Oh, Caracas, how we love you! We used to come here every time we went to the farmer's market. My kid was 10 years old when we left WI. We drove from Portland, OR, to drop my kid off at college in Chicago. We made a stop in Madison. Why? Because he wanted to go to Caracas, of course! Yes, they are that good! Easily the best empanadas we've had and Portland has good food. And your cilantro sauce is sooo tasty! We miss you and wish we lived closer read more

I was roaming around in the Dane County Farmers market and decided to try empanadas. Pabello empanada was my favorite here. Beef and cheese empanada was just ok. Actually I ordered vegetarian empanada, ended up getting beef and cheese empanada. read more

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This place is a go to spot every time I walk down state street. My go to order is two la rica empanadas and one pabellón empanada. Additionally, u have to get their sauces, both are great but I prefer the green sauce. Super friendly people running the trucks and equally amazing food! Highly recommend! read more

Caracas Empanadas - Empanadas - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This esteemed food cart has me feeling two type of ways: I would be a great Tums ambassador and it would be most ideal if my body was an empanada. Caracas empanadas is a tried and true food cart. Whether you're roaming library mall for lunch or looking for a snack at the Dane County Farmer's market, you can count on these empanadas to do the job. Just warning there will be a line when you come at peak times. My faves are the chicken, beef, and pabellon, but I can honestly say you won't be disappointed with any of them. Order 2 of your fave flavors, get a full container of that prized green sauce, and you've got yourself a good meal every single time. All you got to do is bring the Tums (yummy fried food comes at a cost, okay). TLDR: It's a 6 dollar extremely yummy meal. And it's so quick once you do order. read more

Caracas makes some of my favorite empanadas. I make sure to find them when I go to the Farmer's Market and other special events at the Capitol Square. There is usually a long line, but it goes fast and so worth the wait!! read more

Yes, the hype is real. These empanadas were soooo good and soooo fresh! And please, get the green sauce. Like another reviewer said, I could happily drink the sauce. This was the first food truck that I tried in my week in Madison (went to the food trucks everyday). And it was definitely the highlight looking back. The food is flavorful and fresh. read more

Caracas Empanadas - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great price, several types, and all the kinds I tried were pretty satisfying. Interesting sauce too - I'd order again. There's not too else much to say really. They only sell empanadas so it's a pretty straightforward ordering experience. Just make sure to get several - one of them would make a great snack but 3 are enough for a meal for me and I'm a pretty big guy. If you're a small person, you could probably get away with 2, and 1 might be enough for a young kid although speaking for myself, I probably would have wanted 2 when I was little. Also, be cautious when first biting into it - the inside can be much hotter than the temperature of the crust might lead you to believe. Ripping off a little corner and seeing if steam comes out is how I tell if it's cool enough - it's also how I cool it down. Once it's cooled down to the point where it's just slightly hotter than I can comfortably eat, I pour a little sauce before each bite to cool it down and it makes for a perfect eating experience. read more

Dang you, Caracas Empanadas! You're too good. I find myself craving you literally every Saturday when the weather is warm and I know you'll be available at the farmers' market. The plantain and garlic vegetarian empanadas are perfection. I am routinely lost for what to have for brunch when I make my way out to the cart and that's not an option. Nothing else sounds good after I've set my mind on those crispy, amazing pockets. This past weekend I gave in and tried the vegetarian offering of the day when my beloved plantain and garlic variety wasn't available for the second farmers market of the season (and leaving empty-handed last week). I think it was more or less their signature pabellon, sans meat: rice, beans, plantain, and avocado. It was super delish and super filling. I ordered the two for $5 and it was almost too much. Definitely a great deal for a meal on the go. Now, for as amazing as the empanadas are, what really puts them over the top is the guasacaca. In general, I hate cilantro (I don't have the dreaded soap flavor reaction, I just do not care for it at all). I will go out of my way to ask that cilantro be removed from my orders. However, when combined with garlic and whatever else goes into CE's killer recipe it becomes the most delicious thing on the planet. I want to take shots of this sauce straight from the condiment cup. Not a bite of my empanada goes by that I am not dunking it into the guasacaca first. You may have had guasacaca elsewhere, but it likely does not even compare to this green giant. If I somehow haven't decimated my container(s) of guasacaca with my empanadas the leftovers go in the fridge. It's too precious to chuck into the trash, even if I only have enough for two tortilla chips. I love you, Caracas Empanadas. read more

Caracas Empanadas - Veggie empanada. - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great Empanadas delicious little treat meaty and cheesy food alert I should've bought more

