Lito's Empanadas

Yum. I've had ordered delivery twice, and both times enjoyed each of the empanada varieties I've…read moretried. My favorite is the bacon, dates and goat cheese. One observation: on my first order, each empanada was wrapped in paper printed identifying the filling. It also seemed to help keep them warm throughout the meal. The second time, they were unwrapped and all boxed together; I didn't see a way to identify them. I hope the paper wrappers come back next time. But be sure, there will be a next time.

What a great place to get empanadas! I especially love $2 tuesdays! They have so many options for…read moreempanadas and so much space to hang out. They even provide board games to hang out which is a nice touch. Definitely coming back!

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Cafe Tola

4.4(391 reviews)

1.8 mi•Lakeview

Stopped into Cafe Tola for a quick afternoon coffee. The inside is order only but they have coffee,…read moretea, matcha, and a variety of flavored empanadas! I appreciated that all empanada flavors had the allergy information listed by the register. I ordered the Iced Horchata Latte and it was GOOD! Strong coffee that was good quality and had a nice sweet touch from the horchata. It was the perfect treat!

I went to the location today and there was a sign that said "Be right back." I waited for 30…read moreminutes, and no one showed up. I drove all the way from the burbs, for nothing. I even tried to call the number twice and no one picked up. I've had their food in the past, and it's fantastic, so it was very disappointing that I couldn't have my empanada. Hopefully they get this sorted out.

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Interior wall

5411 Empanadas

4.7(3 reviews)

2.7 mi•Near North Side

I loved the ratatouille and the banana with Nutella empanada! Those are my favorite! I also ordered…read morethe beef empanada but I didn't care for it. The beef was a bit pink and the flavor was a bit awkward for me. It's a cute little place. I definitely recommend!

Tasty empanadas and mix of menu options. Quick service. Good location; the Clark Street location…read morejust closed.

2.3 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

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5411 Empanadas

4.0(261 reviews)

Great spot for a quick bite! Nice vibe and pleasant employees. Below are my ratings of the…read moreempanadas I've tried: Ham and cheese - 8/10 Nutella and banana - 10/10 Chicken curry - 8/10 Mac n Cheese - 8/10

The hubs and I ordered an assortment of empanadas from 5411 Empanadas. They had a Tuesday special…read morefor $2 empanadas and we thought why not?! Besides when is the next time we would be in the area to try some fresh empandas.

4.8 mi•Illinois Medical District

Beer, Wine

Malbec Beef, Mushroom, Thyme & Blue Cheese, & Chorizo Patatas and Cheese

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Thimi's Empanadas

4.9(19 reviews)

Crazy good empanadas with a fun staff! There is not a lot of seating, so I think they maybe do more…read moretakeout, but we were able to snag some seating at a counter while we did a bit of a food crawl in the area. These empanadas are baller, and served by an attentive, efficient staff. We did love all we had, including the beef and shrimp. I love how they branded each so that we knew the flavors. That is such a classy touch, and appreciated. Perfect for buying for a party where they could be eaten instantly or warmed up.

Thimi's Empanadas is located at the corner of Western and Ogden. It's a tiny place, with a minimal…read moreseating area (I believe there were three chairs and a counter facing the window). You appreciate the Argentina touches inside and out (murals on the exterior, Lionel Messi photo, etc.). We ordered three empanadas, and they were served to us quickly and piping hot. We were offered one of three types of sauce and we chose chimichurri sauce, though the empanadas were so tasty that they did not really need any enhancement. Each empanada is branded with the name of the filling, for easy identification. My favorite was the beef empanada, and I'd say my lovely wife favored the shrimp empanada. The one with spinach filling was also very good.

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The Jibarito Stop

4.3(504 reviews)

3.0 mi•The Loop

The chicken stew was delicious! My son and I came for lunch and we both enjoyed our food. I would…read moredefinitely come back next time I'm in Chicago.

It's not abuelita's but it is pretty darn close! Ordered mofongo with pork and with arroz con…read moregandules--it was served with a simple lettuce and tomato salad and avocado slices, just like my abuelita serves it! When I saw the plate with those small extra touches I knew it was going to be good. And I was not disappointed. I could smell the garlic when the food arrived and it tasted delicious! Alcapurrias were yummy, too!! The place was very sweetly decorated with some beautiful photos from La Isla and an awesome mural map of PR. It is casual dining but felt homey and you can tell a lot of thought, feeling, and pride went into the space, just like the

White Rice and Beans (sm)

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Jibarito Shop

El Mercado Meat Mart

4.4(100 reviews)

2.0 mi•Lakeview

Everything about El Mercado makes me so happy. The vibes, the family who owns it, and of course the…read moredelicious empanadas. They are made fresh everyday and are my favorite in the city. The corn and cheese empanada is will change your life. If you come here, do yourself a favor and get it. On my most recent visit I also tried the pepperoni which was also fantastic. El Mercado is cash only, and owned by the amazing folks from tango sur -- the delicious Argentinian steakhouse next door!

I don't know why, but I have not even really noticed this place before. I lived 10 minutes away for…read more15 years; I've been to the DQ across the street several times; our favorite children's store in town, Baby Dolls Boutique, is only a few storefronts down and we are there very often. But our CM, Kate, recommended this place and we had to stop in. First thing you need to know is that they are a cash-only operation. This was a lucky day for me, because I actually had cash on me (a rare occurrence). I did have enough to get a corn and cheese empanada, and it's true--they are fantastic. I don't know if I'd get anything else from here because it was so delicious, but they had at least half a dozen other flavors. There are a couple counter-height chairs here, and there' also an ATM if you do need to grab some cash. No parking; it's street only.

4.2 mi•University Village

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Baked Beef Empanada

Chilango Mexican Street Food

4.2(698 reviews)

It's gonna be a yes from me dawg. A chicken burrito that'll be on my mind until I order it again…read morenext week.

Go to Mexican food in Little Italy! Friendly staff, quick service, and great food. Burrito bowls…read moreare amazing and always very consistent. Pro Tip: don't sleep on the chicken tortilla soup. Some of the best in the game!

#8 Spinach and cheese Burrito Bowl Burrito Shrimp Burrito Bowl

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Café Tola

4.0(77 reviews)

3.2 mi•Logan Square

This is just a holler in the wall mostly carry out spot. So today I had 3 empanadas the Lechon,…read morespinach+ricotta, Birria. They are all fucking tasty. These are so much better than the Empandus spot

Empanadas are amazing, however - it will always take 30-45 mins no matter how long the line is,…read moreespecially on Sunday's when the farmer's markets - which again, 100% would assume they should account for. I always feel so bad for the 2 single employees there on a Sunday, because it is always packed and a room full of frustrated eyes beaming at them, despite them running like crazy. They just need to hire more people, simple as that. Every couple of months I go back I am reminded why I am much less likely to go back until this gets addressed.

Don't know what's in those buckets sure that's not sanitary to be on the floor though

Empanada

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Cafe Tola

4.0(295 reviews)

3.1 mi•Avondale

Great place, there's a reason Anthony Bourdain wrote about it when he was still with us. The drinks…read moreare always consistent and delicious, if i'm in the area i'll almost always stop by for an Horchata Latte.

The fish tacos are the main reason I come here. I sat outside and felt a little forgotten but my…read morefood came out almost immediately after I ordered. Ambiance is casual but also good for a first date depending on the time of day.

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How many of you are old enough to remember these?

Chicken Mole Empanada

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35 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Laura C.

Elite 15

101

392

378

16 years ago

When my empanada joint (Tio Luis) stopped making my favorite Mexican specialty, I almost had a heart attack. Luckily, I found Lito's, which is a totally different style (Columbian) vs Tio (Mexican), but tasty nonetheless. The best empanada is the Beef which gets a sweet kick from the raisins and some heft from the potatoes. It's a flaky crust that goes well with the hot salsas - rojo or verde. Champinon Chicken wasn't bad, with mushrooms and cheese as the main characters. Prices are $2.09-$2.49 per 'nada, so mix and match 'em as much as your wallet can do. Storefront only has a few bar stools, so good place to grab and go. They're pretty quick and service is friendly. Lito's also does mini empanadas for parties...although I would have to recommend hiring my culinary skills for that ;) read more

Lexie K.

