every hormonal catty teenage girl needs to try this asap. it is SO BUSS!!! all your gastrointestinal issues? gone. all your men problems? gone. all your struggles with feeling misrepresented by society and popular media, and double standards, AND advocating for women's rights without being demeaned and labeled as a man hater? gone...ish. i love the mushroom and corn empanadas!!! long line. the lamb is a bit too cumin heavy. the pastry is SO flaky, not overly crunchy, and soaks up all the goody goody flavors. soo savory. located in ferry building! come flock to the shop my fellow wonderful catty teenage girls read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Love me an empanada. Made fast and price was not too bad considering we were in a high tourist area. Nice variety and a side of chimichurri. All was good and tasty little snack read more

This one is definitely on me. I did not study the menu. Spinach empanada- spinach and cheese, right? Nope. Think thick bacon chunks show up and take over. There is nothing I hate more than bacon, I even run away from the bacon smell alone in public places. I'll be back for veggie options only - this one was a no for me. read more

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We stumbled upon this place during our trip to San Francisco. You know how when you see a long line outside a restaurant, you just instantly want to go in? You feel like it's going to be something amazing... haha. So, without any prior information, we just stood in line. Actually, there was another place with an even longer line, but we were short on time, so we decided to just give this place a try instead. And wow... it was seriously delicious!We bought the chicken empanada. When I noticed raisins among the ingredients, I was like, "Huh? Raisins?" and was a bit skeptical at first. But guess what? They paired together so perfectly and tasted amazing! haha. If I ever go back to San Francisco, I am absolutely eating here again!! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - logo - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My experience my review. Hello everyone. I am visiting San Francisco and love to come and take a stroll here. This is the second time I've visited this location. The first time I was only able to purchase one empanada because they had ran out and they had very few left. Well this time I made it here earlier. The line was long but they had a variety of empanadas to choose from. I was able to get a mushroom one and a ground beef one. They were both delicious. Warm just right. The taste, the buttery dough. I just love this place. The ambience was great as everyone was walking, laughing and having a great time. Will be back next time I I visit. read more

Based on a previous review, I ordered a Camarones (shrimp) and a Carne. While the empanadas were hot, there wasn't much filling. Moreover, the Camarones had a not-fresh-shrimp taste so I didn't enjoy it. However, the Carne tasted good. read more

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This place has the BEST empanadas that I've ever had! My husband and I compare every empanada we have to this place, and none compare. The empanadas are big and stuffed really well. There's a huge variety of empanadas, my favorite is the mushroom one. The line can get long, but it moved quickly! read more

Very good empanadas. I had the beef, lamb and mushroom. Can't go wrong with any of them. The line moves fast so you're not standing there looking like a ding dong. Located inside the ferry building in a cozy small shop/stand setup. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Cordero Empanada (lamb) - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Small empanada store with savory and sweet bites. Long lines here but tasty crust and good filling. Went later in the day and the beef was sold out. Got the chicken empanada for my savory and the apple for my sweet empanada. Both had airy, flaky, and crispy crust. The chicken was ok, hollow inside but good spices. The apple tasted just like an apple pie inside. Solid place for a quick bite or light snack but line can get long. read more

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Whenever I come to San Francisco, I have to make a stop at the Ferry Building to grab some of their empanadas - they are one of my favorites. Have not found an empanada here that I don't like. Love their carne and pollo - can never go wrong with the basics. But their champinones is FIRE. I love mushrooms, and they do everything right with this empanada. So flavorful with just the right amount of mushrooms. Enjoy grabbing my empanadas and then sitting outside to look at the bay. Great time, great food. Highly recommend. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came here on week day and tried the Mushroom empanada, Chicken empanada. Usually when I am visiting the Ferry building it's on a weekend and El Porteño has a line. Happy to see that there wasn't really a line on a Friday. Anyways, both empanadas were hot and freshly made. The chicken had some sweetness in it which wasn't my favorite, I thought it would be more savory. The mushroom empanada was delicious. Definitely recommend. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nice spot for a quick and satisfying bite. I tried three empanadas: the carne, champiñones, and acelga. The carne was definitely my favorite. It was very flavorful and felt like the most balanced filling of the three. The champiñones was my second favorite with a nice earthy mushroom flavor that worked really well in the pastry. The acelga was just so so for me. It was not bad, but compared to the other two it did not stand out as much. Overall I would give it four stars. The empanadas were fresh, the pastry had a good texture, and it is a great place if you want something quick and comforting. read more

