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Empanadas and smoothies

Made for those who crave a handheld meal and want the convenience of a smoothie alongside their empanadas.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Q'bo Latin Cafe Inc. image 1
Q'bo Latin Cafe Inc. image 2
Q'bo Latin Cafe Inc. image 3
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Cozy cafe filled with vibrant decor and Latin music playing softly in the background. Friendly atmosphere feels like being in a home kitchen, with comfortable seating and plenty of space. The environment welcomes people looking for a relaxed spot with authentic Latin flavor.

Smoothies feature fruit blends like mango strawberry and passion fruit. Options include strawberry-banana and other fresh, delicious flavors.

Empanadas stand out with options like the pollo and pabellon varieties, both packed with flavor. They pair well with coffee and baked goods, making them a tasty choice for a quick bite.

People are saying

"I've never had empanadas this amazing before."

"I loved the horchata latte; it was delicious."

"Their smoothies are so tasty and refreshing, made with real fruit."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of coffee, arepas, and empanadas.

2

Expect slower service during busy hours due to limited staff.

3

The cafe is located near the Ashland and Irving Park bus stops.

02
Tulip's Tea on Tuesday image 1

Tiny cafe with cute maximalist decor and cozy seating creates a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with plushies and handmade crafts. The space feels like an energy oasis, offering a friendly vibe despite limited seating and occasional crowding. Unique touches like crocheted mini flowers with drinks add charm to the experience.

Smoothies here offer freshness in every sip with options like the strawberry mango smoothie with strawberry boba and a perfectly sweet mango smoothie. Both are delicious and super refreshing.

Empanadas come in light, flaky crusts with fillings like chicken curry, Thai basil chicken, taro, and ube. They offer a mix of sweet and savory options, including pineapple and cardamom varieties.

People are saying

"The tea service here is so friendly and welcoming."

"The mango smoothies are so fresh and perfectly sweet."

"The owner is the sweetest, most welcoming lady."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a membership deal that includes a drink and snack every Tuesday.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The seating area is small, so it may be crowded during busy times.

03
Dulce Cafe Cubano image 1

Bright, welcoming space with a homey atmosphere and beautiful design. Offers freshly made empanadas and reasonably priced sandwiches with unique options like jibarito featuring fried plantain instead of bread. Safety measures include tamper-evident stickers on orders.

Smoothies come with all natural ingredients and taste very good, especially the strawberry smoothie. Safety measures include tamper-evident stickers on smoothies and bags.

Beef and chicken empanadas come with fresh, well seasoned meat inside. The breading stays crispy without being overdone, blending flavors nicely.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here delicious and well-seasoned."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The empanadas are extremely delicious and well prepared."

Good to know

1

The portions are fantastic for the price.

2

The inside is very clean, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

3

Safety precautions include tamper-evident stickers on smoothies and bags.

04
Deep Purpl - Acai Bowls image 1
Health food restaurant

Cozy vegan spot with a calm, friendly atmosphere and limited seating. Offers customizable toppings and baked empanadas that stand out for quality and taste. Acai bowls vary in sweetness and texture, with some options being very sweet and others more authentic.

Smoothies come in thick textures that avoid being watery or overly sweet, letting the natural flavors shine. Options like the Chocolate PB Heaven and Vegan Protein Smoothies blend plant-based proteins with tasty ingredients like banana, mango, and honey.

Baked empanadas come with a thin crust and generous stuffing, avoiding greasiness. Options include plant-based varieties like spinach and cheese, ratatouille, and Jackfruit Tinga, all with strong flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"I found the acai bowls delicious and a great healthy snack."

"I found the smoothies here to be delicious and refreshing."

Good to know

1

The bowls are priced around $8.95, which some may find high for the portion size.

2

They offer a buy one, get one free deal, useful for sharing.

3

The shop has limited seating, so be prepared for a quick stop.

05
MeLatte Coffee Shop image 1

Local art fills walls with eclectic decor and living room-style furniture creates a cozy, inviting space. Soft flamenco music plays quietly, enhancing the calm, friendly atmosphere. Community games and outdoor seating add to the warm, welcoming vibe.

Smoothies include a strawberry banana option and a mango flavor. Drinks also feature ginger turmeric tea and hibiscus flower tea alongside smoothies.

Empanadas come with a tangy chicken tinga filling and warm spice. They taste amazing and are reasonably priced alongside other breakfast items.

People are saying

"It's a really cozy and cute spot with a friendly vibe."

