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Empanada spots in Minnesota

An empanada with a crust that shatters when you bite it, rather than one that is doughy and undercooked.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafeto Shop image 1
Cafeto Shop image 2
Cafeto Shop image 3
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Coffee shop

Cozy space with beautiful artwork and hanging plants sets a chill vibe. Savory empanadas with beef filling and a special sauce offer a taste of home. Plenty of seating with plug-ins suits working or casual socializing.

Savory empanadas bring a taste of home with delicious beef filling and a breakfast option that invites repeat visits. A special sauce accompanies them, adding a memorable touch.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas were delicious and tasted like home."

"It's a cute and cozy place with plants and colorful artwork."

"Their banana bread loaf is one of the best I have had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with one-hour spots in front and two-hour spots across the street.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for some vendors.

3

The shop has plenty of outlets for charging devices.

02
Tropico image 1
Cocktail bar

Colombian-themed bar shines with vibrant tropical decor and lively music. Empanadas are hot and flavorful, paired well with snacks like buñuelos. Cozy, friendly vibe offers an authentic taste of Colombian culture and energy.

Empanadas come out hot and tasty, often paired with other snacks like buñuelos and Pan de Bono. They hold up well as a solid, flavorful appetizer option.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Colombian food here to be flavorful and taste like home."

"The arepas here are savory and good."

"I found the empanadas here delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available down the street, just a short walk away.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for street vendors.

3

Happy hour features half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

03
Malekü Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop blends family-friendly play spot with a chic vibe. Homemade empanadas shine with spicy beef and pineapple fillings. Breakfast empanadas offer a delicious start to the day.

Homemade empanadas offer a taste that feels like home with spicy beef and pineapple fillings standing out. Breakfast empanadas deliver a delicious and satisfying start to the day.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be amazing."

"I thought the coffee at this cafe was genuinely the best I had ever had."

"I thought the chai was perfectly spicy and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Malekü Coffee offers gluten-free pastry options for those with dietary restrictions.

2

The coffee shop features in-house made syrups and food items.

3

Expect a cozy atmosphere, but it can get chilly due to frequent door openings.

04
Tolis Pupuseria image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot with infectious background music keeps energy lively. Empanadas feature shredded beef and a unique plantain version with pickled slaw. Menu blends authentic Salvadoran and Mexican flavors in a clean, family-friendly space.

Shredded beef stuffed empanadas come with pickled slaw and a tomato-based dipping sauce. Empanadas here have a Salvadoran style and a plantain version is also available.

People are saying

"The pupusas here are fantastic and flavorful."

"The salsa here is spicy and traditional, just like the pupusas."

"I loved the empanadas; they tasted great."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, with meals for three averaging around $30.

2

The restaurant specializes in Salvadoran food and also offers Mexican dishes.

3

The space is clean and roomy, ideal for lunch or takeaway orders.

05
Pango’s image 1
Espresso bar

Espresso bar offers family-owned coffee with a cozy vibe and pretty bird artwork. Empanadas feature flaky dough and a light sweetness, especially the egg variety. Sustainable sourcing and delicious snacks make it a warm, inviting spot.

Empanadas come with a flaky dough that holds together well and a light sweetness. They are loaded and delicious, especially the egg empanada.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"I thought the empanadas here were great and delicious."

"I found the smoothies here to be delicious and great quality."

Good to know

1

Vegan options are available for milk alternatives.

2

The coffee price is around $4, which may be considered pricey.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for small purchases.

06
La Estancia Steakhouse, Argentinean & Uruguayan image 1

Small, quaint dining room with beautiful decor and screens showing scenes from Uruguay and Argentina creates an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Empanadas feature juicy filling and fresh, in-house preparation, with spinach empanadas being a standout. Music adds to the romantic vibe, enhancing the authentic South American experience.

Empanadas here stand out for their juicy filling and fresh, in-house preparation. The spinach empanadas are especially notable, often rated as some of the best around.