Every Saturday I stop at Caracas Empanadas after my farmer's market rounds, and I honestly look forward to it all week. Two words: DAT SAUCE. I should be upset that they use a flour based shell rather than a corn flour shell. In most of Venezuela, Caracas included, the traditional outer shell of an empanada is made with corn, for a nice thick but crispy outer layer. The owner told me once that he tried to do it that way originally, but the supply of Harina Pan (the cornflour of choice) is expensive and unpredictable. So to be consistent he decided to stick to flour. Bummer. But as much as I want to care about authenticity, I just don't in this case because it's so delicious. My personal favorite, the Pabellón, is slightly more expensive than the other filings, but the filling blend is spot on and is totally worth it. But no matter which filling you choose, make sure you get plenty of that amazing green Guasacaca sauce. It's the highlight of my day. No joke. I asked the guy today if I can buy it in bulk. He said yes and that plenty of people do, you just have to ask for it in advance via their Facebook page. Awesome. I've been eating here for years, the sweet lady working there even know my name, yet it had never occurred to me to buy their sauce in quantity for personal use until today. What a fool I have been! Anyway don't miss these guys. Venezuelan food holds a special place in my heart, and Caracas Empanada warms my soul. They will not disappoint. Just get there early if you visit them on Saturdays, before the lines get long and they sell out of options. read more

Caracas Empanadas - Pabellón empanada with (mandatory) Guasacaca sauce. - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Shredded beef and cheese in a deep fried pastry shell and slathered with a zesty homemade Guasacaca sauce - how can you go wrong with that! The short answer: you can't. Caracas Empanada flat out serves up some of the best Latin comfort food in town. Chef Luis Dompablois grew up in Caracas and his food cart is dedicated to showcasing scrumptious Latin American street food. His most popular item, also the trailer's namesake, is the Venezuelan-style empanada that he serves fresh and crispy. Encased in a flakey flour shell, these industrial-grade treats come in a wide variety of fillings (ground beef and cheese, shredded beef and cheese, chicken, pulled pork, cheese) and pack serious flavor. While empanadas are exceptional, adding plenty of tangy Guasacaca sauce makes them otherworldly. Trust me on that. If you have a sweet tooth, don't forget to check out the dessert empanadas (chocolate, strawberry and chocolate, banana and chocolate, apple and cinnamon) - they are just as spectacular. On the other hand, if churros are more your thang, Caracas Empanadas serves up a fine, fine version of this deep fried treat. read more

Caracas Empanadas - The shredded beef and cheese empanada was my favorite bite from the 2014 Taste of Madison. - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Stopping here for a snack today made me realize that Milwaukee is woefully short of places to obtain delicious empanadas. (Or any empanadas, for that matter) For just $5, the Mister and I got two tasty pockets filled with yummy fillings. I love that the menu offers something for everyone - carnivores, vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. The beef empanadas we tried were absolutely amazing - full of tender braised beef and packed with flavor. Caracas Empanadas is now on our "must stop" list when at the Market. I really wish they had a cart in Milwaukee too. Damn. read more

Oh how I love my empanadas! I have had the pleasure of tasting many empanadas over the last few weeks and while these may not be the same as the ones I had in Puerto Rico, they are might tasty. I highly recommend the plantain and garlic as well as the guava and cream cheese selections. The green sauce is also a must! I have yet to try the meat ones and am sure hey will be just as delicious. So when you se the bright blue truck with a rainbow of yellow, blue and red be sure to stop and check them out. I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

Caracas Empanadas - Guava and cream cheese on a Farmers Market morning. - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

When this food cart is anywhere near me, they get all of my money. Everything I've ever had from them is amazing. They do different vegetarian empanadas - whenever I get one with plantains, that my favorite day. Their guava and cheese is also so good, and the people who run the truck are also so nice and great. The sauce is UNREAL and I am thrilled to have been able to order a bottle. I can't wait to visit them in person again and stuff my face with empanadas. read more

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! Easily my favorite food cart in Madison. You will want to get 2 or three to fill you, though. The empanadas are best eaten immediately, and don't last very well. I especially love la rica. read more

Been a while, empanadas! Be it your ground beef, chicken or the sweet one: bananas and chocolate or only chocolate, you're always delectable! Get 2 for $5 for the former and $2 for any sweet one! The man has always been nice! Leave some tip for their delish food and sweet service! And your day will be so much brighter :) read more

Caracas Empanadas - Ground beef empanadas for iftar! - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Yum yum come to this food cart if you're feeling like some fried pastry goodness! Meat was fresh and juicy and the spicy habanero sauce was key to amp up the chicken empanada. They're small enough to justify as a snack! Don't bite into it too eagerly though... These pockets are HOT! read more

Caracas Empanadas - Pork empanada... Saucy and savory - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Don't walk but RUN to try these empanadas. They are delicious and filling. The owner is kind and responsive too. So glad Caracas Empanadas is in Madison. I think they could do well if they had a permanent store front, but for now they are a food cart. Go show your support! read more

