Tu Rinconcito Colombiano Restaurant

:-(Ive been wanting to go to this place for a while now and I mean a while. I am shocked that they closed, simply because I called about a month ago asking if they were still open but it was actually ten minutes til closing time. So, I decided just last week that I wanted to go, so I go on Unilocal hoping to get the address, but to my surprise I see «CLOSED». BREAKS MY HEART!!!

Okay is this place closed??? I went here Tuesday night and there was a sign saying «available» call this number. The store looks like it is still in business but there were a few posters up advertising real estate… hmmm
either way! I am upset! We had our hearts set on this place and drove sooooo soooo far down South just to try it and it’s not open??? Their hours clearly said it should be open but we think it’s closed… I will post up photos of the outside with the posters when I get home, but we were soooo bummed =*(We didn’t know where to go and didn’t feel like eating anything else because we were so depressed and had our hearts set on trying Colombian food.

i, ve been to this restaurant like about 4 times twice because my freinds from a local latin band called la colectiva did a show here but i have to say the food here is really good i had the bandeja paisa and it was hella good the arepa were kinda small i also had something called a churrasco and that was really good i, ve had there empanadas they where hella good i would defenatly come here again if i, m ever in the san jose area if you have read my other post i have a thing for colombian food and music vallenatos and cumbias and arepas are the shiiiit…

Delicious food. I had the chicken soup with corn, avocado, capers, cream and rice. It was so comforting and familiar even though I’ve never had Columbian food before. The empanada appetizer and lengua entrée are great. Everything was so simple and fresh. The night we went was pretty quiet and it was almost closing time, but they treated us with such warmth and hospitality. The food was also presented well. I appreciate all the time they put into making my meal wonderful.

The very nice owner came out of the kitchen to talk to us as we ate. She was very endearing and you can see the love she has for the food of her country. She explained that she took over the restaurant 9 months ago.
I saw Anthony Bourdain on «No Reservations» eating a breakfast in Columbia and i was jealous and thought I would probably never get to try what he was eating. Ever! Luck has it a couple weeks ago my sister in law brought home leftovers from a Colombian place she had tried. She mentioned that they had the exact dish that Bourdain ate. At that point it was written in stone that I would eat there soon.
Two weeks later we found ourselves at the strip mall by Willow Glen where Rinconcito is located. I knew what I was going to order long before looking at the menu. It is called Bandeja Tipica and has Colombian chorizo, fried pork back, grilled beef, pan fried plantains, a corn cake, beans, rice and an egg. ALL ON ONE PLATE. Food Variety is the spice of life and this dish is a perfect example. Food made with love from what I can see.
Oh Yeah, we shared the empenadas appetizer and they are special.
If you like trying different foods from different cultures I highly recommend Rinconcito.

The décor of this small restaurant is really nice. You can tell the ownership took a lot of care and consideration into deciding what the place would look like. The server didn’t speak English very well, but she was a sweet lady and provided good service. We ordered the Punta De Anca, skin steak served with white rice and a plantain on top. The rice and the plantain was yummy, but the steak was a bit on a the dry side. I think this place is worth coming back to to try other dishes though.
I have a bad habit of comparing places I’ve had in socal to the places I’ve had up here, but that’s because I’m trying to find equivalents up here. I have yet to find good Peruvian food, so Columbian/​Cuban it is until we do! I was trying to find a place that would serve a dish a la El Pollo Inka’s Bisteck Montado. The search continues…

This review is for their catering service and food, not the restaurant.
They catered my friend’s party, and although they had some issue with transportation they had a plan B and were only slightly late.
The food was good, especially their empanadas and carne. I am sure when everything is piping hot and made to order, rather than kept warm in a buffet setting, it would be even better.
I plan to return here for lunch or dinner and update my review soon.

I somehow came across this place on Unilocal and decided that my man and I would try it. I had my fingers crossed, because it can be tough in SJ to try a new restaurant and not be disappointed.
The highlight of my lunch was the empanadas. They were perfectly crispy and expertly seasoned. I ordered the bandeja tipica. Normally I would never consume so much protein in one day, much less one meal, but it was satisfying in a fatty molecular way. The fried egg was my first in maybe 10 years, and it helped mask the charring of the well-​past-​done beef. I also had never tried pork rinds. These were a little tougher than expected, but slightly greasy, salty, and pork-​o-​riffic.
My man had pretty much the same opinion about his dish, the Cerdo a la sarten. It was tasty, but very overcooked. We both had trouble cutting our meats with our knives. Although he did agree that the empanadas were the bomb!
I think we’ll try the place again during the week for their lunch specials. *Note that the prices listed on their website are not updated. Each dish is an additional $ 3 or so.

