Empanada Kitchen

588

1539

7 years ago

Gah love the vibe and the color of this place. Really adorable. The empanadas are great. They're amazing. Good sizes.unique flavors. Pretty decent price. Yum. read more

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George F.

3 years ago

Amazing food and amazing staff Warm crispy empanadas, thick flaky crust With perfect portioned insides ! I tried the corn empanada and it was great! Will definitely be back read more

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Yamell B.

131

3 years ago

Really good empanadas & good for the price since everything in downtown is SUPER expensive. They are very flavorful. Would definitely recommend. read more

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Alex S.

252

3 years ago

I was planning on heading to a coffee shop but this cute colorful empanada shop caught my eye and I'm glad I changed plans. I tried 2 empanadas. The spicy beef was very tasty and flavorful. The ham and cheese was delicious as well. They came with chimichurri sauce on the side. Staff was friendly and provided excellent recommendations. The prices are reasonable as well. I'll definitely be back read more

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Joanne K.

Elite 24

259

288

525

7 years ago

While walking around the outskirts of downtown, the bright yellow exterior immediately drew my attention to this place. Once I realized that this was a place specializing in empanadas, I excitedly headed inside to check it out. The interior is just as charming as the exterior. It's bright and airy with high top wooden tables, industrial yellow stools, and plants hanging off the walls. They have plenty of outdoor seating as well. I went with their 3 for $9 special and got chicken, beef, and sweet corn empanadas. They were really tasty. The crust was flaky, warm, and buttery, with just the right amount of char. It sturdily held in the generous filling without crumbling apart after sinking my teeth into it. The filling of the beef and corn were very flavorful and well seasoned, but I was a bit let down by the chicken empanada. The chicken was a little dry and the sofrito (pepper/onion/garlic mixture) was cold. They have a good selection of empanadas, so I'll probably skip out on the chicken next time and try their other flavors. Each empanada is uniquely shaped with different edge foldings to distinguish between the different flavors. They include a card with illustrations with every to go order so you know which empanada is which. While this is a good idea, I find this to be a bit wasteful- my suggestion would be to have this printed on the to go box itself. Or maybe get a stamp to brand on each empanada- my favorite empanada place back in the Midwest did this, which I thought was clever. If you're looking for a quick bite or craving empanadas, come check out this place! read more

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Jeremy D.

347

165

527

8 years ago

Was a nice quick bite. I got the chicken, beef, and ratatouille. Tastes good. They give a slight discount for ordering 3 or you can get 2 and a salad. read more

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Mike G.

132

1485

2896

7 years ago

I wish I found this place prior to my last day in SD, I LOVE their empanadas, so freaking good! The staff are friendly, the indoor area is clean and modern. There is even an outdoor area to enjoy the weather. If you are staying in the downtown area, come by, this place is legit! read more

Empanada Kitchen - (Top)Mushroom & Goat Cheese, and (bottom) Sweet Corn Basil empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Dr. D.

4 years ago

Very clean inside and they stick with their cash cow-- empanadas. I had the beef & lamb and oh my goodness, they were sooooo good! I had to reheat them in the microwave 2 days later to eat them and they were still delicious so that says something. Each one is about $4, which is a little high IMO. I also wish I had 1 sauce per empanada; they gave me 1 sauce for 2. read more

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Michael R.

4 years ago

Very tasty empanadas, the ham and cheese and the chicken ones were very well made and very delicious read more

Empanada Kitchen - Really tasty! - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Mina S.

274

7 years ago

Decided to give this place a try today.. not really an empanada person in general so I didn't have much expectation but WOW! I ordered 2 beef and 1 chicken empanada (lunch special) for $9.50 which is a pretty good deal! The empanadas are big and the you can feel the homemade goodness in the empanada dough! They were akin to Asian dumplings! Once you bite into them, they burst with flavor and all their juice goodness! The beef was marinated ground beef and was very tender and flavorful, as was the chicken, which was marinated sofrito style! All in all, a really good lunch experience and I can't wait to be back! p.s. It's pretty cool how they braid all of their empanadas differently based on the fillings read more

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Norra P.

Elite 25

355

171

460

8 years ago

An empanada spot?! I'm in heaven. These are pretty big portions of empanada. 2 filled me up. I probably should've just had 1 and a salad. All good though. The traditional beef empanada was my favorite. The crust has a nice crunch and the texture is soft inside. The filling is just the right combination of savory with chopped veggies. The chicken empanada was just as good! Get a side of the chimi churri. The cold pressed coffee is perfect for the mid afternoon. There's seating inside and covered picnic tables outside. Do you enjoy people watching? Outside is the place to be. The staff is wonderful. I'll be back for more. read more

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Nancy W.

3 years ago

The service was good- We ordered and the waitperson delivered our food to our table- explaining how to tell the difference between the various empanadas we ordered. We had a variety and were not over delighted with any of them except for the roasted vegetable one, which was excellent. I'm not dying to go back. read more

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Yarden C.

3 years ago

The Empanada Kitchen is awesome! All of the staff that I have met have been extremely professional and kind, and the empanadas are delicious. They have a great variety as well, including some desert options like alfajores! Thank you Dan for the consistently amazing service! read more

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Millie R.

2 years ago

The food was so good you can really tell the empanadas are handmade with the sauce especially, absolutely delicious. The owner is fantastic. They are so sweet and the service is impeccable. Will definitely be coming here again, highly recommend if you're ever in La Jolla. read more

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Ciara M.

Elite 22

325

601

264

8 years ago

I followed the yelp reviews regarding how this place is quite "authentic" for empanadas, argentinian style! Even if it isn't "authentic," I love empanadas and would love to try all its different styles! Stumbled upon this on Yelp! Parking is street parking, metered. It is by the trolley tracks! Cute, little shop with a good amount of chairs and benches! Was greeted by a nice man and answered my questions nicely. Good service! I got the lamb and veggie! I highly recommend the lamb! It was so soft and easy to chew. What I love most about this place is the meat to pastry ratio is perfect. First bite alone takes you to the filling which I appreciate! It is worth the $4.50. Their sauce is also amazing! Adds more to the flavor since the empanada fillings are super tasty already. I will definitely come back and try the rest of their flavors :) read more

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Mikaela B.

7 years ago

DELICIOUS. Each empanada had its own unique flavor profile, and each one was amazingly tasty. We had the chicken, beef, bacon & egg, and mushroom & goat cheese. I'd definitely come back next time I'm in town! read more

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Frankie S.

2 years ago

Great empanadas. The staff is always very nice and they have your empanadas ready quickly.

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Ben Y.

Elite 23

161

584

7 years ago

Met some friends here for lunch on a Friday. We went early like 1130 and there was no line. They have a lunch special of 3 empanadas for $9. Got the lamb, had and cheese and traditional. We had a seat on the outside picnic tables and they brought our food out rather quickly. The empanadas themselves were really good,all made with fresh local ingredients. The lamb was probably my favorite out of the three I had. Only drawback is that even after eating 3 of these each all 3 of us were still hungry afterwards. read more

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Dee F.

160

823

8 years ago

Best empanadas in town! Perfectly cooked pastry not over cooked nor deep fried. There are Lines out the door at certain times but looks like we nailed it this time. We did a taste of 3 for $9.50 -Chicken is delectable and my favorite one - Italian sausage - Ham and eggs for breakfast hits the spot Try this place if you are in the area. You won't regret it! read more

Empanada Kitchen - Fresh hot and fully stocked. I nailed them at the right time! - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Fully stocked fresh empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Love this which is which: match your empanada to the drawing !! - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Mira P.

860

581

3364

8 years ago

Meh... where's the meat in these empanadas??? And for the cost.... they should be a little more filled inside. Felt ripped off. Got 4 empanadas for $15. And I know empanadas i lived in Miami for many years and had a friend who's dad made them from scratch. I love love the branding this spot has, its modern sleek and simple. They did a fantastic job on the marketing side and to think they started with a food truck turned into a small shop operation with seating inside, pretty cool. And I do like that they are baked, love the healthy aspect... but I don't want to be paying for the dough only, there needs to be more filling inside. Since there is a small selection of empanadas here in San Diego, I'm sure they do well. I'm going to go pass on them and wait until we go abroad again to South America and then have a empanada binge and it will be budget friendly. .... read more

Empanada Kitchen - Pay to play - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Reference sheet for flavors - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken empanadas... slim meat fillings not fulfilling - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Looks pretty from the outside - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Lamb Empanadas, where's the meat??? So small - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ro G.

5 years ago

We tried this place for the first time and we will definetely be going back. We had three different empanadas and each were delicious! Great three empanada deal as well but not sure if it's a lunch special. The gentleman at the counter was very helpful and friendly as well. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Beef , lamb and mushroom/goat cheese - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Lailanee P.

Elite 19

468

8 years ago

This place is a hidden gem, although it is bright yellow on the outside of the building :) They have multiple options for empanadas for meat eaters and vegetarians which is great. You can see the cooks in the back hand making and frying the empanadas. This alone impressed me and it's great to know they're not just frozen and popped into a microwave. I ordered a sweet corn salsa empanada and it was delicious. The sweet corn bursts into your mouth and is packed with flavor. It's also flaky on the outside and the textures complimented each other very well. I even ordered 2 more to go :) My boyfriend had the Ratatouille which I believe is the only vegetarian option and the Mushroom w/ Goat cheese empanada. He loved them!! read more

Empanada Kitchen - these were made by Gods... sweet Sweet Corn and Basil Empanada.. Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanada.. Veggie (Ratatouille) Empanada :) - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Sweet corn & Sweet Corn and Basil Empanada!! - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Veggie (Ratatouille) Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Tanvi R.