15 years ago

Big fan of this little take out place. The owner is there alot, and he's a nice guy. The chicken and mushroom empanada is my favorite,and the Nutella is awesome, but is like a snack size dessert..Very good. The food is a 5 star, but there is no where to sit,and I would go there more often but I don't since there is only like 4 barstools next to the door(pretty cold on a day like today)..think they deliver. Good value, good food, and local place that you should support. read more

Olivia S.

16 years ago

Good economical food. The place is small, so difficult to sit down, relax, and eat. Great for takeout though. The empanadas are delicious--- you can watch them being made and see how freshness really matters here. Only thing that stopped me from giving Lito's 5-stars was flavor. I would have expected a bit more in that regard. Nevertheless, a great place and the prices are very reasonable. read more

Richard J.

14 years ago

The place is small, the menu is even smaller, but all that matters is that every empanada I've had from there was delicious, fresh, and cheap. You can see the chef working, and the same girl always greets regulars with friendly conversation while you wait for your order. When the menu's this simple it would be hard to screw up, but every time I go back I remember why I did. read more

Danger L.

19 years ago

This is a great place to grab a quick cheap lunch or dinner. There is a counter if you want to stay and eat but I usually get them and go. The empanadas are made fresh as you order them. I usually get the beef with rice but I have tried them all and liked them all. I wish they used a little more salt but that is just me. The husband and wife owners are so sweet too. read more

Bob P.

18 years ago

Another great Lincoln Park eatery!!! The people who work here are friendly and kind and the food is delicious!!! These are fat (thick), crispy empanadas filled with sweet, sweet Heaven. I recommend Beef and Rice, Beef, Hawaiian, and the new, Champañon Chicken (with sautéd mushrooms and onions.) And don't forget the homemade hot sauce, only twenty-five cents!!! read more

Elise P.

525

104

6 years ago

Saw a sign in the window that said "soft opening" and thought the place was new... based on reviews here, guess they've actually been around for a minute! All the love is fully deserved. Danielle and I picked up a Nutella and chorizo empanada, respectively, and they were *exactly* what we needed on a snowy day. Can't wait to come back for more!!! read more

Shawn C.

18 years ago

Really a nice place for a quick bite. I'd get the homemade hot sauce for them as well. Not good if you're really hungry and I usually am. I just finished off three and I'm still hungry. They are tasty though. I like the beef and rice and the ham and pineapple. read more

tommy g.

18 years ago

i wish they delivered ;) empanadas rock its way better than a cheeseburger or a hotdog not too many places in this city have cheap tasty snax i love living in this area i can walk here and eat the empanada while walking down the st. read more

brittney h.

17 years ago

i cant believe ive been living right next to this place and never realized how amazing they are until today! got one spinach and one choco banana both were so good.. i cant wait to go back and try the others.. so cheap good stuff! read more

Remy T.

574

5 years ago

Some of the best empanadas I've ever had. The fillings are delicious but it's the BEAUTIFUL FLAKY CRUST that will send you to heaven. Friendly staff and so well priced. This is going to be my go to lunch spot!! read more

Sammy A.

18 years ago

I live right down the block from this place and it's AMAZING!! Great little place to pop in and get great food very quickly or you can just chill, eat, and watch the CUBS GAME!!! read more

Jen G.

12 years ago

Their empanadas are so good! My favorite were the Hawaiian and the choco-Nutella/banana one. So good! I ordered delivery & they arrived still warm. Would certainly recommend! read more

Jims J.

Elite 10

311

15 years ago

What will surprise you when you open your paper bag: how pleasantly enormous these empanadas are. Just get a good mix, or try them all - your wallet won't notice. read more

Anna C.

19 years ago

A friend and I stopped in here one afternoon after getting our nails done and had one of the ooey-gooey Choco Bananas. I HIGHLY reccommend it! YUM! read more

Allison T.

9 years ago

Great little empanadas spot. Ordered 3 but probably would have been good with 2, but they were all delicious!

Vera B.

9 years ago

The food is always good the place is always clean and the staff always give me very good customer service.

Whit B.

16 years ago

Champinon Chicken is killer! The guys who work in the restaurant are very genuine and polite as well.

marie s.

17 years ago

great place to pick some great food fast. the staff is great and the food is out of site.

Michael L.

165

15 years ago

Never had an empanada before. These things were awesome. Hope this place sticks around.

Lito's Empanadas - empanadas - Updated October 2026

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