Chorizo, longaniza and 'sobrebarriga': Bogotá's grill beyond Villa Javier
Who said the best grill in Bogotá is only found in Villa Javier? The city is full of corners where chorizo, longaniza, and sobrebarriga shine in their own light. On this tour, I share five hidden gems in working-class neighborhoods, where every bite tells a story and each place has its own charm. Here, charcoal and wood are the stars, and the warm service will make you feel at home.
The chorizo stand at 68th with 13th: history and flavor of a night classic
On Avenida 68 with Calle 13, in Puente Aranda, there is a chorizo stand that has earned a place in the hearts of night owls. With over 30 years in the same spot, it is the refuge of taxi drivers and night owls who come eager to enjoy a good chorizo under the starry sky. There is no menu or flashy sign, just a cart with a grill that invites you to come closer.
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Chorizo with arepa and ají: the combination that never fails
This chorizo, juicy and crispy, comes served with arepa and a homemade ají that is pure magic. The touch of onion and cilantro gives it a flavor you won't forget. The price is very friendly: the chorizo with arepa costs approximately $8,000 COP, a price that remains a delight in the city.
Local tip: If you arrive on a weekend after 1 am, be prepared to see lines of up to 20 people. It's the best time to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the area.
Address: Avenida 68 with Calle 13, corner. The line of people will guide you.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 pm to 1 am. It is advisable to check before going.
Monday's sobrebarriga at Restaurante El Huerto, in the Ricaurte neighborhood
In Ricaurte, a neighborhood full of mechanic workshops, the tradition of "Monday sobrebarriga" is respected to the letter. Restaurante El Huerto, located on Calle 19 with Carrera 30, is the perfect place to enjoy this delicacy. With plastic tables and an aroma of stewed meat that captivates you, here the sobrebarriga is an art.
A lunch that tastes like Sunday but falls on Monday
The meat is cooked slowly in a sauce that combines tomato, onion, and spices, resulting in a dish that melts just by looking at it. It includes rice, salted potato, and salad, all for around $22,000 COP, a price that includes natural juice. Here, mechanics and workers arrive with their hands stained with grease and order their "usual sobrebarriga."
Local tip: Don't forget to try it with criollo ají and lemon, that's how it's done in the neighborhood!
Address: Calle 19 # 30-45, Ricaurte neighborhood.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Mondays are the star day for sobrebarriga.
The longanizas at Plaza de Paloquemao: how to buy and grill like a local
More than a fruit and flower market, Paloquemao is the carnivorous heart of Bogotá. In the early morning, while merchants prepare, the best meat market also comes together. In the market sector, you'll find an aisle full of fresh longanizas that are a true delight.
The meat aisle: where the fate of the weekend grill is decided
Located on Calle 19 with Carrera 28, Plaza de Paloquemao is the place to go to buy fresh longaniza. Each stall has its recipe, but the special touch is in the marinade, which includes garlic, cumin, and a touch of beer. As of September 2026, prices range between $14,000 and $18,000 COP per kilo.
Vendor tips for grilling longaniza like a local:
- Don't cut it before grilling: it should go whole over the charcoal so it doesn't lose its juices.
- Medium heat, not live flame: this prevents it from burning on the outside and staying raw inside.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes: wrap it after grilling to redistribute the juices.
- Pair it with arepa and hogao: that's how it's enjoyed in Bogotá households.
Fun fact: It is recommended to buy the longaniza before 10 in the morning, as it sells out quickly, especially on weekends.
Address: Plaza de Paloquemao, Calle 19 # 27-03, meat section.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 4:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best time to buy is between 6:00 am and 10:00 am.
The grill at Plaza España: Santarrosano chorizo and morcilla in the heart of the historic center
If you dare to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, Plaza España awaits you with a grill offering you can't miss. Between Carrera 10 and Calle 6, several stalls have been serving charcoal chorizos for years, becoming a favorite among locals.
Santarrosano chorizo: a Boyacá pride in Bogotá
This chorizo stands out for its firm texture and spicy flavor. It is grilled slowly and served with arepa or simply with lemon and ají. As of September 2026, a chorizo with arepa costs around $7,000 COP, a more than adequate price.
Tip: Don't leave without trying the morcilla, a classic "pollo y marrano" combination that delights everyone who passes through the area.
Address: Plaza España, between Carrera 10 and Carrera 14, Calle 6 and Calle 7.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The grill at La Perseverancia: the flavor of the neighborhood that fed Bogotá
La Perseverancia is a neighborhood with history, and its grill is no exception. On Carrera 4 with Calle 26, this place has been serving Bogotanos for over 40 years. Here, the aroma of grilled meat is irresistible, and the specialty is grilled sobrebarriga and chicken breast with chimichurri.
Grilled chicken breast and sobrebarriga: the midday offering in La Perseverancia
The best part is that you can watch them grill your meat. In just 10 minutes, they serve you a steaming plate with meat, potato, salad, and hogao, all for about $25,000 COP. This place has seen generations pass through, and its atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Fun fact: La Perseverancia was the first planned working-class neighborhood in the city, making each visit a trip back to Bogotá's industrial past.
Address: Carrera 4 # 25-60, La Perseverancia neighborhood.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Route map: how to get from one point to another on TransMilenio or by bike
If you want to enjoy a complete tour of these grill corners, here is an ideal route. You can do it in one day if your appetite is big, or in two if you prefer to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
Option 1: TransMilenio route (the most economical)
Starting point: Plaza de Paloquemao (to buy longaniza early).
- Paloquemao to Ricaurte: Walk 10 minutes south along Avenida 30 to Calle 19. Restaurante El Huerto will be on your left.
- Ricaurte to Plaza España: Take the TransMilenio at the nearest station and get off at the Plaza España station.
- Plaza España to La Perseverancia: From the Plaza, walk south and then turn right on Carrera 4.
With this itinerary, you'll soak up the authentic Bogotá grill experience. Enjoy your meal!
Introduction
Bogotá's grill is a reflection of the city's cultural and gastronomic diversity. Beyond the classics of Villa Javier, there are multiple working-class neighborhoods that offer authentic chorizo, longaniza, and sobrebarriga experiences. Each corner has its own story and particularities worth exploring. From families who have maintained traditional recipes over generations, to new entrepreneurs who reinterpret these dishes, the grill in Bogotá is a journey full of flavor and tradition.
If you want to enjoy a good grill, here are some recommendations you can't miss:
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La Hamburguesería
This place is famous for its grilled chorizo and cozy atmosphere. The blend of flavors in their homemade sauces enhances the experience. Insider Tip: Don't forget to try their ají sauce, which gives a special touch to the chorizo.
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El Chuzo de Mónaco
Known for its juicy longaniza and generous size, this spot is a must-stop for grill lovers. The atmosphere is more informal, giving it an authentic air. Insider Tip: Visit during lunchtime to enjoy combos that include a drink at an affordable price.
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Parrilla La 85
It offers a wide variety of cuts, including the famous sobrebarriga, which melts in your mouth. This place is ideal for large groups and has decor that pays homage to Bogotá's culture. Insider Tip: Order the fried yuca portion as a side; it's a classic that never disappoints.
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Asados Los Primos
A family place where chorizo is served grilled with a special touch of spices. The warmth of their service will make you feel at home. Insider Tip: Ask about chorizo day, when they offer special promotions worth taking advantage of.
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La Parrilla de Don Ramón
