IT is a small little store and although it is categorized as a liquor store, it is so much more than that. They sell the absolutely best alfajores and for that alone it deserves all the stars in the world. It is reasonably priced and you are supporting a small business. I only had one of their empanadas and although I am not sure how fresh it is, it still beats other places that claim to sell Argentinian empanadas but it is anything but authentic. Here, the owners are very welcoming and they also have a great selection of Argentinian wines. read more

If you don't come here for the empanadas (and you should be) you'd probably come for the alcohol as it's the first thing you notice when you walk through the door. I came here after seeing the other reviews of the Deli and because of my love of empanadas. They have them here in a variety of sweet and savory flavors. The day I stopped in they had spinach, mushroom, ham & cheese, chicken, ground beef, cheese & onion, and on the sweet side quince, sweet potato, and caramel. As much as I wanted to try them all I decided to "just" go with spinach, mushroom, ham & cheese, chicken and the quince for dessert. The crust on the savory empanadas were crispy, flaky and buttery. All of the fillings were super flavorful. I'm only a recent convert to mushroom-eating, and the mushroom empanada was my favorite. I think it was the most flavorful of all of the ones I ate and I actually forgot that I was actually eating mushrooms! The quince empanada had a little thicker/harder shell, and had a quince jelly-like filling. It was very heavy but pretty good. Not too sweet. At a little less than $2 a pop, they're the perfect snack. read more

Buenos Aires Deli - Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband is Chilean and we've tried just about every South American-style empanada in the city and these are the winner. We've had a few gatherings with South American friends and everyone agrees--delicious and beyond legit. What a gem! read more

The old pictures prove it...I think this place has seen better days. I've visited twice for their famous empanadas and have been disappointed both times. Empanadas were old and greasy and did not get any better after they were warmed up--just warm, old and greasy. And the chimichurri sauce was flavorless and also seemed old. The shop caries a lot of Argentinian products--teas, wine, cookies and other snacks. They carry my favorite fun soda--Materva. But the place just doesn't look as spiffy as the pictures. Many of the items looked kind of old. The man who helped me at my last visit was very kind and warned me that people get ticketed a lot outside because they don't pay for parking. So if you visit and park on Cicero, make sure you pay for your spot! read more

Loved this place! The empanadas here are delicious, they have a huge selection of mate, I totally recommend this place. read more

Great place the owner is very friendly. Wide selection of wines. Empanadas and alfajores are delicios

As we're all aware, Chicago is a 'melting pot' of cultures and ethnicities. If Buenos Aires Deli isn't proof of this, I'm not sure what is! After living a summer abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina I eventually ran out of my Yerba Mate and was on a mad search city-wide for my fix. Thankfully after a lucky Yelp search I found Buenos Aires Deli in Cragin. Even if you haven't been to Argentina, you step in the door and get a taste of the Lands of Guachos and Pampas with Argentinian Futbol games on the TV in the background. The stock: -YERBA MATE!!! Various brands such as Rosamonte, Union, Cruz de Malta, Cachamate, La Merced, Taragui, & Nobleza. They do sell it in tea bags for on-the-go but I recommend getting the real deal of loose-"leaf" Yerba in your very own gourd (which they do sell). I also was introduced to a plastic thermos that is made specifically for mate without the mess. May have to go back for one. -Argentinian Wines Galore! (Of course, Malbecs but also my favorite sweet white New Age). For beer drinkers, they have Quilmes, the national beer of Argentina. -Alfajores (two round sweet cookies joined together by thick dulce de leche caramel rolled in shredded coconut); Nothing goes better with your favorite hot beverage of mate, coffee or tea. -Miga Sandwiches by the dozen (an ultra thin, ham sandwich with a twist and no crust--which I tear of anyway) -Meal accompaniments like EMPANADAS, Russian salad, matambre, pionono dulce and more! -Many random corner store products like chips and other snacks. Say hi to Mario for me. I loaded him with all the questions I had and he was happy to respond with a thorough, knowledgeable yet honest response. Che! This is "la buena vida!" Note to Drivers: There's a small lot to the side of the store off Barry. read more

See all

FANTASTIC. This place is amazing. All sorts of Argentinian and S. American delights. If you're a Yerba Mate fan, as we are - there are dozens of varieties, of GIANT bags of the stuff. Bombillas, gourds - accessories too. They have Argentine soccer stuff, food, EMPANADAS, groceries and . . . WINE. Delicious wine from Argentina (duh.), Chile, Uruguay and all over S. America - from around $4.99 (MY price point!) and above. The staff is v. friendly - believe it is family owned - and so enthusiastic about their Argentinian culture and country. A real GEM! read more

Great place to get yerba mate. It appears delivered in huge quantity by the palette. The empanadas and alfajores are both excellent. I'd pass on the frozen chorizo, though. Otherwise, it's a great spot for Argentine essentials and Mario, the owner, is a character. read more

I ordered spinach empanadas , beef empanadas and a box of alfajores Havanna, everything was good , the store also has other typical Argentinian food like dulce de leche or yerba mate and a good selection of Argentinian wines. read more

My on again-off again residence in Argentina over the last few years means that I'm often on the hunt for things one simply cannot acquire at your run of the mill "Latino" market in the States. I was rather pleased at the selection of goods available at this shop- but a little less enthused when I realized several of the items I'd purchased were well past their "best if used by" dates. Still, it's the only place I've been able to find Gancia- and for that I approve! read more

They have home made empanadas. Different from the ones I'm used to. These are Argentinian so they are made with sweets like raisins.

