El Asadero Colombiano

About six months ago, we were driving north on Central and came to stop at the Lawrence Ave stop light. As we waited for the light to change, we were treated to a wonderfully savory smell of a meat grilling on an open flame. At first, I thought it was backyard BBQ but then realized it was coming from the corner restaurant El Asadero Colombiano. Last week, we made it back there to try it. What a find! The waitstaff was friendly and patient with our English and broken Spanish. One of my dinner companions ordered the Morcilla Columbiana (blood sausage) as an appetizer. I was hesitant, but it turns out we have a very similar dish in Polish food called Kishka. My husband and I split the Bandeja Paisa plate - charbroiled steak, Sausage (chorizo), pork skin (chicharrón), egg, sweet plantain, fried plantain, corn pancake, avocado, and white rice. My other dining partner ordered Mojarra Frita - whole fried silver fish. I never heard of silver fish, but it was light and flaky. It is served whole so it may put off some and you have to be careful with the bones as you have to de-bone it. Friendly diners from a neighboring table suggested we come back for the Pechuga al Allijo (chicken breast with garlic). Another friendly neighboring table told us how they have been coming here for years. Everyone was so friendly and the food was so good we have to return! The only caution is I ordered a Coke, I am so used to the free refills, but this restaurant only servers cans @ $2.50 each. We added $10 to our bill with just soda pop!

The place looks small but there are extra space/tables on the other side. The place is not full on a Saturday. The food is pretty good. We ordered Bandeja Paisa which is the steak, chicharonnes and sausage with different sides like arepas, friend plantain. The meats were very tasty and tender. I love the chicharonnes. I love the sides especially the arepas. The waiter is very nice, he gave us recommendations. The food also came out fast. This is a place. Their lunch is affordable $12 and we were able to order it during dinner. The entree are about $25++ but big servings. This is a Colombian resto we could go back to.

Ordered online to go and got an incorrect order and a nearly inedible meal. Ordered at 3:30pm on a Monday. Main- Garlic Snapper, it was so very dry and overcooked. Skin was rubbery. Get extra garlic- you’ll want to dip the meat. Ordered a side salsa and got 3, so unless you want extra it already comes with. And a ketchup. Fries and yucca were cold and old. Inedible. Oil tasted old or they’d been sitting under a heat lamp. Bummer. Whatever round things came with it was just hard cold fried crust. Idk what it was but I didn’t eat it. Side salad is watery wet chopped iceberg. Ordered vanilla flan, got caramel instead, size is as big as my earbud case Figs w caramel are good Guayabana agua Fresca was as thick as a milk shake. Not impressed I don’t think I’ll be back

I typically don't post reviews, but the food here is so delicious that it would have done this restaurant no justice. The service is super fast... between ordering and receiving my order was under 7 minutes. The meal had 3 large portions of steak!

The food was not as good as expected. Our first time at this "new" Colombian restaurant and I was very dessapointed. The churrasco meat was hard to chew and the pollo asado was dry. It seems they use wood for the rotisserie chicken but that's about it as the chicken lacked seasoning and it was dry. The 1 fried plantain I've got with my Sobrebarriga Dorada was saggy and also the meat was hard to chew. (Sobrebarriga is not an easy dish to cook and not many restaurants get it right). Very overpriced menu, they will automatically charge a %18 tip if you go with a party of 5 or more and they'll charge you a %4 fee if you pay using Debit or a CC. The waitress was not polite at all, kind of rude when taking our orders and she took forever to bring a side order of beans. The best thing we had were the Maracuya and Lulo juices in water they were very good and the yuca and the empanadas were also very good. No Colombian ají sauce they only give you Mexican salsa verde 🤦🏻‍♂️ As far as the restaurant aesthetics, the tables were old, the floor uneven and the walls don't have the typical decorations nice Colombian restaurants have. Whoever gives this place a 5 star rating has never been to a good Colombian restaurant and don't know what a real Churrasco and good pollo asado taste like! Advice to the owner: If you want to attract new customers and grow your business, get a better cook (so you can justify the high prices) and also re-train your waitresses because some are rude to customers.

Great Columbian Food. Reasonably priced great wakestaff and the meat is all cooked over a wood fire.

I went to this place to eat, I asked for a cup with ice and the waiter brought the most disgusting 🤢 cup that he could find at the restaurant.

I'm a vegetarian so my options are very limited. The vegetarian plate is delicious and hearty. The corn with cheese pancake is outstanding. My parents really liked the smoked rotisserie chicken. This place really should have a higher rating. Especially because they offer an affordable quality dinner. I'm so happy I gave meat-centric Columbian food a try! Please note: beans contain pork. Hoping they offer vegetarian beans and soup soon!

