Who said you can't review a closed restaurant? I checked Yelp's policy, and there's no restriction on reviewing a closed one. But why am I writing about food from a restaurant that has already closed? Let's begin the story. It was January 2023 when I walked into the restaurant. A Messi poster in WPAP (Wedha's Pop Art Portrait) style was hanging on the wall, and a FIFA World Cup Trophy sat on the counter. It was less than a month after Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Messi as the team leader. They were also selling thermos flasks and phone cases painted with the Argentina football team. I had known this was an Argentine restaurant for a long time, dating back to 2016. I used to live in Glendora Village, just a ten-minute walk to the restaurant by crossing the railway. I didn't know the word "empanadas" before I came to Rika's, even though I had eaten similar food before. In China, there is Uyghur/Muslim food called "baked dumplings," stuffed with seasoned minced lamb, which are almost the same as empanadas. Compared with deep-fried empanadas, Rika's baked version was less oily, with more wheat flour aroma. Their empanada wrap also had a hint of sweetness, which made it very special. The first time I walked past the restaurant, on a random afternoon in 2016, I ordered four different empanadas to take away. At that time, they were $2.35 each. The restaurant was so kind that they wrote the flavor names on the food box. I still remember the experience-those empanadas were hot, aromatic, cheesy, and well-balanced. I was too full to have dinner that night. Later, I brought my family and friends to dine there. Not only were the empanadas delicious, but the deep-dish pizza, salads, and other dishes were also excellent. Let's talk about the empanadas. They had 16 different fillings, from simple ones like beef, sweet beef, spicy beef, ham & cheese, blue cheese, and onion & cheese, to more unique ones. What was interesting was that each filling had its own shape. Regular beef was half-round, sweet beef had both corners folded up, spicy beef had only the left corner folded up, and so on. FATAY (Arabian empanadas) were triangular, while bacon & prunes were square. I tried almost all the different fillings, and they were all good--never disappointing. Even after I moved to Pasadena, I still went back there. Then COVID-19 came. The restaurant closed for a short while, then reopened for takeout only, no dine-in. By June 2022, the price had risen to $2.85 each. By January 2023, it was $3.10 each. By June 2025, they closed permanently. I miss Rika's empanadas. I hope the chef is still baking them somewhere else. If so, please let me know. read more

See all

Rika's Empanadas is a great Argentinian restaurant specialized in Argentinian food and pastries . It is located in Grand Avenue Plaza in Glendora. The parking lot is shared with other businesses, but it is easy to find a spot. Rika's has different varieties of fresh and delicious empanadas.  Their savory menu includes cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, pizzas, calzones, and salads. They also have both savory and Sweet crepe. The restaurant is clean and has a cozy vibe. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. I ordered the following to go; One Dozen Empanadas; -Chopped beef    5/5 chopped beef, onions, bell peepers, chopped potatoes, boiled eggs and green olives - Fatay:       5/5 The filling is ground beef, fresh tomatoes, lemon juice, bell peppers, onions, garlic and parsley -Bacon and prunes;    5/5 the filling is bacon, prunes onions and mozzarella cheese -Chicken   5/5 It has chopped chicken, onions, egg and olive -chicken and mushrooms  5/5 It has chicken, mushrooms, leeks, green onions, chopped almonds&  parmesan cheese -  ham and cheese 5/5 Just ham and mozzarella cheese Beauty is in simplicity and this was perfect! All empanadas we tried had perfect crust and the filling was delectable and scrumptious. - A beef  milanesa sandwich  5/5 breaded fried aye of round beef (mayonnaise lettuce, tomatoes. The sandwich was both  huge and delicious. - A Four seasons pizza; This pizza was divided into four quarters with four different toppings ; the first quater was Ham & pineapple, the second quarter was pepperoni, the last two quarters are ham & red bell peppers then tomato garlic and mushrooms with green olives. The toppings were generous and very flavorful, and the crust enhanced the toppings. This Four Seasons Pizza was perfect and convenient. Everyone in my family got what they wanted.Finally, I got  nutella Sweet crepe (5/5) for dessert. It had nice texture and the chocolate hazelnut was rich and creamy. We enjoyed our dinner ,verything was delicious and flavorful.. It is a great food to try! I definitely recommend Rika's Empanadas. read more

See all

As authentic as the place was, the surroundings, even the green olives in the empanadas, it was not the best. As simple as the beef not cooked right, the chimichurri tasted almost burnt, and the price itself all were just not the best. I did love how flaky the dough was on the empanada. The people there were kind workers too. Overall, I would love to have different flavors to everything. Not my favorite. read more

Rika's Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

See all

Been here before and remember it being good but that was not the case this time. I wanted to like it but it was bad. The pizza was overly cheesed and little sauce which could be fine if the favor made up but it did not. Very flavorless, greasy, rubbery low quality cheese. Empanadas were old and not hot. Seems like the had been sitting out all day and barely reheated. Mushroom chicken empanada was so so but also very oily and looked old. Chicken empanada had good texture and not oily but so so. Flavor on fatay empanada probably the best one but also old and dried out. Overall I just can't say this place is what it used to be. I did come an hour before closing but the pizza was made fresh so I feel like no excuse on that one. Pictures included, you can judge what you think from that. read more

Rika's Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

See all

My partner brought me here to try this pizza and their empanadas and I was so impressed! The Napolitano was soooo delicious! Full of flavor, crispy and crunchy in the right spots, just perfect. I have nothing bad to say about this place. The empanadas were stuffed with meat as well! Thank you for blessing us with this majestic beautiful pizza! :') Ambiance was great, it was a little taste of Argentina, they sold items like Yerba Mate and the mug/mate setup for the Yerba Mate! Can't wait to come back ! read more

Rika's Empanadas - Napolitano - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

My husband bought a dozen empanadas assorted to try. They are very filling and I was full after eating just two. My favorite ones were the cheese and onion, beef, and chicken and mushroom. There was a lot of options with olives since it is Argentinian style and they unfortunately are unable to make a batch without if you dislike olives as much as I do. The onion and cheese empanada was very simple but happened to be the only one that would make me come back to buy more. Since we bought a dozen, they gave us some complimentary croissant pastries which were good sweet treats but nothing to write home about. Overall, I enjoyed it and they have amazing dough that is baked to perfection! read more

Rika's Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

See all

I was super bummed when I went there and found out that it was closed. I loved that place. The empanadas were delicious, the owners who were an elderly couple were super nice, the restaurant was clean and cozy. Very sad when I found out that they were closed permanently read more

I love this place and their amazing empanadas! You've got to try the spicy beef empanadas. They're perfect and have a kick.

June 27th called to place a to go order and the call was declined? I look it up on Google and it shows Rikas is permanently closed???? OMGOSH NO WAY.... Whats going on? I saw a review from 4 days ago no mention of it being closed permanently or temporarily......IM BUMMED!!!! read more

Rika's Empanadas - Posted closed... - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

First time customer with two questions for myself and the business. First question: what was I thinking not ever trying this place after half a dozen years here! Second question : do they have a punchcard for frequent flyer customers? This feels like the source code for all empanadas that have ever been made the mozzarella and onion as simple as it sounds was incredibly scrumptious, tender, and pliable dough with the most delicious mozzarella cheese. The spicy beef was exemplary. I look forward to eating here again. With a humble exterior, the inside was homey, classy and rustic with brick walls and lovely with a variety of other options and delicious looking desserts. To the side, there was a small mini store of Argentinian favorites along with a lovely painted portrait soccer's finest Messi. read more

See all

In a nutshell: Argentinean comfort foods galore, generous portion sizes, and excellent service at this cute mom & pop shop! We had reservations for Sunday at 2pm to celebrate my dad's birthday. Since we live a bit far, it's always nice to know that we'll eat absolutely delicious food at Rika's. The drive is well worth it! We had the Four Seasons Pizza, a half cheese half pepperoni pizza, as well as (not pictured, because hungry) Milanesa Napolitana, ensalada criolla, and for dessert the Torta Chajal. This cake is so incredibly delicious. It's a rum SPIKED cake with homemade merengue, duraznos (peaches), cream and dulce de leche (milk caramel). It was the perfect way to end our celebrations. Highly recommend you pair the chajal cake with mate cocido, an authentic Argentinean tea! Thanks Rika's for another wonderful dining experience! read more

Working in Glendora for over 15 years, I enjoy going to this place for my empanada food. I like that they switched from deep frying all the empanadas to baking them. A healthier choice. I highly recommended the following: sweet beef, chicken and mushroom, spinach, corn, and eggplant empanadas. Their pizzas are good as well. Soggy pricey but worth it. Try it out when you are in the area read more

I loveeee empanadas and have been craving them recently. I did not dine in, but the place seemed cozy. Service seemed ok. I bought a dozen to-go in different flavors to share with friends on the drive to Coachella. I threw them in the air fryer before leaving and they were yummy and easy to eat! My friends loved them too. Beef is their most popular and definitely the best one. It's full of flavor -- surprisingly, even though I don't like olives I still really liked it. I probably wouldn't get the other ones again but it was fun to try. Beef- 10/10 Spicy beef - 10/10 Cream chicken - 6/10 Ham cheese - 5/0 read more

Always order empanadas from here but tried calling earlier today and no answer. Phone number just hangs up. Please tell me you all are just taking a vacation or something. read more

Loved the milanesa sandwich (which was HUGE) and the empanadas. Also, bought a ARG cup too! We'll be back! read more

I usually come here after driving family for eye doctor appointments next door. All their empanadas are good but the spicy beef, sweet beef, plain beef, and fatay are my favorites. Regular empanadas (spicy beef, sweet beef, beef,) are $2.50 each. Fatay is $3 each since it's a special empanada. The menu shows the specific empanada folds each flavor has to tell them apart. The spicy beef has a good heat to it with a large green olive, hard boiled egg, chopped bell peppers, jalapenos inside. The sweet empanada has alot of raisins, hard boiled egg, green olives, and chopped bell peppers inside it. The fatay has a slice of lemon along with it and it's noticeable if you use lemon juice on it that goes well with the parsley, onions, tomatoes, and red peppers. They do fill up the inside of the empanadas well and it's seasoned nicely. Staff is nice, the wait time was not long. Take out only though, they did expand their dining area. read more

See all

So much options for empanadas! I came here during lunch on a Wednesday, there a light line of 4 people in-front of me. They got busy during lunch hours, but the line moves quick fast. There's also a shelve of Argentinean treats like cookies, herbs, jams, and what draws my attention was the variety of the yerba mates. Back to the empanadas, it's interestingly good that they have different shape for different flavor. So smart! I tried the ham and cheese, which is soo good and cheesy. I also tried the bacon and prunes. Such an interesting and delicious combination. It's savory and sweet at the same time. read more

See all

Well I have been coming to Rikas since they opened many years ago. Their empanadas are always good, oven baked and never greasy! However I ordered 1/2 a dozen and they did not include nor offer chimichurri! Other than that I feel that restaurants have been hiding behind the excuse of COVID to cut services. Paper cups for the lousiest, bad, bad cup of coffee I've had in a long time! They don't serve us at the table because of COVID, you order you pick up to your table, disposable cups, you get your silverware... enough is enough with that kind of lack of service! STOP HIDING BEHIND COVID TO CUT CUSTOMER SERVICE! read more

Delicious Argentinian Empanadas. They offer a variety of oven baked empanadas. I tried three different flavors and I was very satisfied with each of the flavors. I also had a cup of delicious coffee. The restaurant is very clean with a large seating area. The staff was very friendly. Definitely will be coming back. read more

See all

Authentic Argentinian empanadas. My Argentinian friend thought the empanadas are great! Fast service.

The empanadas here are great! You can also buy them uncooked and cook them at home. Really good pastries, too. Why four stars instead of five? Their hours. I went in at about 1:15 today and they said the kitchen was closed for an hour. Only open for take out. I was so hungry and really wanted to sit down and have a couple of their empanadas or maybe a sandwich. Left unhappy and went next door to Silver Spoon (mistake!) Disappointed for sure. Seemed like this happened to my husband and me here once before. Might want to call before you make the trip over to be sure they are serving. read more

Rika's Empanadas - Rika's hours. Nothing posted about the kitchen being closed. So sad - their food is great. - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

Rika's is Ricos!!! We had a variety of them and hey are all delish. I loved the spinach one the most.