Elite 21

243

118

489

5 years ago

Tried this place for the first time today and decided on the mushroom & goat cheese empanada and the beef empanada. They are delicious especially accompanied by the spicy chimichurri sauce. I definitely will go back to try the corn & basil and the chicken empanada. So delicious! read more

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

Empanada Kitchen - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanada Beef Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Alejandro L.

5 years ago

Amazing empanadas. We got ham and cheese, beef, and the Special which was Spicy Sausage were amazing! The bread is good and the place is clean the service is excellent. Empanadas so good we had to get some to go as well. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quick bite in Downtown SD. read more

Empanada Kitchen - Empanadas To Go - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Catherine F.

Elite 19

259

317

8 years ago

You got me at Empanada! I'm a sucker for empanadas, and had to make a early morning visit here. Perfect timing due to the location being in downtown, and only metered parking. The space is very cute, with a splash of yellow and black signage as a welcome sign and continued theme colors of yellow, black, and white as you enter and wooden rustic tables with a mid century modern touch - give a cool ambiance. As for the empanadas, the menu is pictured on how to differentiate the empanadas (which is which), it is good if you buy variety. My choices: Beef- definitely the traditional Argentinian. Rich flavors with the ground beef and paired with the chimichurri sauce. Chicken- I liked it, but not a favorite out of the bunch I ordered Sweet corn and basil- reminded me a little bit of a empanada that had that sweet corn from corn bread and cheese. My favorite! Mushroom & goat cheese- the touch of mozzarella cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and of course goat cheese=amazing! The dough on all of them even if you take home and want to eat later still tastes good! Staff is very friendly and helpful. read more

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

Empanada Kitchen - Inside early morning - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Which is which? - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Beef paired with the chimichurri - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Which is which? My selection of empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Marina B.

129

122

8 years ago

Brought friends from Brazil here because they were craving empanadas and we all loved it. Reasonably priced, delicious, but best of all was the outstanding service. Nicely decorated and we must have come at the perfect time because we didn't have to wait at all. We tried the chicken, beef, and Caprese. We found parking easily at a meter on the street. Would recommend this to others :) read more

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Rosa V.

6 years ago

As soon as you walk in you're greeting with the smell of freshly baked empanadas. All the empanadas are nice and crunchy on the outside and super soft on the inside, just perfect! They offer their own chimichurri, it adds a nice hint of spice to the food. Super clean place and amazing service. read more

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Rebecca L.

117

4 years ago

Tasty and fresh, I am vegetarian and there were several veggie based options! Would recommend

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Emma J.

2 years ago

Delicious food and great service! The chimichurri is incredible. A great pick for breakfast, lunch, dessert, or a snack!

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Marc M.

2 years ago

excellent customer service, and then the food quality backs it up ten fold! highly reccomend to anyone in the area read more

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Mohan C.

Elite 25

358

182

577

8 years ago

Stopped by here for lunch while in the Downtown San Diego area. The staff here were very friendly and welcoming, and the menu is really straightforward. I ordered the three empanada meal for $9.50. The empanadas are pre made and they just take it out of their warmer and bring it out. I ordered the Mushroom and Goat cheese empanada, Vegan (ratatouille) empanada, and the chicken empanada. I would give the mushroom and goat cheese empanada 5 stars, the vegan empanada 3 stars, and the chicken empanada 4 stars. The mushroom empanada had a really smooth, cheesy interior and it was savory; really tasty. The chicken empanada was also pretty good. It was juicy, and had somewhat of a tomato flavor. Not the strongest flavor but was definitely pretty good. Finally, the ratatouille was my least favorite. It wasn't bad by any means, but the flavor was just not there with the interior consisting of grilled vegetables. I probably wouldn't order this one next time. The chimichurri sauce is also a nice touch with the empanadas. Overall, three empanadas was definitely filling. Very friendly service, and pretty good empanadas with some being better than others! read more

Empanada Kitchen - Meal deal, 3 empanadas with chimmuchuri sauce. Total price just about $10, very filling. - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Chicken Empanada. Interior was juicy like the menu says, with "pulled" chicken. Pretty good. - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Ratatouille Empanada (Containing a variety of roasted veggies). This one was okay. - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanada. This one was my favorite, containing onions, mushroom, and goat/mozzarella cheese. - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Giusseppe G.

3 years ago

Great food, I recommend the lamb. Definitely my favorite. We also had several other types but this one took the cake. Parking is no so good but worth it. Also lots of homeless in the area but it's downtown so pretty standard. read more

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Mark P.

