Casa Vieja Restaurant
3652 Shallowford Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30340
Casa Vieja Restaurant Menu
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Address :
3652 Shallowford Rd NE
Atlanta, GA, 30340 - Phone (770) 454-8557
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 7:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Lillie M.
This is by far my favorite place to eat at lunch time. When you drive up it diff looks like a whole in the wall. Nothing special on the outside but when you go in they have a pretty decent setup. All Colombian themed. I go for the lunch special so with the meal drink and tip I walk out spending $9-10 for myself. I get so tired of eating fast food this food taste like home made food like my grandmother or mom just finish making it. Its fast cheap and yummy. Oh and they play good salsa music! Service is good. Haven't had any issues with that they pretty much take your and order bring your food.
(5)francisco c.
This place is awesome,,truly Colombian food, excellen prices,,but keep in mind that their portions are huge,,so before ordering anything ask about it,,or prepare to share,,the bandeja paisa regular size,,wow huge enough for 2 or 3 people,,if alone order mini and stil a lot,,,also their daily lunch special amazing, cant beat their price and comes with a drink, usually a fruit juice, rice, salad, some plaintain, soup and meat,,,
(5)Alexandra G.
Not many Colombian restaurants in the area and being that I live on johns creek I always drive a little distance to get here. Food is totally worth it.. I've had the chicken soup, bandeja paisa and a few other dishes. All is delicious!
(5)Jeff O.
I have been many times. The reason I go back is because I get treated with like if was back in Colombia. I order the Chuleta de Pollo which a chicken breast which is flattened and sliced then fried. Add some rice and beans and some Tostones it's like my mom made it just for me. The fruit Maracuya ( passion fruit ) without milk because that how I like it many prefer the milk because they are suppose to be milkshakes again they do it just the way I like it, is the best remedy to quench your tastebuds with your meal. Highly recommend it to all my Colombians its a home away from home or new comers you will feel welcome, grab a table first come first serve and enjoy. Bon appetit!
(5)Stephania H.
Best empanadas out of 4 colombian restaurant i have visit, huge portions everything is delicious and next door is a colombiAn store best pan con queso
(5)Stephen H.
Food here is definitely a good representation of Colombian food, but isn't the best I've had. I give that honor to La Casona. However, this place also serves delicious food with good service. I ordered the Bandeja Paisa which is my Colombian standard. I did find there was a bit of a communication breakdown here and pointing was done more than speaking...it was also strange that my in law and I went in and it was two of us and then one table of native speaking men who looked at us very wearily as we were seated. I'd go back, but as long as La Casona is around, I'll probably frequent there.
(4)Ronnie E.
Good Colombian food that is within 15 minutes of downtown ATL. I always get the bandeja piasa and a blackberry shake here. Great flavors and good prices always have me coming back to this place.
(5)Esther V.
Very nice service. The food is pretty authentic. I had the ajiaco, not the best I've had but still tasty. Will be coming back for another try.
(4)Jang C.
This looks like a very authentic Colombian restaurant. Seriously, when we drove up, I felt like I was in some small town in Latin America. The staff seemed authentic. They could barely speak English. But they knew enough to communicate. I love going to authentic places. I actually like these type of experiences. They have lunch specials depending on the day. On Friday, it's the Bandeja Paisa. On Thursday, the day we went, it was the Tilapia. I ordered the Mini Bandeja. The mini bandeja had egg, avocado, steak, plantains, chicharron, beans and rice. I think the full version has chorizo. I'm glad I ordered the Mini version because this version was still huge. Bandeja Paisas are usually huge anyway. The steak tasted okay. It was tough and seemed like a cheap cut of meat. I'm not a fan of chicharrons. They're always rock hard at every place I go. Done right, they're decent at best. I didn't like Casa Vieja's that much. Their egg seemed overdone to me. I wished the yolk was more runny. The rice and beans were average. At least I enjoyed their plantains. I also tried their empanada. It was good. They fried it well. Overall, it's an okay Colombian Restaurant. It is cheap and authentic; at least they got that going for them.
(3)David G.
Super great food! Super awesome service. The girls are very attentive and the food comes out really quick. Don't waste your time at nasty la Casona or la abuela. Come here come here come here!!!!!
(5)Rodrigo L.
Great food. The Ajiaco is great. The juices, Lulo, Maracuya, made to perfection. The Picada tastes as if it was cooked in one of the best restaurants in Colombia.
(4)Mitzi S.
Delicious food and great service.. Ask for the special of the day.. Excellent price. My Huspand and I ate lunch for $12 with drinks included.
(5)Marian M.
Excelent and authentic Colombian restaurant. It is a hole in the wall but their food is wonderful. The attention is great. I usually order the grilled chicken that comes with salad ,excelent well made rice and plantains. Their portions are huge.
(5)KaeAnne P.
Great warm feeling. Very healthy portions! Waitress was super busy, but still checked on the table and suggested good menus items.
(5)John E.
You can find Casa Vieja on Shallowford Rd in Doraville on one of those cut-through streets. It's in the middle of a small strip mall that looks like if fell off the face of the earth, with almost all ethnic shops and restaurants. Parking is fairly cramped so you may have to walk a bit but the food is worth it. I hit Casa Vieja on a Friday when I didn't have much going on and was just looking for something different for lunch, preferably in an area I don't usually visit but not too far from the house (I had taken the day off). It popped up on Yelp as I was driving near Doraville so I decided to give it a try. The shopping center reminded me of being in a border town, very ethnic with an interestate bus pick-up going on nearby and tons of people with luggage. Don't let the shanty-like appearance fool you though as the food at Casa Vieja is very solid Colombian-style cuisine. The interior is very bright and the place was packed. I was taken to the only open table and there were several groups, mostly of Latinos but I spotted an occasional American, probably from local businesses. The menu has 4 pages that was broken up into Entradas (Appetizers), Carnes (Meats), Comida de Mar (Seafood), Especiales (Daily Specials for both Saturday and Sunday), Botanas Mexicanas (a few Mexican items), Postres (Desserts) and Bebidas (Beverages. The servers were very attentive and even with broken English were able to describe the contents of the various meals and the lunch specials - there were two, a fish that I didn't pay too much attention to and the Bandeja Paisa (lunch portion so smaller than the regular platter, plus it came with a juice drink - I chose the raspberry, all for $7.99). I really like the Paisa's that you usually find in Colombian restaurants - they have a variety of meats (carne asada and chicharones), a fried egg, rice, beans, maduros style plantains and an arepa in this example. I liked everything except the arepa (but in general I don't care for them much - in some Columbian restaurants you get tostones instead). I found the food very good and the portion perfect for lunch. As with just about all of the Colombian restaurants I've visited, the food took a bit longer to make it to the table once ordered, but I'm guessing that this is typical - the flip side is that the food is worth waiting for and so far I haven't been disappointed. (also posted to my food blog)
(4)Andy S.
