Easton's Newest Restaurant, Batuque, Offers Authentic Brazillian BBQ

By Christina Georgiou


Real Brazillian coffee beans grace
tables in the bar under the glass.

Most people probably don't know that Downtown Easton's newest restaurant opened quietly last week, but Batuque, whose opening preparations have been in the works for months, likely won't be a secret for long.

Offering authentic Brazillian barbeque, with an "endless" stream of savory meats brought to the table, along with a an array of menu items to choose from specifically and a healthy choice of salads and sides, one would be hard pressed to leave unsatisfied.

Owners Ana and Antonio DeMattos have much experience in making customers happy. The new restaurant on Northampton Street is their third in the Lehigh Valley, having also opened Made in Brazil in Allentown and Rios in Nazareth.



We got a peek up close of the charcoal-pit barbeque. Yum!

But Batuque in Easton is the only one they personally still run--Antonio sold Rios to his brother and a skyward spiralling rent in Allentown has left Made in Brazil closed for the moment, he said.

Batuque is still waiting for final approval of its liquor license, though a soon-to-be-packed attractive bar awaits an enthusiastic crowd. Customers are being offered a complimentary glass of wine with their meals, and BYOB is also welcome, until the restaurant's bar opens, most likely in about six weeks.

The barbeque, of course, features a real charcoal pit that delightfully sizzles an array of authenticly prepared meats skewered above, rotisserie-style. Diners can see their dinner in the making too, as it is set up adjacent to the dining area behind a glass partition.

Antonio DeMattos said the idea behind quietly opening the doors without fanfare at first was to make sure "everything is perfect".

But next Saturday evening, on May 18, beginning at 6 p.m., Batuque will hold its grand opening celebration, and all are invited.

"Everyone who comes will get a free glass of wine," he said. "We'll be having appetizers  too."



Click on the photo for a better view.

The restaurant will be offering a Mother's Day special this Sunday too--"a night where she doesn't have to cook." A fixed $29.95 per person offers "all-you-can-eat" meat, dessert, and coffee--and of course, that complimentary glass of wine.

Batuque, located at 154 Northampton St., is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. To make reservations or for more information, call them at 610-250-7171