Great selection of empanadas, have tried multiple different ones and loved them all. Go earlier in the day because they do sell out of some. Small area but worth it read more

I've heard they have the best empanadas but I haven't had those yet. But the coffee was just great!!! I got the Dulce de leche and my boyfriend got Cafe de leche. We drink coffee regularly, and this was a nice change! The lattes were flavourful and just yum! read more

Stopped in looking for iced coffee on Sunday afternoon. Left with various iced coffees, lemonade and spinach/cheese and chicken mole empanadas. Everything was delicious. Both empanadas were great- everyone loved them. The chicken mole was especially good. The place was small and only one friendly worker was present but it didn't take long to get our stuff. Everyone was still social distancing and wearing masks but that was fine especially given the size of the place. I haven't had many empanadas so I can't compare but I will return and I will seek them out more often. Cool decor in this place too. read more

I was out running errands a few months ago and stopped into this place for a small bite to eat and some coffee. It was perfect for just that! I got a vegetarian spinach and a chicken mole for a friend. They were hot and fresh and the flavors were really good. I would've loved to try another vegetarian but they weren't fried yet so definetly get them when you can cause they go quick! The place itself is small so it's one household/person at a time. They enforce this as well which I really appreciated as there were two women who came up right behind me and I had no where I could move to. The latte I got was also really good and I will definitely pick up an order next time I'm in the area! No pictures cause they were eaten too quick sorry not sorry! read more

I was picking up some stuff at the CVS across the street, saw this beautiful building with all the neon loved it looks inviting and friendly and then I saw that they serve empanadas, and I'm like, who doesn't like empanadas. I bought two ham and two beef and two pork I'm going to say these are the best empanadas I've had in Chicago EVER! The service was excellent. read more

Man I could eat these all day every day. I've had the Black bean/goat cheese/plantain, chicken tinga, verde chicken, rajas (poblano/potatoes/cheese. They're so effing good. Maybe I had a steak one once and I didn't like it as much. But the other ones I could really eat everyday, especially the black bean one. I had some kind of latte here once and it was pretty yummy too. read more

Hot pockets of yummy! Yes please!!!!! Was walking around in the area and saw a line out the door---understandable since this is strictly a take out place and the interior really only has room for a single file line---when the weather is nice there is seating outside---but since these empanadas are so portable---these can be enjoyed on the go. Lots of folks ahead of me got some crafty coffee and such---but I was there for the fried mega dumplings of love! Tried the buffalo chicken and the steak and potato. Both were flavorful and freshly made. Even the steak and potato had a nice lovely kick. Will definitely be back to try the other combinations. read more

Wow. Highly impressed!!! I know they claim to have Chicago's best empanadas, but I'm from California and they beat the ones I've had from there or anywhere for that matter. The pulled pork is absolutely amazing! Super juicy. And the rajas was perfect. Just a little heat but nice and gooey. It's worth the stop read more

Cafe Tola used to be absolutely legendary some years back. I've ordered from here recently and the quality of the empanadas have gone down. I ordered in the am, not sure if the pm empanadas are better. The one thing that was surprisingly delicious was their steak burrito. I'd recommend the burrito over the empanadas. read more

Unbelievably good food!!! Make time to stop by for the empanadas! The pork and beef were delicious.

Incredible ambience, food, and service. Dark Matter coffee to boot. Try the Buffalo chicken empanada!

This is a really cute location! Coffee is good and the have a good variety of empanadas. read more

Cafe Tola - Bar decoration - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I Catered from here. The Food was terrible and cold. I order the ropa veja & poblano rice. Ropa veja was bland & mushy. Probably due to too many potatoes. The rice was basically white buttery rice with few tiny pieces of poblano peppers. I was Very disappointed! read more

Visited Chicago from Miami and have heard so much about Cafe Tola! The empanadas were absolutely delicious and go perfectly with a Coke. The girl behind the counter was extremely kind and took the time to explain the different types of empanadas they offered. This place is a tiny little hole in the wall GEM! It also has a huge Kanye West mural on the side (big Kanye fan) so I had a little photo shoot, lol. Will definitely come back here again! read more

Cafe Tola - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yo this place is the BOMB! I had one day in Chicago and slid through, mind you I am from the Bay Area where there is no shortage of great empanada spots, and this one was TOP NOTCH! We had the black bean/goat cheese, Mexican eggs, and shredded chicken... that shredded chicken was FIRE! They were all great. Best part is that the hot sauce actually had some kick, unlike many other "hot" sauces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

Love their wide range of empanada options. Their coconut lattes are also fantastic and the workers are all really friendly

Amazing cold brew and the best empanadas ever. There are several to choose from that are so good. Great service too!

Strolling in Lakeview neighborhood ; the yelper in me decided to check Cafe Tola out, after printing my syllabus at FedEx. Walking up to it, I thought it was just a tiny cafe with just coffee, and donuts, so I peaked in with intentions to just check out the menu and leave. As soon as I walked in, I looked at the empanada's inside of the heater, and started a conversation with the employee at the register which was a great conversation. During the conversation, I mentioned that I'm going to look the cafe up on yelp, and then that will be the deciding factor if I order. The employee mentioned that they had just reopened, after getting work done to the store which it looks great. Looking around a few things that caught my attention was the shiny floor; organized drinks on the shelf, and decorations on the shelf as well as the wall. After looking around, I identified a Jupina drink to go with the empanada that caught my eye while looking around, which was the beef sirloin. All I have to say is yummy! It went down quickly once I got to the train station, and all I could think about is my next visit to Cafe Tola. This cafe is very popular in the Lakeview neighborhood, and also a favorite to a few of the Chicago Cubs baseball players. After looking this place up on yelp, and seeing it just short of five stars; it dawned on me how much of a gem this cafe is to the neighborhood. A definite five stars! read more

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Cafe Tola doesn't NEED another glowing review, but I just joined Yelp to leave a not-so-glowing review for a local spa that stood me up (lol, hey Cellular Intelligence, what's good?) and I wanted to leave this positive review for one of my favorite Chicago coffee spots to even out the karmic imbalance of that. Cafe Tola is a little (real little) slice of heaven. This location in particular is close to my heart, because it's down the street from my apartment. Don't go planning to eat inside the restaurant, as there's no room at the one on Southport, but on nice days they'll have patio furniture out front you can sit at. And empanadas are the perfect handheld food to-go, so don't let the lack of seating space keep you away. The empanadas are to die for, for real. The best in Chi. I don't do pork, but any of the chicken ones are good, especially the chicken salsa verde. And don't skip the veggie options - the simplest one, pintos and cheese, is my most frequent go-to. As for coffee, every option is good, and they'll make it pretty much any way you want. I'm particular to the spicy mocha. The staff here are all super friendly and chill. And it's a woman-owned truly-local business, both super important things worth noting in my book. Just so you know I haven't been paid to write this, once I had a lavender lemonade here and it was terrible, it sort of tasted like melted ice that someone dropped a perfumed lemon wedge into. So don't get that if they bring it back around. Now go get some empanadas, I honestly don't know why you're still reading this. read more

Unbelievable amount of food for a great price. These tacos are amazing and I can't wait to get back. Huge menu and classic feel.

Chicken mole was great, the spinach ricotta was fine. Lavender lemonade was surprisingly not a sugar bomb and was very flavorful.

My friend and I were walking down Southport after our free yoga class at Athleta on Saturday morning and were surprised at the amount of people in line at this small establishment. We had gone in Francesca's for some browsing and even the store associate asked us if we've tried Cafe Tola and let us know how good it was. After doing some errands in the area, I decided to try it that day. The line was surprisingly still long and kept a consistent line throughout the time I was in the area so that persuaded me to try it even more. Plus a hungry tummy. I looked at the empenadas they had in the case and to my disappointment, only 2 out of 8? had meat in them. I'm a meat lover so I need my meat. I ended up getting the Green spicy pork empenada and was rang up for $4.41, a hefty price for such a snack sized food. I took a bite and it was delicious. Justifiable $4.41. The pork was flavorful and the crust was crispy. Now, would I come back? Only if I have money to spare. They're too pricey for me to go consistently, but when my wallet is full and I'm craving an empenada, I'll definitely consider this a treat yoself spot. read more

Cafe Tola - fall drinks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Serious coffee, Serious empanadas. The most, well-stuffed $4 empanada worthy of its price. No fillers allowed. :-) Wanna open a kiosk inside a CTA stop? Better than Dunkin. *wink wink*. Excellent choice for eating on the run. CHICKEN VERDE is popular. I feel like I ate half a chicken in one empanada. Great flavor! STEAK & POTATO has a Mexican flavor. Beans included! Lol. The spiciness seems to be similar to Chicken Verde. More potato than visible steak bits, but not too bad. 3 kinds of lemonades: plain, lavender and matcha! A takeaway (to go) in the winter, pink outdoor seating in the summer. read more

Cafe Tola - Chicken Verde + Lavender Lemonade - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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#bestempanadas Really, Cafe Tola has the best empanadas I've ever had. You really can't go wrong with any that you choose, they are all so deliciously made fresh. Every time I go I just make it a point to order one of everything they have and I have not been disappointed. The empanadas are very flaky and jam packed with great filling. The perfect description for great empanadas. There is only outdoor seating so either take it to-go or if the weather permits have a nice outdoor meal. The store-front itself is very tiny, but you can't miss it! It's the bright pink shop. read more

