La Casona Colombian Restaurant
3820 Stewart Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30340
La Casona Colombian Restaurant Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Atlanta for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
3820 Stewart Rd
Atlanta, GA, 30340 - Phone (770) 458-6657
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
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 : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Paige D.
Stopped in for lunch a few weeks ago. The empanadas were good, but nothing spectacular. We each ordered the bandeja paisa. The meat was somewhat tough. One of our eggs was overcooked so instead of being melty and delicious it was rock hard and rubbery. Not a fan. The portions are HUGE, though. I will say the blackberry batido (milkshake) I had with my meal was A++ Creamy, fruity, and refreshing. Icy fresh and perfect for a hot day.
(3)S. C.
It's where I go when I miss home. When I walk in and order the "Bandeja Paisa" I feel like I'm back in Colombia. Amazing!! You can't go wrong! Enjoy!
(5)Ernie U.
Just realized I wrote a review way back in 2011 and I'm still a regular visitor at La Casona today. Original review still stands. Haven't been disappointed yet. Visit at least once a month.
(4)Andrea C.
Such great service!! The bandeja paisa was fantastic! My friend had the arepa and loved it!! Arroz con pollo was so good!
(5)Iris M.
Excelent and authentic Colombian food. Great people and service. Everything is delicious!
(5)Sandra P. N.
Afforable comfort food. From a colombian perspective, food is tasty as colombian traditional food is. Fruit juices are refreshing but I wish they were made of real fresh fruit. Bandeja paisa is always the way to go. Surely I will come back to try other dishes from the menu.
(4)Anna V.
Awesome food, the waitresses were very nice and gave great service! I would definitely recommend this restaurant!
(5)April V.
Very good traditional Colombian food. My husband is Colombian so he tests every Colombian restaurant by getting the bandeja paisa and this one didn't disappoint him so we have kept going back for our Colombian food fix. I really like their arepas and empanadas for a little bit smaller meal. The grilled chicken is also very good.
(4)Stephen H.
I've been to Casa Vieja twice and wanted to try a new Colombian place to see if we had better options. I have to say I enjoy La Casona far more than I like Casa Vieja. This place has your typical Buford highway hispanic feel and the same great smells. The food here was outstanding and our waitress was a young bilingual lady who provided fantastic service. She recommended we start with their empanadas and they did not disappoint. They really could be Atlanta's best Colombian empanada (not the same as Mexican). I use the Bandeja Paisa as my standard for going into Colombian food and this place definitely delivered. The beans were PIPING hot and the rest of the food was cooked to perfection. Their chicharron was not hairy like at Casa Vieja and were much more tender. Their chorizo was also amazing. I'd go back here multiple times over and looking forward to my next visit here!!
(5)Andres J.
I am Colombian and it is with pain that it have to say this place does not represent our food and not to mention the awful service. Of a party of 12 they brought 4 times wrong dishes, the kitchen is extremely slow. We asked for an arepa with beef and they brought it with chicken and the waitress kept arguing that it was beef although it was clear that it was not. Please save your time and money. If you want to try a Colombian place try La Carreta. I am giving it one star because it is not possible to rate zero stars. Not coming back ever and certainly not taking or recombine it to anyone.
(1)Alex C.
This was my first time trying a Colombian restaurant, and honestly, it will probably be my last. The atmosphere is loud and unfriendly. The building was hot inside and the seating being crowded doesn't help it either. I ordered the Bandeja Paisa, which is their "signature dish". The food was bland and lacked a certain flavor that a signature dish would have. The waitress was awful. She only refilled our drinks once, and that was when we had to remind her. Keep in mind, we were here for a couple of hours. The only good thing about this place were the empanadas. They were excellent. The pricing on the food isn't bad either.
(2)Addy C.
A few wks ago I was battling a cold and I was on a quest for good chicken soup -- I remembered La Casona serving soup just wknds only ... which naturally made me think their soup must be really good. And it was. Out of the 3-4 chicken soups I tried that wknd, this was probably my favorite. HEN SOUP - $10 This soup has plantain, yuca, potato, corn (YUM), carrot, cilantro (wish there was more) and 1/4 chicken (incl. skin). Appreciated seeing the greasy film = real chicken broth. Thought $10 might be pricey for soup -- but their soup also comes with rice, sweet plantains (YUM), cilantro slaw (YUM) and avocado. in addition like the other entrees served at this restaurant, they provide complimentary rice pudding before your meal (yes dessert before your meal). You can check out my previous review for other recommended dishes. They also have all kinds of arepas here. Service is great too. i came on a Sunday morning and it was packed with families. True hidden gem - located on the side street next to QT. FYI - they close early for dinner. Open Mon-Sun 9-8pm.
(4)Toni W.
Confession: I know little to nothing about Colombian food. This was my first experience. The spot was a little tricky to find, but once I found it, it had ample parking. The restaurant was fairly large, but was not very crowded early on the Friday evening that my friends and I visited. The decor was lovely. Service was attentive and helpful. Based on other Yelp reviews, I tried the guava juice with milk. It was outstanding. Nothing like having the equivalent of a milkshake with dinner! We started with the empanadas and found them to be excellent, as well. My friends and I all tried the Mini Bandeja Paisa. It was a ton of food and absolutely delicious. I would recommend this spot!
(4)Daniel B.
