Cancel

Open app

Search

Maleku

4.8 (13 reviews)
Closed 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

Maleku Photos

MALEKU ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Maleku

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel

A quaint little coffee shop! The service was great. I had the salmon bagel with cream cheese that was well balanced between cream and the salmon.

Emily S.

This is my new favorite local coffee shop! The empanadas are very good. Salty, savory and crispy. My favorite is the breakfast empanada but the spicy beef is a close second. The mocha I had was also very delicious. It was rich and creamy but not overly sweet. The service is very friendly and helpful. This place is such a gem, truly a must try!

Love the vibe in here!
Ashley C.

Updating to add: we have now had all the empanada flavors and more drinks, and they're all delightful. Favorite empanadas are the pineapple, spicy beef, and the breakfast. The drinks are great. I love their seasonal options, but their standard menu is solid too. I really like their house made chai tea and their horchata. I love that they do just about everything in house. Always clean, always friendly. It has quickly become our go to for drinks and a bite to eat!

Brad W.

Great coffee, empanadas and service! The Horchata with espresso was so tasty! Never had that combo before and cant wait to try it again! The empanadas were great deal at 3 for $10! The spicy beef was my favorite! The place is small but cozy.

Seating area
Melissa C.

A very cozy Costa Rican inspired coffee shop serving espresso, horchata and even empanadas! The barista was so friendly and offered suggestions and helpful tips. My Chocolate Truffle Mocha was delicious and the included truffle was an extra bonus! The place is small but had a lot of seating options! The empanadas were delicious too! Local gem definitely worth checking out!

Chai latte
Chloe A.

Love this place and such a cute little shop! Their coffee is so smooth and flavorful, and the homemade chai is amazing! It has the right amount of spice and not too sweet. The cold brew is strong in the best way, and their empanadas are a must-try. The breakfast one is my favorite. The staff are so friendly and really know their coffee.

The bar

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 3
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Maleku

Review Highlights - Maleku

Empanadas are $4 but they have a combo 3 for $10 so I got 3 of each flavor, the spicy beef, pineapple, chicken and breakfast.

Mentioned in 7 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

El Cubano - El Guajiro Plate El Dominicano Sandwich Platanos Maduros Fritos Guava Juice Pineapple Juice

El Cubano

(134 reviews)

$$

Time and time again, El Cubano leads the Cuban/Dominican genre in the Twin Cities, IMHO. I've had…read morethe pleasure of dining here multiple times, throughout several years, and it is ALWAYS a guaranteed sensational meal. A 2022 recipient of the Mpls-St. Paul Magazine Golden Fork Award winner, El Cubano is a casual eatery serving traditional Cuban and Dominican small bites, such as empanadas, tequeños, croquettes, sandwiches, and entrees. All meals are cooked to order, so expect a wait as your order is being prepared. This cuisine is intended to be savored fresh, not reheated. After you place your order at the counter, you may choose indoor or outdoor seating while you wait for your meal. During this visit, I had the delight to indulge in: - "Chicken Croquettes": a savory, breaded fritter stuffed with chicken. - "Chicken Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. Remarkably delicious! - "Beef Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with minced beef and cheese. - "Pan Con Bistec con Yuca Frita y Mojo": Steak Sandwich loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, potato sticks, mayo, and a thin beef steak, served in between two slices of Cuban bread. My side choice was fried yucca, served with a "mojo": a traditional sauce made from a cooked onion-garlic mixture. - "Picadillo con Moro y Maduros": Mined beef served with "moro", which is a combination of white rice and black beans, cooked together. The maduros are sweet, ripe, yellow plantains that are fried but, due to their sweetness and texture, remain soft even after frying. Paired with the moro and a bit of the picadillo, this meal is a transcendent bite that will have you achieving flow state in no time. - "Ropa Vieja con Arroz Blanco, y Maduros:" Stewed, shredded beef cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. This traditional Cuban dish, which translates into "old clothes", is anything but what the name suggests. The tenderness and juiciness of the shredded beef, scooped up with a ball of white rice and sweet plantains, are ethereal, and it's a dish I highly recommend if you're seeking immediate culinary comfort. El Cubano is proof that delectable, authentic Latin-Caribbean cuisine doesn't have to be complicated and can be accessible anywhere in the world with the right hands at the helm. The owner of El Cubano, who is also the cashier and server, has put this restaurant on the map in the Twin Cities. Her culinary roots, blended with her gift for cooking, her understanding of seasons, and her use of fresh ingredients to recreate popular Cuban and Dominican comfort dishes, are truly remarkable. El Cubano doesn't take shortcuts, and you can taste the quality of love poured into this food.

I don't eat meat, so I was a little unsure walking in--but I am so glad I gave this place a chance!…read more This is a smaller spot in west St. Paul and it is authentic in the coolest way - I can't wait to revisit during the summer because their patio looks amazing! Spanish is my rusty second language and the staff smiled as they put up with me practicing, actively communicating and just overall making the whole experience awesome. Most of the existing reviews highlight the meat dishes (which looked amazing, to be fair), so I thought I'd share a vegetarian perspective. I got the vegetarian plate and all of the components were notably fresh and super flavorful. I am glad I asked if they had any hot sauce or salsa on my way out with my to-go order, because the salsa they provided was definitely the cherry on the top of my meal. The yuca fries were so fresh and perfectly fried, but not suuper favorable (as one would expect with most fried root vegetables). So I'd suggest pairing their awesome texture and freshness with a chosen form of sauce, salsa, etc. They are going to be a hit with any kids in your party, for sure! If you're vegetarian and hesitant to try a Cuban restaurant, this is your sign to go. And if you eat meat, you're probably already aware this place is a gem. I'll definitely be coming back!

DelSur Empanadas - Fries, gf empanadas, salad and dipping sauces

DelSur Empanadas

(10 reviews)

University

If you're anywhere near Southeast Minneapolis and craving something warm, flaky, and comforting,…read moreDelSur Empanadas is the place to go. I stopped by on a warm evening following the Legacy Cup, and the smell alone was worth the trip -- buttery pastry and savory fillings drifting out the door. The empanadas are the real deal -- perfectly golden on the outside, with just the right amount of crunch before you hit the soft, flavorful center. My favorites were the beef (rich, perfectly seasoned, with just enough spice) and the caprese (melty cheese, tomato, and basil that somehow feels both indulgent and fresh). Not to mention their french fries have that same golden crispy affect as well! Their chimichurri sauce is liquid gold. I ended up dipping everything in it -- no regrets. The staff was friendly and genuinely seemed excited to talk about their food, which made the experience even better. The space itself is cozy and bright, with a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to hang out for a bit, grab a mate or a local beer, and take your time. Prices are super reasonable for the quality -- you can easily have a filling meal for under $15. I do recommend this place however if you want to wash it down with a beverage, be aware of Malcolm yards costs.

I ordered 2 empanadas: Spinach…read moreBbq chicken My first impression was that they looked very pasty and dry. The spinach empanada was decent. It wasn't super flavorful, but it was nice and healthy tasting. FYI, I normally like spinach stuffed foods. The bbq chicken empanada was inedible. The chicken was extremely dry and it reminded me of meat floss. Maybe it was an off day, but I could not justify spending $4 for each of the empanadas.

Cahill Bistro - Shrimp Tacos

Cahill Bistro

(359 reviews)

$$

This restaurant is tucked in an not so easy to spot location but don't be deterred. It's staffed by…read morewhat I assume is the family that runs the place and on both occasions we were treated very well. It's a cozy atmosphere, it doesn't feel like you need to be all dressed up to fit in. Now the food. My wife and I have been here twice. Once for lunch last week and tonight for dinner. On both occasions the food was outstanding. We were treated by a combination of fresh ingredients, a chefs eye towards delicious flavor profiles, great execution, and fair prices. Certainly keen to come back. I'd recommend the ceviche for an appetizer and if you're feeling spicy ask for the house hot sauce. It's a roasted habanero and it's awesome. For lunch I had the shrimp tacos and they were great also. I feel like I'm gushing here, but the rack of lamb and scallops were both also amazing dinner entrees as well. Lastly, every desert we've had has been tasty as well.

