From humble beginnings in Bogota´s dormitory town of Chia, Andres Carne de Res has rapidly become a Colombian cultural phenomenon. It mixes tasty, filling food with a Carnivalesque energy and sense of fun.
There is nothing like it in Colombia.
A Little History of Andres Carne de Res Chia
In 1982, Andres Jaramillo began building an unorthodox restaurant beside the main street in Chia, 40 minutes to an hour to the north of Bogota (traffic here can move very slowly).
Over the years the restaurant grew in size until it could accommodate hundreds then thousands of people. Its reputation as a great night out began to attract people from the capital to make the trip out, until Andres Carne de Res opened in Bogota and later in other major Colombian cities.
Andres Carne de Res, Food and Entertainment
If you are looking for a place in a category all of its own, Andres Carne de Res is frequently recommended as something that you must experience while in Colombia; and that means experience it in the sense that is it more than the food.
You enter under the brightly lit sails of a model windmill, a hint of the zany decorations to come. It is a huge place with several eating areas and dance floors that are eclectically decorated with a range of pre-Colombian inspired designs, including lots of suns and moons; log cabin woodwork, graffiti-style art, and much, much more.
Sculptures that seem to have brought new life to what looks like old scrap yard iron, add new forms and lots of colours, which sparkle further under the house lights. The weirdness of the designs compliments the exuberant nature of the show and the music that accompanies dinner. A wandering band will pass you at one moment and then a group of dancers a few minutes later.
And what’s next? Who knows?
Best to go with the flow.
On a typical night the restaurant uses a fraction of its total area and dozens rather than the hundreds of the staff on its payroll.
And finally, if the partying is absolutely not for you, this place is so big you can find a quieter corner and get into the extensive menu of local cuisine with a few international choices (see below).
What to Eat and Drink at Andres Carne de Res
The menu here has a Colombian focus. It is a small book; perhaps the biggest selection anywhere. It is easy to come to Andres Carne de Res expecting cuts of red meat, which do not disappoint; however, the choice here is much, much broader and includes many fish and vegetarian options.
For starters, there are corn arepas, plantains, yucca and potatoes, served in a range of ways with fillings or toppings such as cheese, avocado or hogao (a sauce with tomatoes, green onions, garlic and cumin). In addition there are pages of soups, ceviche and seafood cocktails.
For mains, choose from salads, vegetarian options or the cut of meat cooked the way you like. The dessert selection is wide ranging and, as this is a party place, there is a chapter of the menu devoted to cocktails, rums, whiskies and tequilas.
Where can you find Andres Carne de Res?
The first restaurant is the one in Chia; however, the chain has expanded, first with Andres Carne de Res Bogota. This was followed by restaurants in Medellin, Cartagena and Santa Marta.
They are also looking at potential sites for an Andres Carne de Res Miami, which may see this concept go international.
The restaurants outside of Chia look much more like normal restaurants in terms of their scope and size; however, if you want the full experience it is to Chia that you should go.
Things to Do in Colombia
For more to do in Bogota, see our article here, for Medellin here, and for Cartagena here.
Flights and Getting to Bogota
There are direct flights from London Heathrow to Bogota.
From the USA, Avianca, Latam and American fly direct from Miami; Latam and Delta direct from Atlanta; Avianca and United direct from New York; whilst Copa flies from los Angeles, with a stop in Panama City.
Bogota Time
The UK is six hours ahead of Colombia in the UK summer (GMT+5). New York City is an hour ahead.
Further Information
The restaurant´s official website (in Spanish) is here.
Official website for tourism in Bogota: https://visitbogota.co/en and for Colombia: https://colombia.travel/en