Cali Tajadas

- 241 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers in pursuit of a breakfast experience that offers more than the standard eggs and toast, or a lunch that transports them directly to the heart of South America, Cali Tajadas stands out as a genuine culinary gem in Brooklyn. Positioned on Bay Ridge Avenue, this establishment is celebrated as a destination for authentic Colombian food, expertly blending the roles of a neighborhood restaurant and a dedicated breakfast spot. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a soul-soothing, hearty meal that promises flavor, comfort, and a true taste of Colombian heritage.

Cali Tajadas, named after the city of Cali and the Spanish word for slices (often referring to fried plantains), embodies the vibrant, generous spirit of Colombian cuisine. While it excels as a full-service restaurant offering spectacular plates for lunch and dinner—including fresh seafood, robust steak dishes, and large sharing platters—it has earned particular acclaim among locals for its comprehensive and traditional "Desayunos" (Breakfast) menu. This focus on breakfast, available every day, establishes Cali Tajadas as a crucial morning meeting spot in the New York community.

The atmosphere here is intentionally casual, welcoming a diverse crowd that includes many loyal locals. Patrons are drawn not only by the extensive and authentic menu but also by the consistent quality and excellent service. From the moment you step in, the focus is on providing comfort food that uses fresh, quality ingredients, creating an experience where every bite is a reminder of home-cooked flavors. It is a highly-rated, family-friendly venue that embraces the convenience New Yorkers demand, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery, ensuring authentic Colombian cuisine is never far away.

The menu is incredibly diverse, promising that whether you're craving a quick bite, a small plate, or a monumental feast, Cali Tajadas has you covered. Its popularity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with its reputation for serving great coffee, firmly cements its status as a highly valued, all-day dining option in the competitive Brooklyn food scene. The commitment to authentic flavor is immediately apparent, distinguishing it from general Latin American eateries and making it a must-visit for anyone seeking true Colombian gastronomy.

Location and Accessibility

Cali Tajadas is conveniently situated in a central Brooklyn location, easily accessible to both residents of Sunset Park and the Bay Ridge area.

Address: 241 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA

The location on Bay Ridge Avenue provides excellent neighborhood access. For local New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the restaurant is positioned near various bus routes and is a manageable distance from subway stations, ensuring easy access from surrounding Brooklyn areas.

For those traveling by car, a highly valued amenity in New York City, the restaurant offers a Free Parking Lot. This makes a visit significantly more convenient, particularly for families or those coming from further distances to experience the renowned Colombian cuisine. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to inclusivity, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Wheelchair Accessible Seating, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy a comfortable dining experience. The friendly, casual atmosphere even extends to pet owners, as dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

Services Offered

Cali Tajadas is structured to accommodate the fast-paced life of a New Yorker, offering numerous service options to suit any need, from a quick coffee run to a leisurely family dinner.

• Comprehensive Dining Options: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable Table Service and ample Seating.
• Multiple Service Methods: Offers Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, and even No-contact delivery options for maximum convenience and safety.
• Outdoor Dining: Outdoor seating is available, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal or great coffee al fresco, with the added benefit of being Dogs Allowed.
• Reservation Acceptance: The venue Accepts reservations, which is helpful for planning group dining or ensuring a table during peak hours like weekend brunch.
• Family Amenities: Considered Good for kids, the restaurant provides High chairs and a dedicated Kids’ menu (Menu de Niños) featuring items like Salchipapas and Chicken Nuggets.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Full Beverage Selection: A diverse offering of beverages, including their highlighted Great coffee, traditional Chocolate con Queso, natural juices (Jugo Natural en Agua/Leche), and imported Colombian sodas.

Features and Highlights

The true allure of Cali Tajadas lies in its commitment to authentic, quality Colombian food, establishing several key highlights that resonate with the local crowd.

• Celebrated Breakfast Menu: The extensive "Desayunos" section features unique Colombian morning staples like Calentado Mixto (a hearty blend of rice and beans with meat) and Caldo de Costilla (beef rib broth), alongside familiar options like the Desayuno Americano.
• Perfection of the Bandeja Paisa: Highly praised by customers, the Bandeja Paisa is described as the "Best... in Brooklyn." A key feature is the quality of the Chicharrón (fried pork belly), which a reviewer noted was "cooked perfectly," avoiding the dry, "petrified" state often found elsewhere.
• Authentic Street Snacks and Small Plates: The "Antojitos" (Appetizers) are a must-try, including Tostones con Guacamole y Chicharrón—a soul-soothing combination of crispy plantains, fresh guacamole, and savory pork belly.
• Panadería Freshness: A dedicated bakery section provides daily fresh items like Pandebono (cheese bread), Buñuelos (fried cheese fritters), and various Empanadas (beef, chicken, or cheese), which are highly popular for grab-and-go ordering.
• Exceptional Coffee Culture: Cali Tajadas is highlighted specifically for serving Great Coffee, making it an excellent stop for a morning boost or a traditional accompaniment to a Colombian pastry.
• Traditional Colombian Comfort Food: The menu is a treasure trove of comfort food and traditional dishes like Tamales Tolimences and Bistec a Caballo, providing deep, rich, authentic flavors rarely replicated outside a Colombian kitchen.

Contact Information

New York residents and visitors interested in reaching out to Cali Tajadas for inquiries, reservations, or direct ordering can use the following information:

Address: 241 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA

Phone (Primary): (718) 836-0056

Phone (Mobile/Alternative): +1 718-836-0056

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker stepping into Cali Tajadas, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you are seeking an immersive Colombian experience or a highly satisfying meal. We recommend a focus on the offerings that make this spot famous in Brooklyn:

If you are visiting for the highly acclaimed Breakfast, you must try the Calentado Mixto. This is the epitome of Colombian comfort breakfast, featuring a generous serving of rice and beans refried together, typically served with meat, egg, and an arepa. It’s a complex, flavorful dish that will truly fuel your day in the city. Alternatively, the Tajadas’s Breakfast is a signature choice, offering a unique combination created by the restaurant. The Arepa con Queso y Huevos provides a delicious and milder start, perfectly paired with a rich cup of their Great Coffee or a unique Chocolate con Queso.

For lunch or dinner, the consensus among locals points directly to the Bandeja Paisa as the definitive choice. Its reputation for being the "best in Brooklyn" is a powerful endorsement, especially given the perfect preparation of the chicharrón.

For a quick, savory snack that perfectly showcases the restaurant’s mastery of Colombian flavors, the Tostones con Guacamole y Chicharrón from the Appetizers list is a winner. The combination of crispy textures, fresh avocado, and savory pork belly is often described as "great" by returning customers. Don't forget to grab an Empanada (Carne or Pollo) and a Pandebono from the Panadería for a quick treat to enjoy later.

Whether you are a local resident of Sunset Park or Bay Ridge, or traveling from a different borough, Cali Tajadas offers an authentic, high-quality, and deeply satisfying Colombian dining experience. It is a true local business that contributes significantly to the rich tapestry of New York’s diverse culinary scene, delivering authentic flavors with professional, friendly service.

Cali Tajadas

241 Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA