The phrase hidden gem is sometimes so overused it's like the boy who cried wolf. Well not to sound cliche but this is a hidden gem. Not for the meat, I didn't buy any so I wouldn't know but for the fact it's a small slice of Argentina. They have dulce de leche, alfajores and other goodies from there. Oh, let's not forget the soccer jerseys! We had their empanadas for dinner. It's still warm at 7pm. The sweet beef is a standout followed by sweet pastelitos in strawberries. Next is the corns and cheese and last is the baked chicken. The cuts of meat at the butcher look first class. The clientele also looks and sounds like they're from South America making the whole experience feel really authentic.! read more

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We are big empanada fans!! And I mean Big fans, anything encased in a crispy, fried/baked dough is an automatic lovable treat for me. I know empanadas originated in Spain and they spread the art of making these handheld pies to the Philippines, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, and yes, Argentina. We are also big fans of Argentinian style empanadas and we were so happy to discover El Mercado on Yelp!! They have quite a variety and we ordered a healthy bunch and got a small tub of the chimichurri sauce. Everything was excellent and the spinach and beef empanadas rose above the rest. :) we decided to have an Alfajor cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche (I'll have to have this with an espresso next time). Check out the store, get some fine steaks, have a coffee, soak it all in without having to take a flight. :) read more

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El Mercado Meat Mart is my number one spot for empanadas. I used to live in the area so I walked past this market so many times before I finally stumbled inside. I noticed they had a variety of empanadas and decided to try one, I was hooked ever since! I haven't actually shopped at the market but they seem to have a lot of niche items along with the basics. The staff is always friendly whenever visited. I've tried a variety of empanadas around the city but El Mercado reminds me the most of the homemade ones I used to make in college. They don't hold back on the protein and the empanadas always taste fresh. Admittedly the empanadas can add up. They're nearly $4 for each which is pricey so I only visit once in a while when I'm in the area. The empanadas are delicious so I highly recommend trying at least one. My favorite is the pepperoni and cheese as well as the ham and cheese. The pepperoni and cheese empanada is very cheesy so I pair it with a beef / chicken empanada because they don't come with cheese so they balance each other out. read more

Very small and cute little shop on the corner. We stopped in just to browse the aisles and see what the market was all about. The front counter was filled rice balls, empanadas, and desserts. The woman at the front was very friendly and welcoming and helped us choose what we wanted to try. We landed on a sweet beef rice ball and a baked beef empanada. You could tell both were extremely fresh. This was my first rice ball like this and it was absolutely delicious! Full of flavor and packed with filling. Just one of these alone is almost like a handheld meal to fill you up. The baked empanada was also very good, but I have also never had an empanada that I haven't liked! I will definitely be stopping by again in the future to try other empanada flavors, as well as to try a some of the desserts that looked amazing! read more

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Came to this store to find some homemade Argentina sausages and some other snack and empanada. I would say if you want to try something new, give this place a try. The snack are different. The owner gave us a empanada to try ND it was nice of her. Cash only. Street parking. read more

I never remember the name of El Mercado on Southport, but it is comforting to know it's still there. They serve a nice variety of empanadas (both fried and baked) and an assortment of groceries and treats. Yesterday I popped in for four tasty fried empanadas (sweet beef, corn, eggplant, and ham) and also overheard a bit of Argentina soccer gossip. read more

Tango Sur is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and I missed their empanadas! I decided to go to El Mercado today to grab a few of those empanadas. They have fried and baked empanadas with many fillings to choose from like: ham & cheese, eggplant, corn, spinach & ricotta, chicken, beef and sweet beef. I bought one fried corn, one fried spinach and ricotta and two fried sweet beef empanadas. They were warm, freshly made and super delicious! If you're in the area check out El Mercado and Tango Sur! read more

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Best empanadas and only $3 ish. Pro tip they also have the loveliest outdoor garden space just next to the sidewalk. Friendly staff as well!

