Best Empanada in Milwaukee | Top 8 Spots

8 restaurants in Best Empanada in Milwaukee | Top 8 Spots

• Dia Café — Mexican · rated 5/5: Dia Café serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the soulful aromas of Latin American street food fill the air, inviting guests to linger over a colorful spread of artisanal small plates. Golden-fried empanadas and crispy avocado tacos offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, flavorful fillings, while molten pots of queso fundido and hand-patted pupusas bring a comforting, rustic warmth to the table. Every bite—from the delicate snap of yuca frita to the savory richness of Brazilian-style coxinha—celebrates a rich tapestry of regional traditions in a lively, welcoming setting.
• Water Street Brewery — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant brewpub pulses with a convivial energy, where the warm glow of copper accents and the rhythmic clinking of pint glasses set the stage for a soulful, shared dining experience. The kitchen transforms classic comfort into an adventurous feast, serving up crispy, molten Wisconsin cheese curds alongside globally-inspired bites like savory short rib empanadas and tender churrasco skewers. Every plate, from the towering haystack onions to the delicate tempura Korean cauliflower, is crafted to complement the bold, house-brewed ales that flow freely in this spirited neighborhood anchor.
• Noche Restaurant & Bar — Mexican · rated 4/5: Noche Restaurant & Bar pulses with a sultry, rhythmic energy, inviting guests into a dimly lit sanctuary where the vibrant spirit of Latin American street food is elevated to an art form. The air is thick with the aroma of bubbling queso fundido and tender short ribs, while tables are adorned with a colorful mosaic of crispy avocado tacos, golden empanadas, and hand-patted pupusas. This spirited destination captures the essence of a moonlit plaza, blending the comforting warmth of traditional salbutes and coxinhas with the sophisticated flair of a modern night out.
• Fiesta Colombia — Mexican · rated 4/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary of South American flavors where the intoxicating aroma of warm guava pastries and golden-fried empanadas immediately awakens the senses. The counter showcases a sun-drenched bounty of traditional treasures, from the salty-sweet pull of cheese-stuffed arepas to the pillowy, cheese-infused warmth of freshly baked pandebono and bunuelos. It is a welcoming neighborhood gem that celebrates the soul of Colombian baking, inviting guests to linger over a sweet, sugar-dusted roscon or a savory cassava bread in a space that feels like a heartfelt home away from home.
• Mangos Cafe — Mexican · rated 4/5: Mangos Cafe serves as a vibrant, sun-soaked escape where the zesty aromas of Caribbean spices and Mexican street food collide in a high-energy atmosphere. Guests gather over colorful plates of golden empanadas and charred elote, or dive into playful, spice-dusted creations like mango fries and tiki tots that bring a bold, tropical twist to classic comfort snacks.
• Playa Cafe — Mexican: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the golden crust of hand-crimped ground beef empanadas offers a satisfying crunch before revealing a savory, spiced center. Fragrant steam rises from generous platters of rice and pigeon peas, perfectly paired with succulent roasted chicken that brings the vibrant, soulful flavors of the coast to every table.
• La Masa Empanada Bar — Spanish: Golden, hand-crimped pockets of dough take center stage at this vibrant social hub, where the aroma of toasted pastry and slow-simmered spices fills the air. Each bite reveals a world of global flavor, from the sophisticated depth of Malbec-braised lamb to the zesty kick of carnitas verde, creating a communal dining experience that celebrates the art of the perfect handheld feast.
• Anytime Arepa — Mexican: Golden, griddled cornmeal pockets take center stage at this vibrant eatery, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered meats and toasted maize. Crispy empanadas shatter at the first bite to reveal steaming fillings of melted cheese, seasoned beef, or traditional black beans, offering a soulful taste of Venezuelan comfort in every mouthful. It is a lively destination where the simple joy of a perfectly stuffed arepa brings a burst of authentic, sun-drenched flavor to the table.