People are saying

"These empanadas are the best I ever tasted."

"You have to try the desserts; they're a highlight of the meal."

"It's a perfect spot for a cozy, romantic date night."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is the only place in the Twin Cities that has chivito.

2

The restaurant can handle large parties easily.

3

Expect a 20% service charge added to your bill.

07
Little Brazil MN Market & Cafe image 1

Cafe blends authentic Brazilian style with a small market of rare imports. Fried empanadas called pastels are super crisp and flavorful, perfect for lunch. Vibrant decor and TVs showing Brazilian football create a lively atmosphere for groups and casual visits.

Brazilian fried empanadas, called pastels, come super crisp with rich flavors in beef and chicken. They pair well with green sauce or hot sauce and offer a tasty, satisfying lunch option.

People are saying

"The food at this grocery store is amazing, especially the chicken sandwich."

"This market feels like Brasil with authentic Brazilian products."

"I thought the empanadas were really good, but could use more seasoning."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays, they have a special feijoada available.

2

The cheese bread costs only $1.50 each.

3

Food options are available for under $10.

08
SK Coffee: Coffee Bar & Roastery image 1

Open industrial chic space with lofty ceilings and natural light creates a bright, airy atmosphere. Outstanding empanadas feature a perfect crust and amazing fillings, pairing well with coffee. Plants and floral decorations add warmth to the modern, simplistic decor.

Outstanding empanadas come with a perfect crust and amazing fillings. Every flavor is available, and they pair well with coffee.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and consistently excellent."

"This cafe has a really cool atmosphere with lots of plants."

"The empanadas have perfect crust and amazing fillings."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy in the large lot next to the coffee shop.

2

The coffee shop is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

The bathroom requires a passcode for access.

09
Panaderia La Espiga image 1

Bakery shines with authentic Mexican sweet bread and fruit-filled empanadas like pineapple and apple. Family-owned vibe and affordable prices create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Weekend tamales add fresh, flavorful options to the traditional pastries lineup.

Fruit-filled options like pineapple, apple, and strawberry stand out among the empanadas. Sweet varieties, including cream and conchas, offer a tasty variety.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be so fresh and delicious."

"You can get tamales on the weekends."

"These Easter breads are a tasty treat to enjoy with coffee."

Good to know

1

Tamales are available on Saturday and Sunday.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Mexican baked goods.

3

You can order tamales for the next weekend if you miss them.

10
Ena image 1
Latin American restaurant

Small Latin American spot offers a cozy vibe with patio seating and lively music. Empanadas shine, especially lamb and birria flavors. Perfect for both casual nights and celebrations with unique dishes and a homey atmosphere.

Empanadas come in lamb, chicken, and birria varieties with a beef/chorizo option also available. The lamb and birria empanadas stand out for their rich flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is unique with complex flavors and a frequently changing menu."

"The sea bass here is so good, especially the pistachio crusted."

"The birria empanadas here were fiiiiire."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to ensure a table.

2

Expect higher prices, with some dishes like Chilean sea bass costing $42.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options and mocktails.

11
Hola Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers a warm, cozy atmosphere with sun-lit nooks and friendly service. Empanadas from Boludo are crispy and flavorful, especially the breakfast Hola Empanada with no spicy heat. Dog-friendly space encourages socializing over laptops.

Empanadas come from Boludo and feature a crispy, flavorful texture that melts in your mouth. The breakfast option called "Hola Empanada" offers great flavor without spicy heat.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

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

"I appreciated the free parking lot out back."

Good to know

1

There is free parking in the back off Central.

2

Hola Coffee does not accept cash, only cards.

3

Seating is limited, so plan to order and take away.

12
Homi Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic dishes. Jalapeno empanadas bring rich flavor and arrive fast. Best birria tacos keep regulars coming back for a family-owned vibe and freshly cooked meals.