6 years ago

A relative newbie to San Diego (via NYC) and I now live downtown. Today, I was literally wandering around on a scooter to seek out lunch and came across this place. Had to try them. (I used to own an empanada consession in East Harlem.) I got 3 for $9.95 deal. (Was a little more because of one specialty pie choice; LAMB..SO WORTH IT). Tried the Lamb, the spicy beef (which was the special of the day) and the mushroom with goat cheese. All three were perfectly cooked and simply, SPECTACULARLY delicious! Crust was perfect, not doughy, not to thin or too thick and perfectly baked. The ingredients were all top quality and VERY TASTY. Melt-in-your-mouth good! I almost never YELP but i just finished eating these and felt compelled to let EK and you know it! I can't wait to try the others over the next days weeks and months! I could not have done better myself! The person working the counter was super friendly, helpful and cool and the place itself is pristine and quite inviting. I am an uber driver and will recommend Empanada Kitchen to anyone who asks where to find great food in downtown San Diego. PS I LOVE SAN DIEGO! read more

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Susie L.

4 years ago

My daughter's & I ate here for an early dinner 9 days ago. It was delicious! The lot across the street was closed & under construction, but we pulled right into a parking spot around the corner & threw some quarters in the meter. Friendly employees, clean restaurant, & great prices! read more

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Armando Z.

3 years ago

These Empanadas are some of the best I've ever had. Had the veggie and the chicken with a salad today. Amazing. Cool little dining area and the employees were friendly. Highly recommend this spot. Definitely will return for more. Heads up.!!! Menu is simple but delicious. Sides salad is about your only side option. The dressing tho. Fire !!!!! So good. read more

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Katrina P.

3 years ago

I am not one to go out of my way to write a review but when I took a bite out of their lamb empanada, I knew that everyone needed to know how amazing it is. Please go try it and yes, the slight extras charge is completely worth it. Currently debating on going back to bring some home to my boyfriend. I got 2 empanadas which was under $10 and I am completely satisfied. I think this is a great price, considering a basic coffee in the Hillcrest area is almost $6, for example. read more

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nicole c.

Elite 23

240

281

4 years ago

Solid empanadas and I particularly enjoy the ham and cheese and corn and basil. Love their chimichurri. There is a parking lot with like eight spots which is nice and convenient. read more

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Kira H.

5 years ago

Wowza. Good cold or hot, beach or road trip snack or warmed up in store. Also excellent customer service, we had to come back the next day to pick some up for the airport! read more

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Emme F.

5 years ago

One of my favorite places to swing by when I want a light lunch/ snack. There are so many great flavors to try. I have never had a bad empanada here! Best empanadas in San Diego. read more

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Page 4 of 13

819 C St
San Diego, CA 92101
East Village
Directions
(619) 228-9419
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://empanada-kitchen.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Empanada Kitchen open?

Empanada Kitchen opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Empanada Kitchen close?

Empanada Kitchen closes at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Empanada Kitchen is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PMSat-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Empanada Kitchen take Bitcoin?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen takes Bitcoin.

Does Empanada Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Empanada Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Empanada Kitchen have a happy hour?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not have a happy hour.

Does Empanada Kitchen serve alcohol?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Empanada Kitchen allow dogs?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen allows dogs.

Does Empanada Kitchen have TVs?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Empanada Kitchen have bike parking?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has bike parking.

Does Empanada Kitchen have outdoor seating?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has outdoor seating options.

Does Empanada Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Empanada Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Empanada Kitchen have free WiFi?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Serving up Argentine food culture in San Diego. Handmade, baked empanadas for a gourmet experience on the go.

History

Established in 2016.

Empanada Kitchen was born from the idea to bring a piece of the Argentine culinary culture to San Diego. Our empanadas are handmade and happily baked (never, ever fried) with special care to provide a tasty, high-quality experience. We also make our own chimichurri sauce fresh every day following the most traditional-gaucho approved homemade recipe: chopped parsley, oregano, garlic and chili flakes in a base of red wine vinegar, olive oil and water and salt (No, it is not spicy). You want to know more? An empanada is typically a savory pastry stuffed with different types of fillings. The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning "to wrap in bread" (we copied and pasted this from Wikipedia so we know is true). It is not clear where the empanada originated from but they became popular throughout South America, particularly in Argentina. Each region has a unique style and each family has their own recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Meet the Business Owner: Matias R.

I like Lady Gaga and empanadas.

More Info

Health Score

Empanada Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Empanada Kitchen

Hello. Do you offer frozen empanadas to prepare at home?

Absolutely, we sell quite a few frozen empanadas at each restaurant everyday. You can place an order by phone, through our website, or in person. Thank you.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, we have quite a few vegetarian options that are on the regular menu as well as daily specials. For more information you can check out our menu empanada-kitchen.com/menu

Are u open for carryout and do you have fried empanadas?

We are open now for carryout, delivery, and dine-in. We only do baked empanadas. Thank you for your questions.

What are the gluten free options?

