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Mac and cheese and empanadas in California

Made for those who demand the ultimate comfort-food pairing of crispy-edged empanadas and rich, molten mac and cheese.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Tasca Tasca - Tapas Restaurant and Bar image 1
Tasca Tasca - Tapas Restaurant and Bar image 2
Tasca Tasca - Tapas Restaurant and Bar image 3
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Rustic interior with blue tables and kitschy decorations creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Space feels intimate but crowded, with small tables and a lively atmosphere that can get loud. Friendly staff and a small patio add to the welcoming setting.

Portuguese mac and cheese stands out with its comforting texture and well-made balance. It pairs well with other dishes like smoked duck and shrimp ceviche, adding a rich, creamy option to the menu.

Crab empanadas stand out with a rich, savory filling. Shrimp empanadas also appear, offering a seafood twist alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The wine list here is perfectly balanced with the tapas."

"You've got to try the crab empanadas; they're amazing."

"The Portuguese Mac And Cheese is creamy, smoky, and spicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy lunch hours.

2

Parking is available directly in front with plenty of free street options.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to similar dining experiences.

02
Bushfire Kitchen - Brea image 1
American restaurant

Bright, clean space with family-friendly casual atmosphere and a dog-friendly patio. Menu offers healthy, shareable dishes with unique flavors and a welcoming vibe. Busy on Friday nights, it balances comfort with a well-designed interior.

Grandma's mac and cheese stands out with a rich, comforting flavor. The hot side mac and cheese pairs well with dishes like the Fuego burger.

Pumpkin and chicken empanadas stand out with rich flavors. Seasonal options and a side of chimichurri add variety and depth to the vegetable and grass-fed tri-tip choices.

People are saying

"This Casual spot's empanadas are flaky and delicious."

"You have to try these amazing empanadas with the chimichurri."

"I absolutely loved their Mac And Cheese; it was a must-try."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-5 pm with 50% off beer and wine.

2

The restaurant gets very busy on Friday nights, expect longer wait times.

3

They offer many gluten-free and plant-based options on the menu.

03
Phlight image 1
Tapas bar

Small tapas bar with rustic wooden tables and warm lighting creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Music ranges from soft and chill to loud, sometimes reaching nightclub levels. Tables sit close together, making it lively and packed, especially during busy times.

Chorizo adds a flavorful kick to the mac and cheese without making it too rich. The dish balances creamy cheese with spicy sausage notes, creating a satisfying entree.

Empanadas come with a flavorful filling but feel a bit hearty. They pair better with a lighter verde sauce than the red one served.

People are saying

"The food here is unreal, with incredible flavors."

"The Mac and Cheese had a flavorful Spanish chorizo."

"The empanadas were flavorful but a touch too hearty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends as bar seats fill up quickly.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.

3

Street parking is available for two hours, with a public parking structure nearby.

04
Panama International Restaurant (PTY) image 1

Caribbean restaurant with outdoor patio and island music creates a relaxed vibe reflecting Panamanian culture. Spacious interior features Panamanian flag and map on the wall, enhancing authenticity. Food includes spicy jerk chicken and tender oxtails, delivering strong Caribbean flavors.

Jerk Mac & Cheese stands out with a spicy twist that complements dishes like oxtail and jerk chicken. It pairs well with sides like plantains and peas, offering a rich, flavorful experience.

Beef empanadas have a perfectly crunchy exterior and are deeply savory without being greasy. Chicken curry empanadas stand out as beyond incredible, while veggie and Jerk Mac options also deliver strong flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of unique flavors."

"I found the oxtail to be amazing and wildly flavorful."

"The jerk Mac And Cheese was a culinary delight."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one day in advance for the Salt Fish dish.

2

Parking is available in the back for $6, but may vary on weekends.

3

Expect some menu items to be unavailable later in the day.

05
Pollo Campero image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small dining room fills up at lunchtime with a family-friendly crowd. Atmosphere stays very cold despite a clean and calm environment. Quick drive-thru and mobile ordering offer convenient alternatives.

Mac and cheese comes with fries and is generally tasty. It has very little cheese and sometimes lacks utensils for easy eating.

Offers an Empanada Trio with seasoned, well-cooked chicken inside. Empanadas come out yummy and pair well with other items like plantains and chicken.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is so delicious and crispy."

"I found the empanadas here to be outstanding and delicious."

"I loved the mac and cheese; it was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards throughout.

3

Expect to pay around $35 for a family of four.

06
Piedra Santa image 1
Steak house

Converted parking garage showcases modern elegant decor with wood ceilings and wall murals creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Seating near a gas fireplace offers a warm spot with views of the bar. The vibe suits date nights and business dinners with a relaxed yet swank feel.

Mac and cheese comes as a notable side dish here. It pairs well with dry-aged bone-in ribeye and lobster ravioli.

A baked trio offers pork in chile verde, chicken florentine, and ground beef with black olives, all crispy and tasty. The pork and chicken empanadas stand out as more flavorful than the beef one.

People are saying

"The food and drinks during Happy Hour were delicious."

"The dry-aged steaks are cooked to perfection and flavorful."

"You should not skip the Mac & cheese here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6:30 PM Sunday to Thursday with great deals.

2

Oysters are $1.50 each during happy hour, offering excellent value.

3

A 10 oz New York Strip Steak with mashed potatoes is $24 during happy hour.

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