Cositas Ricas Colombian Food: Pastries, Empanadas, and Fresh Breads in South Carolina

What Cositas Ricas offers and where to find it

Cositas Ricas is a Colombian bakery and café that specializes in traditional pastries, savory hand pies, and fresh breads made daily. The name translates to "little delicious things," and the menu delivers exactly that—arepas filled with cheese or meat, empanadas with seasoned fillings, and sweet pastries like roscas and quesadillas that are nothing like the Mexican versions. The bakery also serves fresh coffee and Colombian hot chocolate, making it a full stop for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The bakery operates in South Carolina with a focus on authentic recipes passed down through Colombian family traditions. Everything is made in-house, and the pace of work means items sell out as the day goes on—arriving early gives you the best selection. The space functions as both a grab-and-go counter and a small café where you can sit and eat warm pastries with a cup of coffee.

Key Takeaways

• Cositas Ricas makes Colombian empanadas, arepas, and pastries fresh daily, with most items baked in-house each morning.
• The bakery serves both sweet pastries like roscas and savory hand pies, plus fresh coffee and Colombian hot chocolate.
• Popular items include cheese arepas, meat-filled empanadas, and pan de queso (cheese bread), which often sell out by afternoon.
• The café has a small seating area where you can eat warm pastries on-site or take items to go.

Signature pastries and savory items

The empanadas are the bakery's workhorse—golden, hand-crimped half-moons filled with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or cheese. Each one is fried until the outside crisps and the filling stays hot. They are substantial enough for a meal on their own or paired with a coffee for breakfast.

Arepas are another Colombian staple here: thick, corn-based rounds that can be split and filled with shredded cheese, pulled chicken, or beef. Unlike the thin, crispy versions found elsewhere, these are soft and warm, designed to hold fillings without breaking. The cheese arepa is the most popular version and works as a breakfast item or light lunch.

Pan de queso (cheese bread) is a sweet-savory hybrid—a soft, pillowy bread studded with melted cheese that pulls apart in strands. It is not a loaf but a single large roll, warm from the oven and best eaten the same day. Roscas are ring-shaped pastries with a light glaze, sometimes filled with guava paste or topped with cinnamon sugar. Quesadillas here are sweet pastries made with cheese and sometimes corn, nothing like the savory Mexican dish.

Coffee and beverages

The bakery serves Colombian coffee brewed fresh throughout the day. Colombian coffee is known for its balanced flavor—not too acidic, with a smooth body that pairs well with the rich, buttery pastries. The coffee is available black or with milk, and the staff can recommend which pastry pairs best with each option.

Colombian hot chocolate is thicker and richer than American versions, often made with a chocolate tablet dissolved into hot milk. It is a traditional drink served warm and is especially popular in the morning or on cooler days. The bakery also typically has fresh juice and bottled beverages available.

Best times to visit and what to expect

Arrive early—between 7 and 9 a.m.—for the full selection of fresh pastries. The bakery bakes in batches throughout the morning, so items come out warm, but popular items like cheese arepas and empanadas sell out by early afternoon. If you arrive after 2 p.m., you may find only a handful of options remaining.

The space is small and designed for quick service. You order at the counter, pay, and either take your items to go or sit at one of a few small tables. During peak morning hours, there may be a short line, but it moves quickly. The staff speaks Spanish and English and can describe fillings and ingredients if you are unsure what to order.

Pricing and portion sizes

Individual pastries and hand pies typically cost between a few dollars and around ten dollars, depending on the item and size. Arepas and empanadas are priced similarly. A coffee or hot chocolate adds a few dollars more. Most items are substantial enough to serve as a meal or snack, so one or two pastries plus a beverage is a common order.

The bakery does not typically offer bulk orders or catering through the counter, but it is worth asking if you need pastries for an event—many small bakeries will accommodate special requests with advance notice.

What makes Colombian pastries different

Colombian baking reflects the country's mix of indigenous corn traditions, Spanish colonial influence, and Caribbean flavors. Corn appears in arepas and some breads, while sugar and cheese are central to many sweet pastries. The pastries tend to be less delicate than French pastries and more focused on flavor and texture than visual presentation.

Empanadas in Colombia are typically fried rather than baked, and the filling is seasoned boldly with cumin, garlic, and sometimes a touch of hot pepper. Arepas are a complete food in themselves—a blank canvas that can be filled with almost anything. These are everyday foods in Colombia, not special-occasion treats, which is why Cositas Ricas keeps them simple and authentic rather than trendy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order empanadas or arepas ahead of time?

Most small Colombian bakeries do not take advance orders for individual pastries, but it is worth calling ahead to ask if they can set aside a few items or make a larger batch if you are coming at an off-peak time. If you need pastries for a party or event, ask about special orders—many bakeries will accommodate with a day or two of notice.

Are the pastries made with dairy or eggs?

Most Colombian pastries contain both dairy and eggs. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ask the staff about specific items—some bakeries can identify which pastries are dairy-free or egg-free, or they may be able to tell you about ingredients in the fillings.

What is the difference between an arepa and an empanada?

An arepa is made from corn flour and water, cooked on a griddle until it forms a thick, soft round that you can split and fill. An empanada is a pastry dough wrapper around a filling, usually fried until crispy. Arepas are softer and more bread-like; empanadas are crispier and more portable.

Do they have gluten-free options?

Most traditional Colombian pastries contain wheat flour. Some arepas are made from pure corn flour and may be naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination in a shared kitchen is common. Ask the staff directly about which items are safe for a gluten-free diet.

What should I order if this is my first time?

Start with a cheese arepa and an empanada, plus a Colombian coffee or hot chocolate. These three items represent the bakery's core offerings and give you a sense of the flavors and textures. If you want something sweet, add a rosca or pan de queso. The staff can also recommend based on what just came out of the oven.