La Casona Colombian Restaurant is hidden behind the QuikTrip at Buford Highway and I-285. The storefront is located on Stewart Road and is visible from Buford Highway, particularly when heading south. La Casona is one of only a handful of restaurants I'm aware of that serves authentic Colombian cuisine inside the perimeter. The business is open seven days a week, 9am to 8pm, serving breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. $6.99 breakfast specials are offered until 11:30am and $7.95-8.95 lunch specials are offered from 11:30am-3:00pm. Certain special dishes are available on the weekends only. Some of these dishes include sancocho de gallina (hen soup), mondongo (tripe soup), and medallones de bagre en leche de coco (fish soup in coconut milk). The restaurant is in a standalone building with a small parking lot. The interior of the restaurant is spacious with several sections of seating. Most of the tables are four-tops and there are a few booths. The restaurant is clean and the atmosphere is casual. There is quite a bit of variety on the menu. It includes tostones (salty fried plantain slices), appetizers such as empanadas, arepitas (Colombian cornmeal fritters), chorizo sausage, and soups, spaghetti pasta dishes, arepas (Colombian corn-based flatbreads), seafood, Bandeja Paisa (traditional Colombian food platter), steaks, pork, chicken, and desserts such as figs with dulce de leche and flan. Beverage-wise, they offer many Colombian fruit juices (with and without milk) and Colombian sodas too (e.g. Colombiana). Outside of the breakfast and lunch specials, expect to spend roughly $3-6 each for most of the appetizers, $6-7 for each arepa (they're big), $10-15 per soup, $10-16 each for most of the meat and seafood entrees, and $11-13 each for the Bandeja Paisa platters. Portion sizes are generous and I consider this place a good value. Here's a rundown of the items I've tried: Appetizers/Sides: Empanada - stuffed beef pastry Morcilla con arepita - traditional rice sausage with arepita Fried yuca with garlic sauce Entrees: Tostones with chicken Lengua (tongue) arepa Arepa with chicken, pineapple, and avocado Pechuga a la Plancha - grilled chicken entree Mondongo - tripe soup Bandeja Paisa - grilled steak, pork skin, egg, sausage, sweet plantains, avocado, arepita, rice and beans Beverages: Guanabana (soursop juice) with milk Guayaba - guava juice Lulo juice My favorite dish is the Bandeja Paisa. The full version is about $13 and the "mini" version is about $11. The mini version contains all of the foods listed in the description in the list above except for chorizo sausage. Both contain a lot of food. The grilled steak is a cheap cut, but it's hard to complain given the price. Two chicharron strips (pork skin/rinds) are provided, a fried egg, the aforementioned chorizo link, two maduros, a fresh half avocado slice, arepita, rice, and beans. I like the plump and flavorful sausage the best followed by the fatty chicharron strips. The arepitas (small arepas) are soft and appetizing. The white rice seems to be lightly seasoned with salt. The morcilla is good and savory. It's Colombia's version of blood sausage, made with cooked and congealed bloods plus rice and spices. The empanada and fried yuca aren't bad. The empanada is flaky and moist while the yuca is cooked to order and served piping hot. The tostones and arepas are straightforward and look rather plain, but they taste better than they look. One order of tostones comes with four tostones (plantain slices topped with ingredients). Four tostones fill an entire plate. The chicken tostones are topped with seasoned, shredded chicken. One arepa takes up most of a plate. The lengua arepa comes with a heaping portion of chopped beef tongue cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. It's lengua overload and perfect for those who are a fan of beef tongue. The arepa with chicken, pineapple, and avocado tastes exactly how it sounds. It uses the same seasoned, shredded chicken as described in the tostones above. The pineapple chunks taste less like pineapple and more like applesauce or apple pie. The mondongo soup is tasty. It's made from tripe (cow's stomach) plus various other ingredients such as potatoes and carrots. The broth is light, slightly oily, yellow in color, and the soup is topped with a bit of cilantro. The tripe is diced. Note tripe can be an acquired taste as it does have a unique finish to it. Some may find the taste/odor unpleasant. The soup comes with a side plate of rice, tostones, slaw, and avocado. The Pechuga a la Plancha is a basic satisfying dish. Its sister dish, Pechuga Empanizada (breaded chicken cutlet), looks comforting as well. Both come with rice, salad, and a side. The juices are A-OK. Of the ones I've tried, I prefer the guava. The juices are on the milder side. Lulo is a Colombian fruit which looks like a small orange. The fruit also resembles a tomato, but it has a citrus flavor. Service is very good. Gloria is excellent.
(4)Wendy M.
Love the food. Very friendly was worth the drive of 30 mins. The chicken pasteles was amazing.!
(4)Brett S.
This place is authentic Colombian with Colombian expats. Casona means big house and that was about the size of the restaurant. Bathrooms were clean and welcoming. Come hungry as they feed well. We were only the third set of guests in the place because of the time we came in to eat. Most in my party had Jugo de Guanbana or Maracuya and there were many refills at the table. I had the Bandeja Paisa (a combo plate) which had sausage, steak, chicharron, plantain, rice, beans and arepa. All was delicious. Others at the table had the lengua which was wonderfully tender. The meal was not expensive for the copious food you get and the menu was expansive. Wait staff was attentive. Buen Provecho!
(5)Reginald W.
The portions are great, huge actually. The service is pleasant, friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere is cheerful and comfortable. Unfortunately each separate element of the "plato fuerte", or large platter (which comes in two sizes, large and small--I had the small--still huge!) was bland and boring compared to other nearby Colombian restaurants, one across Buford Highway and another on Jimmy Carter. My wife's "sopa de gallina", or chicken soup was also enormous but none of the vegetables had much flavor and the chicken was devoid of flavor and very dry and stringy, as if it had been frozen for a year and/or was an old worn out laying hen that was no longer productive. This was a return visit to give the place a second chance. Should be 2 & 1/2 stars if only for the food but all else was nice, so three.
(3)Rodney A.
Bandeja Paisa!!! The best around. Large portions and not expensive at all. I also love their mango de leche...mmm delish!
(5)Ebony B.