Our salads are gluten free.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Books & Records

Happy Hour is all day on Wednesdays, which is a huge plus…read more The menu has a great selection, and this place always has a solid ambiance. Everything came out quickly, including the drinks. I genuinely wasn't dressed up and still received some of the best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Dalton was an absolute all-star, even though he's a Dodgers fan. A+ service. Even when he had a good number of tables, he still checked in regularly to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed.

Books & Records was a first for both me and my crew tonight, and I have to say...what a great find!…read moreLet's start with parking. It's not the most convenient, but don't let that discourage you. There is metered street parking nearby, including on the side street that forms a "T" with the main road. It wasn't difficult to find a spot, although I do wish the restaurant's sign was a little larger. If you're driving down the main street without GPS--or you're not paying close attention--you could easily drive right past it. This is definitely the type of place where reservations are a good idea, especially if you're looking for a cozy table. We arrived with a party of six, and our table was ready when we got there. We had the perfect setup with a booth on one side and comfortable high-top seating on the other, making it ideal for conversation and sharing plates. I did notice several people walking in and grabbing seats at the bar, so that's also a great option if you're dining solo or as a couple. If you're planning to visit, Wednesday is the day to go because Happy Hour runs all day! Definitely take advantage of it. My husband and I ordered the 8-ounce steak and fries, and wow...it exceeded expectations. The steak was cooked perfectly, incredibly tender, and very simply seasoned with sea salt, allowing the quality of the meat to shine. It was served with a garlic chili aioli that paired beautifully with every bite. Now let's talk about those fries. I know it sounds funny to rave about fries, but they're often either a hit or a miss depending on the restaurant. These? Absolute hit. Crispy, flavorful, and the perfect companion to the steak. Honestly...I'd come back just for the fries. Well...maybe not just for the fries because the lamb meatballs completely stole the show! I expected them to have a stronger gamey flavor, but they were incredibly well prepared. You could immediately tell the chef knew exactly what they were doing. They were served in a rich tomato sauce with Parmesan cheese, and the garlic really brought everything together. Every bite was packed with flavor. We also tried the Brussels sprouts, which were tossed in what tasted like a delicious peanut sauce. The sauce itself was fantastic, and I loved the toppings, but I personally would have preferred the Brussels sprouts to have a little more crisp before being coated. That's purely my preference because the flavor combination was excellent. The mac and cheese was ok, although I wasn't expecting what looked like a light cornflake crumb topping. It added good texture and made for a beautiful presentation but could have used a little salt and more flavor. Happy Hour also includes a nice selection of wine, beer, and even margaritas, so be sure to check out the drink menu while you're there. One of the highlights of our evening was the service. Our server Dalton was absolutely fantastic--friendly, attentive, and incredibly patient. One person in our party had a food allergy, and I really appreciated how seriously he took it. He carefully noted the allergy, communicated it with the kitchen, and checked in several times throughout our meal to make sure everything was perfect. As a longtime Yelper, I believe great service deserves just as much recognition as great food, and tonight's service absolutely elevated the entire dining experience. The ambiance is another reason I'll be back. Books & Records has such a cool, inviting vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer. It's one of those hidden gems that locals secretly hope stays under the radar...but sorry, San Diego--the jig is up! Your favorite Yelper is here to shine a light on another amazing spot that's absolutely worth visiting. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and check them out. And as always...you can thank me later.

Curbside pickup during COVID-19

Interior

Bao buns

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Blueberry Beret ($14)

Cocina 35

5 years in business

We came to Cocina 35 at Liberty Station for the first time to celebrate my husband's birthday and…read morehad such a lovely experience. Dennise seated us and was so kind, she even shared a few of her favorite menu items since it was our first visit. Our server Anelle was great as well. She was friendly, attentive, and helped us pick some really good dishes. We tried the Tacos Dorados de Papa, El Sampler de la Abuela, and La Bomba, and for appetizers the Burrito de Machaca con Frijoles Puercos and the sweet corn tamal (which ended up being my favorite). The food and ambiance were great, but the service from Dennise and Anelle really stood out. They made our birthday brunch feel special.

There was a long line out front but it moved quickly. The menu does not give the food justice, but…read morethe food looks and tastes really good actually ! Very tasty and delicious food- my burritos had two sauces and sour cream and the green and red sauces were fantastic. Wifey had Flautas and we both had Jamaica in mason jars Inside and outside seating areas are open. Give this place a try folks you will love it!

