I visited the Jamaica Plain location. I've been coming to this location for years. I haven't been in a while and noticed that this establishment moved a few doors up the street. This new location provided more space than the previous location. It was clean and the staff were friendly. I called ahead to order as there usually is a wait while the food is prepared. Upon my arrival, I noticed this establishment had adopted the food warmers similar to the Dorchester location. I was pleased that calling ahead paid off and my empanada was made fresh. I love this place! read more

Pikalo JP - Beef with Cheese Empanada - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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I've been here a few times now, and there are definitely some favorites that keep me coming back! Their flan is GREAT, and so are the quipes. I've also tried the beef empanada, which was very good. They seem to have a whole lot more to offer, and I'm slowly making my way through the menu. My one wish is that the food and menu options were displayed a little better. A menu with pictures would be really helpful, especially since they offer so many different items. Sometimes you don't know what you're missing simply because you don't know what's available to order! The inside is always clean and spacious, with plenty of room to sit while waiting for your food or to stay and eat. Service has always been cordial as well. Parking is street parking, but I've always been able to find a spot when I visit. Overall, I've enjoyed what I've tried so far and will definitely keep going back to explore more of the menu! read more

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" Mango Smoothie" The mango smoothie here is absolutely the best . It's not pricey at all . It's made pretty fast , they have lots of stuff on hand . The vibe is welcoming. They have always good music playing as well ; so you're able to enjoy yourself more in the vibe. The service is constantly attentive and helpful. Parking is limited but manageable. read more

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I ordered three beef empanadas from here and they were perfect. They're quite large so worth the price. Perfectly crispy, not too flaky (my preference) and perfect seasoning of the beef. We picked these up around 6 and they were the last ones. Still fresh too. read more

I am not Dominican so I cannot give you an opinion of how the food in this Pikalo differs from other Dominican food and I'm not a person who writes reviews. How ever, this Caucasian lady has this to say. "I just bit into the absolute best chicken tender I have ever eaten." Bar none. I found myself in Eggleston Square, drove by this new place and pulled over. I was greeted by the gentleman behind the counter with a "Hi, mama". Super sweet staff. They guided me through my options and I took it home. The fries are crispy and the fried rice is scrumptious. I go to the square for an appointment once a week and it's a good thing I don't live close by! read more

Amazing amazing options and everything on the menu hits. The empanadas are the star but the sandwiches are so overlooked! Beautiful crispy bread and tender meat. The smell of papas is so good when you open the box and they are so well seasoned. The place is small but there is some seating! Great place for take out. The service is always friendly and informative about what's on the menu. read more

Pikalo JP - Roasted Chicken Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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Pleasant service on arrival. Empanadas (beef and chz, spinach and chz.)-light pastry, good flavor (beef)-yummy. The Cubano is a decent sandwich, but not a Tampa FL Cuban (which is what I was craving). Decent bread (not crispy like real Cuban bread, although it was sort of pressed), ample shredded pork and ham, pickles, cheese and ketchup (?!). I will return for the empanadas but not for that particular sandwich read more

I had the Cubano, which is a Dominican take on this sandwich. It's very good but quite different than a traditional Cubano (stewed meat instead of roast pork). Service was especially slow. Didn't try the empanadas, but they looked excellent, and are huge. No real ambiance in this strictly take out spot. read more

I loveee the size of these. The ham and cheese and the buffalo chicken is def my favs. I also love the tres leches, always has so much moisture which I love. Staff is friendly. read more

Came here on a whim looking for a small bite while waiting for my pet at the vet. We tried their beef/chicken and cheese empanadas. Personally, I enjoyed the beef and cheese one a lot more. We also tried their tamarind juice, which was delicious. Would recommend! read more

Pikalo JP - Beef Empanada, Chicken Empanada - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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Ordered these empanadas and was impressed at the size of them! They are twice the size of a regular one. The crust is very flakey and definitely super fresh. I was slightly disappointed on was the flavors inside and fillings didn't meet my expectation. The fillings had no spice or special taste ! The empanadas I recommend chicken, corn and cheese and the salami queso. The cheese inside is very gooey which adds to the crunch of the crust and the heartiness of the filling well. Dipping sauce for the empanadas was too basic; tasted like thousand island sauce. read more

