El Portal Cafe

El Portal Cafe is the only place I go when I’m craving Columbian food. I drive all the way from Dallas to go here. The staff is amazing! It’s very cozy and nice, with clean rest facilities. I order the pandebono & Beef Empanadas, with Aji! So flavorful and delicious every time!

As a Colombian, of course you'd expect me to say nothing but great things!! But, I'm an honest Individual and I'm just not that type of person so here we go, El Portal one of the most popular Colombian restaurants in the DFW area and price wise one of the best options.Flavor, when they first opened up the flavor was there; seasoned to perfection with all the authentic flavors of the dish, as the popularity has grown the quality (when it comes to seasoning) has diminished, definitely not a fan of this. Other wise I must say the food here is great, ambient makes you feel welcomed and at home as if they have known you for years what can I say Colombians are very lively and colorful people, restaurant is quite clean quick in getting your orders out and plenty of pastries to take home after a great meal.. Love this place and would recommend it 10/10 times. If you are vegan or vegetarian, I wouldn't recommend going here. we Colombians don't know such abominations.🤣 jk.. I don't think they have options, but I could be wrong. i would suggest calling and finding out before taking the trip..

I really enjoyed this small bakery. I love going to restaurants of other cultures and cuisines and practicing speaking their language. So I walk in, "Hola! Como estas?" And they start speaking very fast and excitedly. Thats where my Spanish just fails me lol. And even though the elderly woman told me, "Mi English, es muy poquito", we were still able to communicate, and they helped me get a delicious sweet cheese bread ball and their coffee was excellent too. It didn't even survive the trip to my destination. There's plenty of room for more growth in this place, but id consider it a solid little hole in the wall Columbian Cafe.

Amazing spot for Colombian food. The ropa vieja was so good with really flavorful meat and delicious sweet plantains! Their salad is also a must order because the dressing is incredible. Pictured is ropa vieja, their salad, and beef empanadas!

Friendly people. Great food. I tried couple of their pastries so far and they've been great. One has fig and caramel in it. It was so good that I had to bring one to my mom for Mother's Day 2 hours away. I also get their chicken and fried plantains.

The place is nicely located. It’s on the smaller side., so it might get packed on the weekends, but it’s good for both small and larger groups. The food is really good, and tasty. The picada was a little bit dry, but it wasn’t a deal breaker. They have a bakery with buñuelos, pan de Bono, and other traditional ones. You order at the counter and wait for the food to be served. The service is fast, and very nice. Prices are very competitive compared with similar Latin American places.

Great service, delicious food, great prices, nice welcoming atmosphere. I definitely recommend this Colombian restaurant!!! I was in town for work/military and had a great experience, the staff was very friendly, the food was better than expected. They have a little bit of everything from Colombian pastries to meal plates. Try the buñelos & pan de bonos. I drove 45 minutes I my hotel to try this restaurant, and so happy I did!!! Thanks to all the staff!

I’m native Colombian and originally from Florida. Colombian food and Colombian bakery are my favorite spots, so believe me when I tell you you’re in for a treat. The food was authentic, great quality, great prices and you have to try the bakery! I got lucky and they had fresh out of the oven pandebonos!!! Insanely good

Owner is great, food was ok at best. Price was a little high. Would come back if in the area, not worth an hour drive.

La comida es rica pero que pésimo servicio. La señora que toma las órdenes y el señor que cobra unas caras y una actitud terrible que no me dan ganas de regresar. Ordene un caldo de pollo para llegar y cuando llego a casa noto que no hay pollo y les pregunté que si venía con todo. En fin no vuelvo a regresar que mal gusto con sus actitudes. No me gustó el ambiente.

