Really really wanted to enjoy my meal. Have been here in the past and have had good experiences,…read morebut today the customer service was TERRIBLE. Once the lady heard us speak English she treated us different this was crazy to me. The food came out quick and was good but the service was so poor that the good meal was irrelevant. DO BETTER NOCHES DE COLOMBIA.

(Tookout 04/07/2025 MO @ 2:30pm and 04/08/25 TU @ 1:30pm): Not night but day when I finally checked…read moreout this Colombian eatery! In my quest to explore the various cuisine scenes throughout Jersey City and specifically the Heights, I made my way to Noches de Colombia. Established by a family who migrated to the United States in 1997, their small test American dream project in New Jersey came to life. They realized that variety of food and love were the keys to a quality restaurant experience. The restaurant was the ideal hang-out for the local community and offered the perfect combination of music, conversation and TVs for the quintessential soccer fans around the world. As this was right next to "squirrel park" where the lil black beast loved to take walks, I constantly saw this business. Would I plan to share "futuro noches con comida de Colombia" with my friend!? PURCHASE Filete Empanizado w/2 Sides Frijoles Negros & Arroz Amarillo ($18.75): A ginormous piece of thick fish folded in half to fit the takeaway container, this was perfectly deep-fried while the inside meat was steamy and supple, it was served on a bed of hearty potatoes-au-gratin. The sides were homemade, flavorful, and enough as a meal on their own. The portion sizes were off the charts and provided for multiple meals. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=juHQRjwkcffynHUk-v61qA New York Steak Con Camarones w/2 Sides Frijoles Negros & Arroz Amarillo ($28.03): A little surf-n-turf action, it was a huge slab of medium-cooked meat with a nice outside crusting and moist inside on a bed of various veggies along with a handful of medium-sized plump shrimp. The same comments regarding the sides and portion size noted above. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=Nncz_IGb5IZ1Owbp90yMNQ Yuca Frita Side 5pc ($4.16): Lightly-fried fat sticks, these were hearty, filling, and yummy! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=7y6ZCiMz-giO01MUWaWRJA Pistachio Cheesecake Slice ($7.50): A thick but soft slice with a lovely pistachio aroma and taste only on the top. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=ugZNuGr_714odSFDhkahcQ Carrot Cake Slice ($6.50): Creamy, thick, and plenty of carrot throughout, this was a wonderful slice! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=kVnHux6vBt36nWEkZ_iV2g Dulce De Leche Strudel ($3.25): Filled with sweetness! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=dVnp8kxYLvejpI7ZNKPa2A Spinach Pastry ($3.65): Spinach-packed and healthy! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=BCsjKrWp41fQVoUnym6tEg Pollo Pastelino ($2.90): Packed with shredded pollo! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=PgXoh_lmjbqKS5uhaxJHrA Carne Pastelino ($2.90): Beef galore! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Ls5WOWGAX9wW_XlOB_hqiA Chocolate Mousse Cake Slice ($6.76): Chocolatey goodness with a mouse on top! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Z4glOIEXsrmiKiB51MXK_A SERVICE It was lunchtime as we were greeted by the women at the front counter. They easily took our walk-up order, the entrees took about 15 minutes while the desserts/pastries were immediately available. Unfortunately, the personalities of the staffers weren't the friendliest, so don't be offended - gracias. PARKING (Street; N/A this instance) This was an easy flat 10-minute walk from my friend's place. Otherwise, the only option was the plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding roads - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A tidy interior layout with display/order counters at the entrance, a quaint bar area, and the rest of the floorplan covered with booths/tables. Colorful paint and pictures covered the walls. Decent natural lighting came through the many windows and doors while electric recessed ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several TVs at the bar while music (and TV volume) played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=Mjuiz-_VduPLwL3kUb1wZQ ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Noches de Colombia's Jersey Heights location was awesome and would definitely return! From large portions, tasty food, reasonable prices, varied menu, and the service was efficient. And, I always loved supporting small businesses whenever possible (regional in this case). I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $90.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

I was delightfully surprised at how great this place was. And can I just so how much I appreciate…read moreCLEAN Condiments!!! I was frustrated at first because the menu was in Spanish. But the server was so patient with me and guided me through. I just wanted eggs and potatoes and chorizo. With her help, I didn't get potatoes but I go beans. I didn't know I was getting rice with my breakfast but even that was cooked perfectly and I ate it with my beans. The salsa was so fresh and spicy, took the rest home! The salad was great and the dressing a nice accompany, but I didnt even need it. I was so happy guys. So happy seeing all this food in front of me and having it be sooooo good. I never eat at places like this, as I am from California and I have pretty high expectations. But I'm so glad I saw their reviews and gave it a shot. Happiness. Neighborhood gem! Great Service, Great Coffee, Great Food! Thank you

The entire visit went without a single complaint. The setting, service level and cuisine here are…read moreall excellent. The kitchen produces wonderful tastes and the servers provide wonderful experiences. The person managing operations is responsible and approachable. This place is SPLENDID!

Melissa was our server and was so nice! She gave us the best service and made our experience great!!read more

This is definitely my go to place when I want a great burger…read more Their entire menu looks delicious, with new flavors and a great combination of ingredients. My favorite is the Hawaiian burger with French fries. The service is amazing, people are kind and helpful. I ordered for pick up and the order was ready in less than 10minutes. The only bad part is the parking. Depending on the day of the week it can be really hard to find parking but the place is very nice inside if you want to eat there.

I love this place. The bartenders are great. they make THE BEST bloody Mary. The food is delicious…read moreas well.