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Came here for a pit stop walking the ferry building. Got the carne empanada. must eat it hot and fresh!! Has a nice crunch too it and very flavorful but it is on the really salty side for me. Not sure if it was this one batch they made, but I could not finish it as good as it was. I will be back to try again, since it is really good. Hopefully wont be too salty next time around. Its a great spot with great staff in the ferry building. read more

Located in the ferry building is probably my favorite jamon y queso empanada. The flakiness of the crust pairs perfectly with the cheese and jamon they use to match it nicely. Amazing to eat while walking around the ferry building read more

I had to be in SF for a work event one weekday evening and found myself in the Ferry Building. Since I was early, I decided to get a bite to eat (as I couldn't wait for the work dinner later that night). After wandering around, I decided to get a couple of empanadas from El Porteno. Looking at all the choices in the case, I decided to get one Cordero (lamb) and a Cereza (black cherry). I took my food and sat down at one of the open tables. The lamb in the Cordero was very flavorful, with a good amount of spices (but not spicy). And while the Cereza was small, it packed a ton of cherries inside. While this was not enough for a full meal, those 2 were perfect for a snack before the long evening. read more

Very efficient service, which is important because there's often a line. The display is helpful for seeing all the options. There's not too much seating around but it's great for grab and go. The empanadas are great: crispy, buttery, and tasty fillings. I did feel for some there was a bit more dough compared to filling than I'd prefer ideally. read more

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El Porteno, a delightful addition to the Ferry Building, serves delicious empanadas. While they may be a bit pricey, they're an excellent choice for days when you're not in the mood to cook or simply craving buttery empanadas. Despite the long lines, the wait is surprisingly quick. I decided to grab a few empanadas and bring them home to the East Bay before boarding the ferry. To my surprise, they arrived in perfect condition. My personal favorite was the spinach and pancetta empanada, but all the empanadas were simply outstanding at $7.50 each. In Argentina, where empanadas are usually around $2.50, I was a bit shocked by the price here. However, the quality and taste were truly delectable. Please note they don't have a large area where you can sit and enjoy your empanadas. They do have a few tall tables behind their line and many people take their empanadas to other seating areas within the ferry building and enjoy their empanadas there. read more

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We were checking out the Ferry Building Farmer's Market and stopped by to grab a savory treat. It was difficult to choose between the yummy looking empanadas but settled on the Cordero which is filled with lamb braised in malbec. The lamb was absolutely amazing! Super tender pulled lamb in a flavorful red wine onion sauce. It really exceeded my expectations going in and made me almost grab another one right them and there. I loved how buttery and flaky the crust is! It reminded me of a scrumptious pie dough top and really added so much delicious richness to compliment the filling. This was definitely one of if not the best empanada I've had, I'll definitely be back to try the other fillings! read more

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So grateful they were open on Christmas Eve, when basically everyone else in the Ferry Building was closed. The manzana (apple) empanada is always good, but oh my, the banana dulce de leche empanada was CRAZY delicious - so incredibly densely powerful in flavor, and the dulce de leche really coats your mouth. Give their sweet empanadas a try! read more

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Food Quality: *** Service: *** Ambiance: *** Value: *** The empanadas are okay imo. I know it is a popular spot with a lot of people seeming to love them and line up patiently. They're not bad, just not memorable enough to make want to return. read more

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Oh My Gawd. This empanada is so delicious. I'm so glad to try El Porteño Argentina Empanada. I was walking into the Embarcadero Building and my nose noticed this restaurant before my eyes. Definitely coming back. read more

