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Top picks in Katy

Empanada spots

Empanadas with a crust that flakes properly instead of turning into a soggy mess.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Margarita Bistro image 1
Margarita Bistro image 2
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Venezuelan restaurant

Open-air setting buzzes with Venezuelan street vibes and traditional music like galerones. Tables offer cozy spots to enjoy authentic empanadas with standout shredded beef. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, perfect for a flavorful breakfast.

Authentic and flavorful empanadas stand out with excellent seasoning and a delicious shredded beef option. These empanadas offer a world-class taste that many find unmissable for breakfast.

People are saying

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

"I found the empanadas to be amazing and full of authentic flavor."

"You have to try the empanadas from the food trucks; they're the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect to wait during peak hours.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during busy times.

3

Prices for empanadas are reasonable, typically around $10 each.

02
Richies (Food Truck) image 1
Puerto Rican restaurant

Puerto Rican food truck serves authentic dishes like crispy empanadas with perfectly seasoned beef and the area's best chopped cheese. The mofongo is a standout. Atmosphere feels like home with a fun, welcoming vibe making it a hidden gem for Latin cuisine in Houston.

Empanadas come with a crispy exterior and a tender inside. The beef filling is perfectly seasoned and not greasy.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, full of authentic Latin flavor."

"I found the empanadas perfectly cooked and crispy."

"The side salad with vinegar and oil felt like mom's cooking."

Good to know

1

Richies offers catering services for events and parties.

2

The prices are reasonable for the quality of Puerto Rican food offered.

3

Richies specializes in authentic Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules and mofongo.

03
TRADICION image 1
Restaurant

Food truck blends authentic Mexican flavors with high-end design and a friendly vibe. Crispy chicken empanadas recall Margarita Island tastes. Fresh, well-seasoned dishes like ribeye tacos shine in a relaxing atmosphere.

Offers crispy Mexican empanadas with a chicken filling that stand out. The empanadas have a taste reminiscent of those from Margarita Island in Venezuela.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes like authentic Mexico City."

"These shrimp tacos are fine dining in tortilla form."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're definitely worth it."

Good to know

1

TRADICION uses homemade tortillas for an authentic taste.

2

Expect to pay a premium for high-quality, authentic Mexican food.

3

Cash is preferred, as many vendors do not accept cards.

04
Danny’s Peruvian Restaurant image 1

Peruvian spot offers authentic decor and a family-friendly vibe with a cozy, clean setting. Beef empanadas feature crispy crusts and rich fillings, paired well with dishes like causa. An attached grocery store sells Peruvian sweets and spices, enhancing the experience.

Beef empanadas come fresh from the bakery with crispy crusts and rich fillings. The empanada de carne stands out alongside other Peruvian dishes like causa and aji de gallina.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and truly authentic."

"The ceviche here is super fresh and full of flavor."

"The empanadas here are delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a small grocery store selling Peruvian ingredients.

2

Reservations are recommended to ensure fresh food upon arrival.

3

Expect reasonable prices for generous portion sizes.

05
La Chula Restaurant & Bar image 1

Festive Dia de los Muertos decor with sugar skull motifs sets a peaceful vibe. Beef empanadas offer a tasty ground beef filling and pair well with micheladas. Karaoke and Latin music create a lively atmosphere with multiple TV screens showing sports.

Beef empanadas feature a tasty ground beef filling and are not too greasy. They pair well with micheladas for a solid snack or meal option.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, full of flavor, and beautifully presented."

"You should go for karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights."

"The beef empanadas are really good, not too greasy."

Good to know

1

Karaoke nights happen on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 9pm.

2

The kitchen closes early, so arrive before 10pm for food.

3

Parking costs 99 cents and is located across from Cicis Pizza.

06
Crazy Bites image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant serves crispy empanadas with massive fillings like beef and chicken. Friendly service adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Generous portions and flavorful pastries make it a comfortable spot to enjoy.

Crispy empanadas come with massive fillings like beef and chicken. The flavor stands out, especially with the accompanying sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and incredibly tasty."

"I found the empanadas to be amazing and tasty."

"The pastries here are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The place offers generous portions at competitive prices.

2

Expect reasonable wait times during peak hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

07
El Kourmet image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small, clean space with a quiet atmosphere and duck-themed decor creates a peaceful vibe. Venezuelan dishes like crispy empanadas and fresh arepas deliver bold flavors. Prices are on the higher side with sometimes smaller portions.

