Best Empanada in Chicago | Top 12 Spots

12 restaurants in Best Empanada in Chicago | Top 12 Spots

• Deep Purpl — American · rated 5/5: Vibrant hues and bold flavors collide in this modern sanctuary, where the deep, velvety purple of artisanal acai bowls provides a refreshing counterpoint to the golden, flaky warmth of hand-crafted Argentinian empanadas. From the satisfying crunch of thick-cut toasts topped with creamy avocado or rich hazelnut to the savory comfort of buttery shrimp and grits, every dish is a playful celebration of fresh ingredients and global inspiration.
• Estereo — Mexican · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched, triangular oasis pulses with the warmth of Latin America, blending the laid-back charm of a breezy coffee house with the sophisticated energy of a craft cocktail bar. Guests linger over vibrant, citrus-brightened libations featuring earthy mezcal and botanical sotol, paired perfectly with the buttery, savory crunch of artisanal empanadas as vinyl records spin a soulful soundtrack into the evening.
• Theory — American · rated 4/5: Theory pulses with a modern, eclectic energy, where the comforting aroma of griddled challah French toast mingles with the zesty, bold spices of house-made chilaquiles. This vibrant social hub transforms casual dining into a sensory celebration, offering everything from crispy breakfast empanadas to inventive Cacio e Pepe chips that invite lingering over shared plates in a spirited, welcoming atmosphere.
• The Garage Bar & Sandwiches — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub blends industrial charm with a laid-back neighborhood vibe, creating a spirited backdrop for lively gatherings and shared plates. The kitchen puts a playful, indulgent spin on comfort classics, serving up everything from molten Mac N’ Cheese Empanadas and zesty Cosmic Shrimp to oversized pretzels and crispy, sauce-drenched wings. Whether you're tucking into a vibrant, farm-fresh salad or a plate of hearty bites, the experience is one of pure, unpretentious satisfaction where the atmosphere is as bold as the flavors.
• Ashley's Cafe & Tap — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant local hub, where the air is thick with the scent of buttery pastries and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine. Guests tuck into golden-brown empanadas filled with everything from zesty chorizo to earthy spinach and feta, pairing their savory bites with a bold espresso shot or a crisp, hand-shaken lemonade.
• Estereo FM — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant and rhythm-forward, this spirited enclave pulses with the soul of Latin America, where the air is bright with the citrusy zing of pisco and the smoky allure of artisanal mezcal. Golden, flaky empanadas from Cafe Tola provide the perfect savory counterpoint to a sophisticated lineup of draft cocktails and botanical elixirs, creating a lively sanctuary that feels like a perpetual, sun-drenched afternoon.
• Xoco — Mexican: The air at Xoco is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted cacao and sizzling griddles, drawing guests into a vibrant space where golden, flaky empanadas and griddle-crisped tortas celebrate the bold spirit of Mexican street food. Soul-warming caldos and creamy guacamole provide a comforting centerpiece to the meal, which inevitably concludes with the irresistible crunch of hot-from-the-fryer churros and a steaming mug of frothy, stone-ground hot chocolate.
• Havana Grill — Spanish: Havana Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling spices and the rhythmic clinking of glasses. Crispy plantain tostaditos and golden-fried empanadas offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to savory, soulful fillings, while zesty ceviche and smoky chipotle crab cakes bring a bright, coastal flair to the table. It is a spirited escape where every spoonful of rich black bean soup or bite of a hearty chimichanga feels like a sun-drenched celebration of bold Latin flavors.
• Taste222 — American: Taste222 invites guests into a vibrant, stylish sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the comforting aroma of golden cornbread and bubbling, artisanal mac and cheese. The kitchen reimagines soulful classics through a sophisticated lens, turning out crispy firecracker shrimp and zesty empanadas that pair perfectly with the lively energy of a shared table. It is a culinary crossroads where bold, global spices meet elevated American comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and effortlessly social.
• Mercat a la Planxa — Spanish: This spirited Catalan destination transports diners to the heart of a bustling Barcelona market, where the air is thick with the aroma of charred meats and the lively clinking of glasses. A vibrant array of tapas takes center stage, featuring everything from crispy, salt-dusted patatas bravas and savory short rib empanadas to honey-sweetened bacon-wrapped dates and tender skewers seared to perfection. It is a celebratory space designed for lingering, where the art of the shared plate and the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality create an unforgettable, high-energy escape.
• Silk Road of Chicago — Chinese: Silk Road of Chicago invites diners on a flavorful journey where the comforting aromas of ginger and toasted sesame mingle with the irresistible sizzle of the fryer. Guests can savor the satisfying crunch of golden empanadas and signature wings before tucking into vibrant plates of zesty orange chicken or soul-warming bowls of velvet-textured egg drop soup. It is a destination where classic favorites are elevated by bold, punchy glazes and a playful spirit, creating a dining experience that feels both nostalgic and excitingly diverse.
• Deep Purpl — American: Deep Purpl invites guests into a vibrant, high-energy space where the deep, velvety indigo of superfood acai bowls provides a stunning contrast to the golden, flaky crusts of savory Argentinian empanadas. Whether you’re indulging in a creamy avocado toast or a refreshing fruit-laden smoothie, every bite captures a sense of wholesome vitality and bright, sun-drenched flavor.