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I first had the pleasure of trying El Porteño a few years ago, actually just days before Argentina won the World Cup. Back then they were in a different stall inside the Ferry Building if I'm remembering correctly, but I clearly remember all the World Cup decor and loving the whole vibe since these are Argentine empanadas. I loved their empanadas then and I love them now. They are in a new spot these days, I believe, but they are just as delicious. They run a well-oiled machine. You order at the counter and within moments you have a hot empanada in an aesthetically pleasing branded bag. The first time I ever tried them I got the cordero (lamb), and this time around I had to run it back because it was that good. And my memory did not fail me, it was still unbelievable. The lamb mince inside is hot, rich with spices, insanely juicy, and packed with flavor. It is genuinely some of the best lamb I have ever had in any form. I've made herb-crusted rack of lamb, I've had $100+ lamb dishes at steakhouses, and honestly this lamb empanada takes the cake. The pastry dough itself is flaky, buttery, and not dry or hard at all. It is literally perfect. I could easily eat several of these, but I forced myself to stop at one so I could try a few more places around the Ferry Building. I love this place so much. Please expand to Sacramento or at least stop by for a farmers market pop-up one day. We need you out here, the city would love you! read more

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I came here over 6 years ago and wasn't impressed. Today, back in the Bay Area, I decided to give them another try. Still disappointed. The prices are absolutely outrageous and there is no flavor whatsoever on either their meat or their chicken empanadas. For someone raised by Argentinians and in Argentina, these are far nothing I would look forward to. No more wasting money at El Porteño. read more

Right when you walk into the middle of the ferry building on a corner there is a small shop fully displayed empanadas and other sweet treats. The line can get pretty long but they serve and ring you up fast. Empanadas crust are flaky, buttery and just the right crisp. Depending on what you get in the inside can be a real explosion of flavors in your mouth. Definitely a place to come back to. read more

Flavorful empanadas. Quick service in a fast paced environment. This spot is located in the ferry building. We opted for the lamb and beef empanadas. I love that they are labeled to easily differentiate our items when on the go. If you'd like to enjoy them later there's also a freezer section to take and make at home. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

These empanadas ended up being one of the gems of the trip me and my friends took to San Francisco. We came here multiple times because the empanadas were just so delicious. I had the carne and I also tried the mushroom. The empanadas have a wonderful crusty buttery flaky crust that holds the feeling well. The filling itself is absolutely delicious too. Both times we went. There was a little line because people know that these are really good. One of my friends on the trip made us stop to get some before. Heading to the airport. Definitely a good treat if you're in the area. The lamb is also very tasty. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm a sucker for a good Argentinian empanada, even at $7 a pop if they're good, so the succulent smells from this kiosk was calling my name everytime I passed through the Ferry building. I guess repeated exposure, and tickling the senses serve as great marketing because I final took a second to stop by and grab a few...fiancé in tow. Even without seating, this spot pulls in numbers. The flavor options alone had my mouth watering. I should have been mindful that based on the amount of employees compared to the volume of clientele, it was pretty obvious that these were not exactly freshly made. Out of the 4 we shared, 1 had certainly been sitting under the heat lamp for way too long. It was...less than fresh. The other 3 although under the same heat lamps seemed to be prepared more recently. These delicious pockets of joy did not come with chimichuri, but they all had flaky crusts, seasoned ingredients, and great combinations. Overall, a decent snack! read more

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They are remodeling their original location and moved a few steps away. If you are facing the original location, walk to your left and you'll see it on your left. I typically love their empanadas but I did have a weird empanada today. I picked up a jamon y queso (ham & cheese) and when I started to eat it on my ferry ride home, it was just filled with thick cheese with no ham so I'm a bit bummed this happened and definitely think it was strange. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Jamon y queso but no jamon to be found - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

I decided to check them out after catching the delicious smell while walking around the Ferry Building. I got the champinones empanada, which contains mushrooms, is very cheesy, salty, and strongly mushroom-flavored. I thought this was one of the better empanadas I've had, would highly recommend checking them out. There's often a line, but it moves pretty fast. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Champinones empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