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Hash House A Go Go

Wow! Everything about this place was phenomenal. The atmosphere, the food, and the service…read more The inside gives western diner in the absolute best way possible! It's got the decor, chairs, and art to match. Jessica was our server and she was amazing! She gave us lots of suggestions on what to try and what is on the menu since it was my first time here. She recommended the bloody Mary flight so did grab that to try! We also ordered the biscuits and gravy to share and orange juice. The portions are so large! So I am glad we decided to share the biscuits and gravy but let me run down each thing. Bloody Mary Flight: Honestly every single one was amazing. My favorite was definitely the pickle Mary! Everything tasted so delicious and was garnished beautifully. Well worth the 22 dollars. Biscuits and Gravy: Absolute perfection of comfort food. The biscuits were so fluffy and well seasoned. The gravy was also soooo good, just like my mom makes. The sausage in it was also cooked so well and juicy. I've never tried mashed potatoes with the biscuits and gravy but it worked very well! Orange Juice: Not a fan really, not pulpy enough and I wasn't a fan of the flavor. Overall this is definitely a must visit! I will definitely be back.

My friends selected this spot for brunch again and I must say the experience was much better than…read moremy previous. One thing out the gate is the portion sizes. The plates are massive so if you have a healthy appetite then you are at the right place. Plus there are a ton of items on the menu so there's something for everyone. The parking is get in where you can fit in on the street but it wasn't difficult. They have indoor and outdoor seating in the back. Our server Ulises was great which he immediately greeted us and was very attentive even with the Father's Day crowd. I decided to try the rib and eggs and I have to admit, I was very happy with my choice. The ribs were lightly sauced with a thin sauce that worked well. The meat was tender and had great flavor. I just didn't like the grass they put on top!lol The eggs were okay. I added cheese but I barely had any compared to my friends. The cantaloupe was a nice sweet treat afterwards. I tried my friend's meal and they were also good which they also enjoyed their meals overall. I also tried a one of the Bloody Mary flights which was the only tequila shot with pork skin on top. I do not like savory and spicy drinks but that particular shot was decent and was hot sauce for the pork skin. Overall, the experience was nice and the food was good especially for the value.

1. Smoked Bacon Fresh Avocado

Dining Room

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Iced coffee 10/10

Gaslamp Breakfast Company

The food was amazing and the service was equally as good! Jon took care of us and made our…read moreexperience here very comfortable!

The food was good and the ambiance was well thought of. Our server recommendations were helpful…read moreand attentiveness made it a pleasurable experience. Can't wait to go back next year.

Inside Restaurant Bar Area

Brioche Breakfast Sammy

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Steak & Eggs

The Corner Drafthouse

The restaurant was really busy but Sherwin made sure me and my family were taken care of the entire…read morenight. He was super nice, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu, which made everything easy for us. It was a really cool place to watch the Padres game, and has a great atmosphere even on a packed night. We ordered the poke bowl and Philly egg rolls and both were so delicious. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. We definitely will be coming back soon!

I came here to watch the World Cup, and the place was absolutely packed! Despite the crowd, the…read morestaff did an impressive job. From what I could tell, there was only the bartender, one server, and possibly the manager working the floor. There may have been another employee, but regardless, they handled the rush incredibly well. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and kept things moving despite being clearly understaffed. The place itself is super cute and has a really fun atmosphere. There are TVs everywhere, making it a great spot to catch a game, and they have a nice craft beer selection. What I ordered: * Chimichurri Sliders ($16) - One of their specials. You get two sliders with no fries, so I'm not sure how much of a "special" it really is. They were decent, but nothing memorable or worth going out of your way for. Overall, I'd definitely come back to grab a beer and watch a game because the vibe is great. Food-wise, though, I found it pretty mediocre for the price. Burgers are around $25 with fries, and the appetizers (or "bites") range from $18-$25.. I was still hungry after the sliders and wanted to order a side of fries, but they don't list sides or prices on the menu, so you have no idea what anything costs. I ended up passing because they only offer steak fries, which just aren't my favorite. One big bonus is that they're dog-friendly, which I always appreciate. If you're looking for a fun place to watch sports, enjoy a beer, and hang out with friends, I'd definitely recommend it. Just don't come expecting the food to be the highlight.

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Richard Walker's Pancake House

Came here for Mother's Day brunch and, predictably, the place was absolutely buzzing with families!…read moreEven with the holiday crowd, the vibe was great and the energy was high. You can't come to Richard Walker's and not get the Dutch pancake. We went with the Apple Pancake (the fan favorite for a reason) and it was honestly out of this world. It's got that perfect contrast with super fluffy in the middle but with those amazing crispy edges. We also tried the Belgian waffle, which was exactly how it should be: crunchy on the outside and delicious throughout. What really blew me away, though, was the service. Despite it being one of the busiest days of the year, the staff was absolutely superb fast, friendly, and totally on top of it. If you're in Downtown San Diego, this is a must-visit for a solid, convenient breakfast. Highly recommend!

