Malibu Grill

Perhaps the dearth of letters in spelling "barbecue" should have been a warning that this would not be the most high-class dining experience. On the other hand, the fact that it was located in Fairfax meant it would likely not be dow ... more

Perhaps the dearth of letters in spelling "barbecue" should have been a warning that this would not be the most high-class dining experience. On the other hand, the fact that it was located in Fairfax meant it would likely not be down-and-dirty enough either. But two things made me think that maybe the Malibu Grill wouldn't be so bad. First of all, another restaurant I had eaten at in the Fairfax strip mall region had actuallyn surprised me by serving exceptional and fairly authentic Chinese food. Secondly, the only other churrascaria restaurant I'd tried, Yolie's in Las Vegas, had consistently blown me away with their tender, savory meats. <br> One of the most convenient aspects of a churrascaria is you don't have to order anything. You just sit back and the various meats circulate to you as waiters wind through the restaurant brandishing sword-like skewers of various viands. One of the few nice touches at Malibu Grill is a hand's-length wooden cylinder at every table, with the opposing ends painted red and green. When you want more meat, you stand the cylinder on your table, green end up. When you're full, turn up the red end (not the best for colorblind customers of course). <br> The other nice touch is the buffet. Whereas at the estimable Yolie's you receive a platter of appetizers and vegetables and soup or salad with your meal, at the Malibu Grill you can belly up to a salad bar that is really a buffet. Several kinds of starch--corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, home fries, corn bread--accompany cold salads, hot soups, and hot potluck-style dishes. Most of the food in the buffet is actually pretty good--good enough that I would recommend anyone stuck at Malibu Grill just eat at the buffet and leave the meat to anyone who's with you that you don't like very much. <br> As far as I can remember, the flavor of the meat wasn't that bad. However, the taste couldn't make up for the amount of gristle in almost every piece I tried. Absent were those tender, meaty chunks I had sunk my teeth into so many times at that, you know, better restaurant. The sausages were okay though, but you could probably say that about any sausage anywhere, really. <br> To sum things up, let's just say that as soon as I was done with the buffet, I was ready to leave, and the cold, dimly lit, unattractively furnished dining area doubled that desire. I'd say don't bother with the Malibu Grill. <br> <br> Recommended: the buffet <br> Avoid: the meat less

Malibu Grill appeals to the "in" crowd, you know the type -- young "hip" folks with trendy clothing and cell phones glued to their ears. Also, lots of older folks and families with kids in strollers. Don't bother to go unl ... more

Malibu Grill appeals to the "in" crowd, you know the type -- young "hip" folks with trendy clothing and cell phones glued to their ears. Also, lots of older folks and families with kids in strollers. Don't bother to go unless you have a party of 10 or so. This place discriminates against single diners and couples in favor of large parties. My husband and I were seated at a very small table in a "walkway" and forced to endure constant bumping from the staff who were trying to fit through the small space between our table and a support column. (No point in asking to move -- no restaurant that wants my return business would have seated me in an uncomfortable area.) You will even find wandering children all over, attracted by the balloons that are tied to booths. Watch out for flying balloons as well. Now about the food. The "all-you-can-eat" crowd will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow here due to the constant food train. Our waiter was too quick to take our drink order, which I had to change quickly since I found a very good house-made sangria on the menu. Don't miss the sangria, it's the ONLY reason I might return to this loud restaurant. The decor is unique with an island theme. Although the salad and hot entree bar was nicely laid out, the plates were piping hot (not good for salads). The rest of the experience includes waiters with huge spears of different types of grilled meats who stop at your table to provide you with a taste of about 10 different offerings. A dessert tray is available if you still have room. If you are a single diner or a couple, head over to the Blue Iguana if you want to have a nicer, quieter dinner for the same price. less

This place is excelent. Not only is the service great but so is the food!Usually these "all you can eat place skimp on the buffet but not here...they go all out and try to a wide variety of different food styles. I would give this place the t ... more

This place is excelent. Not only is the service great but so is the food!Usually these "all you can eat place skimp on the buffet but not here...they go all out and try to a wide variety of different food styles. I would give this place the top rating but the meat is not usda choice after all(what can you expect for all you can eat!)I can highly recomend this place nevertheless! less

Very good place to go if you are a big meat eater. The staff is constantly coming around and offering you new types of grilled meats to try. There is not much as far as other selections go so make sure to bring a big appetite and a willingnes ... more

Very good place to go if you are a big meat eater. The staff is constantly coming around and offering you new types of grilled meats to try. There is not much as far as other selections go so make sure to bring a big appetite and a willingness to try all sorts of great meats. less

FAB, FAB, FAB! Non-stop meats (variety!) brought to your table by very attentive wait staff (in traditional dress) with a good, all you can eat salad bar! Meats have included poached salmon (with sauce), lamb, chorizo type sausage, steak, beef r ... more

FAB, FAB, FAB! Non-stop meats (variety!) brought to your table by very attentive wait staff (in traditional dress) with a good, all you can eat salad bar! Meats have included poached salmon (with sauce), lamb, chorizo type sausage, steak, beef ribs, turkey, chicken (yum!), and pork. The salad bar displays shrimp, rice, tomato salads and such a variety it begs to be seen and enjoyed. Decor is appealing as well. Ask what the drinks are though! Hint...the coconut shakes are delicious (without alcohol)! less