Jalapeno empanadas stand out as a favorite with a very rich flavor. Empanadas arrive quickly alongside horchata and other dishes, offering a satisfying start to the meal.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"The Sunday buffet is an amazing family-style brunch."

"I found the empanadas here to be excellent and very rich."

Good to know

1

The Sunday Brunch is available from 10 AM to 3 PM for $19.

2

On Sundays, the owners offer a Mexican Buffet from 10 AM to 3 PM.

3

Expect limited parking behind the building, which is very small.

13
El Cubano image 1
Restaurant

Family-run spot shines with a colorful patio full of umbrellas and plants, creating a lively, homie vibe. Empanadas in beef and chicken flavors taste top notch and pair perfectly with a cafe con leche. Back patio offers a tucked-away oasis for a cozy meal.

Empanadas come in beef and chicken varieties with a top notch taste. They pair well with a cafe con leche for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I loved the flavorful pork in the Cuban sandwich."

"The empanadas here are unreal."

Good to know

1

El Cubano is closed on Monday through Wednesday.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

14
Papá Chuy's Bakery image 1

Cozy space with a sweet aroma of pan dulce invites a chill neighborhood vibe. Strawberry empanadas offer a sweet fruit filling that stands out. Small tables create a homey atmosphere perfect for lingering and enjoying flavors.

Strawberry empanadas stand out with their sweet fruit filling. Other options include piña empanadas and cinnamon conchas, offering a mix of fruity and spiced flavors.

People are saying

"I found the chicken and pastrami sandwiches amazing."

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

"I thought their strawberry empanadas were the best."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred; credit cards incur a 4% service charge.

2

The bakery offers a wide variety of pastries, all under $2 each.

3

Free street parking is available right outside the bakery.

15
Pollo Campero St Paul image 1
Chicken restaurant

Colorful interior and wheelchair accessibility create a friendly vibe. Empanadas feature a soft crust and savory chicken filling, served in a 4-piece order. Small seating and drive-thru option support a fast food style with a quiet, clean dining area.

Soft crust and savory chicken filling define these empanadas. They come in a 4-piece order and offer a consistently delicious and perfect taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and flavorful."

"I found the fried chicken here to be tender, juicy, and flavorful."

"I found the empanadas to be really good."

Good to know

1

The menu features unique flavors and a variety of side options.

2

Drive-thru service is available for quick orders.

3

Prices are considered reasonable compared to other fast food options.

16
Galapagos Bar and Grill image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Colorful bar and booths with cute turtles create a lively vibe. Authentic Ecuadorian food shines with cheese empanadas and tasty empanada de carne. Screens show Ecuadorian music and nature, adding to the fun atmosphere with varied music styles.

Cheese empanadas stand out with a unique taste unlike anything else. The empanada de carne appetizer comes with three pieces and delivers solid flavor. Humitas and cheese versions also impress as comfort food options.

People are saying

"You have to try the empanadas; they're amazing comfort food."

"Parking is available on side streets and it's not difficult to find."

"I've never had empanadas quite like these; they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on side streets or on Lake Street, making the location very accessible.

2

I might recommend making a reservation because there were not too many seats.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

17
EL Paraiso Supermarket image 1
Convenience store

Supermarket shines with 100% Ecuadorian products and affordable prices. Cheese empanadas offer a rich filling but cool fast. Community vibe thrives with package shipping and tasty Latin lunch specials.

Cheese empanadas stand out with their rich filling and solid flavor. They arrive quickly but tend to get cold within 30 minutes.

People are saying

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

"This grocery store has a wonderful selection of Ecuadorian products."

"The empanadas here are amazing, and the staff is super friendly."

Good to know

1

The supermarket offers a wide variety of Ecuadorian products.

2

Expect affordable prices on groceries and fresh produce.

3

They provide package shipping and money transfer services.

18
Los Andes Latin Bistro image 1
South American restaurant

South American spot shines with cheese empanadas that boast a super legit flavor and pair well with llapingacho. Vibrant music and cozy atmosphere create a lively dining experience. Signature cocktails like pisco sours complement flavorful dishes such as ceviche and fried yuca.

