I didn't realize this place had 1,000+ reviews. Are they the best empanadas I've ever had? Yes. I actually do think so. Their other menu items are nice options if you're not interested in something deep fried; however, I found both their rice and salad pretty flavorless. Stick to the empanadas and you'll be fine. I ate 8 of them today. I'm so full I kind of want to puke but if you put another 4 in front of me I would find a way to eat them. Their condiment options are delicious. They're very much Americanized dipping sauces. I definitely wouldn't say these empanadas are anything traditional in terms of being similar to those from Latin America or even Mexico but they're very flavorful and the dough is perfect. The dessert empanadas are tasty but I think they need a little more work... I had the Flanada and it just blew up as this big custard mess as soon as I bit into it because the filling was too heavy for the dough. That being said, I'm totally just being a jerk for wanting more crust to filling ratio. Please, do yourself a favor, drive into this ghetto strip mall in Winnetka and grab yourself a few of their signature empanadas- don't ask any stupid questions like what's in it. Shove it in your pie hole and enjoy. read more

Johnny Pacific - Home style empanadas are my favorite. Hand wrapped instead of perfectly pressed, so that each one has its own style of wrapping. Love it! - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

Man! First time here and it is SO GOOD!! I have had a lot of empanadas in my life and not only is everything that I ordered super tasty (I got the Island style skewers, the bacon and jalapeño empanada, kailua pig empanada, ham and cheese, nutella banana and the caramel apple desert empanadas.. needless to say I am over stuffed but in a euphoric state of bliss. Johnny the owner was phenomenal and so helpful. A must try for all the tasty eats! Thank you guys for an exceptional experience!! read more

I have just had one of the best, if not the best empanada I've ever had. JP will be the gold standard to hold other empanadas against. The place is located in a tiny, unassuming strip mall, but there it is, the mecca of empanadas. If you don't know what to order, the girl at the front is extremely friendly and helpful, and with her help I ordered the following empanadas: Chicken al Pastor, Kailua Pig, Spinach and Cheese and Beef Tinga. Based on other Yelp reviews, I also got a Guava-ade, despite my apprehension.* It took about 5 minutes but when they came out, my first bite was the spinach and cheese. It was glorious! It was ooey, gooey, savory and oh so flavorful in its simplicity. It was so good in fact that I am now convinced that an empanada should be the chosen vehicle for all spinach and cheese combinations moving forward. I will be banning crackers, breads, chips, etc. And I'm lactose intolerant! I know! If I didn't have any money, I will kiss a fat chick square in the mouth after she's devoured a couple of these just so I can taste her breath. My only regret was I ate this one first. I should've saved it for last... Now the others were also good, but a little more subtle. My second favorite had to be the chicken al pastor. That empanada would be my side chick if I ever were to cheat on the spinach and cheese empanada. While I was eating these morsels, I'd been sucking down the guava-ade like there's no tomorrow. Let me tell you a little secret. *I HATE GUAVAS. Yeah, it was that good. After finishing the last one I had to pause a little. I was a left a little confused and kinda guilty, like how I feel after having great sex, as if I just did something bad and illegal. I don't know what else to tell ya... read more

Johnny Pacific - Empanadas - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

Sadly I had highly expectations for this place...I am not saying empanadas were bad it's just in my case my ordered I placed on my first visit was to go...I ordered 3 or 4?different flavors, like 3 dozens I got all the same I may give it a try again but I was really bombed to had that 1st impression. My advice, check you order before you leave specially if it's for to go. read more

I love Johnny Pacific--a little hole in the wall gem in the San Fernando Valley serving up the best empanadas ever! My cousins who live in the valley introduced me to JP a few years ago when they would always bring some to our family get togethers in Oxnard. WOW! We finally made it there to sample every single empanada (with the sauces) that they offer. Here's a nice list: EMPANADAS--ONE- $2.35 | FOUR- $8.95 | DOZEN - $25.50 MEAT- beef, chicken, beef tinga, ham and cheese, kailua pig, cajun sausage, cheese, chicken el pastor, bbq pulled pork, chorizo and potato VEGGIE- mushroom, spinach and cheese, roasted-veggie garlic DESSERT- caramel apple, flanada, chocolate coconut, maui pineapple, nutella banana SIGNATURE SAUCES (.25) chimmi-churri, chipotle, bbq, basil-aioli, sweet-sour thai, caramel They are perfect little pockets of flaky goodness in every bite. So flavorful! If you ever have an opportunity to eat here, I recommend ordering at least one of each. I love you, Johnny Pacific! xoxo read more

Don't let the small hole in the wall and looks fool you, as these are the best empanadas we've had between Tampa and LA. Had the beef, BBQ pulled pork, ham and cheese, and caramel apple to finish off with. The beef and BBQ pork were the favorites, at least on this visit. Got the chipotle, BBQ, basil-aioli, and caramel sauces, and all are outstanding! They've got a number of skewer plates and salads and all look true and authentic island and latin grill style. What can I say more than 5-stars! read more

I've been here three times so far and each time I've had such a wonderful meal. This place is supposed to be known for the empanadas, and the first time I was here, my friend and I ordered almost every empanada on the menu (except the dessert ones). My favorites were the pulled pork and chorizo and potato. Everything they make there seems fresh and nothing's too greasy. If you don't feel like having empanadas- you've gotta try the skewers. The chimmi-churri one is excellent. And it comes with a salad, fries, and a veggie empanada. You can't go wrong with that. The lime-aid is also great to drink with your meal, but sometimes it can be too sour. The staff is friendly and really take care of you there. I'd gladly recommend this place to anyone who doesn't want typical fast food chain crap and wants something nicer but doesn't feel like getting dressed up to go to a regular sit-down restaurant. read more

Johnny Pacific - The Chimi Churri skewers - sooo good! - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

Empanadas were solid and well fried. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Enjoyed the two empanadas I got.

I don't know what all the fuss is about. Couldn't finish a chicken empanada, fries were okay... Service was very friendly, interior was fine, clean even. The nutella and banana was decent, very texturally odd again, at least I finished that one, no sweet tooth here?! Even though I almost aspirated on all the powdered sugar it was dredged in. I prefer my empanada dough more flaky and there was something sweet in the chicken filling (carrots maybe) and the filling texture was off for me. My husband called it comfort food and ate pretty much the whole 'lunch special', even though it was dinner. In my experience these were not traditional but perhaps that is the appeal for so many... I will give it a miss but in their defense, maybe I ordered the wrong thing. I think two stars is fair for my own honest opinion, and it is just that, my opinion. No need for haters here. No bathroom that I could see. No AMEX read more

Johnny Pacific - Anticipation - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

Nice place. I prefer the more traditional empanadas nearby at the Buenos Aires Grille, but these make for a nice change of pace. Brought home and sliced in half, they make for a nifty addition to a few salads when we have folks over for lunch. BTW, Kristin K., there is definitely a bathroom. One of the very nice staff members will direct you. read more

For excellent EMPANADAS, head over to Winnetka?! Yep, and the name Johnny Pacific did nothing to curb my skepticism. But it's true. You have to check the blackboard for available empanadas. On the day I went, there were 15 different savory ones and 5 sweet options. I ordered three -- the KAILUA PORK, the BEEF TINGA and the SPINACH & CHEESE. I took them to go which I thought might make them soggy by the time I got to my friend's place 15 minutes later, but they were still great! And mixing and matching with the four dipping sauces they tossed in was fun. Much to my surprise...the spinach and cheese was my favorite of the three! I would definitely like to try their other food and eat in next time. read more

Johnny Pacific - Empanadas! - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

This place is pretty freakin good. They have a wide selection of empanadas and 3 combos to chose from. I went with the Korean BBQ skewers with rice and salad with a chorizo & potato empanada. Everything was excellently cooked. The meat was juicy and tender, not too chewy or dry. The rice was different than what I'm used to, I usually have white sticky rice, but this one was a brown sticky rice? Different but good. Man oh man, that empanada was to die for!! So much flavor on the inside, I wish I could've just hibernated in there. I'm excited to try their other empanadas and the chicken chimichuri. I'll be back again in no time! read more

Johnny Pacific - #1: Korean beef skewers with rice and mixed greens and empanada. - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

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The steak skewers combo plate is delicious! My go-to every time. It's a pricey place but well worth it.

Johnny pacific has a great selection of empanadas- a wide variety of beef, chicken, pork, veggie and dessert styles! I tried the Kalua, Spinach&cheese, and chicken. The chicken one tasted just like a chicken pot pie and the pork empanada was tasty and tender. They serve the empanadas with different sauces that really complement their flavors. You are also presented with several options for drinks like fresh juices and soda. Ended up getting some to go! Would definitely visit again read more

LOVE this place- crazy good empanadas, and I love their refresca drinks- the guava is sooo good!

This place is heaven. Food is amazing. People are amazing. Best empanadas in the universe. Guava-Ade's are hella bomb. Only thing that is not cool is parking lot is small. read more

Johnny Pacific - Guava-ade - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

Amazing! It wasn't the easiest thing to find coz it's located at a tiny stripmall and the tower sgn that holds all the business names didn't list Johnny Pacific; It listed "Empanadas." I was a little skeptical at first... this tiny little thing in this entirely nondescript strip mall got this high yelp rating?!?! Walked in and saw the limited menu. My skepticism grew! And then I saw the prices! $2.15 per empanada. I was thinking: "I usually need 4 to get full! And I surely didn't expect to pay $10 for a quick lunch at a strip mall!" So I ordered two... just in case you yelpers were jerking my chain big time... Beef and mushroom Each bite of the mushroom empanada lessened my skepticism. Until... in the end, the whole thing won me over. They automatically gaveme the chimichurri and basil aioli dipping sauces. The raw garlic (?) in the chimichurri was too strong for me but teh basil was heavenly. I was dipping fries in it. My partner (from work!) had the pulled porlk and the chorizo and he seemed pretty happy with it. Now that my stomach has been pacified, I started looking around and though to myself: "Definitely way too fancy for a strip mall at the corner of Sherman Way and Winnetka. I can see this business fluorishing on Ventura Blvd. And Anthony, I know now what you mean by "really surfer." Seriously, there was a brief moment when I looked out of the window almost expecting to see the boardwalk... Oh yeah, they DEEP FRY their empanadas. That's why it's GOOOOOOODD!!! read more

Best empanadas in the valley. Hands down, everything I've tried here is good. It is located in a small plaza and parking is very limited. However, come here to experience flavor explosion in your mouth. I've tried most of the empanadas from the potato, beef tinga, Kailua pig, el pastor, chorizo, and spinach and cheese. All the empanadas are fried perfectly and the exterior is a golden flaky brown. Please try their sauces that they have because they go perfectly with the empanadas. I have not tried their other dishes, but it seems delicious as well. The prices are a bit expensive, but it's worth every penny because these empanadas are freaking delicious. Give this place a try if you haven't because it is one of the few great hidden treasures in the valley. read more

Johnny Pacific - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

I've wanted to try this place for awhile now and my coworker surprised everyone by bringing the empanadas from here into work. He brought an assortment of meat, veggie and dessert empanadas and after trying just 1 I just had to come here myself. A few days later I came here for lunch with a friend and on a Friday around 11am this very small restaurant was packed. We put in an order of assorted empanadas to go and after only about 15 mins we had our food. All the empanadas were great. The meat empanadas were perfect with their chimchurri sauce and their spinach empanada was very flavorful. And please dont leave without grabbing a dessert empanada with some caramel sauce to dip in it. Mmmm mmm good. The only reason for 4 and not 5 stars is because I do feel this place is slightly expensive. Its about $10 for 4 empanadas. read more

Best empanadas in LA, great service, very cool we have been eating them for years and they just get better and better great variety always fresh don't miss out on this place fabulous read more

My new favorite place! Yum!! Best empanadas and sauces! I've tried 3 different ones so far. I can't wait to try them all :)

Great empanadas, but the must get is their signature salad. Go for a lunch combo, and spend the extra two bucks to get the upgraded salad. I only have two criticisms. First, it would be nice if they offered an unsweetened iced tea for those who are watching their sugar intake, and I wish they offered a more traditional beef empanada with olive in it. Otherwise, my mouth waters at the mention of their name. And the place is always pristine. read more

Empanadasssss... wow! Its like korean dumplings but fried and like 4 times bigger. There are so many different fillings and the eating fries feel like im swimming into Pacific Ocean under the warm lit sunlight. The beef tinga is always to go to for me with the variety if sauces they will offer you! Order on the phone to skip the line to get your hands on a few of these juicy, crunchy, man-dumplings. read more

Their selection of empanadas are the best. I would get them for my team. Really good.

I can't even begin to tell you how perfect these empanadas are. I've had them in many places, and these are just superior in every way. The service is always friendly, and the restaurant is always clean. But really, the superstar is the homemade caramel sauce (which goes perfectly with the caramel apple empanadas!)- I don't know what the secret ingredient is, but it's out of this world! Also, the house salad is SO good- and I don't typically like salads at all. But fresh goat cheese, mangoes and raspberries- heaven! I hope they have many years of success ahead! read more

This place is bomb. Parking is sparse since it's located in a corner lot, but it's worth it. There are about 7 tables with a surfer/bohemian vibe. I got the korean style skewer with the pig empanada and my bf got the chimmi churri skewer with a spicy sausage and chorizo + potato empanada. I'm argentinean so I know how empanadas are, and everything was really delicious. They give you different dipping sauces based on the empanadas and skewers you get as well, and they were good. We also tried the lemonade and guava-ade which were delicious drinks they make themselves. Service was awesome. We ordered some dessert empanadas to go: the apple and pineapple with caramel sauce. I'll definitely be coming back to this place! read more

Johnny Pacific - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

The best EMPANADAS in the WORLD!!! They also have tasty juices and that their salad is delish as well. A must try!!!!

Absolutely the best empanadas in town! Have been going to this spot since it was in the adjacent corner from the location it is at now. Great customer service. Friendly staff. Love their chipotle sauce. read more

Top notch like no other empanadas!!! From savory to dessert!! Can't beat em. These empanadas are large too!! 5 stars all day!!!

Finally tried this place after hearing raving reviews! We ordered 4 empanadas: 2 Beef Tinga, 1 Chicken and 1 spinach and cheese and after tasting a bit of all my favorite was the spinach and cheese! Soooo goood! I didn't really like the beef and the chicken was pretty good as well! The chimmicuri and basil sauces were yummy too!! Although I think the prices are a bit too much ($3.50) an empanada (maybe I'm used to them being $1.50 in NY that's why...it's worth the try definitely!! The outside of the empanadas were crispy and perfect compared to other places we've had. I'd sure go back for the cheesey goodness!! read more

Oh Johnny boy.. Or should I say mr. Johnny Pacific. How you have made me addicted to your empanadas I do not know but I am not angry either . In a small shopping center on saticoy and winnetka is where you will find this awesome place . I promise you that you will not regret it . Everything is honestly awesome here and one of the best things is they are made to order . I would suggest calling in ahead of time if you are in a hurry but let get to the good stuff. In simple words , everything on the menu is superb. From the skewers , to fish to the best empanadas in the valley . The corn empanada is on another level and so is the chicken pastor and flan for dessert . Let me say that again .. Flan empanada for dessert . I usually get the 4 pack and a coke which comes to about 12-13$ but it is well worth it . You definitely won't go wrong with this place but if you do go for your first time , make sure to get a dessert empanada, you will thank me later read more

Johnny Pacific - Yess - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

I've been here twice. I'm a sauce lover. Both times I've been disappointed by my to go orders. First visit, ordered beef and pulled pork empanadas. Asked for chimmichurri and basil aioli and instead got bbq sauce. Second time, ordered spinach and cheese and chicken el pastor empanadas. Asked for chimmichurri and basil aioli again, and AGAIN received different sauces than desired (chipotle). Wth. Should've checked my bag before heading out, but still... To add insult to injury, second visit the empanadas were significantly smaller than first visit. Super disappointed. As for flavors, beef was okay, pulled oork was the best imo, chicken el pastor was meh (the smallest one in the picture), and spinach & cheese had inconcistency in texture (some bites were too cheesy and other bites had huge chunks of spinach). I live in Pasadena and once a month I have a meeting in Canoga Park. Thought I could find a place to look forward to for dinner to go but it's not meeting my high expectations for a 4+ stars restaurant. read more

Johnny Pacific - Beef and bbq pulled pork empanadas $2.50 a pop - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

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My husband and I absolutely loved this place. It's located in this small center with very little parking. The inside is also very small, with very little seating so I would highly recommend that you get your order to go. We both got the #1 which had Korean beef skewers (which had beef, bell peppers and onions. The beef was very tasty and extremely tender which is always a plus. It comes with rice, your choice of empanada and salad. I got the chicken empanada and it came with this Greek dipping sauce which complimented it very nicely. My husband got the cajan empanada which I thought was amazing it had peppers, onion and cheese in it with this amazing cajan sauce. I also order the guava-ade which is a lemonade infused with guava (they also offer other flavors) it was really good but for $4 I'll probably pass next time. Customer service was amazing. All in all highly recommend this place it is alittle pricey but it is pretty good. read more

Johnny Pacific - #1 Korean kabob - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

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Bomb empanadas spot!!!...and it's in MY hood (: The staff is friendly and the place is cozy and clean. Since they're in a small plaza, parking is limited so it's best to call in your order. Now for their amazing scrumptious empanadas..I recommend: ham & cheese, mushroom, beef tinga & bbq pulled pork and for the dessert empanadas: flanada, Nutella & banana and caramel apple. All empanadas come with your choice of sauce(s) & my favorites are: chimmi-churri, chipotle, basil-aioli & caramel. Highly recommend this place. I recently brought 2 dozens of empanadas at a family party and there were no leftovers ;) read more

Johnny Pacific - Lunch special: 2 empanadas, 1/2 fries, canned drink. $7.95 - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

I happen to be in the area because I followed my husband out here for a quick meeting for work. I was planning on waiting for him by napping in the car, but it was too hot so I just started yelping nearby restaurants out of boredom. I was super skeptical I would find anything out here since this area is super super random. But I found this listing and BAM, 1100 reviews! Definitely had to check it out. I ordered the lunch special and thought it was a great value. A side of half salad (with the best balsamic vinaigrette sauce btw), a huge side of fries, two empanadas of your choice and a drink all for $7.95. I got the mushroom and spinach/cheese empanadas. The portions for the entire lunch special is huge! I am taking my time trying to pick at my meal. I don't eat empanadas enough to know how this place compares, but they were quite tasty. The sauces were a nice compliment. Interior is pretty small. Owner and workers are extremely friendly and chill. Probably the only restaurant worth checking out if you happen to be in the area. read more

Johnny Pacific - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

The chimichurri is bomb, I always get that with chicken empanadas. Más rico que las de mi abuela fr fr

Super yummy food especially the empanadas howver its a little on the pricey side ! DEFINITELY will go back

Keep me away from this place - otherwise I'll weigh 400 lbs by the end of the year! So good, so fresh - everything we had was killer. I will be honest and say that it's a little small and we did have to wait for a few tables to leave because we were a group of six - but SO glad we didn't get discouraged and walk out. Service was awesome, woman who took our order was great with suggestions and the time from ordering to table was pretty fast. What we ordered: Chicken satay with salad and rice - HUGE pieces of chicken with yummy peanut sauce and sticky rice with salad. Looked amazing! Steak skewers with salad, fries and an empanada - AMAZEBALLS! steak was tender, veggies were fresh - beef empanada was great. Chicken salad - chicken was fresh, greens were great - along with the fresh berries and dressing Desserts - Flanada, caramel apple empanada - both SO good with their own caramel sauce. I think if anyone gave this place below 3 stars they are either insane or they expected something different. The food is amazing! read more

Johnny Pacific - Steak skewers with empanada and salad. - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California

I havent been here in such a long time. The new location is spacious. The empanadas are delicious as I remember them to be. The beef tinga is packed with meat. The cheese and spinach has the fresh spinach flavor blended with cheese. We ordered the lunch special, which was filling and had to take half it to go. Staff is very friendly. The sauces are delicious, especially the chimichurri sauce. read more

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Just moved to the area and found this place thanks to good ole yelp...and I'm so happy I did! The Chimichurri skewers did not disappoint and the empanadas are great. Sampled several different fillings but really enjoyed the beef tinga and chicken el pastor. If you are in the area make sure you stop in. Place is small with limited seating so be prepared to compromise for take out. Taking it home is still good, but not as great as eating it hot off the grill or out of the oven. read more

Johnny Pacific - Latin American Near Me - Winnetka, California