So I wrote this super long review about how AWESOME this place is and how its perfect for when you get that "I'm hungry NOW" feeling... but yelp froze and deleted my post. So I'll give you the highlight: Flaky Crusts. Delicious and Fresh Flavor. 10+ Options (including VEGAN). Home-made Chimichurri. Need I say more?!?! Go try them all..I dare you read more

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken and Lamb with Chimichurri - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

Hey now, if you are looking for traditional Argentine Empanadas, well take a look at this place for some. After exchanging pleasant pleasantries, I had a trio of empanadas: the new Argentine sausage, the sauteed onions and cheese, and the caprese empanada. They were all delicious and had a terrific crust around them. The Argentine sausage was no doubt my favorite. The ground sausage was not only quite savory but well seasoned and mixed with great herb, and with a touch of cheese, this empanada is a clear winner. The cheese and onions empanada was great too. It reminded me of queso fundido but inside a empanada. Given the onions were rendered down, the onions were tender and offered a bit of sweetness. The caprese was like biting into a margharita slice of pizza, but with all its flavors concentrated in a small package. I ate all three with some Chimichurri, and wow, that was some good stuff. This Chimichurri was well balanced, with not to much one: garlic, herb, orseasoning, but just enough of each to compliment each other. Service was quite good and they sure make a terrific "Bump" coffee pour over. read more

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Today was my 1st time at Empanada Kitchen. I'd usually visit a restaurant a couple of times before reviewing, but the staff member was very courteous and friendly and the empanadas here were everything I'd expected and then some. I tried a variety of empanadas, including beef, ham & cheese, chicken, mushroom & goat cheese and caprese. I thought maybe I'd eat one or a couple and save the remainder... Needless to say, that plan was short lived after my 1st bite. Each empanada had a robust flavor, and the chimichurri sauce complimented them perfectly. The were also the perfect temperature. I'm definitely looking forward to trying the other popular flavors they were sold out of. Tip: If you're not eating these in the restaurant or at home, grab an adequate amount of napkins. read more

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I came here upon recommendation of a coworker and I was actually surprised by how good it was. I ordered a chicken empanada and a vegan one and they were both super delicious. They both were really well seasoned & had texture to them. The dough was flaky, buttery, and had bite to it. Like ima be honest, I barely even used the chimichurri cuz of how good the empanadas were on their own. My only complaint really is I wish they had more options without cheese :( I feel like half the menu is empanadas with cheese lol. I have a dairy allergy, don't eat pork & alcohol due to religious reasons and felt that my options here were super limited compared to other empanada places in SD read more

I'm on an empanada kick lately & i can't stop eating them. Saw this spot had good reviews so decided to come by. I got a veggie, the spicy Italian (which was the special), and the beef. The beef was unreal. Definitely my favorite. It didn't even need sauce! The special was also delicious. Had a nice kick to it. And the veggie was good but I wouldn't get again. I'll be back soon to try more of them! But definitely (if you eat meat) get the beef! read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

The beef and lamb empanadas were delicious. Storefront is cute and clean. Very friendly lady at the register I will be back for sure!

Bored, so I found myself surfing yelp, stumbled upon this hidden gem. All I can say is WOW! Really really quite delicious indeed and so friendly to your wallet as well. A complete meal for under $11.00 bucks. Two handicapped parking, a quick easy to understand menu, and friendly staff. Btw, I did not have to wait long at all. Will certainly return, no doubt about it. read more

The thee empanada deal for $11.95 were priced well. I got the special fuga zeta empanada, the mushroom and goat cheese empanada and the apple pie. While the flavors in the special empanada and the mushroom and goat cheese empanada were good, I found the dough a bit lacking. The crust wasn't dry, it wasn't doughy, and it was very light. But I found the crust lackluster since I normally have my empanadas fried. The filling for the apple pie had a gritty texture to it, which I didn't find appealing at all. read more

