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Guide to San Diego

Empanadas

Made for those who measure the quality of a bakery by the flakiness of their empanada crust.

Based on 616 Opinions
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01
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Small, casual spot offers authentic Argentinian empanadas with savory and veggie fillings like lamb and sweet corn. Cozy, unpretentious vibe feels like a pizza-by-the-slice joint with limited seating and no table service. Empanadas pair well with chimichurri sauce and suit parties or breakfast.

Empanadas come in a great variety including lamb, beef, chicken, and sweet corn with basil. They are flavorful and filling, often paired with chimichurri sauce, and work well as appetizers for parties or breakfast.

People are saying

"These empanadas have unfathomable flavor combinations."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is small with only 2 spots for quick pickup.

2

Empanada Kitchen does not have bathrooms available for customers.

3

You can order online for pickup at Empanada Kitchen.

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Stylish interior with natural skylight and green plants creates a cozy vibe. Beef empanadas have a rich flavor and perfect crust, ideal with coffee. Indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating offer comfortable spaces for easy conversation.

Beef empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and perfectly baked crust. They pair well with coffee and offer a satisfying snack option.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious, I could eat them all day."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is easy to find.

2

During busy times, the line could be out the door.

3

The only baked good left was one jalapeño bagel.

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Bright, inviting décor creates an authentic Peruvian vibe with a family-friendly play corner. Flaky, savory beef empanadas offer rich flavor, perfectly paired with sweet treats like chocolate cake. Warm, lively atmosphere suits families and groups seeking a relaxed meal.

Flaky, savory empanadas burst with rich flavor and come in beef varieties. They pair well with sweet treats like chocolate cake and alfajores.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were very delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer free coffee until 10:30.

2

The kids corner makes it special for families with children.

3

Parking is easy and the location is convenient.

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Independent coffee shop offers a comfy retro aesthetic with a loft area for live music. Breakfast empanadas with bacon, egg, and cheese taste fresh and come with salsa. Laid-back vibe and ample comfy seating make it great for work or hangouts.

Breakfast empanadas come with bacon, egg, and cheese and serve with salsa. They taste fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"The breakfast empanadas are so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Altered State Coffee offers gluten-free options.

2

They have plenty of seating, including outdoor tables.

3

The menu features an eclectic selection of food and drinks.

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Small house café offers shady outdoor seating under a large tree by a dog park, creating a peaceful vibe. Empanadas filled with egg, potato, and bacon taste savory and satisfying. Games like air hockey add a playful touch to the cozy, art-filled space.

Egg, potato, and bacon fill the empanadas here. They taste very tasty and come with a savory mix of ingredients.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here really tasty."

Good to know

1

AMICIBAR is super busy on Saturday mornings due to the farmers market.

2

The café offers solid Wi-Fi for customers.

3

AMICIBAR is a not-for-profit enterprise.

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Brewery boasts a laid back atmosphere with a dog friendly space and a stunning outdoor patio. Empanadas are flavorful and authentic, perfect for snacking while enjoying great beer and chill rock music.

Flavorful and delicious empanadas stand out here, with a taste that recalls authentic Costa Rican versions. They work well for snacking and come highly recommended alongside the brewery's offerings.

People are saying

"These empanadas are flavorful and killer."

Good to know

1

Food options are not available on-site, so plan accordingly.

2

The brewery is dog-friendly and has a spacious patio.

3

Street parking is available but may require payment.

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Wine bar features a dog-friendly patio and a warm, comfy vibe with natural wines. Beef and carnitas empanadas come with chimichurri sauce and pair well with orange wine. Prices stay moderate, making it a great spot for casual bites and drinks.

Beef and carnitas empanadas come with chimichurri and pair well with orange wine. They appear alongside burgers and potatoes, offering a great price option.

People are saying

"I loved the empanadas and orange wine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as it gets busy, especially during dinner hours.

2

You must be 21 or older to sit inside the venue.

3

Parking can be challenging; expect to find spots at least two blocks away.

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Mexican spot shines with hefty breakfast burritos and a huge empanada selection including the popular Panchita. Cozy seating and a pet-friendly vibe make it welcoming. Outdoor and drive-through options add convenience.

A huge selection of savory empanadas sells out quickly due to their quality. The Panchita empanada stands out as a favorite among the delicious options.

People are saying

"You gotta get here early for the empanadas before they sell out."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 2pm.

2

Finding free parking can sometimes be difficult.

3

The drive-through is useful if I can't find parking.

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Cozy spot with authentic Peruvian tunes sets a warm mood. Beef empanadas are baked to perfection and packed with flavor despite their small size. Clean, elegant interior adds to the home-style vibes making it a true hidden gem for Peruvian food lovers.

Beef empanadas come baked to perfection with a clear flavor presence. They tend to be on the smaller side but still deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"These empanadas were baked to perfection."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.

2

They close at 5 pm on other days.

3

Parking can be hard to find during busy times.

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Artistic and romantic interior with colorful paintings sets a Buenos Aires vibe. Empanadas are fried Salta style with a crisp beef filling and chimichurri. Live music plays Motown, 70s & 80s R&B, and smooth jazz, keeping energy chill and welcoming.

Empanadas come fried in the Salta style with a crisp and tasty beef filling. They pair well with chimichurri for added flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try their empanadas; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live music occurs every Saturday evening, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Meter parking is available on the street, but can be hard to find.