Date: Sunday: Lunch This Colombian restaurant hit the spot. MINI BANDEJA PAISA W/ CARNE ASADA $10.90 Overall the food was good especially for the price. The place is cool and has potential if they choose better quality products. I would choose a better meat cut like Skirt Stake and upgrade the silverware.
(3)Edith S.
If you lived in the Doraville area, like me, then you know this is the best Colombian food restaurant in town! I've brought my North American friends here and each one has gone back to eat there! My favorite plate is the Pechuga de Polla, which is grilled chicken breast and comes with white rice, sweet plantain and a side salad. I love the colorful interior design of this establishment; it feels very humble and homey. Also, you can easily find their menu on Fb! Chiao for now :)
(5)Lacey H.
The service was good and the food looked amazing....and the three bites I had of the food were very promising. However as much as I wish this was not the truth....after those three promising bites I saw a mommy roach and two baby roaches crawling on the wall next to the booth.....nine inches from me and my food. A little dirt doesn't scare me away.....but roaches definitely do. If these folks were to set up shop in a new sanitary location, I would be their first customer.
(1)Shea M.
I haven't found a Colombian restaurant that beats this one. Service is good, food is solid.
(4)Cata E.
Best Colombian food in the Atlanta area unless you are going to make it at home. I always come back here knowing it's going to be satisfying. The sancocho is tasty, juices, and bandeja paisa. I've also had the chuleta caleña here and it's legit. They're not cheap with the limes and are all pleasant.
(5)Tuong Vi P.
Here is affirmation in 2013 that this place is still awesome. I came here with two of my co-workers for lunch on Friday and we all got the mini bandeja paisa. The plaza in which this restaurant is just as others describe; kind of sketchy and is not the best prelude to what you will experience inside. This is a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, which are probably my favorite types of establishments. First of all, I am all about supporting small businesses; they bring so much color and flavor to our neighborhoods. Second, I loooooooove cheap eats. Maybe it's my background (literally grew up in poverty--which I am thankful for as it shaped me immensely) but there is something comforting to me when I can eat with no pretense. So my booth benchmate got the same thing as me, the bandeja with carne asada (thin steak) while our lunch companion got carne molida (ground beef). It was a nice portion, just what I wanted for lunch and I had made a point to skip my mid-morning snack for this feast. On the plate, we had rice, beans, sweet plantains (can I start the trend of having people pronounce this word correctly, please? The word rhymes with "mountains." Just sayin', folks.), a small arepa, the aforementioned meat, a piece of chicharón and a fried egg. Perfectly fried. I first just stared at the plate and when I finally came to my senses, I took a picture (this must annoy all my eating partners, as I go out with mostly non-Yelpers). When I dug in, I immediately thanked myself for not consuming unneeded calories earlier, as I was probably going to eat all of this food. Amazingly, drinking water and having good company will force you to pace yourself as you grub. So my belly felt full before I finished and at the end, I made valiant efforts to keep pushing on. But alas, I failed anyway to go all the way. Service was fast and friendly. I wish someone would have told us that we had to go up to the counter to pay, as we spent extra time talking, thinking the bill was on its (slow) way. We are all Spanish-speaking, so we had no communication barriers. Totally recommended for lunch, as this plate came out less than $7 with tax. Can you really beat that?
(4)Lou G.
This is a great Colombian Restaurant. Although located in a sketchy strip center shared with Batavia, Casa Vieja definitely delivers a great "hole in the wall" experience. Decorated in the lively, traditional colors of the Colombian flag: Yellow, for the gold found in Colombia, blue for the oceans of it's shores, and red for the blood shed for the country's independence. The interior decor has charming accents and references to farming and Colombian country living. Barrel tiles and accessories create the feeling of being in a rural town with makeshift barber shop, pharmacy and other small shops.. This place is usually packed at lunch and for good reason. Everyday there is a new lunch special, a hefty meal for $6. Whatever it is, go for it. Today the special was a large soup, fried chicken, potato salad and a fruit juice (guava, blackberry, mango or guanabano). Everyone who ordered it was impressed. The two vegetarians in our group ordered the mini Bandeja Paisa, which included beans, rice, fried bananas, a miniature arepa, side salad, avocado slice and a fried egg. Service was fast and super friendly, although it might have helped that we were invited by a "genuine" Colombian! I like this place! Muy Bueno!
(4)Ivan S.
I am not knowledgeable about Colombian food. Well, I'm knowledgeable enough to know that if you spell "Colombia" as "Columbia," a Colombian native will rain pain on you like, well, the Space Shuttle Columbia (spelled with a "u," of course.) So no, I don't know much about the food. And that is why I travel with my own pocket Colombian i.e., Vanessa T. "Let's grab lunch," I suggested. She chose. She also ordered. We both had the bandeja, the South American equivalent to upstate NY's "garbage plate." Really, it's a little bit of everything plated together to make a whole lot of, uh, bandeja. Contrary to my early statements about my level of knowledge about Colombian food, this isn't the first time I've had bandeja. I've actually had it a few times at Presto in Marietta. Using that as a frame of reference, Casa Vieja's wasn't as good. I confirmed this feeling with Vanessa who concurred. The steak tasted almost "hot dog-like" something I attributed to the flat top it was cooked on. The arepas were doughy. The chicharron was crunchy and heart-stoppingly good though. In all, the food was interesting, but Presto's was tastier. (Though, mind you, Presto's atmosphere is cafeteria-chic, while Casa Vieja manages to look like a real restaurant.) Though Coke products aren't listed on the menu, they have cans available for purchase.
