Since its opening in September 2021, Colombian cafe La Poteria Local has become a beloved addition to the Montgomery Village community, effectively filling a void for a local coffee shop with a welcoming atmosphere (a few photos available below).
Located at 19116 Montgomery Village Ave, next door to where Einstein Bros operated for many years, La Poteria has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for Colombian street food and coffee. Competing with Starbucks, which opened a store in the shopping center in the summer of 2022, La Poteria has carved out its own niche and is also available in its mobile form at the Clarksburg Outlets.
Patrons can enjoy a variety of empanadas, with popular fillings like beef, chicken, spinach and cheese, and even pineapple-ham-cheese. A standout item is their unique take on waffles, the “Pan-De-Waffles,” which are made with cassava flour and cheese. These come in both savory and sweet options, such as the “Pan De Waffle Sanguchito” with ham, provolone, cream cheese, and arugula, or the “Pan De Waffle Con Berries” topped with strawberries, blueberries, and dulce de leche.
Beyond the savory offerings, La Poteria boasts a delightful selection of beverages. Their coffee menu features traditional “Farmers Coffee” infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, alongside classic espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. They also offer refreshing “Jugos – Batidos,” which are 12-ounce smoothies with various fruit combinations. For a taste of traditional Colombian snacks, customers can indulge in “Buñuelos,” cheesy dough fritters, and “Palitos De Queso,” air-fried breaded cheese sticks served with pineapple sauce. They even serve the popular Colombian-style hot dog, the “Perro Caliente,” loaded with toppings like raw onions, crushed potato chips, mozzarella cheese, and various sauces.
The positive reception from the local community is evident in La Poteria’s consistently high ratings across online platforms. On Google, the cafe boasts a rating of 4.8 stars with over 375 reviews. Similarly, La Poteria has garnered enthusiastic reviews on Yelp with a 4.8 star rating on more than 150 reviews. La Poteria was even recognized by Yelp MD Burbs as one of the “Top 25 Places to Eat in MD Burbs” in October 2023.