This place is right in my hood. Too bad it’s located in the same strip mall as the most ghetto Safeway in the Bay, but maybe that’s why it’s not as busy as it should be.
Empanadas here are great. they’re different from other South American empanadas because these are fried. Hell yeah! it’s like the old school mcdonald’s apple pies vs the new school baked pie crap. Remember how they were deep fried with that crispy crust? Imagine that with some seasoned ground beef, potatoes and peas in the mix. The plantains and beef stew were good. I don’t really have a bar set for beef stew since my childhood Dinty Moore dog food set the bar pretty low, but I was happy with the stew. Portions were good which made the meal a decent value. Definitely try this place out and get your artery clog on with some empanadas!

This Columbian restaurant is ridiculously close to my work. I came here yesterday for lunch because I heard such good things about it! The empanadas are a must! Ground beef and potatoes in a crispy fried pocket. They are so good! I also ordered the Bandeja Típica which was a sampling of a ton of food! Grilled beef, a chorizo sausage, a fried egg, chicharron (deep fried pork with the skin), an arepa (fried cornbread pancake), sliced avocado, rice and beans. I had to take a lot home because there was just too much food! I don’t know of any other Columbian restaurants in the area so it’s pretty much a must try for those who are willing to try new things!

3.5 stars, though return visits may push it up into 4 star range.
Stopped in for a Saturday night dinner around 730-​ish, with a half-​filled house. Some were there on dates, some just having dinner with friends and a few families too. We were seated promptly and handed menus… So much to choose from.
I was going to order the empanadas but then the waitress brought out some on the house. Bonus! The empanadas were good — crispy on the outside with a savory beef and potato filling. I probably could’ve made a meal just out of those.
For entrees, we went with the bandeja tipica and a chicken dish (pollo de S-​omething). The bandeja tipica was solid, but didn’t wow me. The steak was a little tougher than expected, though the sausage, corn bread and plantain were good. The pork rind was kind of like bacon, but a little dry. The chicken on the other hand, was really good (sorry I don’t remember the name!). The chicken was tender and smothered in an onion-​tomato sauce with yucca (yum!) and cassava. Worth getting again.
Service was earnest and we didn’t feel rushed. Portion sizes were pretty large — the bandeja was $ 16 and the chicken was $ 13 but each with enough food to last 2 meals. Décor was homey and there was a guitar sitting on a chair — I was hoping that somebody would pick it up and start playing.
So… in the final count, pretty good food, moderate prices, hearty portions. Not blown away, but willing to come back and try more.

Say Hello to My Little Friend…
Rinconcito that is!
My friend had this place rented out last night for her graduation from SJSU, Go Spartans! She is part Columbian, so this is their only little corner (rinconcito) to celebrate with her Columbian peeps for food in SJ.
The service was excellent, the food was quite good. Probably closer to a 4 star review, but the place is classic mom and pop, with incredible service.
I tried a dish with a filete of fish in coconut sauce and shrimp with white rice, and flattened plantain pancakes. The fish and shrimp were excellent (shrimp could have been cooked just a tad less, but did not detract from quality), especially after I used some salsa to kick it up a notch. BTW, salsa is pretty good, but you won’t find tortilla chips here. The coconut sauce was a very mellow addition, not salty or overpowering. The plantain pancake things were average, and on the dry side. The sauce helped to dip it in. Others ordered the arroz con pollo (yellow rice with peppers and veggies cooked with slices of chicken, served with french fries and a half boiled egg), and the traditional columbian style steak (very tender with tomato based sauce), with yucca, potato, and rice. Other dishes were good. but I think the fish/​shrimp was the best.
Viva Colombia!

I wasn’t that impressed! I’m not an expert on Colombian food, or maybe I’m just not a big Colombian food person… but our food (except the empenadas) were just ok. The empenadas were DAMN good.
I did get a chance to break out in my Spanish though. I know Flor D is proud! Our waitress didn’t speak a lick of English, so I was the designated translator for the group. There was Spanish flying out of my mouth like I was 15 again! Who knew?
The décor inside was really cute. It’s right next to the Almaden Theaters, so a good place to start your «dinner and a movie» dates. There’s also a Dippin’ Dots store in the same plaza!

