Looking for a quick bite that feels both comforting and exciting? Youve probably typed empanadas near me into Google, hoping for a shortcut to the perfect handheld treat. Good news youre in the right place. Below youll get an instantly useful list of top spots, a clear method for hunting down hidden gems, and even a quick health rundown so you can indulge without the guilt.
Quick Answer Snapshot
Top 3 Empanadas Near Me in the U.S.
Heres a nofluff shortlist that you can copypaste into your phone right now:
- Milohas San Jose, CA 4.6 on Yelp, famous beef empanada with a buttery crust.
- Loaded Empanadas Las Vegas Strip 4.5, cheeseburst and spicy chorizo loaded versions.
- Casa Ruiz San Antonio, TX 4.7, traditional pork and chicken fillings with a side of homemade salsa.
How Far Should You Travel?
In dense metro areas a 5mile radius usually covers the highestrated spots. If youre chasing a specialty like Colombian corndough empanadas, a 15mile drive can be worth the adventure.
Can I Get Good Empanadas Delivered?
Absolutely. DoorDash and UberEats both feature Best Empanada Near Me collections that sort by rating, price, and delivery speed. A quick tap, and a hot empanada lands on your doorstep.
Finding the Best Empanadas
Use Review Platforms Effectively
Yelp, Google Maps, TripAdvisor
Filter your search by empanada and set the rating bar to 4.0 or higher. Look for places with at least 100 reviews the larger the sample, the more reliable the score.
Why Review Count Matters
Hundreds of reviews smooth out the occasional offday, giving you a clearer picture of consistency.
Leverage Delivery Apps
DoorDash Best Empanada Near Me Collection
DoorDash ranks listings based on user feedback, order volume, and speed of preparation. Its a handy shortcut when youre short on time.
QuickOrder Filters
Most apps let you narrow results by price, vegetarian, or spicy perfect for pinpointing that perfect meat empanada or a veggiefriendly alternative.
Ask the Community
Local Facebook groups, the r/food subreddit, and even Nextdoor can surface neighborhood favorites that havent made it to the big review sites yet. A quick Anyone know the best empanadas near me? often sparks a lively thread full of insider tips.
Regional Picks Guide
| Region | Spot (KeywordRich) | What to Try | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | Best Empanadas Near Me San Jose | Beef empanada, cheesefilled sweet | $3$7 |
| Las Vegas Strip | Empanadas Las Vegas Strip | Loaded cheeseburst, chorizo, empanada las vegas classic | $4$9 |
| San Antonio, TX | Best Empanadas San Antonio | Pork, chicken, and a spicy meat empanadas near me option | $3$8 |
| Nationwide | Colombian Empanadas Near Me | Crispy corndough, beef & potato filling, served with aj | $2$5 |
| Various Cities | Best Empanadas Las Vegas | Gourmet mushroom, truffle, and dessert empanadas | $5$12 |
These picks cover the most frequent searches: best empanadas near me, empanadas las vegas strip, best empanadas san antonio, meat empanadas near me, colombian empanadas near me, loaded empanadas las vegas. Each entry gives you a quick snapshot of what makes the location special, plus a price hint so you can budget your snack run.
Empanada Types Explained
Meat Empanadas Near Me
Traditional fillings include seasoned beef, pork, or chicken, often spiced with cumin, paprika, and a dash of oregano. If you love a little heat, look for chorizo or chipotle labels.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Many bakeries now serve blackbean, spinachcheese, or roasted vegetable empanadas. The crust may be the same wheatbased dough, or a glutenfree alternative if you have dietary restrictions.
Colombian vs. Argentine vs. Puerto Rican Styles
Colombian empanadas use a cornmeal dough thats crunchy on the outside, while Argentine versions are typically baked with a flaky pastry crust. Puerto Rican empanaditas are deepfried and often stuffed with sweet plantain or cheese.
Loaded & Gourmet Variations
In places like the LasVegas Strip youll find loaded empanadas think cheeseburst, jalapeoinfused salsa, or even toppings like pulled pork and avocado. Dessert empanadas pair sweet fillings like dulce de leche or passionfruit mousse with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Quick Comparison
| Style | Crust | Typical Cooking | Best Dipping Sauce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombian | Cornmeal | Deepfried | Aj (spicy tomato) |
| Argentine | Wheat pastry | Baked | Chimichurri |
| Puerto Rican | Flaky pastry | Deepfried | Garlic mayo |
Benefits & Risks
Nutritional Benefits
An empanada can be a solid source of protein (especially meatfilled varieties) and iron. The portable size makes it an easy onthego snack, perfect for a quick lunch or an afterwork treat.
Potential Health Risks
Because many empanadas are deepfried, they can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. Overindulging in the cheesy, loaded versions may tip your daily intake into an uncomfortable zone.
Choosing a Healthier Option
Seek baked alternatives, wholegrain dough, or veggieheavy fillings. The lists typical macronutrient breakdowns, helping you compare baked versus fried choices.
Practical Tips
Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the filling (beef, chicken, veg, sweet).
- Check crust type baked for lower fat, fried for crunch.
- Note portion size some places serve miniempanadas as appetizers.
- Verify delivery time to ensure they arrive hot.
InPerson vs. Delivery
Nothing beats the aroma of a freshoutoftheoven empanada, but delivery is a lifesaver on a rainy night. If youre after the perfect crisp, pop into the shop during peak hours (usually lunch or early dinner).
Pairings & Side Dishes
A cold craft soda, a glass of Malbec, or a simple caf con leche balances the richness nicely. Many LatinAmerican eateries also serve a side of fresh salad or plantain chips for extra texture.
Handling Leftovers Safely
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350F for 810 minutes to bring back that crunchy exterior microwaving will make the crust soggy.
Conclusion
Finding the best empanadas near you is easier than you might think. Start with our quickanswer list, use review platforms and delivery apps wisely, and dont be shy about asking locals for hiddengem recommendations. Whether youre craving a classic meat empanada, a loaded LasVegas specialty, or a crispy Colombian delight, theres a perfect pocketpie waiting just around the corner. So grab your phone, follow the links, and treat yourself to a flavor adventure you wont forget. If you have a favorite spot that didnt make the list, share it with us were always on the hunt for the next great bite. For food safety tips and general nutrition guidance while enjoying fried or baked empanadas, check the USDA food safety resources USDA food safety.
FAQs
What are the best ways to find highly-rated empanadas near me?
Use review platforms like Yelp, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor, filter for a rating of 4.0 + and at least 100 reviews, and check delivery apps for “Best Empanada Near Me” collections.
Can I get empanadas delivered, and which apps are most reliable?
Yes—DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub all feature empanada categories that sort by rating, price, and speed. Look for restaurants with high ratings and fast prep times for the best experience.
Are there healthier empanada options available?
Seek baked empanadas, whole‑grain dough, or veggie‑heavy fillings. Many places also offer gluten‑free or vegan versions that reduce calories and saturated fat.
How far should I travel to find specialty empanadas like Colombian corn‑dough?
In dense metros a 5‑mile radius covers most top spots. For niche styles (e.g., Colombian corn‑dough), a 10‑15 mile drive can be worth the adventure.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover empanadas to keep them crispy?
Store leftovers in an airtight container, then reheat in a pre‑heated oven at 350 °F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes the crust soggy.
