La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery

- 284 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208

For residents and visitors of New Jersey seeking an authentic and flavor-rich culinary experience, La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery in Elizabeth offers a unique combination of a traditional steak house, a full-service Colombian restaurant, and a fresh bakery. This establishment stands out in the local dining scene by delivering comfort food and specialized Colombian dishes in a welcoming, cozy environment. While the term “steak house” might traditionally evoke a purely American fine-dining experience, La Calenita embraces the spirit of a Latin-style steak house, incorporating grilled meats—like the flavorful Costilla a la Parrilla (Grilled Ribs)—into a diverse menu that celebrates the best of Colombian gastronomy. It’s a place where families, groups, and solo diners can find satisfying meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a truly local and memorable dining adventure.

As a true neighborhood gem, La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery prides itself on serving generous portions of flavorful food. The menu is a delightful exploration of Colombian staples, from hearty meals to delightful pastries. For those with an appetite for something robust, the beef section offers compelling choices, such as the Fajitas Mixtas and the aforementioned Costilla a la Parrilla, which certainly anchor the steak house element of their offerings. Beyond the grilled meats, the menu features delicious seafood, including Ceviche and Mojarra Frita, alongside classic Colombian appetizers like Toston con Todo and Arepa Rellena. And, of course, no visit is complete without sampling the treats from the "Panaderia" (bakery), such as the sweet Aborrajado and the universally loved Bunuelos. Their focus on authentic flavors and quality ingredients has made them a trusted local spot.

La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery is conveniently located at 284 Morris Ave in Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA. This location makes it highly accessible for New Jersey residents throughout the greater Elizabeth area and beyond. For those arriving by car, the restaurant offers a significant amenity: a free parking lot. This is a considerable advantage in an urban area, making it easy for customers to stop by for a quick bite, a takeout order, or a leisurely dine-in experience.

The restaurant has demonstrated a commitment to accessibility for all guests. They provide both wheelchair accessible seating and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for patrons with mobility needs. The establishment’s hours generally run from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and Sunday, extending slightly later on Friday and Saturday until 9:00 PM, catering to both early risers and those looking for a later dinner. It's always a good idea to confirm hours on specific holidays, but this broad availability underscores their dedication to serving the local community at all popular meal times.

La Calenita is more than just a place to eat; it's a versatile service provider that meets various customer needs. The diverse services offered demonstrate their dedication to customer convenience and satisfaction, whether you prefer to enjoy a meal on-site or in the comfort of your own home.

Services Offered:

• Delivery: Patrons can place orders for delivery to enjoy their Colombian favorites without leaving their location. As one customer review highlights, their service can even extend to specific arrangements like delivering to a workplace.
• Takeout: Customers can easily pick up their meals to-go, perfect for busy schedules or enjoying a meal elsewhere.
• Dine-in: Full table service is available, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere.
• Accepts Reservations: Planning a group meal or a special outing is simplified as the restaurant accepts reservations.
• Table Service: Guests can expect attentive service while dining in.

The combination of offerings at La Calenita is what truly sets it apart. It’s a dynamic eatery where every visit offers a new discovery, from a satisfying breakfast to a robust dinner. Their features and highlights cater to a broad audience, ensuring there is something to appeal to everyone.

Features / Highlights:

• Great Coffee: Recognized as a highlight, the quality of their Colombian coffee is exceptional, making it a perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up or an after-meal beverage.
• Popular for All Meals: The restaurant is highly rated and popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a reliable choice throughout the day.
• Comfort Food Focus: The menu centers around hearty comfort food and small plates, providing both familiar and authentic Colombian tastes.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and quiet, suitable for family dining, and they provide high chairs and a kids’ menu.
• Diverse Payment Options: For convenience, they accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Specialty Juices: Alongside traditional offerings, the menu includes authentic Colombian fresh juices like Guanabana and Banano Juice.

To experience the authentic flavors and friendly service of La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery, or to place an order, the contact information is readily available.

Contact Information:

• Address: 284 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA
• Phone: (908) 469-4222
• Mobile Phone: +1 908-469-4222

What makes La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery a consistently worthwhile choice for New Jersey diners is the genuine care and quality evident in their food and service. For local residents, choosing this restaurant means supporting a business that successfully blends different culinary roles—steak house, Colombian eatery, and bakery—into a single, high-quality offering. It is a destination where the grilled meats satisfy the desire for a hearty meal while the bakery items provide sweet, fresh indulgence. The ability to cater to solo diners, families, and large groups, coupled with convenience options like delivery, takeout, and a free parking lot, solidifies its position as a valuable community resource.

The enthusiastic customer feedback confirms this, noting not only the great food—from empanadas to ajicito—but also the amazing service, which, in one case, included going the extra mile to coordinate a delivery from Miami to an Elizabeth workplace. This level of personalized, friendly attention is a hallmark of a great local business. Ultimately, if you are in the Elizabeth, NJ, area and are looking for a casual, authentic, and high-quality meal that delivers both the essence of a Latin-style steak house and the warmth of Colombian hospitality, La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery is a choice that comes highly recommended by its loyal patrons.

La Calenita Restaurant & Bakery

284 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA