I came here for my birthday last night and I absolutely loved it! I ordered the arroz con pollo and…read morethe serving size was HUGE! I also got an empanada on the side and it was fantastic too. For dessert I got tres leches and it was so moist and delicious. Overall I had an amazing time and all the food was so good. I will definitely be back soon!

This was my second time here. It is a bit far from where I live but today I was driving through and…read moregot a craving for it. Full disclosure, I am Colombian so absolutely enjoy the full menu options. There is plenty of parking but the inside is a bit small so I'd consider time when heading there. Sunday evening was great as I got to pick my table after I was greeted upon arrival. I went with the typical dish, my favorite, Bandeja tipica (paisa). This dish is LOADED, so had leftovers. It has rice, beans, avocado, sweet plantains, egg, arepa, chorizo, steak and chicharron aka fried pork belly. The server was friendly and got my order correctly. She got me lime wedges afterwards which must be used with the chicharron. Half a star lost because the empanadas are not my favorite. The outer shell and the inside. Not what a colombian empanada at least my favorite one is like. But you can try it. The ambiance is great. They play music and there's some nice art and two televisions. The other half star lost is because of their point system for rewards. I didn't get points for my last visit there. And the server was not very knowledgeable of it. But overall, I will go back. Check it out though! Ps. They have a bakery too, it was too late today for me but definitely try the "pan de bono" and thank me afterwards.

Husband has been a huge fan for a while since it's beer his work and he can swing by to grab lunch…read morequickly in between meetings. So recently he insisted we go so I could try it out. It did not disappoint. He knew what to order so that helped. If I went in by myself I would be so overwhelmed. The staff is quiet. They're not the most helpful but not rude either. Just there to fill your order when you figure things out. The helpings are more than enough. Two arepas are hard for me to finish in one setting. The only downside to saving for later is they get kinda soggy so you cannot eat them neatly with your fingers later after you warm them up. But they still taste so good! The ambiance is typical fast-food feel. I like being able to get refills on my drink on my own while I'm dining in instead of having to go to the counter and wait in line to ask for one. Tables seem to be wiped down and maintained in-between customers which is nice too.

Trying something new one evening while out running errands. The person at the front counter was…read morepleasant and welcoming. Arepa's are great balance of simple and comforting go to food. Gluten free options are always a lighter and a less heavy option, in my option. This is one of the perks. I tried the La Tica (chicken) and the La Surena (bbq). I enjoyed the chicken. Very flavorful. I wasn't a fan of the bbq - a bit on the dry side for me. The chicken was delicious but the cheese could've been melted and I would've preferred my food on the warmer side. Giving Grace with 4*, perhaps I tried this too late in the evening. Maybe these are intended to be served that way I received them. I do recommend Arepa Culture NC but I'd recommend go at opening or before lunch time for freshness. The rice and beans were good. The peach juice was okay.

