Pleasant service and wait staff. Loved the Dj experience. I was not a fan of the kitchen placing orders where you wait in line to order. I would recommend changing the takeout order area. I went late and they were out of several items I wanted to try. I would go at an earlier time in the day. read more

For a quick, simple, and delicious meal this is a great spot. The empanadas are so yummy and the sauce is addictive.

Food is very good, could use a bit more spices for flavor but still very good. Have had the chicken, Cubano, and Hama and cheese empanadas. All were very good the rice is excellent too! read more

I've ordered from here a few times on doordash and each time i've been blown away! I always get the chicken empanada which sounds plain but has so much flavor! Every time i order i think it can't possibly be as delicious as i remember, that i've played it up in my head, but each time im reminded it really is that delicious! The green sauce they give you adds a whole new layer to the experience too! The fig dessert empanada is also delicious! Not to sweet Delivery is also fast (the dash driver isn't stuck waiting at the restaurant like at some other places) and the food is super hot and fresh! I highly recommend giving this place a shot, the quality is amazing! Support this local business! read more

We went to Republica Empanada before catching a play at the Mesa Center for the Arts, and it was a really good choice. The empanadas in particular were delicious, and the sides in the empanada platter (rice, beans, plantains and cabbage) were also flavorful. We ordered papas frites as an appetizer and it was well-seasoned and a very generous portion. Good selection of Central American beers, and craft beers, too. (Imperial ftw!) read more

Republica Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I'd seen reviews here & on the news and wanted to give them a shot - it was OUTSTANDING!! I ordered the Combo Caribe - everything was good but for me the standout was the plantains - they were perfectly cooked, nice & carmelized & sweet - deliciousness. The Arroz Colombiano was visually stunning when I opened the box & the smell was incredible. Think of it as fried rice with a Latin twist on the spices & flavors, onions, peas, carrots, shrimp, ham/sausage, garnished with those perfect plantains & some avocado- it was ridiculously good!! The empanada platter was good, I got the ham & cheese along with the chicken empanadas- I ate the ham & cheese thus far & it was delicious- crispy flaky pastry with a tasty mix of shredded ham & cheese inside. I'm not typically one to buy the hype, but honestly - this place deserves all the great reviews they get - give them a try & you won't be disappointed. Did I mention how over the top good that Arroz Colombiano is - I'll be going in person at some point if for no other reason than to get this dish again & aga read more

See all

The most amazing empanadas you will ever try. Well worth the price point and the margaritas are to die for. Quick and consistent service. Staying true to its name Republic-a Empanada chose a great niche and is sticking to it. read more

Delicious food, very happy I found this place. You have to try every empanada cause they are delicious read more

Disappointed. I was able to taste older meat, on the other empanada I tasted frozen meat, rice was hard and i did not eat the dish as shown on the photographs . Masks did not seem to be mandatory and kids running around the establishment. read more

See all

Tried it in January 2021 for takeout . Absolutely delicious, and fun. I had gallo pinto, and my husband had an empanada platter. The maduros and crema were dreamy. The guava cheese empanada for dessert was also wonderful. Our only hesitation at going back is how many people were dining in, in close proximity, without masks even while talking without eating as they had finished their meals. read more

A must for the empanada lovers! Loads of savory and sweet selections. Great house margarita too!

Always satisfied when I go here. Food is good quality and the vibes are awesome. Staff are kind and helpful. read more

Republica Empanada - Veggie torta - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

This place is AMAZING, due to Covid there was no seating just take out, which is fine for me, Ordered nine different empanadas (two sweet) and every one was beyond my expectations. Drove from South Mountain and when I got home they were still warm and had a crunch. I would only ask for some more salad with the amount I ordered (I got three). read more

I have two picky eaters in my family so taking them here was a gamble and it paid off as both of them loved it. Food was tasty and fresh and everyone loved what they got. For my taste, the combo is the way to go as you get to sample a few empanadas and the sides are awesome too. read more

Came here on a Monday night with my wife and daughter. Showed up about 5 o'clock and the restaurant was empty. I mean nobody was there except for us.. That's not a shot at them. It's just facts. So obviously we were able to order quickly and the food came quickly as well.. everything was fresh and hot. We ordered a variety of the empanadas as we wanted to sample and get a good idea of what they had to offer. We even ordered some of the dessert ones.. all of them were very flavorful. They had a crisp outer shell. The flavors were rich they were. They weren't overly sweet they weren't overly salty.. we definitely enjoyed our food. The only downside is for two adults and a child. It was over $70. The everyone ordered three empanadas for dinner and one dessert. We all had water to drink.. the ambience was nice as again we were the only people there, so it was nice and quiet. Although the food was great, I'm not sure I'll go back as we left one kid at home and that would put this meal close to 100 bucks. read more