I stopped by here due to a recommendation from a friend. I've been trying to explore more ethnic bakeries as an inspiration for my own baking. When I went in around 5 PM, this restaurant was about half full and I was quickly greeted by an employee. He was very helpful in explaining what each of the items at the bakery counter near the front of the restaurant were. I mainly was there for the Almojabanas, but I ended up getting about 1 of each item (Almojabanas, Empanadas, Pasteles El Portal, Roscones, Buñuelos, Mil Hojas) to try the different flavors out. I was given a brown paper bag for each of the items depending on size and that was placed into a larger plastic bag to take with me. All of these items came out to under $15, which was expected. The Almojabanas (circular biscuit at top right of picture) were this dense and chewy biscuit that imparted something like a cheese flavor, but they were very tasty. I felt like this would go well with a meal or some coffee/tea. The empanadas (rectangular shaped) were filled with cheese and chicken. They were an interesting taste and didn't really remind me of chicken and cheese. Each of the pasteles el portal (triangle shaped) were delicious; I grabbed one of each of a caramel & guava and figs. The roscones (ribbon-shaped) was filled with guava and that was really good as well. The pastries were all flaky and fresh. I ended up also getting these tiny cookies called Mil Hojas that were basically a cookie with powdered sugar on top and a portion of caramel in between. These would have gone great with a coffee and they were quite sweet! Lastly, the Buñuelos (brown sphere) I grabbed was basically cheese on the exterior and a dense salty bread on the interior. This made my mouth feel a little dry when eating, and I wondered if I should have paired with a drink. I'll likely go back again to try a meal here in the future!

So glad that I took my friend's recommendation to try this place! Wow, amazing selection, we'll have to come back again to try some of the other delicious meals here. We got the special (which was a soup), shredded beef portal plate, and beef empanadas. The beef empanadas were SO flavorful and with a corn outside, which I've never had before! The shredded beef is stringy and light, also full of flavor. We loved the sauce that the dish comes with. The soup is also delicious with different root vegetables and corn and on the thick side. A little bit on the salty side for me but nevertheless tasted like it had been stewing for a long time as it was deep in flavor. I definitely need to come back and try some of the sweet pastries in the case and the cheese ball pastry.

This place is garbage. Came in on a Saturday at 2:23pm to eat lunch. This place is suppose to be open from 10-7pm. When I tried to order was told that they were sold out of food and to come back another time. Really?? Guess they don't serve my kind. Trash place. Zero stars if yelp allowed it.

Excellent Colombian food - pastries are awesome and food flavors le Colombiana can't be best as well as the fruit smoothies Thanks

Food is amazing here! It is basically a self service restaurant but the employees are kind and nice. Overall good service and basic facilities. Portions are pretty generous, especially for the price. I stop by pretty often.

The place is nicely located. It's on the smaller side., so it might get packed on the weekends, but it's good for both small and larger groups. The food is really good, and tasty. The picada was a little bit dry, but it wasn't a deal breaker. They have a bakery with buñuelos, pan de Bono, and other traditional ones. You order at the counter and wait for the food to be served. The service is fast, and very nice. Prices are very competitive compared with similar Latin American places.

I learned about this restaurant after interviewing someone from Columbia. So I grabbed some friends and we decided to give it a try for Saturday lunch. The restaurant is located in a strip mall and was easy to find. I walked in and it was busy for a Saturday noon lunch crowd. My friends arrived before I did and were at the register ordering when I walked in. I went straight to the register and asked the wonderful man (may be the owner) for a suggestion and he recommended the empanadas and country platter (to sample a lot of different things), and the pineapple juice (not pictured). We sat down and began to enjoy the juice. The consistency was similar to a fruit smoothie. The pineapple juice was similar to a pina colada flavor- very refreshing. About ten mins later the empanadas arrived and we jumped in. They were tasty and filled with chicken. The vinegary salsa helped brighten the flavor. Another ten mins passed and our entrees came out. The country platter has a lot to offer but I was not impressed because the food lacked flavor, esp salt. The chorizo sausage had a great smell from the herbs but the flavor just wasn't there and it was on the dry side. The pork rind was nice and hot, and with the help of some sprinkled salt and a fresh squeeze of lime- it was delicious! The rice had a saltiness to it but paired well with the beans that didn't seem to have any salt. I ended my meal with a Columbian coffee cappuccino and it was super strong. Overall I was really glad we ventured out to try Columbian food but I just wish there was a bit more salt or spice! Would I recommend- yes, of course. Everyone should try different types of cuisines!!!