I came to LA Casona after not being here for years. It was my go to place for cheap healthy and hearty lunch food during my pregnancy. Those women servers were all still there, and still asking me about my daughter. After all these years I was remembered and it felt fantastic to have some familiarity and consistency amidst all of the chaos in my life this past year. They have added new menu items. On Thursday they have something called... The campesinos sudado or something like that. Dear sweet baby Jean it was amazing. It's plantain, cassava, yam provisions in a fig leaf with stew beef and chicken served over rice with salad and plantain. It was amazing. Of course it still comes with a soup but I think they did away with the dessert. The food did not disappoint. The lulo, panela, and soups were still yummy. My bae and I each had one of each special. The other was fried ribs with lentil soup. Mine was better but his was still delicious. The service is still pretty much you get your food and check, and then they're busy with other clients but I don't even care. I go there to eat well, and that it what I still got, consistent delicious Colombia fare
(4)Sandra K.
Came here on a weeknight with my boyfriend and we were the only ones in the restaurant, which was fine. The food is very good and authentic. I suggest getting several things and sharing. We got the arepa, I recommend getting the arepita, which is smaller since the arepa was the size of a personal pizza. However, it was still delicious. We also shared a a Bandeja, which honestly looks like it's supposed to be for 2 people. I was looking forward to Sancocho, but they only serve that on the weekends.
(4)C S.
Everything was fantastic. Rice Sausages, Chorizo, Salted Plantains, all delicious. Coupled with a kid friendly staff and decent prices, this is definitely a place worth heading to when you have a hankering.
(5)Kurt F.
Don't let the exterior fool you, this place is the real deal. The first thing we noticed as we pulled up was that the parking lot was packed at 3:00 on a Sunday; always a good sign. The restaurant was clean and bristling with people; yet another good sign. The fact that neither of us speak Spanish was not an issue as the menu was in both English and Spanish. My better half had the grilled flank steak with onions and it was excellent, the meat was tender and the sauteed onions and salsa matched it perfectly. I had the Bandeja Paisa and at 12.00$, this cannot be beat. Just be aware that it is a mountain of food and unless you play offensive line for the Falcons, you'll be taking half of it home for later (which was our plan from the beginning). Overall, a wonderful addition to a neighborhood already overflowing with great places to eat. We will be back many, many more times.
(4)Ck L.
First of all, Colombian food is my new fave! Recently I was introduced to Colombian food, and since I was craving it last week, I decided to go get some on Friday night! Originally we were going to a different place, but that place decided to close early, google maps became my best friend! And it directed us to La Casona! I'd say their menu is very typical! We ordered empanadas which was excellent! It also came with an in house dipping sauce which is to die for! I think Colombian empanadas are the best among all the South American empanadas! And I ordered the "national dish"?! That came with steak, bean, salad, plantain and fried pork skin (which is really fried pork belly)! Everything was delicious! Especially the plantain which is well caramelized on the outside! Yum! Highly recommended!
(5)Robert P.
After going to Quoc Huong around 4PM on a Saturday to find out they were out of Bahn Mi I desperately looked for somewhere else to eat. Tired of the typical Korean fare and not feeling like tacos I thought we would give Colombian a try. I drive past it every time I get off 285 and never stopped. Big mistake! And so we entered - baby in tow. We were greeted warmly in Spanish and seated, a high chair shortly to follow. The menu can be a bit daunting - it all looks good - and there is a lot to choose from. I chose the Bandeja Paisa and my wife had the tortilla combo (Sausage, Pork, and Pineapple). When the food arrive - she was jealous. The Bandeja Paisa, as evident by many pictures here, is stocked. The food was fantastic. The pineapple really cinched it for her plate. If I were to come back, and I will, I would order one of the great looking soups (only available on weekends). Our service was great, and we suffered none of the issues complained about in other reviews. Our waitress was on top of waters and ensuring we had what we needed. Overall a nice experience and good food. Highly recommended.
(4)Gina D.
Great food,will eat here next time we are in the area! Very unique.
(5)Ivan S.
Despite my earlier protestations regarding my ignorance of Colombian cuisine, I should've added my RELATIVE ignorance of Colombian cuisine. Compared to a bunch of crazy ass yanqis, I was Wikipedia. In other words, I was the dreaded (sigh) "foodie douchebag." Some context first. The previous week I'd eaten at Casa Vieja. I'd borught my own pocket Colombian, Vanessa T. and we'd made quick work of a couple plates of bandeja. Throughout the meal, V and I talked about Colombian food, current events, and, yes, you other Yelpers. Deal with it. Still, the meal was a good primer on Colombian food from "She Who Knows." So it was that 20 aged hipsters descended on La Casona, hipsters who are trying to spend more time in actual restaurants and less time in bars, as if we're trying to reboot our livers with hearty ethnic food. The wife and I were the first to arrive (at 5:30pm). Dinner was at 6. A smattering of Colombians were scattered through the room. I'm pretty sure I was told, "Pick any seat," but my Klingon is actually better than my espanol. It wasn't until my wife stepped up with her Southern drawl and informed the host that, "We'll need seats for at 14 people at 6 o'clock" that a look I can only describe as confusion mixed with fear spread on the man's formerly smiling face. And thus a short conversation followed: "¿Cuántos?" "Huh?" "¿qué?" "Huh?" ¿qué?" "Um, could you....repeat?" "Uh...uh....how......meeny?" We answered with a flash of 10 fingers followed by four more. The man huddled briefly with another behind the counter. "¿A que hora?" "Honey, I think he asked when." Another flash of six fingers. The look of fear diminished, replaced by a raised eyebrow. He waved us over to a group of tables that were hastily arranged to accommodate the group. The wife and I were seated and waited for a bit. Having eaten at untold ethnic mom and pop's restaurants, I knew what was happening; they were marshalling forces, finding the ones who can communicate with these schmucks they just seated in the corner. An adorable server with a fairly good grasp of English appeared. She took our drink orders (no Colombian beer that day, only...Corona, Heinekien and Bud Light?). Others in our group showed. Our adorable server was then supplemented with another one who had flawless English. By 6pm, a total of 20 of us gathered. The staff added another table without missing a beat. What occurred afterwards was an act of gluttony that will be referred to in the future only in myth and song. Holy Sweet Flying Spaghetti Monster, I, just myself, ordered a carne (a beef BBQ) arepa and an arepa paisa (topped with chorizo, beans, avocado, and chicharron.) Spanish-to-Southern translation was asked and provided: "What's that?" "An arepa. It's basically a cornmeal pancake. Think of a johnny cake." "What's that?" "Chicharron. Rednecks might refer to it as 'pork cracklin's." (The rednecks amongst us cheered.) "Mondongo?" "Chitlin soup." "What's a bandeja?" "Basically everything. On one plate. Um, I'm ordering the mini." Food was delivered promptly and inhaled. My tablemates ordered a steak that was as big as one's head. Seriously. No, it wasn't a dry-aged filet, but my friends enjoyed their steak and had enough to take home later. My mini-bandeja ("mini" in name only) was definitely tastier than Casa Vieja's; the chicharron not nearly as chewy and the meat tasted more of beef than, say, hot dog. I heard raves of the different types of soups at the far end of our group, but wasn't able to try any. Finally, additional credit to the server for informing my wife that the plantains weren't as ripe as they should be, so steer away from them that day. In all, they handled the 20 of us easily. The food was great. I'm going to grant 4.5 stars, rounding up when I return with Vanessa to see how it goes with her.