"I've never eaten a hot pocket and then afterwards been: I'm glad I ate that" -Jim G All you need to know, is that these palatable pouches are anything but the frozen snacks made infamous by Mr Gaffigan. J-WoW and I had been working up quite an appetite painting moonlit cherry blossoms, and wanted to pair our creative sides with a venue we'd never frequented... enter Yelp, which suggested this highly-ranked hideaway. I was relieved to see a nearly packed parking area, as our previous potential eaterly was kinda ghost-town'ish. J spotted a swanky hi-top, which suited me just fine... because the seats were 360 degree swivel! Is there a better way to annoy that obnoxious group of strangers, sitting to the left of you, who ordered "samples" of Malbec and Shiraz? Actually, I might try that sometime. Oh, and it gets hella LOUD in there, son. I looked like a fool with that waitress, yes, the one with the captivating red lipstain... after I referred to the cuisine as Cuban, or as I like to call it: Cuban-oh. The fare is actually Costa Rican, or as I like to call it: Chican-oh. Not knowing which of the appetizers to order, the waitress suggests the most expensive item, which I thought was a good choice. After a little pleading, and emotional breakdown, J decided to trade halfs of her empenadas for halfs of mine. That makes sense, until I realized I gave her both halves of my Pernil (slow roasted and specially seasoned pork). I tricked her into trading one half back, because she tried to offload both halves of her Republica Chicken (chicken, fresh vegs and seasonings), onto me. I saw how it burned her fingers after cutting it in half and picking it up. As the scalding liquid ran down her fair hand, she screamed out So don't change the dizzle, turn it up a lizzle Got some cheesy drizzle, drippin' on my shizzle All I could do was sit and stare. I was captivated by my lil G, J. I also ordered the Cubana (pernil, ham, mozzarella & dill pickle), which was fabulous (and J's favorite, even though she balked at first), and she also ordered the Jalapeño Popper (cream cheese, grilled seeded jalapeños & salted ham). That oñe was my favorite, eveñ though I ñever order poppers añywhere, maiñly because I can ñever find the "n" key with the tilde, and that lack of autheñticity really cheapeñs the review. "There is the vegetarian hot pocket, for those of us who dont want to eat meat, but would still like diarrhea." -Jim G Anywho... they also offer empenadas that dont contain meaty things. Choose the Greek (sauteed spinach, feta, sun dried tomato, kalamata olive), the Cheeze (asiago & mozzarella blend), the Bean & Cheese (black beans & mozzarella) and Achite Potato (potato, annatto seed seasoning). That's right, fool, count em... 4 vegetarian selections. So, if yous latch key kids are sitting around the house, and got nothing in the freezer, grab some cash from your parents dresser and call a neighbor to swing you by Republica Empanada! Hungry kids in the crib, ma Pocket like it's hot, pocket like it's hot, pocket like it's hot read more

See all

In the words of those great poets Hall & Oates, "you make my (empanada) dreams come true." Pretty sure that song was written after partaking in some crispy delicious empanadas. Cue the cartoon animals and backup dancers because Republica Empanada makes my heart flutter into an imaginary musical number complete with jazz hands. There are so many delicious empanadas to choose from: Pernil (house speciality), El Capitian (ground beef, potato, egg, olive, raisins), Greek (spinach, feta, tomato, olive) and Cubana (pernil, ham, mozzarella, pickle). My favorite has to be, hands down, the Jalapeño Popper, which is now offered in 3 different varieties (ham, potato, and black bean). Just like how the world-altering super food "The Cronut" combined two beloved items: croissants and donuts. Now comes the Empeñopa...Jalapeñada...still working on the name...The Jalapeño Empanada: fulfilling both the craving for jalapeño poppers and empanadas at the same time! Inside the establishment it can get pretty loud so if the weather is right, you can enjoy lunch outside on the nice shaded patio. Do remember to keep in mind that these pastry babies are freshly deep fried when you order them so they are HOT! I repeat: H-O-T! Too HOT to handle. So while it might be extremely tempting, please do not bite right into to them or risk loosing you taste buds for a period of time. The service is always spectacular and the lunch special is a great value: two empanadas, rice, beans, and a cabbage salad for $7.95! Save room for some Papas Fritas (fresh cut fries with house seasoning). Those savory, golden tan, potato-y goodness treats are dangerously addicting. You'll get them to share amongst you and your friends but quickly regret not getting a basket all for your very own. Republica Empanada, I know I (my stomach) will never be the same now that I have met you! read more