This place was absolutely amazing. All I can say is, we made a lot of happy noises while eating,…read moreand there were plenty of "oh my God" moments at the table. From the staff to the manager to the food, everything was on point. The food truly speaks for itself. They serve small plates, which we love because it gives you the chance to try different things and experience a variety of flavors. We started with the fried pork belly on tostones. It was perfectly seasoned, topped with avocado, and every bite just melted in your mouth. Next, we had the tamarind sticky ribs with a tamarind mango barbecue sauce. This was a perfect example of how simplicity can create complex flavors. The ribs were cooked just right -- not completely falling off the bone, but tender enough that when you bit into them, the meat pulled apart so easily. They were juicy, full of flavor, and had just the right touch of spice from the chili flakes. Then we moved on to the mini arepas, and oh my God. They had slow-cooked pork, guava barbecue sauce, and fried papas on top. The arepa itself was crispy on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside. The savory pork paired with the sweetness of the guava barbecue sauce was incredible, and the crunch from the fried papas took it to another level. Now, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but my wife does not. I wanted dessert, and we were leaning toward the tres leches, but our waitress highly recommended the bread pudding. I am not usually a fan of bread pudding at all, but her recommendations had been on point all night, so I decided to trust her. I am so glad we did. They take a Mexican bolillo, soak it overnight in tres leches, then pan-sear it to create this crispy caramelized outside while keeping the inside warm, soft, and sweet. It is topped with crema and toasted coconut, then they pour warm guava syrup over it and serve it with a scoop of coconut sorbet. The layers of flavor in that dessert were unreal. Honestly, it may have been the best dessert we have ever had. And remember, my wife is not big on sweets -- she usually only takes one bite of dessert, but this time she tried to eat over half of it. Lol. I highly recommend this place. The food, the service, the drinks, and the atmosphere were all amazing. And after dinner, you can even head upstairs to work off the food with salsa lessons and a dance club. This is definitely a spot worth checking out! Este lugar fue absolutamente increíble. Lo único que puedo decir es que hicimos muchos sonidos de felicidad mientras comíamos, y hubo muchos momentos de "¡Dios mío!" en la mesa. Desde el personal, hasta el gerente, hasta la comida, todo estuvo excelente. La comida realmente habla por sí sola. Sirven platos pequeños, algo que nos encanta porque te da la oportunidad de probar diferentes cosas y experimentar una variedad de sabores. Comenzamos con el pork belly frito sobre tostones. Estaba perfectamente sazonado, cubierto con aguacate, y cada bocado simplemente se derretía en la boca. Después probamos las costillitas pegajosas de tamarindo con una salsa barbecue de tamarindo y mango. Este plato fue un ejemplo perfecto de cómo la simplicidad puede crear sabores complejos. Las costillas estaban cocinadas en su punto: no se caían completamente del hueso, pero estaban tan tiernas que al morderlas, la carne se desprendía fácilmente. Estaban jugosas, llenas de sabor y con el toque perfecto de picante gracias a las hojuelas de chile. Luego pasamos a las mini arepas, y ¡Dios mío! Tenían cerdo cocinado lentamente, salsa barbecue de guayaba y papitas fritas encima. La arepa estaba crujiente por fuera, calientita y esponjosa por dentro. El sabor salado del cerdo combinado con la dulzura de la salsa barbecue de guayaba fue increíble, y el crujiente de las papitas fritas lo llevó a otro nivel. Ahora, a mí me gustan mucho los dulces, pero a mi esposa no tanto. Yo quería pedir postre, y estábamos pensando en el tres leches, pero nuestra mesera nos recomendó mucho el budín de pan. Normalmente no soy fanático del budín de pan, pero sus recomendaciones habían sido excelentes toda la noche, así que decidí confiar en ella. Me alegra muchísimo haberlo hecho. Toman un bolillo mexicano, lo remojan durante la noche en tres leches y luego lo sellan en sartén para crear una capa exterior crujiente y caramelizada, mientras que el interior se mantiene calientito, suave y dulce. Lo sirven con crema y coco tostado, luego le vierten encima un jarabe tibio de guayaba y lo acompañan con una bola de sorbete de coco. Las capas de sabor en ese postre fueron irreales. Honestamente, puede que haya sido el mejor postre que hemos probado en nuestra vida. Y recuerden, mi esposa no es muy amante de los dulces; normalmente solo prueba un bocado del postre, pero esta vez intentó comerse más de la mitad. Jajaja.

This was my first time coming here since they rebranded and reopened. I already enjoyed the…read moreprevious concept and was anxious to see what was different. The essence of it still feels similar with a few differences in ambiance and menu. They still over an oyster option, but we didn't try it. The octopus was good - cooked nicely. I enjoyed the ceviche. It's not the best I ever had, but a solid choice and the portion was excellent. The cocktail was well balanced and tasted good. The skirt steak was nice, but I was full so didn't eat all of it. There are black beans under the skirt steak that were AMAZING. It was just a small option of the dish - not the size of a side portion but almost like a "sauce" under the steak. It was perfect. This place remains a solid choice. I would come here again on a date or with a girl friend.