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Behind an unassuming storefront are some amaaaazing empanadas!!! There is a single display counter and you order at the register. I tried the chicken one and the beef with cheese, both were great - super flakey on the outside and warm and savory on the inside! At only $5 each they were very affordable. Would highly recommend! read more

Pikalo JP - Empanadas counter - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Wow!! The number of creative empanada choices blew my mind! Empanadas are beautiful and chock full of delicious ingredients! This was a welcome surprise. I will definitely order from Pikalo again!! read more

Pikalo JP - Beautiful and delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

got the chicken and cheese and devoured it, it was so filling for lunch. it was so good and such a good price. going to be coming here all the time for emergency meals and also just when hungry. There are some chairs to sit but the quick service and the way it is packaged makes it really easy for to-go meals. Can't wait to go back read more

5 star ratings are hard to come by but I believe Pikalo deserves it based on their price point, taste and portion size. The empanadas are huge and generously filled, as was their Cuban sandwich. I split 3 empanadas and a Cuban sandwich with my husband and we were stuffed. We ordered the shredded beef with cheese, the chicken corn and cheese and the 5 cheese empanada. My favorite of the 3 was the shredded beef with cheese. The chicken corn and cheese was a close second, and my least favorite was the 5 cheese. One empanada would be enough to satisfy you, however, I would recommend ordering two if you're really hungry. read more

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Stopped by this place cause I was in the area. I was surprised to find that this was an empanada shop! Overall, got four empanadas. They were shredded beef, chicken corn and cheese, chicken and cheese, and shrimp and cheese. To describe the shell, it's a really nice fried and flaky outer covering. I'll speak about the shredded beef one because that was my favorite. The beef was really moist and had good flavor. I like the fact that they provided their own sauce, which was a nice sort of sweet and tangy addition to the breadiness of the shell. The chicken and cheese one was also pretty solid. To be honest, it would be really hard to eat more than a couple of these due to the heavy nature of the food. I also ordered a passion fruit tea, which was really tart and had a good tang. I recommend having a refreshing drink to eat these bad boys with. As just a warning, you do need to give the restaurant about 15 minutes or so to prepare the food. Overall, I would definitely stop by again to have a snack here. In terms of the pandemic precautions, employees do wear masks and have sanitizer use out for public. read more

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Empanadas are so good here, and the chicken is really well cooked! I love that the empanadas are always grab-and-go too

The empanadas are a really nice size. Ordered the shredded beef which was excellent and the crust was light and flaky yet it held together perfectly all the way to the last bite. It was $4.50 and worth every bite read more

Pikalo JP - Shredded beef empanada - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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Delicious spot for empanadas in JP Boston Food: They offer a variety of Dominican food items but the star of the menu is the empanadas Got the lobster empanada and the cheese and guava empanada. Good amount of filling. The lobster was cooked perfectly without a fishy smell, could have used a little more seasoning and filling. The guava was a jam that melted with the cheese and was not overly sweet which was good. The best part of the empanada was the dough - buttery flaky crust with the right amount of crunch and soft filling. Comes with a chipotle dipping sauce! The size of the empanadas is impressive for its affordable price (most are $4 or $5). Two is more than enough for a meal. There are so many great options to choose from and you can't go wrong with any of them. Other: Friendly staff, fast service Small casual place for takeout TLDR; Come here for authentic huge flaky empanadas read more

These are hungry people empanadas. Like empanadas worthy of saying I'll eat that for dinner and that's it. They are so generous with portions, and the mayo-type sauce is soooo good. Every time I come here I kinda wanna get all the empanadas but I know my stomach could only eat three max realistically. Great spot for takeout. read more

The food is delicious I mustly order the fried plantain Sandwich sorry donT remember the name, the empanadas are amazing, nice and freshly friend witch is a plussss!! The food is great and I would visit again. Keep the ggreat freshly food Pikalo! Amazing food read more

Incredibly good empanadas. I typically go for either the spinach and cheese, beef and cheese, chicken and cheese, or buffalo chicken. I have wonderful memories of walking over here and snagging an empanada on a summer day with my friend who lived around the corner for a couple years. I still make an excuse to grab one anytime I'm close by. Interior decor isn't bad but the aesthetic is nothing to write home about. There's a couple stools you can sit on and look out the window while you munch, or they have two small bistro tables. I've stayed to eat before, but it's really more of a takeout spot. Their empanadas are a good size for a meal but I'd probably recommend getting 2 if you're starving. Great prices!! read more

