Amazing service, amazing food. Probably the only restaurant I would even consider to eat Colombian in Houston. Inside is a little outdated, but the empanadas are to die for. read more

2025 I went back with my colleagues. The food is better for me this time around. I ordered the same dishes. There is no cheese on the plantains this time. At least 5 years ago The food was okay. It was my friend's and my first time. We ordered the empanada (the outside is hard, not soft like the other ones I'm used to), plantains (never had it with cheese before), bandera montañera, fajitas de pollo, and mango drink with milk. The staff was friendly and accommodating. read more

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First time going to this restaurant! Had their chicharrón and bistec a la frogota and it's very delicious! The service was attentive and the atmosphere during the World Cup of Colombia Vs Portugal was amazing! Love the experience and recommend it! read more

Delicious blackberry smoothie type drink. Chicharrones is amazing!!! I enjoyed thoroughly. Definitely recommend. read more

Great food, fast and kind service, clean atmosphere. Good stuff for fast casual. Empanadas are pretty solid with the salsa. Meaty and creamy all together. Got the lunch special which is more than enough for lunch. Loved the beans and maduros. Rice was good and egg was cooked perfect. I gave my meats to a coworker but they loved them. Would come back but definitely want some spice next time! read more

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Recommend by a patient so gave a try for lunch. They had some specials but we chose other entrees. My coworker order the beef liver and I got fried snapper. I would give it a solid 7/10 overall. Empanada crust was very thick compared to others. Juice was good as always. Food took a rather long time to come out read more

La Fogata - Guanabana & guava juices - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food and service are always great. We had shrimp, rice & green plantains and shrimp rice with French fries and ripe plantains. Nice size shrimp. Delicious! read more

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Good our food to go and maybe that made a difference. Im Caribbean and was expecting a bit more flavor from this place. The rice seemed reheated and the beef was dry and hard. The sweet plantains weren't completely cooked. So disappointed! The EMPANADAS were DELICIOUS hence the three starts otherwise I would rate this place 2/5 . read more

This is our hidden spot! Food always hits the spot! Never a bad meal. Everything is always yummy! Service is always great. All the servers are nice and always smiling. Very helpful on the items too. The spot has a great vibe too. Great tunes and plenty of seating. Definitely coming back! The photos are from home (got it to go) the mini empanadas de pollo are great too. read more

This place brought back memories of my trip to Medellin. And the food was yummy. I'll definitely be back. read more

La Fogata - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Good solid Colombian restaurant. Only reason why I gave it a 4 was there are other Colombian places where we get the Bandeja Paisa, and this had the least flavor out of the others we typically go to. sausages was a bit bland. Still a great restaurant, service was great! read more

The Best Colombian restaurant in Houston! Soo Authentic and Delicious! must try the chocolate flan! read more

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I started going here on lunch break with co-workers and found the food deliciously prepared. Even though I don't sit and eat here much these days primarily because I moved from Houston. When in town I do make it my business to grab a few of those delicious beef empanadas! read more

I've been eating at La Fogata for 32 years--ever since I moved to Houston--and the food has consistently been amazing. The empanadas, stuffed with seasoned ground beef and potatoes, are a must-try, especially when paired with their homemade ahi sauce. My go-to dish is the bandeja paisa. The portions are massive--easily enough for leftovers the next day (or two). The steak is always flavorful and tender, perfectly complemented by the crispy, savory fried pork belly. The red beans and rice? Absolutely on point. Add in sweet plantains, and it's a full-on feast. Don't skip out on the maracuyá (passion fruit) drink--it's blended and available with either milk or water. I highly recommend the milk version unless you're lactose intolerant. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. La Fogata never disappoints. read more

Being Colombian I really enjoy finding authentic Colombian restaurants in Houston. While there is quite a few Colombian restaurants in Houston but this location is the most authentic and the food quality is always consistent. I've actually been visiting here for over 10 years but have not been since they renovated. You can never go wrong with the bandeja paisa it's your typical Colombian dish I also highly recommend the soups. read more

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El sabor de la comida en La Fogata es excelente, y se nota la calidad en los ingredientes. Me gustaría que la atención fuera un poco más ágil para que la experiencia sea aún más placentera. ¡Gracias por el esfuerzo!" read more