Overall, it seemed very slow when we arrived. A handful of people were sitting at tables and only…read more1-2 people ahead of us in line. The workers seemed slightly slower than the other location I have been to. No biggie. Finally, when it was my turn to order, the guy motioned to me and said something (I couldn't understand him, but it was obvious he wanted me to place my order) so I started my order and then he mid-sentence of me saying the order, he looked down at the monitor and said "one minute" as an online order came in and he started to proceed to make THAT order as I stood there waiting to finish my order. I am not thinking the world should revolve around me at all, but I have also learned that in customer service the person in front of you should be the priority. So finally, I placed my order and moved on through to the cashier. She had ZERO smile and ZERO eye contact. I pride myself on being a cheerful, polite person who also tries to give a genuine smile. She seemed to be tired and definitely didn't want to be there. I had to WAIT to pay bc she was turned waiting for something. No explanation like, "I'll be able to get your payment in just a second" or anything of the sort. The food was delicious, nonetheless. The lighting at night inside is a little too much on the cool side. We decided to take our order to go. Will we be back? yes, but to the Spring Forest Road location instead. the staff is friendlier and way faster!

Gluten Free Arepa now! Had vegetarian arepa $6.29 Not bad…read moreFilling and pretty healthy Kind of slow waiting for the gluten free arepa Good

Rating based on: Consistency, Cleanliness, Quality, Taste, and Presentation…read more Let me be REAL with you....I walked into Che Empanadas thinking this was some ordinary empanada spot. I was magnificently WRONG. This place is absolutely BANGING, and I'm so glad I found it tucked away here in Raleigh, NC. First up, the Beef Empanada. Listen. The meat is juicy, tender, seasoned with what I can only describe as impeccable love. The crust? Flaky, moist, golden perfection. Ground beef, onions, peppers, olives....every bite hits different. You can TELL they put their heart into this.... Then I tried the Dino Cheese....a scrumptious four-cheese blend wrapped in that same magnificent golden crust, dipped in their Chimichurri sauce, and oh my GOD. The flavor combo is luscious beyond words. That chimi hits like a flavor bomb and elevates every single bite. Now let me keep it honest with you because you know I'm a REAL one....in the pictures, the empanadas look a lot bigger than what they are in person. But with that said, if you have the urge to put up a couple extra dollars, this experience is WORTH it. Every. Single. Penny. The Knish....a Jewish-Argentinian classic with homemade potato and caramelized onion wrapped in flaky dough....MELTS in your mouth. I'm telling you, it's worth the drive alone. Scrumptious doesn't even begin to cover it. And the sweets? The Cubana....guava and cream cheese pastry....is luscious, buttery, and hits that perfect sweet spot. The Alfajor de Chocolate....dulce de leche sandwiched between crispy chocolate wafers and dipped in chocolate....absolutely MAGNIFICENT. Sumptuous is right. I tried about 80% of the menu and everything was delicious. And believe me, I KNOW good bakeries. I grew up a few blocks from Delancey Street in NYC....you feel me? I've been to more bakeries than I can count, and Che Empanadas? It takes the cake. The presentation is clean, the packaging is on point, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. This isn't some mass-produced nonsense....this is handcrafted, Argentine soul food done RIGHT. Do yourself a favor. Go. Now. RIGHT NOW.. for a religious experience and I don't even care if you're atheist or not this place will blow your mind away.!

Che Empanadas is located inside Transfer Co. Food Hall on the southern edge of downtown Raleigh…read more Coming from North Raleigh, it's a bit of a trek, but Transfer Co. has become a regular destination for us despite the drive. Parking can usually be found outside, but on the Sunday morning we visited, the lot and nearby street spaces were full. I circled back to Chavis Way, where parking is more reliable, and from there a short trail leads straight into the food hall. There was no line, and our order was taken promptly. We started with: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Empanada Sausage, Egg & Cheese Empanada At $9.20 + tax and tip for two, it was a light but flavorful start. The empanadas were so good that we each went back for another round, bringing the total to $18.40 + taxes and tip for two empanadas each which was plenty of food for breakfast. The empanadas themselves were excellent: flaky crusts, generous fillings, and thoughtful seasoning. Both flavors were outstanding, and in past visits we've had the same experience with other varieties. Seating was plentiful inside the hall, and water is available in the center. Servie is prompt and friendly. In my opinion, these are the best empanadas in the triangle, and maybe the best we've ever had. Highly recommended.