I was visiting the brewery nearby and needed some sustenance. These empanadas hit the spot! I got the 3 for 12 deal and got 6 empanadas total to share with the family. My absolute favorite was the ham and cheese- hot and melty cheese with enough body, savory ham and perfectly done crust - it was absolute perfection. The spicy sauce they gave us was a perfect addition. My 2nd favorite would be the lamb which was moist, flavorful and satisfying. The chicken, beef, and cheese/mushroom empanadas were also delicious and did not disappoint. My only regret is not ordering 3 more of these as they were gone within minutes. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Deliciousness - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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PROS: + Friendly staff + Cute interior decor + Beef + Chicken + mushroom and goat cheese + Spicy beef CONS: + small parking lot Will definitely be coming back to try other flavors :) read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been wanting to go here to try the empanadas. So I finally went. They open at 11 and the empanadas were fresh and warm. The shop has a tiny little parking lot at the front and the aesthetic of the shop is cute. I got the sautéed mushrooms, ham and cheese, chicken and beef empanadas. They have daily specials which are certain empanadas that are made for the day. I think this place is good but it's not my absolute favorite. The chicken one was okay, I liked the beef better. read more

I am surprised I haven't reviewed the Empanada Kitchen. Their proximity to my favorite sandwich place The Wise Ox, made me try them for some empanadas. For sure the empanadas taste delicious, the specials are truly special. I guess 3 empanadas would be sufficient as a meal for someone like me. Others might say that is only an appetizer for them. My favorites are rattatouile and sweet corn and basil. But as a meat lover, I recommend the beef - rich and satisfying. The size is about right for each piece. It's one of those enjoyable treats, more as lunch or appetizer before a large gathering. I will probably get a dozen for the holidays with assortment that gets 3 for my vegan friends, my vegetarian friends, my meat lovers and for extra special people - lamb. Come in and try their offerings and enjoy. read more

Came here randomly with my friend just to pop in for a quick bit. I got the beef empanada and she got the lamb. It came with a side of sauce too and they gave us decent size cups of water. The place is small but so cute inside and the empanadas did not disappoint! The empanadas were delicious, soft and warm.. i didn't expect much but they really surprised me with the quality of their food! They had a great vibe and noticed people would pop in real quick and grab their empanadas and go! Such a cute little shop! Will definitely be back! read more

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This is a newly opened outpost of Empanada Kitchen located in North Park. They operate until 8 pm on Monday to Thursday and until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday (closed on Sunday), but that may change after they have settled into the business longer. When I walked in near their closing time, all of the empanada varieties were still available. The menu choices ranged from beef, ham & cheese, ratatouille (vegan), chicken, sweet corn & basil, mushroom & goat cheese, caprese, bacon & egg, and lamb. The neat thing was that a different shape and fold was used for each empanada type. The cost was $3.50 each except for the lamb which was $1 more. If you bought three at a time, then the price was only $9.50 which meant a savings of $1. I picked the beef, chicken and lamb for my trio. The guy working the counter was kind enough to give me the $9.50 price despite one of my choices being the lamb. I really appreciated his generosity. Each pastry was so flavorful. My favorite was the lamb which had a filling made up of 24-hour braised lamb leg, onions, rosemary, carrots and red wine. A decoding card was provided with my order so that I could decipher my selections. I couldn't find any fault in the quality of the ingredients. With the special pricing I received, I can't help but give this experience a five-star rating. read more

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great empanadas. fabulous selection. lovely service. these empanadas warm my heart like a soft blanket for the soul.

Empanada Kitchen was everything I hoped for. The staff was very courteous and I REALLY appreciate that they were all wearing masks. The Empanadas... they were delicious and served hot. I ordered the Beef, Lamb, and Mushroom and Goat Cheese and surprisingly the Mushrooms and Goat Cheese was my favorite. And definitely get the spicy chimichurri. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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I like the empanadas i got! I just got beef & chickens empanadas &, wow, the beef one is probably the best empanada ive had in SD! The ingredients are so savory. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Beef & chicken empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

In case of hunger, EMPANADAS! I treat myself to eating out on Sundays, usually in the form of tacos. When my taco truck went MIA, I was faced with the task of finding another comparable substitute. When that substitute was closed, I just searched for "Food" on Yelp. Empanada Kitchen? I LOVE EMPANADAS! It smells amazing before you get in, and super simple to get what you want. I ended up with Sweet Corn & Basil, Spicy Beef, Lamb, and Mushroom & Cheese (my baseline empanada). You MUST have a baseline empanada (just like carne asada is my baseline taco) in order to properly compare empanadas. Empanada Kitchen did NOT disappoint. 1. Sweet Corn & Basil Light, creamy, and savory. If you're on the "I need a snack" side, aim for a couple of these. 2. Mushroom & Cheese Creamy and a little more heft than the SCB. Perfect for a filling vegetarian snack. 3. Spicy Beef (Special) Has the right amount of kick, doesn't even need chimichurri sauce. 4. Lamb This was the heaviest of them all. Perfectly marinaded and shredded, this is a happy helping of braised lamb to satisfy even the hangriest of us. They even give you a cheat sheet, in case you bought a bunch for friends (or if you bought a bunch for yourself). Bon appetit! read more

