We ordered the eggplant empanada and were initially told it would be ready in 5 minutes. After waiting longer than that, we went back to check and were told they had to get it from another location but that it was almost done. When I asked again for a timeframe, they said 7 more minutes and even offered to give us an extra empanada for the delay, which we appreciated at the moment. However, 30 minutes later, we still hadn't received our order, so we decided to leave. To their credit, they did refund our money, which we appreciated. That said, the overall experience was disappointing. The staff member preparing the empanadas seemed annoyed even before we ordered, as if she didn't want to be there. When we decided to leave, her response was, "We don't want to give you the empanadas frozen," which is understandable, but the way it was communicated came across poorly. Overall, there seems to be a lack of communication and customer service. With better coordination and attitude, this could have been a much better experience. read more

Food was amazing and they were quick to bring the it out to us friendly staff a must stop when your hitting the beach

The food is the best food I've ever had in my entire life. I went back 5 different times in one day because they ARE that good!!! The beautiful ladies working are so sweet and have such good service! They make the food fresh and pretty fast! It is also very clean!!! read more

First time visitors to this family-owned business. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is small, cozy, and well maintained.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owners, Rosie and Rico, are AMAZING! They are extremely friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make our visit fun and memorable. The chicken empanadas with chimichurri sauce we had were DELICIOUS! They were full of flavor, well made, and hot. I wish I had another one now. I will definitely return during my next visit to Venice Beach. I HIGHLY recommend this small eatery if and when you are in the area and hungry for a great meat or chicken-filled empanada. read more

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The best empanadas in LA ! I come here like 3-4 times a week . Rico and Rosie are the best . read more

Fun vibe! Super attentive to the audience during the watch party. I definitely recommend supporting their team read more

Rico’s Empanadas - World Cup watch party! Fun atmosphere built by their team. - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

The ham and cheese empanada at Rico's Empanadas is fire~! My brother in law of 25 years' family has a bakery in Argentina specializing in empanadas....and this was better. Don't tell him I said that! But legit, the dough is perfect and flavorful, the insides were excellent and the garlic sauce they put over the top is a fun & unique fire touch! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Found on the Venice Boardwalk, it's a cute black & white shop sandwiched between Rico's Surf Shop and Pizzeria.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]No seating but you can take your eats and sit over by the basketball courts.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] After ordering, food takes about 10 minutes to come out and you can get the aforementioned garlic sauce strewn over your eats if you like. I did like but what's weird is they just handed it to us without napkins so be sure to ask for napkins because it is messsssssy with all that garlic oil. One thing that I wasn't a fan of was ordering a cookie and they had me grab my own. I accidently touched the cookie below as I was grabbing mine and then didn't love the idea that the last person did the same touching my cookie. I would suggest a covering/bag for the cookies so staff can grab them & people can actually take them to go. Just holding a melting cookie in the sun while waiting for my eats was not ideal. Just a suggestion to optimize your customer's experience. :) Now as mentioned, the Ham & Cheese is the MUST get here, straight fire. I also enjoyed the beef though it wasn't nearly as delicious. Unfortunately the Cheese & Sweet Corn which I was most looking forward to was 95% crust with barely any filling. It was not cheesy at all and had but a few pieces of corn. Maybe an off batch? Overall, I would try them again because I loveeeeed the Ham & Cheese Empanada and would like to try more on the menu. read more

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This was my first time visiting here and I really enjoyed it! Rico and Rosie were so friendly and welcoming, and their empanadas were delicious, I chose the chicken, and with Rico's recommendation, I chose the chimichurri sauce on top. I'm so glad I did but it added the perfect kick to the empanadas!! I will definitely come back next time I'm here! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

Great Empanadas, quick place to grab some food on the beach! Definitely try it with the garlic "sauce" they put on top... read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Beef & Potato - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

