First and foremost, I have to apologize for not having a better photo of my empanada! Our family each bought one before heading to Angel Island and packed them away to enjoy later. As tempting as it was to eat them immediately while they were still warm and filling the air with their amazing aroma, we wanted to save them for a picnic with a view and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the day. Even after cooling down, my mushroom empanada was phenomenal. The pastry was beautifully flaky without being dry, and the filling was packed with flavor while remaining well-balanced and not overly salty. Other members of our group were equally impressed with their choices, including the beef, shrimp, and ham-and-cheese varieties. If the empanadas were this good after sitting for a while, I can only imagine how incredible they are fresh out of the oven. Honestly, one was not enough! I'd gladly order a few more the next time I'm in the area. read more

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Frustrating experience. I ordered 1 Beef and 1 ham and cheese, instead I was provided someone else's order with mushrooms. I received 1 mushroom and 1 ham/cheese. I'm allergic to mushrooms, so this was a complete miss. Allow me to share my view on this place. Not authentic, not Porteno. Also, the beef empanadas are advertised with raisins. This is is not Porteno, it is a Northwest thing, like Salta, or Tucuman. Dough used is not traditional, it is a flaky and greasy dough similar to spanakopita. This resembles a confused version of something that is not an empanada Argentina. This is like a quesadilla. Empanadas are not huge, and smashed like this. Overpriced! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

every hormonal catty teenage girl needs to try this asap. it is SO BUSS!!! all your gastrointestinal issues? gone. all your men problems? gone. all your struggles with feeling misrepresented by society and popular media, and double standards, AND advocating for women's rights without being demeaned and labeled as a man hater? gone...ish. i love the mushroom and corn empanadas!!! long line. the lamb is a bit too cumin heavy. the pastry is SO flaky, not overly crunchy, and soaks up all the goody goody flavors. soo savory. located in ferry building! come flock to the shop my fellow wonderful catty teenage girls read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I was passing through the ferry building when this incredible scent wafted into my nose and I just HAD to go see where it'd lead me. I was not disappointed when I found the little empanada stand. The mushroom one has my whole heart. I'm currently day dreaming about it I was only visiting for the weekend and made sure I came back the next day to have it again before I left. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Champiñon - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

While we were visiting Fisherman's Wharf, we were looking for something light to snack on rather than a heavy meal, and this place was exactly what we were looking for! There was a short line when we arrived, but it moved really quickly. I also loved that they had so many options, including plenty of vegetarian choices as well as both savory and sweet empanadas. We decided to try the Pollo, Humita, and Maradona. They were all good, but the Humita was definitely my personal favorite! The place looked clean, the empanadas looked really fresh, and the staff was super friendly. Definitely a great spot for a quick snack while exploring the Wharf. I'd happily come back! read more

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A-okay. Nothing to write home about, although I appreciate they were hot and fresh. I happened to stumble here even tho this place was on my list of food to try while visiting SF! I love chicken empanadas, but I thought the chicken empanadas at Golden Coin were better. The flavors here were ok, just not memorable. I wouldn't go out of your way to come here unless you already have business at the ferry building and are in the area. read more

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Really popular and yummy empanadas inside the Ferry Building! It's super convenient and the line moves fast! Service is also friendly even though they were so busy. Empanadas were $8+ each which is a bit pricey, but they were also loaded with meat and hot! The spinach one was our favorite! So cheesy and salty from the bacon/pancetta. Lamb one was good but could've been a bit more flavorful tbh. Either way, we'll be back for more when we're at the Ferry Building again! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Espinacas y Pancetta & Cordero - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The dough for these empanadas are incredible!! So so good, would highly recommend grabbing these. The line went fast and all the flavors were delicious read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious and empanadas and great for meal on the go! Service is great and love the ambiance of the Ferry Building. Beef is empanada was delicious and flavorful. Best when warm or hot! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Beef Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

We stumbled upon this place during our trip to San Francisco. You know how when you see a long line outside a restaurant, you just instantly want to go in? You feel like it's going to be something amazing... haha. So, without any prior information, we just stood in line. Actually, there was another place with an even longer line, but we were short on time, so we decided to just give this place a try instead. And wow... it was seriously delicious!We bought the chicken empanada. When I noticed raisins among the ingredients, I was like, "Huh? Raisins?" and was a bit skeptical at first. But guess what? They paired together so perfectly and tasted amazing! haha. If I ever go back to San Francisco, I am absolutely eating here again!! read more

El Porteño Empanadas - logo - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

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These empanadas were good but I came at the wrong time. Clearly these had been sitting around for a while so it didn't taste as fresh. Also the cost felt a bit steep. Glad I tried it, recommend others try it but probably around lunch time and not 5pm. read more

Whenever I come to San Francisco, I have to make a stop at the Ferry Building to grab some of their empanadas - they are one of my favorites. Have not found an empanada here that I don't like. Love their carne and pollo - can never go wrong with the basics. But their champinones is FIRE. I love mushrooms, and they do everything right with this empanada. So flavorful with just the right amount of mushrooms. Enjoy grabbing my empanadas and then sitting outside to look at the bay. Great time, great food. Highly recommend. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

This one is definitely on me. I did not study the menu. Spinach empanada- spinach and cheese, right? Nope. Think thick bacon chunks show up and take over. There is nothing I hate more than bacon, I even run away from the bacon smell alone in public places. I'll be back for veggie options only - this one was a no for me. read more

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Small empanada store with savory and sweet bites. Long lines here but tasty crust and good filling. Went later in the day and the beef was sold out. Got the chicken empanada for my savory and the apple for my sweet empanada. Both had airy, flaky, and crispy crust. The chicken was ok, hollow inside but good spices. The apple tasted just like an apple pie inside. Solid place for a quick bite or light snack but line can get long. read more

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Based on a previous review, I ordered a Camarones (shrimp) and a Carne. While the empanadas were hot, there wasn't much filling. Moreover, the Camarones had a not-fresh-shrimp taste so I didn't enjoy it. However, the Carne tasted good. read more

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I had to be in SF for a work event one weekday evening and found myself in the Ferry Building. Since I was early, I decided to get a bite to eat (as I couldn't wait for the work dinner later that night). After wandering around, I decided to get a couple of empanadas from El Porteno. Looking at all the choices in the case, I decided to get one Cordero (lamb) and a Cereza (black cherry). I took my food and sat down at one of the open tables. The lamb in the Cordero was very flavorful, with a good amount of spices (but not spicy). And while the Cereza was small, it packed a ton of cherries inside. While this was not enough for a full meal, those 2 were perfect for a snack before the long evening. read more

Very good empanadas. I had the beef, lamb and mushroom. Can't go wrong with any of them. The line moves fast so you're not standing there looking like a ding dong. Located inside the ferry building in a cozy small shop/stand setup. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Cordero Empanada (lamb) - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very efficient service, which is important because there's often a line. The display is helpful for seeing all the options. There's not too much seating around but it's great for grab and go. The empanadas are great: crispy, buttery, and tasty fillings. I did feel for some there was a bit more dough compared to filling than I'd prefer ideally. read more

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We were checking out the Ferry Building Farmer's Market and stopped by to grab a savory treat. It was difficult to choose between the yummy looking empanadas but settled on the Cordero which is filled with lamb braised in malbec. The lamb was absolutely amazing! Super tender pulled lamb in a flavorful red wine onion sauce. It really exceeded my expectations going in and made me almost grab another one right them and there. I loved how buttery and flaky the crust is! It reminded me of a scrumptious pie dough top and really added so much delicious richness to compliment the filling. This was definitely one of if not the best empanada I've had, I'll definitely be back to try the other fillings! read more

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I came here on week day and tried the Mushroom empanada, Chicken empanada. Usually when I am visiting the Ferry building it's on a weekend and El Porteño has a line. Happy to see that there wasn't really a line on a Friday. Anyways, both empanadas were hot and freshly made. The chicken had some sweetness in it which wasn't my favorite, I thought it would be more savory. The mushroom empanada was delicious. Definitely recommend. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

So grateful they were open on Christmas Eve, when basically everyone else in the Ferry Building was closed. The manzana (apple) empanada is always good, but oh my, the banana dulce de leche empanada was CRAZY delicious - so incredibly densely powerful in flavor, and the dulce de leche really coats your mouth. Give their sweet empanadas a try! read more

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Food Quality: *** Service: *** Ambiance: *** Value: *** The empanadas are okay imo. I know it is a popular spot with a lot of people seeming to love them and line up patiently. They're not bad, just not memorable enough to make want to return. read more

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I first had the pleasure of trying El Porteño a few years ago, actually just days before Argentina won the World Cup. Back then they were in a different stall inside the Ferry Building if I'm remembering correctly, but I clearly remember all the World Cup decor and loving the whole vibe since these are Argentine empanadas. I loved their empanadas then and I love them now. They are in a new spot these days, I believe, but they are just as delicious. They run a well-oiled machine. You order at the counter and within moments you have a hot empanada in an aesthetically pleasing branded bag. The first time I ever tried them I got the cordero (lamb), and this time around I had to run it back because it was that good. And my memory did not fail me, it was still unbelievable. The lamb mince inside is hot, rich with spices, insanely juicy, and packed with flavor. It is genuinely some of the best lamb I have ever had in any form. I've made herb-crusted rack of lamb, I've had $100+ lamb dishes at steakhouses, and honestly this lamb empanada takes the cake. The pastry dough itself is flaky, buttery, and not dry or hard at all. It is literally perfect. I could easily eat several of these, but I forced myself to stop at one so I could try a few more places around the Ferry Building. I love this place so much. Please expand to Sacramento or at least stop by for a farmers market pop-up one day. We need you out here, the city would love you! read more

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Nice spot for a quick and satisfying bite. I tried three empanadas: the carne, champiñones, and acelga. The carne was definitely my favorite. It was very flavorful and felt like the most balanced filling of the three. The champiñones was my second favorite with a nice earthy mushroom flavor that worked really well in the pastry. The acelga was just so so for me. It was not bad, but compared to the other two it did not stand out as much. Overall I would give it four stars. The empanadas were fresh, the pastry had a good texture, and it is a great place if you want something quick and comforting. read more

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This place has the BEST empanadas that I've ever had! My husband and I compare every empanada we have to this place, and none compare. The empanadas are big and stuffed really well. There's a huge variety of empanadas, my favorite is the mushroom one. The line can get long, but it moved quickly! read more

Oh My Gawd. This empanada is so delicious. I'm so glad to try El Porteño Argentina Empanada. I was walking into the Embarcadero Building and my nose noticed this restaurant before my eyes. Definitely coming back. read more

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Love me an empanada. Made fast and price was not too bad considering we were in a high tourist area. Nice variety and a side of chimichurri. All was good and tasty little snack read more

Came here for a pit stop walking the ferry building. Got the carne empanada. must eat it hot and fresh!! Has a nice crunch too it and very flavorful but it is on the really salty side for me. Not sure if it was this one batch they made, but I could not finish it as good as it was. I will be back to try again, since it is really good. Hopefully wont be too salty next time around. Its a great spot with great staff in the ferry building. read more

Located in the ferry building is probably my favorite jamon y queso empanada. The flakiness of the crust pairs perfectly with the cheese and jamon they use to match it nicely. Amazing to eat while walking around the ferry building read more

My experience my review. Hello everyone. I am visiting San Francisco and love to come and take a stroll here. This is the second time I've visited this location. The first time I was only able to purchase one empanada because they had ran out and they had very few left. Well this time I made it here earlier. The line was long but they had a variety of empanadas to choose from. I was able to get a mushroom one and a ground beef one. They were both delicious. Warm just right. The taste, the buttery dough. I just love this place. The ambience was great as everyone was walking, laughing and having a great time. Will be back next time I I visit. read more

Flavorful empanadas. Quick service in a fast paced environment. This spot is located in the ferry building. We opted for the lamb and beef empanadas. I love that they are labeled to easily differentiate our items when on the go. If you'd like to enjoy them later there's also a freezer section to take and make at home. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

These empanadas ended up being one of the gems of the trip me and my friends took to San Francisco. We came here multiple times because the empanadas were just so delicious. I had the carne and I also tried the mushroom. The empanadas have a wonderful crusty buttery flaky crust that holds the feeling well. The filling itself is absolutely delicious too. Both times we went. There was a little line because people know that these are really good. One of my friends on the trip made us stop to get some before. Heading to the airport. Definitely a good treat if you're in the area. The lamb is also very tasty. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

El Porteno, a delightful addition to the Ferry Building, serves delicious empanadas. While they may be a bit pricey, they're an excellent choice for days when you're not in the mood to cook or simply craving buttery empanadas. Despite the long lines, the wait is surprisingly quick. I decided to grab a few empanadas and bring them home to the East Bay before boarding the ferry. To my surprise, they arrived in perfect condition. My personal favorite was the spinach and pancetta empanada, but all the empanadas were simply outstanding at $7.50 each. In Argentina, where empanadas are usually around $2.50, I was a bit shocked by the price here. However, the quality and taste were truly delectable. Please note they don't have a large area where you can sit and enjoy your empanadas. They do have a few tall tables behind their line and many people take their empanadas to other seating areas within the ferry building and enjoy their empanadas there. read more

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I'm a sucker for a good Argentinian empanada, even at $7 a pop if they're good, so the succulent smells from this kiosk was calling my name everytime I passed through the Ferry building. I guess repeated exposure, and tickling the senses serve as great marketing because I final took a second to stop by and grab a few...fiancé in tow. Even without seating, this spot pulls in numbers. The flavor options alone had my mouth watering. I should have been mindful that based on the amount of employees compared to the volume of clientele, it was pretty obvious that these were not exactly freshly made. Out of the 4 we shared, 1 had certainly been sitting under the heat lamp for way too long. It was...less than fresh. The other 3 although under the same heat lamps seemed to be prepared more recently. These delicious pockets of joy did not come with chimichuri, but they all had flaky crusts, seasoned ingredients, and great combinations. Overall, a decent snack! read more

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They are remodeling their original location and moved a few steps away. If you are facing the original location, walk to your left and you'll see it on your left. I typically love their empanadas but I did have a weird empanada today. I picked up a jamon y queso (ham & cheese) and when I started to eat it on my ferry ride home, it was just filled with thick cheese with no ham so I'm a bit bummed this happened and definitely think it was strange. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Jamon y queso but no jamon to be found - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

I decided to check them out after catching the delicious smell while walking around the Ferry Building. I got the champinones empanada, which contains mushrooms, is very cheesy, salty, and strongly mushroom-flavored. I thought this was one of the better empanadas I've had, would highly recommend checking them out. There's often a line, but it moves pretty fast. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Champinones empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

This just wasn't it for me. The empanadas were really pricy for one, and not that big. The one i got was also really full of air with not too much filling. The pastry was doughy, and the shrimp and cheese tasted like exactly that: shrimp and cheese put together and cooked. I just wanted a quick small savory bite in the ferry building when most businesses had already clossd for the evening so this did satisfy that need. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Camaron - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious dessert empanadas! We only tried the sweet empanadas but given how amazing they were, I imagine that their savory empanadas are also delicious. We had the dulce de leche banana, cherry and apple empanadas. The dough was flaky and crispy with a perfect filling ratio. Each satisfied our sweet tooth without being overly sweet. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California

Spending Valentines Day up in San Francisco with my wife. Our boys met us in Vellejo and we took the ferry into the Bay. Had dinner at Gotts but saw this small empanada place with line going out the door. Got the banana, apple, and cherry and hands down one of the best empanadas we ever had. A must try if your make it up here and near the SF Port! read more

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A nice and quick snack to grab while I was walking around the Ferry Building. The cheese was melted nicely with the ham and the bread was warm and slightly buttery and crispy. read more

El Porteño Empanadas - Jamon Y Queso - Argentine Near Me - San Francisco, California