Great food and great service, no question. However, we recently learned that the tips that we have been leaving are not given to the servers. This was extremely disappointing. Never will I leave tips again. Be warned about this next time you go in. - - - - Buena comida y buen servicio, sin duda. Sin embargo, recientemente nos enteramos de que las propinas que siempre dejamos no se dan a los servidores. Esto fue extremadamente decepcionante. Nunca volveré a dejar propinas. Tenga cuidado con esto la próxima vez que entre.

The food is well prepared, always fresh and good portions. Their bakery's items are all so good: almojábanas, pandebonos, buñuelos, milhojas y pan de queso. Juices are delicious and they have very good service.

If you go El Portal, expect to hear soccer and eat good Colombian food. If I was to recommend just a few things, I would recommend their breakfast breads: the almojábana, the pan de queso, and the buñuelo as well as their appetizer 'Empanandas'. The empanadas are the Colombian version of empanadas, which you must eat with Aji (the Colombian version of the pico de gallo). One, one last thing : get their blended juices, our family favorites are the Maracuya en Leche (Passion fruit in milk) and the Mora en leche (Blackberries in milk). I recommend this restaurant.

4 stars for the breads but my cheese arepa was just sooo bad. It was so hard I was worried I would break a tooth. 5.50 and really all I could eat was the slab of queso fresco. Made me very sad. Great bread, though.

I am visiting from Oklahoma. I am Puerto Rican and grew up with a Colombian Godmother and spent alot of time in Jackson Height, Queens. This is the best Colombian food, I have had in years. I will definitely visit here, whenever I am in the Metroplex. Thank you for all of your yummy food. And I wish you many years of success.

Their hours are all wrong online, I came by yesterday ( Saturday ) and they close at 7, online it says they close at 9 pm. Decided to come back the next day (Sunday) because online it says they are open and again after another 30 minute drive I came to find out they are closed on Sundays and open Monday but online it's backwards. After craving Colombian food all week and being disappointed twice I think I'm done with this place. Sus horas están mal en internet y los días que están abiertos también, ayer vine y estaban cerrados pero en internet decía que cerraban a las 9 vine hoy (al siguiente día) domingo ya que leí en internet que están cerrados los lunes y resulta que también está mal ese dato, es al revés cerrado el domingo abierto el lunes. Que pereza después de manejar 30 minutos quede decepcionado. Lastima perder otro cliente.

My girlfriend has eaten here many times and loves it so we decided to go today. Plus she offered to buy me lunch so why not? I got the ropa vieja and she got one arepa con pollo. My plate came with rice, beans, shredded beef. The rice had no flavor, the beef tasted pretty eh. The only reason I ate it was bc they had a ketchup and mayo sause and that's why it tasted good enough to eat. The beans were good but teased like they came out of a can. Her plate was pretty bad as well. The chicken was extremely dry and tasteless. All together the price was relatively cheap ($20) but I wouldn't recommend. The cherry on top was whenever my girlfriend went to the pay the male cashier totally ignored her. She handled her card over and he look at me said thanks boy and asked if I wanted a receipt. To say she was annoyed is an understatement.

El portal has the best buñuelos, salchipapas, café con leche, rosca de arequipe, etc a sensational Blend of different regions from Colombia. If you are in the Dallas area you need to give it a try.

Authentic Colombian food. Delicious food, great prices and great customer service. Everything is good!!

I have been coming here for years and they have stayed always consistent in their service and food quality! Portions are very generous and the quality is great. Food has a homemade flavor, can't find that anywhere else. Their daily specials are always delicious! Owners and staff are always so nice! Definitely would recommend!

DO NOT COME TO THIS PLACE ON SUNDAY!!!! It's being 30 Minutes and they haven't give me the Food I ordered They are short staff to attend customers. They don't have a back up when the place got crowded so the service level goes down.