If you're looking for a spot that's cozy, welcoming, and full of flavor, this place is it! I came here with my Colombian boyfriend, and let me tell you, the food is absolutely delicious. The aroma hits you before you even step through the door--it's impossible to resist. I had the #7, and he went for the Sunday special, the hen soup, which was pure comfort in a bowl. The service? Top-notch. And the best part? It's BYOB, so we grabbed some Coronas from the place next door, and they paired perfectly. Trust me, you'll leave here planning your next visit!

Picked up 2 whole chicken dinners- 1 with rice and beans, the other with plantains and salad. The salad was nice and crisp, the rice was fluffy, beans soft and seasoned well. The plantain was undercooked and hard in the center which was unfortunate because I was looking forward to it. The chimichurri had no acidity which I found odd. Considering I paid extra for it that was a bit annoying. As for the chicken I thought it was OK and my husband loved it so I think it's a matter of preference. He liked the charcoal flavor it had whereas I found it overpowering. In the end I do recommend it and it is worth checking out!

I came here for the Carne Asada and I was not disappointed! I opted out of the beans because I don't like beans in general. The juices from the meat seeped onto the rice and it was very delicious and filling! The meat was tender, juicy, hot, and flavorful! If you're looking for a great lunch deal, this is a spot you must try!

The place looks small but there are extra space/tables on the other side. The place is not full on a Saturday. The food is pretty good. We ordered Bandeja Paisa which is the steak, chicharonnes and sausage with different sides like arepas, friend plantain. The meats were very tasty and tender. I love the chicharonnes. I love the sides especially the arepas. The waiter is very nice, he gave us recommendations. The food also came out fast. This is a place. Their lunch is affordable $12 and we were able to order it during dinner. The entree are about $25++ but big servings. This is a Colombian resto we could go back to.

Han sido varias las veces que ordeno pollo entero para llevar y todas esas veces se nota y se siente que el pollo no es fresco. El pollo estaba tieso, quemado y guardado!!!!

Not real Colombian food, prices increased a lot compared with other Colombian with much better quality of food and real Colombian taste. Not worth it. Hen Sancocho was served with rotisserie chicken, because they were out? Never heard of that type of combination being a Colombian. The beans are more of a Mexican style instead of Colombian. Colombian food like empanadas uses "green salsa" that is Mexican cuisine, for Colombia empanadas "aji " is what is used, as mentioned authentic Colombian restaurants around the same area. Should be named and promoted as COLOMBIANO at all

Not the best chicken around. I ordered the lunch special and requested no rice, The 2 pieces of chicken were very small, the lettuce on my plate was drenched in water to the point I couldn't enjoy the food with all that water on my plate.

My son had the Pollo Asado and loved it- very thin and tender came with rice beans and salad for $12 he was able to speak in Spanish to the waiter which was a bonus

Having lived in the area for a year now, driving past here daily, and not stopping in, I'm embarrassed. This is a true local gem! The atmosphere is very authentic and energetic. There is tons of hustle and bustle but also attention to detail. The service is quick, friendly, and attentive. They truly have their rhythm down to a science. The food was very tasty and well seasoned. There's no question that the preparation and execution is thoughtful and authentic. I'm glad that I finally stopped in and experienced this place. I'm worried I may never cook at home again. Can't wait to visit again.

Food is delicious I live down the street I'm eating for awhile no acknowledgment at all the owner should pay attention to his server's food can be delicious I'm a server for 30 + years my server was very Un attentive. He told me just you as a server. I make more money off of one person than a bunch treat everyone equal. This is my last attempt. I already told some people putting a surcharge. Any city surcharge. Any charge for the credit card is unacceptable.

The food is amazing service is prompt. Everything on the menu taste great Establishment is clean

Seriously nasty! It was old and microwaved and clearly se les paso el tiempo. clearly old something I don't understand how someone can plate this and not find anything wrong TERRIBLE

Stopped in for the garlic chicken (had no garlic at all) , very little meat on the dish.. but the empanadas taste better than they look. Guess there's gotta be something good out of this visit. I just can't figure it‍

Primera ves en este lugar y la verdad la comida muy deliciosa y el servicio muy bueno que más puedo decir el precio esta bien por lo que me sirvieron regresamos muy pronto ....

Nice place! Been wanting to try this spot for a long time. Always smells wonderful when I pass by. Tried some of the empanadas and tostones, yuca frita. Great food for a good price. Different soup every day. Can't wait to come back.

This restaurant is a great place to try some columbian dish. I came here about 2 in the afternoon and the place is still packed with people. The food is great, the steak beef tasted good. I would definitely come back to try another dish.

Been coming to this place for some time since they opened. Great food, service, ambience, location, free parking. Easy to pick up and go home.

Awesome place! So happy this little corner building got a great owner. Had some bad juju for a while. The lunch specials really can't be beat. Hell, the prices are great all around. And the food is even better. I've gone here a bunch of times and have never had any issue.