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I've had these twice and both times they were disgusting. The dough tastes like store bought and the filling is not flavorful at all. I've had way better empanadas in Mexico. Not going here ever again! read more

We loved their empanadas at Jaunt coffee so we came to this location to get them in-house. The crust is a light crust, not the buttery kind. However, the fillings make up for the fat and sweetness that a crust usually contains. we usually eat it right away. One time we had it the next day and warmed it up in the toaster oven. The empanada crust seems to hold well. The lamb was really delicious - not too gamey and well-balanced flavors of salty, sweet, acid. mushroom and goat cheese was always our favorite. The mushroom doesn't taste overly earthy. It goes really well with the goat cheese. There is so much flavor in it. read more

The best thing about this place is the spicy chimichurri. I think I would eat that with just about anything. I think I like the standard ground beef one the best. The rest were mostly forgettable. Next time, I might try the chicken. Or just buy a load of that chimichurri and take it somewhere else. read more

Empanada Kitchen - They do look pretty nice. They are not this huge though. Weird angle or something. - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

I felt like the empanada was more crust then filling. While all of them were tasty. I enjoy empanadas with more flaky crusts and this has a thicker dough. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken pesto, ham and cheese and caprese - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

Simple, delicious. Don't expect much besides a counter and some empanadas, but this place is worth the stop! The lamb are my favorite, with the Mushroom Cheese one a close second. Great for a quick bite to go. Highly recommend read more

Happened to be in the neighborhood and drove by this place. I love empanadas because they are the closest to my culture's meet patties. The best one was the ham and cheese, which I'm not sure if that's a good thing. The mushroom was runny. The lamb empanada had a taste I couldn't even go through chewing. Not great at all. Sorry!! read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Went here on a whim and craving so happy we got to pop over and try these pillows if flavor. Everything is good not one bad empanada

These empanadas are great. Though the dough could be much flakier, they still get a nice lamination on it and the fillings are super good! Wife had the lamb and was her fave. I loved the beef which was very dynamic and juicy. The chimichurri was very good as well; they have regular and spicy. I went back for a second after the fist and Im sure Ill be back again! Staff were super nice too which can make all the difference! read more

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken Empanada, Sweet Corn and Basil Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

My wife and I came in for lunch. I got ratatouille empanadas and and my wife got ham and cheese and sweet corn. It's cool they have a vegan option. We both really enjoyed our lunch. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Ratatouille empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

So here's what you do, you order a bunch of different empanadas, get the chimmichuri, go home, and throw away the guide. Now it's time to play empanada roulette. Best part? Everybody wins. I called ahead of time to find out what the specials are, salad of the day, etc. The girl who helped me was super sweet, both on the phone and when I walked in to order. I think she said her name was Chelsey? Josie? Anyways, she was extremely polite, explained what was in each empanada, and the dessert item, and boxed them up carefully and quickly. She didn't seem bothered that I forgot to get drinks and had to do a separate transaction. The empanadas themselves are absolutely perfect. There is such a great selection and there is definitely something for everyone, they're nice and hot and the chimmichuri is so flavorful. Overall just a great place, with great food and great employees. Highly recommend, especially if you're in a hurry, as it is super quick and easy. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious! I have been enjoying the downtown location for years and am happy to have one closer to home. These stand up to the empanadas ive had in South America, with creative flavors beyond the normal meat choices. My favorites are the mushroom, savory corn, and the ham and cheese. For me, two is just right but three can be done. Make sure to get chimichurri - I prefer the spicy one and always need extra. read more

A week ago I decided to try this place, so I drove from TJ and I went to the north park location. I bought one because I didn't know if they were that good so I tried the bacon and egg and the taste is amazing. The mix of the fresh dough with the bacon it's amazing. After that good empanada, I order the mushrooms and goat cheese and that was a very tasty and fresh flavor. The service was excellent and efficient. I'll be back again. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Delicious empanadas (including vegan!) and friendly service. Limited seating, so we took carry out. YUM!