(4)Will T.
If I die gorging myself on empanadas, pick my body up at La Casona. I think about, fantasize and dream about these empanadas for days after I eat one. Who am I kidding? I never eat just one. I could make a meal of these empanadas. They're accompanied by a sauce/relish thing that among other things contains very finely diced peppers, onions and cilantro, mixed with vinegar. It's addictive! The rest of the food is so-so, at least to my gringo palate, but there's a loyal Colombian following gobbling down traditional dishes like Arroz con Pollo and the signature Bandeja Paisa and Mini Bandeja Paisa. I'm not sure what makes it mini because it's a ton of food - grilled steak, pork skin, eggs, sweet plantains, corn cake, avocado, rice and beans. I've also tried the Pechuga a la Criolla (chicken breast with creole sauce). The chicken is pounded pretty flat and the sauce is okay, although not a traditional creole sauce like I'm used to. Still, it's all pretty tasty and comes with rice and what passes for salad - undressed shredded lettuce with tomato and avocado. The closest thing to a dressing is the oil and vinegar cruets on the table. On weekends they offer special soups, meals unto themselves, made with a variety of meat like hen, beef and mondongo (entrails!). My friend swears by the tongue soup. Other traditional dishes include arepas and for dessert, postre de natas. My Colombian boyfriend introduced me to La Casona and it's become a favorite place to celebrate holidays, his new art exhibit or when he's feeling homesick. He laughs at my attempts to use my limited Spanish, but the menu is also printed in English so I'm on safe ground. If you hunger for Colombian food, give La Casona a try. It's not a fancy place with fancy food, but it's worth a trip for the empanadas alone.
(3)Nathan V.
Best Colombian food I have ever had, other than my moms of course! I was in Atlanta and wanted to watch the Colombia/Uruguay World Cup game so I searched online and found La Casona. The place isnt in the best part of Atlanta, but most good restuaruants arent. We got there around 3pm for the 4pm game and the place was packed. I had come to late to get a seat, so I ended up going to another local sports bar to watch Colombia put the smack down. I decided to come back to La Casona the next day, and I am glad I did. I started off with some of the natural juices they had. The mora and maracuya juices were great. We then ordered our meals not knowing the portions that were about to come our way. The food was fantastic, there were no complaints from anyone at our table. The portions were enormous!! I had no idea that a restarurant could make money selling a meal that big at those prices. It really makes me wonder how much these chain restuaraunts are making on each meal they sell. Anyway, if you have any doubts about this place take a chance, you will not regret it. Next time I am in Atl, I will be back.
(5)Neisha F.
The food here is really good! The last time I was here I had the "lunch special". We never got menus and I had no idea what I ordered was called but I can describe it. We started off with garbanzo bean soup which was sooo very good especially because it was so cold out. Then there was a pork chop cooked to perfection with some read sauce on top. Rice was on the side and a salad with dressing already mixed in. EVERYTHING was so good. There soups here are the bomb but I think you can only get them on the weekends, again, the soups has no name but its like broth with beef or pork.It tasted like something homemade by granny. If you have a friend that is sick and you bring them some of this soup they would be sooo happy and full. The little dessert cups are a nice added flava to the end of the meal. They also sale this drink called Refajo. Its beer mixed with some kind of red Colombian soda. I really liked it. It was a sweet with a lil kick at the end. Overall I enjoyed the food here I will be back because my friends come here all the time for lunch but I don't mind because its worth it!
(4)David S.
I haven't tried too many things from the menu. Maybe someday I will go beyond the basics, but then again maybe not. Im not sure it gets better than this: Start with some empanadas - these are as good as any in town, guaranteed. For the main course, the Bandeja Paisa is the BOMB! Do NOT order this if you have to do anything productive any time in the next several hours. This is down home comfort food and plenty of it. You may want to take a nap afterwords, or maybe just sit in a rocking chair of a little while. Service is good, decor... this is Doraville, price is great. Try it, you'll like it.
(5)Sara M.