The food is always amazing and consistent!! The chicken is always juicy and savory. We also get the empanadas with chicken amazing with the green sauce never disappoints. Been going there for two years and it's always really good !

One of the best places to eat here in Chicago. Their Costillias de Cerdo reminds me of my abuela's lechon in the Philippines. It brings back happy childhood memories every time we visit her in the province. The meat is so tender and well seasoned. It melts in your mouth. The plantains complimented the dish very well My overall rating? 10/10

My husband loves the rotisserie chicken from this restaurant. The restaurant is usually busy but there are always available tables. My favorite is their arepas. The arepas are a good size and delicious. Out of all the Columbian restaurants I have eaten, this place makes the best arepas. The food is also reasonably priced.

Great food and service. Recently had a problem with a transaction due to their old POS system. Management promptly worked with me to solve the issue.

The food at the restaurant is delicious. The chicken, beans, plantain and rice is very good with a good flavor. Highly recommended. Going back soon to try the Colombian empanadas.

This place used to be good. But, the last visit our steak tacos were really tough and fatty.

Food is good, service is okay, I did not like they CHARGE you extra when paying with card, also you pay CITY TAX just for eating.. crazy!! Necesitan más ambiente latino comparado a Miami o Nueva York.

This place is okay if you are looking for something that is just good. There is charge fee if you pay with your credit card instead of cash.

My favorite spot to go eat at up north!! You could never go wrong here. Food is always delicious been going here for couple years now and won't go elsewhere

I was really disappointed when I dined in last Friday night. My fiance and I wanted to try something new for his birthday, and I have been wanting to go there. The service was extremely slow. I get that it was a Friday night, but our server barely came to our table. I ordered skirt steak. The meat was super dry, and stringy. I am covinced that it was not actually steak. It did not look or taste like steak. When I told the server, he told me it was steak. After our meal, I felt extremely sick and threw up immediately in the bathroom. It is very rare for me to throw up, so I think the meat was spoiled or something. We will not be going back.

Food was very tasty and quick. The prices are very good, me and my girl are 2 cans of Pop, 2 empanadas, each a meal with Chicken, rice, beans, and salad then a dessert. (some Cheese and jelly plantains) AMAZING.. all for $32! Clean place as well.

I've been here a few times. Lots of seating available. I usually get the churrasco, which is delicious. I've tried the appetizers, which are also all good. Service can be slow to check you out. That's my only complaint. Highly recommend!

Second, third and fourth time is a charm! The chicken isn't dry at all. The fried silver fish with garlic is still a must have. Big fan of the yucca fries as well. The $6 lunch specials are filling and delicious. Everything is really good and I love that we have such a great restaurant in our neighborhood!

Excellent value and the carne asada is soooo juicy, tender and well seasoned! Definitely will be back

I've been wanting to check out El Asadero Colombiano ever since I heard from a knowing source that they had great lunch specials on the menu. So, on this Sunday I ate lunch there with one of my buds. El Asadero Colombiano is on the northwest corner of Central and Lawrence, and there is a free parking lot just west of the restaurant. This location was formerly the home of Beefbelly, but my bud says that there used to be a diner at this spot for years prior to that. We stopped in just prior to noon on Sunday, so the two dining rooms were not too busy yet. However, by the time we left, quite a few of their tables were occupied and they were also doing brisk takeout business. You can eyeball some rotisserie chickens in the main room, as that is seemingly their signature dish. The waitstaff was efficient in taking our order and serving our food. My bud went with the $8 grilled chicken lunch special that comes with white rice, beans and side salad. You can also get rotisserie chicken or steak as lunch specials. Apparently this lunch special was a measly $6 back in the day, but hey they gotta stay in business to serve that delicious food to the customers. My bud was satisfied with his lunch portion and taste. I went with the half rabbit, which consists of rotisserie rabbit meat, white rice and beans, salad, potato, and plantains. This considerable lunch platter was only a few dollars more than the specials. The rabbit was a bit dry and bony but tasty. We also ordered appetizers to split - the arepa with cheese (my fave of the apps this day), as well as a chicken and beef empanada. I also consumed a frothy guanabana juice with milk, and my bud drank a grape soda and devoured vanilla flan for dessert (the syrupy spoonful of flan I tried was sweet). After all of the add-ons, our lunch was a bit of a splurge, but we enjoyed our solid meal at El Asadero Colombiano quite a bit.

New place that opened up in the neighborhood, and since I'm into supporting local businesses I of course had to go. This place is very nice inside. It's roomy and it's it's good for large groups. The good is ok. I ordered the Churrasco that come with New York Steak. I ordered it Medium. The meat was good but not the best. It was also well done. It came with plantains and Yukon potatoes, and a small round potato. The Yukon was good and the plantains were good. Overall the food was good. I have had better. Although it was not that great of food, I will go back to try other dishes. They have a big menu so there are many other things to try. Since this is a new business, I hope them all best and hope they

Incredibly flavored grilled rotisserie chicken. It was very delicious. Good service too! Enjoyed our dinner!

