La Fogata Restaurant
“I often come here to get take out for lunch whenever I'm in the mood for Colombian or food with rice and beans.”
“This restaurant offers good quality of colombian food.”
“Try a few empanadas for starters and finish it off with the go to dish of all Colombians, the Bandeja Tipica (sometimes called Bandeja Paisa.”
La Fogata Restaurant
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
3 reviews
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I went to La Fogata recently to celebrate a friend's birthday. I've been to several restaurants in Elizabeth, this being one of many Colombian ones that I have/will try.
We were seated in the back dining area (there were about a dozen of us). They do not sell alcohol but you're allowed to BYOB (liquor store close by). The restaurant was a little mildew-y smelling in the back and there were also quite a few little flies around our table- a little off-putting.
In typical Colombian fashion- I ordered the bandeja paisa. One of my favorite parts of this platter (besides the meat, obviously) is the avocado. When they brought it out I noticed there was none, only to find that there was none left. I asked if they could instead bring me a small salad (ya know, to add some greens to the massive amount of meat I was about to consume) which she gladly did. Others ordered soup, empanadas, grilled chicken, breaded chicken/steak and fish. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their food; the steak was flavorful and the portions were huge (I was able to bring home almost an entire meal leftover).
I wouldn't mind coming back here because the food is good and the service is attentive (considering we had a large party). They also offered us free coffee/espresso on the house, which I thought was nice. They also offer quite a few specials during the day, which I would be interested to try.
Came here at the recommendation of a co worker. I ordered the arroz con pollo lunch special. I was expecting something else, the rice was over cooked and soggy, the chicken dry and parts burnt, the vegetables scarce and favor less like the rest of the meal. I have never had this dish with burned hotdogs, and I can't say it was a welcomed addition. Also had a sad little plantain thrown on top of the rice, so much for a nice presentation.I tried my coworkers pollo a la plancha which was flavorful but the meat in the Bandeja paisa lacked seasoning and was dry.
Overall I found the food to be mediocre at best, so much that I threw away the rest of my meal. I might give this place another try and order the chicken. On a positive note they have a variety of baked goods and candy that brought me back to my childhood. The customer service was ok, but they forgot to include a salad that came with my meal.
I often come here to get take out for lunch whenever I'm in the mood for Colombian or food with rice and beans. The staff usually ignore me because they think I'm lost and I'm oriental. The funny thing is the old lady asks me what I want in Spanish and I calmly answer back in English. Automatically, she tells her son to ask me what I want. I then ask the guy I want the Baneja de Piasa to-go in espanol.
I always get the Baneja Piasas. The motherland dish, It comes with rice and beans, a thin flat steak, a sausage link, a chicarone (bacon), a sliver of avocado, half fried plantain, a arepa thingy (rice cake). It's my anti-salad dish.
Its a ton of food for 14 beans.
I usually eat 3/4 of it at my desk during lunch. I try to finish the rest when I have my 3 o'clock coffee break.
You must try it with the salsa picante. It makes it better. The huge mound of rice and beans can be flavorless without it.
I should try the other Colombian/latin places around but if it ain't broke don't go somewhere else.
Also, the empanadas there look pretty good. I should go there breakfast but that requires going to work early,