(3)David R.
Great place for Colombian food. I usually always get the Bandeja Paisa and mango juice (or guava juice) Casual; just walk in and take a seat. Great food and great service!
(5)Ben D.
Two words: bandeja paisa. It's massive here, and I'd be willing to wager that the life expectancy of Colombians is low. Quick synopsis: Deep fried pork belly, Colombian chorizo (dominates Mexican chorizo), steak, rice, pintos, a fried egg, fried plantains, an avocado, a corn roll, and a partridge in a pear tree. They have a special sugar water that tastes like sock water, but it's kind of charming.
(4)David G.
Masive bandeja paisa, great Colombian food. I've tried a couple more Colombian restaurants in town and I always go back to Casa Vieja.
(5)Chloe M.
Casa Vieja has been my long time go-to place for my pork-grease fixes. Like most places on Buford Hwy, it has a cult following of office lunch crowd; although their main business comes from fellow Colombians who tend to linger over a leisurely meal. Case Vieja's homey and colorful ambiance attempt to imitate its homeland. Scenes from everyday life are depicted in every corner with murals that resemble a studio backdrop. It's enough to get you in the mood and think you're eating in a far away place. Add to that a staff that is warm, efficient, and forgiving of a gringo's lack of familiarity with the Spanish language and you'd really feel like you've been transported back. If you want to get a taste of a typical Colombian cuisine, I highly recommend the Bandeja Paisa, a typical dish from the northwest region. I call it "everything including the kitchen sink". A steal at $8.50, this one includes just about everything: a grilled skirt steak, fried pork rind, a fried egg, beans, rice, fried plantains, a slice of avocado, and an arepa. It's an overwhelming sight. But delicious, nonetheless, as I have never found any problems finishing the entire order -- of course, I've always been a big eater, despite my size. The flavorful steak is pounded flat then grilled. Its simplicity complemented by a good dousing of the fantastic cilantro-vinaigrette sauce (Colombia's answer to ketchup). The fried pork belly (chicharron) with the rind included is my absolute favorite. It is perfectly cooked to a crisp golden brown. Think of it as a glorified fried pork chop. It's finger-lickin' good! The rice and beans are also notches above the usual. Theirs are house made. And tasty. The plantains are sweet and balances the entire dish. The arepa, sadly, is forgettable. It's chalky and hard. I've been eating arepas forever, compliments of family friends who make arepas from scratch and literally hand-carry them on their flight to Atlanta everytime they return from a visit to Bogota. In fact, their cheese-filled arepas are to die for. But I digress. The Pechuga De Pollo or grilled chicken plate is another solid choice. The flat chicken breast is flavorful and grilled perfectly. It comes with a side salad, rice, and fried sweet plantains. For something lighter, the steak tacos are a perfect choice. An order gets you 3 corn tacos filled with thick chunks of steak topped with cilantro and onions. It's the best value on the menu at $4.50 per order which has the same amount of steak as the plates. Not on the menu, the big bowl of steaming chicken rice soup is a great starter. Although be warned that this isn't the chicken soup you're probably accustomed to. Theirs has curry, which adds a big punch to an otherwise common fare. I'm not very fond of their empanada as I've always loved Cuban empanadas. Casa Vieja's empanadas are filled with chicken curry stew which is good; just not my favorite type. For great Colombian food, Casa Vieja is the answer. The food is good, the place is clean, and the service is efficient and friendly.
(5)Adam Y.
I went to Casa Vieja last week for lunch for some authentic columbian cuisine and was not disappointed. I couldn't believe how good the guava juice was. It was funny, everyone in the restaurant was drinking juice instead of soda or tea. I found out why, the juices are great. My fried pork entree was very large and they have a wide variety of sides to choose from. I was very pleased with the whole experience and will definitely be back.
(4)Heather N.
We always go to La Casona for Columbian, but wanted to try something different today, and Casa Vieja was good. The only thing I missed was the tiny dessert cups they give you at La Casona, but the atmosphere at Casa Vieja is warmer and the servers are, too. I like the tiled tables. The thin, fried pork I had was bigger than my head and very hard to stop munching down, and even then, I had enough for a light dinner later. Gotta love Bandeja Paisa, also known as meat and meat with a side of fried meat, beans, rice, avocado, plantains, and chewy bread balls. The steak is pretty bland but chicharron is good. La Casona has better food, but i like the vibe here more. Cheers~
(4)Robert M.
One of my best friends was the one who told me about this place and how great it is. I will state, as a caveat, that my aformentioned friend, Andy, is a bit of a dork. This restaurant is located in a part of Chamblee that is off my radar screen so I would not have known about it otherwise. Andy told me how he and a buddy of his at work (presumably Colombian) go here all the time for lunch even though they work in Duluth - quite some distance away. Truth be told, Andy is no sophisticated foodie when it comes to choosing places to go eat. He comes here because he says the lunch deal is cheap and he says the women who eat here during the lunchtime hour on a workday are smoking hot. His description of the food was something like, "What a deal!..for like six bucks you get a steak, some rice, beans, salad, and fried bananas (plantains)." His description of the women, "Man, you won't believe it!... like THE hottest women I have ever seen go here to eat every day; I love it!..And they drive BMWs!" Anyway, based on his descriptions, I decided to go here and see for myself. But I read the reviews from some other yelpers first. Based on the reviews of some other yelpers, I opted to try the Bandeja Paisa. I have to say it was great and looked almost exactly like the photos some others have posted. I found the Bandeja Paisa to be very enjoyable, unusual and filling. There was a lot of meat there on the plate that one must cut into pieces with knife and fork. Some might have a problem with that fact. If you are the type who finds it annoying to have to stop eating in order to cut up pieces of meat (for yourself or for a child or a spouse / significant other), then you might refrain from ordering this dish. I also opted to apply a generous amount of the peppery, herb-infused vinegar sauce, which enhances the already great flavor of the food rather nicely. Heather N. described the dish rather accurately and succinctly by stating that it is "meat and meat with a side of fried meat, beans, rice, avocado, plantains, and chewy bread balls." I opted for a guava juice mixed with water as my beverage, also very tasty, but in an unusual but refreshing alternative to coke or tea. I enjoyed my meal but am not sure whether or not I will return often. For 16 bucks and change I have to be able to say that I loved my overall experience to justify frequent visits; and I am not able to say that based upon my first visit.
