I have to admit that I have a somewhat dim view of the eating scene in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn. Yes, there is the amazing Franny’s, and other strong restaurants like Al Di La and Applewood, but generally the Park Slope dining scene is pretty “meh.”
That background in particular makes this latest restaurant find truly unexpected. When a friend suggested that a group of us meet at Bogota Latin Bistro on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, my immediate thought was “at least it’s close!” My next thought, after visiting the flashy Bogota website and viewing its gigantic menu, that it seemed somewhat chain-restaurant-esque. And given that New York City’s Columbian restaurants are more concentrated in Queens and other parts of the city, I wasn’t sure if one could really find good Columbian food in a neighborhood like Park Slope?
Needless to say, I was starting to keep my expectations in check for our forthcoming dining experience there.
When we arrived at 8pm on a Saturday night, the restaurant was completely packed, as was the bar, which made the wait for the remaining members of our party fairly uncomfortable. Expectations continued to lower, despite the crowds indicating that that food may be good?
In any case, after we finally sat down and ordered drinks, my views further decreased upon tasting the first cocktail I ordered (I think one of the Caipirinhas) which I really didn’t like. Sadly my next cocktail was also equally disappointing.
However, when our various orders of food started arriving, my mood brightened considerably. To start, we ordered an assortment of empanadas, yucca frita, and some other items that I don’t remember at this point. And one factor that definitely made the ordering process easy was that all vegetarian items are clearly marked on their menu (as are gluten free options).
None of the appetizers were greasy or overly heavy, and they were all quite flavorful, especially when matched with the various sauces we were given.
My main course was also quite good as well - the Tofu Tomatillo - which was mildly spicy and really filling. I paired the tofu with tostones, which were fantastic (and also not greasy), and gallo pinto, which was so good that it made me want to lick up the leftover bits on the plate when I was done. And given the size of the dish overall, I was able to take home some of the tofu and tostones, which made for a great leftover meal during the week.
So bottom line - don’t judge a book by its cover, or a neighborhood entirely based on many of its commercial establishments. Great food - even Columbian food (!) and vegetarian-friendly (!) Columbian food - CAN be found in Park Slope!
141 5th Avenue
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Accessible from the R train at Union Street, or the 2/3 trains at Bergen Street