I grew up with an Argentinian father and everything in this store reminds me of the treats and goodies I love from my childhood. Not only that, but the cuts of meat are amazing. This is the only place where I can get real Asado de Tira. The chorizo, which I found out they make there, is also amazing. If you're looking for a snack, their empanadas and alfajores are the best in the city. This is where I get all of my foods that I would have back home. Also, the people are always super nice and friendly. It is definitely my favorite little shop read more

El Mercado Meat Mart - Alfajor heaven - Meat Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this little corner shop. You'll always find good stuff in the market. The butcher shop is fantastic. The best thing is they sell delicious empanadas. Baked and fried. Fresh made and ready to eat or in refrigerated packages to heat up later. All the flavors are good! The baked ones are great. If you've tried baked empanadas at other places-these are MUCH better! Cute outdoor seating area in nice weather. Parking is pretty easy unless it's a game day. Plenty of shops and places to eat or drink in the area so it's nice for walking around. Friendly staff. read more

This is the best kept/not really kept secret on Southport... There was a period of time where there were empanadas every way you turned in the neighborhood-- but as they say, only the strong survive. Cash only- best empanadas in the city. Without a doubt. Made fresh daily. This place is the move. Also if you're Argentinian and feeling homesick, you'll be right back in the motherland the second you step through the door. Love this spot so much. read more

El Mercado Meat Mart - Chicken & Corn Empanadas - Meat Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Peruvian empanadas here had no flavor, it tasted like plain ground beef with no salt or spices. Crust was plain tasting, too. Would not recommend this place. read more

Love this place, they are always so helpful. I drive from the burbs because they have products we can't find gere.

Ordered the eggplant empanada, one of the best I've had! Great empanadas and friendly service.

If you are looking for the best Argentinian empanadas in the city look no further. This tiny grocery store/meat market has empanadas for sale up in the front. Our kids love fried steak. I am partial to the corn but all are light delicious and expertly fried. Make sure you bring cash. No credit cards accepted read more

El Mercado Meat Mart - Empanadas sign in window - Meat Shops Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great little Mini Mart, that has a nice looking meat market in the back. I will return and get some meats and update. What brought me in like so many others were the empanadas. Yes they were good! Yes I have been back three more times for them and they have been consistently great. We have now tried them all and have yet to have one we did not like. Cash only cards would be great but it is what it is read more

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We've been coming here for years. My husband is Uruguayan and we love El Mercado to stock up on Argentinian food. The service is excellent. The cashier is always very friendly and appreciative. read more

We go to Mercado since ever to get empanadas and alfajores, even that they are a bit overpriced, they are really good BUT the CASHIER is really rude all the time, she is not patient with clients and it seems like she is always in a hurry. She needs to learn better about customer service. read more

Amazing selection is Latin America products and good prices! They do not accept card but have a ATM inside. All kinds of alfajores and dulce de leche brands! read more

Che boludos! No vayan a World Market o Whole Foods a buscar lo auténtico! Translation, come here, not the gourmet grocery stores for your authentic items. Pop into el Mercado for the best selection of Argentinian products (and other assortments from South America). They have fresh cuts of meat from Argentina and local cuts too. Want some Mate or other items of nostalgia from Argentina? They got you covered. Please, stay away from the Alfajores. These are hard core sweet lover's crack. Do buy there empanadas that are made daily, and eat em as you walk along Southport. read more

I picked up 6 empanadas and a Diet Coke for $18, which seemed like a fair price. The empanadas- available in fried or baked, were big and hearty. I got the baked ones: 2 each of beef, chicken, and spinach & cheese- and my family enjoyed them. I didn't realize the cash-only policy, which seems odd for a grocery/butcher shop. I rarely carry cash. But thankfully I had a $20 on me. Parking is hard to find, but if you are already in the area, it's worth a trip to pick up a few empanadas. I was just at The Music Box up the street so I was already in the neighborhood. read more

Excellent quality food and service , meat, bakery and a lot Latin products. Empanadas delicious !!!

The best empanadas I've had in the city. It's the only place I buy my morcilla too. Love this market.