(3)Omar R.
Staff is always very nice, the restaurant is very cozy and clean, with the exception of the bathroom from time to time. The food is usually hit or miss, usually good, but every once in a while you may leave upset with what you just paid for.
(3)Felix A.
Not bad, but not great either. I ordered the Skirt Steak and I asked them to make it rare for me. Instead, I received a cheap cut of chuck steak that resembled rubber in its chewy, severely overcooked form. I was shocked that they could advertise the item as "skirt steak" on the menu and then serve something entirely different. The rest of my group enjoyed their meals, and the empanadas were hot, crispy, and delicious. Also, the service was very good. So, come and try it out, but beware of the so-called skirt steak.
(3)Mark K.
The last time I ate at this restaurant was in 2006. After eating there recently, I have to wonder why I do not go there often. The empanada was good although not in a slap-your-momma kinda way. The chicharron reminded me of a walk in the country on a warm summer's eve, air filled with the scents of god's good creations....I digress. I haven't met a chicharron I didnt take a likin to...so I may be a little biased on this one. My friend got some chicken dish which looked really good, although I didnt have the time to think of asking for any because my meal had been brought out. I added a picture of it to the website, its the mojarra colobiano, or fried red tilapia. That sumbtich was a bit bigger than I anticipated and it came with rice, delicious sweet fried plantains, and a lettuce, tomato, onion, avacado salad. The fry the whole fish and it sits there almost daring you to finish eating it. Lets just say I had fish for lunch the day after. The fish has minimal flavor, but after adding salt it becomes something like a walk in the country etc. The service was prompt and polite, although I went there at 6 (closing time is at 7) and there were very few patrons. This restaurant is a hole in the wall on shallowford road but well worth the ocassional visit, especially with the comparitively low bill I got for getting an appetizer, juice and a fried fish dinner.
(4)Carlos P.
This I my 10th time I have come. Now as a Colombian I enjoy the authenticness of the food and the atmosphere. Anyone who comes should know that the food and some of the drink comes from a long history of great food and recipes passed for generations. The bandeja paisa is one of the most filling, and offers a majority of the various flavors of other dishes and you will most likely have left overs. Service is great. Enjoy!
(5)Mark M.
Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, great meal for the price.
(4)Vanessa T.
The bandeja, which I use as a litmus test at Colombian restaurants, didn't bring the noise. The cut of meat was on the waifish side and the flavor was really perplexing: it kind of tasted like beef, but it kind of tasted like pork and entrails. It must have absorbed various flavors running amok on the grill, resulting in my panda face. A second eyebrow raise goes to the fact their bandeja paisa comes without chorizo, which is straight up blasphemy. You shouldn't have to pay extra for all the customary accompaniments of the traditional dish. The guanabana batido was on point, as were all the other parts of the bandeja: rice, beans, plantains, avocado, chicharron [nicely done], and fried egg. Odd: They don't sell regular-sized arepas, just mini ones. I would not bring someone who has never had arepas here. The miniature ones aren't really comparable. Awesome: While I didn't try it this time around, they had mazamorra and bocadillo on the menu, which no other Colombian restaurant I've been to in Georgia carries. I don't often have the craving for it, but when I do, it's violent. Hurray for the end of bloodshed.
(3)Canyouwoowoo W.
My sweet mother, the wonderful woman she is, was leaving on a missionary trip to Latin America the next day. To help her get acclimated to the food, I took her to Casa Vieja. I ordered the steak'n'onions (Bistec Encebollado) platter, which included rice, fried yucca, and salad, and she tried the grilled chicken, with fried plantains, rice, and salad. "Mi Dios!" we both thought, as the plates came out. They were HUGE! Overall, the food was good. The sides were all on point - but the truth is, I've had better Columbian steak (Queens, New York has spoiled me). Still, if you're into the latin meat and rice thing, then the overall service, presentation, and portions make it worthwhile... Located in a small strip mall near Buford Highway that reminds you of a Mexican B-movie from the '70s... Think cops with thick mustaches and Ray-Bans, with oversized belt... but I digress.
(3)Jason F.
You get a lot for your money and the quality is very good (not the same as going to colombia, but this is a little cheaper than flying to another country) . If you like meat and Columbian food then you will love this place. The service and the food are good if you like your food on the more authentic side. If you want Tex-mex of some hipster burrito stuff (raging burrito) then go somewhere else.
(3)Lee L.
The restaurant is true to its name... the food reminds you of something a Colombian grandma would make :) I ordered a chicken thigh dish with sauce & yucca (I might've butchered the name.... it's the 3rd or 4th one up from the bottom in the meat section of the menu). The sauce was kind of like a tomato based soup- light but yummy. The soup flavors the rice that's provided on the side very nicely. The chicken was also very tender. Also had an empanada (fried goodness... ahh) and a guava juice with water. So nummy. It's funny how in this ghetto looking plaza there are two quality restaurants. Hopefully we'll be back in the future to try more!
(4)D L.
A lunch special: - thickly cut, grilled pork chop - beets salad - bean soup - guava juice Great service. Delicious food. I think my favorite remains the bandeja paisa. I love this place- no matter what people may say about their "pre-made" empanadas.
