Macondo Restaurant & Bakery

- 1154 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

For residents across New Jersey craving an authentic taste of South America, Macondo Restaurant & Bakery in Clifton stands as a prominent destination for Colombian cuisine. This establishment successfully combines the heartiness of a traditional Colombian restaurant with the fresh, comforting warmth of a dedicated bakery. The name 'Macondo' itself, referencing the fictional town from Gabriel García Márquez's literature, suggests a vibrant, cultural experience, a promise the restaurant strives to fulfill with its rich menu.

Macondo specializes in a vast array of authentic Colombian staples, making it a true cultural cross-section of the country's diverse culinary landscape. The menu serves as a guide to Colombian gastronomy, covering everything from morning favorites to late-night street food. Diners can start their day with traditional breakfasts like the hearty Calentado (rice and beans mixed) or the powerful El Poderoso (a large, all-encompassing breakfast plate), or opt for the lighter, classic Desayunito. Beyond breakfast, the kitchen shines with its Platos Fuertes, featuring the iconic Bandeja Paisa—a massive platter showcasing the region's best, including steak, chorizo, chicharron, rice, beans, a fried egg, and plantains.

The 'Bakery' component of Macondo is equally vital to its identity, offering a superb selection of Colombian baked goods (Parva) that are hard to find elsewhere, such as Pan De Bono (cheese bread), Pan De Yuca, and Buñuelo. These items, along with the homemade desserts like Classic Tres Leches and Cheesecake De Maracuyá, have garnered praise, contributing to the restaurant's reputation for 'Great coffee' and 'Great dessert.' The atmosphere is consistently described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with unique decor that aims to capture the essence of Colombia.

However, potential diners should be aware of a recurring theme in customer feedback related to the handling of extra requests, specifically concerning complimentary sauces. Multiple reviews express frustration over the restaurant’s policy of charging for an additional side of their popular pink sauce, even when multiple items are ordered, leading to a sense of disappointment in customer service despite the enjoyment of the food itself. While the food is consistently enjoyed by many, service attitude and policy around small extras have been cited as areas needing attention, which is a common challenge for busy local establishments.

Macondo Restaurant & Bakery is situated on Main Avenue in Clifton, NJ, a well-known area for local businesses and dining, making it easy to find for both locals and travelers passing through the area.

The official address is:

1154 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

The location offers practical accessibility features:

• Parking: Free street parking is available, providing a convenient solution for customers driving to the restaurant.
• Accessibility: The restaurant ensures comfort for all guests with a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating.
• Proximity: Being located on Main Avenue, it is a straightforward and easily reachable spot within the vibrant commercial district of Clifton.

Macondo is structured to provide flexible service options to meet diverse customer needs throughout the day, solidifying its role as a full-service culinary hub:

• All-Day Dining: Serves patrons across all major meal times, with dedicated options for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Dine-in and Table Service: Full seating is provided in a comfortable environment, featuring traditional table service.
• Delivery and Takeout: Conveniently offers both standard Delivery and Takeout options for those who prefer to dine at home or on the go.
• Catering Services: The restaurant extends its services to event catering, allowing customers to bring authentic Colombian flavors to large groups and special occasions.
• Reservations Accepted: Guests can call ahead to accept reservations, a recommended practice for larger groups or during peak weekend hours.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for ease of transaction.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Considered 'Good for kids,' offering High Chairs and a simple, appealing Kids' Menu with options like Kid's Chicken Tenders and Kid's Cheeseburger.
• Beverage Service: Features a robust selection of specialty drinks, including 100% Colombian Coffee, various teas, fresh Jugos y Batidos (juices and smoothies), and Colombian Sodas like Colombiana and Pony Malta.

Macondo Restaurant & Bakery stands out in the New Jersey culinary scene due to a distinctive set of features that combine to create a comprehensive Colombian experience:

• Signature Colombian Specialty Menu: The restaurant serves a variety of local specialties, focusing on deeply authentic dishes like the legendary Bandeja Paisa and the Almuerzo Casero (daily special lunch).
• Integrated Bakery Experience: The bakery is a major highlight, offering freshly made, traditional Colombian breads and pastries (Parva) such as Pan De Bono, Pan De Yuca, and Buñuelo, which are difficult to find with this level of authenticity outside of specialized markets.
• Excellent Coffee and Desserts: Patrons consistently praise the 'Great coffee'—which is 100% Colombian—and the dessert selection, including the rich Flan De Queso and Classic Tres Leches.
• Extensive Breakfast Selection: Offers a wide-ranging breakfast menu that serves Colombian traditionals like Calentado alongside American options, making it a premier spot for morning dining.
• Focus on Small Bites and Street Food: Features a variety of Colombian street food and snacks, including different Empanadas, Carimañola, and the heavily loaded Salchipapa Macondo.
• Cozy and Culturally Inviting Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, with a unique decor that provides an authentic Colombian cafe feel.
• Healthy Options Available: Alongside the comfort food classics, the menu also includes Healthy options like Grilled Chicken Salad, ensuring a dish for every preference.

For all inquiries, including placing orders, booking catering services, or making reservations, please use the contact information provided below:

Address:
1154 Main Ave,
Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone:
(973) 405-5028

Mobile Phone:
+1 973-405-5028

Macondo Restaurant & Bakery in Clifton is unequivocally worth choosing for New Jersey residents who value culinary authenticity and variety. The establishment’s most compelling feature is its duality—it excels as both a traditional Colombian restaurant and a high-quality bakery. The fusion of these two elements provides a complete cultural experience that few local venues can match.

You should choose Macondo if you are looking to indulge in the heartiest, most iconic dishes of Colombia, most notably the Bandeja Paisa, which is often considered the national dish. Furthermore, the commitment to the bakery side is a huge draw; the ability to pair fresh-baked, traditional Colombian bread like Pan De Bono with authentic, robust Colombian coffee is a daily pleasure that makes Macondo a superior choice for breakfast and brunch. The comprehensive menu, which spans from Small Bites and appetizers like Chicharron to delicious Colombian candy and spectacular desserts, makes it an ideal spot for any time of day, whether you are dining solo or with a group.

While the occasional customer service issue regarding charges for extra sauce has been noted, the consistently high quality and authentic flavor of the food—from the freshness of the Guacamole Con Chicharron to the satisfying Almuerzo Casero—is the primary reason for choosing Macondo. It is a genuine piece of Colombia right here in Clifton, NJ, offering a rich, comforting, and unforgettable dining experience that extends far beyond the typical quick bite. For an authentic and diverse Colombian meal, Macondo remains one of North Jersey's top selections.

Macondo Restaurant & Bakery

1154 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA