Delicious and fresh columbian baked good, you can order ahead. Service is always friendly and fast. Good coffee too. There are a few tables and chairs. www.mekatos.com Menu: https://cashdrop.com/mekatosbakery read more

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Fast casual Colombia bread store. Offering basic fried foods, baked goods at a great price and very tasty read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Pan de queso - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love this little Colombian bakery - I've stopped here a bunch of times now whenever I'm in the area and in the mood for a treat or I intentionally come over here when I need a pick-me-up and I know eating this will cheer me up / drastically improve my mood. The service is chill and you can eat things in here or to go and I've done both before. I've tried a few things here - their jugo de mango con leche, buñuelos, panes de bono, empanadas, the arepa, and their carimañolas. I like a lot of it but my absolute personal favorites that I have to get everytime I go is their pan de bono and the carimañola de queso...so delicious. My one note is the last time I went the cheese was still cold inside the carimañola and it hadn't been well cooked melted and I don't know if they didn't thaw it properly or just rushed the cooking. I keep the review five stars because again, I've had the carimañola here many times so I'm chalking this up to a one-off and hope next time it'll be warm and melted and delicious all throughout. I really love this place lol and recommend it if you want a snack (they have other food but this is what I've gotten). read more

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Fried yucca with cheese = to die for! I didn't find anything to eat that I didn't like (tried to sample it all) but the one thing I did want to mention is the customer service. Twice I went back for water and both times they were very nice and accommodating immediately. read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Wonderful pastries "a la orden" - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the Carimañola here. Crispy yuca and savory beef makes for a very filling snack!

I often pass by this bakery for work not realizing how amazing this place is! If you're craving delicious, quick, and affordable Colombian food PLEASE give this bakery a try! Their empanadas are DELICIOUS! I would post a picture but every-time I get it I forget to take one because I just want to eat it quickly. It's crispy on the outside with just the right amount of fillings! It's also very flavorful! They also have a variety of fresh pastries to try. Staff was also kind and friendly and was happy to tell me what kind of pastries and options they offered on the menu. Definitely my new go to spot! read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nothing is fresh. They sell very old food. And they sell expired food that comes from Colombia. Their business practices and way of making food is just like the town in Colombia they are from. Please modernize to make real and good Colombian bake foods. Is 2026. And Everyone's attitude is horrible as well. The place is neither a restaurant nor bakery? So what is it? It shows the lack of education in every aspect of the business read more

Great tasting food! The arepas and buñuelos were AMAZING! Service was quick and friendly, and the place is nicely decorated. Glad to see Colombian businesses thriving in this area. read more

Whenever I am near here, I always stop to get a box of empanadas and arepa con chocolo! Absolutely the best! read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Arepa con chocolo - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Recently renovated and improved their order and pick up stations. The fried goods are very authentic and tasty! I highly recommend their chicharones (fried pork belly), empanadas con pollo (chicken filled pie), and the best item was the arepa con queso (corn bread with cheese). Arepa had the best hint of sweetness. $10 for 1 of each, sweet and friendly staff, and only took 5 min to get my order in a Sunday at 12pm. It had a long line of 5 people in front too. Highly recommend this place for a quick bite! read more

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This is out west from Rogers Park, so we don't pass by as much as we do compared to Argyle. Mekato's is an ethnic bakery gem - certainly not as common across Chicago, but they're not taking that status for granted - great prices and quality items. It does help if you are familiar with Columbian baked goods (along with savory pastries), but the staff will also help with describing the insides (after that, it's time to just take the plunge, buy it and try it for about a $1). Been away for a while so this revisit during the pandemic shelter-in-place found it had expanded to the next door storefront, gone was the diner counter. Looks like there is a hot food menu now with pickup on the side, but otherwise the bakery line remains on the left side of the establishment. Don't miss the savory pastries on the right of the register. Even with the other baked goods on the left, you'll find some savory items with cheese breads. Picked up on this revisit - palito de queso (cheese stick), papa rellena, carimañola de queso, and lastly an arepa. All for under $9. (Arepa - yellow with corn - comes with queso by default, you can also ask for chocolate with cheese too.) In terms of packaging - papa rellena will be wrapped in foil to keep warm, arepa will be heated with cheese on a plastic plate, then wrapped in foil. New website, run it through Google translate if you need English - the overhead picture menu is a good sampling of what you find in the case. https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&pto=aue&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=es&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=http://mekatos.com/panes/&usg=ALkJrhjNOv_Cv7u6jAZIQzz_f2Z60k5KIA Passed/missed on this visit housemade fruit drinks or hot beverages. Must return soon to survey the baked pastry case and get a drink. read more