Cafe Tola - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fantastic, no-nonsense Mexican...and great coffee!! I'd recommend the Mexican egg empanada and horchata latte, although you really can't go wrong here. read more

Adore this coffee and empanada shop. They have no seating inside this southport location, it is super tiny, but in good weather they have some chairs out front. Empanadas are wonderful, they let you order specific types a day in advance, and they have 4 or 5 flavors every day. On weekends this location has doughnuts. Their coffee is also really good, coffee is much much better than Starbucks. Other locations have more food but same great coffee! read more

The empanadas are so good here! It's quick and easy to go food that's perfect for a stroll on Southport. I can't wait for the summer to get to walk and stop by more often! read more

AY, CARAMBA! AY, DIOS MIO! AY, CHIHUAHUA! AY, EMPANADA?! Lo siento, Cafe Tola brings out my melodramatic Latin side... In an attempt to be more active and enjoy the outdoors, my Latino Lover and I decided to take a spring stroll along Southport Corridor this past weekend. We both enjoy a caffeinated eye-opener (a.k.a. coffee), so after stopping at my new favorite coffee joint (Asado Coffee--See my review here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/asado-coffee-chicago#hrid:nr1qfKNOzGf6bn9JxA5CVg/src:self), I suggested stopping in at this nearby Yelp bookmarked business. Although the size of a shack and squeezed between two newer construction buildings, you can't miss La Tola's bright, tropical colors of the exterior. And if you do, you'll be blinded by the CAFE TOLA light bulb marquee projecting above Southport Avenue. The interior is tiny and split between a kitchen on the right, and an aisle for customers to order, pay and leave out a back door on the left. The walls and ceiling are full of fun Mexican-oriented items like Wrestling masks, star lamps, ceramic piggy banks, Tabasco salsa, bags of coffee, and Goya canned products. See for yourself here: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/cafe-tola-chicago?select=qOV7cCBojSdm1BH0Wrq4Mw#8U2G0QpN2u4Mz8RtY5uSFg. What brought me here was knowledge of their empanadas. A freshly baked (not fried!) selection of flavorful empanadas lie in a heated display case: chicken mole, spicy pork, steak, and goat cheese+plantain. HOLY GUACAMOLE, were they delicious! The ground steak was identical to those I chomped on when living in Buenos Aires. They were stuffed with ground steak, potatoes, hardboiled egg, green pepper, and olives. The chicken mole had loads of flavor with shredded chicken taking on the infamous hints of chocolate and cinnamon found in the mole sauce. While I passed on the spicy pork, my partner claims it was delicious and had plenty of bite, making a joke that in a Caucasian, family-oriented neighborhood like Southport, it's surprising that it had so much spice to it. Empanada perfection! If empanadas aren't your thing, they also have Mexican pan (bread pastries). Since I already had a cup of cafe in my hand, I'll be back to try one of their signature coffee creations like Spicy Mocha (hopefully made with Mexican Xocolate, not Swiss Miss) and Dulce de Leche. It is also worth mentioning that they sell Yerba Mate for tea drinkers who need an extra boost in the morning, and to not pass up the Spanish dulces/confite candy shelf before exiting. Mucho gusto, Cafe La Tola. P/S: If you need any Spanish-English translation while reading this review, let me know. I just received an automated Yelp pop-up asking what language my review was written in. LOL. read more

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We were drawn into Cafe Tola with the bright pink walls and Kanye mural on the outside of it! With that good of a first impression we definitely had to stop in. We headed over during lunch and what we found was kind of surprising: the inside is TINY. So tiny. Like room for the counter and for maybe 3 people to stand in line. However, we were the only people in line (even on a weekday during lunch) so we made it work. The cashier/barista was very helpful in suggesting which empanadas to choose (there were about 9 options, and about half were vegetarian) and I ended up getting 3. Unfortunately, I don't remember specifically what I ordered, but the one I got with chicken was definitely the most delicious, while the two veggie options were slightly less flavorful. Had we done more research ahead of time we would've known that there was no space inside to sit. This would've been fine because there's a patio outdoors, but the weather was pretty crappy. This was inconvenient, but we ended up finding the Capital One Cafe up the street where we were able to chill and eat our lunch. Overall, an awesome spot for lunch! Quick and delicious! read more