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Small boutique coffee shop offers a landscaped pond and loud music for a lively yet relaxed vibe. Empanadas feature crisp and soft crusts with tasty fillings like soyrizo and caprese. Perfect for casual visits or focused work sessions.

Crust varies between crisp and soft textures. Fillings include a scrambled soyrizo and eggs mix and a caprese style option. Quality ranges from okay to delicious depending on the variety.

People are saying

"The soyrizo filling in these empanadas is so delicious."

Good to know

1

There is free one-hour parking available through a ticketed gate.

2

They validated parking for additional hours.

3

The cafe offered both indoor and outdoor seating.

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Experience authentic Cuban charm with live music and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy crispy Cheese and Guava Empanadas paired perfectly with a Cubano sandwich. Decor features folk art and vintage details for a cozy, immersive vibe.

Cheese and Guava Empanada offers a crispy crust with a perfectly balanced sweet filling. Empanadas pair well with the Cubano sandwich and deliver a consistently delicious taste.

People are saying

"The empanadas here are packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 empanadas during happy hour.

3

Thursday specials include half-off sandwiches at 2:30 PM.

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Small space with chic decor offers a quiet vibe with house music. Empanadas are crisp and flavorful, topped with sauces and pico for a messy, tasty bite. Creative cocktails and fresh sushi shine amid close tables, making it a photo-ready spot.

Crisp and flavorful empanadas come topped with three sauces and pico, adding a messy but tasty touch. They pair well with other dishes like octopus and oysters.

People are saying

"The empanadas were crisp, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with a special menu.

2

Metered street parking is available, but can be challenging during peak times.

3

Reservations are confirmed multiple times for larger parties.

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Indoor space shines with a skylight and authentic Cuban bar tiles. Braised beef empanadas offer rich flavors that satisfy. Live Cuban jazz sets a vibey atmosphere perfect for salsa and chats.

Braised beef and bean and cheese empanadas stand out with rich, satisfying flavors. Picadillo empanadas also offer a savory option, all served with a straightforward self-service ordering system.

People are saying

"You have to try these empanadas; they're the best in town."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm on weekdays with empanadas.

2

The kitchen starts to shut down at 8:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Live music events are scheduled occasionally; check ahead for dates.

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Mexican spot boasts crab empanadas with fresh seafood flavor and a lively vibe. Spacious outdoor area with space heaters keeps guests warm. Upstairs speakeasy bar offers dancing and a well-stocked bar for a fun night out.

Crab empanadas stand out with their rich seafood flavor and fresh ingredients. They pair well with other dishes but shine on their own.

People are saying

"I'm still dreaming about these crab empanadas."

Good to know

1

For Taco Tuesday, all appetizers and select tacos are 50% off.

2

The grilled fish tacos cost only $4 during happy hour.

3

Happy hour at El Sueño offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

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Cozy space serves authentic Colombian food with hearty empanadas rich in flavor. Bright art and traditional music create a warm, homey vibe. Ají sauce adds a spicy kick, making the experience truly Colombian.

Hearty, flavorful filling defines the Colombian-style empanadas here. They pair well with the ají sauce, delivering a taste authentic to Colombia.

People are saying

"The empanadas here are delicious, especially with the ají sauce."

Good to know

1

The dining area is small, so call ahead to reserve a table, especially for larger groups.

2

Parking can be tricky, but there is usually parking available nearby.

3

Expect large portions that are well-priced for the quality of food.

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Small walk-in spot serves authentic Argentinian empanadas with bold flavors like spicy beef and jackfruit. Casual vibe with quick service and mostly outdoor seating. Complimentary sauces add a tasty touch to the extensive flavor variety.

Empanadas come hot and fresh with a nice amount of filling and ample seasoning. Varieties like spicy beef, mushroom, malbec beef, chicken chipotle, and jackfruit offer unique flavors that are very filling and flavorful.

People are saying

"These empanadas are delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers buy 6 get 1 free deals, making it a great time to visit.

2

Parking is free for two hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

The empanadas are filling; 1.5 to 2 pieces are usually enough.

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Small coffee shop shines with Peruvian art decor and a homey atmosphere. Empanadas vary but some are delicious and filling. Warm energy supports a women-owned business with unique South American flavors.

Empanadas come microwaved or heated from frozen, often turning out soppy and falling apart. Some are delicious and filling, but quality varies.

People are saying

"I found the chicken empanada delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Inka'fe SD is a woman-owned coffee shop sourcing beans from female-owned farms in Peru.

2

The latte costs $7, while the cortado is priced at $4.30.

3

Inka'fe SD is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

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Converted parking garage offers modern elegant decor with wood ceilings and murals. Cozy seating near a gas fireplace suits date nights and business dinners. Baked empanadas shine with pork in chile verde and chicken florentine flavors, making them a tasty choice.

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

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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Coffee roasters fill the air with a rich aroma under vaulted ceilings. Mushroom onion empanadas offer a tasty filling but some have a soupy middle. Spacious outdoor patio and a quiet, chill vibe make it perfect for relaxing or meeting friends.

Mushroom onion empanadas have a tasty filling. Some empanadas come with a soupy, cold middle that affects the texture.

People are saying

"The empanadas here are so good, the staff is really nice."

Good to know

1

They roast coffee every Monday on-site.

2

The espresso costs $4.50.

3

The cafe is dog-friendly with an outdoor patio.

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