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El Fogón de Elena Restaurante — reliable latin american in Albany Park. Order the Empanadas. You can taste the generations behind this. "The empanadas were fresh and delicious" — Geovanny Ramirez
Geovanny Ramirez
175 reviews
“Bandeja Paisa and the pollo asado were perfect”
3149 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
“We had an amazing experience at El Fogón.”
We had an amazing experience at El Fogón! From the moment we sat down, we felt truly welcomed. Our server, Valeria, was incredibly attentive and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. The music created a beautiful Colombian vibe that made the experience even more special. We received our food about 20 minutes after ordering, and it was absolutely worth the wait. The beans were packed with flavor, the tostones had the perfect crisp, and the plantain sandwich was simply amazing. Every bite was delicious. I can’t wait to come back and enjoy this place again!
Kelis
Jan 2026
“- Food: Exquisite - Service: Attentive and Welcoming - Atmosphere: Nice and very well decorated I...”
- Food: Exquisite - Service: Attentive and Welcoming - Atmosphere: Nice and very well decorated I highly recommend you give this place a try you will leave more than satisfied. Definitely a place I will be returning to.
Edward Corona
Dec 2025
“Great little location, was immediately attended by Holger the server.”
Great little location, was immediately attended by Holger the server. Upon entering you definitely get a very Colombian Vibe, with the music in the background and the amazing decor. Makes you feel like you’re in a hole in the wall sort of place in Colombia. Music is loud enough to hear but not over the top to where you cannot have a chat at the table. I had the Bandeja Paisa and it was great. Different selections in one plate, the meat was cooked medium and the rice and beans were tasty. The sides on it as well. My girlfriend ordered like a fried fish toooed with a great sauce, it wasn’t spicy it was flavorful with made the fish A+. Cute little spot, definitely worth a visit for Colombian cuisine.
Sergio A
Dec 2025
“It’s an authentic Colombian restaurant.”
It’s an authentic Colombian restaurant. It offers a good menu and a friendly service. We had Arroz mixto and Bagre encocado both very tasteful. Las empanadas are really authentic. The prices are affordable.
María Elena Martinez
Mar 2025
“Sunday my family had the pleasure of walking in to El Fogón and how full the restaurant was...”
Sunday my family had the pleasure of walking in to El Fogón and how full the restaurant was definitely a sign of how great the food is. 1st. Of all the waiting to be attended was over 45 min and let me tell you worth it all. They might have to utilize the pill that is distributed in many American restaurants that lights up when your table is ready to be seated. 2nd the food for all of us was stunningly worth the wait. I had Arroz Con Pollo my son had the top of the line steak and my wife had the Sancocho all food was pipping hot not to say the least. Finally food was so freaking amazing had to take food home carryout after our dinner. Kudos to Ms. Elena and her staff in kitchen also the waiter just amazing to see them juggling with so many people considering the place is smaller then many Restaurants .
Mr. Dre
Jan 2025
“Awesome, Food and service .!”
Awesome, Food and service .!! The best place For Colombian food 🇨🇴
Lobsang Jacome
Jan 2025
“Amazing food! Incredible service. Very attentive and delicious meals. Highly recommend!”
Jessy Cabrera
Jul 2024
“The restaurant was filled with people and the energy in the room was good.”
The restaurant was filled with people and the energy in the room was good. Sat, reviewed the menu, ordered. I ordered shrimp in a spicy sauce. OMG, that was delicious. The waitress was also very attentive. I believe they won't disappoint you with your order.
Patrick Cameron
Jun 2024
“This place is awesome.”
This place is awesome. The food here is delicious. I feel as if I were eating in my hometown, Medellín-Colombia. All the staff are super friendly. Must try: Bandeja paisa, cazuela, filete de pescado en salsa de camarones, El fogón calentao.
Walter Tangarife
Jun 2024
“We went to the city from the Suburbs to try this Colombian restaurant.”
We went to the city from the Suburbs to try this Colombian restaurant. The food was beyond our expectations. I ordered cazuela de mariscos which is a seafood stew and was amazing same flavor like if you were in Colombia. My daughter try the patacones (tostones) and we’re also delicious and my mom the bagre encocado which is fish with a coconut sauce. I highly recommend this restaurant if you want to have a Colombian food experience. Steven The server also was excellent, he gave us recommendations and always was checking on us.
Marcela Farias
Feb 2024
“Quaint little hole in the wall.”
Quaint little hole in the wall. Went on a Saturday and it was karaoke night. Probably 20-25 ppl in there but the vibes were immaculate. Gave family friendly vibes. No drinks but there’s a liquor store couple stores down and you can bring them in the restaurant and they’ll even store them in their fridge upon request. Definitely get plenty of empanadas. 2 for $4.50 so they’re small but soooo good. The fish is also great, very well balanced with the salad and pico de gallo/guac
David Stenner
Sep 2023
“We lately found out this amazing place and have already been there three times.”
We lately found out this amazing place and have already been there three times. Every dish was fresh made, delicious and nice plating. I love the atmosphere there, it’s cozy and full of love and joy. If you love meat, seafood, tropical drinks and exotic food, this is the place.
Jenny Z
Aug 2023
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