This restaurant is actually so wonderful! The people are wonderful and the food is wonderful as well. It reminds me of home when I would be able to get these delights. I have been coming here for 4 years now, to get all my needs. Buñuelos, Pan de Bono, Pasteles, Empanadas, and during Christmas Time, Natilla. They are so hard working and super honest people to deal with. If you come here prepare to get some good grub and be on your way to having an amazing day. I wish they had more locations. Come here for some great and honest Colombian food. It's gonna be my 4th year coming and believe me when I say, It's not gonna be the last.

This small, clean, tastefully decorated and well-kept Latin-style cafeteria place seems to be always popular. Popular with Colombians, Venezuelans and other Latin Americans from the other large landmass that constitutes the other half of the Americas (I do see people proudly wearing their country on their sleeves lol). But this place is proudly Colombian, and it is VERY Colombian in every way. The Bandeja Paisa plate here was great, although I had to get them to remake the fried egg (they didn't make it with runny yolk - which is mandatory to go along with my chicharrones or fried pork belly - YUM!). And this is one of the two places I know in Dallas where you can get this dish (ironically, the other place is also nearby, in Carrollton). The empanadas were decent although I liked Zaguan's better. The coffee could be improved since I found it to be too weak - I hope they do get an espresso machine someday in order to expand their coffee menu. The fruit juices were a better option. But really, this place stands out for having bakery items that the other Colombian place doesn't have - but I'm not very fond of Colombian baked goods. But if you want to try something, try the pastelitos de guayaba y queso, which you would like if you have a sweet tooth, or almojábana which is a cheese bread made out corn flour, which I liked more than the pan de bono, but only because it's a bit sweeter, which goes well with the cheese taste. The pan de bono though is good and is similar to the Brazilian paõ de queijo cheese breads, especially since they both have cheese and are made with yuca flour. Or... try the Colombian buñuelos, which is pretty much have the same ingredients as the pan de bono but is instead fried. But my go-to for Colombian meals will still be the other place, in part because the menu is much larger, the quality is great, and the price difference isn't much. And for more variety of snacking goodies, come here.

I had been here many years ago with some coworkers after having lunch and they'd given us samples of the almojabanas, which was delicious and reminded me so much of the "cheese bread" provided as a palate cleanser at Brazilian steakhouses. I was so pleased to see that this place was still in business, particularly given the way so many wonderful businesses were lost to COVID-19. I went in, planning to bring some almojabanas home for my family to try, and was greeted by a handsome young gentleman named Andres. He very patiently and thoroughly described all of the wonderful treats in the window. Once he was done, I purchased two of almost everything, and one of the large loaves of cheese bread. The food was delicious, and I'm excited to go back soon and try some of their hot foods, such as the Arepa (described as corn cakes). I highly recommend this place to anyone!

Food was great and they were more than happy to accommodate my vegetarian diet. They cooked recalentado (rice &beans) without the pork, which made me a happy camper. The food was tasty this time unlike my first several visits a year or so ago. My cafe con leche was also great. Will definitely be coming back. Great pre-work out brunch.

VERY DISAPPOINTING!!! I left the Dallas area 2 years ago. This place was the best for Colombian food. Visited Dallas and El Portal on 11/2/19, we ordered Bandeja Paisa, Picada and bistec a caballo. The food was TASTELESS!! The chicharron and bistec were "desabrido". Furthermore, the chicharron was overcooked, the chorizo (in la picada) was burnt like charcoal. The bistec was tough (overcooked). This degradation of quality might be attributed to "to much business". They have lost what is known as 'home cooking" and they have now become a mass production cooking. However, the bakery section continues to be superb. Time to visit the other Colombian restaurants in the metroplex. I guess for those who miss Colombian food, anything is better than nothing.