Lived in Argentina for 10 years (my second nationality) and after not visiting it for the last 3 years, I was very happy of finding this place in Chicago and all (or almost all) the goodies I liked to eat when I was there!!! This place is almost a travel back in the past, an authentic "casa de la nostalgia"! Mario is super helpful with his clients. Will be back for more empanadas :) read more

Great Argentinian/S. American deli. Was recently in Argentina and the empanadas and alfajores from here were as good as they were in Argentina! Great selection of mate and also have Quilmes beer (hard to find). A good find to get your Argentine fix! read more

I ordered La Saltena empanada wrappers, tapas today. They have great variety. I am so happy they have them in stock. The are the best brand to make your empanadas perfect and flaky. It is all in the dough! Thank you, Mario read more

Well-stocked store with lots of great Argentine products that are tricky to find...this has them all in one place. They have an extensive Argentine wine selection and also stock Quilmes. The empanadas are good, Buenos Aires style with really light and airy dough. The owner is very friendly and sociable and is fun to chat with. Will definitely stop back my next time in Chicago. read more

An excellent little store. Solid wine and beer selection, even better yerba mate options. The best part, though, is the owner, who is both friendly and helpful. Only bought yerba mate today, but definitely plan to go back and check out everything the place has to offer. read more

The owner was so sweet! We made it just 3 minutes before closing, but he was eager to help me get my empanadas and was so friendly I just wanted to give him a hug. I ended up taking the ham & cheese, chicken, and ground beef. I thought the chicken was okay, but let me say the ground beef was DEELISH. And the ham and cheese? PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH! Absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to go back for more. The store is surprisingly pleasant and welcoming. It has just about everything, from empanadas to wine & liquor to bags of chips. Stop by... you won't regret it! read more

Head to the rear for the deli and get some great empanadas. The owner is very polite and patient, and answered all our questions and provided recommendations as we bought some Yerba Mate for us and friends as gifts. I'll be coming back often! read more

Empanadas were dry, corn ones and kitchen one were terrible. The empanadas were not fresh, and not the dough was not home made like some of the people said on their review. 4 empanadas and 4 alfajores 20 dollars. Not worth my trip, will no be back. I can find better empanadas as jewels. read more

Outstanding...most important, it reproduces perfectly the experience of a deli in Buenos Aires. Great, great wines. Do not miss their collection of Malbecs, a magnificent improvement over other-even French-reds that are three times the price. The meat products (chorizos, mortadella, jamon crudo are excellent). The variety and quality of other imported Argentine products, including pastas, dulce de leche, teas, etc are equally inspired. Prices more than reasonable. Be ready, however, to be disappointed in the owner's knowledge of soccer. He is a follower of a team San Lorenzo that does better as a Carnival parade band (murga) than a serious soccer club. But he will talk your arm off ...plan on turning a year older while there. Really...this is what Chicago's ethnic fame is all about. read more

Like being in Argentina all over again! Unbelievable wine and yerba mate selection, and a wonderful owner to boot! Don't forget to bring a few alfajores home- best dessert ever! read more

Such a great experience! After returning from Argentina 3 weeks ago stepping into this store was like stepping back into the little wine stores/delis in Recoleta. Mario was a huge help in wine selection, recommending some products to assist in some Argentinian recipes... and the empanadas and alfajores were delicious! Can't wait to come back. read more

Can anyone tell me if this place is still in business? I've passed by two days in a row and it's shuttered. No signs to explain anything. I know it's a one man operation - I hope everything's alright. read more

Off the beaten path. Tasty empanadas can be found here. A great assortment of South American beers and wines is a major plus. Support this place, it's family owned!!! read more

Have been buying things from Mario fro a long time.... Alfajores de Maicena A MUST. Any Yerba mate you want and fresh and not expensive. Alfajores de Chocolate well priced and excellent. Any wine your want .... ask Mario for suggestions read more

Sandwiches de Miga (?) - not sure that is how it's spelled - but they are the bomb! Bought a dozen for a football tailgate and should have purchased 4 dozen. They were inhaled in a matter of seconds. Gotta try 'em read more

I was disappointed to realize that the owner seriously overcharged me, purposefully not giving me an itemized receipt. I would recommend care in dealing with this guy. I guess he was correct that i could afford it, but being stolen from has bothered me for nearly a week. read more

cute little deli with tasty little treats and wine

I picked up a few dozen empanadas for a party last night. The spinach ones seemed to be people's favorite, and they were mine too. The mushroom ones were good too, and the ham and cheese one disappeared from the tray. I'd like to try more, but I live nowhere near this place. If I happen to be passing by, I will stop in for more empanadas and maybe try some of the other products. The price was pretty good at $21/dozen. There is no ostentation at this place. It carries a variety of authentic Argentine products from wines and mate to empanadas and desserts. The owner Mario was nice both on the phone and in person, and was eager to help. read more