(5)John E.
You can find Casa Vieja on Shallowford Rd in Doraville on one of those cut-through streets. It's in the middle of a small strip mall that looks like if fell off the face of the earth, with almost all ethnic shops and restaurants. Parking is fairly cramped so you may have to walk a bit but the food is worth it. I hit Casa Vieja on a Friday when I didn't have much going on and was just looking for something different for lunch, preferably in an area I don't usually visit but not too far from the house (I had taken the day off). It popped up on Yelp as I was driving near Doraville so I decided to give it a try. The shopping center reminded me of being in a border town, very ethnic with an interestate bus pick-up going on nearby and tons of people with luggage. Don't let the shanty-like appearance fool you though as the food at Casa Vieja is very solid Colombian-style cuisine. The interior is very bright and the place was packed. I was taken to the only open table and there were several groups, mostly of Latinos but I spotted an occasional American, probably from local businesses. The menu has 4 pages that was broken up into Entradas (Appetizers), Carnes (Meats), Comida de Mar (Seafood), Especiales (Daily Specials for both Saturday and Sunday), Botanas Mexicanas (a few Mexican items), Postres (Desserts) and Bebidas (Beverages. The servers were very attentive and even with broken English were able to describe the contents of the various meals and the lunch specials - there were two, a fish that I didn't pay too much attention to and the Bandeja Paisa (lunch portion so smaller than the regular platter, plus it came with a juice drink - I chose the raspberry, all for $7.99). I really like the Paisa's that you usually find in Colombian restaurants - they have a variety of meats (carne asada and chicharones), a fried egg, rice, beans, maduros style plantains and an arepa in this example. I liked everything except the arepa (but in general I don't care for them much - in some Columbian restaurants you get tostones instead). I found the food very good and the portion perfect for lunch. As with just about all of the Colombian restaurants I've visited, the food took a bit longer to make it to the table once ordered, but I'm guessing that this is typical - the flip side is that the food is worth waiting for and so far I haven't been disappointed. (also posted to my food blog)
(4)Andy S.
Date: Sunday: Lunch This Colombian restaurant hit the spot. MINI BANDEJA PAISA W/ CARNE ASADA $10.90 Overall the food was good especially for the price. The place is cool and has potential if they choose better quality products. I would choose a better meat cut like Skirt Stake and upgrade the silverware.
(3)Cata E.
Best Colombian food in the Atlanta area unless you are going to make it at home. I always come back here knowing it's going to be satisfying. The sancocho is tasty, juices, and bandeja paisa. I've also had the chuleta caleña here and it's legit. They're not cheap with the limes and are all pleasant.
(5)Tuong Vi P.
Here is affirmation in 2013 that this place is still awesome. I came here with two of my co-workers for lunch on Friday and we all got the mini bandeja paisa. The plaza in which this restaurant is just as others describe; kind of sketchy and is not the best prelude to what you will experience inside. This is a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, which are probably my favorite types of establishments. First of all, I am all about supporting small businesses; they bring so much color and flavor to our neighborhoods. Second, I loooooooove cheap eats. Maybe it's my background (literally grew up in poverty--which I am thankful for as it shaped me immensely) but there is something comforting to me when I can eat with no pretense. So my booth benchmate got the same thing as me, the bandeja with carne asada (thin steak) while our lunch companion got carne molida (ground beef). It was a nice portion, just what I wanted for lunch and I had made a point to skip my mid-morning snack for this feast. On the plate, we had rice, beans, sweet plantains (can I start the trend of having people pronounce this word correctly, please? The word rhymes with "mountains." Just sayin', folks.), a small arepa, the aforementioned meat, a piece of chicharón and a fried egg. Perfectly fried. I first just stared at the plate and when I finally came to my senses, I took a picture (this must annoy all my eating partners, as I go out with mostly non-Yelpers). When I dug in, I immediately thanked myself for not consuming unneeded calories earlier, as I was probably going to eat all of this food. Amazingly, drinking water and having good company will force you to pace yourself as you grub. So my belly felt full before I finished and at the end, I made valiant efforts to keep pushing on. But alas, I failed anyway to go all the way. Service was fast and friendly. I wish someone would have told us that we had to go up to the counter to pay, as we spent extra time talking, thinking the bill was on its (slow) way. We are all Spanish-speaking, so we had no communication barriers. Totally recommended for lunch, as this plate came out less than $7 with tax. Can you really beat that?
(4)Marian M.
Excelent and authentic Colombian restaurant. It is a hole in the wall but their food is wonderful. The attention is great. I usually order the grilled chicken that comes with salad ,excelent well made rice and plantains. Their portions are huge.
(5)Jeff O.
I have been many times. The reason I go back is because I get treated with like if was back in Colombia. I order the Chuleta de Pollo which a chicken breast which is flattened and sliced then fried. Add some rice and beans and some Tostones it's like my mom made it just for me. The fruit Maracuya ( passion fruit ) without milk because that how I like it many prefer the milk because they are suppose to be milkshakes again they do it just the way I like it, is the best remedy to quench your tastebuds with your meal. Highly recommend it to all my Colombians its a home away from home or new comers you will feel welcome, grab a table first come first serve and enjoy. Bon appetit!
(5)Stephania H.
Best empanadas out of 4 colombian restaurant i have visit, huge portions everything is delicious and next door is a colombiAn store best pan con queso
(5)Stephen H.
Food here is definitely a good representation of Colombian food, but isn't the best I've had. I give that honor to La Casona. However, this place also serves delicious food with good service. I ordered the Bandeja Paisa which is my Colombian standard. I did find there was a bit of a communication breakdown here and pointing was done more than speaking...it was also strange that my in law and I went in and it was two of us and then one table of native speaking men who looked at us very wearily as we were seated. I'd go back, but as long as La Casona is around, I'll probably frequent there.
(4)Ronnie E.