Yum yum yum! My SO noticed this place recently and told me we should check it out. My mother is Colombian and lives nine hours away from me. Oh man do I miss her cooking. I curse my silly younger self for brushing off her offers to teach me to cook. But hey, hindsight is always 20/20. So we came for dinner tonight. The restaurant is a cute place, with hanging plants and traditional Colombian knickknacks decorating the dining area. There was Carlos Vives playing on the speakers...ah, I was happy. The server did speak some English, which was a help to my gringo boyfriend. We started with a couple of empanadas, stuffed with beef and potatoes. They were great, crispy on the outside and not overly greasy. I ordered a Colombiana kola soda and my SO got jugo con leche with maracuya, a milk-based drink with passion fruit. I didn't try it since I am not a passion fruit fan, but he said it was delicious. Personally, I am now on a mission to find somewhere that sells Colombiana. I ordered the mini bandeja paisa, which was solid. My only beefs with the dish are super minor. I like my maduros a little crispier, but these were still yummy. The arepas weren't as buttery as I like, but again, still yummy. I totally forgot the name of the dish my SO ordered, but it was a stuffed beef tenderloin in a thin tomato-based sauce with rice, salad, and maduros. I sampled a bit and it was good stuff, tender and the sauce really complemented it well. I don't think that there is a better substitute to mom's home cooking for anyone, but this is a good alternative for me. We will definitely be back.
(4)Lydia L.
One word: Ajiaco. Had to pay this place a visit because of my Colombian friend's recommendation. Not that this is a tell-tale sign, but everybody in there was...Colombian. Was I greeted in rapid-fire Spanish? yes. Did I love Spanish being spoken everywhere? yes! The ajiaco was delicious. If you want a rich, filling, delicious bowl of not-your-typical chicken soup, you NEED this soup. It was just like the ajiaco in Colombia. Also had to try the Mini bandeja paisa. Huge plate. All the country's staples. You could easily share this between two people. Definitely wanted some arepitas [mini arepas]. This was the only disappointing part of my visit. They were charred. Ok they just tasted burned throughout. Sad. Otherwise, I was quite happy with this Colombian food outing.
(4)Heather N.
GONE: Erroneous tacos Y billares sign HERE: Menu with pictures Friendly waitress that speaks clear English The dessert cup of the day was coconut jello, not as good as the other things I've tried, but still tasty. Yes, the steak is a bit like flavorless jerky, and the mini arepas are hockey pucks, but but if you put enough pickley hot sauce on them, they are edible. If they put fried pork on the plate instead of steak, it would be perfect ... Cheers~
(4)Gary T.
Went in here for Father's Day for the second year in a row and liked it although not as much as other times. Mostly because, while this place is still great, I've another place out in Lilburn that we like even more. Also, there was some lady at the table across from us that kept giving me the stink eye for some reason during our entire meal,LOL. Not sure what that was all about. Anyways, this place is still worht it if you are out exploring the culinary United Nations that is Buford Highway:)
(3)Santiago S.
I am Colombian, born and raised. I don't know about you, but I like to listen to people close to the source. I've been to La Casona a couple of times and both times the food has been very solid. It's not the best (for that you need to go to New York, South Florida, or Colombia), but it certainly holds its own. My recommendations if you've never been here are as follows: Order some chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage, trust me, it's awesome), empanadas, and tostones. Squeeze some lime on the chorizo and morcilla, and make use of the respective sauces for the other two appetizers. As an entree, order the bandeja paisa. This is a giant plate of all that is homey and filling. Rice, beans, chorizo, chicharron (fried pork skin, it's awesome, though the one in the Buford farmers market is better), ground beef or flat steak (the latter being the better choice) avocado,sweet ripe plantains, and a fried sunny side up egg. This is the most representative of Colombian dishes, even though we have many other really awesome ones. The way to tackle this behemoth of food is to break the egg yolk and mix everything together into a single entity. Leave the chicharron on the side, you don't want it to get soggy with the gravy from the beans. One of these plates is good for two to three people. If you're really hungry you can attempt it but I warn you to clear the rest of your day and head over to your nearest couch or hamaca (hammock) to digest the day away. Other notable dishes are the Ajiaco, the sancocho or the carne asada. Or, just ask for the special, they usually make the "corrientazos" (specials) pretty well. As for drinks, do yourself a favor and ask for lulo juice. This is hands down the tastiest juice we make from a sour and sweet fruit native to our country. Just because I know no human who has resisted the charms of lulo, I'll go ahead and tell you that they sell the pulp in the Buford farmers market on the other side of 285. Be sure to get some chicharron while you're there.
(4)Liliana M.
I have received the worse service ever in this place. Today I went to this restaurant with 10 international people, I wanted to show them our Colombian dishes. The waitress made 4 mistakes with the order and she brought different things that we didn't ask for. After 1 hour waiting food arrived but It was terrible! Save your money and don't go there. Place outside is pretty ugly.
(1)S W.
If you are looking for good Colombian food, come on over! If you are looking for ambiance, just keep on going. Lots of beans, rice, plantains, empanadas, etc. They have a good selection of Colombian favorites.
(3)Wayne F.
Hit this place up for lunch with a friend a few days ago and had a really good experience. First of all, the parking lot is a disaster-- cars are just kind of randomly parked, no defined spaces and there is a wicked slope. Once inside I was surprised that the place was so large because it seems really small from the outside. Had the bistec a caballao, which was perfect: nice cuts of grilled sirloin, rice, sweet yet savory tomato-based sauce, fried eggs and fried plantains. Wanted to try the soup but my dish was way too much food. My friend was able to get us a small tasting of the days soup, which was green plantain and really flavorful. The place itself is clean and well run and the service was great. Will repeat
(4)Mikey S.
I LOVE this place.... the bandeja paisa is the bandeja paisa is the BEST you can get in ATL!
(5)Gretchen F.
