Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse

- 248 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208

For New Jersey residents seeking a culinary experience that blends the hearty traditions of a steakhouse with the rich, vibrant flavors of South America, Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse in Elizabeth is a premier destination. More than just a steakhouse, Rancho Mateo is an authentic Colombian restaurant and Latin American restaurant that offers a comprehensive dining experience. It stands as a beacon for genuine Latin hospitality and gastronomy in Union County.

The restaurant is dedicated to serving the most iconic and beloved dishes from Colombia, making it a true home away from home for the local community and an exciting culinary adventure for all others. While its menu boasts high-quality, classic steakhouse cuts like NY Strip Steak and T Bone Steak, its true heart lies in signature Colombian meals. This includes the nationally celebrated Bandeja Paisa, the robust Cazuela De Frijoles, and the house specialty, Carne A La Llanera, which often features succulent beef slow-cooked to perfection in the style of the Colombian plains.

Rancho Mateo is designed to be an experience. The atmosphere is described as a delightful mix of Casual and Trendy, often featuring Live music to enhance the vibrant, festive ambiance. It doubles as a Sports bar, with large TVs making it a great place to catch a game, all while savoring a meal paired with an excellent selection of Beer, Cocktails, and a Great wine list. The commitment to a full experience extends from a fantastic selection of main courses to an in-house Bakery offering fresh Colombian pastries like Empanadas and Pandebono, and even a full Breakfast service.

The establishment is highly accommodating, welcoming a diverse Crowd including Family-friendly groups and offering comprehensive accessibility features. With options for Dine-in, Outdoor seating, Delivery, and Curbside pickup, Rancho Mateo has positioned itself as an essential, high-quality, and versatile dining spot in the heart of Elizabeth, NJ.

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## Location and Accessibility

Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse is strategically located in Elizabeth, NJ, making it easily reachable from major routes and surrounding towns within Union County and beyond. Its address places it on a prominent street known for local commerce, ensuring good visibility and ease of access for both local patrons and visitors.

The specific address is:

• Address: 248 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA

A key convenience highlight for New Jersey drivers is the generous provision for parking, mitigating the typical concerns of urban dining:

• Parking Options: The restaurant offers a Free parking lot, Free street parking, On-site parking, and even Valet parking, providing guests with multiple hassle-free options upon arrival.

The physical space itself is designed for inclusivity and comfort:

• Accessibility: Rancho Mateo ensures a welcoming visit for all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Dining Environment: The provision of Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy their meal in the open air during pleasant weather, adding another appealing dimension to the dining options.

Its central location in Elizabeth, combined with exceptional parking and accessibility amenities, ensures that planning a visit to Rancho Mateo is convenient and comfortable for everyone.

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## Services Offered

Rancho Mateo operates as a multifaceted dining establishment, going above and beyond typical restaurant services to cater to a variety of customer needs, schedules, and preferences. The broad range of offerings truly makes it an all-day destination.

Key Services and Dining Options:

• Full-Service Dining: Available for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with dedicated Seating and Table service. They also offer Counter service for quick transactions.
• Convenience Options: For those on the go, the restaurant provides Takeout, Delivery, and Curbside pickup. Their efficiency is noted in the highlight of Fast service.
• Beverage Program: Features a fully stocked Bar onsite, offering Alcohol, a Great beer selection, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and a Great wine list. Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food are also available.
• Special Dining: Catering services are available for events, and they have a Private dining room for more intimate gatherings or corporate events.
• Menu Variety: The menu is extensive, featuring traditional Comfort food, Healthy options, Small plates, and a variety of freshly made items from their in-house Bakery.
• Late-Night Availability: The restaurant often serves Late-night food, making it a great spot for evening socializers or those needing a meal outside of standard hours.

Rancho Mateo accepts multiple modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, streamlining the customer experience. The sheer variety of services ensures that whether you’re seeking a family meal, a quick coffee, a cocktail with friends, or a formal dinner, Rancho Mateo can accommodate.

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## Features / Highlights

Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse stands out in the competitive New Jersey dining scene due to its unique blend of culinary specialties and an engaging, lively atmosphere. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a memorable and authentic Latin dining experience.

