(718) 545-7077
El Basurero Restaurante, located in the heart of Astoria, NY, is a vibrant celebration of authentic Colombian and Latin American flavors brought to life in a lively, colorful setting. This restaurant is truly a feast for the senses. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a stimulating environment brimming with eclectic signs and trinkets that perfectly complement the warmth and soul of the cuisine.
The menu at El Basurero is a proud showcase of Colombian classics with a modern twist, crafted to delight both longtime fans of the cuisine and curious newcomers alike. Signature dishes like the Bandeja Paisa Con Entraña invite you to savor a rich tapestry of textures and tastes—tender skirt steak paired with hearty beans, rice, plantains, and fresh avocado. Another standout, the Cazuela De Mariscos, bursts with the briny freshness of seafood, simmered to perfection in a comforting, aromatic broth. For lovers of chicken, the Arroz Con Pollo offers a vibrant, savory balance of seasoned meat and fluffy rice that is both satisfying and nostalgic.
The drink selection is a vibrant extension of the dining experience—refreshing margaritas, coconut mojitos, and the uniquely flavorful Paisa Mojito transport you straight to the tropics. Customers often rave about the Mango Bulldog and the Beer and Shot of Aguardiente, capturing the spirit of Colombian nightlife with every sip. For those who prefer natural juices, choices like guava, passion fruit, and blackberry juices blend authentic flavors with pure freshness.
Families will appreciate the thoughtfully curated kids’ menu, with favorites like Salchipapas and the Basurero Burger, making dining out a breeze for parents and fun for little ones. Adding your preferred sauce—be it the bright Salsa Criolla or the deeply savory Marinado—customizes each dish to your taste and elevates every bite.
Patrons consistently highlight not just the outstanding food and drinks but the infectious atmosphere. Anna Wysocka perfectly captures the vibe, describing it as "awesome" with a "charming and fun" ambiance that pulses throughout the space. This is no ordinary restaurant; it’s a place where the décor and the energy make you feel as if you've been transported to a spirited Colombian backyard gathering. Regulars like Andrea Sanchez appreciate the deep authenticity—both in taste and hospitality—that elicits a heartfelt connection to Colombian culture and home.
Service, while generally exceptional—with shoutouts to attentive staff like Wilmar—has had a few mixed moments, as reflected by some diners. Yet, even these experiences do little to overshadow the overall warmth and welcoming feeling of the establishment. The true connection to customers and commitment to an authentic, joyful dining experience shines through every corner of El Basurero.
For Latin American cuisine lovers and those eager to dive into Colombia’s rich culinary heritage, El Basurero Restaurante is a must-visit. It delivers bold, fresh flavors and a distinctive, energetic atmosphere that leaves you craving your next visit even before your meal is finished.
The vibe here was awesome! Basurero (in English translates to junk yard) really captures a charming and fun/stimulating environment with many signs and trinkets all over. The food was phenomenal and super fresh, as well as the drinks which had a very summery/refreshing touch. Will be coming back!
I have been wanting to come here since I moved to Astoria 2 years ago. I finally took my mom here and we had a great time accompanied by delicious food and strong mojitos for happy hour. Willmar was our server and took care of us very well. It was such a fun Halloween lunch vibe.
If you are looking for very authentic Colombian food and atmosphere, this is definitely the place to go. From the decor to the food, you are immersed in the vibrant and welcoming culture Colombia offers. For the locals it reminds us of home. Not to mention the excepcional service provided by our server Wilmar, very friendly and efficient, making sure we were comfortable and pleased with our experience. Overall 10/10 would recommend!!
Never had Ecuadorean cevice and this place was so super fresh and this was slightly sweet . Yes, I'd return again, its that good! Fresh and slightly sweet cevice yuuuuummy!
I’ve been here a few times everything was good but the service this time was horrible. The guy that was taking care of table was paying more attention to some girls at the bar. Then the job that he was supposed to be doing even the other workers was telling him to take care of his table we finish our appetizers and the place and everything was there for a long time until our main play came and the dirty play were still there. We have to actually call him to get our orders. that’s not the service that I usually get like I said I usually go there frequently.
“Authentic Colombian flavors and amazing service! This restaurant is a hidden gem in Queens. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The empanadas were perfectly crispy, the bandeja paisa was generous and flavorful, and the fresh juices were a perfect complement to the meal. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home. If you’re looking for delicious, authentic Colombian food, this is the place to go. Highly recommend!”