Good Colombian food that is within 15 minutes of downtown ATL. I always get the bandeja piasa and a blackberry shake here. Great flavors and good prices always have me coming back to this place.
(5)Esther V.
Very nice service. The food is pretty authentic. I had the ajiaco, not the best I've had but still tasty. Will be coming back for another try.
(4)Lou G.
This is a great Colombian Restaurant. Although located in a sketchy strip center shared with Batavia, Casa Vieja definitely delivers a great "hole in the wall" experience. Decorated in the lively, traditional colors of the Colombian flag: Yellow, for the gold found in Colombia, blue for the oceans of it's shores, and red for the blood shed for the country's independence. The interior decor has charming accents and references to farming and Colombian country living. Barrel tiles and accessories create the feeling of being in a rural town with makeshift barber shop, pharmacy and other small shops.. This place is usually packed at lunch and for good reason. Everyday there is a new lunch special, a hefty meal for $6. Whatever it is, go for it. Today the special was a large soup, fried chicken, potato salad and a fruit juice (guava, blackberry, mango or guanabano). Everyone who ordered it was impressed. The two vegetarians in our group ordered the mini Bandeja Paisa, which included beans, rice, fried bananas, a miniature arepa, side salad, avocado slice and a fried egg. Service was fast and super friendly, although it might have helped that we were invited by a "genuine" Colombian! I like this place! Muy Bueno!
(4)Lillie M.
This is by far my favorite place to eat at lunch time. When you drive up it diff looks like a whole in the wall. Nothing special on the outside but when you go in they have a pretty decent setup. All Colombian themed. I go for the lunch special so with the meal drink and tip I walk out spending $9-10 for myself. I get so tired of eating fast food this food taste like home made food like my grandmother or mom just finish making it. Its fast cheap and yummy. Oh and they play good salsa music! Service is good. Haven't had any issues with that they pretty much take your and order bring your food.
(5)Jang C.
This looks like a very authentic Colombian restaurant. Seriously, when we drove up, I felt like I was in some small town in Latin America. The staff seemed authentic. They could barely speak English. But they knew enough to communicate. I love going to authentic places. I actually like these type of experiences. They have lunch specials depending on the day. On Friday, it's the Bandeja Paisa. On Thursday, the day we went, it was the Tilapia. I ordered the Mini Bandeja. The mini bandeja had egg, avocado, steak, plantains, chicharron, beans and rice. I think the full version has chorizo. I'm glad I ordered the Mini version because this version was still huge. Bandeja Paisas are usually huge anyway. The steak tasted okay. It was tough and seemed like a cheap cut of meat. I'm not a fan of chicharrons. They're always rock hard at every place I go. Done right, they're decent at best. I didn't like Casa Vieja's that much. Their egg seemed overdone to me. I wished the yolk was more runny. The rice and beans were average. At least I enjoyed their plantains. I also tried their empanada. It was good. They fried it well. Overall, it's an okay Colombian Restaurant. It is cheap and authentic; at least they got that going for them.
(3)David G.
Super great food! Super awesome service. The girls are very attentive and the food comes out really quick. Don't waste your time at nasty la Casona or la abuela. Come here come here come here!!!!!
(5)Rodrigo L.
Great food. The Ajiaco is great. The juices, Lulo, Maracuya, made to perfection. The Picada tastes as if it was cooked in one of the best restaurants in Colombia.
(4)Mitzi S.
Delicious food and great service.. Ask for the special of the day.. Excellent price. My Huspand and I ate lunch for $12 with drinks included.
(5)Lacey H.
The service was good and the food looked amazing....and the three bites I had of the food were very promising. However as much as I wish this was not the truth....after those three promising bites I saw a mommy roach and two baby roaches crawling on the wall next to the booth.....nine inches from me and my food. A little dirt doesn't scare me away.....but roaches definitely do. If these folks were to set up shop in a new sanitary location, I would be their first customer.
(1)Shea M.
I haven't found a Colombian restaurant that beats this one. Service is good, food is solid.
(4)Vanessa T.
The bandeja, which I use as a litmus test at Colombian restaurants, didn't bring the noise. The cut of meat was on the waifish side and the flavor was really perplexing: it kind of tasted like beef, but it kind of tasted like pork and entrails. It must have absorbed various flavors running amok on the grill, resulting in my panda face. A second eyebrow raise goes to the fact their bandeja paisa comes without chorizo, which is straight up blasphemy. You shouldn't have to pay extra for all the customary accompaniments of the traditional dish. The guanabana batido was on point, as were all the other parts of the bandeja: rice, beans, plantains, avocado, chicharron [nicely done], and fried egg. Odd: They don't sell regular-sized arepas, just mini ones. I would not bring someone who has never had arepas here. The miniature ones aren't really comparable. Awesome: While I didn't try it this time around, they had mazamorra and bocadillo on the menu, which no other Colombian restaurant I've been to in Georgia carries. I don't often have the craving for it, but when I do, it's violent. Hurray for the end of bloodshed.
(3)Canyouwoowoo W.
My sweet mother, the wonderful woman she is, was leaving on a missionary trip to Latin America the next day. To help her get acclimated to the food, I took her to Casa Vieja. I ordered the steak'n'onions (Bistec Encebollado) platter, which included rice, fried yucca, and salad, and she tried the grilled chicken, with fried plantains, rice, and salad. "Mi Dios!" we both thought, as the plates came out. They were HUGE! Overall, the food was good. The sides were all on point - but the truth is, I've had better Columbian steak (Queens, New York has spoiled me). Still, if you're into the latin meat and rice thing, then the overall service, presentation, and portions make it worthwhile... Located in a small strip mall near Buford Highway that reminds you of a Mexican B-movie from the '70s... Think cops with thick mustaches and Ray-Bans, with oversized belt... but I digress.
(3)Jason F.
You get a lot for your money and the quality is very good (not the same as going to colombia, but this is a little cheaper than flying to another country) . If you like meat and Columbian food then you will love this place. The service and the food are good if you like your food on the more authentic side. If you want Tex-mex of some hipster burrito stuff (raging burrito) then go somewhere else.