Empanadas feature a crispy corn breading and come filled with options like hallaca and dogfish. The Venezuelan style stands out as superb and flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the Venezuelan food here was delicious."

"I found the arepa with scrambled eggs and cheese to be amazing."

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

Good to know

1

Two hot dogs and two malts cost $26 without a tip.

2

I paid $43 for four dishes, one Frescolita, and one Maltin soda, including tax.

3

The restaurant has only 7 tables inside, so it can fill up quickly.

08
Pastel Pizza image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Spacious Venezuelan spot offers a chill vibe and fantastic music. Families love the excellent play area for kids. Empanadas feature a crispy crust and rich flavor, paired well with best tequeños and cakes.

Empanadas come with crispy crusts and excellent flavor. Varieties include shredded beef and chicken, all very good and often paired with tequeños.

People are saying

"I found the food here really good and delicious."

"The empanadas here are so crispy and delicious."

"I found authentic Venezuelan flavors and snacks here."

Good to know

1

Prices at Pastel Pizza are considered high compared to other places.

2

The restaurant maintains a very clean and tidy environment.

3

Pastel Pizza allows dogs, making it pet-friendly.

09
Dukes Venezuelan Food image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Bright, clean space offers a cozy atmosphere with chill music. Authentic Venezuelan empanadas are large and delicious, served alongside arepas and pastelitos. Immaculate dining area adds to the relaxed setting perfect for genuine flavors.

Empanadas here are authentic Venezuelan style, large in size, and consistently delicious. They come alongside other dishes like arepas and pastelitos, all prepared with care.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of excellent quality."

"I found the arepas here amazing and delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Dukes Venezuelan Food offers numerous gluten-free options, as all the arepas are gluten free.

2

The restaurant is suitable for families with children and babies, as it includes a baby seat.

3

Dukes Venezuelan Food is clean, well organized, and spacious.

10
La Argentina image 1
Ice cream shop

Petite gelato shop offers authentic Argentinian gelato with unique flavors like Rum with Raisins. Small Argentine-style empanadas come with helpful baking tips but cost more. Cozy indoor seating can get warm, while outdoor seats face sun and heat.

Small empanadas offer a delicious Argentine style flavor. Staff provide detailed baking instructions to ensure they turn out well. They come at a higher price point compared to other items.

People are saying

"I thought the gelato here was delicious and amazing."

"I thought the Turkish Coffee was to die for."

"The empanadas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

The gelato shop offers a variety of unique flavors to choose from.

2

Dairy-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The portion sizes are generous; a 'small' can be quite filling.

11
Rancho La Cumbre Latin Food image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Colombian vibes and a family-friendly atmosphere. Empanadas shine with great chicken filling and fresh, hot service. Fridays bring live music, adding charm to the intimate, modern setting.

Empanadas stand out with great chicken filling and a salsa that complements well. They arrive hot and fresh, with beef empanadas offered as a welcoming gesture on first visits.

People are saying

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

"I loved their authentic Colombian food; it tasted like home."

"I thought the empanadas were super delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than six due to slow service.

2

Expect long wait times for food if dining with more than six people.

3

A mandatory service fee of 20% is added to all bills.

12
Colombian Empanadas image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small, cozy spot serves authentic Colombian comfort food with best empanadas in the area. Homey vibe makes it great for lunch and sharing meals. Friendly staff ensures excellent service and fresh, flavorful empanadas like Colombian and Lechona.

Empanadas here are consistently fresh and flavorful, with standout options like the Colombian, Lechona, and chicken varieties. Service is excellent, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be the best."

"Their bakery items and arepas are the best."

"I experienced authentic Colombian comfort food here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant requires payment upfront.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

3

Prices are affordable, especially for tamales.

13
Bakery & Cafe Pan De Dios image 1

Cozy bakery offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a clean, tidy space perfect for chatting over coffee. Empanadas are flavorful and made to order, featuring fillings like cheese and chicken. Rich, Venezuelan-style breads add to the lively, welcoming vibe.

Empanadas here are flavorful and made to order with a variety of fillings like cheese and chicken. They stand out as some of the most delicious and unbeatable empanadas in the area.

People are saying

"I loved the sweet pineapple bread; it was delicious."

"I thought the empanadas here were delicious."

"It's so clean and cozy inside and out."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a great variety of traditional Venezuelan products.

2

They don't serve water in glasses; customers must buy bottled water.