Great place for traditional Columbian food. Copious portions and yummy flavors. Aijaco is only served on weekends. Try the Guanbana juice and the small mixed plate ( don't know the name but is on the upper left corner of the menu ) The small plate is a bunch of food so come hungry. Service was great and friendly. The offered salsa is so yummy I wanted to drink it. Will be back
(4)Maria B.
Colombian food in Atlanta? Who would've thought? Tried the milanesa (breaded steak) with plantains for lunch and was very happy with it. Everyone in my group tried something different and not one person was disappointed. The restaurant is tucked away off of the main highway and the parking lot was full by the time we left. A hidden gem for sure.
(4)Hambri Enta M.
Came here with the boo and his daughter today. I had a great meal. NOTE: If you wonder why there is not "Kid's Menu" here is because Latino kids aren't so spoiled and picky and they eat whatever they are served. That's right! also, there is no apple juice... Empanadas: Yay! tostones that were fresh and crunchy: Yay! Plato Paisa (Half) Order: Delicioso, the half order is enormous, good for sharing with a youngster, since there won't be any pizza, burger or nuggets for them here, nojoda.... I got the Batido de Mora, which was my favorite growing up in Barranquilla. De Mango one was great also. The boo got the Reina pipiada which is a corn meal cake topped with seasoned chicken breast shredded and slices of avocado. If you no spikey Espanish make sure to let the owner know because only a 2-3 servers are bilingual. Place is spacious, private parking lot that gets quite full by 1 p.m. Prices are fair.
(4)Rilindo F.
Odd experience. Have you ever watched a moment where the protagonist, as he/she is entering a town, noticed a old crazy old person? I sort of had that experience, except that the person was not crazy, just unintelligible. As I was approaching the door, she started to speak to me in spanish. I mumbled something in English, hoping that she will get the hint. No dice. She still kept speaking to me. Was she warning me? Offering me some sort service? Small talk? You know that rule about speaking loudly and slowly to a person of another language? I think that the collolary (sic) to that rule is to keep talking and hope they somehow will understand. That should have given me a hint of what was like to eat in that restaurant, service-wise (up to including waiting for the check, which took a while). Fortunately, it wasn't difficult to order the food and the food was great. (the Mini Bandeja was quite filling for the price). Come back? Not sure. To be fair, its not the first time that language was an issue. I think, thought, in spite of the economy, that business is good enough that they don't have to cater to the English-speaking, so I am not going out of my way to come to this place - at least not without a translator.
(3)Michael H.
People always go for Mexican food in Atlanta and have no idea about other countries and Latin American cuisine. I fly to Bogota all the time (2-3 times a month) and I love Columbian food. Never thought I'd find it in ATL. This place is my favorite new place--it is amazing. Authentic, reasonable and best of all--scrumptious. Just Plain A-- Awesome.
(5)Annie R.
This place was good, well the food was. The service was terrible and I was with a Spanish speaking person so it wasn't as if there was a language barrier? The inside is very plain, and the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, but it is certainly the most authentic Colombian place I have encountered in Atlanta in terms of food. The frills are minimal but the food is fantastic.
(3)Vanessa T.
No tacos, no billiards, and thoroughly Colombian. It would appear La Casona used to be a Mexican restaurant [and bar?] and the new Colombian owners simply appropriated all the signage and slapped a smaller, handmade sign that alerts you to the change in cuisine. Works for me. I was very excited to get a taste of home, secured only by a flight to coordinates 04° 00 N, 72 º 00 W or my mother's at Christmas. The restaurant is bigger than any other Colombian restaurant I've been to, ever. The expansive open spaces lent it a bit of a cafeteria air, but that was somewhat countered by the abundance of native, folk decorations. We were seated in what appeared to once be a stage area. It was an elevated platform and I had urges to break out into cheesy ballads. I resisted. We were promptly greeted and seated by a smiling gentleman. But it took a while for our server to come ever through. When she did, she offered a less than enthused, "do you know what you want?" in Spanish. I responded, in my thick Colombian accent, thinking it would melt some of her chilly exterior and we could get on with the business of eating some yummy stuffs. No dice. The batidos [shakes] are phenomenal. I always have mine blended with milk, but you have the option of water. We tried blackberry and soursop and both were outstanding. I had - stay with me now - the liver and onions entrée. It was perfectly cooked and flavorful. The boy had the Bandeja Paisa, which amounts to The National Dish. It's essentially a sampler of all we have to offer: rice, beans, steak, pork, sausage, eggs, salad, plantains, avocado, and arepas. Yeah, on one plate. It's pretty ridiculous. And unless you're some kind of unrepentant glutton, it more than suffices for two people. Casona has gone the extra step to offer the mini-bandeja, for those unaccustomed to gargantuan portions and distended bellies. It's all very authentic and home cooked, to the point that you shouldn't be too surprised by finding a UPC code on your avocado shell. We received and consumed our meal within a quick time frame -- 30, 40 minutes. But it then took another TWENTY minutes to get the server to acknowledge us ever again and to bring us our check. Several attempts to signal her [waving, call out her name, rolling my eyes and sighing heavily] went unanswered. We eventually resolved it, but it was definitely a mood-buster. The service alone is the reason I'm unable bestow the elusive 5th star. I'm hoping [and mostly convinced] it was an aberration and am not even considering swearing off La Casona yet, but homegirl needs to chill.
(4)Reba Jean B.
It's hard to get friends to venture out with me to Buford Hwy. This was a special day and the right choice. Yes, it looks like a barn sitting in a strange lot right next to 285. But it's a suprise to see a clean, gorgeous smelling, straight up Columbian restaurant. The menu is all in Spanish, of course, but everything was perfect. The server was the sweetest lady ever. The food was in large proportion and well priced. YUMM. Can't wait to go back. Ain't nothin' but Columbian bout this place!
