Panela

After the epic failure of a meal earlier in the day, I had to find something to remedy the taste buds. As I began to drive back towards Boston, I searched for possible options along the way that were recommended restaurant stops for their food quality. This Colombian restaurant popped up on the list and immediately beckoned a slight detour to visit. As New England states are so tiny compared to the West Coast, it wasn’t long before I exited the freeway and parked along the street outside Panela. While the restaurant had a large space (noticed later there was a dance floor) and an almost equally large bar area, there were only a couple patrons that day - nursing their beers and quietly chatting. Service was fast and prompt and menus were on the table before I even sat down. Water showed up shortly before I was given a little more time to peruse the menu. It was an interesting menu and well thought out. I had no idea what to order so I just followed my gut on what I felt like gorging on (and was glad I did). I won’t go much into dissecting each dish. But I can tell you that the flavors were balanced and pleasant. Each bite beckoned more until the plate was empty. I couldn’t stop myself. I had to keep going on everything disappeared from the table. It’s one of those times that you’re not claiming a dish to be perfect in whatever culinary pedigree BUT that it’s so balanced in flavor that your palate is tickled in all forms. It was a tongue-gasmic moment and immediately remedied the most boring meal on earth that I just had earlier today. PS. Researched the background of the restaurant later on. Now everything makes sense. I applaud your need to create and represent. Cheers.

I’ve been going to Panela for years and never once have I been disappointed. With a seasonal menu focusing on modern Colombian cuisine, Panela takes you on adventure for your palette. Recently I tried their new fall menu and per usual was super impressed with the flavors. We ordered: Plantain Arepitas Pork Belly Mora y Carne Buñuelo Donuts Merengon Service is always great and the atmosphere is always inviting. As a family run restaurant I love that when going to Panela I feel so welcome there! Definitely a gem of Lowell!

My cousin and I had the empanadas with spicy sauce. Chicharrón -pork belly appetizer, mango salad with grilled chicken, red beans with rice, sweet plantain, grilled chicken. The food was to die for absolutely delicious. Sarah the waitress excellent. She said they have salsa dance classes on Thursday, multilingual karaoke Friday’s, DJ to dance on Saturdays. Definitely going back. Parking on the street. I didn’t have a problem but went there for an early dinner.

I had heard about this place from my Colombian sister in law, and it took me awhile to finally get there. Which stinks, because Panela was DELICIOUS!!! Our server was super friendly, the food and drinks were amazing, and we will absolutely be back! The ONLY thing I didn't love about the place were the flashing/moving LEDs around the bar. I am extremely sensitive to flashing lights so we ended up sitting in the back table with my back to the bar. Out of sight out of mind, otherwise the atmosphere was perfect!!!

For authentic Colombian food, from a family owned spot in Lowell, the locals all go to Panela. For cocktails we got the PANELA MOJITO and COCONUT MARGARITA, both refreshing and delicious. Must get starters are their perfect EMPANADAS The MARRANITAS Plantain balls stuffed with pork belly and cheese. Served with avocado sauce and guiso. and my favorite CAMARONES AL GUAJILLO Gratin shrimp cooked in guajiro sauce, finished with white wine and butter. Served with patacones-- fried plantains. For Entrees, STEAK AL CABALLO extremely tender, great egg pop, Steak, arroz atollado with peas and sweet plantain, fried egg on top. The Burger on Fried Rice Arepa is fantastic, brilliant fusion. AREPA DE ARROZ Pickle slaw, panela aioli, beef patty, mozzarella cheese, panela pineapple slice and ham. Served with French fries. AREPA DE YUCA stuffed with pulled pork, shut up take my money good. Pulled pork, red pepper and onion marmalade, mozzarella cheese, coleslaw, your choice of sweet or spicy panela sauce and drizzled avocado sauce. For dessert the BUÑUELO DONUTS, crazy good and cakey, 3 buñuelo donuts with arequipe and whipped cream.

Had a great meal here a week ago. The fried yuca balls, empanadas and entrees were all delicious. Pictured are the yuca balls, empananads, and Arepas, which were amazing. Cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. And, it is all gluten free!! Margaritas were great. We lived the passionfruit coconut marg the most. Definitely coming back soon!! Sitting outside was nice, but road noise can get annoying.