3

The facilities are kept very clean and well-maintained.

14
Caribbean Creole Coffee image 1

Cozy coffee shop offers a Caribbean-inspired vibe perfect for quiet work or relaxed chats. Chicken empanadas deliver rich flavor and make a popular lunch choice. Free WiFi and books create a thoughtful experience in a clean, warm space.

Chicken empanadas stand out with rich flavor and a satisfying texture. They serve as a popular lunch option that many wish to order in larger quantities.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious and smooth."

"It's a cozy spot that feels like a warm, welcoming getaway."

"I wished I could order a whole tray of these amazing empanadas."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers a unique Ube latte made from purple potatoes.

2

They frequently host fun events like Paint and Sips on Sundays.

3

Expect a longer wait time during peak hours due to popularity.

15
Pupusas El Pulgarcito image 1

Food truck serves authentic Salvadoran pupusas with fresh fillings at great prices. Cozy, family-friendly vibe makes it a nice spot to relax. Plantain empanadas are a tasty choice, always available and paired well with curtido and salsa.

Plantain empanadas stand out with their delicious flavor and consistent availability. They pair well with curtido and salsa, making them a notable choice here.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I tried authentic pupusas with amazing Salvadoran flavor."

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

Good to know

1

Pupusas El Pulgarcito offers affordable prices for homemade Salvadoran food.

2

Pupusas are available for delivery through Uber Eats.

3

The food truck operates during lunch and dinner hours.

16
Sabor Venezolano #3 (Mason) image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Venezuelan flavors and a clean, comfortable setting. Empanadas feature a crisp outside and shredded beef filling that tastes fresh and rich. Perfect for family meals or casual dining with lively yet peaceful vibes.

Empanadas come freshly made with a crisp outside and soft inside. Shredded beef filling is well fried and flavorful, offering a taste reminiscent of Venezuela.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The soup here is excellent and the staff are super friendly."

"I found the empanadas to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak lunch hours due to limited staff.

3

Prices are generally affordable, with many dishes under $15.

17
VFingers (Food Truck Restaurant) image 1

Food truck serves authentic Guaro flavor with crispy pastelitos and sweet dough empanadas filled with potato, cheese, and beef. Cozy spot offers delicious milkshakes and churros, perfect for corporate events and gatherings.

Empanadas feature a sweet dough that wraps fillings like potato and cheese, beef pastelitos, and a standout pabellón empanada. Tequeños empanadas offer a crispy, delicious texture that draws attention.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent."

"I thought the milkshakes here were the best I had ever tasted."

"You have to try the tequeños empanadas; they're the best."

Good to know

1

VFingers (Food Truck Restaurant) opened on January 1st.

2

VFingers has flexible hours for visitors.

3

The food truck is suitable for corporate events and gatherings.

18
Chamo's image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious and elegant spot shines with Venezuelan culture in decor and music. Crispy shrimp empanadas stand out alongside authentic dishes. Warm atmosphere heats up on weekends with live music and dancing. Small bar offers full service for a complete experience.

Crispy empanadas come in shrimp and ground beef flavors with a potato and cheese option also available. Venezuelan style empanadas pair well with tequenos and cachapas.

People are saying

"I thought the Venezuelan food here was the best in town."

"I thought the rib soup here was the best I've ever had."

"These empanadas are divine, perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

The prices for arepas start at $15, while cachapas are around $22.

2

Portions are large enough for two people who don't eat much.

3

The new location accommodates more customers, especially on weekends.

19
Colombian House Bakery & Restaurant image 1

Bright, colorful decor with Colombian imagery creates a cozy, family-like vibe. Empanadas are fresh and crispy, fried on the spot with tasty beef and chicken options. Warmth and great music fill the space, making it feel like home.

Empanadas come out fresh and crispy, fried on the spot. Both beef and chicken options are well-seasoned and tasty, with prices lower than nearby spots.

People are saying

"The beef empanadas here are a perfect 10/10."

"I enjoyed the best coffee I have had there."

"The beef empanadas here are exactly what I expect to get in Colombia."

Good to know

1

Daily lunch specials are available, offering great value.

2

The prices are very affordable for the portions served.

3

Expect a good turnover of fresh products daily.

20
Mi Pueblito Restaurant image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian restaurant shines with crispy empanadas and live salsa music that energizes the cozy space. Unique dishes like cazuela seafood complement the menu. Tables sit close, adding to the warm, intimate vibe.