(3)KaeAnne P.
Great warm feeling. Very healthy portions! Waitress was super busy, but still checked on the table and suggested good menus items.
(5)francisco c.
This place is awesome,,truly Colombian food, excellen prices,,but keep in mind that their portions are huge,,so before ordering anything ask about it,,or prepare to share,,the bandeja paisa regular size,,wow huge enough for 2 or 3 people,,if alone order mini and stil a lot,,,also their daily lunch special amazing, cant beat their price and comes with a drink, usually a fruit juice, rice, salad, some plaintain, soup and meat,,,
(5)Alexandra G.
Not many Colombian restaurants in the area and being that I live on johns creek I always drive a little distance to get here. Food is totally worth it.. I've had the chicken soup, bandeja paisa and a few other dishes. All is delicious!
(5)Ivan S.
I am not knowledgeable about Colombian food. Well, I'm knowledgeable enough to know that if you spell "Colombia" as "Columbia," a Colombian native will rain pain on you like, well, the Space Shuttle Columbia (spelled with a "u," of course.) So no, I don't know much about the food. And that is why I travel with my own pocket Colombian i.e., Vanessa T. "Let's grab lunch," I suggested. She chose. She also ordered. We both had the bandeja, the South American equivalent to upstate NY's "garbage plate." Really, it's a little bit of everything plated together to make a whole lot of, uh, bandeja. Contrary to my early statements about my level of knowledge about Colombian food, this isn't the first time I've had bandeja. I've actually had it a few times at Presto in Marietta. Using that as a frame of reference, Casa Vieja's wasn't as good. I confirmed this feeling with Vanessa who concurred. The steak tasted almost "hot dog-like" something I attributed to the flat top it was cooked on. The arepas were doughy. The chicharron was crunchy and heart-stoppingly good though. In all, the food was interesting, but Presto's was tastier. (Though, mind you, Presto's atmosphere is cafeteria-chic, while Casa Vieja manages to look like a real restaurant.) Though Coke products aren't listed on the menu, they have cans available for purchase.
(3)David R.
Great place for Colombian food. I usually always get the Bandeja Paisa and mango juice (or guava juice) Casual; just walk in and take a seat. Great food and great service!
(5)Ben D.
Two words: bandeja paisa. It's massive here, and I'd be willing to wager that the life expectancy of Colombians is low. Quick synopsis: Deep fried pork belly, Colombian chorizo (dominates Mexican chorizo), steak, rice, pintos, a fried egg, fried plantains, an avocado, a corn roll, and a partridge in a pear tree. They have a special sugar water that tastes like sock water, but it's kind of charming.
(4)David G.
Masive bandeja paisa, great Colombian food. I've tried a couple more Colombian restaurants in town and I always go back to Casa Vieja.
(5)Edith S.
If you lived in the Doraville area, like me, then you know this is the best Colombian food restaurant in town! I've brought my North American friends here and each one has gone back to eat there! My favorite plate is the Pechuga de Polla, which is grilled chicken breast and comes with white rice, sweet plantain and a side salad. I love the colorful interior design of this establishment; it feels very humble and homey. Also, you can easily find their menu on Fb! Chiao for now :)
(5)Robert M.
One of my best friends was the one who told me about this place and how great it is. I will state, as a caveat, that my aformentioned friend, Andy, is a bit of a dork. This restaurant is located in a part of Chamblee that is off my radar screen so I would not have known about it otherwise. Andy told me how he and a buddy of his at work (presumably Colombian) go here all the time for lunch even though they work in Duluth - quite some distance away. Truth be told, Andy is no sophisticated foodie when it comes to choosing places to go eat. He comes here because he says the lunch deal is cheap and he says the women who eat here during the lunchtime hour on a workday are smoking hot. His description of the food was something like, "What a deal!..for like six bucks you get a steak, some rice, beans, salad, and fried bananas (plantains)." His description of the women, "Man, you won't believe it!... like THE hottest women I have ever seen go here to eat every day; I love it!..And they drive BMWs!" Anyway, based on his descriptions, I decided to go here and see for myself. But I read the reviews from some other yelpers first. Based on the reviews of some other yelpers, I opted to try the Bandeja Paisa. I have to say it was great and looked almost exactly like the photos some others have posted. I found the Bandeja Paisa to be very enjoyable, unusual and filling. There was a lot of meat there on the plate that one must cut into pieces with knife and fork. Some might have a problem with that fact. If you are the type who finds it annoying to have to stop eating in order to cut up pieces of meat (for yourself or for a child or a spouse / significant other), then you might refrain from ordering this dish. I also opted to apply a generous amount of the peppery, herb-infused vinegar sauce, which enhances the already great flavor of the food rather nicely. Heather N. described the dish rather accurately and succinctly by stating that it is "meat and meat with a side of fried meat, beans, rice, avocado, plantains, and chewy bread balls." I opted for a guava juice mixed with water as my beverage, also very tasty, but in an unusual but refreshing alternative to coke or tea. I enjoyed my meal but am not sure whether or not I will return often. For 16 bucks and change I have to be able to say that I loved my overall experience to justify frequent visits; and I am not able to say that based upon my first visit.
(3)Omar R.
Staff is always very nice, the restaurant is very cozy and clean, with the exception of the bathroom from time to time. The food is usually hit or miss, usually good, but every once in a while you may leave upset with what you just paid for.
(3)Adam Y.
I went to Casa Vieja last week for lunch for some authentic columbian cuisine and was not disappointed. I couldn't believe how good the guava juice was. It was funny, everyone in the restaurant was drinking juice instead of soda or tea. I found out why, the juices are great. My fried pork entree was very large and they have a wide variety of sides to choose from. I was very pleased with the whole experience and will definitely be back.
(4)Felix A.