(4)Sarah H.
I finally made it to La Casona, because I too wanted a taste of my mothers food. We walked in and were greeted in Spanish, and we seated ourselves. A waitress came by rather quickly and took our drink orders. We tried the guyabana juice and it was quite tasty. I ordered the Grilled Chicken dish and my date ordered the fried pork dish with sweet plantains. I also got the arepas with cheese. Overall, the food was super tasty and my date inhaled his food, and I had to take the rest to go (it's a lot). The arepa was not quite how I remember the arepas in Colombia. And the service was good up until we got the food, because after that we were forgotten. Luckily my frequent glancing back at the kitchen inspired another waitstaff to check up on us and I requested a much-needed water refill. Overall, the food is authentic and delicious, but the service is lacking.
(4)Jada G.
LOL @ Vanessa T: "No tacos, no billiards, and thoroughly Colombian." I would hate to think that Colombian's act this way. So unconcerned, unresponsive and uncaring.there was no rush when it came down to service. i ordered the Mini Bandeja. I have so been wanting an arepa, and I love me some cracklin'. I love Latin food. it's my favorite. the meats are always so tender and well seasoned and slowly cooked and over-night marinated. I did not get this effect here. the beans had no flavor to them at all. it was like they boiled them in water and a little salt, and that was it. the steak had no flavor and wasn't that tender, like I'm use to. the plantains were on point. the chicharron was incredible!! amazing!!! i eat cracklin and pork rinds all the time, had no idea it was fried pork belly. i loved how it was crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful on the inside. have i said how much i love Latin food! may be i should have started this entire convo by saying that i had just finished watching no reservations and Anthony B. was in Colombia eating this "bandeja" for breakfast! it looked so good, i knew i had to get some. I then remembered Ivan's review on this place and went. the food..was just ok. not the best I've ever had, and not the worst I've ever had. just ok. i like that they start the meal off with a little serving of rice pudding. nice effect. the pudding wasn't that good though. after the service i received, i can just say that i wont be going out of my way to come here. but who knows...
(3)Valentina V.
Lunch at Bacchanalia: gorgeous. Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton: divine. Dinner at F2O: tasty-luscious sandwiches. Don't miss Murphy's on weekends. Have a beer at El Myr before that cool show at the Variety...yes, unforgettable experiences. I've enjoyed the trend, the taste, the fun... But when it comes to ease all the pains of homesickness, I turn to La Casona. This is one of the few restaurants that warm my heart like food back home does. All current culinary trends cease to mean anything to me when I step inside this place. When I go there I get to lick my plate clean and use "mmmmmm" as a neverending mental mantra. This is the place that brings closer to this Caribbean gal a corner of the world I miss so much. It reminds me of its kitchens and flavors. Let me introduce you to La Casona, a delicious Colombian restaurant. It's located where Buford Highway meets I-285. Even though a sign on a side hill says "taqueria-baile-billar," it doesn't offer any of these. Once you go through the ordeals of finding a place to park, you'll be nicely greeted by several polite, pleasant maitres and waitresses in their oh! beautiful, caressing Colombian accent. You'll be seated promptly and the waitress in charge of you is going to ask you "mi amor, que te traigo de tomar?" (Dear, what can I get you to drink?) Juices can be made in water or milk, and options include guanabana, mango, guava, passion fruit, tamarind and berries. I always ask for a creamy, succulent and slightly acid "guanabana en leche" (soursop milkshake). Then I order my appetizer right away: Tostones en Hogao. Tostones are flat mashed plantains fried to a crispy point. The Hogao sauce is similar to a Mexican salsa. Together, they make a fantastic concoction of flavors and crunchiness that after many years still makes me sigh with pleasure. For those who are empanadas lovers, this is your paradise, your Love Boat, your Fantasy Island. Yes, YES! These ARE good...you'll fall in love, TRY them! I can tell you that you will end up daydreaming about the food. That's why the waitress will let you have a couple more minutes so you can rack your brain over what to have. While you read over the menu, you might look around to find yourself in a very cozy ambiance. One of the things I like about this restaurant is that is family oriented, even though you'll always find that group of gallant, suave Colombian peeps eyeballing the pretty ladies around, some lovey-dovey couples, and people dining by themselves. There are plenty of entrees to choose from three categories: meats (carnes), seafood (comida del mar) and the ones I have never had, pastas (I heard they're OK, and perfect for kids). ALERT, ALERT! If you're the kind that loves eating light and fat-free, this is not your place. These plates are hefty and deliciously rich, and served with insane amounts of sides. My all-time favorite at La Casona is the famous, celebrated all-Colombian tasting-plate Bandeja Paisa (mini or regular, which for this plate translates to huge and enormous). This dish includes rice, red beans, chicharron (fried pork-meat strips with crunchy skin), a medium, thin piece of juicy beef, one sunny-side up egg, arepa, avocado, and plantains...delicioso! My second favorite is their wonderful "Arroz con Pollo" (rice and chicken). When I order it for lunch, I close my eyes while I'm eating and I feel like I'm sitting at my parents' dining room in Caracas on a Sunday afternoon. *Tear* Weekend and daily specials are worth a try. I'm not crazy about the "Lengua a la Criolla o a la Plancha" (creole or grilled tongue) because I've never been fond of this meat's texture. I've tried the "Higado Encebollado" (liver with Colombian-style onions) and it's fantastic and masterly-well cooked. Stews and soups are excellent. I have a friend that kills for the "Mondongo" (tripe soup). I've had the marvelous "Ajiaco Santafereo", a magical mixture of tender chicken, and different kinds of Colombian potatoes and peas. It's a monumental soup that should be eaten with calmness, breathing after each spoonful of wonder, as a ritual. They also offer hen soup, richly combined with several veggies. These two are the ULTIMATE remedy for a hangover. If you have a Colombian-Caribbean soup, you don't need electrolytes to come to life again! Strangely enough, I have never had dessert here. I usually devour the small side of "Arroz con Leche" they bring you with your silverware and my sweet tooth feels satisfied. Sometimes I crave a little pus cafe, that sinful Devil Water...if you're over 21 and not driving, you might want to ask your nice waitress for a shot of "Aguardiente". After all this fiesta culinaria, make sure you can go back home and rest. You'll be dreaming about this meal. I do. I close my eyes with my tummy full of happiness and my heart filled with love for all what ties me to my cherished culture.
