Walk into Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant on a Saturday morning and the first thing that hits you isn't the menu. It's the steam. It's that thick, heavy aroma of roasting coffee beans clashing with the sweet, yeasty scent of pandebono pulling fresh from the oven. If you’ve spent any time in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, you know this spot isn't just another storefront in a strip mall. It’s a portal.
Honestly, finding authentic South American cuisine in the Poconos used to be a bit of a scavenger hunt. You’d find "mountain food"—burgers, steaks, the usual resort fare. But this place changed the math. Located right on Main Street, it’s become the de facto living room for anyone craving a legitimate piece of Bogotà or Medellín without the six-hour flight.
What You're Actually Eating at Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant
People come for the Bandeja Paisa. It’s the heavyweight champion of Colombian dishes. If you aren't familiar, imagine a platter that defies the laws of physics. We’re talking a mountain of white rice, red beans cooked with pork, a fried egg with a runny yolk, chicharrón (fried pork belly) that crackles loud enough for the next table to hear, chorizo, plantains, and an arepa. It’s a lot. It’s also exactly what you need after a day of hiking the Delaware Water Gap.
The chicharrón here is the real deal. Most places over-fry it until it’s basically a dental hazard, but at Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant, they manage to keep the meat tender while the skin stays glassy and crisp. It’s a delicate balance.
Then there’s the bakery side of the house. Colombian baking is its own language. You have buñuelos—those golf-ball-sized cheese fritters that are crunchy on the outside and airy on the inside. They are deceptively simple but incredibly hard to get right. If the oil temperature is off by five degrees, they become grease sponges. Here? They’re perfect. You grab a paper bag of them, a cup of strong Colombian coffee, and suddenly the Pennsylvania winter feels a lot more manageable.
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Why the "Bakery" Part Matters More Than You Think
A lot of people skip the display cases and go straight for the tables. Mistake. Huge mistake.
The pan de queso and empanadas are the backbone of the operation. Colombian empanadas are different from the Argentine or baked varieties you might find elsewhere. They use a cornmeal dough that is deep-fried to a golden, gritty crunch. The beef and potato filling inside is seasoned with a specific blend of cumin and sazón that feels like a warm hug.
You’ve gotta try the Aji. It’s the spicy, vinegary cilantro sauce they serve on the side. It cuts through the richness of the fried dough. If you don't use the Aji, you're basically doing it wrong. Just saying.
The Atmosphere is... Well, It’s Loud
Don't expect a quiet, candlelit bistro vibe. This is a family spot. You’ll hear Spanish music, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the constant chatter of locals who have been coming here since they opened. It’s vibrant. It’s a bit chaotic during the Sunday post-church rush. That’s part of the charm.
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The service is usually described as "familial." That’s a polite way of saying they might treat you like a cousin—it’s warm, it’s friendly, but it moves at its own pace. If you’re in a rush to catch a movie, maybe don't order a full three-course meal. Sit down. Relax. Drink an Arequipe latte.
Navigating the Menu: Pro Tips for Newbies
If you're overwhelmed by the options, look at the Sancocho. It’s a traditional stew, often served on weekends. It usually features hen, plantain, yucca, and potato. It’s the ultimate comfort food. In Colombia, this is what you eat to cure a hangover or a broken heart.
- Start with the Empanadas: They are cheap, fast, and the best litmus test for any Colombian kitchen.
- Order a Natural Juice: Forget soda. Ask for Lulo or Maracuya (passion fruit) made with milk (en leche). It’s basically a tropical milkshake but somehow feels healthier because it's fruit. Sorta.
- The Arepa Choice: Not all arepas are created equal. The Arepa de Choclo is sweet and corn-heavy, usually topped with a thick slab of salty white cheese. It’s a dessert-for-breakfast situation.
The Local Impact
The Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant represents a shift in the Poconos. For decades, the region was defined by its honeymoon resorts and heart-shaped bathtubs. Now, it’s a culinary destination. Small, immigrant-owned businesses like this have breathed new life into the Stroudsburg corridor. They bring a level of authenticity that chain restaurants can't touch.
You see it in the clientele. It’s a mix of the local Hispanic community, tourists who wandered off the main drag, and long-time residents who realized that arroz con pollo is better than a generic burger.
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The Verdict on Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant
Is it the fanciest place in town? No. Is it the most consistent? Absolutely. Whether you are grabbing a quick pan de bono for the road or sitting down for a massive Chuleta Valluna (breaded pork loin), you are getting food that someone actually cared to cook.
In a world of pre-packaged, microwaved "authentic" food, this place stands out because it doesn't try too hard. It just is what it is: a solid, reliable, delicious outpost of Colombian culture in the middle of the Pennsylvania mountains.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Go Early for Bread: The best pastries sell out by noon. If you want the freshest buñuelos, 8:00 AM is your sweet spot.
- Weekend Specials: Keep an eye out for the Mondongo (tripe soup). It's a love-it-or-hate-it dish, but for those who love it, it's the gold standard.
- Parking: It can be a pain on Main Street. Park in the municipal lot a block away and walk. It’ll help you work up an appetite for the rice and beans anyway.
- Take Home the Coffee: They often have bags of imported Colombian beans. It beats the supermarket stuff every single time.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To experience the best of Pocono Cafe Bakery & Colombian Restaurant, plan your visit for a Saturday morning around 9:30 AM. This timing ensures you get the first batch of hot pastries while the full kitchen menu is also available. Start by sharing a plate of three beef empanadas with plenty of aji sauce to wake up your palate. For your main, if you aren't ready for the massive Bandeja Paisa, opt for the Arroz con Camarones (shrimp rice), which offers a lighter but equally flavorful profile. Finally, before you head out, grab a "Postobón" soda—specifically the apple flavor (Manzana)—to round out the authentic experience. This isn't just a meal; it's a deep dive into a culture that prizes hospitality and hearty portions above all else.