Andrés Carne de Res (Chía)

Andrés Carne de Res in Chía is the original of Colombia's best-known restaurant-rumba, at Calle 3 #11A-56 in Chía, Cundinamarca, about 25 km north of Bogotá. It opened in 1982 as a small roadside grill and grew into a vast theatrical complex of several halls filled with hanging junk-art, folk objects and costumed performers, which is why a night here is often described as the definitive Colombian night out. The crowd is a mix of Bogotá families, birthday groups, office parties and international visitors, with an age range from young adults to grandparents. Dress is casual to smart casual, and comfortable shoes are sensible, since guests often end up dancing on benches and tables. The atmosphere is surreal, noisy and celebratory, with roaming performers and a stream of waiters carrying platters between the halls. The music is live bands, salsa, cumbia, vallenato and crossover DJ sets, and the full rumba format runs on Friday and Saturday evenings. The kitchen sends out Colombian grill classics, with grilled beef as the signature, and mains cost about COP 55,000 to COP 150,000. The drinks programme features aguardiente, beer, rum and cocktails, priced at roughly COP 20,000 to COP 70,000. Hours are generally Thursday to Sunday from midday, with the full rumba on Friday and Saturday evenings, though they vary seasonally and should be confirmed before travelling. There is no cover, but a minimum consumption and table reservations apply at weekends, and reservations are essential. The journey from Bogotá takes roughly an hour each way, so visitors arrange a taxi, private driver or group transport in advance, particularly for the return late at night. Because it is outside the city, it works best as a planned evening, with dinner at a reasonable hour and dancing later. Those wanting the same concept without the trip can consider the Bogotá city branch instead.