La Fogata es, sin duda, uno de los mejores restaurantes colombianos que he probado. Desde el momento en que entras, te sientes como en casa: el ambiente es cálido, familiar y lleno de sabor auténtico. La atención es impecable--el personal es amable, atento y siempre con una sonrisa. Pero lo que realmente se lleva todos los aplausos es la comida. ¡La Bandeja Paisa es simplemente espectacular! Viene servida generosamente y con todos los ingredientes tradicionales: chicharrón crujiente, frijoles sabrosos, arroz perfectamente cocido, carne jugosa, plátano maduro, huevo frito y una arepita que te roba el corazón. Cada bocado es un pedacito de Colombia. También probé otros platos y todo estaba delicioso, pero la Bandeja Paisa es una obra maestra. Si estás buscando comida colombiana de verdad, La Fogata es EL lugar. Recomiendo este restaurante al 100%. ¡Volveré muy pronto! read more

I stopped by La Fogata for a late lunch on a weekday after getting some work done on my car in the area. This Colombian restaurant is located in a shopping center so parking won't be an issue. I was seated and started looking over the menu. The restaurant is casual and has a cafeteria-style vibe. Not fancy but spacious. I ended up going with the carne asada which comes with rice and beans and plantains. Plus a juice to wash it all down. The thinly cut steak was flavorful and it was a large portion. The sides included. I had enough to get a to-go box. If you're looking for an authentic meal, and something different than the usual, La Fogata is a nice choice. read more

Dined in on a Friday at 6:00 pm for a party of five and was seated immediately. We wanted the whole fried snapper and ox tail soup but they did not have these items that day. Part of the reason I wanted to eat here! We ordered: Beef empanadas: seasoned to perfection, the shell was crispy and it wasn't oily The beans that come with almost all of the dishes is cooked to perfection! Bandeja paisa: everything was good but the pork belly skin could have been crispier and I didn't care for the steak and white corn patty 8oz churrasco: we requested medium well but it came out well done, it was chewy but the seasoning was good Chamarones salteados: my favorite dish! The coconut sauce was so rich and had a strong coconut flavor read more

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So... let me tell you... this place has been around forever and if you don't know, today is the day. Since COVID my wife and I have ordered for home delivery and have failed to post and rave about their amazing meals and accuracy. Our favorite is the Bandeja Paisa and the Beef Empanadas. Every time we order and have it delivered, everything is hot, fresh, and accurate. Avocado fresh, fried egg is perfect, all delicious. While we have our dinner and a bottle of wine, we always say... "I don't want it to end, I want more!" read more

La Fogata - Bandeja Paisa - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

The first thing I thought when walking in was how clean it was! Friendly staff and quick service. Food was great. I got the bandeja paisa and it was great! Wanted to take a picture, but ate it too quickly. A great item to try id it's your first time. Empanadas were great as well, definitely recommend. We'll definitely be back! My only issue is they close at 8 PM, makes it hard to get in and get dinner without staying past close. read more

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This place has been on my radar for a couple years. Today was the day we finally gave them a try, after trying their Colombian cuisine I thought i should have gotten here sooner. My wife loved her fajita de pollo, came with fried plantains, rice and beans, the chicken fajitas had strips of bell pepper and onions. I loved the Bandeja Montanera, grilled top inside round beef steak, a seasoned strip of fried pork belly, a fried egg on top of a mound of rice, red beans and a slice of avocado. They do a lunch menu monday thru friday from 11 am to 3 pm. You can get the lunch menu, both things we ordered were from the lunch menu, for a couple dollars more, any day, any time after lunch hours. We shared everything as always.....including an Empanada de Res, filled with beef, potato and rice, with a corn shell/crust, fried up to a golden crisp. I think every country in Central and South America has their version of the empanada. Very nice people and great food. We will be back. read more

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Loved the place before the remodel and the food was much better tasting back then.... The remodel makes you feel like you're inside a Wendy's and not very welcoming has a cold to it. "One Person Food Order Price" $4.75 Tea $7.99 Two small empanadas $22 Milanesa total $37.60 + tip $7 =$44.61 read more

A little bit high on price point but I feed a family of 4! The service is very friendly and great Colombian food! A must try a least once if you are in the area. The restaurant grade gets a solid B+ read more

