If you go to Bogotá, chances are people will tell you that you need to go to La Puerta Falsa. They are correct. It is considered a bit of a tourist trap, but it is nowhere near a real tourist trap. It’s a tourist trap for Bogotá, but does not feel like it to me. You’ll still see plenty of locals going there for lunch to take advantage of their ridiculously cheap prices and delicious food.
Tips for Visiting La Puerta Falsa in Bogotá
1. The first thing you need to know before visiting the restaurant is that they are cash only, so make sure to have cash.
2. It’s cheap. I mean really cheap, a main dish costs 14,000 COP (or $4.50 USD) and portions are so large, I had to take stuff home.
3. There’s no reservations and you may have to wait on line, so wear comfy shoes and check the weather, Bogotá can get brisk.
4. It’s 200 years old. That means it’s full of Colonial charm, there are wood panel walls and it’s really pretty.
5. It’s family owned and has been in the same hands for 7 generations.
6. La Puerta Falsa is the place to eat when you visit Plaza Bolivar. It’s also pretty close to the Casa de La Moneda and the Botero Museum.
7. When at La Puerta Falsa, you need to eat three things: a tamal Bogotano (this will keep you full all day), ajiaco (typical chicken soup from the area – make sure to add the cream and capers), changua (a typical breakfast) and you gotta get the guanabana juice (so tasty).
La Puerta Falsa is located at Calle 11 No 6-50 in the La Calendaria Neighborhood of Bogotá.
Hours of Operation: 7am-10pm daily
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