Nestled just off Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee, this Colombian spot offers a cozy, casual atmosphere that feels like a local hideaway more than a typical restaurant. The space welcomes a diverse crowd—from solo diners enjoying a quiet meal to families with children taking advantage of the kids’ menu and high chairs, as well as groups gathering for relaxed occasions. With its wheelchair-accessible seating and easy parking, it’s approachable for many.
The menu revolves around traditional Colombian comfort food with hearty, flavorful dishes that draw regulars back time and again. Many come for the mofongos—plantain-based meals served with a range of toppings like fried pork rinds, crispy beef, or shrimp prepared either with a spicy sauce or garlic. Those looking for smaller bites often gravitate toward the empanadas, which have a loyal following, while a few sweet options like tres leches cake or flan round out the meal. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner here is uncomplicated and satisfying, with fast service that suits quick bites or casual dining.
The atmosphere feels inviting and unpretentious, with a blend of families, locals familiar with Colombian flavors, and visitors drawn by word of mouth. Coffee lovers will appreciate a solid cup alongside their food, and the variety of seating and table service keeps it comfortable whether stopping by alone or with company. Overall, it’s the kind of place where you sit down expecting genuine, home-style Colombian dishes and a welcoming environment that keeps people coming back.
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Toilet
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Groups
Tourists
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
"Great service and food but very small place."
"The staff is friendly & helpful (the beef empanadas are tasty)"
"Highly recommend el arepa con karne (corn cake with steak) for brunch! 👌"
5 I love this place! The inviting atmosphere, hospitality and the insanely amount of delicious flavors packed in every bite. You definitely can’t go wrong with this place
5 I have been coming to this business for the past 23 years. They have authentic Colombian food the best empanadas. I have seen this family growing and I love them. 20 years ago when I was expecting my youngest daughter I used to come here daily for empanadas, soup or other of my favorite beefsteak breaded with rice, beans and plantain. I will continue coming until God call my name. God bless this place.
5 It's one of Orlando's best kept secrets. A hole in the wall but if your looking for authentic Colombian food, you've found it. The chicharrones and empanadas are
4 Overall we love this place and we will continue coming here. This is actually our favorite Colombian place. We live in Lakeland and don’t mind the drive because we know we will be satisfied. We always in Ute our American friends to this place and bring our friends and family that come in from out of town and we also like to come for family birthdays. Beside all the pros. The only cons I have would be that the owner became very stingy and thought more about money and profit instead of keeping the bigger piece of chicharrón on the bandeja paisa. It’s a VERY POPULAR DISH AND IT COST $25 which isn’t cheap and he made it smaller. I was pretty upset about his decision. I even asked the waitress to make sure they gave us a big piece and they disregarded our request. Not cool when you have customers that love your place. Don’t they want to keep us coming. There are other Restaurants closer to Lakeland and Orlando. I don’t get it. Also, their arroz con pollo was SUPER DRY and didn’t really have flavor. Felt like the didn’t care much in taste and just focused on quantity. It was a huge portion. And it was for my American friend who never been there. Also not cool. She didn’t really eat her food and just took it to go. I had to make her some guiso at home and brought it to her so she could eat her left overs. She texted me that day saying thank you for making my food 100000x’s better. This review is mainly for the restaurant and not the customers. Don’t be cheap with the chicharrón bring back the bigger slab on the bandeja por favor. And put a little more love on your arroz con pollo. At least the flavor. Or at least serve it with some extra guiso in the side or something.
5 Best spot to grab Columbian empanadas. I live in Ocala and drive an hour and a half to this place. Just to buy the empanadas. They do have a variety of other items on their menu. Which I've yet to try. But the empanadas are a solid pick!
4 The place is very nice and cozy. They have renovated the restrooms and now have full-length mirrors. The place is designed to resemble traditional paisa eateries. The food is good and has great flavor. The service is good; everyone is very kind. What really bothers me is that the bill already includes the tip, and they still give you a paper suggesting that you add an additional tip. As far as I understand, by law, charges must be transparent and clearly explained. I hope the restaurant and management take action, because it’s not worth throwing away the good service and food that are offered here because of this issue.
5 Love this little hole in the wall! It’s a nice family owned restaurant and everyone treats you like family! I’ve been eating here for over 10 years and it’s always delicious! The empanadas with the hot sauce are always fresh and ready. They have great lunch specials that include a soup if you want! Check them out if you’re wanting real authentic food that reminds you of mom’s home cooked meal!
5 Awesome place to get a quick bite. Mostly Colombian, however they also serve some other Latin American food.
Their empanadas are widely praised, along with classic Colombian favorites like chicharrones and beefsteak with rice, beans, and plantain.
El Tropico offers fast service perfect for a quick bite, but its cosy, trendy setting also makes it great for a relaxed sit-down meal.
Yes, the restaurant welcomes groups and families, with kid-friendly options, high chairs, and accessible seating.
Yes, it features wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms to ensure comfort for everyone.
While specific busy times aren’t listed, visiting outside typical meal hours may help you enjoy a quieter dining experience.
| Monday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Thursday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Friday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Saturday | 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM |
| Sunday | 08:30 AM - 08:00 PM |
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