Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [59]
ZONA ROSA & PARQUE 93
Sometimes called ‘Zona T’ for its T-shaped pedestrian zone filled with bars, restaurants and a few chains, the area of Zona Rosa also has oodles more options on surrounding blocks. If you need a peso break, nearby Carrera 15 is lined with places selling COP$700 empanadas and COP$3900 pizza-and-soda deals. Ten blocks north, the more-sedate Parque 93 and Calle 94 have even classier spots.
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BOGOTÁ CHAINS
We’re not accustomed to touting chains, but Bogotá has some surprisingly worthy ones you’ll find in most neighborhoods, particularly in the north.
Bogotá Beer Company (Map; 802 6784; www.bogotabeercompany.com; Carrera 6 No 119-24; burgers COP$15,000; noon-1am or 2am) These pubby-style beer joints revolve a few seasonal brews and make excellent burgers. This Usaquén locale is a bit more laid-back than the other half-a-dozen, like the busy one in Zona Rosa (Map; Carrera 12 No 83-33).
Crepes & Waffles (Map; 211 2530; Carrera 9 No 73-33; crepes COP$8900-27,000; 11:45am-10:30pm Mon-Sat, 11:45am-9pm Sun) Of the many locations of this ever-busy chain – which employs women in need – we like this one best: a two-story brick home with sidewalk seats between Zona G and Zona Rosa. Like the others, it serves up veggie, meat and seafood crepes, plus irresistible ice-cream-topped waffles (COP$5000).
Wok (Map; 236 4939; Calle 93B No 12-28; noodles COP$13,000-16,000; noon-11pm Mon-Sat, noon-9pm Sun) The cool chain does a good version of Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and Cambodian noodles that attracts locals at all hours. Another convenient location is in Zona Rosa (Map; Carrera 13 No 82-74).
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Casa Mexicana (Map; 257 3407; Calle 80 No 14-08; dishes COP$20,000-29,000; noon-9:30pm Mon-Sat) A block from Zona Rosa’s main action, this happy corner spot has Zapata pics on the walls, colorful sundresses on the waitresses and yummy Mexican specialties on the plate.
Salto de Ángel (Map; 236 3139; Carrera 13 No 93A-45; dishes COP$17,000-25,000; noon-midnight Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun) Parque 93’s best location – a raised restaurant with cavernous rooms topped with bamboo poles and huge windows overlooking the park – the ‘Angel Falls’ is often full. It’s probably just as good for its setting and drinks (or an excellent slushy cantaloupe juice, COP$4000) as it is for its typical fare: steaks, salads, sandwiches, fajitas.
USAQUéN
Once a village to the north, Usaquén has been overtaken by Bogotá – but still lives at its own quiet pace. You’ll find snazzy Chinese, Mediterranean or burger joints within a block of the main plaza.
80 Sillas (Map; 619 2471; Calle 118 No 7-09; dishes COP$12,000-15,000; noon-11pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun) Usaquén’s busiest spot is all about putting a modern spin on traditional ceviche, set in a redone colonial farmhouse on the southwestern corner of the plaza. You can pick from a host of ceviche styles (such as ginger or a hearty criollo with bacon, potato, lemon and cheese). Yes, careful reader, there are 80 seats.
FURTHER NORTH
Andrés Carne de Res ( 863 7880; www.andrescarnederes.com, in Spanish; Calle 3 No 11A-56, Chía; meals from COP$35,000; noon-3am Fri-Sun) Hang onto your hats. This legendary steakhouse blows everyone away – even repeat visitors – for its all-out-fun atmosphere with decent steaks and all sorts of surreal decor and designed gimmicks such as menus retracting from the rafters. For most, it’s more than a meal – but a leave-the-watch-at-home expanse of late-night rumba. Staff will get you on the floor if you resist joining in. The catch is that it’s out of town – in Chía, 23km north towards Zipaquirá. A taxi from Bogotá costs about COP$25,000 to COP$40,000.
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