I stopped by after the gym to grab dinner to go. The inside is super cute and vibey. I sat at the bar and placed my order to go. I did the 2 empanada meal and it came with 2 empanadas, rice and tostones. I asked the server for his two two empanadas and went with the ham and cheese and sweet plantain with cheese. Everything was pretty tasty, but I feel like the rice needed some meat, so I wish I would've added some. Over all tasty and I'd return to dine in. read more

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Chicago Empanada Mama seems like one of those hidden gems in Chicago. The ambiance is very lively and upbeat, with plants surrounding the ceiling, modern lighting, wall-hung art, and even a DJ. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by three staff members, and one even asked our names. There happened to be an event that night where they served complimentary whiskey flights, which was very generous and a nice surprise. All three empanadas were fresh and delicious, not heavy/greasy as empanadas sometimes are. The rice and beans was also very tasty. Service was above and beyond. We had numerous conversations with our waiter, Angel, who was very kind and personable. This is a great restaurant and I'll definitely be back. read more

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Super cute restaurant, with great food and drinks. I've tried several of the empanadas and have yet to find one that wasn't delicious, and the arroz con gandules is a really tasty side. They do trivia and occasionally have cute events like paint and sip or tv show watch parties (shout out to the golden bachelorette one!). read more

Pretty good. Certainly a welcoming space where one can get everything from foods to coffee to adult beverages. Stuff from the kitchen is prepared with care and attention. That said, the kitchen's output isn't the driver here. S'alright, but the salami soup and the speciality coffees are underwhelming. Also pricey. The "mama" vibe is real; the proprietor may well have a baby on her arm when she comes to refill your water. read more

Beautiful space is what attracted us inside. We had already had dinner but wanted to continue having a drink near by and stumbled upon this place. Has a very attractive interior. We ordered the mojito flight in many flavors - all yummy. And a ropa vieja empanada. These are big stuffed empanadas so the prices on the menu are for 1. It was tasty and the crust was addictive too. Only qualm was that it was a bit salty. Service was friendly. Wouldn't mind to come back to try other things. read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Ropa Vieja - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Inez was amazing! We learned about the history of empanadas! The coconut margarita was delicious. I recommend the macho man and the lechón. Great experience! Highly recommend. read more

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My friend Jeff made a stop to your establishment to pick up empanadas for all our Xmas tree workers at Ivy's Christmas Trees...my guys demolished them and the amazing tasty rice in no time..we'll be mentioning this place ANYTIME we have the opportunity read more

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Stopped by on my way home for some empanadas when I saw the sign and glad I did! The menu had a lot of creative options but I picked three that were already made so I didn't have to wait. Had the macho man beef, cheese and plantain and a vegetarian. All were really good. I loved the pastry it was fluffy and delicious. My favorite ended up being the plantain because the sweet savory combination was just incredible. Everything was so fresh and amazing! We'll be back to try the rest of the menu for sure. read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is nothing short of amazing and the owner Ines is awesome! The staff is very kind and helpful. Tori is very warm and professional as well! We are visiting from Brooklyn and my favorite is the tostones relleno de ropa vieja! This little gem is a must try. read more

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Empanada Mama has a beautiful interior and varied food/drink menu perfect for indecisive diners. I came in for lunch on a weekday and the bartender there was so welcoming. He chatted with us and helped us pick the carne asada and sweet plantain empanadas to try. He also set up the drinks station just for us and made a delicious house version of a margarita. The empanadas were stunning, they came out hot and fresh from the fryer, the carne asada once just full to the brim with big steak chunks and soft potato that went perfectly with the green sauce on the side. I was surprised at how delicious the sweet plantain and cheese empanada was also delicious as it's not a flavor I would usually pick. I cannot stress enough how much this place is a very neighborly spot, definitely a perfect addition to the West Town neighborhood and I'll be back soon! read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Visiting Chicago and we were told this was the place to come if we wanted good food. Took a chance and so glad we did. Food was delicious. Ambiance right up my alley and our server was really nice and patient answering all of our questions in regard to the different empanadas on the menu. Aside from all of that at the end of our meal I asked for the music to be a little louder so that I could dance with my mom. Not only did they put the music up, they also cleared out tables for us. Highly recommend! Two thumbs up! read more

