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Best of Houston

Empanada spots

A warm empanada is the only thing that makes a busy day feel grounded.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
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Jazz club

Jazz club combines live jazz music with an upscale, elegant dining hall featuring classic decor and perfect acoustics. The atmosphere stays intimate and vibrant, ideal for date nights or special occasions. Balcony seating offers great views, enhancing the overall experience.

Music creates a fun and exciting atmosphere that keeps people moving. The venue feels intimate but not cramped, with a band that clearly enjoys performing, making the whole experience unique and classy.

Short rib empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and tender filling. They pair well with a variety of drinks and offer a consistently delicious bite.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the short rib empanadas."

"The live music here is expertly executed and truly magnetic."

"The short rib empanadas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs between $10 and $20 plus tip.

2

Reservations are recommended for popular shows to ensure seating.

3

Expect a cover charge for live performances, typically around $10.

02
Cronos Café and Collectables image 1

Comic café combines collectibles and games with comfortable seating and a family-friendly vibe. Space includes rooms for tabletop RPGs and board games, creating a cozy and inviting environment for hanging out or studying.

Cozy and creative vibes fill the space with fun games, cards, and collectibles to enjoy. It offers a lively spot to hang out while sipping coffee and grabbing food.

Empanadas stand out with chorizo and beef fillings that deliver strong, savory flavors. They pair well with drinks and offer a consistently delicious taste.

People are saying

"This cafe is a chill, nerdy spot with awesome pop culture memorabilia."

"It's a fun place with games and collectibles."

"I found the beef empanadas shockingly great."

Good to know

1

The café hosts D&D nights and other gaming events regularly.

2

They offer a vegan menu alongside traditional café options.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during events.

03
Eight Row Flint image 1

Rooftop patio offers a downtown skyline view with a covered open-air area. Atmosphere stays laid back and cozy with live DJ music and games like ring toss and pool. Crowd enjoys a mix of bar vibes and restaurant-quality food in a friendly, chill setting.

A ring toss game costs $5 and offers a chance to win a shot or a High Life, adding a playful bar activity. A DJ on Saturday night spins hits that keep the atmosphere lively, especially on a breezy night.

Crab Rangoon Empanadas stand out with a unique flavor. They come during happy hour when prices drop on wings, empanadas, and drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I'd return just for the Krab Rangoon Empanadas."

"I loved playing the $5 ring toss; it's a fun activity."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; consider arriving early or using street parking.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 pm with discounted wings and drinks.

3

Thursday steak night features NY strip and Elote salad for $20.

04
The Savoy image 1
Bar & grill

Rustic bar and grill with large outdoor heated patio and mechanical bull offers a lively atmosphere. DJ music energizes the space, creating a fun vibe for socializing and events. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options, with a focus on group gatherings and parties.

Super fun atmosphere with lively vibes on Thursday nights and Sunday fun days. Fun DJs play music, making it a great spot to lounge and enjoy food and drinks.

Lamb empanadas feature a flaky crust and tender, juicy meat seasoned to perfection. They taste like a savory stew packed with rich flavor.

People are saying

"The brunch here has amazing food and great vibes."

"The vibe here is fun and the atmosphere is super energetic."

"The lamb empanadas were outstanding and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for entrance during busy times.

3

Parking is available on the street, but be cautious of no-parking signs.

05
Tequila 45 mexican restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with chic Day of the Dead decor and lively colors creates an upscale, bright atmosphere. Live Mariachi music and a full-service bar energize the space, encouraging dancing and socializing. Specialty margaritas and a well-curated drink menu complement the vibrant setting.

Fun atmosphere stands out with lively energy and good food. Live music and surprise appearances by a mariachi band add to the excitement.

Seafood empanadas stand out with bursting flavor and perfect cooking. The Tulum Empanadas and Fajita dinner also offer a delicious variety worth trying.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and outstanding."

"The seafood empanadas here are perfection."

"The food here is amazing, truly delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with special menu items.

2

Live music performances occur on Fridays featuring local bands.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

06
Cafetales Specialty Coffee image 1

Small, beautifully designed space with Colombian charm and cozy ambiance creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Specialty brewing methods like siphon and table-side preparation add a unique touch. Comfortable seating and great wifi support studying or relaxed conversations.

Many ways to try a cup of coffee create a fun experience. Watching the coffee brew right at the table adds a unique interactive touch with knowledgeable staff enhancing the process.

House-made empanadas come in beef and chicken varieties with a savory flavor that pairs well with coffee. They serve as a mouthwatering snack alongside sweet cakes.

People are saying

"I had a delicious, legit coffee that reminded me of home."

"I found the coffee to be great and exquisite."

"Watching my coffee made right at the table was a fun experience."

Good to know

1

The shop opens at 7:30 a.m., but may not be open on time.

2

Cafetales offers unique brewing methods that customers can try at their tables.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted for purchases.