The lady at the counter was very helpful explaining the different types of breads and food items. The actual items we purchased were all very good. The torta negra is a wine cake but totally looks like chocolate cake. It has an interesting taste you either like it or don't but worth trying m. The place was simple but clean. It has a constant line of people picking up orders. I will be back to try the Colombian coffee read more

As authentic Colombian as I've been able to find in the US! The selection is varied and executed well. I tried the arepas de choclo, empanadas, buñuelos, almohabanas, and more and they were all wonderful. Prices are reasonable and service is timely and friendly. I'm not from the Chicago area and this place is now a must stop when in town. Highly recommend! read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Colombian map art work - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

All I've got to say is....EMPANADAS!!!!!! And their house made sauce is amazing too. Support small, local businesses! read more

I LOVE this place! I wish they had one where I live but whenever I go to Chicago I stop in!

2nd BEST COLOMBIAN EMPANADAS & DELECTABLE PASTRIES In honor of my sister-in-law's birthday we decided to hit up Mekato's. They have the 2nd best Colombian empanadas in the city. They also have delectable pastries to enjoy with authentic Colombian coffee. The pastries and coffee are worthy of 5-stars. We ordered 6 chicken empanadas and several guava pastries. We both had Colombian coffee. Our order was slightly under $20 I had a coconut bread. My sister-in-law had the guava lobster (this pastry resembles the body of a lobster which is why in Spanish it is the "guava caracol"). Their Colombian coffee is the best I've ever had. I have patronized many, many, many Latin American restaurants in Chicago, but this joint has incredible coffee. They offer a variety of pastries. I don't eat sweets on a very regular basis. I don't feel guilty if I over indulge in their goodies. I really, really, really enjoy their pastries especially anything filled with guava. This is a self-serve place. You order, pay, sit down, and wait for your goodies. If they are not very busy they will bring everything to you. Otherwise, you have to wait for your food and take it to the table yourself. If you sit at the counter (bar) everything is put in front of you. It makes it easier not only for you, but for the young lady who is serving your food, coffee and pastries. If you do not drink coffee you can order a cold beverage. They offer 3 different kinds of home-made juice. We usually sit at the bar to make it easier for the lady serving us. Although my last name is not Spanish they always speak Spanish to me. Fortunately, I speak 4 different foreign languages. Spanish is one of them. The only negative about this joint is there are no public restrooms. Make sure to empty your bladder before you go here. Another negative is they do not have prices listed for their pastries or empanadas. They do not have the names of the pastries so, like a child in a candy store, you point to whatever you want. The price point for the pastries are reasonable. They range anywhere from $1.50 to $1.75 and go up from there. TIP (for Bathroom) If you really need to use the washroom you can always stop at McDonald's on Peterson, about 2 blocks West of Lincoln Ave. This McDonald's is located on the south side of Peterson. There is also another McDonald's on Foster (@ Kedzie). I'm glad we checked our order because they usually forget to give the spicy green salsa for the empanadas. As usual, they forgot to give us the spicy salsa on 9/24, so we requested their homemade salsa. Make sure to always check your order. The spicy salsa is free. The chicken empanadas are very good even without salsa. The spicy salsa elevates the empanadas to a completely different level of deliciousness. If you want to find out who has the best Colombian empanadas in the city you'll have to scroll through my other reviews. Look for my review for "Luna." Keep in mind Colombian empanadas are very different from Mexican empanadas and/or Puerto Rican empanadas. If you have never tried a Colombian empanada you may or may not like them. However, give them a try and expand your palate. read more

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A coworker showed me this bakery. It is amazing! Their beef and chicken empanadas are delicious and the chimichurri sauce that's given with it. It's tangy and garlicky. The prices are not bad either! For the amount of meat they put in the empanada, it's worth it. read more

If you're looking for amazing tasting Colombian empanadas this place is it! The thing I love most about this place is the customer service. The woman who assisted with me with my 28 empanada order (lol) made the 7 min wait for my batch feel like a breeze with making conversation. Came 4/14 around 5pm and it is pretty empty. (Tip: Definitely go very early as soon as they open to beat the weekend rush or what to late afternoon if not it can be a wait) Although there are a few seats this is typically an order to go place but again the empanadas are very tasty you can order either chicken or beef and I love that they are not greasy. Their mango juice is also delicious. I would have given a full 5 stars but the only thing that held me back was there is no public restroom :( read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Jugo de mango - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The service was excellent. The food was not as good as I expected for the price. Everything is very pricy and very bland. I ordered 6 beef empanadas and they were very small for it to be worth 2.50 each and filled with more potato than beef and the beef inside resembled shredded pork. It should be called potato empanada with beef strings. We ordered 2 pieces chicharron and it was not crunchy more chewy and flavorless. The arepa with cheese was very greasy, thin, under a heat lamp and to warm it up they microwaved it to make the cheese melt. I also ordered the chorizo and that was the only thing that was good. I really wanted to love this place but was sadly disappointed with the cooked food. The pastries looks ok. But I was there for the food because it was recommended to me. Unfortunately I can't see myself paying what I paid again for the quality I got. I would rather go to a sit down restaurant and get everything fresh. read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Chorizo, Beef empanadas, and chicharron. The 3 small arepas came with the chorizo not what I described in the review. - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is awesome! All of their baked goods are delicious. If you want vegetarian empanadas, make sure to call ahead! read more

The donut is very good and the hot dog bun is good too. Empanadas are good too. Sorry I am eating this delicious food I got from there so I cant type. read more

Love this amazing Colombian bakery located in Lincoln square - They have an amazing app where you can order in advance. They recently expanded so you can order for catering which is a huge plus. If you looking to get your Colombian fix stop here for bunelos, empanadas and tamales. It's super delicious read more

Lack of advertised food in a bare bones and unpleasant atmosphere. E had to leave and find another place after spending time driving there. It was neither a typical bakery nor a restaurant and they did not have any empanadas! read more

We loved everything we got here, even if we didn't always know what we were getting. Most of the staff speak Spanish and many of the food labels were also in Spanish. It's a great opportunity to try out your language skills! It all tasted fresh. Our favorites were the empanadas and the arepas. We bought everything for about $15 so it's also well-priced. We will definitely be back. read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - a plate of food - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We come here all the time and the food has always been amazing. Empanadas, churros colombianos, café, jugo, and my recent favorite, carimañolas, a fried cassava thingy. Also, since the pandemic, the staff has done an amazing job enforcing whatever safety policies necessary to ensure we customers are safe. read more

I have been coming to Mekatos for almost 20 years and they have never disappointed. They have plenty of empanadas, papas rellenas, buñuelos and so much more at the ready. I was so happy to visit and see them still in business, they are very kind and amazing people. read more

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Got a guava cheese bread - so good! But I wish they put more guava and cheese inside. Make sure to call ahead if you're looking for something specific. It also helps if you speak Spanish! Also got the alfajores cookies (shortbread with dulce de leche and coconut) ~ very fresh and delicious. They also had an assortment of confections, snacks, and coffee. Parking in the neighborhood is not too bad during the daytime. read more

a Colombian friend bring me here for coffee empanadas almohabanas then I try chicharron and chorizo pretty good read more

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Delicious! A coworker told me of this place and I stopped in. I tried each kind of empanada's (3 that were ready) and they were awesome!

Service improved from 1 to 4 friendlier service way better than 3 years ago ....and as always goods are delicious . Yes I would come back to get some empanadas and Chorizo . Morcilla and arepas de choclo with cheese . Yummmy read more

OFF THE CHAIN! We had the chicharrón (reminded me of the chuleta can can, Puerto Rican style pork)-so juicy and crunchy. The cassava empanada had cheese and they warmed it up. I don't think I've ever tried something so satisfying-a little sweet, a little salty. Friendly service. Reasonable prices. read more

The food is not that bad, which is why I gave them 2 stars. It's unfortunate that their service is subpar, unfortunately. It's took close to an hour to get my order, only for them to tell me they were out of what I ordered. read more

The best fresh baked bread. Be sure to try the bunelos, pandebono (at least 5), and pan de yuca. Add a cup of delicious frothy coffee. Feeling extra hungry? Add two empanadas (beef). Crunchy shell with stewed meat and potatoes. The closest in flavor to my family's recipe. You'll be transported to one of the many bakeries of Colombia (but to me Cali). The smell is addictive when you enter. Come often! You won't regret it. Update: holy heckin bob. They have remodeled!!! There is a larger seating area! No more crammed all over the front door. This is wonderful and they so deserve it!!! ¡Felicitaciones! read more