This just wasn't it for me. The empanadas were really pricy for one, and not that big. The one i got was also really full of air with not too much filling. The pastry was doughy, and the shrimp and cheese tasted like exactly that: shrimp and cheese put together and cooked. I just wanted a quick small savory bite in the ferry building when most businesses had already clossd for the evening so this did satisfy that need. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Camaron - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious dessert empanadas! We only tried the sweet empanadas but given how amazing they were, I imagine that their savory empanadas are also delicious. We had the dulce de leche banana, cherry and apple empanadas. The dough was flaky and crispy with a perfect filling ratio. Each satisfied our sweet tooth without being overly sweet. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Spending Valentines Day up in San Francisco with my wife. Our boys met us in Vellejo and we took the ferry into the Bay. Had dinner at Gotts but saw this small empanada place with line going out the door. Got the banana, apple, and cherry and hands down one of the best empanadas we ever had. A must try if your make it up here and near the SF Port! read more

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One of my favorite stops at the Ferry Building is this shop with warm sweet and savory empanadas. Line moves pretty quickly for a grab and go experience to these palm sized delights. If you have a sweet tooth and like bananas, I highly recommend the dulce de leche banana filling! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

A nice and quick snack to grab while I was walking around the Ferry Building. The cheese was melted nicely with the ham and the bread was warm and slightly buttery and crispy. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Jamon Y Queso - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very flaky, a little greasy. Nice service and kind attendants of the stall. In a walkable place, easy to find. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

The empanadas here are so good, I definitely recommend stopping by if you're at the Ferry Building. It's always warm and the crust is nice and flaky. For savory options, I've tried the carne, chicken, and cordero (lamb). My favorite is the carne which has raisins and olives. If you're craving something sweet, the banana dulce de leche and apple are both good. I would opt for the apple you like some texture. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been going to get the ferry building for a few weeks in a row now and everytime I'd see a line that would make me stop and say, "Maybe next time". Yesterday we went and there was no line. Service was mediocre at best, the guy kept pushing manzanas like it was the best. I tried: 1. Beef/carne: It was decent but a seasoning gave it a weird after taste. After looking at the website, I think it is the cinnamon. 2. Chicken/pollo: I actually liked this one better and it was balanced. 3. Ham and cheese/ jamon y queso: A little too salty for me. 4. La maradona: This was my favorite. Like a pizza, cheesey, gooey, and flaky crust. 5. Banana dulce de leche: It had all there flavors but nothing special, it was almost sold out I bought the last 2. 6. Manzana: The one the guy kept pushing was literally all raisins no apples. In my opinion, an overhyped place but you gotta try once to judge. If there happens to be a short line, I'll go back for la maradona. I do want to try the fugazetta and espinacas. read more

The first time that I had El Porteno Empanadas was at the Ox Bow Market in Napa & shared several of their yummy empanadas, both savory & sweet. I've visited their location at the Ferry Building since I work in FiDi & they are quick, convenient & empanadas are reasonably priced at $7.50 for the savory ones. I bought 2 empanadas for lunch recently (I was really hungry) & they were both delicious so I couldn't decide which one I liked more. They conveniently have the description & ingredients on each bag so you won't mix up your empanadas if you buy a variety. These empanadas are a good size (not too small) & are filling enough that I wasn't hungry in the late afternoon or even after a workout at the barre studio. I will definitely be back & add them to my lunch rotation when I'm at the office. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Pollo Empanada. I like that the description & ingredients are on the bag. - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of my favorite stops when in SF! I lucked out by walking down on a random weekday. Fortunately there was only one family ahead of me and I didn't have to wait in the lines you'll see on the weekends. They had what I wanted, I paid, received my order and was on my way quickly. The flavor on both flavors of empanadas I ordered was perfect and they were both fresh and flakey. I will definitely be back for more! read more

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I love getting a snack here whenever I visit Embarcadero. The empanadas are so savory, flaky and buttery! I like the pair my snack with a drink from Blue Bottle too. The service is a to-go style ordering so you can get your food pretty quick if there isn't too long of a line. The pastries are warmed up too which makes it even better. The ambiance is like a warm bakery with buttery aroma when you walk by. The empanadas are all lined up in a clear glass case which make it easy to pick your food of choice. read more

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