WOW!!! I have been looking for good Puerto Rican for soo…read morelong and I'm so happy this place exists. Tostones were crispy, pork belly amazing, and rice and beans were INCREDIBLE! I am a Puerto Rican originally from south Florida so my expectations are HIGH, but they knocked it out of the park. I almost CRIED when I saw they had guava con queso pastelitos !!!!!! New favorite spot for sure.

First time at Koki Creative Puerto Rican Kitchen and we loved it! We tried the carne frita (fried…read morepork), the Spanglish Cuban, pork belly, and tostones (fried plantains)--everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were amazing and you can really taste the authentic Puerto Rican touch in the food. The portions are huge, the prices are very affordable, and the service was great. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience and we'll definitely be coming back!

Friendly quick service. Explanation of choices was excellent. The food came out quickly and was…read moredelicious.

I've had this placed saved to try for a while and finally got the opportunity to try it out on a…read morerandom Wednesday. The space is large with plenty of seating and also bar seating. You order your food at the front (bar) and then grab a seat wherever you want. I got a mango margarita which they didn't skimp on the tequila in it! Was sweet enough where I didn't notice at first how much tequila was in it (a win in my book). For dinner, I got the pernil w/cuero which was full of flavor. Tostones were nice and crunchy without being greasy. The rice was just okay, I prefer a bit more sazon and sofrito. I think this restaurant would do well in a more inhabited area instead of connected to the mall but the guy working stated they do very well on the weekends, so I hope it brings them continued business!

Came here after the Durham Farmers Market with a friend and wow this place was a surprise. …read more I went with the grain bowl and honestly it is one of the best I have had in downtown Durham. It is built on quinoa and rice with black beans and kale, then layered with corn salsa, tomato cortido, guacamole, and a creamy acevichado style sauce that pulls everything together. It is finished with a crunchy mix of pepitas, nuts, and grains. The balance is quite ideal in my view. My friend had the rotisserie chicken with two sides, kale and slaw, and it was just as impressive. Crispy skin, juicy inside, and really clean flavors. Simple food done right and GF friendly. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared. Prices land right where you would expect for the quality, roughly 16 to 21 dollars depending on what you order, and it feels worth it. My bowl plus side of dark chicken was plenty. A few notes. Parking is what you would expect for downtown, so plan accordingly. Service was solid and friendly, but nothing that stood out. The vibe inside is festive and relaxed, bright and open, and just a fun place to hang out for lunch. Porbably not a special occasion. I also suspect it could get loud when full. This is definitely going into my regular rotation. That grain bowl is going to be hard to pass up next time, so instead of replacing it I will probably just add a side or an empanada and start working my way through the rest of the menu.

The empanadas, arepas and Luna Grain Bowl were awesome. We had their generous portions and…read moreperfectly seasoned chicken, pork and brisket with these. Their cocktails were also very good. Nice decor and vibe. Service was also good.

Great Columbian food and lots of options. There are also delicious deserts and baked goods. Service…read moreis quick and friendly. It has become a regular family favorite!

Food great. Prices not so much, if you look at the prices on the website the plate we wanted it…read moresays it is $35.00 dollars but when you get there it is actually $55.00 dollars. Very disappointing on the price difference, more when we drove 2 hours to get there and had to pay higher prices for everything we ordered. Services was great super sweet lady, ambiance is ok. Small place.

Tried this place in a whim and got 7 different empanadas to try amongst my party for a late…read moreafternoon lunch. All were great. Will be back!

We ate here Sunday for lunch. It seemed like they were out of a third of the menu items. They…read moredidn't even have bottled water. The poor cashier kept saying she had too much to do. The service took a long time, and the restaurant was not crowded. My empanada tasted stale. The sauce on a sandwich was inedible. The chicken arroz Chaufa was greasy. It was a mighty bad day there.