Mekato's Colombian Bakery - Empanada with a frothy cup of coffee. Pandebono in the background - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been coming here for years. I think since they opened. As a Colombian, I think we try any Colombian spot in the area. I live in Nashville now and when I'm in the Chicago area I try to stop in. The empanadas here are better than others I've tried and love ordering tamales. I came in to pick up tamales this time around, but my mom had made an order for other items as well. I wanted some items as well and decided I might as well have breakfast here before hitting the road. Take my money. I always end up spending more than I would like. Lol Breakfast consisted of coffee(of course), a pandebono, arepa, and an empanada. The arepas that they serve aren't the normal cheesy ones. These are sweet corn cakes. They are served w cheese on top. Either way, yum. I'll always say yes to any typical Colombian dish. It is few and far between when I get a chance to eat it. Leave it to a Colombian to be obsessed w bread. Give us all the carbs. I ordered about $100 of bread to go . The sweets are good too. Milojas are a must. If you're in the area, give them a shot. It's worth it read more

I stopped by Mekato's today because a Colombian friend recommended it to me. I'm really glad that I did. I came by around 5pm, so probably a little late to get the cream of the crop, but I ended up getting the following and was very happy with it. Arepa - different than what I am used to. It was almost like a sweet cornbread with cheese on top. Really tasty. Empanada - softer than the empanada I am used to, but loved it. I would guess it's made from cassava flour but not sure on this. I got the meat one and thought it was really really good. Carimañola con Carne - similar to the meat empanada. Really, really good. Chicharron - solid. I love the fact that these were served with a lime. I would say they could be a little crispier, but love the fact that you get some meat and some fat. Bunuelos - pretty good. I think these would be money if they were fresh. Still good. We got a couple other pastries that I didn't catch the name of. A coconut cookie that was good. A caramel type flakey pastry that was just ok. And something similar to the Bunuelo. It might have been made of cassava? Again, liked this, and think it would only be better if it were fresh (my fault). The last dish we got was a pastry filled with guava and ricotta. This was the best dessert we had and I highly recommend it. I love fruit and ricotta together. Come try this place for yourself, you won't regret it. read more

Excellent chicken and beef empanadas, the dough is not dry at all like some places. Chorizo is flavorful and great as well. Definitely recommend!!! read more

I always appreciate an ethnic bakery, because they don't gouge the customer on price like all the "mainstream" bakeries. There is no such thing as a two-dollar cookie or a four-dollar muffin at these places. So, while invariably the prices are great at these types of establishments, of course the products themselves can be hit or miss. At Mekato it's mostly "hit." The rolls are very solid: there are the guava and dulce de leche rolls (in the shape of a horseshoe with the ends pinched together and filling inside) and the pan coco, a round roll with toasted coconut sprinkled on top. The first two are great when you want something sugary, but usually I like something in the morning that is mostly bready with a slight touch of sweetness. In fact, two panes coco and a small passionfruit juice to go for $2.20 is becoming a regular order for me, since this is an easy and quick stop on my commute to work. That is a pleasant breakfast for my ride, especially as the weather warms (mmm, tropical fruit juices). Yesterday I got my panes cocos almost straight out of the oven and they were heavenly. They also make pretty good American-style cookies here but I haven't tried many of the dessert-type goods, just the morning-type goods. Also, they sell chicken and beef empanadas in the afternoon/evening. The meat fillings are nothing to write home about, but their crust is the best that I've found--slightly chewy and a tiny bit flaky with no greasy heaviness. Delightful. Those are either $1.25 apiece or $2.50 for an order of two, I'm not sure. But why would you want just one anyway? read more

Dec 2020: We have been loyal Mekato's customers for the past five years. Today I made the grave mistake of calling to ask about a small special order for New Years Eve (tomorrow). Throughout the entire holiday season they have had Facebook posts telling customers to simply call them to place special orders. That's exactly what I did today but my sin was apparently speaking English. I was quickly put on hold then I sat waiting for 17 minutes before THEY HUNG UP ON ME. I've never had an issue when I stop in, I guess because I speak Spanish when I'm there on-site. Extremely rude and unprofessional and they most likely have just lost a loyal customer. read more

The food and service here is fantastic. I also love that they are open early on Monday morning when many other places are not. We ordered many different items to try for takeout. All was good, but I especially loved the Arepa de Chocolo con queso and the Chicharron. read more

Horrible customer service. They will "pick and chose" who to serve instead of serving you based on the line that you are waiting, then rolling eyes at you when you called them out. If the owner read these comments, he/she should know that good food cannot cover for bad customer services. read more