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Queso and empanadas

Finding a place that serves both queso and empanadas without sacrificing the authenticity of either.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mari Mexican Tacos image 1
Mari Mexican Tacos image 2
Mari Mexican Tacos image 3
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Small space offers a cozy, warm atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors served in generous portions. Tacos, sopes, and tostadas stand out for their freshness and classic preparation. The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a favored spot for genuine Mexican food.

Queso here stands out for its rich flavor and pairs well with crispy chips. It consistently delivers a smooth, creamy texture that complements the snack perfectly.

Beef and chicken empanadas come out fresh and tasty with rich meat fillings. They pair well with tacos and sopes, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best tacos I had in Tampa."

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

"You have to try their queso; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

From 11am to 2pm, they offer a lunch special where you can choose any item from the menu for $10.

2

The lunch menu is very affordable with generous portions.

3

Expect fresh ingredients in every dish, as everything is homemade.

02
Guac n' Cheese Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant offers multiple seating options including bar, booths, and outdoor sidewalk dining. Atmosphere stays pleasant and lively with loud music at times and a friendly, warm vibe. Known for authentic cuisine and 5-star margaritas made with fresh ingredients.

Queso comes mild and kid-friendly, with a smooth texture. The version with chorizo adds a tasty, savory kick without heat.

Empanadas feature a crispy exterior with a savory, spicy filling. The birria empanadas stand out for their freshness and bold flavor.

People are saying

"The beef enchiladas here are super authentic."

"This lunch spot's food is crispy, delicious, and fresh."

"You have to try the birria empanadas; they were outstanding."

Good to know

1

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

2

Lunch specials are available from 11am to 3pm, but not on Mondays.

3

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early during peak hours.

03
Mr Cachapa Wynwood image 1

Spacious restaurant with beautiful Latin-inspired decor and portraits of Frida sets a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Venezuelan music plays, creating a lively vibe that invites salsa dancing. The space feels comfortable and relaxed, making it suitable for casual meals throughout the day.

Sweet corn and queso de mano combine perfectly in fresh cachapas and arepas. Chips come with fresh, flavorful salsa and melted queso for dipping.

Empanadas come freshly made and crispy with fillings that pack incredible flavor. Options like the cheese and maltin combination stand out for their taste and texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and full of flavor."

"These empanadas are huge, hot, fresh, and delicious."

"The queso de mano filling in the cachapa was perfectly melted."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

2

A 15% service fee is added to all orders.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

04
Agave Bandido image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers beautiful interior and outdoor seating with a hidden speakeasy adding a unique touch. Atmosphere feels fun and lively with great music enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy table-side guacamole and a strong selection of margaritas and mezcal.

Queso fundito and chipotle queso stand out for their rich, bold flavors. The queso is so good it often leads to ordering seconds.

Meaty empanadas come with a chimichurri flavor that stands out. Recommendations highlight the chimichurri empanada as especially good.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks to be amazing."

"The chipotle queso was thin but packed with flavor."

"The empanadas are meaty with an awesome chimichurri flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times for walk-ins, even on weekdays.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks.

05
Rivales Taqueria & Craft Bar Wellington image 1

Restaurant combines fine dining with a lively bar atmosphere featuring loud electronic music and low lighting. Space includes a bar on the left and tables in the back, with beautiful artwork and an attractive appearance. Crowd enjoys authentic Mexican food and well-balanced margaritas, creating a mix of relaxed dining and energetic bar vibes.

Queso fundido stands out with its stringy texture and pairs well with tacos. The fried queso appetizer also offers a solid option for cheese lovers.

Empanadas come with a chipotle mayo that adds a smoky kick. Options include short rib and chorizo fillings, all with flavorful and satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very fresh."

"The empanadas here are flavorful and delicious."

"You have to try the queso fundido; it's awesome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Margarita Monday offers $5 margaritas all day.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills.

06
PapiChulo Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating offers a vibrant, beachy vibe despite some noise from traffic and crowds. Games like Ping Pong and Cornhole add casual entertainment outside. Epic margaritas and flavorful tacos create a lively, authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Chips come with creamy queso and fresh guacamole. Tacos often feature queso fresco paired with barbacoa brisket and a red guajillo chili sauce. Queso serves as a staple side alongside street corn and yucca fries.

Short rib empanadas stand out with rich, savory filling. These empanadas offer a twist on typical Mexican flavors with unique ingredients and a satisfying texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"Presley's service was amazing and so personable."

"I found the empanadas here amazing and different."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks all day.

2

Expect better prices on signature appetizers and cocktails during happy hour.

3

Margarita Mondays feature special pricing on margaritas.

