"We don't put a little bit — we put a really good amount of protein."
— Alejandra Garavito, co-owner
Eight family members, one small window
Que Chimba is a Colombian phrase people say when something's just that good — and that's the reaction the Garavito family built this place to get. They opened their doors on the Ped Mall in March 2026 after years of wanting to bring real Colombian street food to Iowa City.
It's a true family operation, run day to day by Alejandra and her parents, Orlando and Deyanira, alongside her sister, brother, husband and in-laws. The menu stays small on purpose — arepas, empanadas, patacones, tequeños and picada — so every order comes out fresh, fast, and stacked with meat, chicken or cheese.
The restaurant's open layout means you can watch your food come together and ask the counter for recommendations — there's no three-page menu to get lost in, just a handful of dishes done well.
- Alejandra
- Orlando
- Deyanira
- Laura
- Julian
- Yerson
- Grace
- Derek