Refreshing my review from the perspective of a hungry vegetarian who does not drink alcohol…read more 1. I strongly recommend vegearians coming here as there is a wide array of soups (make sure it is veggie stock) and salads 2. I love my black bean soup and it is available every day 3. Kudos to the Team for making it a happy experience with little celebration with entire team for birthdays

Ordered from here on a whim and I'm beyond happy I did!…read more What a flavor bomb every bite was. Wow. Ordered the rotisserie chicken with garlic sauce and got it with yellow rice and tostones. (9 out of 10) Also tried the empanada sampler which came with four empanadas of my choosing and tried the Beef, shrimp, chicken, and birria. (8 out of 10) I mean this sincerely... everything was beyond flavorful. The rotisserie garlic chicken had to be my favorite bite of the night but each empanada included in the sampler was crispy, tender, and decadent; each one leaving its own individual mark. Seriously blown away and might even had to stop in to try the food at the restaurant next time. Can't wait to see order from here again!

Service: Good. Got checked on regularly by friendly staff:…read more Ambiance: loud, colorful, probably a good fit for a loud drunk brunch vibe. A lot of seating and a back area with fans. Food: This place is quite bad. We ordered the tortilla soup and the vegan tofu chimichurri. The tortilla soup was inedible it was so salty. The tofu was grilled and entirely burnt on the bottom. I had to slice the entire bottom off. The chimichurri sauce was flavorful. The yellow rice side seemed like bagged instant rice. The maduros were good. Did not try the alcohol but they had a large selection including non alcoholic options. The place adds a 20% auto gratuity fee. Kind of absurd on a 2 person check. I am Latina so perhaps I have a higher expectation for Latin food but I'm perplexed at how this place could have such high ratings, perhaps it was just a bad night. I would never go back and would not recommend.

First time here though I have heard about it before. Breakfast is very good - eggs with Spanish…read moresausage (#4 platter). The coffee is very good too - loved the steamed milk. Very comfortable atmosphere with friendly people running it. The prices are very good too. I want to come back and try their Breakfast Burrito Special. Parking can be problematic but I found a spot around the corner.

Eggs, home fries, toast, juice and coffee con leche on platter #1 for just $6, a great price right…read moreby the Holland tunnel but fuggedabout parking. Love that the coffee already has my favorite steamed milk, and free refills too. Classic diner design with counter and tables, rehabbed and looking new, lavender pink seats lol, unfortunately the TVs were painfully loud. Friendly but surprisingly slow service on a quiet Saturday morning. Home fries were not deep fried, kudos. My Spanish omelette was stuffed with onion and tomato, solid. But no jam for the toast??

Colombian food? Never had it, so I had to stumble into El Carretero to try it! Bandejo Paisa was…read morethe one recommended to me - nearly $28 now, but I had to do it for the experience! For starters, they speak minimal English here, so make sure to know some Spanish, be ready to point, or have Google Translate on hand. Within the Bandejo Paisa, the grilled skirt steak was thin and tough, a little hard to cut. The skirt steak was well seasoned though a bit too tough. The beans and rice? Oh, they were amazing! Not sure what's in them, but I did not see myself enjoying beans and rice so much. The slice of avocado and a fried egg were also delicious and unexpected, especially in the current times (*ahem* cost). Now for the plantain, it was enjoyable, but the main star of the show, the pork belly tasted candied, sticky, and reminded me of chincharrones. If you enjoy a fatty pork belly, then you'll definitely enjoy this main. Otherwise, you may stray away from it like I did. Overall, I think it was a good experience, but I wish that there was a more descriptive menu for those who don't know as much Spanish.

If I'm being honest all I have to say about this place is "WOW" it has great food and very friendly…read morestaff

A great option for a pre- or post- museum lunch. Small joint with nice decor. The dinner menu…read moreseems pricey, but the lunch specials were reasonable. Crispy Pork Belly: I'm not a keto guy, but I totally love this kinda keto food. Thick chunks of pork belly fried crispy. Livened up with the salsa on the side. A great unctuous way to get your appetite going. Steak & Onions: A very tasty complete lunch with nicely marinated steak, a ton of onions, plantains and beans. The place looked fancy, but this lunch special was comfortingly humble. Really hit the spot. Tres Leches: A perfect way to indulge after the meal. So moist and creamy!

We met friends at this cute little Colombian restaurant. If it's cold, sit in the back of the…read morerestaurant. There's a big draft from the front door. The staff were lovely. If you're an early bird, the happy hour drink deals are offered table side, which is awesome. Cocktails were on point. We started off with very good guacamole and chips. Chips were refreshed happily. The assorted empanadas were excellent, with crisp shells and savory contents. 3 of our party ordered the tiger prawns, which they liked a lot. I ordered the Lompoc saltado, which was pretty good. This nice neighborhood place is a good change of pace serving a less common cuisine.

The food here was amazing. Huge portions, everything was delicious. It's somewhat small but we came…read morefor an early lunch and they were able to accommodate our party of 8. Definitely would recommend for anyone looking for good Colombian food.

Amazing food and crazy friendly service. I'm Colombian and it's so har to find authentic street…read morefood. Cosy and welcoming atmosphere really recommend this place

I have enjoyed multiple breakfasts. Lunches and home deliveries. Rambo is one of my favorite for…read moredinner delivery

Solid Apollo Asado which comes with your choice of two sides for weekday lunch specials. It was…read more$12.99 and the portion was pretty big! Wish the chicken wasn't slightly overcooked and a bit juicier, but better overcooked than undercooked for chicken!