Great Colombian food. Definitely recommend it. Slightly on the more expensive side but is definitely worth it.

I've been a fan of this place since it opened. Recently, I've noticed a decline in quality of food and service specifically when placing an order. I've pointed out discrepancies in their menu and they refuse to honor what is listed ON THEIR OWN MENU! Go figure. I think they've forgotten that there are many more options close by. Go at your own risk !

On yet another cold, blustery day in Chicago, El Asadero Colombiano completely hit the spot! Their $6 lunch spot is truly unmatched. It's your choice of rotisserie chicken or steak, and both are paired with white rice, beans and salad. It was so warm and cozy that it was the perfect lunch! Sure, service wasn't amazing. They did seem a little flustered with handling the lunch rush (both dining in and taking out), so there was some delay there, but it's nothing I don't think they'll work out with a little time. Awesome new spot for sure! I know that they have repeat customers in both me and my co-workers :)

Un trato pésimo a los comensales, se les pidió que por favor cambiaran la presa del pollo porque estaba un poco crudo y cocinero se acercó de mala manera metió la mano en el plato y desmenuzó el pollo , se lo llevó y no cambiaron la presa , cobraron la comida como que nada hubiese pasado, NO LO RECOMIENDO

The food was on point! We ordered an Arepa con queso which was nicely made. Most times they end up dry and not edible. The Empanadas were crispy and moist on the inside. Could have used more meat mixed in with the potato. They were out of the Sunday Hen Soup special, they said they switched the Saturday special with the Sunday special. The Saturday special was a seafood soup. The soup had good seafood flavor but lacked the seafood I was hoping for. I wish there was better variety of seafood in the soup unless it is in the soup and just didn't make it in to the bowl. The Carne Asada was flavored well and was tender. I was hoping fo a thicker piece of ribeye rather then 3 thinly sliced pieces. We also ordered the half chicken dinner since they should be known for the rotisserie chicken. It was good. I love the dark meat since it tends to be more juicy. The chicken was seasoned well and crisp in certain pieces. The only complaint I had with this new restaurant, the service needs a lot of help. First off when we first walked in, no one was around to greet us or tell us if we needed to seat ourselves or if they seat you. We waited for a couple of minutes until a customer waiting to pick up his meal told us we could just sit anywhere. Our waiter forgot to bring our drinks until half way through our meal. We ordered appetizers that came out after the main entree's because he asked if we were missing anything. I think they had enough people working since there were about 5-6 people in the kitchen and 2-3 servers. I think they are just unorganized since they really didn't know which servers were helping which tables. I would definitely order to go and avoid the service issues until they figure it out. But if you do go for dinner it is BYOB so you can bring what you like, that way they won't forget to bring what you ordered.

This place is a gem! Definitely the best Colombian restaurant in the city and I've been to them all!! You can't go wrong with any dish on the menu and everything is very authentic! Oh yeah it's BYOB... which other Colombian spot can beat that!!

The food was excellent and the price was right. The service was average, but I went there for the food lol.

$1 dollar extra if you want your meat well done! Ridiculous! Food wasn't very good either.

Today I received a charge to my card that was absolutely not me, I haven't eaten here in over a month. When I called to speak to a manager I was put on hold for 8 minutes & then he left the line busy. So because I received NO EXPLANATION for a charge to my card this afternoon when my card is in hand and I always need to sign here leads me to believe that my card was used and compromised by whoever was handling POS system at 3:50pm today. USE CASH!!

Amazing local restaurant. Tasty platters and vegetarian friendly. They have reasonable prices and are incredibly customer oriented. My family and I have ordered from here for a very long time and will continue doing so. Their white rice and yuca is a particular favorite of mine!

It's okay. Nothing special to be honest. At least for me. Service went wrong on our last visit. Our server forgot about our main order, the chicken! Lol but i felt he was very sorry. Only waited almost 50 min for myself to finally ask about the chicken. Lol

Outstanding food & service to go along with the weekly specials. ******** pollo asado superb rotisserie chicken full of flavor . ******* Morcilla - a blood sausage that I have purchased at other places ( this place is by far the best ) not salty like other places . ******* specials for 6.99 of either steak or chicken that cannot be beat comes with beans rice and a side salad .

I went with my family, food did not come together but my dish 15 min later. They also made a mistake in one order and charged us for their error. Chicken is good , but overall I prefer other places. Don't think we will be back.

Delicious food. Their special sauce is amazing. I would eat there everyday if I was closer. The employees are terrific. I can't wait to go back.