Cahill Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities, and for good reason! The food,…read morethe service, and the ambience are five stars across the board. Owned and operated by three brothers, this family-owned restaurant serves incredible Ecuadorian and Mexican-inspired dishes. If you visit, you'll most likely be greeted and served by one of the owners, who treat you like family--wholesome and genuinely high-quality hospitality without doing too much. The service provided and the love poured into the food are comparable to none. I've frequented this restaurant several times, throughout several years, and I've never had a bad experience or a bad meal. Some of my favorite dishes here include: - Empanadas de Carne or Vegetariana: Beef or vegetable empanadas. These empanadas are pan-fried corn dough, stuffed with your choice of tender, juicy, perfectly cooked braised beef or fresh vegetables. The empanadas are served on a bed of roasted tomato salsa and crema casera. The crispiness and warmth of the empanadas, combined with the tanginess of the sauces, make this dish my absolute favorite. If you're undecided in the appetizer section, this would be the one thing I would absolutely make sure you order. - The guacamole is made with fresh avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, roasted tomato, salsa, and served with crispy corn chips. It is one of their top-selling items as it is made fresh to order, and absolutely delicious as such. - The shrimp ceviche is another favorite! Made with a blend of tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and citrus juice, this ceviche is both juicy and packed with tons of flavor. It's the perfect light and refreshing appetizer. - The Tostones and fried yucca, each crispy and crunchy, are also excellent options for sharing or nibbling solo before your main dish. - The Carne Asada is one of my go-to lunches when I visit. Overnight, marinated steak is grilled to perfection and served with achiote (yellow, seasoned) rice, black bean purée, French fries, and a small house salad. It's good comfort food cooked with love and an incredible amount of - The Lomo saltado dish is sautéed beef tips that are very tender, rich, and flavorful. The combination with the red onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes is sensational. Paired with an achiote (yellow, seasoned) rice that waters your mouth, as well as a side house salad served with a tangy lime vinaigrette that will blow you away. - The Mexican Tres leches is my absolute favorite version! I've tried several, not all, across the Twin Cities, and this is always easily my favorite. A homemade cake soaked with a blend of three milks, whipped cream, caramel chocolate, and topped with crispy coconut flakes. This dessert is decadent as it is delicious. In addition to these dishes, Cahill Bistro offers happy hour Sunday-Thursday from 3:00-5:30pm with specials on appetizers and drinks. They also have daily soup specials and brunch on Saturdays. Cahill Bistro has consistently won multiple awards for best Latin American food in the Twin Cities, and for me, there is no debate about that. Cahill Bistro is my #1!

Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar

Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar

(142 reviews)

One of the best hidden Mexican gems around. Homshuk nails that balance between laid-back and…read moreelevated. The patio is super chill, and the cocktails are creative without trying too hard, tons of variety and some really fun flavor combos. Their late-night happy hour is a great deal, especially with food this good. We rolled in with a big group and ordered half the menu. The shrimp tacos were a standout, massive, perfectly-cooked shrimp with bold, punchy flavor. But the real showstopper was the flank steak chimichurri. Every single person at the table said they'd come back just for that. It was tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, everything you want from a classic done right. Carne asada fries were super fun and flavorful, and the cod + pineapple fish tacos were fresh, bright, and balanced. Add in a killer tequila lineup and some seriously authentic flavors, and you've got one of the best modern Mexican spots in the area.

My boyfriend and I decided to give this place a try one night after work…read more This restaurant is connected to Bodega 42, which is a Hispanic grocery store! They have so many different, foods, drinks, pastries, deli items, it's definitely worth exploring before or after dinner! There is free parking but the lot is not very big. You may need to park in the street (also free). Upon walking in, we were greeted by several employees! We opted to sit out on the patio, since it was a gorgeous night! After 10 minutes no one had come to the table... 15 minutes... still no one. No water, drinks or their complimentary chips. They weren't overly busy, so this didn't make sense to us. At minute 20 I got up to talk to a manger. The waitress saw me go up to the front and tried to wave me down to say "I got you." I'm sorry but 20 minutes in a restaurant that isn't packed is ridiculous. At the very least she could have brought water and said she would be with us soon, but she never acknowledged we were there. I spoke with the manager and noted that it had been 20 minutes with no one coming to our table. I told him i understood she had other tables but that we just hadn't even been acknowledged. He said "she doesn't have that many tables! Let's go!" He took our order on the spot! He brought us complimentary guacamole and horchata with our chips! That was a very nice gesture! I assured him we weren't out for freebies, we just wanted to order our food. He was very friendly and definitely took care of us! Our food came out very quickly and we were checked on multiple times. He definitely turned what was a very negative experience around! The vibes here are really great! The patio was so nice! It was well maintained and clean! The food: I got the pulpo (octopus) tacos! They had a tropical and buttery flavor to them! I opted to take the picked onion off mine but I'm sure that's tasty as well! The chips had a nice crisp and saltiness to them and the salad was one of the best complimentary ones we have tried! My boyfriend had the chicken fajitas and noted they were tasty with a solid portion. The horchata here is also pretty solid! Overall, this place is worth the try! Tip: don't get the dessert at the restaurant, grab it to go from the bodega! It's about $4-$5 cheaper!

Maleku - empanadas - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...