Had to try it based on all the rave it got on Unilocal… and how often do you get to say, «Yea had some columbian last night…»
The Churrasco was marvelous! The steak was a large portion and was perfectly tender, moist and tasty. My only regret is that I didn’t maximize the dipping of the sauce and didn’t include it in my doggy bag. My friend ordered a chicken dish that came with red (ketchup?) rice and fries. That was mediocre — Almost made me give them a 3-​star rating, but that Churrasco saved the day. It was my first time there and I’m dying to go back to try the other dishes — Look at their website, the pictures of their dishes make me salivate! Don’t bother with the Columbian Soda — It’s quite bland and sugary as if someone took an italian soda and just add corn syrup to day old carbonated soda. The service was great and I really got a chance to practice my spanish! Shocking to learn that I knew more spanish (3Years H.S.) than my friend who took 5 years of it in high school!
The atmosphere was definitely inviting and relaxing. I look forward to going back again and again…

Simply OUTSTANDING!
My hubbie and I weren’t looking for this place in particular, but were exploring a new restaurant to try. So what if its located in a shopping plaza with a Safeway in it. Let it go. Its worth it.
Hands down the food is excellent. This is quality. stuff, well made and served the way food should be served-​HOT!
I had the vegetarian plate and was very satisfied. The salad it came with had the perfect amount of crisp veggies, not just boring lettuce. The cassava and plantains were wonderful, beans and rice flavorful.
I tried some of the other fried pork entrée and it was very nice. I have never seen such a large serving of meat before. Its something to behold and another to savor.
We tried the empanadas and we both agreed they were the best we’ve had so far. The weren’t greasy, yet were fried to perfection. Plus they actually had ample amounts of filling in them. What a concept!
For dessert we shared the flan and were blown away by its perfection. I believe this is how all flans should be… light and delicate with a gooey caramel top. The plate it came with also had some condensed caramel that was heavenly just by it self. Mmmm-​mm. Just thinking about it makes me happy.
Do your self a favor and go to Rinconcito. The people and friendly and accommodating and know what they are doing. They have lunch specials and the cost of entrees average around $ 10.00 with lots to choose from. We felt very cared for and would definitely go back!

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It’s been a while since I ate here, but I’d love to go back…
The Bandeja Tipica rocks! It has chicharron that is so SOFT on the inside and CRISPY on the outside.
It has steak! And fried plantain! Arghh… Check the site linked here to see pics of the food. It’s sooo awesome. (This is one plate I’m describing, not two.)
Highly recommended. I usually have to wait for «family events» to eat in San Jose, but I plan to re-​visit this place. Just wish it was closer… Oh well.

My husband has been looking for a Panamanian restaurant in Northern Califonia but has been unsuccessful. It’s been a decade since he last visited his homeland that he started to miss eating the food there. Driving around the area late one night, my husband discovered Rinconcito Columbiano. Because Panama is next to Columbia, it was the closest thing to getting Panamanian food in this part of town. With much joy and enthusiasm, my husband had planned on taking me to eat dinner there the next evening (not knowing the restaurant would be closed that day). Subsequently when we got there, the place was closed and was going to be closed the following day as well (they’re closed Monday and Tuesdays). No worries because the hubby was planning on taking me there some other time soon. Next thing you know, 6 months had passed and we still haven’t tried the place because we had forgotten about it due to our busy schedules.
Fast forward to yesterday, on my hubby’s day off (which is rare on a weekend), we finally had the chance to venture in to this establishment. As we got in, we had to wait for about a minute to get seated. While waiting, I observed the area in awe; admiring the decorations, knicknacks, and displays of Columbian products on the wall. At the same time, I was listening to traditional folk music playing in the background. I felt like I was vacationing and eating in a local restaurant in Columbia, but it was just my imagination.
As soon as we were seated, we were both given a glass of water and menu. After a couple of minutes deciding what to get, the waitress came by to take our order. We both decided on trying the beef empanadas for appetizers and the Bistek Caballo con huevos, arroz, y papa (and NO it’s not actual Horse meat, it’s beef!). While waiting for our appetizers, I noticed that the restaurant wasn’t as busy as I expected it to be. There were like 3 other families occupying the restaurant. Besides hearing the music and chit chatting of the customers, I could hear the clanking of dishes and the constant pounding of meat, vegetables, or cornmeal in the background. Hearing the pounding sound was good because I knew our food was coming to us fresh and made from scratch.
After about 15 minutes, our empanadas arrived (4 pieces, slightly larger than palm size). They came to us piping hot, golden, and crisp with a side of salsa. While eating the empanadas, I was trying to be careful for I knew that the filling would be extremely hot (I burned my throat ages ago when I ate some pieces of ravioli in a rush — I KNOW WHAT A DIM-​WITTED PERSON I WAS BACK THEN). The dough was pretty delicious itself. It had a light/​crisp texture and I could easily taste the corn. As for the inside filling, I was slightly disappointed. I had expected more beef inside. It was mostly filled with spicy-​like mashed potatoes and a few teenie bits of beef here and there. Despite the lack of beef, the empanadas were still good that I ate two of them. My husband ate the other two.
After another 15 minutes, our dishes finally arrived. I was surprised that the portions were pretty huge. My husband and I were like, «WOW!» The steak itself took up almost the entire size of the plate. It was covered with onions, two large eggs over easy, and drenched with an slightly spicy, orangey/​red, tomato based sauce. To the side of it was a medium sized boiled red potato. We were also both given a separate side of rice to complement our meal. Once I took a bite of the steak, I noticed that it was really good but the sauce was slightly bland (I like my dishes a lil more salty and spicy). Problem solved! I added a lil more salt and pepper and it went from good to delicious! The sauce added a kick to the steak and onions that I could taste the slight latin spice in it. After consuming half of my plate, I couldn’t go on anymore. I was stuffed. I decided to take the other half home so that I could eat it for lunch the next day. My husband tore his plate up and was happy and satisfied. Our total bill came up to a little under $ 30 (NOT BAD) for 2 large, very fulfilling portions of the Bistec Caballo dish, 1 order of empanadas, and two glasses of refillable water.
Overall, we had a positive dining experience. Food was not only delicious but service was good too. During our meal, the waitress was attentive and dropped by several times to refill our glasses of water and check if everything was ok or if we needed anything else. On our way out, my husband and I noticed the restaurant getting busier with more customers arriving and we caught a glimpse of a customer being served a sizzling steak platter with fried plantain. It looked mouth watering that you could even hear the crackling/​splattering sounds of the steak juices. We both decided on trying that dish next time. We’re definitely coming back.