Cheese empanadas stand out with a super legit flavor. Other empanadas are decent and pair well with dishes like llapingacho.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the Ecuadorian ceviche was delicious and top notch."

"The empanadas here are super legit and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available every weekday from 4-6pm.

2

Karaoke night is on Sundays starting at 8pm.

3

Parking can be difficult to find, so arrive early.

19
LATINOS DEPOT image 1
Supermarket

Small, crowded supermarket offers authentic empanadas filled with shredded beef and pabellón. Friendly atmosphere creates a home-like vibe with excellent food and service. Prices are reasonable, making it a popular spot for Latin American groceries.

Large Venezuelan empanadas come filled with shredded beef and pabellón, seasoned with authentic Creole spices. The chicken empanadas stand out alongside tequeños, all delivering strong Venezuelan flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Venezuelan food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought their empanadas were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

LATINOS DEPOT offers a wide variety of Venezuelan snacks and foods.

2

Prices for empanadas and other items are very reasonable.

3

The store can get crowded, which may pose challenges during emergencies.

20
Taco Libre image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern space with digital menus and a fresh salsa bar creates a lively vibe. Empanadas are crispy and tasty, pairing well with carne asada and quesobirria tacos. Loud, energetic music adds to the upbeat atmosphere.

Crispy and tasty textures stand out in the empanadas here. They pair well with other dishes like carne asada tacos and quesobirria tacos.

People are saying

"I found the street tacos to be great."

"The empanadas were crispy and tasty."

"I loved the salsa bar; the flavors were so tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Libre closes at 11 pm.

2

They created a whole new menu from 10am to 2am with daily combos for $6.99.

3

They added $2 Taco Tuesday.

21
Maria's Cafe image 1
Colombian restaurant

Cozy spot with live Colombian guitar sets a sunny, relaxed mood. Empanadas shine with ají sauce and perfect portions. Space feels peaceful and down-to-earth, ideal for breakfast or brunch with tasteful decor.

Empanadas come with ají sauce that enhances their flavor. Portions are generous but not overwhelming, and the taste stays consistently delicious and on point.

People are saying

"You have to try the delicious Colombian breakfast with lechon and plantain."

"The Colombian Hot Chocolate here is so rich and flavorful."

"I loved the empanadas; they were so delicious and huge."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially during brunch hours.

2

Parking can be tricky due to ongoing construction in the area.

3

The entrance is located on the side of the building, not the front.

22
La Colonia Restaurant image 1
Ecuadorian restaurant

Large space offers distinct zones for lively karaoke or quiet dining. Cheese and beef empanadas deliver rich flavors that pair well with horchata. Decor reflects village life themes, creating an authentic Ecuadorian vibe for casual and Spanish-speaking groups.

Cheese and beef empanadas stand out with their rich flavors and satisfying fillings. They sometimes sit out before serving but pair well with horchata and other drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I couldn't stop thinking about the cheesy empanadas."

"I found the food to be authentic and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but limited, so arrive early if driving.

2

The restaurant is busy during lunch hours, expect longer wait times.

3

The restaurant is vegan friendly, offering several plant-based options.

23
MITO image 1
Restaurant

Contemporary design and neon lighting create a lively space with live saxophone music. Birria empanadas feature crispy bread and come with consommé and guacamole. An underground club offers energetic evenings with drinks that include dry ice effects.

Birria empanadas stand out with crispy bread and come with flavorful consommé, pickled onions, and guacamole. The Wagyu birria version is tender and highly praised.

People are saying

"It feels like a nightclub with loud music and a lively atmosphere."

"I was in love with all of the appetizers."

"The birria empanadas were crisp and came with consomé."

Good to know

1

You must be 21 or older to order alcoholic drinks.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, but confirm prices with the server.

3

On Wednesdays, for every two entrees, you get a free kids meal.

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