This place is nice. I went here to try more empanadas after having a terrible experience at another place. If you are looking for some semi-authentic south american goodies, this is your place. There was an old man in a suit sitting down on a chair in the entrance who appeared to be reminiscing about his childhood years of riding donkeys into the sunset. I look forward to trying the inca cola the next time I stop in. Simply put: Okay enough empanadas, and pretty good alfajores. Worth a trip if you want a mini south american adventure amidst your busy midwest- suburban lifestyle. read more

The empanadas are intense! Along with imported food favorites and soccer merchandise. Been going here for 20 years

Argentina in Chicago! Once I went in I felt fully submerged in the Argentine spirit. It's food selection is widespread and authentic to Argentina. AND there's soccer playing on the tv, which is fun! I would recommend. read more

Everyone seems to be talking about the empanadas (and YES, I do love them. I like Cafe Tola's slightly better though). So I decided I need to write this to RAVE about the quality and value of the MEATS. I'm telling you, this is *the* best bang for your buck when it comes to Strip steaks and Filet Mignon! Even better value and quality than Costco. The Ribeyes are more hit or miss for me, but the NY Strip and Filets are very tender and have a great beefy flavor that is missing from most other affordable butcher shops. A few years back, I was told by the butcher that this is Argentine beef that is "grass-fed, but finished with a grain diet to fatten them up a bit." That works for me. I also love the sausages and if you're lucky and they have Roast Pork when you visit, you've got to buy some. Delicious and very inexpensive. The chimichurri is potent as well. I feel so lucky to live a short walk away from El Mercado. The family (who also run Tango Sur and Bodega Sur) have really helped improve this neighborhood over the past few decades. Hard to believe now, but this stretch of Southport used to be pretty sad and seedy in the 80s and early 90s when I first arrived in Chicago. read more

I had no idea about this place when we started our day in Chicago, but we passed it when walking down the street toward the Music Box theater and did a double-take at the tempting vision of trays of empanadas in the window. Ultimately we decided to wait til after our movie to grab a few as a to-go dinner (though I had a slight anxiety that in a few hours they might be sold out!) Well, there was still a selection by the time we came back around 4 pm, and I snagged a ham and cheese and a chicken. Even reconstituted at home, they were really good! The chicken was encased in a pastry-type crust, flaky and glossy (egg wash?), the meat itself lightly spiced, a nice counterpoint to the more delicate exterior. The ham and cheese had a crust that was more like an egg roll: crispier and a bit hardier (seemingly fried?), which held up to the ooze of melting cheese and generous amount of chopped ham. These (which made a filling meal) and two canned drinks ran less than $8. Definitely a place to keep in mind for a cheap yet satisfying meal! read more

Wow where to start? We stopped by to take a look around and try out their empanadas, we ordered the fried chicken and then the sweet beef. Let me tell you it was amazing, super hot and fresh. We had no idea it was cash only after she bagged them up for us we realized we only had a dollar on us. The sweet lady behind the counter told us to take them and to just make sure to come back another time. We couldn't believe how genuine and nice she was. We ran down to the bank and got $20 for her to keep. Long story short if you're in the area and have cash on you go get some authentic and amazing empanadas you will not regret it! read more

I have lived in Lakeview for many years yet I had never been in El Mercado. A few months ago I stopped in on a whim for a quick snack and purchased an empanada. At checkout I did not realize they were cash only. A kind woman at the register gave the empanada to me and said that I could come back and pay for it later. I can see from Cori B.'s review this happened to him too! It was such a kind gesture of trust that does not often happen this day in age (especially during a pandemic!). I will not forget my first experience in this shop and plan to pay her kind act forward :) read more

Stopped here during an empanada crawl (you can make a crawl out of anything in Chicago, I promise) and got hot and delicious empanadas for $1.50 each. Most of the empanadas are fried with some baked options, but they are all stuffed to the brim with tasty flavors like ham & cheese and chicken. The variety is small with traditional flavors that will please anyone. El Mercado is primarily a, surprise! - MARKET. They specialize in Hispanic grocery products. I also grabbed a cookie and a soda. This is a very tiny store (CASH ONLY!), so plan to grab 'n go. Some tables are located outside, but this is truly meant to be a snack on the go and not a spot to lounge. read more

