Entertainment at the Brazilian Restaurant & Pub in Pittsfield. Photo by Jenn Smith / Berkshire Eagle Staff

Brazilian Restaurant & Pub, McKay Street (behind 75 North St.); Tel. (413) 236-9100. Open daily for lunch (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and dinner (5 to 10 p.m.). Style: Buffet-style Brazilian food served in pub/restaurant. Dress: Casual to eclectic. Cover: None. Food: Pay by the pound buffet of fresh roasted meats, rice, beans and other Brazilian-style classics. Some drafts, bottle beers, basic liquor stock and wine. Entertainment: Live jazz on Fridays; reggae and Brazilian sounds on Saturdays. Our ratings: 4 mugs, "I'll be back"

Thursday, February 08
PITTSFIELD — My Saturday night started with a phone call.

Last week, a reader named Deb called me up recommending that I put the Brazilian Restaurant & Pub on my places-to-go list in Pittsfield.

She said she stopped in for lunch one day and has since become a weekly patron. "The food is awesome and the people there are super friendly," she said. "When you go in, it's just like you're sitting in someone's living room."

Deb also noted that the pub has also been hosting different styles of live music on the weekends, a much needed venue now that La Cocina is closed.

Case in point, I pulled into the McKay Street parking lot just before 9, to find that the Brazilian Restaurant & Pub was quite literally music to my ears. In my mind, there is no sweeter sound than live musicians at work.

It's a basement-level establishment with a few stairs to walk down, but the spicy-sweet smells coming from the Brazilian-style buffet quickly draw you in.

I walked up to small L-shaped bar and ordered a Brahma ($3), a sweet Brazilian pale lager, and leaned against a bar chair as I took in the scene.

Just over a dozen patrons were spread out in every corner of the restaurant, all nodding and moving in time to the soulful sounds of reggae being served with a twist — Spanish lyrics.

What was lacking there in decor was warmed with a sense of community.

The people came from all ages, towns and backgrounds. I made small talk with a few folks who collectively came for food, friends and music.

Even I couldn't help but to lean back, relax, sway a little and smile.

There were a couple of families with small children dancing around. There were couples in their 20s and 30s cozying in corners and tables for two.

A trio of twentysomethings were kicking back drinks and were really moving to the grooves.

By 9:30, the crowd had doubled in size with more than 30 patrons, including a few who looked like they were having a lively ladies night out. A couple of guys came in with some hand drums, ready to bring their own flair to the party.

I had to leave shortly thereafter for a prior commitment, but kind of wished I didn't have to go. As I was walking out, five new younger-looking people were walking in.

I climbed into my car and looked around: To the left I saw the illuminated pub signs on at the Brew Works on Depot Street. I could still hear the music from inside the Brazilian place. To the right, a group of people were leaving Trattoria Rustica as another couple was walking toward the back door of Brix.

As I started my car and pulled out of the driveway I thought, 'This is a Pittsfield after dark I could get used to.' I'll have to thank Deb.