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Como En Casa Tacos y Quesadillas in Columbia — Authentic Mexican Food in a Family Kitchen

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Como En Casa

Como En Casa Tacos y Quesadillas is a small, family-run Mexican restaurant in Columbia that serves food the way it's made at home — which is exactly what the name means. The menu centers on tacos and quesadillas made to order, with fillings that change based on what's available and what the kitchen decides to prepare that day. The space is modest, often just a few tables, and the pace is unhurried. You order at the counter, wait while your food is made fresh, and eat in a setting that feels more like someone's kitchen than a commercial restaurant.

The restaurant operates on a simple model: quality ingredients, straightforward preparation, and no pretense. Meats are seasoned and cooked in-house. Tortillas are soft and warm. The salsas and sides reflect traditional Mexican home cooking rather than Americanized versions. This approach means the menu is not extensive, but what's there is done well and tastes authentic.

Key Takeaways

  • Como En Casa specializes in made-to-order tacos and quesadillas with rotating fillings based on daily preparation.
  • The restaurant is family-owned and operates in a small, casual space that reflects its home-kitchen approach to food.
  • Expect fresh ingredients, hand-made tortillas, and traditional Mexican flavors rather than Americanized adaptations.
  • The pace is relaxed and the portions are generous, making it a good choice for a casual meal or takeout.
  • Payment methods and hours can vary, so calling ahead or checking social media before your visit is practical.

Menu and what to order

Tacos at Como En Casa come with your choice of filling — typically carnitas, carne asada, pollo (chicken), or chorizo, depending on what's been prepared that day. Each taco arrives on a soft corn tortilla, and you build it with onion, cilantro, and salsa at the counter or at your table. The restaurant usually offers at least two house-made salsas: a red salsa and a green salsa (salsa verde), both with the bright, fresh flavor that comes from cooking with real chiles and tomatoes rather than relying on jarred versions.

Quesadillas are made with cheese and your choice of filling, cooked on a griddle until the tortilla is lightly crispy and the cheese melts. They're served with a small cup of salsa and sometimes a dollop of sour cream. The quesadilla is a good option if you want something more substantial, and the cheese-to-filling ratio is generous.

Sides typically include rice, beans (usually refried or black), and sometimes fresh lime wedges. Some days the kitchen prepares additional items like tamales or specific specialties, so asking what's available beyond the standard menu is worth doing. The restaurant does not have an extensive drink menu, but agua fresca (a traditional Mexican drink made from fruit, water, and sugar) is often available.

Location and how to visit

Como En Casa is located in Columbia, though the exact address and visibility can be modest — it's the kind of place you need to know about or search for rather than stumble upon. The restaurant operates from a small storefront or kitchen space, and seating is limited. Some customers order for takeout, which is practical if you're picking up lunch or dinner to eat elsewhere.

Hours vary and are not always posted consistently online, so calling ahead before your first visit is a good idea. The restaurant is closed on certain days of the week, and holiday hours may differ. Payment methods can include cash and card, but confirming what the restaurant accepts before you arrive prevents a frustrating trip.

Why Como En Casa matters in Columbia's food scene

Columbia has a growing Latin American food community, and Como En Casa represents a particular kind of restaurant — one that prioritizes authenticity and home-style cooking over volume or expansion. The owners are not trying to appeal to every palate or compete on price alone. Instead, they're cooking the food they know and serving it in a setting that reflects that approach.

For readers looking for Mexican food that tastes like it was made in someone's kitchen rather than a chain operation, Como En Casa delivers. The restaurant is part of Columbia's network of family-owned Latin American spots that give the city's food culture its character and depth. Supporting these places means supporting the people and traditions behind them.

Pricing and what to budget

Tacos and quesadillas at Como En Casa are priced modestly, typically in the range you'd expect for a family-run restaurant serving fresh, made-to-order food. A few tacos with rice and beans usually costs less than a meal at a casual chain restaurant, and the portions are generous. Exact prices vary by filling and current ingredient costs, so calling ahead or checking the restaurant's social media can give you current numbers.

The restaurant does not charge extra for basic toppings like onion and cilantro, and salsa is included. If you're ordering for a group or planning a meal for multiple people, the cost per person remains reasonable, making Como En Casa a practical choice for casual dining or takeout.

Dietary considerations and customization

Vegetarian options are available — cheese quesadillas and bean-based tacos are standard, and the kitchen can usually prepare dishes without meat if you ask. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients, so if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, speaking directly with the staff about what's in each dish is important. They can tell you about ingredients and preparation methods in a way that a large restaurant menu cannot.

Customization is part of how Como En Casa operates. If you want extra cilantro, no onion, or a specific combination, the kitchen is accustomed to accommodating requests. The made-to-order approach means your meal is prepared with your preferences in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead or can I just walk in?

Walking in is fine if the restaurant is open, but calling ahead is practical, especially if you're visiting for the first time. Hours can vary, and knowing whether the kitchen is open and what fillings are available that day saves a wasted trip. The restaurant's phone number is usually available through a local search or social media.

Can I order for a group or for catering?

Como En Casa is a small operation, so large orders or catering requests depend on the kitchen's capacity that day. Calling ahead to discuss what's possible is the best approach. The restaurant may be able to prepare food for a group with advance notice, but expectations should be set based on their size and typical operations.

What's the difference between the red and green salsa?

Red salsa is typically made with tomatoes, chiles, onion, and cilantro, while green salsa (salsa verde) uses tomatillos as the base. Both are house-made, and tasting both is part of the experience. Most people have a preference, and the restaurant usually has both available so you can choose or use both.

Are there options if I don't eat meat?

Yes. Cheese quesadillas and bean tacos are standard vegetarian options. The kitchen can also prepare dishes with just cheese, beans, and vegetables. Asking the staff what's available ensures you get something filling and satisfying that matches your preferences.

Is there parking, and is the restaurant easy to find?

Como En Casa operates in a small space, so parking depends on the specific location. Street parking or a nearby lot is typical for small Columbia restaurants. The restaurant may not have prominent signage, so having the address and using a map app on your phone makes finding it straightforward. Calling ahead also gives you a chance to ask about parking and directions.