6 Best {Empanadas}

Where to Find this Latin Appetizer

Words by Sam Lauron Photos featuring Buenos Aires Café, Cafe Nenai, and Artessano

Empanadas, a South American snack, have become a staple in Austin cuisine. Craving something warm, crispy, and stuffed with savory meats, fresh veggies and gooey cheeses? To quench those comfort food cravings, try one of these Eastside favorites.

Cafe Nena’i
The mother-daughter coffee shop and bakery is loved for its South American cuisine, including their empanadas. Grab an empanada from their selections of beef and egg, chicken, ham and cheese, or spinach, cranberry and cheese. While there, enjoy a cup of espresso and maybe even a sweet treat from their baked goods selection, like an alfajor or a bollo: guava or dulce de leche filled doughnuts. Yes, please!

1700 Montopolis Dr. Suite A | cafenenai.com

Casa Colombia
Casa Colombia is loved for its authentic Colombian cuisine. Enjoy a meal al fresco on their spacious patio (where you can occasionally enjoy live music) and order yourself a margarita and a fan-favorite: an arepa with an empanada on the side. Empanada flavors include beef, chicken, or vegetable.

2409 E. 7th St. | casa-colombia.com

Buenos Aires Café
East Sixth is certainly not short on diverse food options. In the mood for a meal with authentic Latin flair? Then stop by local Argentinian favorite, Buenos Aires Café. For lunch or dinner, get a plate of empanadas from your choice of beef (spicy or mild), chicken, spinach, tuna and a rotating seasonal option. Don’t forget to add chimichurri sauce on the side for even more flavor-packed bites.

1201 E. 6th St. | buenosairescafe.com

Artessano
Located in the Pangea Lounge, a food truck park on East 6th Street, Artessano has been serving up authentic Colombian food in Austin since 2014. The menu includes arepas, Colombian bowls, refreshing fruit juices, and, of course, delicious gluten-free cornmeal empanadas. Choose from chicken and rice, beef and potatoes, spinach and cheese, guava and cheese, or Hawaiian (comes with pineapples!). The empanadas are full and flavorful and only $6 for two so try a couple to find a favorite.

1211 E. Sixth St. | facebook.com/atxartessano

mmmpanadas
With empanada offerings like Hatch Green Chile Chicken or Vegan Black Bean, mmmpanadas is loved for their use of unexpected flavors. While their trailer is parked at Barton Springs, visit their food truck on the Eastside in front of the Browning Hangar at Mueller. Their empanadas can also be found in local coffee shops, bars, and grocery stores like Royal Blue.

4209 Airport Blvd. | mmmpanadas.com

Mr. Natural
Mr. Natural on Cesar Chavez is beloved for their vegan buffet. However, Mr. Natural also has a bakery where they serve up fresh empanadas daily. In addition to vegan options, dairy-free or gluten-free menu items are also available. Whatever fits your dietary needs, Mr. Natural accommodates any dietary needs while serving up tasty food in the process.