I came here for lunch to try something new! Sitting there, I really felt like I was in a cafe in Columbia. I was diggin the vibe. So you order up front and they bring your food out to you. When you're done eating, THEN you pay. We asked for water and they never brought it out so we asked for it again and THEN they brought it out. I felt a little left out because everyone else who was came in and spoke Spanish received a lot of love. We ordered a cheese bread to start off with. It was at room temperature but still very soft and had just the right amount of cheese. I ordered the grilled chicken lunch special. When it came out, I was very very impressed! Total fail while I was eating though. It came with a salad but didn't have any dressing and the chicken was very bland. My favorite part was the plantain. My friend ordered the empanada plate lunch special which comes with 2 empanadas, plantains, and rice. It was okay. We both agreed there was something missing. I decided to try a sweet bread - the Portal which comes with condensed milk and fig. The pastry was very pretty. The breading had just the right amount of sweetness and was flaky but I didn't enjoy the inside very much. I wasn't sure where the condensed milk was. Is it mixed in with the fig? I have no idea. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing because everyone around me ordered soup and they looked like they really enjoyed it. Maybe I'll give it one more chance.

This place was awesome! Our first time here. The food was delicious and don't get me started on the bread!! ;-) Everything we ordered (carne a la plancha, carne vieja and kid's plate) tasted great. Great atmosphere too - like at mom's. The owner was super friendly and polite.

Truly, truly Columbian. Food is very tasty and authentic. Atmosphere: (3/5) * Very small cafe setting and everybody both staffs and guests both speak Spanish, that's how you can tell that food is going to be truly authentic. Food: (4/5) * Food is delicious! Only that the portion you get doesn't match the price in my opinion. The menu is somewhat difficult to understand. But overall you will leave happy. Staff: (5/5) * They might looked intimidating but they are very nice people. Cleanliness: (3/5) * Good and well kept. Good hang out spot: I wouldn't say it's hood for hang out but definitely come for food.

So glad I found this place. I ordered the grilled chicken meal. The food was flavorful, hot, and plentiful. The wait was longer than anticipated. I would recommend calling ahead. The staff gave me a complimentary cheese bread for the wait which was very nice. I would be back and I'd call ahead.

Delicious authentic Colombian food. Holds extremely well when ordered to go or for delivery. This place has the best chimichurri I've EVER had (it has a little bite!). Very reasonably priced for the amount of food received. I will definitely be back- and often!

Says that they are open Sunday, closed on Monday. Drove over here and they are closed Sunday and open Monday. Would have been good to know before driving 30 minutes to come eat.

Every time we go to Dallas we make sure to stop at El Portal! No matter how far we are because the food is THAT good! The best Colombian food you won't be disappointed!

This is the most authentic Colombian food I have ever had, I went with my friends from Bogota and they were surprise about the variety and the flavor of the dishes, the price is great for the portions you get! Every single dish tested amazing and the service was great as well, they even have a singer that plays songs from the county. I definitely recommend this place to everyone!

I had the Pollo a la plancha (Grilled chicken plate). The chicken was well cooked, well seasoned. Comes with rice and sweet plantains (option for salty if wanted). As well as a salad with a very nice dressing on the side. Also tried the empanadas which consist of a corn cake batter and inside is meat with potatoes, very delicious with the side of salsa. I definitely loved the atmosphere and the great customer service and quick food service. Will be coming back and can't wait to have more pastillito de guayaba con queso yumm

Friendly staff. They make you feel so comfortable. Food wAs fresh and delicious. I had the whole fried tilapia. It was so good. Then I went back and the fried tilapia fillet. IT was just as good. Love the place and service.

Moved here from Florida and have not been able find a restaurant like this til now. Amazing food, huge portions, and good price. Owner and staff were super nice too.

Love this place!!! I've been coming here for years. I love that they offer vegetarian options and it's all so delicious, the sweet bread is also bomb! Service is friendly but food takes a bit long (I don't mind for freshly prepared foods). Worth the 30min drive for yummy authentic Colombian food! P.S. they have s little displsy case with yummy Colombiab treats, cookied and candy. Check them out!!

The cafe is well sized and very minimally decorated, set in a shopping center that has little else draw save for the chinese buffet a few stops down. But that is not what the 5 stars is for. The 5 star rating is for the hospitable kindness of the staff there. It is for the warmth they shared with us first thing upon their opening the doors and for the last goodbye. Everything was freshly put out and you can absolutely tell they baked it that day. The fig and caramel pastry was RIDICULOUSLY indulgent in the best of ways and no one can knock a guava and cheese, a classic. Also split a beef special which was excellent and perfectly cooked with just a little bit of crispness on the edges. Obviously will return here again and again.