Distinctive Features and Highlights:

• Authentic Colombian Focus: The commitment to being a true Colombian restaurant is paramount, with signature dishes like the Bandeja Paisa (Colombia’s most popular dish) and Carne A La Llanera (succulent steak) at the forefront. They also Serves local specialty items from the region.
• Prime Steak Selection: In its role as a steakhouse, the menu features high-quality cuts beyond Colombian preparations, including NY Strip Steak, T Bone Steak, and specialty cuts like Entrana A La Parrilla (Grilled Skirt Steak) and Punta De Anca (Picanha steak).
• Vibrant Entertainment and Ambiance: The dining atmosphere is celebrated for being Trendy and lively. A major draw is the inclusion of Live music, contributing to the festive, Cozy, yet energetic environment. It also functions as a Sports bar, with large TVs for viewing games.
• Full Bakery and Dessert Program: The in-house Bakery provides fresh-baked goods and traditional Colombian pastries like Pandebono and Pastel Gloria. They also offer a Great dessert selection to finish the meal.
• Exceptional Beverage Offerings: The bar features a Great beer selection and Great cocktails, ensuring the perfect pairing for any meal. The quality of their Great coffee is also specifically highlighted, a nod to Colombian tradition.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is well-equipped for families, offering a dedicated Kids' menu, High chairs, Good for kids birthday events, and even Has changing table(s) in the restrooms.

These features position Rancho Mateo as an all-in-one venue—a serious steakhouse, an authentic Colombian eatery, and a lively social spot—making it a compelling choice for any occasion in New Jersey.

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## Contact Information

To ensure local New Jersey patrons can easily contact the establishment for reservations, inquiries, or takeout orders, the following information is provided for the Elizabeth location:

Address:
248 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA

Phone:
(908) 662-0828 (Primary Line)

Mobile Phone:
+1 908-662-0828

The restaurant Accepts reservations, and given its popularity—especially for Dinner and during times of Live music—making a reservation is highly recommended, as is noted by the restaurant itself: Brunch reservations recommended, Lunch reservations recommended, Dinner reservations recommended.

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## What is Worth Choosing

For a truly representative and highly satisfying meal at Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse, New Jersey diners should focus on the signature Colombian dishes and the specialty cuts that define its unique fusion concept. These are the dishes that guests consistently praise and return for.

The Most Authentic Colombian Experience:

• Bandeja Paisa: This is the quintessential Colombian dish—a must-try. It is a hearty platter typically featuring rice, ground beef or steak, chicharron (fried pork belly), a fried egg, plantains, chorizo, arepa, avocado, and beans. It is often cited as a standout item by customers.
• Carne A La Llanera: A house specialty, this special cut of steak is prepared in the style of the Colombian plains, offering a deeply flavorful and authentic meat experience distinct from American-style steaks.
• Picadas Mateo: For a group or family, choose one of the sized Picadas. These are massive samplers of grilled meats (steak, pork ribs), sausages, traditional sides (Tostones, yuca), and Colombian staples, perfect for sharing and getting a wide taste of the menu.
• Cazuela De Frijoles: A flavorful, thick bean stew often served with traditional Colombian accompaniments, providing true Latin comfort food.

Steakhouse and Specialty Mains:

• Entrana Mateo: A unique house preparation of the grilled skirt steak (Entrana A La Parrilla), which comes topped with bacon, onions, cheese, mushrooms, and shrimp, offering a rich "Surf and Turf" flavor profile.
• Mixto (Carne Y Costilla): A great option for those who want a taste of both, combining grilled steak and beef ribs into one satisfying platter.
• NY Strip Steak or T Bone Steak: For purists who want a classic, quality steak, these American cuts are available and generously portioned.

Appetizers and Drinks:

• Tostones Rellenos Con Camarones: Fried green plantain cups filled with shrimp—a popular and delicious appetizer.
• Fresh Juices: Order one of the fresh Jugos En Agua O Leche (Juices in Water or Milk), which are an authentic and refreshing accompaniment to any Colombian meal.
• Bakery Items: Before leaving, grab a fresh Pandebono (cheese bread) or a Pastel Gloria (pastry) from the in-house bakery.

Rancho Mateo in Elizabeth is worth choosing for its ability to deliver an authentic, high-energy Colombian dining adventure, combining a delicious and hearty menu with excellent drinks, live music, and family-friendly amenities.

Rancho Mateo Colombian Steakhouse

248 Morris Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, USA