If you've never been to La Fogata, as soon as you finish reading this review, drive over there and get some excellent Colombian food. I came here for lunch yesterday with a couple of colleagues. This wasn't my first time coming. I've been here multiple times. It is a right of passage to bring colleagues new and old here for lunch and it never fails to satisfy. First of all, this restaurant is very clean and spacious. There is plenty of room and space available for groups. I've come with up to 15 people during lunch and had no problem getting seated right away. The staff is super friendly, making you feel very welcome as soon as you enter. You will be greeted not only by the friendly smiles of the staff but also the hypnotic sounds of tropical and salsa music, making this a very upbeat and vivacious environment! It is impossible to walk in here and not be in a great mood. I rarely order the same dish twice when I return to a restaurant I have already visited but La Fogata is definitely an exception to that rule. I keep ordering the same dishes here. They are that good! First, you have to begin with the empanadas. You cannot go wrong with the Empanadas de Res (beef) or the Empanadas de Pollo (chicken). Since I am usually here with a group, I prefer to order both. The meat, potato and rice combined with the deep fried yellow corn shell warm my soul as soon as I take a bite. This has to be one of the best appetizers out there. Dip them in a little aji, which is a sauce made from a mix of tomatoes, peppers, onions and cilantro and you will want to eat more than one. Save room though because you will need it for the main course. The star of the show and what keeps me coming back for more is the Bandeja Paisa. This is the perfect meal. The only way I can describe it is sheer and utter satisfaction! When the plate is placed in front of you, the dilemma that will face you is where to begin. The carne asada (grilled skirt steak), chicharron ( fried pork belly), chorizo (Colombian sausage), Huevo frito (fried egg), arroz (white rice), frijoles (red beans), plátano madero (fried sweet plantain), aguacate (avocado) and arepa (white corn patty) will sate any appetite. This meal is large enough to feed two people! Every time I eat this meal, I am set for the rest of the day. Trust me, if you order this, you will not regret it and you will walk out of there feeling like you made an excellent choice. I've tried other Colombian restaurants and I can honestly say, I haven't found one that makes Bandeja Paisa to match the quality of La Fogata! I haven't even found a close contender yet. Give a round of applause to the staff cooking this food! They are making something special here! read more

La Fogata - Bandeja Paisa - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Being married to a Colombian woman I've been to quite a few Colombian restaurants and by far this is the best one! It doesn't matter WHAT you order all of it is delicious. Empanadas, sancocho, bandeja paisa, you name it! it's absolutely the best Colombian food in Houston and the wife approves! The service is very prompt and the waitstaff is very friendly. I work nearby and I go there once a week, sometimes twice. It's that good. You gotta go! read more

This has been my friends and I go to Colombian restaurant for our post-Thanksgiving football game reunion/get together (though we visit on other occasions as well.) The complex is one of the older ones off of Wilcrest and Hwy 59, but has ample parking spaces and easy to get to. They have expanded their restaurant in the past few years and can now sit a lot of people. Their lunch menu has a lot of delicious choices, with a combination of pork belly, rice, other meats, plantains, fried eggs, etc. I love their empanadas the most, as well as their rich smoothies. The lunch portions are huge and can easily be shared if you don't eat a lot for lunch or taken home as leftovers. They do serve sodas by the can, but will do free refills with additional cans for you as you finish your cup. The customer service here is great! They are super nice and attentive. They will split your checks with no problem or surcharge and offer you to-go boxes and cups as you prepare to leave. read more

Came in on a recommendation from a friend to try this place. I was very disappointed . We ordered beef empanadas to start off with. They were hard and oily, with not too much meat inside. We also ordered steak and rice for the kids. The steak was tough and barely had flavoring. The bandeja paisa was also disappointing. The only redeeming quality to this place was the amazing flan they had. One of the best ever, but not worth coming back this far just for good flan. read more

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My boyfriend is Colombian and he's raved about this place. Everything we ate was fabulous. Those empanadas witj the salsa they have is EXCELLENT. The staff is so kind and patient with my slow spanish. Definitely have to put this one on rotation. read more

Buena atencion, ricas empanadas, buena aguapanela buen precio. Sin duda se puede volver. read more

The only placed on earth where they delivered the food to my car, then, removed it to give it to someone else, without due explanation. I had been a client to many years, but this one kill it! I have never returned to the restaurant! This is NOT what I expected at 84+ years of age. read more

5 stars all the way. This food is sooooo damn good!! I can't even explain. Fresh, hot, delicious. Great customer service and environment is clean and spacious. I don't remember the name of this dish I got but it's amazing. Just show the pic to the waitress when u get here lol I saw it on their Yelp page and it did not disappoint. read more

La Fogata - Delicious Columbian food after a long day at work - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Was craving chicharron so I stopped by and picked up El Trio, which comes with a half portion of chicharron, a beef empanada, a chorizo sausage, and an arepa. It was excellent, and I really enjoyed the salsa it came with, I dipped everything in it! read more

La Fogata - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Stopped in for lunch. It was great a very fresh salad. Place was clean. Even bathrooms. I saw other food being served looked and smelled great. Nice waitstaff. Would come again. read more

CASH ONLY! Saw this sign as soon as I walked through the door and had to leave to go find an ATM. Luckily for me, there was a Chase right down the street on the only side of the highway. Google and Apple maps failed me. Google still had me on the highway and Apple told me it was on the left when it was on the right. If you're on 69/Southwest Fwy, I suggest taking the exit right before W Bellfort. It's in a plaza right before the light for Wilcrest (3/5) EMPANADA: The outer dough/coating was a lot harder than I expected. Perhaps I'm used to a softer pastry but it felt weird that I literally had to crack into the empanada. The salsa for it was like 90% onions. It was a little too overpowering (4/5) BANDEJA PAISA: Portion was huge. I missed the lunch special so I had to get the dinner size. The chicharron was a little dry but they gave a hefty amount. The beef steak was thin but cooked nicely. It wasn't tough and the flavor was good. I'm not usually the biggest fan of beans and rice but it was necessary for this meal. The sauciness of the beans balanced the plate and gave it some moisture. The plantains were my favorite part. Caramelized and perfectly sweet! I have no idea what the white corn patty was for. There was no flavor. That was quickly tossed aside so that I could focus on the rest of the plate. Overall I would recommend coming here for lunch for a fairer price or share a dinner portion with a friend. read more

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This was my first time here. I ordered the Arroz con pollo. It's delicious. It comes with plantains and French fries but you can substitute the sides for a small salad and beans. My Venezuelan friend also ordered arroz con pollo and raved about it. The portions of my friends' dishes were huge so I'm surprised I didn't get more plaintains or rice. I had a refreshing lulo juice too. You can order it with less sugar. The free salsa they serve to add to your food is delicious but spicy. It looks like it's got cilantro, onions, lemon, tomato and jalapeños. The place must be pretty authentic as Latin American diners, most probably Colombian, were coming to have dinner. The only desserts they had when we were there were flan and tres leches. We were too full to try sweets. read more

La Fogata - Lulo - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

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One of my favorite Colombian spots!!!!! Food is seasoned to perfection. The hostess and waitresses provided excellent service!!!! Love it here. Been coming since years ago and haven't been back since then. But nothing has changed other then remolding done and expansion. read more

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Another hidden gem that I've just now discovered. My bf lovesss fried pork belly & he was craving. We usually hit up Filipino spots, but Yelp popped up with this place. We came during lunch time and it was bustling, so I knew it would be good. So good. The portions are huge and the food tastes so good. They are quick so it's a great place to stop in for a lunch break. The staff is friendly & helped with our first time here. I definitely wanna come back and try more of their dishes. My bf is already waiting for a chance to come back! read more

La Fogata - Colombian Near Me - Houston, Texas

You'll need a bulletproof vest when you go into this business, because their prices for sub-par food will leave you feeling like you got robbed. - Iced-tea is $4.75 a glass. Still with me? - $22 for a "Churrasco" steak that is not a Churrasco (Skirt steak is a cut of beef steak from the plate. It is long, flat, and prized for its flavor rather than tenderness) and barely steak. - Service was not good. When I complained about the fake Churrasco steak being over cooked, she stared at me in disbelief and said that I should have told her how I wanted it cooked. She admitted that they don't customarily ask. The second fake Churrasco was not as well-done, but tough as nails. The only PRO were the empanadas, which are difficult to mess up. Meal for two - $53 bucks and change. Tip: Go to Whataburger and save yourself $30 bucks! read more

Great Columbian food. Empanadas was good. The pork belly was excellent. Will be back for more. read more

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