Just off Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee, this relaxed Colombian spot offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where the focus is on hearty, authentic flavors. It’s the kind of place people come back to for comforting dishes like empanadas, chicharrones, and a variety of soups including mondongo, alongside traditional sides like rice, beans, and plantains. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all well-covered, with options that range from quick bites and small plates to more filling meals, alongside a selection of Colombian-style desserts and refreshing natural juices.
The setting feels cozy and calm, with casual seating and wheelchair accessibility making it easy to settle in whether you're dining solo, with family, or in a group. There’s a steady flow of locals and visitors who appreciate the no-fuss counter and table service, fast yet unhurried. The place suits those looking for an unpretentious spot to enjoy comfort food with a true local touch, complemented by good coffee and a modest selection of beer and alcohol. It’s also accommodating for families, offering a kids' menu and high chairs, all set in a quiet but trendy space with ample free parking nearby.
Regulars often mention returning for the familiar flavors and friendly service, highlighting how the menu’s variety caters well to different tastes and occasions, from casual quick bites to weekend meals that feel like a small gathering. Whether you’re stopping by for a simple lunch or a cozy dinner, this is a spot where the food and atmosphere offer a genuine taste of Colombian culinary tradition in the area.
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
No Delivery
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Restroom
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy
Groups
Tourists
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Free parking lot
Free street parking
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.
Many guests rave about the authentic Colombian empanadas and traditional comfort foods like beefsteak with rice, beans, and plantains.
El Tropico offers fast counter service perfect for a quick bite, but also has comfortable seating for a casual, sit-down dining experience.
Yes, El Tropico welcomes groups and families, offering a kids' menu, high chairs, and a cozy atmosphere suitable for all ages.
The restaurant has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.
You can pay with credit cards and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
| 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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