A fault entirely of our own but EVERYTHING IS COOKED IN PEANUT OIL EXCEPT THE GF/PEANUT FREE…read morePANCAKES/WAFFLES. We did not see that fine print before arriving. Outside of the peanut oil surprising us, everyone's food was phenomenal! The service was great and we even got to meet Richard himself and he was very sweet. We ordered the thin Swedish pancakes which were yummy especially with the lingonberries! We also got the German Baked Pancake which took ~20 minutes as it said in the menu, so all of the food took that time as well. We got the GF/peanut oil free pancakes and they were still good. The inside was beautiful with the stained glass look and there was tons of outside seating as well. We walked right up on a Thursday morning around 9 AM and got seated instantly.

FRESH STRAWBERRY PATCH WAFFLE

Regular PANCAKE

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Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

0.9 mi

Leo was a phenomenal server. We are in town from Cincinnati and he made us feel at home in San…read moreDiego. Thanks for the great service, Leo!

Vanessa was our server and she was the best! She made great recommendations for brunch on Sunday…read more Great vibes, food was amazing, staff was so friendly! Matcha tiramisu was 10/10!

SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Lobster sliders

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Strawberry Matcha Latte

Queenstown Public House

We came here for a celebratory post-race dinner and first sat outside around a fire pit, but when…read morewe heard happy hour was in the bar-area only, we quickly pivoted. Thank goodness there was room too, because wow oh wow. It has been three weeks and we keep talking about that happy hour. LOL I appreciated that their happy hour menu wasn't all snackable appetizers; there were smaller-sized dishes for those less hungry, too! I ordered the Kiwilango slider + fries, my mom got the HH fish & chips, and my dad got the wagyu smash slider. Plus $10 beers, of course. Everything came out quickly and beautifully portioned, which made getting dessert (magpie ice cream cake) a no brainer. Delicious!!! I didn't stray into their full Kiwi-based dinner menu, but I can fully vouch for their happy hour, the cozy, charming vibes, kind and attentive servers, and flavorful dishes. Would absolutely recommend and will be coming back next time I'm in town!

Loved everything about this place! I love the ambiance the decor the staff the service the bottle…read moreof water provided with the cute little glasses the food the Cool breeze as you're sitting outside. They have a deal almost every single night of the week except for Saturday night. They also have happy hour prices. My friend ordered the spaghetti squash and I had a taste and it melted in my mouth good. It was a good size quantity also! I tried my first ever meat pie. I think I like meat pie! The crust was so flaky and the inside was so cheesy and meaty. Melted in my mouth good. If you're in the area I would definitely stop in and give it a try!

FISH & CHIPS

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The Cure

Breakfast Republic

Great food and service, short wait outside. Jose was a great server. Absolute stud. Not too…read moreexpensive either. Would highly recommend.

I recently took a trip out to San Diego for an appointment and stopped by Breakfast Republic; and…read morewow, everything was absolutely delicious! The interior is super organized, and I loved that they have a full bar area as well. We started with some mimosas, which were fantastic and the perfect kickoff to breakfast. For food, I ordered the Vegan Tres Leches Pancakes, and they were incredible. They were so naturally flavorful and moist that they barely even needed any maple syrup; the combination of the pistachio brittle and vegan buttercream on top was perfect on its own. My friend ordered the Shrimp and Crab Cake Benedict and loved it. He said it was packed with flavor, not dry at all, and didn't taste overly fishy; just perfect in every way. To top it all off, our server was so sweet, checked on us often, and was incredibly proactive throughout our meal. Great food, great drinks, and excellent service. I will definitely recommend to vegans and non vegans. Just to clarify for anyone looking to visit; Breakfast Republic isn't a fully vegan restaurant, but they do have a fair amount of great vegan options clearly marked on the menu.

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Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

0.9 mi

Leo was a phenomenal server. We are in town from Cincinnati and he made us feel at home in San…read moreDiego. Thanks for the great service, Leo!

Vanessa was our server and she was the best! She made great recommendations for brunch on Sunday…read more Great vibes, food was amazing, staff was so friendly! Matcha tiramisu was 10/10!

SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Lobster sliders

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Strawberry Matcha Latte

Born & Raised

we came here for my friends 30th birthday and hour server honestly made our experience! the vibes…read moreand atmosphere are 10/10 but Marie went above and beyond to make my friend feel special and we couldn't stop laughing and enjoying her company! The service was 1000/10 and we can't wait to come back

Food was out standing, had a beef Wellington and the portion was more than enough. The service was…read moreover the top. We had a really good waitress, Maria was her name. She was very kind and respectful...she needs a raise for sure. The ambiance was very picture perfect I would come here again

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

View from our table

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BURGUNDY SNAILS BONE MARROW & TOAST

Izola

Family-owned & operated

LGBTQ friendly

Food was fantastic, the Gruyère sourdough was . Angels service was great, he was kind and attentiveread more

Wow! A truly amazing bakery. The croissant is buttery and flakey. Easily one of the best croissants…read moreI've ever had. The quality of the pastries and welcoming atmosphere make this place worth visiting over and over, if only I live in San Diego Thank you, Bess, for your kind help. You're awesome!

Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

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IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

Went to Hinar to catch up with a friend! The line was long as usual, but it moved really fast…read more Shout out to Roseanne for being the sweetest and kindest worker! We ordered the Earl Grey matcha and Biscoff matcha, and both were super delicious. The service was great, and even though it was busy, there were still plenty of tables available. Great location, and I'll definitely be back!

I had an incredibly rough day and was looking forward to treating myself to my favorite dessert…read morefrom Hinar--the Biscoff cheesecake. Before driving over, I even called the store to make sure they had it. To my surprise, someone actually answered, confirmed they had one slice left, and even offered to hold it for me. My mood instantly changed. After the day I'd had, I was genuinely excited and headed there immediately. I arrived less than 10 minutes later, only to be told they didn't have it after all. To make matters worse, they claimed they don't even hold desserts for customers. It wasn't just disappointing--it was incredibly frustrating. If they couldn't hold it, I would have understood. But giving me false hope and having me rush over for nothing completely ruined the experience. What was supposed to be a small bright spot in my day turned into an even bigger disappointment. Unfortunately, this experience has left such a bad impression that I won't be returning. There are plenty of other bakeries in the area, and I'll be looking forward to trying those instead.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Inside

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Labora - Kearny Mesa

I went here yesterday and not sure who it was didn't get his name but he was super nice and told us…read moreto leave a review~ I told him I had heard this was the best place in town and was excited to try it as a first timer....safe to say it was worth it ! Definitely recommend coming here. :)

The matcha was amazing and the staff were very friendly! The sweetness on the matcha was perfect…read moreand the environment was very clean.

Scarlet 3

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Between Us

I've had Between Us on bookmarked ever since it opened! This brunch spot in North Park serves up a…read moremenu of fusion brunch options with Japanese and Filipino influences. I was nervous about coming without a reservation, but my husband and I arrived early and were able to grab a spot at the bar no problem. We started with the beignets that can either be served sweet or savory. We opted for the sweet which came with a sesame and matcha dipping paste. They were fresh and clearly made to order! They were a great start! For entrees, I got the Japanese curry and my husband got the duck and waffle. The curry was so good! I loved the whipped egg on top. It was so light and fluffy. The portion was huge and I was able to take about half of it home for a second meal. I was full from the delicious brunch, but still ordered a matcha to go. It was the only thing that I thought wasn't so great. I didn't love the matcha and the strawberry puree was a little too chunky for my liking. Everything else was great though! Prices here are pretty steep, but the food does taste good!

The beignets came out piping hot and fresh! The dips were…read moregood. The black sesame flavor was much more pronounced than the matcha. I honestly couldn't really taste the matcha much. I kept thinking a lemon or strawberry element would brighten it up nicely, and even a little salt could have made the flavors pop more. I feel like the texture of the dip should have leaned a bit more foamy for easier dipping. Duck Confit The duck was incredibly tender with crispy skin. I also loved the chili oil and felt it added such a nice kick. The passion fruit sauce was interesting and creative, but a bit too strong for my taste and overpowered the dish a little. I actually think a simple maple syrup would've worked better here. The waffle itself was decent, though I wish it had been crispier and had a bit more flavor on its own. Curry Hamburger The egg was light and nicely cooked. The curry leaned pretty salty, but it was smooth and flavorful. I really enjoyed the rice - it had a smoky, earthy flavor from the mushrooms that added a lot of depth. The hamburger patty helped balance out the saltiness well

Matcha Latte Tiramisu, love it

Mushroom Toast was amazing

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Mushroom Toast added poached egg

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gary M.

187

687

5 months ago

I recently stopped by Empanada Kitchen in San Diego, and it's a spot worth checking out if you're craving authentic Argentine-style empanadas! The location is bright and easy to spot once you're in the area, but heads up--the space is quite small, and parking can be pretty tricky depending on which spot you visit (street parking or limited options around downtown/North Park areas). Navigating the surrounding neighborhood sometimes means dealing with the local homeless population and areas that aren't super well-maintained, but once you're inside, it's a different story. The interior is clean, well-kept, with comfortable furniture and a straightforward menu that's easy to read. Staff might seem a bit scarce, but they get your order taken efficiently without much wait. The empanadas themselves are the star--handmade and baked (not fried), with spot-on seasoning and really flavorful meats and fillings that deliver great taste. The breading/empanada dough could use a little improvement though; it's on the thin and brittle side and lacks a distinctive flavor of its own. Still, overall, the food is very good and satisfying. Despite the minor drawbacks with parking, exterior upkeep, and the dough texture, the empanadas pack solid flavor and make this place feel comfortable and welcoming inside. It's definitely worth a try--especially if you're a fan of authentic empanadas. I'll be back to sample more varieties! Hope you enjoy it too. read more

Kyle I.