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When you walk in, you'll see a lot of beautiful and floral decor. It's clear they are really into peacocks! There was a nice woman there who took our order. I went with my husband for a snack because we weren't too hungry just yet. He ordered the Ay-Bonito empanada (pork and rice) while I ordered the Pick One special with a Macho Man empanada (beef and cheese) along with a yucca al mojo and papi's potato salad to share. My husband really enjoyed his empanada. My Macho man empanada was just okay. In my opinion, the cheese was overpowering. I was hoping it would be more like a picadillo filling with some cheese, but it was more like a cheeseburger filling. I asked for hot sauce, and I was a little disappointed that they had tapatio and cholulo but no Puerto Rican hot sauces. The papi's potato salad was tasty, but it was heavy on the apples. The yucca al mojo was the best thing I ordered. I could eat that every day. Honestly, I think I just ordered the wrong item with the empanada, and I should've tried a different one for a more authentic Puerto Rican flavor. This is why I think I need to go back. I noticed they had games and colored pencils for kids. They also had a changing table, disposable changing table liners, and baby wipes, which, as a mom of 2, was really nice to see. My husband enjoyed his food, and he said he would go back. read more

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What a great owner and spot!!! The owner has wonderful service from the moment you walk in to when the food hits the table. She's such a joy and this establishment is a wonderful local spot for Chicago. Such a great ambience, the decor is So cute! The food is also so good and great portions! A hidden gem for Chicagoans! read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago empanada mama exceeded my expectations during lunch. The young lady that took my order was professional, nice, helpful and recommended the macho man empanada which was such a delicious choice to start my day off. I also had the guava and cheese to accompany my sweet side. The atmosphere gave life as I walked inside with a warm greetings. I will definitely be back for another great experience at chicago empanada mama. read more

What a find! Food was great and the amount is generous. We ordered three empanadas (special menu order two empanadas with one side and soup/salad), got rice and salad. Empanadas were pretty big, I think two would have been enough for us. We had La Flaka, Lechon, and Braised Lamb with White rice (there's actually a side of rice coming with the empanadas!). Personal preference is La Flaka, I think it had a lot more flavour than the others. Servers and chef were very welcoming. They were very generous with our group as well, giving us appetizers (cranberry and Jalapeño dip) and drinks. Restaurant had good ambiance. Lastly I want to mention that price is cost friendly. I'd definitely come back here again next time we come to downtown! We ate the empanadas pretty quick so didn't get to take some pictures of it! read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Cranberry and Jalapeno dip - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I hosted a holiday party at Chicago Empanada Mama for approx. 25 people on a Saturday night and had the best experience! The staff are attentive, professional, and personable- they really went above and beyond offering complimentary shots to us and handling our large crowd with ease. I agree with some of the other reviews that the restaurant is truly a hidden gem with tasteful decor, a warm inviting ambiance, and great service. Will definitely be back! read more

Stopped here tonight for a quick bite. Super friendly and attentive staff, great ambiance. Really enjoyed the beef and cheese empanada, chimichurri was so delicious! They were sold out of the steak and cheese, will be back to try it out. Thank you for the great service and delicious food! read more

Chicago Empanada Mama - Pina colada - Puerto Rican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in today and picked up a carry out lunch. Got a variety of empanadas and sides! Super impressed. Good portions and excellent flavor read more

Inez demonstrated excellent customer service related to an issue with using a payment app. Her response to what could have been a frustrating customer experience is notable, and I left feeling cared for and grateful for this sweet place in our neighborhood. And the food was delicious. Thank you, Inez. read more

The food was awesome I love the flavor the ambience the service. Everybody was so nice and if you want a special drink, they have that too. read more

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Everything was amazing!!! Get the Mountain coffee(better than any espresso martini), corn dip, ceviche and macho man!!!! All so good!!! Inez did not steer us wrong. read more

Cute location and yummy empanadas very boricua and very tasty!! My favorite was the beef , guava and cheese read more

Loved it! The owner Inez is very sweet! All the staff were amazing! Food was SO SO GOOD! The signature latte, was hands down the best latte I've had in a long time!!!! The Flaka empanada was to die for! So flavorful and delicious!!! You will NOT be disappointed with anything you order here! read more