Such a lovely restaurant with lovely owners. The place has a nice homey feel to it. The food is wholesome and filling and will definitely fill you up!

My boyfriend and I brought his mom and grandmother to this place for Mother's Day. It was jam packed for the holiday and the food took absolutely forever, but it was well worth it. They have some of the best chicharron I've ever had. It's like the best version of bacon. Also, their empanadas were on point! So crispy, soft, and filled with flavorful meat. The "aji" that comes with the empanadas is fabulous as well. I am officially addicted. In fact, two weeks after mother's day I dropped by after a dentist appointment to get some soft empanadas to accompany me on the way home and to have for dinner. Bottom line: Delicious, affordable, sometimes packed and crazy, but worth it.

Two thumbs up! Good food, friendly staff. Highly recommended. La sopa de mariscos es simplemente excelente.

I've been going to this place for several years. Their food taste like my Grandmothers, I need say no more!!! I highly recommend the empanadads, bandja paisa, tamales, cazuela de mariscos, pandebonos, almojabanas, and the jugos (fruit juices) are awesome. Try the guanabana and maracuya con leche. Owners are always friendly and willing to accommodate "gringos" with questions and a taste here and there. Menus have pictures and explanation on a TV. Plus if you want to watch a south american soccer game, this is your place. Place your order on the counter, pick your silverware, sit down, and they'll bring the food to you... very informal.

I have been here since El Portal first opened up. Talk about a family environment and home cooked meals! The workers/owners/service are/is ALWAYS great. They have recently extended the restaurant to accommodate any large crowds making it more entertaining and enjoyable for everyone that comes by. They will treat like family as soon as you come in- just as if you just walked into their home :) If you have a special request or needs on the food, they are always happy to work with you. The bakery aspect of the restaurant is out of this world! How could you not pick some up on your way home! DELICIOSO I always go for the natural juices, like "Jugo de Lulo con Leche" which is almost like a kiwi juice! ITS A MUST TRY! It's very refreshing especially on a hot summer day. Overall, I look forward to visit EVERYTIME I am in town

Well this will be my first and last visit to this restaurant. I ordered my food, went to the restroom to wash my hands then seen a lot of roaches scatter everywhere. I rate this place dirty didn't try the food because of my experience in the restroom.

This place really got worse every single time I've been here to the point where this will be my last time. The pastry's are good at best but not fantastic. The place itself is pretty and very clean but the food is not as good as you would expect. I only came for a pastry and coffee, and the coffee was probably an hour or two old. So disappointed I came here. The service was okay but I was more upset with the old reheated coffee and lack of pastry options for a place that closes at 9pm

When you are Colombian, you are looking not only for authentic Colombian food but the pasión and the kindness of our Colombian being. This restaurant is alway simple but special to make you feel closer to this country full of great values and sweet and excited Colombians to serve you. Come and try it.

My friend has been talking about this place for a long time. We finally came here around 11 for cheese bread and juice. I loved the Cheese Bread they offered here. They warm it up for you if you ask. Every single bite was fantastic. I was sad it ended after the last bite. I need to come back and get more from here. We both order juices to go. I ended up getting the Mango one. It is really good but half way through it, the juice started to get too sweet for me. The staff here were friendly. I can't wait to come back here and try other items off the menu!

Best Colombian bakery AND food in the D/FW metro area (we've tried it all). Kind of pricey on the baked goods but quality is super and service is good. Typical bakery + food procedure (think Corner Bakery style): You can order at display/counter to go or eat in at table. Also, I think you can just sit down and be served by wait staff. The owner is usually at the counter and is a very friendly jolly guy - makes it a fun atmosphere. TV's on wall playing Colombian salsa music videos and sports :)

How does this have a 1-star review?? They have the best tasting pan de Bono and horchata in the freaking world!!! Whoever gave this place a low review has bad taste buds... They're crazy!!! Seriously, just go there have a go at their horchata and Pan de Bono, it will change your life forever. YUM.

Authentic Colombian food! So many typical dished to choose from so come w an appetite.