See all

Although April 8th is National Empanada Day, July 18th seemed like an appropriate day to try out these bad boys! The Spanish word for bread is "pan" and "empanar" is a verb that means "to bread." Emapanada is the past-participle, "breaded." Think of it as a pasty, a Hot Pocket, or a turnover. These delicious pastries can be sweet or savory. Since I had the best dining companion with me, I decided to go empanada-crazy [no joke, I tried six yesterday]! We shared a Combo Caribe which is starch-infused goodness and we each got an Empanada Platter which comes with two savory empanadas and is served with rice, beans, cabbage salad, and maduros & crema Mexicana. I got the Jalapeno Poppers and Republica Chicken. Those suckers are tiny bombs of super hot meat and sauces. It's amazing how I didn't whip my Republica Chicken across the room like a grenade when some of the sauce dribbled onto my hand. It was an intense moment of pain... lots and lots of pain. I got The King and Guava & Cheese empanadas to-go for dessert. Mr. Dubs consumed them all like a champ and his official statement is that The King was the best because peanut butter and bananas... obviously! All in all, delicious empanadas! It's a small cozy place with a great atmosphere . The bullet holes in the skinny window off to the side is... charming. I'd return for the empanadas hands down but I'd probably pass on the appetizers. And a friendly reminder: Don't be dumb like me and try to eat the empanadas right away or you'll suffer burning your tongue! read more

See all

My ode to Rupert Holmes's song "Escape" (The pina colada song) is as follows: Yes, I like Republica Empanada And getting caught in the rain I'm not much into health food I am into (fried) plantains OK I don't really like getting caught in the rain but the rest holds true! I tried some yuca frita and several empanadas. I went into a food coma shortly afterwards. Then I woke up and wrote this review. :) The yuca frita were lightly crispy with great starchy flavor. I love them as an alternative to your standard French fries. I wasn't a big fan of the ranch it was served with though, it tasted weird to me. We had the Republica chicken, El Capitan, chicken and mushroom and cheeseburger empanadas. My favorites were the El Capitan and the Republica chicken. The mushroom and chicken came in a close third. The cheeseburger, while technically tasting like a cheeseburger, was the sort of novelty filling you get but then realize you'd rather be eating a regular cheeseburger over this version. The empanada crust itself was great: crispy yet slightly tender, cooked until golden brown. Service was friendly but a bit sluggish. The iced teas we ordered were refreshing and came in a gigantic cup. The parking lot is small but there is street parking along the restaurant. If I'm in the area again I'll definitely stop by for more empanadas and maybe some fried plantains. :) P.S. I always thought the pina colada song was sung by Jimmy Buffett until I did a Wikipedia search today! read more

See all

These empanadas are amazing! My favorite is the potatoes with jalapeño and the fig one is to die for!!!!! read more

Amazing, delicious, and very fresh empanadas! I was influenced to try out this place from TikToker, Keith Lee, and I will definitely be back!! I had no idea such a hidden gem was so close to home. read more

Great bites (my faves are the Pernil/Beans + cheese/potato/any of the dessert ones esp. the dizzy fig) , funky art, and booze if you need it! #andnowahaiku Damn Empanadas, Why you gotta be so good?! Get in my belly!!! read more

See all

My review: Please understand that I am a hard rater. I rarely award more than 3 stars. My definition of 3 stars is a good, solid meal with good service. It is a place that I recommend you try and a place I will likely return to. The food here was tasty and the value for what you pay is within reason. The staff was friendly and attentive. Both made for a positive dining experience. Tonight I had a variety of items. Yum! Take a chance and eat here. I think you will enjoy it. Tell them Chris S. from Yelp sent you. They will have no idea who the hell I am but you may get a good laugh out of it! Enjoy! read more

Republica Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

The empanadas and plantains are the best! Great ambiance, such a gem for downtown Mesa. Good beer, sit outside and nosh on amazing empanadas. When people are visiting from out of town or for my birthday, all I wanna eat is their empanadas. read more

This place offers a variety of delicious empanadas! They are kinda small, but they don't hesitate when filling these bad boys. Great atmosphere, music and artwork to top it all off! read more

Republica Empanada - The pura vida empanada is a vegetarian dream! So yummy... - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Came here for the first time and it was some of the best food I've had in a long time! Will definitely be returning and have absolutely no complaints about anything. The food was amazing and service was great! read more

My recent meal at Republica Empanada was delightful. The empanadas were fresh and crispy, filled with delicious flavors. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service added to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience. read more