Be aware and ensure you get charged approximately. Came to buy some short ribs and empanadas. Cashier rang our sales incorrectly ($119) the first time and had to re-do. We bought $22.50 meat and 14 empanadas. She re-rang it and it come out to be wrong again, unbeknownst to us. So we had walk back and get Refund of just under $12. When we walked back a guy came back asking for another chicken empanada as the one he got was raw read more

Ryan and I love empanadas... El Mercado sells hot empanadas. The same empanadas you will have if you go next door to tango sur. These empanadas are authentic and delicious! They have options of fried or baked and definitely try both. We took the recommendation of trying their eggplant empanada and it was our favorite one!! We forgot to ask if they also have chimichurri sauce but it is really good with that too! ALSO i got an alfajores which was so good too! dont forget, its cash only (at least when we went) but there is an ATM right inside the market. read more

This market is a nice enjoyable surprise for a South American. With goods such as the delectable Argentine dulce de leche and meats and the hard-to-find Brazilian chocolates (including the sonho de balsas), there's some kind of treasure to be found here. And after looking around the market, it seems like their alfajores and empanadas cannot be beat, especially for the price and authenticity. And there are also Colombian, Peruvian, and Venezuelan goods. And I was surprised to even find that the sonho de balsas chocolates to be even cheaper than what I found them going for in Miami. But that's not to say that everything was cheap. The harina P.A.N. that is ubiquitous for Venezuelan arepas were being sold here for $4.50 - which almost gave me a heart attack and caused a loss of vision. Beware! I'm used to finding these for $2 a bag, $2.50 or $2.99 at the very outrageous most, in Miami. I would definitely come back for some of the reasonably-priced goods and even try out their parrillas which I tend to prefer to have at markets than at a full-blown restaurant with a large mark-up (like the one next door). And here's to hoping that they'll eventually lower the price for the harina de maiz precocida for the arepas. read more

El Mercado has absolutely fantastic empanadas. I've biked past the store for years, but only recently decided to park and go in for the empanadas boasted by the signs in the window. Cash only, most empanadas $1.99. Each empanada is, as other reviewers have noted, perfectly browned (either baked or fried) and stuffed with amazing fillings, like sweet beef (ground beef in a juicy seasoning), spinach, eggplant, chicken, ham and cheese, and spiced creamed corn. Sometimes they have special empanadas like the pumpkin filling in November. Also, chimichurri is to die for. So fresh, garlicky, pungent, savory. Kind and efficient staff. I love El Mercado! read more

Amazing empanadas, best I've had in the city, and fresh delicious cookies! Friendly service. So glad I passed by and stopped! will definitely be back! The beef were my favorite and the ham and cheese! read more

Superb place on Southport. They have very tasty empanadas. They do fried and baked. I got fried ones. A ham and cheese, beef, and chicken. The beef was moist and tender. The chicken was seasoned very well and tasty. Wasn't crazy about the ham and cheese one made me think of a hot pockets commercial. Will certainly return to enjoy more empanadas! read more

First time to be here in El Mercado Meat Mart when I was around the area and it is such a great store. It is a small store but is clean and organized. It has a mini grocery store inside and there are only few items but there is a great selection of South American products. The staff in here is very friendly and knowledgeable and when he learned that it was my first time, he got a lot of recommendations and also told me something about their products, such a really nice staff. He recommended me to try their empanadas and how I'd which I am able to try all of it because when I tried their chicken empanada it was delicious. It was hard to find fresh and authentic empanadas these days and was glad I am able to try one in them. Their selection of deli, meat and sausages are top notch and I bought a bunch of it has a great quality when I cooked it at home. Would definitely be back some other time. read more

With you are looking for special meat cuts such as Brazilian or Argentinean, this is the right place to go! This is the only place in Chicago area where I was as able to find picanha for a fair price. The only issue is that they only accept cash but there is an ATM avaible inside the store. You can also find good Brazilian products here: guarana, pao de queijo, chocolate, etc.... the price for those items are a little high. read more

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By far the best empanadas I have eaten in Chicago. There is a lovely woman behind the counter that will take your order and bag your empanadas for you. A rather large selection to choose from, both fried and baked. Honestly, if you're in the area skip the other two places on the street and buy from this place. The fillings are seasoned perfectly, not over cooked, and a lovely crust. Absolutely well done! read more