Maaan. Good empanadas can be found HERE! Caracas, we salute you and thank you for your contribution to the downtown Madison experience! There we three were, at the Saturday Farmers' Market, After waking a lap, we broke for lunch and found ourselves staring down a line of twenty food carts. Mildly sunburned, mildy hungry, but facing a muddling plethora of choices, we wandered. As we walked along the line of carts, Friend One decided he would peel off and stop at this quaint Empanada Stand. Friend Two and I, however, payed no heed... Until Friend One returned with 2 freshly made pork empanadas and offered to share a few bites... 2 minutes later, Friend Two and I were in line to buy a couple Caracas empanadas for ourselves... read more

Caracas Empanadas never fails!! I love walking up to the cart to hear the lively Spanish music in the background, and I'm always greeted with a big smile from the owner. I never stray from the Pabellon empanada, priced at $3. Empanadas here range in price from $2.50-$3 or 2/$5. It won't fill your stomach, but the blend of sweet plantain with shredded beef, rice, beans, and a crispy crust fill you up your taste buds for sure. Bring cash $$, as most food carts don't accept credit cards. P.S. - Don't forget to try the green cilantro sauce placed outside of the food cart! read more

This Library Mall empanada truck is wonderful and a must-try if you need a hot snack. The pulled pork and chicken empanadas are delicious with the savory, spicy green sauce, and I like the plantain and garlic empanada when it's on special. And if I need a dessert to go with my lunch, I like to spring for a strawberry chocolate or banana chocolate empanada. Greasy, piping hot with powdered sugar, I love them. The churro is also excellent and worth your time, especially for only $1.50. There are new filled churros as well. The owner is from Venezuela and is always professional and kind. A food truck gem. read more

So my dad lived in South America for a few years as a child. Ever since that time (in the early 60s) he has been trying to replicate the wonderful experience he had of beef empanadas in Colombia. He's been to innumerable places, and my family honestly thought it was impossible, that nostalgia made it an unreplicable experience. He came to visit a couple weeks ago. He spotted the food truck down town and wanted to try it. And he said it was the first time he had an empanada that tasted like his childhood in Bogota. They are absolutely delicious. The shell is what makes it, which has basically two different layers. We had both the pork and the beef, which were equally amazing. I don't think I could find a better endorsement than my dad. He loved them. read more

Love this place! Food truck at memorial library and their empanadas are one of my favorites in madison. My favorite is the docil one which has tender and juicy chicken along with manchego cheese. Crispy and fried to perfection! Don't forget to get their guasacaca (a cilantro based sauce) sauce cause that shit be amazing too ! read more

I'll be honest. I used to be a bit skeptical of the Caracas Empanadas food cart, but after I went for the first time, I just couldn't stop going back. The first time I went, I got one of the daily special empanadas, the one with plantain, beef, rice, and beans. I was pleasantly surprised at how flavorful and fresh the empanada was, as well as the price. Kudos to them!! And this was without the delicious cilantro sauce too. Once you add the sauce, it makes life so much better. Just kidding. But all joking aside, this is a cart that everyone should try for a great empanada first experience, get the sauce, and the food there is worth every penny that you pay. read more

It is basically ritual that I visit empanada man during the Saturday farmer's market. All my friends know this. This is what gets me out of bed on Saturday mornings. Their empandas are amazing. And if they weren't amazing enough their sauces bump it up to a whole other level. Mmmm.....that sauce. And I read on another review that you can apparently buy it in bulk! I could drink that sauce. (probably not a good idea though) My favorites are the shredded beef and cheese. And the guava and cream cheese, beware that guava can be hot! I would wait for this particular empanada to cool down a bit before taking a bite. You can't go wrong with any of the choices though. The owner is super nice and very interesting to talk to, has a cool story of where he is from and how the cart came to be. One time the wind blew the churro I just ordered out of my hand and he gave me a new one free of charge. Everyone should go eat these empanadas! You won't regret it.. read more

There is nothing better than finding an unexpected surprise . Walking around the University of Wisconsin campus, we came across this little gem of a food truck that was selling Venezuelan empanadas. They were deliciosas! Don't forget some of the Guasacaca sauce that they provide. Everything clearly was made from scratch. These are some very good Empanadas. read more

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My wife and I went to the Taste of Madison and this booth was our favorite by far. We sampled about 10 total booths throughout Sunday morning. Their plantain empanada were the best plantain dish we have ever eaten. A feat since we have been to the Caribbean 7 times. We had to back just before we left to eat one more. We will be looking for their food cart. read more

