Brasil – A Montrose Classic with Room to Improve

Sara Loren
Jan 22
2 min read

Brasil has been a longstanding neighborhood fixture in Montrose—casual, artsy, and effortlessly cool in that old-school Houston way. The café blends coffeehouse culture with a diverse, globally inspired menu, offering everything from pizzas and tamales to soups, pastries, and vegan-friendly fare. Whether you sit on the breezy patio or inside the dim, relaxed dining area, the ambiance is nostalgic and unfussy.

That said, service quality seems to vary, and billing issues have been noted—making it important for guests to double-check receipts and remain aware during checkout. When Brasil is at its best, it’s comforting, flavorful, and quintessentially Montrose; but consistency in customer care would elevate the experience significantly.

Review

Sara I. (Jan 21, 2020):

“I’ve been visiting this café for well over a decade and things really haven’t changed much. I recently visited twice, thinking the service was top-notch. After getting home and discovering they charged us for food we never ordered, my thoughts changed immediately. Management was sneaky and fraudulent. I don’t know why they’d have the audacity to charge customers for items they didn’t order. It’s a nuisance to revisit the café just to find out what happened. Be careful—ask for a receipt and make sure they don’t swipe your card twice.

I’ve always enjoyed the pizzas and tamales here. The soups are not bad, and there are many vegetarian and vegan options, which is a plus. Their café au lait is one of my favorites, served in a tall glass just like in European cafés. I always ask for maple syrup—it makes the drink feel even cozier. Sitting outside on the patio in good weather or inside the dim café is equally nice. The atmosphere appeals to me because it feels casual yet chic. It’s one of the originals in this part of town—no try-hard factor. Lots of diverse food and drink options; it’s a quick choice that keeps your belly warm and full. I just hope they can improve in terms of service.”