This little place was actually a surprised to me today. My boyfriend and I were actually going to get a burrito at taco shop down the street when my boyfriend remember that there was a” great little Colombian place next to the Almaden twin theaters”. He then proceeded ask me if I wanted to go. At first I thought geez I just want a greasy burrito then I thought well it’s COLOMBIAN FOOD when do ever get that! So I said OK!
I am so glad I did. The service was great and the food was fantastic! Right down to the Lemonade which was slightly tart, not to sweet but super refreshing. This was not soda machine lemonade.
First we had the empanadas those were good not spectacular but what made them spectacular was the salsa that came with them.
I had the arroz con pollo with fried plantains. Dude I never say this but it is was better them my moms arroz con pollo and she make awesome arroz con pollo. It was fantastic they drizzle this red sauce over the dish and that gave it the better then my mama review! The Plantains that accompanied my dish were terrific!
My boyfriend had this dish that I don’t know the name of it was but it was a steak with a fried egg on top of it, drenched in this red sauce. At first I was not too taken with it but when I tasted it OMG it was SO yummy.
Seriously I want to go back as many times as I can to try the rest of the menu.

I’d rate this higher but while the staff was extremely friendly, the wait time for our food was pretty slow…
So I’m still waiting for my Colombian friend to try out this restaurant but from the looks of things, the menu was pretty authentic. I had the «Bandeja Tipica» which was pretty much a mixed plate that consisted of a grilled piece of beef, a fried piece of pork belly, corn bread (not the sweet kind though), fried sweet plantains, avocado, and a fried egg that was placed on top of a nicely sized portion of rice and beans. Tastwise, everything was great. Each item had its own unique texture and flavor and while the fried pork belly was a bit overdone, it was still pretty scrumptious. Definately enough food for a good lunch or dinner.
My friend had the vegetarian verision of the mixed plate and in replacement of the meats, his came also with a mixed salad and yuca. He’s lived for a bit in Colombia and said that they taste was pretty decent.
Overall I’d definately come back here to try all of the other items on the menu. There was so much to choose from the Bandeja Tipica seemed like the best option to start with but there were other options that seemed just as good to try. For example, the «Fillet of Fish in coconut sauce served with shrimp, rice, and fried plantain» or the «Grilled Top Sirloin served with cassava, fried sweet plantain and chimichurry sauce»

Stumbled upon this place while I had to wait 45 minutes for an oil change at the Jiffy Lube on the corner.
The food was great. I had a breaded pork cutlet that came with rice, beans, and fried sweet plantains. PLANTAINS!
I love me some plantains.
Good stuff here.