Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Chicago

Work-friendly empanada spots

You need a workspace that provides a steady environment and a reliable supply of empanadas.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
DreamCatcher Café image 1
DreamCatcher Café image 2
DreamCatcher Café image 3
View all

Space combines artistic charm with cozy cushioned seating and striking blue tiles, creating a welcoming, relaxing vibe. Backroom serves as an event space, and a yoga studio adds to the community feel. Atmosphere feels intentional and inviting, with subtle patterns adding warmth without overwhelming.

Lots of charging outlets make it easy to keep devices powered. The space suits working remotely, studying, or just relaxing quietly.

Empanadas come with a cilantro jalapeno crema that adds a fresh, spicy kick. Varieties like chorizo potato and beans and cheese offer bold, comforting flavors.

People are saying

"I loved their smooth and refreshing cold brew coffee."

"The staff here is super friendly and welcoming."

"These empanadas are so delicious, flavorful, and comforting."

Good to know

1

Yoga classes are hosted every Saturday at the café.

2

Free parking is available on the side of the café.

3

The café has plenty of charging outlets for studying or working.

02
Tasa Coffee Roasters image 1

Spacious coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, airy atmosphere creates a warm and welcoming vibe. Comfortable seating and plentiful outlets support relaxed work or socializing. A small glass room showcases on-site coffee bean roasting, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Speedy wifi and good work music create a calm atmosphere. Open and inviting space suits both remote work and casual meetups. Wifi details are clearly posted on the wall.

Empanadas come warm and crunchy with a lightly seasoned garlic salt that enhances the cheese filling. The beef empanadas stand out as very good and easy to snack on multiple times.

People are saying

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

"It's a cozy, peaceful spot to get some work done."

"These empanadas are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They serve tamales on weekends.

2

They roast their own coffee beans right in house.

3

Tasa sources coffee beans from women-owned farms.

03
Q'bo Latin Cafe Inc. image 1

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.

Bright, well-lit spaces create a focused atmosphere without loud music. The environment supports productive work sessions with minimal distractions.

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."

"The owners are so friendly and attentive."

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.

04
Casa Cactus image 1
Coffee shop

Space filled with plants and cactus-themed decor creates a cozy desert dream atmosphere. Warm lighting and Southwestern touches give a relaxing, chill vibe. Plenty of seating with outlets supports working or hanging out comfortably.

Spacious environment filled with wonderful plants creates a chill vibe for work or meetings. Drinks like iced horchata latte and hot rose latte complement a relaxed yet productive atmosphere.

Offers guava cheese and Colombian empanadas that taste good and pair well with coffee. Empanadas come with a delicious, sweet and savory profile.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I had ever had."

"It's a cozy spot, great for work or a first date."

"I thought the guava cheese empanadas were great."

Good to know

1

They host pop-up events to support local artists and teachers.

2

Free street parking is available in the neighborhood.

3

There is a parking lot a block away from the coffee shop.

05
Café Calidá image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop filled with natural light and Guatemalan touches creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Comfortable seating areas support reading, working, and socializing in a calm environment. Background music and a friendly vibe make it a community-focused space.

Free wifi supports working without interruptions. Spacious dine-in area and plenty of seating offer comfortable spots to read, work, or chat.

Empanadas come from Cafe Tola with a crispy outside and flavorful inside. Options like Chorizo + Egg and Lechón offer a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The pastries here feel like home, warm and welcoming."

"The owners make you feel like family; it's so Work Friendly."

"I loved their delicious coffee and pastries."

Good to know

1

Café Calidá hosts game nights and poetry readings regularly.

2

The café is family-owned and emphasizes customer service and community.

3

Expect a cozy atmosphere where neighbors gather to socialize.

06
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.

Cozy space with a good Wi-Fi signal supports remote work well. Staff are very sweet, creating a welcoming vibe even with a time limit on laptop use.

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 atmosphere here is so warm and inviting, it feels work friendly."

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.

07
Dark Matter Coffee - Caravanserai image 1

Large coffee shop filled with local art and snake plants creates a chill, funky vibe. Spacious seating and bright light offer a relaxing atmosphere with views of neighborhood architecture. Menu includes homemade syrups, pastries, and unique items like empanadas and tamales.

A very chill vibe makes it easy to sit and focus. The space supports remote work and quiet reading.

Empanadas come alongside tamales and pastries. Arriving early helps grab breakfast burritos or excellent donuts too. The rajas empanada tastes junky.

People are saying

"The coffee here is so good, it's rich and flavorful."

"It's a great Work Friendly spot with tons of open seating."

"I loved their coffee, it's so good."

Good to know

1

They offer home-made syrups for a unique coffee experience.

2

Parking on Belmont is easy and convenient.

3

The coffee shop is right next to the bus stop for easy access.

08
Drink happy thoughts Humboldt image 1

Coffee shop offers a super chill atmosphere with chill house mixes and occasional Jazz played on a white projector. Comfortable tables and chairs suit solo work or groups, enhanced by live DJ sets during breaks. Decor includes a drippy smiley face mural and a cozy, inviting space with treats for dogs.

Background sounds and music create a groovy working session atmosphere. Comfortable tables and chairs support both studying and socializing, with wifi that works during visits.

Beef and chorizo empanadas stand out with rich flavors. Spinach and cheese options come with a green dipping sauce that adds a fresh touch. Mac n cheese empanadas offer a creamy twist.

