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    Rico’s Empanadas

    4.8 (135 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Rico’s Empanadas Takeout or Delivery

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    RICO’S EMPANADAS ATMOSPHERE

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    Sarah S.

    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.

    World Cup watch party!   Fun atmosphere built by their team.

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

    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!

    Beef & Potato
    Kalauna C.

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

    Rico himself
    Helie L.

    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.

    Rico and his rubber chicken
    Michael T.

    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

    Alma A.

    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!

    June 10, 2025 | Tuesday | Sweet corn and cheese Empanada!
    Shantelle S.

    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!

    Empanada offerings sign
    François S.

    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.

    Cárne con papa y éspinaca con queso

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

    Menu
    Neighbors Feeding N.

    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

    Menu
    Kim B.

    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!

    My son eating the ham and Ham & Cheese Empanada
    David Jr. R.

    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.

    Empanadas

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    Review Insights

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    2 years ago

    Rico was awesome. Best empanadas we have ever had. My wife laughs because I walk around saying Empanadas empanadas

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    3 years ago

    Overpriced and not great. Anyone giving 5 stars has probably never made empanadas in their life

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    4 years ago

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    Rose E.

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    4 years ago

    The best empanadas we've tried. We got the chicken and beef. Both were delicious but I liked the chicken better.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Employees not wearing masks. Automatic zero in current times and what does it say about how clean they are overall?

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    Jose G.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

    I tried the empanadas abd are very good and prices are way cheaper than empanadas place.

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    Rose E.

    We hope to see you again soon :)

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    5 years ago

    So glad we stopped by to try these delicious empanadas. Super friendly service and tasted homemade! Worth every penny

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    6 years ago

    Really good empanadas. Super friendly too! Had the beef and spinach. I'll be back to try the chicken.

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Some of the best homemade food available on the Venice boardwalk. Service is always friendly! Will definitely be back

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    Page 3 of 4

    Ask the Community - Rico’s Empanadas

    Review Highlights - Rico’s Empanadas

    If you are in Venice Beach and want something delicious with the chimichurri sauce on the side this is a go to.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    Rico’s Empanadas - empanadas - Updated July 2026

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