"I thought the coffee here was delicious and creamy."

"The smoothies here are so welcoming and kind."

Good to know

1

They ask customers to stay approximately 90 minutes due to limited space.

2

Street parking is available, with some free spots and others requiring payment via the Park Chicago mobile app.

3

Seating is tight, and larger tables have time limits.

06
My Pollo image 1
Halal restaurant

Rotisserie chicken stands out with juicy, tender meat and perfect seasoning. Interior offers a clean, well-maintained space with interesting decorations and a plasma TV. The place stays busy with both dine-in and carry-out, serving affordable, generous portions.

Smoothies come from a powder mix and taste delicious. They have an excellent flavor.

Empanadas come crispy and tasty with a chicken filling that stands out. Sauces complement the flavors well.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be crispy and tasty."

"This encebollado soup brought back beautiful memories."

"I enjoyed the delicious smoothies."

Good to know

1

The restaurant strictly serves chicken dishes only.

2

Dine-in customers receive a free chicken soup.

3

Prices are affordable, feeding a group of six for about $50-60.

07
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse image 1

Spacious coffee shop with tall windows that fill the interior with sunlight creates an inviting, cozy atmosphere. The space feels modern and airy, offering comfortable seating ideal for working or relaxing. Latino-owned, it reflects a strong sense of community and empowerment.

Smoothies come in watermelon chamoyada and mangoyada flavors that stand out. Some have a slightly salty taste. Kids tend to love them.

Empanadas feature a fantastic masa with a fresh, tasty tortilla. The chicken green empanada stands out among the great variety offered.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing."

"It's a great work-friendly space, spacious and perfect for getting work done."

"Their smoothies are amazing, especially the watermelon chamoyada."

Good to know

1

The coffeehouse features its own roasts and an attached bakery.

2

Expect higher prices for coffee and food items compared to typical cafes.

3

The coffeehouse follows a 'fair wage, no tipping' policy.

08
D'Fruta La Vida image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers handmade Colombian desserts with a variety of fresh, natural flavors like passion fruit and lucuma. Warm, welcoming atmosphere includes both indoor and outdoor seating, creating an inviting space. Rolled ice cream adds a unique visual appeal alongside traditional treats.

Smoothies come handmade and fresh with a variety of flavors including berry options. They share qualities with rolled ice creams and are crafted alongside yogurts and popsicle bars.

Spinach mushroom and plantain empanadas stand out with fresh fillings. Options include beef and ham and cheese varieties, all served hot and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought their ice cream was amazing and unlike usual spots."

"You have to try their handmade smoothies; everything here is handmade."

"I enjoyed the empanadas and the ice cream here."

Good to know

1

Everything is handmade, including ice cream, yogurts, popsicle bars, and smoothies.

2

Parking can be challenging near D'Fruta La Vida.

3

Prices are generally low, with items around $3.82 plus tax.

09
Brazilian Bowl image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Small space combines cozy neighborhood atmosphere with hip decor and a Brazilian music soundtrack. Outdoor patio offers a relaxed spot for people watching. The vibe stays laid back, evoking a casual Sรฃo Paulo luncheonette feel.

Smoothies here stand out for their incredible flavor and great value, especially the Blue Moon. Options like adding banana customize the taste, making them sublime compared to other spots.

Crispy empanadas come in a wide variety of flavors. They serve well as a light meal alongside other small dishes like coxinha and kibe.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious, tasting like home."

"I loved the empanadas; they were crispy and came in many flavors."

"These smoothies are so fresh and yummy."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay gourmet prices for meals, which may not suit all budgets.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

3

The restaurant does not have its own parking lot; street parking is available.

10
Mr Pollo image 1
South American restaurant

Spacious dining area with a clean, remodeled look creates a comfortable setting. The atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with a focus on flavorful South American dishes like chicken and spicy salsas. Regulars appreciate the homemade dressings and diverse menu additions that enhance the experience.

Smoothies have a full flavor and are not watered down. Both smoothies and juice taste good and feel satisfying.

Steak and queso empanadas are the only options offered. The queso empanadas have a good flavor, but some empanadas show inconsistent cooking, with one not fully fried and having raw breading.

People are saying

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

"These smoothies are amazing and not watered down."

"The milkshakes here were really good."

Good to know

1

An automatic tip of 18% is added to dine-in bills without prior notice.

2

Prices on the menu may differ from the final bill at the register.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to other similar restaurants.

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