Yum what took me so long to check out this place? My second time I got the chicken cheese and corn empanada for $4. It was bigger than my hand, super flaky with a good amount of filling. My one recommendation is order 15 min ahead. First time we made the mistake of walking in thinking we'd just pick it up and go. But since these are fresh and not sitting in a display, that doesn't happen. I called 10 min ahead today and had to wait a minute or two and that was all. Totally worth it and nice to know you can get a great snack for $3-5. I don't know why i can't access the photos but imagine a big lightly fried pastry and a happy consumer. (Where the heck did the camera icon go?) read more

I'm in love. Who doesn't love empanadas. Little addicting pockets of meat and deliciousness. And Pikalo has tons and tons of options. I've never seen more than a few choices at any restaurant, but they have so many from Bolognese to Conch to your typical Beef/Cheese. They really do live up to their slogan: "big taste in one bite." We ordered two: the chicken/corn and the shrimp/cheese. Oh my goodness, they're huge and come out piping hot. The pastry dough is flakey and buttery, and there's plenty of filling stuffed inside. It might not look like it since the breading is so puffed, but there is a lot! We also ordered a cubano to share because we didn't think the empanadas would be enough. We were wrong but made ourselves eat some anyways. It comes with seasoned potato wedges that can you dip in the mayo like sauces on the table. The cubano itself is also pretty good, and at $8.50 for a hearty sandwich it's a good deal! There's not a lot of seating (3 small tables) so you'll probably be better off getting your food to go if it's crowded. Regardless, you'll be getting a treat. read more

Pikalo JP - Cubano - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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The craziest cubano sandwich I ever had!!! Fresh and Full of shredded pork and layers of ham. read more

Pikalo JP - The craziest cubano sandwich I Ever had!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

My favorite was the big papi #2 bolognese beef #3 chicken corn cheese I prob would not ever order the lobster empanada it tasted like pasta sauce read more

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Horrible service!!!! They don't care if you have the order right!!!!!!! They give you whatever they want to and ask why you don't want it!!!!!! They'll take your money and send you on your way hungry!!!!!!! read more

The empanadas were so delicious loved the food and service. Thank you I can't wait to be back and have some more.

Yummy! stopped by here on the way to the bonsai garden in Jamaica plains. Nice small business. And they make it fresh for you. I got the chicken/corn/cheese, spinach/cheese, and shrimp/cheese. My fav was the shrimp and cheese! Very juicy on the inside. Lovely flavors and a crispy crust. Cheese was nice and gooey on the inside. The spinach was also fresh spinach which was a nice surprise. Would come back to try new flavors! read more

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Just swung by this place because it was close and my friends and I are impressed! The service was awesome, she was helpful in showing us sizes and explaining the options. The food was amazing, I tried 4 different kinds and would 10/10 recommend the chicken, cheese and corn empanada. Super bonus: it's such a reasonable price! One would be a great snack and 2 empanadas make a good sized meal. Will definitely be back! read more

Pikalo JP - Spinach and cheese, beef and cheese, chicken corn and cheese, and chicken empanadas - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

I have been following Pikalo on instagram for quiet sometime. I always kept saying I had to try it eventually. Well it finally happened today. It's in the Jp area that has many other Spanish influenced restaurants around. I love that the focus at PikaloI is pastelitos or Empanadas as most call it. I got the chicken and cheese Empanada. Which for the cost was HUGE AND FULLY LOADED. Nothings worst than getting a empanada that barely has filling and is all dough. I liked the flavor of it, but I dunno I just wasn't wow. I feel like my homemade ones pack a more flavorful punch. I'll say though if you have a taste for a empanada then this place is it. They make so many kinds of empanadas catering to all taste pallets. I'm have to go back and try the shrimp one for sure. read more

Pikalo JP - First tiny bite - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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Good empanadas and sandwiches all very cheap. Definitely worth the stop id be here everyday if I was local , you get your bang for your buck for sure read more

Called and placed order at 7:10pm for a sandwich and 1 empanada and was told the order was going to take 20 to 25 minutes. Arrived at location at 7:33 pm and was told that the order was going to be a few more minutes because they were rushed. The cook and the cashier were joking around and dancing all the time. At 7:55pm I asked how long would I have to wait for my order and was told that it would be at least 10 more minutes. I just cancelled my order and left. In the 20 minutes I spent sitting there they finished orders for other clients and deliveries that clearly came after me. This is not the first time this has happened either, but it certainly was the worst. Other times they just take an extra 10 minutes to give you your order but they are upfront about it and you can see that the staff is rushed and not dancing and joking around like tonight. Great food but a shame that the staff working tonight lacked professionalism and punctuality. I have to say that after months of eating here this is by far the worst treatment and waste of time they've put me through. TL:DR; They are slow as hell and never have the order ready by the time they tell you. Worst case you're sitting there for 1 hour waiting for a sandwich while they joke and dance and, depending on the cashier, you'll get sass if you mention something. read more

We just moved to the area from California. I'm vegetarian and my husband came here to try out their empanadas (he loves empanadas), and ordered me a cheese and corn empanadas. After he got home, we noticed it read chicken, cheese, and corn. When he went back to get a cheese and corn empanadas for me, they apologized for writing it incorrectly, gave him two cheese and corn empanadas, and allowed him to keep the one they labeled incorrectly. He said they were so nice that we must leave them a review. ;) Aside from their service, the empanadas were pretty impressive. So much that I went back for seconds within 1 week! It's uncommon for me to go back somewhere so quickly. Pikalo did a great job with their food that left me wanting them again! I really enjoyed their spinach and cheese (better than any spinach I've had from other places) and their eggplant parm. So, so good. Should definitely check this place out! read more

Love this place! The empanadas were really good. I got the buffalo chicken and it was spicy and a great pocket. Pricing is good. You can get a ton of food. I think each empanada is 4-6 bucks but they're really big. I also have the mango juice which was made from scratch and really fresh. I love this place. Anytime I'm in the neighborhood I always stop by! read more

We were looking at open houses in the JP area, which really built up our appetites. Came across the bright orange storefront on Centre St, and decided to try some local food. Our lunch was very tasty, served hot and fresh, and good value. Recommend: * Beef and Cheese -or- Shredded Beef empanadas - delicious fried goodness. Make sure to add some of their zesty house sauce. I'm on a mission to try all *THIRTY* TYPES... yes 3-0, treinta. Note: you can even order a custom one! * Cubano sandwich - as good as the the ones I've tried in Little Havana in Miami. * Oatmeal juice (jugo de avena) - sounds gross but it's a popular & very refreshing Dominican drink - loved the passionfruit flavor! I also tried the "Big Papi" empanada (ham, chicken, eggplant, cheese, and other vege), but wasn't a fan of the mushy stuffing and flavor combination - only comes in large size. Be prepared to wait a while for your food to be ready since they do cook everything fresh to order. Hmm... I might have to buy a house in JP now so I can become a regular here. read more

Pikalo JP - "Big Papi" empanada: ham, chicken, egg, cheese, eggplant, other vegetables - not bad. Only Large size, $7 - Sandwiches Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

We were at a great new brewery, Drawdown Brewing on Washington St, and they recommended Pikalo. We got Cuban and chicken sandwiches. The best sandwiches we've had in years. No joke! The staff was very friendly. We didn't try the empanadas, but they were huge. We're looking forward to trying them next time. We'll be back! read more

I have never felt so content after a meal. The empanadas were perfectly golden brown and the beef was seasoned just right. To top it all off, the sauce was a perfect balance of savory and sweet. 10/10 recommend. best empanadas I've ever consumed read more

Trash food!!!!!! Trash service!!!!!!! I asked for a simple bacon egg and cheese they gave me ham egg and cheese when I asked for what I ordered they said they don't make it even though over the phone the lady said yes we have it but when I got there to get it she said they don't make it like that and instead of giving me a refund I'm bombarded with questions on why I don't what ham and what wrong with ham the point is I didn't ask for it so it should not be on there I'm honestly disappointed and never going back there again please everyone do go horrible service they just want your money then send you on you way with what they've selected for you read more

No complaints about the food here - it has been great all three times I've gone. The Cuban sandwiches are especially fantastic! However, for each of the three times I've had to wait for much longer than they told me. This most recent time, I was initially told that the food would be ready in 15 minutes, but was left waiting for well over an hour! The woman working the register expressed no sympathy at all regarding the long wait (and she was the one who said that it would take 15 minutes). Many other customers were having the same experience. This would've been a much better experience if the restaurant had just told me the appropriate wait time! read more