People are saying

"I loved the inventive coffee with unique flavor combinations."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

"The coffee here is pretty good and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

They close at 3 PM on most days and may consider opening later in the future.

2

Expect higher prices, with a $12 oz latte costing $8.

3

Street parking is available near the coffee shop.

09
First Sip Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers a Bohemian vibe with painted black walls and whimsical hanging teacup displays. Dim lighting creates cozy, artistic atmosphere suited for working or deep conversations. Features include live plants, outdoor patio seating, and unique menu options for coffee and tea.

Fast and reliable WiFi supports solid productivity. The space stays dark and comfortable, helping focus and deep conversations.

Empanadas feature a Philly cheese steak filling that is cheesy and flavorful. The menu offers a mix of sweet treats alongside these savory options, though some empanadas can be a bit cold inside.

People are saying

"I loved all their unique and fresh coffee flavors."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with a chill vibe and comfortable atmosphere."

"The empanadas here are so delicious and cheesy."

Good to know

1

First Sip Cafe is closed until December 2nd.

2

The cafe is conveniently located near the Argyle red line stop.

3

The menu features a variety of unique Vietnamese-inspired lattes.

10
Engine Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and wooden accents create a quietly modern and spacious environment. Music ranges from experimental pop to easy-listening funk, adding to the chill atmosphere. Plenty of seating includes cozy window corners and nooks suited for working.

Spacious and chill atmosphere offers great nooks for working or studying. Cozy environment suits both quick coffee breaks and longer remote work sessions.

Chicken tinga and Cafe Tola empanadas stand out with rich flavors and a satisfying texture. They pair well with coffee or pastries for a solid snack or light meal.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be great and consistent."

"It's a cozy, chill spot perfect for getting work done."

"I found their chicken empanadas amazing."

Good to know

1

Arrive early for food options, especially if visiting after 1 PM.

2

The coffee shop opens early on weekends for early risers.

3

Wi-Fi is available but can be unstable during busy hours.

11
Vietfive Coffee - Chicago image 1

Cozy coffee shop blends modern chic and traditional charm with rustic wooden tables and delicate ceramic cups. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, supporting work or relaxed conversations with plenty of power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Friendly, family-oriented vibe includes pet-friendly policies and unique wall graphics sharing coffee origins.

Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi create a space suited for remote work or studying. The atmosphere stays quiet enough for focused tasks or casual chats.

Empanadas feature crispy textures and flaky crusts with fillings like chicken, pork, and sausage mixed with sauerkraut, black pepper, and carrots. The Xia Xu Banh mi empanadas capture the traditional banh mi flavors well, though some have thicker crusts to navigate.

People are saying

"I found the coffee to be rich, bold, and perfectly satisfying."

"These empanadas are outstanding and perfectly seasoned."

"The ube latte is so unique and delicious, it's a perfect treat."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $10 for a drink and snack.

2

Signature, custom blended beans are roasted on the premises.

3

The shop uses coconut condensed milk for their coffee drinks.

12
Chicago French Press at Roosevelt Collection image 1

Small coffee shop with bright outdoor seating and a cozy, luxurious vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and fun, often busy and not ideal for working inside. Offers unique coffee flavors and a variety of tasty pastries.

A small space with a crowded atmosphere limits working comfort. The patio offers a quiet spot to sip and work, but there is no complimentary Wi-Fi available.

Empanadas feature vegan Coconut Curry and Black Chai options that stand out. The rajas empanada also delivers solid flavor.

People are saying

"I had some of the best coffee I've ever tasted here."

"I loved the vegan coconut curry empanada; it was so tasty."

"It's a great place to get work done, especially on the patio."

Good to know

1

The cafe does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

2

Free parking is available for up to 2 hours near the shop.

3

The menu is not fully available online, which may limit pre-visit planning.

13
Almendro Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with bright seating and a calm, peaceful vibe. Connected to an art center, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Known for flaky empanadas and delightful avocado toast, it attracts those who enjoy quiet reflection and good food.

WiFi quality varies here. Some spots have strong WiFi, while others experience very slow connections.

Flaky and flavorful empanadas come with a herb dipping sauce that stands out. Options include game and cheese, offering a satisfying taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food and coffee were pretty tasty."

"The empanadas here are flaky, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying."

"The WiFi here is strong, making it work friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $4 to $7 for iced lattes, depending on size.

2

The menu features a variety of affordable Mexican-inspired dishes.

3

Wi-Fi is available but may be slow during busy hours.

14
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row image 1

Cafe offers spacious seating with large open windows facing the street, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Live DJs and local art displays add to the creative and chill vibe. Both indoor and outdoor areas provide comfortable spots for work or relaxation.

Plenty of outlets and tables create a chill, cozy space for computer work or studying. The trendy decor adds to a lovely atmosphere for getting work done or reading.

Large empanadas come with a curry filling and a side of chimichurri. Small plates include tasty empanadas with creative twists like a smoked salmon bagel version.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be good and smooth."

"This place is so work friendly, I'm more productive here than at home."

"I thought the empanadas here were delicious."

Good to know

1

They invest heavily in community events and support numerous local small businesses.

2

Sundays are lively with a DJ setting the tone for the day.

3

They automatically add a 15% gratuity to all orders.

15
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.

Spacious seating and super fast wifi create a solid setup for remote work or studying. Chill Spanish music adds a relaxed vibe while you get things done.

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."

"I found the empanadas here to be extremely good."

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.

Discover more

Chicago, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...