Not bad, but not great either. I ordered the Skirt Steak and I asked them to make it rare for me. Instead, I received a cheap cut of chuck steak that resembled rubber in its chewy, severely overcooked form. I was shocked that they could advertise the item as "skirt steak" on the menu and then serve something entirely different. The rest of my group enjoyed their meals, and the empanadas were hot, crispy, and delicious. Also, the service was very good. So, come and try it out, but beware of the so-called skirt steak.
(3)Heather N.
We always go to La Casona for Columbian, but wanted to try something different today, and Casa Vieja was good. The only thing I missed was the tiny dessert cups they give you at La Casona, but the atmosphere at Casa Vieja is warmer and the servers are, too. I like the tiled tables. The thin, fried pork I had was bigger than my head and very hard to stop munching down, and even then, I had enough for a light dinner later. Gotta love Bandeja Paisa, also known as meat and meat with a side of fried meat, beans, rice, avocado, plantains, and chewy bread balls. The steak is pretty bland but chicharron is good. La Casona has better food, but i like the vibe here more. Cheers~
(4)Mark K.
The last time I ate at this restaurant was in 2006. After eating there recently, I have to wonder why I do not go there often. The empanada was good although not in a slap-your-momma kinda way. The chicharron reminded me of a walk in the country on a warm summer's eve, air filled with the scents of god's good creations....I digress. I haven't met a chicharron I didnt take a likin to...so I may be a little biased on this one. My friend got some chicken dish which looked really good, although I didnt have the time to think of asking for any because my meal had been brought out. I added a picture of it to the website, its the mojarra colobiano, or fried red tilapia. That sumbtich was a bit bigger than I anticipated and it came with rice, delicious sweet fried plantains, and a lettuce, tomato, onion, avacado salad. The fry the whole fish and it sits there almost daring you to finish eating it. Lets just say I had fish for lunch the day after. The fish has minimal flavor, but after adding salt it becomes something like a walk in the country etc. The service was prompt and polite, although I went there at 6 (closing time is at 7) and there were very few patrons. This restaurant is a hole in the wall on shallowford road but well worth the ocassional visit, especially with the comparitively low bill I got for getting an appetizer, juice and a fried fish dinner.
(4)Carlos P.
This I my 10th time I have come. Now as a Colombian I enjoy the authenticness of the food and the atmosphere. Anyone who comes should know that the food and some of the drink comes from a long history of great food and recipes passed for generations. The bandeja paisa is one of the most filling, and offers a majority of the various flavors of other dishes and you will most likely have left overs. Service is great. Enjoy!
(5)Mark M.
Enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, great meal for the price.
(4)Lee L.
The restaurant is true to its name... the food reminds you of something a Colombian grandma would make :) I ordered a chicken thigh dish with sauce & yucca (I might've butchered the name.... it's the 3rd or 4th one up from the bottom in the meat section of the menu). The sauce was kind of like a tomato based soup- light but yummy. The soup flavors the rice that's provided on the side very nicely. The chicken was also very tender. Also had an empanada (fried goodness... ahh) and a guava juice with water. So nummy. It's funny how in this ghetto looking plaza there are two quality restaurants. Hopefully we'll be back in the future to try more!
(4)D L.
A lunch special: - thickly cut, grilled pork chop - beets salad - bean soup - guava juice Great service. Delicious food. I think my favorite remains the bandeja paisa. I love this place- no matter what people may say about their "pre-made" empanadas.
(5)Chloe M.
Casa Vieja has been my long time go-to place for my pork-grease fixes. Like most places on Buford Hwy, it has a cult following of office lunch crowd; although their main business comes from fellow Colombians who tend to linger over a leisurely meal. Case Vieja's homey and colorful ambiance attempt to imitate its homeland. Scenes from everyday life are depicted in every corner with murals that resemble a studio backdrop. It's enough to get you in the mood and think you're eating in a far away place. Add to that a staff that is warm, efficient, and forgiving of a gringo's lack of familiarity with the Spanish language and you'd really feel like you've been transported back. If you want to get a taste of a typical Colombian cuisine, I highly recommend the Bandeja Paisa, a typical dish from the northwest region. I call it "everything including the kitchen sink". A steal at $8.50, this one includes just about everything: a grilled skirt steak, fried pork rind, a fried egg, beans, rice, fried plantains, a slice of avocado, and an arepa. It's an overwhelming sight. But delicious, nonetheless, as I have never found any problems finishing the entire order -- of course, I've always been a big eater, despite my size. The flavorful steak is pounded flat then grilled. Its simplicity complemented by a good dousing of the fantastic cilantro-vinaigrette sauce (Colombia's answer to ketchup). The fried pork belly (chicharron) with the rind included is my absolute favorite. It is perfectly cooked to a crisp golden brown. Think of it as a glorified fried pork chop. It's finger-lickin' good! The rice and beans are also notches above the usual. Theirs are house made. And tasty. The plantains are sweet and balances the entire dish. The arepa, sadly, is forgettable. It's chalky and hard. I've been eating arepas forever, compliments of family friends who make arepas from scratch and literally hand-carry them on their flight to Atlanta everytime they return from a visit to Bogota. In fact, their cheese-filled arepas are to die for. But I digress. The Pechuga De Pollo or grilled chicken plate is another solid choice. The flat chicken breast is flavorful and grilled perfectly. It comes with a side salad, rice, and fried sweet plantains. For something lighter, the steak tacos are a perfect choice. An order gets you 3 corn tacos filled with thick chunks of steak topped with cilantro and onions. It's the best value on the menu at $4.50 per order which has the same amount of steak as the plates. Not on the menu, the big bowl of steaming chicken rice soup is a great starter. Although be warned that this isn't the chicken soup you're probably accustomed to. Theirs has curry, which adds a big punch to an otherwise common fare. I'm not very fond of their empanada as I've always loved Cuban empanadas. Casa Vieja's empanadas are filled with chicken curry stew which is good; just not my favorite type. For great Colombian food, Casa Vieja is the answer. The food is good, the place is clean, and the service is efficient and friendly.
(5)