Colombian food is among the most delectable and sought-after food in the world. Known for its flavorful tropical taste, Colombian food originated with the indigenous and Afro-Caribbean groups known as the Taironas and Muiscas. The variety of ingredients in the country is exceptional, which explains why most — if not all — Colombian restaurants {including those listed below} have extensive menus. From traditional treats like arepas, choclo, and pan de bono to empanadas, these dishes have been cooked for generations. In Hudson County, Bergenline Avenue is home to hundreds of Latin American businesses, many of which are amazing Colombian restaurants spanning from Union City, through West New York, to North Bergen. Read on to discover our favorite Colombian restaurants located on Bergenline Avenue.
Mi Bella Colombia {4512 Bergenline Avenue, Union City}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
With over 100 menu items, it can be overwhelming when deciding on where to start at Mi Bella Colombia. Some of the popular breakfast menu items are the calentado con carne y huevo {mixed rice, beans, eggs and grilled steak}, and the huevos con bacon papas fritas {eggs, bacon, French fries or toast}. For sides, opt for the guacamole con tostones or maduros. It’s impossible to go wrong with any of the entrees. A few worth trying are the sancocho {traditional vegetable soup}, El Chicharrón con Arroz y Frijoles {pork rind, rice, and beans}, and the filete a la plancha {grilled fillet}. There is also a daily menu special with very affordable prices. The shining stars of this amazing restaurant are the Colombian empanadas, with aji {Colombian salsa}. To order take out, place an order on Grubhub or Seamless.
Noches de Colombia {2821 Bergenline Avenue, Union City}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
A Colombian staple through and through, Noches de Colombia along with its other locations is a favorite among locals. Daily specials like the Pechuga Empanizada {breaded chicken, rice, house salad, soup or bean} and the SP Lomo a la Plancha {grilled pork loin, rice, house salad, soup or beans} will fill you up and cost a fraction of what it would in most places. The crunchy arepa con camarones {deep fried corn cake spread with guacamole, topped with shrimp and pico de gallo} is one-of-a-kind. There is a full bakery, breakfast, and salad menu, and the seafood entree selection is extensive, with options including flounder, salmon, red snapper, tilapia, and shrimp. The restaurant includes items from the bakery, salads, appetizers, sides, as well as chicken, beef, and seafood options. Now if you’re in the mood for a drink, the Sangria is a must; it’s delicious and pairs well with everything on the menu. To order take out or delivery, place an order on the website.
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El Rancho Colombiano {3401 Bergenline Avenue, Union City}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
At El Rancho, you get more than a bang for your buck with the portions being generously sized and made-to-order. The water fountain, exposed bamboo, dark wood tables, and large plants inside provide a calming, colorful, tropical ambiance in the spacious restaurant when we can physically visit. To start your dining experience, opt for the yuca and shrimp sticks and might we recommend the traditional Colombian dish called Bandeja Paisa. “Paisa” represents a region of Colombia and “Bandeja” means platter — it’s basically a sampler of the country’s best meats. The dish comes with two types of Colombian sausage, ground beef, pork rind, an arepa, rice, beans, avocado, and a fried egg on top. For churrasco lovers, a similar but tasty entree to consider is the Punta de Anca Mariposa, as its lean, less fatty version of the steak. For dessert, try the tres leches cake and flan. To order take out, place an order on the website.
Envigado {5114 Bergenline Avenue, West New York}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
This West New York restaurant and bakery serves meals for two that cost $10 or less. There are a variety of salads, a large selection of hot dishes from meat, fish, seafood, and soups. Something to note is that aside from daily treats, the bakery makes custom cakes by request for parties — including pan de bono, acema {cinnamon bread}, pan leche con queso {homemade Colombian cheese bread}, and arepa choclo con queso {cheesy corn casserole}are fan favorites. Known for its brunches, Envigado serves delish American-style and Latin American dishes. The maduro con queso {plantains stuffed with cheese} and the guacamole con chips de platano frito {guac with fried plantain chips}come highly recommended as does a chicken dish with a flavorful twist called pechuga Hawaiana {Hawaiian-style chicken breast, served with two sides of your choice}. For something more “Americano,” r the grilled chicken sandwich with fries will do the trick. To order takeout or delivery, call 201-902-9701.
Mi Rinconcito Colombiano {6319 Bergenline Avenue, West New York}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
To begin your food journey in this restaurant, the fish dishes are the most popular, so the camarones al coco {coconut shrimp} or the ceviche de pescado {fish ceviche} is a stellar pick. The weekly specials menu is worth browsing first, as all of the dishes are generously sized and priced at only $8.95 or less. The roast beef special comes with the soup-of-the-day, salad-of-the-day, red or black beans, rice, maduros, and plantain chips. The Castillas BBQ is a Latin-take on American ribs, served with rice or salad, tostones, or French fries. An order of mini empanadas comes with 10 and make for the perfect bite-size finger food for any celebration {or simply for just snacking on, we won’t judge}. Mi Rinconcito offers a variety of homemade tropical fruit juices like papaya, berries, mango, passion fruit, lemonade with coconut, and more. Other drink options include an Oreo milkshake, bubble tea, green tea, and of course, a selection of coffees. To order takeout or delivery, place an order on Grubhub or Seamless.
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El Carretero La 35 {3500 Bergenline Avenue, Union City}
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
Pre-pandemic, the tables were usually all taken and locals would have to wait to be seated. A word of advice when you can dine-in again: go to the restaurant hungry because the portions are large. Known best for the bakery, El Carretero La 35 is a gem that deserves your stomach’s full attention. A few menu items to note: he pan de bono, empanadas, and bunuelos as well as the breakfast dishes —most of them served with a protein of your choice. If you’re there but not as hungry as you should be, a light brunch dish like French fries, egg, and maduros is sure to satisfy, as is the churrasco with rice, beans, tostones, and a side of fresh avocado is a go-to Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Colombian experience without trying the chorizo{Colombian sausage}with a side of lime and an arepa. To order takeout or delivery, place an order by calling the restaurant at 201-863-6681.
Have a favorite to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
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