Crispy empanadas deliver delicious flavors with authentic ingredients. Beef empanadas stand out as a favorite choice alongside tasty arepas and chicharrón.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the best I've ever had."

"The arepas here are generously filled and bursting with rich, traditional flavors."

"These empanadas are perfectly golden and crispy."

Good to know

1

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

2

Live music occurs every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8pm.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

21
Da Silva Steakhouse image 1

Spacious steakhouse blends dark modern decor with Venezuelan touches for a friendly vibe. Live music on a big stage pumps tropical merengue and salsa beats. Bar serves fresh cocktails and excellent grilled meats, while beef empanadas shine as a tasty appetizer.

Beef empanadas come out delicious and tasty with no sauce served alongside. They appear on a menu with other appetizers like tequeños and chicharrones.

People are saying

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

"The live music here is excellent and upbeat."

"The empanadas here are amazing, thanks to Salomon's thoughtful gesture."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Thursdays from 5-8 pm with all-you-can-drink beer for $20.

2

Live music is featured on Fridays and Saturdays, starting after 11pm.

3

The lunch menu is available on Thursdays and Fridays with live music.

22
Vida Mariscos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large Mexican spot boasts a spacious patio and lively vibe with live music and DJs. Shrimp and crab empanadas are a popular, though soggy, appetizer choice. Numerous TVs and a big bar create a sports bar atmosphere that's energetic but noisy.

Shrimp and crab empanadas arrive quickly and have a soggy texture due to grease absorption. They serve as a popular appetizer alongside quesadillas and beef queso melt, all explained when seated.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so rich, fresh, and flavorful."

"The live music here creates such a great atmosphere."

"I found the empanadas here to be the best."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekend visits to avoid long wait times.

2

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with a two-drink minimum.

3

Happy hour offers discounted snacks and drinks on weekdays.

23
Toño Parrilla (Food Truck) image 1
Colombian restaurant

Food truck serves crunchy empanadas with bold flavor and a crispy bite. Outdoor space buzzes with loud music and a family-friendly party vibe. Small, hot setting draws salsa fans and groups seeking private time.

Crunchy empanadas deliver really good flavor and a crispy texture. Four empanadas cost $8, making them a notable option alongside churrasco.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"These empanadas are delicious and crispy."

"The outdoor seating has an excellent atmosphere."

Good to know

1

They host a lively party atmosphere on Sunday afternoons and evenings.

2

BYOB is allowed, which can help save on drink costs.

3

There are no proper bathrooms available, only outdoor plastic ones.

24
El Sabor Caribeño RD image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Dominican dishes in a lively space with loud live music and a great bar. Cheese empanadas are a rich flavor highlight, though shrimp empanadas can be cold. Guests enjoy cold Presidente beer and colorful decor.

Cheese empanadas stand out with their rich flavor. Shrimp empanadas and croquetas de pollo sometimes arrive cold, which affects the experience.

People are saying

"I loved the food here; it was delicious and amazing."

"The mofongo with shrimp is a favorite seafood dish here."

"I loved their cheese empanadas; they were awesome."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required with a mandatory $50 deposit included in the bill.

2

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

3

Live music events occur on Sundays, enhancing the dining experience.

25
Lucas Bakery image 1

Empanadas cost just 86 cents and come in cajeta, pumpkin, and apple flavors. Mexican sweet bread is freshly baked and affordable. Display cases show wear and lighting is dim, which affects the overall feel.

Empanadas come in cajeta, pumpkin, and apple flavors. Each costs 86 cents.

People are saying

"The bread here is so delicious and freshly baked."

"I loved the pumpkin and apple empanadas."

"I tried their Tres leches cake and it's the best in town."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-minute wait for fresh bread during busy hours.

2

Prices increased by about 10 cents per item recently.

3

The bakery offers a good variety of bread and baked goods.

26
Made in Medellin Katy image 1

Renovated space with colorful decor and open seating creates a vibrant setting. Beef empanadas offer authentic flavor and pair well with arepas. Live music adds to a pleasant atmosphere reflecting Colombian culture.

Beef empanadas stand out with a traditional preparation that avoids cornmeal. They pair well with arepas and offer a delicious, authentic flavor that many find impressive.

People are saying

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

"Margarita's service made me feel so welcome, like I was at home."

"The bakery staff are exceptionally kind and attentive."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking available.

2

The food comes out really fast.

3

The portions are generous.

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