(5)Roberto B.
Great, great Colombian food!!! Amazing live music. Did I said that the food is great?
(5)Christine H.
one word: BANDEJA mini bandeja = thinly sliced steak + crispy salty pork skin + over medium fried egg + red beans + rice + avocado wedge + yucca (aka ball o' starch) yeah, and that's just the mini version. i always imagine the heaping plate of food to be just like something my mother would make on any given day if we were colombian and 200+ pounds. i couldn't tell you there's anything fabulous or interesting about the dish, but i'll be damned if it doesn't make me feel like i'm sitting at some amazing columbian woman's house on the outskirts of bogota. it's just comforting homey food. reeeeally comforting. the service is fast. especially at 8:00 on a Saturday night when they close at 9:00. weekdays they close at 8:00. you're greeted with a basket of napkins, straws, utensils and little to-go sauce cups filled with arroz or fruit con leche - perfect dessert portions after a big meal. there's also a tangy sauce (call it a salsa if you will) that's a fantastic accompaniment to everything (except the arroz con leche). dinner for 2 with water is $18. i crave a bandeja at least once a month.
(5)D L.
Okay. Went for dinner. Ordered muchacho relleno. Grilled tenderloin. Delicious. Guava juice, thick. Delicious.
(4)A + P.
We like La Casona for authentic Colombian food and ambiance. On Sunday, we were hankering for Colombian soups. Interestingly, they are only available on the weekends. I had sancocho and my wife had ajiaco. The portions were great, lots of chicken, and with the accompaniments, more than enough for a meal. In fact, we took home leftovers. Our meals were delicious. Unfortunately, judging by my reaction of cotton-mouth and other effects, I'm pretty sure they used MSG-containing Maggi in the soup. Downgrading a star. I haven't had this problem with other dishes, but pretty sure on the soups. We're interested in going back for their breakfast special and other items, but the MSG is a downer.
(3)Kris Y.
We've been here for Saturday lunch a few times, and have always been satisfied. I usually get the typical platter which is piled high with very tasty food (pork chop, sweet plantains, beans, rice, fried pork back/skin). We haven't been lucky enough to be there when guanabana juice is available, but the tangerine is pretty good too. The service is quick and friendly, even for non-spanish speakers. I recommend giving it a try if you're in the mood for a hearty meal.
(4)Lisa B.
I really wanted to like this place and I would actually give the service and food a 3 or 4. BUT the day we went the place smelled of sewage. Initially it was faint but after awhile I realized what we were smelling and frankly it seemed to get stronger. I cannot imagine this is the norm or else this place would not be so packed for lunch. Our server was a total cutie patootie- both friendly & helpful and the food was presented well and as other reviewers have said the portions are huge.
(2)Diane P.
Best Colombian restaurant I ever go to. My parents are Colombian but I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I just love their mondongo on the weeks so fresh and filling. Yuca, papa, plantains, beef, rice, avocado and a little salad just right for the tummy. The bandeja paisa and the mini either one is good for two people trust me! Unless your very hungry. Tostone are great. I also get the pechuga a la plancha. Ive always liked salsa rosada all my life and the number one reason I go here NATAS. those desserts are so hard to find in GA i swear it's the only restaurant that has these. Natas is a condensed/evaporated milk with a creamy and very hard to explain texture. But it is so good try it! and of course their is always that one bad thing..the service...my uncle wanted more water she turned her back so fast before we can even ask for anything, just rude stank attitude. But whatever the food overcomes the bad service haha!
(4)Carlos C.
Had to travel up 85N for a business meeting and remembered Valentina's review. As I have never tried Colombian food, I wasn't going to pass up this opportunity. Upon walking through the door I was greeted by a group of smiling servers who said hello and something about sitting down (my Spanish doesn't extend very far past counting to ten - I assumed they were telling me to sit wherever I would like). About 10 seconds after sitting, my waitress brings a menu and a basket containing a plastic spoon, silverware wrapped in a napkin, and a small plastic container full of some sort of bright yellow substance. As I had no time to waste and no knowledge of the cuisine, I simply ordered the first item on the menu, the Mini Bandeja Paisa (advertised as the smaller tasting plate) - this made my waitress smile - perhaps I lucked into ordering smartly. Before I had time to study my surroundings, my plate arrives (seriously - like 5 minutes tops)...oh, and there is nothing small about the Mini. Large oval plate topped with rice, red beans, a good sized piece of skirt steak, a fried egg, an avocado wedge, fried plantains and a thick wedge of bacon (skin on - yeah). This big plate of stick to your ribs goodness just looked...I don't know... manly. I felt like a bit of a tough guy as I tucked in. Everything was hot, fresh and tasty. Both my server and the manager popped by my table a couple of times to ensure I had everything I needed and to answer any questions I may have (I guess I was quickly identified as a newbie). Very nice. As I finished my plate of food, I began to investigate the mysterious plastic container of bright yellow goo - certainly the plastic spoon was to be used to eat this - so I gave it a go. A quick taste revealed that this was a little dessert treat - sweet custard topped with pineapple sauce. A perfect little tasty morsel to end a great lunch served by nice folks who care. Well done La Casona.
(4)