Excellent empanadas, yes sir. Pork verde, chicken verde, chicken mole, and seasonal veggie. Oh yes. Four thumbs up (that is, one for each type; I'm not an anatomical freak). They're big too (the empanadas, that is). Somehow the chicken is so tender despite being cooked twice (I presume) and then kept on a warming tray. Go early, because these things are harder to catch than Lancashire fairies. I went on a Saturday at 12:30 and they were out of everything but the pork verde and the black bean & plantain. On a Sunday at 11:45, they were already out of two of their six offerings. I still haven't tracked down the popular sirloin variety. Maybe weekday mornings? But you can't go wrong with any of the above four; the chicken mole and the vegetable are the two that I would get consistently, if I became a regular visitor. Which very well could happen. read more

I was initially drawn to Cafe Tola's bright colors, including the the mural of Frida Kahlo on the side of the building. The inside of the cafe is equally enchanting, with authentic decor, soda pop from India, and bright artwork. I ordered a latte and was thoroughly pleased. I sat with my girlfriend on the sidewalk patio, which was a perfect spot to park your bike up against your table, or your dog for that matter. read more

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Go to 54 11. Tola is not bad, 54 11 is just better all the way around- on every measurable level- especially customer service n atmosphere

Iced Horchata Latte and either a Chicken Salsa Verde or Spicy Green Pork empanada is my go-to order. A walk to Cafe Tola really does make my morning better. And the baristas are great - overall it's just such a good spot with nice people :) also remember to ask for a salsa with your empanada!! It's the best. read more

Cafe Tola - Iced Horchata Latte & an Empanada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cafe Tola has the best empanadas around. Would have given five stars, but I ordered delivery and it was 40 minutes late. They called to apologize saying there was a mix up and thought the order was for pick up. I appreciated the call. Also, they didn't include the grilled jalapeños I ordered. Their online ordering website is confusing as some items are only for catering, while others can be purchased individually. Empanadas must also be ordered 24 hrs in advance to ensure availability. Like I said before, their food is great, but might just stick to in-person ordering post pandemic. read more

first time here I order 2 empanadas lechon and spinach & ricotta cheese and a cortadito hot coffee espresso w/milk $11 the lechon empanada was salty the spinach really good the coffe delicious I love the paper cups w/skull design love it I will collect my paper cups nice tiny place was only 1 girl working there read more

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This is my "breakfast taco" from the new location near Addison and Ashland. Literally an egg in a greasy tortilla. It's supposed to have pico, and some other stuff. It took them 5 minutes to put an egg in a tortilla. This is disappointing to say the least. Pro Tip. Make a taco at home. Save the trip and 4.75. That's right 4.75 for an egg and a tortilla. 2 stars because the horchata was ok. read more

Cafe Tola - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No filling in the donuts?!?! They managed to fill the empanadas but not a Long John?!?!?! Staff is terrifying. They put the 'nada' in 'empanada.' read more

Oh my goodness. I cannot believe I have not heard of this place until now. It's flipping delicious. We just happen to drive by it one day around lunch time and decided to park it right here for lunch. We both ordered two empanadas. I got lechon (get this) and beef sirloin. I can't remember what my husband got. I think bbq chicken and something else. Anyways, It. Was. All. Good!! I don't think you can make a wrong choice here. A little pricey. But the empanadas are pretty big and meaty. There was a medium sized line when we got there. We probably waited 10 minutes. Not bad. They go pretty quickly. The whole time we were there the line was pretty solid. I wish we ordered a coffee, as I hear that it's delish. Next time! Place is well decorated. Quirky. I like it. There are only a few little tables in the front and a little bar for standing on the side. Street parking or (illegal) jewel Isco parking lot nearby. read more

Best empanadas I've had: flavorful and huge for the price you pay. Also I love all the drinks they have!! My personal favorites are the lemonades and coconut iced coffee. read more

Great coffee, great empanadas, and friendly and quick service! The aesthetic of the place is also very decorated and inviting! They only have outdoor seating in front of the shop and to the side as the inside is very small, most of the customers are on the go but they do have wifi there. We ordered the Iced Coconut Coffee, Regular Iced Coffee, as for empanadas we ordered one of the Ropa Vieja, Mexican Egg, Goat and Cheese, and the Spinach and Ricotta cheese. All of the empanadas were so fresh, flaky, full of filling, flavorful, and absolutely delicious! Our favorite out of the four was the Ropa Vieja! The Iced Coconut coffee was perfect for the warm and sunny day, it was refreshing and just had the perfect balance of coconut taste and coffee flavor! Even the Iced Coffee was extra delicious paired with the empanadas, the coffee flavor was robust but not overwhelming. We will definitely be back to try out the other empanadas and other coffee beverages. Give this place a try if you are around, it's so worth it! read more

Cafe Tola - Left: Iced Coconut coffee, Right: Iced Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois