I learned of this place via the Food Network's 50 States, 50 Sandwiches. Barroco won best sandwich in Ohio. The arepas are all they're cracked up to be and more. They are so good that I don't even mind that the Food Network is now much cooler and hipper than I am.
We went to the Lakewood location and had the arepa puerca and the arepa paisa. My friend said, "I just got a bite of something that tasted like pure fat. It was so good." Those would be the chicharrons and they are decadent deliciousness. The chicken was an explosion of flavor. Normally, I can tell what spices are used, but I have no idea how they spiced this chicken so exquisitely. I have never tasted anything like it. Instead of my normal I've-already-sampled-everything-the-world-has-to-offer state of food ennui, the completely new tastes made me feel like an excited-to-try-everything food noob! However, you should know that I'm a complete sucker for homemade corn tortilla type things, be they tortillas, pupusas, sopes, or even just grits. Arepas and Columbian food are now at the top of my corny cake list.
The fried plantain chips/discs were outrageous. I've never had better.
I'm going to go back and sample everything and I will keep you posted on the results :-)