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This is my kind of breakfast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Had to take my son to surf at Venice beach at 6:30am. I was not thrilled until I came across this little morning treasure just off the walkway that's lined with stores not yet open and where all the bodybuilders will show off their bulges once they wake up and drink their protein powder shakes[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. But me I'm having the "Today's Special " 2 empanadas & a drink for $15. Usually I don't do anything except coffee till 10 but this place was calling to me. So glad I listened to myself for once. read more

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Great service and great food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a great Venice Beach experience[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the beef and the chicken empanadas with chimichurie they had Crispy shells and flavorful stuffings. I also had the Rico Suave espresso. It was Rich and Beautiful. I'll be back read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Rico and his rubber chicken - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

Absolutely must stop and try these empanadas! So full of flavor and good quality texture! If you know me, I'm stopping by any Argentine place I see. I spotted this out of the corner of my eye, and was skeptical about trying it. The lady working the stand was very sweet though, and convinced me otherwise. I tried the chicken empanada, sitting at $6 per empanada. That's good beachside price for one big empanada. But this empanada was one of my favorites I've ever had! The flavors and textures were cooked to perfection! I very much enjoyed my empanada and am very glad I stopped by! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

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June 11 & 12th, 2025 | Venice Beach: When you're walking on the Venice Boardwalk and crave a bite of Argentina, I highly recommend Rico's Empanadas! Memorable empanadas bursting with flavor, personality plus via Rico & beach scenery...it's a win! Eggplant Empanada: Eggplant, bell peppers, seasoned to perfection... gets me every time, I love it!! While I have been going to Rico's Empanadas for years, this one is my absolute favorite empanada! Eggplant, bell peppers, seasoned to perfection... gets me every time, I love it!! Corn & Cheese: Piping hot, cheesy, creamy corn filled & flavorful, inside of a crispy edged empanada! Oh my!! Customer Service: Rico is pure happiness! He easily leaves you with a smile & often times, laughter! He's full of personality & a whole vibe! Note: Got 2 empanadas to go for myself & the very next day, met up with a friend and introduced him to the empanadas, and we both got empanadas to go! They truly are delicious! Overall: Mouthwatering bites that will easily have you coming back for more! Yes! Let's go! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great staff, excellent food, perfect location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] What else do you need. I highly recommend the spinach empanadas after a long day at the beach read more

Was delighted to find an Argentine empanada spot, walking around. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice spot in a corner, along the Venice beach boardwalk.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not too far from the main parking lot. Wanted to try the eggplant empanada but they were out so got the spinach & cheese. Was good with the chimichurri on top! Good cheese pull when taking bites. We also got a coffee. Would go again when in the area. read more

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Best Empanada's & coffee!!! You can't beat the location and I just love Rico & Rosie!!! Service is great!

Amazing!!!! I love the beef & OMG there's olives in there but it is soooo good!!! You should try all of them. We ended up trying the chicken, beef, beef & potatoe, jalapeno& cheese, sweet corn& cheese. We need to try the eggplant! Must try when you're at the Venice beach! read more

Empanadas are amazing!!! Definitely coming back for them These are like no other, hot and savory! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Cárne con papa y éspinaca con queso - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

Love this place! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe, the food, and the peeps are what this place wonderful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I have been, and each time has been pleasant read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Menu - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

Super friendly and chill empanada stand! Wonderfully enjoyable empanada lunch with iced coffee- can't think of a better way to spend a day walking along the beach! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Menu - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

My son is 7 years old the first thing he says when we get to Venice beach "dad let's go to Rico's empanadas" after our adventure at Venice "dad let's get a empanadas before we go home" Rico's empanadas is really good especially with that Chimichurri sauce omg it sooo delicious we'll be back again in may. read more

Rico’s Empanadas - My son eating the ham and Ham & Cheese Empanada - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

Just came from Rico's and had the original beef and the ham and cheese empanadas. The ham and cheese has little ham and little cheese and was very salty. The beef was very greasy clearly using very cheap ground beef, it was also very spicy which clearly caters to the non Argentines here in California . No way either passes for the originals in other restaurants, I do not recommend going here . I pray I don't get sick from all the grease., read more

Best eggplant empanadas ever! The eggplant filling was smoky and Rico made a fresh batch for one order of empanada.. super kind and hospitable place.. I tried his jalapeno and cheese empanada as well.. too good! Anyone visiting Venice Beach must not miss this place. read more

Went here awhile ago and the Empanadas were really good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came back and the place is twice as big...[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Had really good coffee now with a whole coffee bar read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Empanadas - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

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Rico's Empanadas are the best , his service is excellent and professional definitely I would recommend eating here and also I can't forget his coffee and Rosie's as well sooooo Delicious read more

Great food great coffee great prices friendly and attentive staff. A must try if you are in Venice near the Boardwalk!!!

Delicious amazing service and can't wait to go back! Beef empanadas yummmmm, matcha yummmm

A must try place prices are good and so is food . Thanks Rico. Hot fresh and fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place at Venice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

I recently moved to Venice and am always on the lookout for the next legendary hole-in-the-wall--and wow, I think I just found one. I spotted this spot on my way to yoga, and something about it stuck with me, so I came back after class just in time for "last call." I grabbed a beef and a chicken empanada (already prepped, just needed a quick reheat) and... wow. The crust was the perfect balance of soft and crispy, and the filling? Juicy, flavorful, and packed with seasoning. No dry bites here--just pure satisfaction. Rico, the owner, was such a vibe--super chill and welcoming. Turns out he also gives surfing lessons and runs a shop right next door. You can tell he pours love into both his food and his community. A gem in Venice for sure. Can't wait to go back! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Small little coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super nice people, excellent coffee, great vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thanks for perking me up a few times while visiting! read more

Wow wow wow! I had a Berenjena, Spinach & Cheese. Beautifully balanced, with a sauce that adds a perfect heat. A crust thats got just enough resistance & crunch, soft & tender in the middle. Service is warm, authentic & So Cal chilled. read more

Empanadas are so delicious and rico and Rosie are so nice . I highly recommend this place

Stopped by when we saw the little shack during our walk along the Venice boardwalk. Rico was really kind and made them fresh and quick! I had never had an Argentinian empanada before and was blown away. You can add chimichurri sauce (and other sauces) on top if you choose or want spicy. I definitely recommend! read more

I got one chicken empanada because their beef was sold out and with good reason! The empanada was very good and not too greasy or heavy. It was the perfect snack while enjoying a day at the beach! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Chicken empanada with chimichurri sauce - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

amazing food and service! we went after the Brazil World Cup game and the two people serving us were so sweet and kind.

If you're looking for something real and high quality on the boardwalk that isn't overpriced tourist food, this is it. These are the best empanadas I've had in LA, even better than Johnny pacifics in the valley. Glad I walked by Rico on my morning walk today! read more

THE BEST EMPANADAS! Rico is so lovely and hospitable. I always see him anytime I'm in Venice

Rico is the most awesome and kind guy making and serving the most awesome empanadas you could ever dream of!! Trust me, add the empanada sauce with some green sauce and forget about...best you ever had!! read more

Rico’s Empanadas - Beef Empanada with house chimi sauce - Empanadas Near Me - Venice, California

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Rico is absolutely terrific! He was so sweet, friendly, and funny. When we got there it looked like he was just opening up, but he still took our order right away and was very communicative of what was available or not, and how long it would take for him to get our order to us. [[HIGHLIGHT]]While waiting, many people approached him for a quick snack or just to chat. I could tell he was loved and well-known in this area. It made my experience so much better because everyone was so comfortable around him. It felt like I was eating at a family establishment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll be sure to stop by to continue to support him whenever I'm in the area. The beef empanadas were pretty good and the garlic chimichurri made it even better. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Location was tiny. I thought there was a shop like we could sit at with tables but it's literally on Venice Beach one of the little tiny shops and they just sell them right there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They were delicious. Definitely will eat them again but we need to find a place to sit. The girl was on it as soon as you walked in she served us and gave us the empanada we want so we were happy. read more