I believe this is our 5th time we ordered from this place. We tried argentina empanadas everywhere. But nothing can compare here. Flavor,size,filling,freshness...we live 20 miles away but worth the drive all the times. The only downside is I wish they open longer. This place is a must try!! read more

Rika's Empanadas - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

I love the empanadas and the pizzas from this place! Also, the owners are really nice! Plus, the place is always so clean!

We all have our comfort foods and this here is mine. Rikas empanadas have that home cooked flavor and that delicious baked smell. Reminds me of walking into my Abuelita's kitchen back in the day:) Adding a bit of Chimichurri sauce over an empanada enriches the taste of every bite. Sauce isn't included with empanadas but they do sell separately, you just have to ask for it. It's always a pleasure walking in and greeting the staff, service here is always great in person and over the phone. They exceed 5 stars, so Yes, I highly recommend. They do adhere to face mask and CDC guidelines due to Covid-19. Orders placed are take out only. Supporting my local favorite spots during these hard times. read more

See all

Food is not like it was before. Ham and cheese was so salty. Waste of money. The dessert were so chewy

The empanadas were very good I like the regular ground beef. My visit was on the day before Thanksgiving 2023 read more

See all

Very good food. Lots of variety of Argentine food. You can enjoy from empanadas, Argentine bakery products, typical pizzas, crumb sandwiches, and other classic foods! You can also get different products to consume at home, such as dulce de leche, yerba, mates, straws, chimichurri, etc. Muy buena comida. Mucha variedad de productos Argentinos. Puedes disfrutar desde empanadas, productos de panaderia, pizzas tipicas, sandwich de miga, y otras comidas clásicas! También puedes conseguir distintos productos para consumir en el hogar, como Dulce de leche, yerba, Mates, bombillas, chimichurri, etc Argentinian Pizza Milanesa Sandwich #Rikasempanadas read more

See all

Local Argentinian bakery with delicious empanadas. Each empanada is made to order so you'll get to enjoy them piping hot. They're still operating during covid for takeout. We placed an order via phone and it was ready in 10 minutes. It was a 10 min drive after hiking at GMR so it was doubly delicious. They empanadas are reasonably sized and I would suggest 3-4 to make a lunch. They do take credit cards and Apple Pay/Google Pay. There is a restroom for customer use inside. It's located in a strip mall so there's a small parking lot for easy parking. Food - you can't go wrong with any of the empanadas. All of them except for the fatay and ricotta cheese (premium empanadas) were the same price. The spicy beef is just the right amount of spice, and the corn is also really good (the white sauce is impeccable). The chicken mushroom is also very comforting and almost like a chicken pot pie. The menu in the front shows the different folds so you can tell which one is which. Hours: Closed on Mondays. Temporary hours are Open Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm and Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm There's pastries and pizzas that I'll have to try next time I'm back. Overall, you can't go wrong with coming here! read more

See all

The food is authentic Argentina food , excellent prepared with outstanding ingredients !!! Highly recommend this place if you are looking for a good Argentine food !!! Juan & Lili read more

Generous and delicious portions! Having been born and raised in Buenos Aires, I confirm this is authentic Argentine cuisine! Owners and staff are awesome! read more

Rika's Empanadas - Ham and cheese empanada - Argentine Near Me - Glendora, California

See all

I absolutely love Rika's Empanadas! Both the food and the personalized service from the owners is second to none. And all items on their menu, empanadas, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, etc., are scrumptiously delectable. Be sure to try their Fatay (middle eastern-style empanada)--you'll thank me later. Lots of comfortable space to dine in, and also great for takeout, so take your pick! Highly recommend! You won't be disappointed! read more

