioz often try. There are also specialty martinis, including the Tropical Martini made with Malibu Rum, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice and orange juice. Popular, too, are the red and white sangrias, imported beers (Palma Louca, Xingu and others) and the Brazilian Sunset, a Rioz frozen creation made with raspberry, mango and Bacardi Razz.

“Everybody seems to love tropical drinks,” Hawa said.
At Rioz, people don’t have a difficult time falling in love with flavor – regardless if it is found on a plate or in a glass.
“I was impressed,” said Amie Jacoby, a first-time customer from Cold Spring, Ky., who dined with her two daughters, son and husband, Steve. “We received excellent customer service, and the food was really good.”

If you go:
What: Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
Where: 2920 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach
Menu Highlights: The all-you-can-eat salad bar alone costs $21.95 per adult, ages 13 and up. If customers want the endless tableside offerings of meat and the salad bar, the cost is $36.50. The price for ages 7 to 12 is $17.95. Children 6 and under get chicken fingers, French fries and macaroni and cheese for free.

Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Happy Hour selections include the Rioz Sample Platter with two filet mignon wrapped in bacon, two chicken breast wrapped in bacon, two Brazilian sausage, two chicken legs and two pork ribs served with potato salad for $14.95. The Brazilian national cocktail, caipirinha, costs $6.95 during Happy Hour. The Brazilian beers, Xingu and Palma Louca, cost $4.25.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Directions: From U.S. 17 Bypass (north). turn left on 29th Ave. N. and then turn left onto Hollywood Drive. Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is on the right. From U.S. 17 Bypass (south), turn right on 29th Ave. N. and then turn left onto Hollywood Drive. Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse in on the right.
Information: Call (843) 839-0777 or visit www.rioz.com or www.facebook.com/RiozMyrtleBeach.

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