07
Gochos Orlando image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small, cozy space with traditional yet contemporary decor and a green wall with neon signs creates a welcoming vibe. Venezuelan music plays softly, allowing easy conversation and adding warmth. Atmosphere feels like home, quiet and comfortable, ideal for families seeking an inviting place.

Warm dishes feature queso de mano prominently, especially in cachapas paired with pork belly or plantains. Shredded beef and chicharrรณn complement the cheese in several dishes, creating rich, nostalgic flavors.

Empanadas come with various fillings like cheese, dogfish, shredded beef, and chicken. The shredded beef and cheese empanadas stand out for their flavor and authenticity.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like homemade food, just like grandma used to make."

"The empanadas here are thin, crispy, and have a good filling."

"The queso de mano here is the closest thing to the original."

Good to know

1

Gochos Orlando offers a weekly special menu with several options to choose from.

2

They charge a 3% fee for using the point-of-sale terminal, even for debit card payments.

3

Gochos Orlando caters for events.

08
Francisca Charcoal Chicken & Meats | Davie image 1

Latin American restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with great background music and a beautiful, clean design. The patio provides a pleasant outdoor option. The vibe is warm and peaceful, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy meals.

Queso Telita al carbon stands out with its excellent seasoning and pairs well with arepitas. Portions suit sharing, though it sometimes arrives warm rather than hot.

Empanadas come out delicious and pair well with tequeรฑos and chicharron. They stand out alongside the chicken and pan de bono bread.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I had."

"The queso telita al carbon is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Fridays with discounted drinks.

2

Prices are generally affordable for the menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.

09
Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint image 1

Mexican restaurant with funky decor and wooden bench seating creates a casual, chill vibe. Old school RnB music plays alongside TVs showing sports, blending relaxed and lively energy. Patio welcomes dogs, and margaritas, especially Key Lime and strawberry, stand out as popular drinks.

Queso comes fresh and creamy, topping dishes like the chicken burrito and chimichanga. It pairs well with fresh-made chips, seasoned ground beef, and sides like guacamole and salsa.

Empanadas come with rice and black beans that outshine those at many Mexican spots. The gator taco and guava empanadas stand out, and the hot sauces at the table boost their flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos and burritos."

"The empanadas here are delicious and flavorful."

"The queso was good, though a bit salty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Wednesdays for select drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $1 off all tacos.

3

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with fun activities.

10
Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with standing tables only creates a unique dining setup. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with excellent music enhancing the experience. The space is cozy and clean, attracting those who enjoy authentic Mexican food in a lively environment.

Queso comes in a $10 size and pairs well with chips. It complements dishes like Birria Pizza and nachos, adding a rich, creamy touch to the menu.

Birria empanadas stand out with fresh ingredients and are cooked to order. They pair well with birria tacos and offer a surf & turf twist in other dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and incredible."

"Their queso and birria dishes were unreal."

"I highly recommend the empanadas; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

There is no seating available, only standing or takeout options.

2

Avoid takeout as items may be missing from your order.

3

The room can get very hot due to insufficient air conditioning.

11
Carne en Vara Express image 1
Fast food restaurant

Spacious fast food restaurant with traditional decor and outdoor seating offers a family-friendly atmosphere enhanced by live music. The environment feels warm and inviting, creating a lively yet cozy vibe. Loud music sometimes makes conversation difficult, but it adds to the energetic setting.

Queso de mano stands out with its memorable flavor and frequent use in dishes like cachapa and fried arepas. El queso ร  la plancha also features as a tasty option alongside carne en vara and tostones.

Venezuelan empanadas stand out with meaty fillings that taste rich and satisfying. Some find them a bit greasy, and wait times can stretch up to an hour.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely divine."

"These Venezuelan empanadas are divine and authentic."

"The queso de mano here is so memorable, it stole my heart."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night, making it a lively atmosphere.

2

Wednesdays feature special events that attract many visitors.

3

Expect a family-friendly environment, especially during weekends.

12
Tony's Cantina mexican Grill image 1

Mexican grill with hand-painted murals and glass hearts hanging from the ceiling creates an upscale yet festive atmosphere. Live DJ playing saxophone and a party vibe keep energy lively and celebratory. Unique drink flights and creative dishes like pineapple fajitas add to the engaging experience.

White queso stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavor. Chorizo and shredded beef often accompany the queso, adding hearty depth to dishes.

Empanadas have nice flavor and come as part of a platter with sauces and sides. They pair well with Mexican-fried egg rolls and offer a varied taste experience.

People are saying

"The food here tasted nothing short of amazing."

"The queso here is delicious, especially the white queso."

"I thought the empanadas here had nice flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 2-for-1 drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Live music is featured every Friday night starting at 8pm.

3

Taco Tuesday specials include discounted tacos and drinks.

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