07
Emilia's Havana image 1
Restaurant

Hidden behind an unassuming kitchen, a speakeasy-style venue offers a vibrant Cuban atmosphere with dim lighting and vintage decor. Live Latin bands create an engaging, dance-friendly energy that draws a lively crowd. The space blends intimate live entertainment with a sense of exclusivity and fun.

Live Latin bands create an intimate and lively vibe. Dancing feels natural and the atmosphere stays fun and engaging throughout.

Golden lobster corn empanadas offer a decadent crunch and stand out as a favorite dish. They replace ceviche and deliver a phenomenal taste experience.

People are saying

"The speakeasy atmosphere felt intimate with dim lighting and warm wood."

"The live music here creates such a fun, energetic atmosphere for dancing."

"I loved the empanadas; they were golden with a decadent crunch."

Good to know

1

There is a minimum spend of $100 per person.

2

Entry costs $25 per person.

3

Drinks are priced around $30 each.

08
Kiss image 1
New American restaurant

Speakeasy-style design with a club-like atmosphere features a live DJ and band that keep energy high. The patio offers a downtown view and the space includes photo-worthy decor like a Prince picture. Music and ambiance draw a lively crowd, though some find the vibe too loud for dining.

A fun atmosphere with classy vibes makes it a great spot for hanging out or date night. Entertainment and music add to the chill brunch and social experience.

Oxtail empanadas stand out with their generous size and rich flavor. They pair well with fusion appetizers like boudain eggrolls.

People are saying

"The DJ kept the energy up with a great selection all night."

"It's a fun place with a lively atmosphere and great energy."

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

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, Kiss hosts cinema night with special movie screenings.

2

Thursdays feature $5 Lemon drops and $5 Lamb chops during happy hour.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills for parties of two or more.

09
Fabian's Latin Flavors image 1

Three distinct sections offer reggaeton, salsa, and bachata music, creating varied dance vibes. A Colombian DJ energizes the space with smooth transitions and nonstop dancing tunes. Multiple patios and indoor-outdoor areas blend live band performances with a lively party atmosphere.

Lively music and a great DJ create a fun atmosphere for dancing and socializing. Drinks and ambience make it a solid spot for a Latin night out or weekend fun.

Colombian empanadas stand out with beef filling and a crispy shell. They pair well with picada and deliver consistently delicious flavors.

People are saying

"This nightclub has different sections with various Latin rhythms."

"The music here is great for dancing Latin rhythms."

"The empanadas here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Bachata brunch happens on Sundays with free dance classes included.

2

Happy hour runs until 9pm with all food and drinks priced at $5.

3

A $10 cover charge applies on Saturday nights; arrive early to avoid long lines.

10
Mamajuana Cafe image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant combines modern and rustic decor with a lively atmosphere featuring live music and dancing. The space includes a busy bar area and a speakeasy that adds a club-like vibe. The environment feels cozy yet chic, attracting guests who enjoy energetic evenings with music and socializing.

Brunch here offers a fun experience with music that invites dancing. Servers bring a kind and lively vibe to the atmosphere.

Empanadas come in a trio appetizer that stands out for its flavor. They pair well with other starters like Mixed Skewers and the Mamajuanan Roll.

People are saying

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

"The live music and energetic vibe make for such fun activities."

"The empanadas here are amazing, thanks to Devon's attentive service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live Latin music starts at 9 PM on Thursdays.

3

Salsa dancing takes place every Thursday night.

11
Mexcal Cantina Pacifico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with loud live music and a colorful, lively decor creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Outdoor patio features colorful umbrellas ideal for gatherings. The energy peaks with a large band and DJ, making conversation challenging but enhancing the festive vibe.

Fridays after 10 pm bring a fun atmosphere with an excellent band setting the mood. Service stays great and lively, making it a solid spot to grab a drink and enjoy good music.

Chicken empanadas come with queso flameado con chorizo, adding rich flavor. They taste very good and are popular enough to order for takeout.

People are saying

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

"The live music here makes for such fun activities, it's like a party."

"I ordered the empanadas and found them to be very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day from Monday to Wednesday with $6 margaritas.

2

Thursday happy hour ends at 5pm.

3

Parking costs $25 in cash; cards are not accepted.

12
Flor De Cuba image 1
Cuban restaurant

Colonial-style patio and live music create a cozy, lively atmosphere that feels like home. Salsa classes and a dance area add to the family-friendly vibe. Decor blends comfort with Cuban tradition, enhancing the authentic experience.

Live music creates a great fun atmosphere. The spot works well for celebrations like birthdays and parties. It offers an excellent fun time for nights out.

Empanadas offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, especially the guayaba y queso variety. Meat empanadas come out top notch and consistently good.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like homemade cooking."

"I had a lot of fun dancing to the great music."

"I think these empanadas are the best in Houston."

Good to know

1

Flor De Cuba offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8pm.

2

The restaurant only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

3

Expect a cover fee for men on weekends.

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