Best thing that happened to Los Angeles !! Best empanadas and the variety is great, Pizza done the Buenos Aires style that brought back so many memories that had me tearing up. The staff is great, the young lady that takes your order is very friendly, efficient and always greats you with a lovely smile. To the empanadas, they are all fantastic, you have empanadas for every one in your family, carnivores, vegetarian, vegan etc, the meaty ones come in spicy, non spicy and hand cut beef, the chicken are also delicious but it's the vegetarian ones are amazing, the eggplant are buttery and delicious, the spinach ones are just as good if not better, there's a lot of empanadas to choose from so no way you're going to get bored nor disappointed. Run don't stop till you get there and buy two of each so you can share or definitely pig out !!! Oh try their beer too "Quilmes" it's the way to go !! read more

A client from my work had brought us a pizza and empanadas from here and I thought it was soo delicious and was wondering where in the world did they come from?? I don't normally go out in this direction so I had to make the trip here because I absolutely had to have it again at some point in my life. I came here on a Saturday around 2-3 PM and there was no one else around but eventually people started coming in as I waited about 15-20 min for my order. Empanadas are $2.85 each or $28.50 for a dozen. I ordered a dozen and chose 2 spicy beef, 4 chicken, 1 chicken & mushroom, 1 ham and cheese, 2 spinach, and 2 eggplant. I also ordered a small pepperoni pizza ($13.95) and a small Rika's pizza ($17.95). They do have a traditional Argentinian pizza section as well which I'd love to try because they look and sounds super delicious. I'm just not the biggest fan of green olives though! Upon coming home with all the goods about 45 min later and just digging right into the pizza, everything was so delicious! I did realize that it took me a little while to chew and I thought it was just me, but my boyfriend ended up trying it as well and saying it was really good but also seemed "doughy" and he also was chewing it for a little bit longer than usual but I don't know if that was the right description or why it was taking a while? Haha but it's okay it was all mouth-watering overall! I opened the box of empanadas next and sadly counted only 11 and I could only find out what was missing after trying them and it looked like I didn't get to try the chicken and mushroom. I was way too far already and it would have been an incredible hassle for just one empanada or to even ask for a refund of one so I didn't bother but it was just unfortunate that I paid for the full dozen and that I didn't get to try the one I was actually looking forward to the most since it sounded so good. They have so many options and different foods on their menu and although I haven't even tried much, I'd definitely recommend trying everything if you can! read more

See all

The food is amazing. So many different empanadas and each made fresh. Prices are great. The milanesa sandwiches are so big that they must be shared. It's great food and great value. Highly recommend this place. read more

My wife brought home some pizza from Rika's today. I know what you're probably thinking: "Pizza from an empanada restaurant?" My answer is an enthusiastic and emphatic "YES!" I don't know what kind of process they use for the dough or where they source their cheese, but this was one of the best tasting pizzas I have had in a long time. Apparently, they also make empanadas but they sell out FAST, so we'll need to go earlier next time. read more

We tried the beef and spicy beef empanadas a couple weeks ago and I was pleasantly surprised. I would usually go to another spot for empanadas but Rika's is closer. I really liked the flavor of the filling. I do prefer fried empanadas but these were crispy enough to satisfy that tooth feel. We also got a sampling of pastries on this trip. The dough seemed like the same one used for empanadas but prepared differently for each item. Bottom line is I'd go back for the spicy empanadas. I'll probably try a vegetarian filling next time. read more

See all

I have been on a hunt for authentic empanadas that replicated the ones i remember eating in high school from a friend's mom who was from Chile. I was recommended to try these from a babysitter of my neighbor and I was impressed. They have a large variety of flavors and they're not deep fried, but baked instead. They are larger and taste better than Nonna's empanadas. Rika's also sells desserts like sweet rolls and cakes. Their sweet rolls are delicious, freshly baked, and you really can't just eat one. They're perfect for parties, birthdays and other events. They sell Argentinian pizzas and a selection of teas and coffees too. I bought a big bag of Yerba mate tea bags. When I last came here indoor dining was closed. Parking is free in a shopping plaza. Service is very friendly. read more

See all

This is a great place to eat empanadas argentinas, the service is quick, the seating area is clean and spacious, and the pastries are awesome too! read more

Ordered take out for NYE over the phone the day before, she had them ready for pick up next day. My husband picked up and said we should go eat there (meaning in restaurant) Everyone enjoyed the variety of empanadas! read more