El Montañero

- 55-21 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385

Introduction / Overview

New Yorkers in the Ridgewood area of Queens are fortunate to have access to a true culinary gem: **El Montañero**. This establishment is a celebrated hybrid, expertly functioning as both a traditional **Colombian restaurant** and a delightful **Pastry shop (Panaderia)**. It’s a place that captures the spirit and warmth of Colombian culture, offering an authentic taste of South America right on Myrtle Avenue. Far beyond a simple bakery, El Montañero serves as a comprehensive **Breakfast restaurant**, lunch spot, and dinner destination, known for its extensive menu, warm hospitality, and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Operating from early morning, El Montañero ensures the neighborhood starts its day right, whether it's with a classic Colombian **Cafe** and a fresh **Bunuelo** or a hearty **Desayunos Montanero**. Throughout the day, it transforms into a vibrant hub for incredible **Comfort food**, serving up beloved **Platos Tipicos** like the massive and satisfying **Plato Montanero**. Its commitment to quality has earned it praise for **Fast service** and, notably, a reputation for **Great coffee** and **Great dessert**, making it a versatile choice for any meal or craving. With a friendly, inviting **Casual** and **Cozy** atmosphere, it’s a comfortable escape from the hustle of city life, popular for everything from a **Quick bite** to a leisurely family dinner.

Location and Accessibility

El Montañero is strategically situated at **55-21 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA**. Myrtle Avenue is a main artery running through this thriving Queens neighborhood, ensuring that the bakery and restaurant is a central and well-recognized spot for local residents, commuters, and visitors alike. The location is easily reachable via public transportation and is a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the Ridgewood-Bushwick border area.

The management has prioritized accessibility, which is essential for serving a dense urban area like New York City. The premises offer **Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating all patrons. For those who choose to drive, **Paid street parking** is available nearby. The atmosphere is described as **Casual, Cozy, Quiet, and Trendy**, appealing to a diverse crowd that includes local **Groups** and visiting **Tourists**. The establishment also features **Restrooms** and provides **High chairs** for those dining with **Children**, solidifying its status as a community-focused venue.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive All-Day Dining: Serving an extensive menu for **Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner**. This includes full **Table service** for those dining in and plenty of comfortable **Seating** options.

• Full-Service Bakery and Pastry Shop: The dedicated **Panaderia** section offers a wide selection of fresh-baked Colombian goods, including savory items like **Bunuelos** and **Empanada** ($2.85), alongside sweet treats such as **Pastel De Guayaba Y Queso** and various cookies and cakes.

• Flexible Ordering and Delivery: Customers have the full array of options for convenience, including **Dine-in, Takeout**, and reliable **Delivery** service, making it a true **Delivery Restaurant** partner for the neighborhood.

• Event and Group Services: **Catering** services are available, allowing New Yorkers to bring the authentic flavors of Colombian cuisine, from the **Platos Tipicos** to the delicious pastries, to their private parties, corporate events, or family gatherings.

• Planning and Accommodations: The venue **Accepts reservations**, a useful feature for **Groups** looking to secure a table during peak hours, particularly for the popular dinner rush.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Colombian Staple Dishes: El Montañero's menu is a celebration of **Platos Tipicos**. The highly recommended **Plato Montanero** (a mountaineer dish often synonymous with the famous Bandeja Paisa) is a massive, savory platter that has been praised by diners for its size and authentic flavor, making it a perfect meal to split or for those with a large appetite.

• Diverse Beverage Selection: The restaurant features **Great coffee** (including **Cafe, Cappuccino, and Expresso**) and a full array of authentic, tropical fruit **Batidos** (smoothies) in unique Latin American flavors like **Guanabana, Maracuya, and Lulo**, providing a refreshing and healthy alternative to standard soft drinks.

• Exceptional Pastries and Desserts: As a dedicated **Pastry shop**, the dessert selection is a major highlight. The menu boasts a selection of cakes, including **3 Leches Cake Slice, Tiramisu**, and **Flan**, confirming the "Great dessert" status often noted by customers. Daily baked goods like **Almohabana** and **Pan Queso Grande** ensure there is always a fresh treat available.

• All-Day Meal Versatility: The sheer scope of the menu, from **Huevos En Cacerola Con Arepa** for breakfast and a variety of **Sopas del Dia** (including **Sopa De Pescado** on Fridays and **Sancocho De Gallina** on Sundays) to extensive **Carnes** and **Mariscos** options for dinner, demonstrates its capacity to fulfill any craving at any time of day.

• Positive Customer Experience: Review highlights consistently mention the excellent service, describing the wait staff as "super sweet" and the food as "delicious and came out fast," reinforcing a pleasant and efficient dining experience.

Contact Information

• Address: 55-21 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA

• Phone: (718) 366-0400

What is worth choosing

El Montañero is worth choosing for New Yorkers—especially those in Queens—because it offers a level of cultural authenticity and menu depth that few other combined bakery-restaurants can match. It successfully blends the quick convenience of a neighborhood bakery, where you can grab a simple, hot **Empanada** or **Bunuelo** on the way to work, with the full-service, diverse offerings of a traditional **Colombian restaurant**.

For a unique culinary experience, visitors should focus on the traditional Colombian items that are harder to find elsewhere. The **Plato Montanero** is a must-try for dinner, while the freshly made **Batidos** and an authentic Colombian **Cafe** are essential morning choices. Despite one reviewer’s mention of stale takeout bread, the consistency of positive feedback on the rest of the menu, particularly the savory food like the **Avocado salad** and the main courses, overwhelmingly supports the restaurant’s quality. The friendly service, combined with the comprehensive service options (**Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in**), makes El Montañero a reliable and welcoming fixture. It's the perfect spot to experience the rich, comforting flavors of Colombia, from a quick **Quick bite** to a satisfying multi-course meal, anytime from **Breakfast** through **Late-night food** hours.

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El Montañero

55-21 Myrtle Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA