El Carretero

Restaurant $ 4.2 (514)


El Carretero is known for its delicious authentic Colombian cuisine, with standout dishes like churrasquito and bandeja paisa. Many patrons appreciate the generous portions and the warm atmosphere. While service can be variable at times, the overall dining experience is often enjoyable, making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors.

Overall:

4.5

(423 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (201) 867-3771

Address: 2116 Bergenline Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Each visit to El Carretero reminds me of home! I love coming here for the sancocho—it's my comfort food. The consistent quality of their dishes is commendable. The price reflects the quality, and I'm more than happy to spend on something worthwhile. The decor isn't fancy, but the warmth of the staff makes up for that. I’ll definitely keep coming back for my Colombian fix! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had an astonishing dining experience at El Carretero. We tried a variety of dishes, including the bandeja paisa, empanadas, and sancocho. Everything was seasoned perfectly and came out in large portions! It's safe to say this restaurant gets Colombian cuisine right. The atmosphere was vibrant and family-friendly, making it a perfect spot for gatherings. The service was attentive throughout our visit. If you want an authentic taste of Colombia, look no further! " (*Curated Review*)

" Don't let the simple decor fool you, El Carretero is a hidden gem. The moment we walked in, the aroma of delicious Colombian food filled the air. I ordered the chicken with rice, and it was truly comforting. Portions were so generous that I had to take some home! I felt welcomed by the staff. However, the price hike is something they need to be aware of; I remember this place being more affordable. Still, I plan to return! " (*Curated Review*)

" Visiting El Carretero for the first time was a fantastic experience. The ambiance felt warmly inviting and the staff was incredibly welcoming. I decided to order the bandeja paisa, which was simply delightful! The rice and beans complemented the flavorful meats perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised by the portion size—it was more than enough for two meals! I’d definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Colombian food. Overall, a five-star experience! " (*Curated Review*)

" El Carretero is more than just a restaurant to me—it's a trip down memory lane! I've been coming here since I was a kid, and the dishes have remained true to their roots. The churrasquito is hands down one of the best I've ever had. The flavors are rich, and the portions are generous. However, I have noticed that prices have increased recently and just hope they keep their dishes authentic and satisfying. The atmosphere is always warm, perfect for a family dinner. I highly recommend it! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (413)

" I had heard great things about El Carretero, so I was eager to try it myself. While I did enjoy the food and found the portions large enough to satisfy a hungry diner, I felt the service could be improved. We waited a bit longer than expected for our order. The carne asada was incredibly flavorful, and the rice was well-seasoned, but the waitstaff seemed a bit overwhelmed. That said, the atmosphere was pleasant and I would still come back for the food. Overall, a good experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" My experience at El Carretero was mixed. The food had fantastic flavors, showcasing the true essence of Colombian cuisine. However, I did face a couple of stalls with the service—they seemed a bit disorganized. I ordered the sancocho, which was hearty and delicious, but I wish they paid more attention to serving hot food. With ample seating and a casual vibe, I can see why families frequent this spot. I would be willing to give them another chance to improve on service. " (*Curated Review*)

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