Jordan N.
Yelp
Good solid Colombian restaurant serving the typical Colombian dishes. No Colombian fast food to be had here though. But I'm glad to finally try this place after trying the other one nearby. This place is more of a restaurant - although casual with its cheap table clothes. But nevertheless, it's more of a restaurant whereas the other one is more of a cafe and bakery (which is great, if you like Colombian pastries). And I was also told that this place used to be much smaller in the past. Glad to see that they're growing.
I ordered beef empanadas as an appetizer, and I have to say that they're tastier than the empanadas at the other nearby location, and also more plump - both of which I really appreciated. I would not mind ordering this again. The waitress also came by with the sancocho de res, or the Colombian beef soup, and it looked really good, in a way that would make you feel cozy right by the fireplace. Next time.
I also tried the bandeja paisa here (fried egg, maduros (fried ripe, sweet plantains), beans, avocado, chicharrones, sausage, thin grilled steak, and rice), and I thought it was pretty much on par with the other location - except maybe the chicharrones (strip of fried pork belly) were better, and the egg was properly cooked "suave," with the runny yolk for the chicharrones. The sausage was alright, and the carne asada (beef) was also alright. I think the carne asada could have been better seasoned and maybe a better cut, since it was a little on the rubbery side, but it was still satisfying. The arepas were soft enough, for the Colombians - but Colombian arepas would never be as fluffy as the Venezuelan ones. They can keep trying. LOL. I was surprised to see they also have a mini version, but it was only $2 less, so I opted for the regular-sized platter.
My friend also ordered the picada - which I thought looked better than my plate. It came with chicharrones, morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo (regular sausage), patacones (or tostones/ mashed green plantain chips), yuca frita (fried yucca), avocado, and an arepa. And I sampled it - and the patacones and the fried yuca was just perfect, and the other stuff are great too. Overall I thought this plate was a better plate even though the picada is traditionally made to be a snacking plate for groups. I probably would forgo my usual bandeja paisa for this plate next time.
So yeah... I think it's pretty clear by now - I'll be back to try some other stuff. :) Great place for Colombian food in Dallas - if you know what to order, and if you even like this usually-heavy cuisine.