Caracas Empanadas - Best of the Taste of Madison - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I really enjoy Caracas! The guys who run the cart are really friendly and the empanadas are delicious! I really appreciate the vegetarian options that they have. They could easily have a "just cheese" option, but there is always a roasted garlic or black bean or plantain creation. I am going to warn you, if you try the green cilantro sauce, you will be hooked for life. Cash Only. Each empananda is less than $3.00. read more

This is my favorite place ever. My boyfriend and I have made this our #1 summer lunch spot. The owner is our favorite. He's so nice and always has a smile. We love him and he loves us. Now on to the food. I always get 2 chicken empanadas. Theres usually to a deal for 2 for $5. The beef and cheese is good as well as the pork but I just prefer the chicken ones. They're full of flavor with Venezuelan spices and veggies. 2 will fill you up for the afternoon and you can't eat them without the guascacas. the green cilantro sauce, its a must if you go here. It's amazing. This is a cheap, authentic, lunch. The only downside is it's only open in the spring/summer and early fall. Even if I'm on a health kick, I never give this up. My boyfriend and I always promise to try different food carts but we never do since Caracas has a special place in our heart read more

This is the only food cart I go to while at the farmers' market. I made it a Saturday morning tradition! Their shredded beef and cheese empanada is my favorite. The gusacaca sauce is super delicious and I usually go through two small portion cups. This sauce is not spicy and the cilantro flavor is just a party in your mouth. The hot sauce is also great, but be careful because it definitely is spicy! I usually buy a shredded beef empanada and I will get their veggie special if it interests me. I really like their cheese and corn veggie special and they tend to have that one often. I can't wait for the spring to start so that I can enjoy their empanadas once again! read more

Caracas Empanadas - Shredded beef empanada (left) and a veggie empanada. The gusacaca sauce is the green one and the spicy sauce is the red. - Street Vendors Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Man, these empanadas are so good. It's become a weekly tradition for me to roll out of bed on Saturday morning and walk the couple of blocks over to the farmer's market to pick up an empanada or two. The breakfast emapanada that they do for the farmer's market is always good, but for my money the best option is the shredded beef and cheese. These little guys are always hot and fresh, and consistently deliver the flavor. As pretty much everyone else has said, be sure to grab a cup of the guasacaca sauce, too. read more

Never have I had an empanada before, but wow was I missing out! Very affordable ($2-5), and very tasty! Especially if you liked fried dough with fillings! I got the La Gorda, filled with ground beef, rice, black beans and Gouda cheese. Gouda is awesome anyway but I was pretty blown away with all the flavors coming together, and the dough cooked perfectly. read more

I am HOOKED! Caracas Empanadas serves delicious options including sweet and savory varieties. They also have a rotating veggie option. I have yet to try an empanada that I don't like. The green guasacaca sauce is out of this world. The service is always prompt and the food comes out quickly -- despite the long line. However, there seems to be no sacrifice in quality of food! Amazing! read more

We grabbed an empanada to split (and a churro) while at the farmers market, next thing you know we're back in line to try other menu items. Hands down my favorite food cart in Madison, ever. All the things. all.The.THINGS. 5/5 will eat here again (and again). read more

YUM!! I make sure to stop at this place at least once a week. They are usually on library mall Wednesday-Friday. I always get the chicken or the chicken and provolone empanada. It's a perfect blend of fried-crunchy goodness on the outside with juicy and fresh chicken on the inside. The green sauce (tangy and sour) and the red sauce (spicy) are a MUST! I recommend blending the two sauces when eating the empanadas. Also wait a couple minutes before eating them because they literally serve them right out of the fryer! read more

I can't stop! Every menu item is addicting. BUT that cilantro guac sauce... Get. In. My. Belly!! I swear I could drink it! The staff are super nice and ready for a quick chat if the line isn't too long which is ALWAYS! And as it should be! Open a restaurant already! read more

My favorite food truck in Madison. Delicious empanadas. Sauce is amazing (I would drink it) I look for their food truck every weekend at the farmers market. When I was living away from Madison I missed this place! Delicious! read more

SUPER! There's a reason there's always a line, but it's worth the wait -even in the heat! I see them at the farmer's market. Very affordable and tasty empanadas. The cilantro sauce is awesome too! Can't say enough -wish I could visit them more. read more

Garlic and plantain delish. This is the real deal, although they don't have any mariscos options. It's great, friendly service by a guy who clearly knows what he's doing. The sauce is bomb, don't pass it up. read more

Tried this place for the first time at Taste of Madison 2013. I had the plantain empanada. It was sooooo good that I went back for a second one. And that sauce! I would eat my own shoe if it was covered in that sauce. Unfortunately my second visit wasn't until Taste of Madison 2014. I made a beeline for this place, got one plantain and one beef, and the empanadas were just as good, maybe better, than I remembered. Oh Caracas Empanadas...how I love thee : ) I really need to make this more than just a once a year thing! read more