Saw a segment on Fox10 morning show about this place and thought I'd give it a shot. We tried a couple of their empanadas (cheeseburger Empanada & chicken/mushroom Empanada). Both we good but the real star of our lunch was the pork pazole & maduros (sweet plantains)! The pazole had amazing flavor and was very filling. The maduros appitizer we saved for dessert and was a great way to top off the meal. We'll be back! read more

Republica Empanada - Pork Pazole - highly recommend! - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

This place is great, the food is awesome. The empanadas are obviously the stars, the Boricua and Chicken and Potato ones are what we usually get, all great. They have some dessert empanadas, too, and the Fig one is really good. Clearly all made with care and good ingredients, it's consistent every time... it's got a great dining room, but we like to take them to go, by the time you get them home they're just the right temperature, not "hot pocket fresh out of the microwave" hot lol read more

Republica Empanada - Boricua Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

called in my takeout order and walked there from my hotel. Adorable restaurant with a very nice landscaping of a variety of cacti...that alone was worth the trip. My order was ready upon arrival and included napkins and a fork - I've had a problem with this at other restaurants. They expressed their appreciation for the business and boy was I delighted that I chose this place!!! The empanadas were the absolute BEST I have ever had. Very fresh and crispy on the outside. Juicy and flavorful on the inside with every bit. I bought the platter and it was a great balance. Even the black beans were delicious. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get the sweet, soft plantains as advertised because I love those. But it wasn't a big deal. I added a banana cream empanada. OMG. TASTY!!! And the Margharita to go was made with perfection. read more

I'm Latina and these empanadas are great!!! The dough is a very nice: crispy outside and soft inside, flour based, not oily at all. Really good. Loved the fact they mark the paper bags so you don't only know what you eating but also use the paperbags to hold them while you are eating. My "guttural" choices didn't disappoint at all: Pernil: great Latin pulled pork El Capitan: well seasoned ground beef Boriqua: authentic arroz con guandules Cubana: great shredded (ropa vieja) beef Had to order the second Pernil Empanada before I left !! Oh! And don't forget to spread the cilantro salsa on your empanadas!! I also order lime and add a little to any beef-stuffed empanadas. That's a family thing. Totally coming back here. read more

See all

Really really good restaurant! In this world of same cuisines in every corner, this was a really nice change and the type of food cuisine not seen much!! Really amazing vegetarian food and good options for non-vegetarians also. The sauces and appetizers were especially finger-licking good. read more

Republica Empanada - Jalapeno Potato Popper Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

A great place to experience empanadas. I recommend 3 for the average person plus a dessert. You will love it. I had never tried empanadas until I went here. Very good. ​​ read more

If you haven't tried this place yet, you are definitely missing out! The outer crispy layer of the empanada just fits so perfectly with whatever they stuff inside. Every single one I've tried so far has yet to disappoint and I'm excited to try other flavors they have to offer. And the savory ones fits so well with the delicious salsa they pair it with. I can literally swim in a sea of their salsa. I highly recommend the chicken one and the cheeseburger ones so far. Those are my absolute favorite. If you come in for lunch, their lunch special is pretty awesome with 2 empanadas with a side of rice + beans + cabbage salad I've literally picked up some empanadas for friends and family to introduce them to this deliciousness and everyone has loved it as well. They stayed nice and crispy by the time I reach home which is usually about 45 mins. Definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone! read more

Republica Empanada - Lunch special - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I've heard about this place for years. You order at the counter, the menu is a QR code, the counter girl was very friendly and helpful. The food came out fast and they bring it to your table. I did notice a lot of reviews saying the empanadas are small and pricey. I ordered a platter with 2 empanadas, beans and rice with cabbage salad and also got a side of french fries. Everything was fresh and tasted delicious, get the green salsa. The fries came with some dipping sauce almost like a ranch, so good. I thought the size was fine, kinda the size of tacos and the order of fries was giant. The price was right around $20, we shared and both of use were full when we left. The empanadas are sold by themselves for about $5 each. The place is small, quiet, and very clean. They also have a cute patio with a community garden next to it. Definitely a place to try!! read more

See all

Super delicious!!!! I had the jalapeno popper empanada and it was so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good food. Love the green soup with chicken! The empanadas de guava y queso are delicious too.

Simply amazing! The empanada platter is mouth-watering good and packed in with exceptional flavors. Also their serving are super reasonable and left me and my entire crew stuffed. This is definitely a new hangout spot for us. The food is just to good to resist! read more

Republica Empanada - Latin American Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Ordered the combo Caribè- so good love the dipping sauce Empanada- republica chicken And the arroz con pollo was so bomb! Definitely coming back and definitely recommend to check this spot out! read more

I didn't know empanadas could be filled with food and not just dessert so wow omg!! But really soupa Verde with chicken it's my favorite