My close friend recommended this place because he said he was good friends with the owner. We like empanadas and he told us that this place has a bomb Argentinian take on empanadas. It did not disappoint. It was good, worth the little journey up here, and very friendly service; they gave us some sweets for free to go also. Definitely going to come back again. read more

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Awesome staff. Quick service. Great price. Try the bacon egg and cheese. Should have 5 stars. Not sure what's happening there. Jelly owners somewhere else. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

I stopped in here last night and was not disappointed. They have a big menu with many options. I opted for the lamb, beef, and sweet corn empanada. I liked all of them especially the corn had a lot of flavor. The staff was very helpful and friendly. It's a small storefront with a couple tables to eat at. They offer a lot of bottled drinks. I would recommend this business. read more

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We've been to Empanada Kitchen many times and are big fans of their selection of empanadas and chimichurri. Service is typically good, but they have an odd policy that won't allow customers to pick up a dozen empanadas unless you order in advance. (I have had the same experience as Carlos' review from 6/11/22.) I walked in a few months ago and tried to order a dozen empanadas and was told that I couldn't do that--even though I could see there was a warming oven full of empanadas. Setting that aside, it is our go-to spot for empanadas. There is a small parking lot, but otherwise parking can be an issue. read more

I stopped in after ordering food at the wise ox because I wanted to see the menu and also ask if it was part of the same company that is in PB. The customer service was great ! The person working (didn't get their name) was pleasant. I ordered the mushroom and goat cheese empanada and a kombucha to snack on while I waited for my food order to be ready next door. The empanada was so delicious & crispy ! Absolutely would recommend stopping by. I want to go back in and try a few other empanadas. These are definitely the best I've tried in San Diego hands down. I will be returning ! read more

Amazing empanadas! I tried both the chicken and the veggie option. Chicken was amazing, but I'm not exactly sure about the ratatouille. Maybe I'm just not into it. The only complaint I would have is that the parking lot is small, but that's not really something they can improve upon themselves. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken Empanada, Veggie aka Ratatouille Vegan Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

These are so good!!!!!! I ordered a variety to go and wasn't disappointed. Do yourself a favor and stop here at least once. read more

We found this little gem by accident . The Empanadas were delicious & had just come out of the oven. We'll definitely be back and have already recommended to family & friends. read more

**Warning** **Warning** **Warning** If you do NOT want to think about empanadas and chimichurri obsessively for days and weeks on end, DO NOT TRY THEIR MUSHROOM AND GOAT CHEESE EMPANADAS. I swear it took one, and I was hooked. I bought a jar of chimichurri from them to feed my home obsession, but I dropped it and lost it all. That was the breaking point... for the jar and my self control. I needed more, and I needed it right away. I found out that I could order them from doordash, and I did. Again....and again...AND AGAIN. I might actually need therapy. All I wanted to eat for weeks were these empanadas and the spicy chimichurri that they dunk so lovingly into. I'm 99% certain that my chin started to break out because of the olive oil, and I still can't stop. I need an adult. I am an adult, but I really, really need an adultier adult to stop me from this madness! One location is closer to me, but a second location closes later; So, I ordered from both, depending on who could feed my mania best at the moment. If only one of them was terrible, maybe I wouldn't be lost in this empanada hole. The obsession got so bad I actually made my own empanadas and chimichurri to feed the addiction. It took FOREVER, and while they were delicious how am I supposed to make that happen after a long day of work? I couldn't. I just couldn't. After a 12 hour day of class and then school, I got home and almost cried because I didn't have what has now become 94% of my bodily fluids, and ordered twenty. Yes, my loves, I ordered TWENTY EMPANADAS JUST SO I COULD FREEZE THEM AND TAKE THEM OUT WHEN THE CRAVING HIT. I'm sick. I need help. Send someone to wire my mouth shut. Perhaps worst of all, what truly makes me a criminal Mastermind willing to take everyone down with me? My coworker was making fun of me for my empanada obsession, so I gave her one. That very night she sent me a boozy text, it read: "I hate you. Those empanadas were amazing, I've been craving them." Don't say that I didn't warn you. read more