Cool joint. This afternoon my brother and sister-in-law stopped in to get some empanadas. They were all amazingly flavorful. This evening we went back for more!! Overall the spot is a welcome addition to our community!! You can get some good coffee here, too. read more

Great first time overall experience. I got a chorizo, egg, & cheese as well as a roasted red pepper, egg, & cheese breakfast empanadas and a cafe con leche, it hit the spot for a quick morning pick me up. Fair price when considering all the empanada spots popping up in Chicago & the empanadas were packed and fresh! Costumer service was great. As well as an amazing atmosphere (great for aesthetic pictures). I will be back for a dinner meal soon! read more

The service is great, also the food is delicious and the owner is a sweetheart. She and her staff are very friendly and make you feel like family. read more

Staff very friendly came across this spot impromptu. Visiting from out of state. Bbq pork and Mac n cheese pie-loved it, it was flavorful, it wasn't dry or greasy and very filling. Crust was nice too and I typically dont care fir our crust. Chocolate pecan pie-very decadent and had a nice balance of flavors. I only took a bite but my friend swallowed the whole thing done in a fury. Oatmeal raisin cookie- It tasted full of butter and sugar and held up two days later. Def try their desserts. read more

So happy to have found this place! Have been dying for 'Rican empanadas, but not necessarily the oil-laden traditional ones that I ate as a kid...insert CEM. They do a play on all the traditional flavors, with a slight new age twist. Man we're they good. This will be my new neighborhood staple. The spot is cute, chic and spacious too. You need to check this place out! read more

Great empanadas with many different flavors! Wish they were a little cheaper per piece but still worth it.

I went to this place with my exes mother's father's mistress and had the coconut shrimp with apricot chilli, it was sooo delicious. I forgot what my exes mother's father's mistress got but she loved it! The interior design inside is very nice and cozy, we received kind customer service. I hope to visit this place again and would recommend it to anyone else! read more

Quick service and an extensive menu. I had the guava empanada and was surprised to see cheddar as the cheese, but the taste wasn't bad. It was interesting to me that they had Jeni's on the menu--not what I would expect from an empanada place! Overall a good snack on a busy day but wasn't wowed. read more

Went this evening for dinner, empanadas were great (ropa vieja was our favorite) as were the cocktails.

incredible food, drink and lovely owner/chef!! beautiful space as well :) I felt so welcome and cared for, highly recommend!

The place is nicely decorated and fun to hang out at. I ordered 3 empanadas to go but unfortunately I didn't find them to be super tasty. They didn't taste bad, they just didn't taste as great as empanadas normally do. I felt the breading was very thick and heavy and the fillings needed more salt or seasoning. The empanadas were okay, but they just weren't worth the ~$7 each imo. Very cute ambiance though, maybe if you're coming in for a drink with a friend. read more

Had two types of empanadas and they were both great. The vibe is so cute! Very friendly staff as well.

Got empanadas delivered and each one was tastier than the next!! Would definitely l love to eat in the restaurant, but the good bis delivery was fabulous. read more

I tried a few of the empanadas. macho man beef was good, not amazing. Chimmicurri sauce made it better. Ropa Vieja was not very good. Steak was really low quality and somehow really dry. Pork and rice was more moist thank the steak empanada but lacked flavor. I would've like more seasoning on all of the meat to draw it the natural flavor profile. They were out of a lot of sauces and few empanadas when I went. The chimichurri sauce is really good. I have my eye on the shrimp ceviche and will try it next time I go back and skip the empanadas all together. The prices were pretty high for so so empanadas. read more

The empanadas were great. The prices were a little higher than Ive seen BUT these empanadas are larger than Ive seen, very filling, and fresh. The staff was attentive and super friendly. They have great decor and design. Would be fun for brunch. Would 100% recommend read more

Empanadas were good but the Puerto Rican rice was just not good. If this place wants to succeed I recommend getting a better recipe for the rice. Menu needs to be better the presentation was confusing. read more

This place is locally owned and FABULOUS! We had the lamb/rice empanada and pork empanada. Both were flavorful and delicious. I think the pork was my personal favorite. Can't wait to visit Empanada Mama again! read more